Amidst the blinding lights and skyscrapers of Los Angeles emerges a pulsating beacon of talent, Matthew Onghai, better known by his intriguingly stylized moniker, momohaii. As a Filipino-Chinese artist, he’s not just the quintessential triple threat—singer, songwriter, and producer— he’s an embodiment of cultural harmony in Asia, a vibrant melding of East and Southeast Asian cultures seasoned with the verve of American pop music.
From the resonance of his vocals to the richly woven narratives of his songs, momohaii’s music is a hypnotic journey through complex human emotions. His stylistic range oscillates from moody, melancholic melodies to invigorating, energetic tracks. Whether exploring the intricacies of love, the sting of loss, or the sweet, lingering essence of nostalgia, he ensures each lyric strikes a chord and every melody finds a home within the listener’s heart.
momohaii’s journey into the music scene is nothing short of enchanting. Steeped in the realms of melody from a young age, his affair with music began on the keys of a piano, transitioned to the chords of a guitar, and ultimately found a home on the interface of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). His debut single, “last line,” a poignant exploration of the bittersweet interplay between past love and future uncertainties, served as the catalyst for his burgeoning musical journey.
From its release in December 2022 to a mere few months later, his discography, including tracks like “telephone,” “another us,” and “626,” has swelled to over 65,000 streams worldwide. Beyond the numbers, his music has sculpted a community of listeners united by shared experiences and emotional resonances.
An unapologetic Swiftie, momohaii is a testament to the power of inspiration. Drawing from artists like Joji, Keshi, Audrey Nuna, and Post Malone, his music is a delicate confluence of influences blended seamlessly with his unique perspective and talent. He infuses his tracks with energy, personal emotions, and a versatility that ranges from slow, emotive ballads to peppy anthems. But at the heart of it all is the aspiration to connect deeply with fans, crafting lyrical narratives that are relatable and transcendent.
Emblematic of his journey as an artist, momohaii’s recent EP, “im momo, hi,” represents a milestone in his evolving career. Released on June 28, 2023, it serves as a remarkable showcase of his musical prowess, yet also a time capsule of his personal and creative growth. This collection isn’t just about the songs; it’s a reflection of momohaii himself.
Upon the initial encounter with the EP, one is instantly drawn to the array of tracks it presents. Each song varies in tone, pace, and emotional depth, showcasing the dexterity and adaptability of momohaii as a music artisan. “Smoke and mirrors” and “626” enthrall with their unique sonics and narratives, keeping listeners intrigued and keen to delve deeper into the collection.
“Last line” and “telephone” continue this auditory journey, offering an introspective exploration of the human experience, punctuated by unforgettable lyrics and momohaii’s distinctive, hauntingly melodious vocals. The thematic continuity in “another us” further cements the artistic intention of the EP, uniting the contrasting elements under a common banner of introspection and exploration.
Finally, we arrive at the closing piece of this musical anthology, the self-titled track “im momo, hi.” This track stands as the crown jewel of the EP, its resonating heartbeat and grand finale. It threads together subtle references to previous songs, sewing a continuous, infinite loop of musical brilliance – an ouroboros of sound.
Yet, “im momo, hi” is more than just a conclusion. It is an encapsulation of the artist himself, an auditory self-portrait. This song is momohaii reaching out across the ether, declaring his identity and artistic intent in his own, distinctive voice. It’s a personal introduction, set to a beat you can’t help but sway to.
Saturated with both chill vibes and universally relatable themes, the track’s lyrical prowess shines through lines like, “Gotta problem, you and I are more friends, yes.” These words, in their simplicity, capture a depth of emotion and intricacy of human relationships that is quintessentially momohaii. His ability to craft lyrics that resonate on a deeply personal level with his listeners is a testament to his songwriting skills, reinforcing why he is an artist to watch.
This track does not merely signify the end of the EP; instead, it is a glorious apex, a climactic moment that allows for both reflection on the musical journey that’s just unfolded and anticipation for what’s to come. In this way, “im momo, hi” isn’t a conclusion. It’s a promise – a promise of more music, more stories, and more momohaii.
The essence of “im momo, hi” is more than just the songs. It’s the culmination of the experiences, thoughts, and influences that have shaped momohaii as an artist. From the mesmerizing blend of East and Southeast Asian culture and American pop to the various artists who’ve inspired him, every component is encapsulated within the EP’s framework. It’s his open letter to the world, introducing not just the artist, but the person behind the art.
Momohaii has structured this EP as a reflection of his musical journey and an insight into his persona, taking listeners on a voyage of discovery into his mind and heart. Each track serves as a chapter in this narrative, expressing a different aspect of his journey. While future EPs may delve deeper into specific sounds he’s developed, “im momo, hi” remains the all-encompassing introduction, the beautiful summation of the influences, emotions, and experiences that make momohaii the unique artist he is today.
Future EPs, however, are anticipated to focus on specific soundscapes that he seeks to explore and hone. In addition to his music, he’s also planning a gamut of content, including covers, music videos, and live performances, to foster a more intimate connection with his fans.
Bursting onto the scene from Texas, momohaii, now based in Los Angeles, is making waves with his mesmerizing vocals and dynamic musical style. Through his heartfelt and healing music, he captivates listeners, offering them a chance to sing along to their life experiences. With a grand vision of conquering the world, he’s an artist you can’t afford to miss.
To his fans, momohaii expresses an ardent love and gratitude. Every message, DM, and comment is treasured, serving as a reminder of the support that fuels his music.
For more of momohaii’s work, you can check his website at https://momohaii.com/, or follow him on Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube.
In the often chaotic world of music, momohaii stands as a symbol of unity, a beacon of talent uniting disparate cultures under the vibrant banner of heartfelt music. As the triple threat of Asia, his journey is far from over. If anything, the momohaii phenomenon has only just begun.
