Most know her as a singer, which isn't bad, really. That distinct, earthy voice is just among the many things that sets her apart from other artists. One can say such and such artist sounds like Viktoria, but one can't actually say that on reverse. Amazing, right? And there are her pioneering music videos that put Filipino artists on the map of MTV Asia. But apart from her versatile voice giving more life to her brand of eclectic pop, her paving the way for more inventive and creative music videos and hit songs that not only reaped awards but were also included in soundtracks like that of "Felicity", "Dawson's Creek" and that Ben-Gwyneth film "Bounce" (yes, she is that Viktoria on track no. 3), a lot are still surprised to know that she also writes her own music.

From that fabulously old-school sounding "Dahan-dahan" and "Tender Kisses" to the hip, club beats of "Deeper" and the Latin-inspired "Puede Ba", and of course, who would forget the hauntingly beautiful "To Be Near You"? Yes, she is behind all those songs (sometimes with help from fellow songwriter/arranger Rica Arambulo) and some more. Now, she's back with a new song (Don't Go). a new video and yes, a new album. Yay!

So, what else do people need to know about Viktoria? Yes, she has a surname (duh) and no, we are not going to touch on slum book questions here. No showbiz talk show types either. But some sort of a 411 on Viktoria, the singer, AND songwriter (and musician, and record producer and so on) I managed to quiz her about stuff and here are a few essentials:

On being in the music industry:
I had no idea I would end up being in the music industry. I was just really having fun and things just fell in place.

Influences:
Influences...Garbage, Madonna, Debbie Harry, Massive Attack, EBTG... and a lot more.

On early works as a songwriter:
I can't even remember the first song I wrote. Just a bunch of chords I came up with...I think I was 9 or 10 years old then.

Inspirations:
Life... mine or other people's lives... so much to write about it.... love, frustrations, observations, angst, happiness, passion even anger. Sometimes I write about conversations I had or moments I experienced. There really is so much out there where you could draw inspiration from... or sometimes you just have to search within yourself.

Grace (and a job well done!) under pressure:
Yes, I've written many songs because I was pressured to write or required to write. And have been quite satisfied. You just got to do your best each time.

On the songwriting process:
It's easier to write when I feel so much for that moment. Moments like that I just let go, not think and just let things flow. There is no particular place that I have to be when I write.

on writing songs for other artists:
Yes, I've written songs having other artists in mind. For instance, when I was writing "Tanging Pag-ibig" thought it would be perfect for Ogie Alcasid.

On the new album's overall sound:
The new album is Viktoria less the electronic sound, no dance music this time. This one is raw and I used more guitars. Because I went through that phase of just writing with my guitar when I was traveling a lot.

Expectations from the new album:
I have no expectations from this album. I was so happy working on it, it was like an artistic catharsis for me. It'll be great though if it would touch other people's lives...the way that my past songs did. Gives me some kind of fulfillment

If she weren't a musician:
If I weren't a musician... I would want to be part of reforming and rebuilding our country. I would probably throw myself in the sea of full of sharks, the chaotic world of politics.

The album "HERE TO STAY" is out now. Get your copy from your favorite record stores. Released under Warner Music Philippines.