In Conversation With FINIX: Built on Fire, Fueled by Purpose

Forged in fire and fueled by a mission, this seven-member force is rewriting the rules of P-Pop, aiming to break the barriers of music, genre, and geography.

A new force emerges from the embers into the ever-growing P-pop space, demanding attention with both their music and their message. Meet FINIX, a groundbreaking seven-member girl group whose name is a promise of rebirth. Their goal is clear: to create a revolution that resonates from Manila to the rest of the world, proving that powerful messages and undeniable talent know no borders.

Composed of Zia, Tris, Rikka, Aki, Cole, R-Lo, and Minhea, FINIX is a sisterhood forged through a transformative two-year journey, which culminated in the reality show Finding Finix. The journey was one that solidified their shared purpose. Entering a new revolutionary phase, the group now manages itself, standing as the "CEOs of [their] own destiny" in partnership with talent agencies Hey Roomie and In-Circle.

Their arrival is marked by a four-song EP that serves as a multi-genre declaration of their identity. The campaign kicked off with the synth-pop defiance of "Thirsty," a track that reclaims a word often used to diminish women and turns it into a potent symbol of power. Their second single, "Click Click Boom," is a raw, unapologetic hip-hop track that solidifies their global sound. Finally, the EP culminates in the stunning OPM ballad "Sumugal Sa Akin" ("Take a Chance on Me"), an emotional tour de force that serves as a modern anthem for women's justice and the vulnerable heart of their revolution.

To understand the fire behind the music, Parcinq sat down with the seven members of FINIX to discuss their journey.

A Conversation with FINIX

Parcinq: So you're tackling vital issues like women's rights, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy from day one. Can you tell us more about that?

Zia: Women’s voices often get diminished in professional spaces - including, you know, this industry we find ourselves in. We wanna be able to see women speak their minds and get the respect they deserve.

R-Lo: Aside from that, we also stand for LGBTQIA+ rights. As a part of the community myself I feel like it’s such an important aspect that we get to advocate for those who are afraid to let their voices be heard.

Aki: To us...this isn't just a concept. I guess you could say that it’s the core of who we are as individuals and what brought us together. To do anything less would be inauthentic.

Parcinq: Your pre-debut EP is diverse, moving from the synth-pop of "Thirsty" to the fierce hip-hop of "Click Click Boom." How does this multi-genre approach help you tell your story?

Cole: Our story isn’t one-dimensional, so our music can’t be either. That’s why we wanted to show that the genres we dabble in can reflect that.

Zia: Yeah, it’s like... 'Thirsty' is our opening statement - it’s about being a 'hard pill to swallow.' 'Click Click Boom,' on the other hand, is about us being the fox, not the hare. It’s us claiming confidence.

Cole: But the heart of what we fight for is in 'Sumugal Sa Akin.' We’ve said it before: that song is a letter to every woman who has ever been told to be quiet or small. We need all these sounds to paint the full picture of who we are.

Parcinq: Some have noticed that you use a lot of English in your songs and in communicating with your fans. Is there any significance to it?

Aki: There is definitely significance. But first, we want to be clear that we wish to bring our Filipino identity a hundred percent wherever we go. It’s just that we think English is the best way to be able to connect with as many people as possible. I mean, the Philippines has more than 120 languages and dialects. People are more likely to understand English.

Zia: We don't think our use of the language diminishes how Filipino we are, especially when we hope to introduce the Philippines even more to the world.

Parcinq: You've been very open about the industry challenges you've faced. How have those trials by fire shaped the group you are today?

Aki: Our tagline is not just a tagline, you know. It’s a lived experience. Each one of us has had an unfortunate experience in this industry in one form or another. We’ve gone through unimaginable lengths and our stories could fill a three-part book series.

R-Lo: Mhm. Some have been silenced, trampled on for how we looked. But these just

fuel our fire even more.

Parcinq: You’ve now established a new partnership with GKD Records, after having been under GKD Labels. What does this look like?

Cole: From then ‘til now, we have always been given the opportunity to be integral in the music-making process. We appreciate that freedom.

Rikka: The environment built on respect and integrity stays the same, so we’re glad.

Parcinq: Looking forward, when a fan—an EMBER—listens to your EP, what is the ultimate feeling you hope they walk away with?

Tris: We want them to feel empowered to pursue their truths. And to feel seen.

R-Lo: I agree. I hope they walk away ready to confront and break unreasonable expectations from society. Also, we wish that they find the love and appreciation we have for them through the music we release.

Parcinq: Finally, if you could look back and give a message to your younger selves, or to all the young girls reading this who dream of taking up space in the world, what would you tell them?

Minhea: Keep going, you’ll get there. I used to believe that... I can’t. But look where I

am now.

Tris: Aww Minhea... But I agree. I want to tell them that you’re beautiful and capable enough as you are. Don’t let anyone ever make you feel small.

Rikka: Believe that true beauty is diverse, and true strength is already within you. If they can’t handle you, that’s on them. Keep going.

FINIX’s pre-debut is out by July 4th on streaming platforms. If you wish to learn more, follow their socials at @wearefinix. Catch them on KUMU for exclusive live streams, as well as Hey Roomie to keep in touch with them in real time. FINIX has entered the scene. Backed by a powerful message, they