Ronalyn Espaldon a.k.a Liali Musica
Can you introduce yourself to our audience? My relationship with music began long before I could name it, rooted in the folk songs of my mother and grandmother that filled my childhood. By the time I was four, I was leading my kindergarten class in song, and from then on, music became something I lived rather than something I created. My path into electronic music unfolded gradually as an intuitive release into sounds that felt healing and connective. From intimate home gatherings to raves, I discovered electronic music as a shared space where rhythm and atmosphere bring people together beyond words. My sound is a fusion of generations—guided by deep, melodic sensibilities and an old-soul approach woven into electronic forms. Long before stepping behind the decks as a DJ, I was already listening for the moments when music needed to emerge; electronic music simply became the language that allowed those melodies to find their place.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres? I am deeply inspired by the next generation—the youth whose lives are being shaped by music. I’ve reached a place in life where I feel grounded and whole, and I recognize my calling: to guide others through sound. Music has the power to reconnect us to life, even in our quietest moments. I create to spark inspiration, to help people feel alive, and to remind them of the beauty in shared experience. Even if it’s just through the melodies I share, I hope to lead listeners toward a rhythm that resonates, heals, and uplifts. This sense of purpose has been with me since I was young; though life’s path was sometimes unclear, I’ve always known that music is why I exist: to guide, to connect, and to hopefully help stop hunger in the world.
How would you describe your style and sound? My sound is a fusion of generations and emotions—I blend ancestral melodies and folk influences with electronic textures to create music that is both intimate and expansive. I focus on depth and feeling, crafting melodies that speak to the soul and rhythms that connect people across different spaces and experiences. What sets me apart as an artist is my intention: I don’t create for the sake of output. I let music emerge when it is needed, when it can heal or transform. My tracks are designed to guide listeners into reflective, immersive spaces—a sonic journey that feels both deeply personal and universal.
Tell us about your latest release. Twilight Sentinela is an unfolding story. The first track, “Up Down Life,” reflects life’s cycles—the highs, the lows, and the stillness in between. Its tension mirrors how we chase peaks yet find clarity in the quiet moments; it felt like writing the first chapter of a book. The second track, “La Musika Dance Flow,” is my ritual—a symphony of hope and a banquet for the spirits. For me, music is a sacred space to serve others, not a kingdom of rivalry or financial gain. It challenges the idea that technical complexity alone defines electronic music, focusing instead on the tension and melody that shape the experience. The third track, “Through the Fire,” was born from intense personal reflection. While crafting it, I found myself singing the legendary Filipino OPM song “Nosi Balasi,” which asks “Who are they anyway?”—a reminder not to be weighed down by those who try to diminish you. The melodies mirror that inner fire and the journey toward transforming tension into mindful release.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release? With Twilight Sentinela, I want listeners to feel a sense of connection—to themselves and to the deeper currents of life. Each track tells a story: the cycles of life in “Up Down Life,” the ritual of purpose in “La Musika Dance Flow,” and the resilience of “Through the Fire.” I hope the EP encourages presence and reflection. Even in challenging moments, it serves as a reminder that music can guide us back to ourselves and remind us why we are alive.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project? This collection of tracks emerged naturally over time, each reflecting a different chapter of my life. I didn’t plan it as a formal project; the music simply revealed itself when it was ready. The title, Twilight Sentinela, came after the tracks were complete. “Twilight” represents the transition between light and dark, while “Sentinela” reflects a watchful presence observing and guiding through those moments. My process is entirely intuitive—I follow the melodies and emotions as they appear, letting the music dictate its own structure rather than following a preplanned concept.
How does this release differ from your previous work? As this is my very first release, there isn’t a body of work to compare it to yet! Perhaps I will be able to answer this properly on my next release if you feature me again.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today? I don’t believe the biggest challenge comes from the outside, but from within. The real work is staying flexible and being willing to explore new skills, because as creators, we are essentially explorers. Sometimes resources feel limited or we get stuck in routines, but the challenge is really about staying curious and embracing new directions rather than focusing on external pressure or competition.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career? Cafe De Anatolia plays a vital role in this moment of my career. Before this release, my music felt like a diary I kept sharing that was sometimes ignored or misunderstood. With Cafe De Anatolia, the experience was different; they welcomed my work openly and without judgment. When they responded with understanding, it reminded me why music matters. Feeling heard and respected gave me the confidence to continue, and for the first time, I felt genuinely supported in sharing my sound. Their approach reflects values I hold dear—honoring life and listening fully—which is why this collaboration is so meaningful for my debut.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene? The competition isn’t real and trends are often doctored. What matters is your story—put that fully into your music, every sound and every beat. Stay loyal to your own honor rather than chasing likes or charts. Every track should have a mission, whether it’s an offering to the world or just for yourself. Even if it never hits a chart, if it holds its own truth, it has power. That is where the real strength of music lives.
What can your fans expect next? If by “fans” you mean listeners, they can expect stories and feelings turned into sound, but never expect the “expected.” I have a vast, tense universe of ideas ready to unfold like a diary in motion. This EP is just the beginning; I will keep exploring and releasing whatever emerges, letting the music speak for itself.
Twilight Sentinela | Release Date: February 17, 2026 | Collaborators: Solo project (with Cafe De Anatolia)