Singaporean pop artist Estelle Fly isn’t seeking validation anymore as she enters her new era as an independent artist with the release of her new song, ‘Bury It.’

From being a former idol in Sea*A, a Singaporean-Malaysian J-pop idol group, Fly admits that being an independent artist scared her, especially in making her own decisions. However, this new chapter in her career is also refreshing.

“I do feel like I’m leaving behind a version of myself that constantly feels the need to be validated and someone who always needs permission I feel to do things,” she said during an online media roundtable on August 6.

Despite changes, the pop artist expressed that she’s still somehow the same, but much more confident.

“This Estelle you guys are seeing is someone that’s still very much curious, very much learning, but definitely much more confident in who she is and who she wants to be.”

**Desire **

Fly describes her new era as “desire.” It encompasses freedom, curiosity, ambition, confidence, and the courage to pursue what you want, not only limiting to romantic desire.

‘Bury It’ marks the beginning of this era, exploring the desire of longing for someone she can’t have and the complicated tension that comes with that feeling.

“I hope when they listen to the song, it brings them to a place where they can hopefully reminisce over, but also validate themselves that it’s okay to feel these complicated emotions and it’s okay to not always get what you want,” she said.

Beyond romantic longing, Fly’s new era also reflects her desire to live more authentically.

“I want to live my life the most authentically,” she said. “I feel like as a woman I think I’m no longer afraid to admit all of these things and wanting to be free to want and to dream big and not be ashamed of that. And I think there’s a lot of power in being honest with yourself in that sense.”

The independent artist said that there is “no better way to experience” desire than now that she has the freedom to make her own decisions.

Philippine stage

When it comes to visiting the Philippines, Fly hopes that she could come back to the country once again. She also spoke warmly about Filipinos, describing them as fun, warm, and among the nicest people she has met.

Additionally, the artist expressed her hope to collaborate with some Filipino artists, especially the nation’s girl group, BINI.

“I would love to collaborate with someone from the Philippines one day. It would be a huge honor,” she said. “My dream collaboration, if I ever get to be on the same stage again with BINI, I would die. I’ve met them once, performed with them at a concert and they were absolutely lovely. So, definitely one on my bucket list.”

**Success **

Entering her new era as an independent artist, Fly said that success, for her, isn’t about putting other people’s opinions before her own anymore. Instead, being successful is being able to create a work she’s proud of.

“Now I deem success is me creating something that I am proud of and being able to authentically share a message to people and reaching out to people in a sense that helps them and shapes their way of life as well.”

Estelle Fly has been selected as a Spotify RADAR artist in 2026. She will be releasing new songs to mark her upcoming new era.

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