Grant Perez, better known as grentperez, is undeniably a wholesome figure. From his early days charming strangers with laughter at the “impossible” on his YouTube channel to commanding sold-out stages, the Sydney-born, Filipino-Australian singer has transformed a hobby into a soaring career. At just 22-years-old, his journey from lighthearted challenge videos to deeply resonant, soulful music reflects a creative evolution that feels as personal as it is universal.

Dropping out of an industrial design program during the pandemic, grentperez took an unconventional leap, channeling all of his energy into songwriting and soundscapes. His music blends heartfelt lyricism with indie-pop melodies that evoke a nostalgic tenderness while staying utterly fresh. This duality has powered his rise: from viral YouTube covers to a string of his own releases, including three EPs and his debut album, When We Were Younger. After a standout Lollapalooza performance, and with a second album slated for March, grentperez’s new singles, like “Fuzzy Feeling” and “2DK,” continue to expand his dreamy, signature sound.

grentperez is not just an artist for a moment — he's designing his space in music with the precision of someone who once studied form and function. When we spoke with him, grentperez shared how he's touched by the community he has created and wants to continue building a legacy on moments with his 2.5 million monthly listeners.

You were the opening act for a sold out tour in Asia and Australia. How did it feel to perform at home in Sydney and abroad in the Philippines where you also have family?

I loved it. It felt so endearing to have the ability to see and perform for all my family, truly an experience that I don't think I'll get tired of.

You’ve built a community across continents and platforms — from concerts to YouTube. Has your sense of “home” or community evolved because of these global connections?

Of course, I think the term 'home is where the heart is' has really become engraved into my being. With a community online as well as in person, home is truly everywhere now.

How would you describe your favorite “fuzzy feeling”? Is it the same one you encapsulated in your song, or has it since changed?

My current favorite fuzzy feeling is probably being well fed. Good food is getting to me

right now. It’s different to the one captured in the song, but both are good.

You’ve talked about exploring your “love era” in future music. Are you in that era right now? How so?

I feel as though I'll always be in a love era! I use a lot of what I learn and experience in the relationships between my partner, my friends, family, and all kinds of love, baby.

As someone who taps into both retro and modern elements, what’s one “outdated” genre or style you’d like to see make a comeback, and would you consider incorporating it into your music?

I'd love to see more preset keyboard midi noises like the choir noise in 10cc's “I'm Not In Love.”

‍In addition to making music, you continue to create videos for your YouTube subscribers. What are the parallels between your creative processes for music and videomaking?

I just love to create; it's meditative to me. I love filming and editing videos — I think it's fun. Just as much as writing music is a form of expression, so is video making, so I'd like to say that it's a full on passion project.

Dropping out of industrial design during COVID was a big move. Now that you're focused on music full-time, do you see yourself ever going back, or perhaps incorporating some of what you learned into your work?

To be honest, I would love to learn and own a degree at some point in my life. Maybe I'll be one of those 40+ year olds that are randomly attending uni classes.