Optacure is the name and 'Optical Cure' is the philosophy. Behind the Queensland, Australia-based project is Edmund Jr. Gemelo, a Filipino songwriter whose solo journey began when he moved across the world after years of making music with various bands between 2008 and 2015. The name itself is a contraction of his core mission: searching for a universal perspective through music. This desire to present different viewpoints in order to grow and build wider connections has resulted in a rapidly expanding back catalogue of singles since 2017, proving that his heartfelt sound is finding receptive ears from Australia to South America.
His steady practice of learning and performing cover songs on social media has honed his original work, lending it an understated yet adept sense of songwriting. This cultivation has resulted in a sound that floats confidently in the softer streams of reflective indie-rock, where bedroom-pop and chamber-pop embellishments mingle effortlessly. The pop flourishes only embolden the project's purpose, wrapping Gemelo's vulnerable perspective in melodics polished enough to catch the light.
His latest release, ‘Angel,’ a collaboration with Ean Aguila, is perhaps his most moving effort yet. It’s a soft, pop-tinged offering layered with a melancholic heart, where acoustic textures play gently against polished soundscapes. As Optacure delivers heartfelt lines, the song delves into the deep wells of emotional support. Edmund explains his thinking: "My representation of an angel is anyone, anything, or any moment that make you feel loved. An angel is not a single entity. I hope this song will remind the listener of that."
That philosophy is rooted in a truly personal and honest place, reflecting the internal battles we all face. Gemelo reveals the struggle that informed the track, stating, "I struggle to exist. It’s very easy to isolate myself and withdraw every time I have a rough patch. The struggle gets harder and every time it comes back, but I seem to always have support in the toughest times."
He goes on to detail those moments of connection, adding, "Whether it’s a shoulder to cry on, a random message from an old friend, or just a refreshing conversation with someone, there seems to be signs guiding me to rethink my thought process and regarding my struggles." This is the key to 'Angel'—it’s a recognition that love and support are everywhere.
You can stream the new single above, and for more from Optacure, be sure to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
