Indie rock artist Ligaya Escueta has officially evolved from a solo act into a full-fledged band following a record label signing with Offshore Music.

The alternative quartet was introduced during the signing, featuring Kristo Mercado on bass and guitar, Diego Cerrudo on guitar, Ninja Nicolas on drums, and Ligaya Escueta on vocals, bass, and guitar.

For Escueta, the transition came naturally. Having built strong friendships with her bandmates outside of music, the collaborative dynamic was already present long before the official lineup was announced.

“It was a natural process,” Escueta shared. “Because we are all good friends outside of the band. I think that translates into the music… It is really something collaborative, and we all have a big part in it.”

Cerrudo echoed the sentiment, explaining that the group already felt like a band even before the official transition. The members quickly found their respective roles through shared influences, musical dynamics, and creative chemistry.

“We were complete from the start,” he said.

A More Collaborative Creative Process

While the shift may feel seamless to the members, becoming a full band is expected to bring changes to their creative process, particularly in songwriting and future projects.

“We have to split responsibilities more, especially when it comes to songwriting,” Mercado said. “In the ongoing future, there will be a big ‘change,’ now that we are all hands-on with future projects.”

For Dani Mendoza, Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Manager at Offshore Music, the signing represents a natural next step for an act that had already been operating as a cohesive unit.

“Honestly, the paper [contract] was for formality, but they have already been operating as a unit. We are happy to welcome them to the Offshore Music roster,” Mendoza said.

From Solo Artist to Global Stages

A singer-songwriter from Manila, Escueta released her first song in 2020 before releasing her debut album, Laughing In Milk, in 2022.

She joined the Offshore Music Philippines roster in 2023, releasing singles including “Novelty,” “12 Steps,” and “Blue General, Come Home.” Her second album, Dollweb, followed in January 2025.

Later that year, Escueta and her bandmates were invited to perform at SXSW Sydney, bringing her music to an international audience. She was also featured in Youngstar PH, PhilSTAR’s youth-focused section, where she described her approach to punk as “deliberate” and “graceful.”

Escueta’s relationship with live music began much earlier. She has been performing at small gigs since she was 15, eventually sharing stages with artists including Ely Buendia, The Itchyworms, and Grrrl Gang.

Inspired by artists such as Mitski, Radiohead, and Weezer, Escueta is known for catchy rock songs that combine intense sonic landscapes with diary-like lyricism.

With the official formation of her band, Ligaya Escueta enters a new chapter—one that builds on her established sound while opening the door to a more collaborative creative direction.