Rising Filipino artists Young Cocoa and Demi have teamed up on their latest single, “Cheap Thrills,” a delightful track that captures the lighthearted rush of young romance.
Released via Sony Music Entertainment, the smooth jam shines with its captivating sense of ease and simplicity, going for subtlety instead of flashy distractions. What started as a solo demo quickly evolved into a ‘joint’ earworm that invites listeners to let go, lean in, and find joy in life’s simpler pleasures: no frills, just feels.
“I’ve always wondered how a track of mine would sound with a female artist,” shared Young Cocoa. “When JGreg and I finished the demo, we felt like the song was missing a big piece, and that’s when we thought of having Demi on it. The goal of the collaboration really was to create a compelling sound through contrast, highlighting two distinct styles on this one track — one that DEMI wouldn’t normally be on given her sonic choices historically. We’re similar enough to be on the same wavelength but different enough to be distinct, and that’s how I knew we’d gel well on this.”
Rising Filipino artists Young Cocoa and Demi PHOTO FROM SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
For Demi, the pairing was proved to be an unexpectedly successful match.
“Honestly, I have no idea why they thought I was the right fit for this demo,” the chart-topping newcomer said. “At first I couldn’t hear myself on this kind of track, but with a little push, I gave it a shot, and surprisingly, I loved how it turned out.”
Despite never sharing a studio space, the two artists found their rhythm remotely. The collaborative process took place online, which unlocked a new skill set for both artists, who each have a different outlook for songwriting and creativity.
“Because the production was really playful, we had to get creative with flows and cadences,” Young Cocoa said
Demi added, “It definitely took time. I needed to adjust and explore a bit before I could even send back my demo. A brainstorming session with an artist friend actually helped unlock the direction I wanted to take, and that really sparked my creativity for this one.”
Thematically, “Cheap Thrills” draws on real, lived experiences. For Young Cocoa, it’s rooted in his easygoing personality and dating memories from college.
Demi, on the other hand, echoed the sentiment with her own lens: “I naturally give my all when I fall in love, so writing this was a fun and honest way to express that side of me.”
Helmed by producer JGreg, the soundscape leans toward Y2K R&B/hip-hop with a modern twist: breezy yet rich in texture.
The release of the song also comes with a music video that mirrors the song’s carefree spirit. Directed by Naki, the playful concept sees the duo on a road trip that takes an unexpected turn when their cars break down.
“We leaned into cinematography over narrative,” said YC. “It’s more about mood and visual strength, with a lot of stills and dynamic shots.
Young Cocoa and DEMI’s “Cheap Thrills” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment while the music video premiere’s July 31 on Young Cocoa’s official YouTube channel.
