Labit on Finding Love in the Least Expected of Places and His New Single, ‘PARALLEL’

Filipino-American artist Labit is absolutely one to watch in 2025, and if you're not yet familiar with his work, there's no better place to start than his new single, "PARALLEL."

Out today, Sep. 5, the warm and hazy pop track is a powerfully relatable song about suddenly falling in love when you least expect it, and how close friendships can become something so much more. Its story was ripped from reality, and that comes through in Labit's heartfelt and melodic vocals. It also comes complete with a music video by filmmaker duo hazart, capturing the experience of discovering a great song in the back of a taxi (except here, it's the back of a Buick LaSabre, the car Labit's grandmother, Sol, used to drive).

Labit's sophomore album, also named SOL, in honor of his grandma, is also releasing on Oct. 17. Ahead of the big day, we had the pleasure of chatting with Labit to learn all about "PARALLEL," the story of SOL and more. Read our full conversation in the interview below.

Sweety High: What does "PARALLEL" mean to you, and what do you hope it will mean to your listeners?

Labit: To me, "PARALLEL" is my early 2000s rom-com type of song. It's kinda funny trying to explain the meaning behind it, because it's actually one of the few songs I have in my catalog where I just wanted to make something fun and light-hearted. The root of it stems from being more cognizant of what's happening in your presence. I found love where I wasn't expecting it. I guess that's what I hope listeners pull from listening to it, but if they have a different takeaway from this song, then all power to them!

 

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SH: What it inspired by a true story?

Labit: Yes and yes.

SH: What's your favorite lyric from the song? Why?

Labit: The end of the chorus, "I don't wanna waste all this time just running around you/You were parallel by my side."

I've always liked the metaphor of parallel lines describing two people and how you can have tunnel vision on what you expect your path to look like, without appreciating what's around you. I've been trying my best to do the latter in all aspects of life.

(Photo credit: Erica Hernandez)

 

SH: Can you tell us about the concept for the music video? What inspired the 12 groups featured in the video, and the parallels that exist between their narratives?

Labit: I worked alongside my good friends/filmmaking duo hazart and the rest of their team to create the music video. The entire project felt kismet—we met while walking our dogs in the neighborhood a few years ago and had talked about working on something creative together. "PARALLEL" ended up being the perfect song for us to do so.

The concept originated from them sitting in the back of a NYC cab listening to good music. We wanted to capture that universal parallel feeling—hence the 12 different groups of people doing the same thing—while also taking it a step further. The visualizers are an ode to nostalgia, reminiscent of old WinAmp graphics and the "slit-light" sequence of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.

('PARALLEL' via Romantic Records)

 

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SH: What can you tell us about your upcoming album, SOL? Where does "PARALLEL" fit into its wider narrative?

Labit: SOL is my second full-length album. I named the album after my grandma Sol because throughout the writing process, I realized how much my conversations with her had shaped me. I talk about family, new love, financial troubles, etc.—and regardless of how different the topics were, the through line for me has always been in my approach. She was a crucial part of that.
I was extremely happy that for the music video of "PARALLEL", we were able to find the exact model of my grandma's car she used to drive me around in. It's a '98 Buick LaSabre. It's more of an easter egg than a narrative fit, but an important one!

 

SH: What's one thing you're really excited to show off in regards to the new album?

Labit: I have two things—the more high-energy, upbeat songs and also the musicality of the entire album. I feel like people know me more for my slower, feelsy songs (which there are plenty of on this album too), but I'm excited for everyone to hear a different side of me too. In regards to the slower sentimental songs, I think we were able to push everything a little further—from the writing to the production—this time around compared to my first album, I Bet It's All A Dream.

('PARALLEL' via Romantic Records)

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like your fans to know?

Labit: I just want everyone to know how grateful I am to be able to even make a second album. I love y'all. Thanks for listening to me ramble. Can't wait to see y'all in person soon.

 

For even more on the new music we love, click HERE to read our interview with Jade LeMac on her most recent single, "Running Home."