They haven’t debuted yet, but the members of the P-pop girl group FINIX are already making their purpose clear—to empower women in an industry where they’re often overlooked.
Speaking with Manila Standard Entertainment during their Aug. 6 pre-debut meet and greet for the press, leader Aki said, “We hope for women out there to see us and hear our music and see that, oh, I look just like her. I can do that as well. I can be that person. I can be whoever I want.”
Aki acknowledged how their role models shaped this vision.
“We look up to SB19 for their artistic message, their powerful message. And of course, BINI for being successful women in a very male-dominated industry.”
The seven-member group—Aki, Rikka, Zia, R-Lo, Tris, Cole, and Minhea—was formed through multiple auditions, including the survival-style Finding FINIX program.
While the official debut is months away, the members have been training for two years under the US-based label GKD Records, which operates in the Philippines.
It’s name and concept take after the mythical phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and resilience.
“There are seven girls here who came together with different journeys,” Aki said.
“We came from very, very, very different paths. But that is exactly what brings us together. Because with those different journeys, we share one goal, we share one dream. And just like a phoenix, through all of the trials… we rise,” she shared.
Member R-Lo shared her own full-circle moment, saying, “I was in California on July 1, 2024, and I was just watching a Wish Bus performance as a fan and dreaming of performing on the Wish Bus. After about a year, it happened. My dream happened.”
Zia added that the group hopes to make an impact on how women are seen.
“We just want to be able to change some things, if not everything… how people see women in the industry, how women are represented in the industry, how love is represented in the industry.”
As part of its pre-debut activities, FINIX will connect with supporters through Hey Roomie, a digital fan engagement platform offering behind-the-scenes access, early content drops, polls, and live chats.
The app aims to give fans an active role in shaping the group’s creative journey.
Joshua Stephany, CEO and founder of GKD Records, recalled how the label became invested in the Philippine music scene.
“We really fell in love with the underdog spirit… we’re not just here to export music. We’re exporting the Philippine identity. And we’re doing it with a mindset that says, this was born here, but it’s built for the world.”
Lucas Webb, co-founder and lead producer, explained the thinking behind the group’s pre-debut EP title.
“The word ‘thirsty’ is often used negatively, especially for women, but we decided to flip it. Why not take a term that’s been used to shame and turn it into something bold, confident, and self-aware?”
Its pre-debut EP Thirsty has already drawn streams for tracks like Sumugal Sa Akin and Click Click Boom, with GKD Records planning more than 30 songs—two EPs, two albums, and singles—in its first year alone.
For now, FINIX is using its pre-debut stage to define its identity—one rooted in authenticity and the belief that women can take the lead in shaping their own stories.
