This Fil-Am biochemist has a very relatable discography

Photo from Rico Loma/Instagram

Society has historically perpetuated the myth that every person could either be left-brained or right-brained—a belief that compartmentalizes individuals into analytical thinkers (scientists, engineers, mathematicians) and creative visionaries (artists, musicians, writers).

This oversimplified dichotomy has led us to assume that these two domains are mutually exclusive. It made us think that if someone excels in numbers, they must suck at art, and vice versa. There seemed no room for overlap or space for someone who could bridge these disparate worlds.

But every now and then, life would take pleasure in debunking such myths. And this time, it comes in the form of Rico Lomarda—a.k.a. Rico Loma—a Filipino-American biochemist who is rewriting the script on what it means to be a scientist and an artist. 

Loma is a biochemistry degree holder from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He spent his university life delving into the complexities of biochemical reactions and laboratory experiments. But tucked away in his dorm room, he had another passion—a far cry from the systematic world of science. Loma transformed his walk-in closet into a makeshift studio, and inside, he penned songs that carried his deepest emotions and thoughts.

At that time, music wasn’t merely a hobby for him; it was a parallel universe where he would express himself in ways that scientific formulas and reports could not. “I don’t want to give the false idea about love that many movies and music portray,” Loma said in a talk with UCLA’s student newspaper. “I want my music to be multidimensional.”

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Fast forward to 2023, Loma still has that dual identity—except he’s now a professional on both ends. So, if you’re curious about what kind of music a biochemist creates, here are some songs to get you started. (A little spoiler: They’re giving chaotic thoughts at 3 a.m.)

“Will U Love Me”

Let’s be real—wrestling with the nagging questions of self-worth, love, and acceptance is a universal experience. Everybody has those moments when insecurities creep in and cast doubt on their own deservingness of love and care. Loma’s “Will U Love Me” neatly encapsulates that vulnerability.

It’s a track that lays bare the uncertainties that come with opening up your heart to someone else. The lyrics pull no punches. While many see love as an everlasting fairy tale, “Will U Love Me” strips it down to its raw essence: fragile and impermanent.

“Hey”

Situationship, gray areas, and emotional ambiguity. These are the subjects of Loma’s bittersweet song “Hey.” His soothing vocals glide over a ​​dreamy backdrop of acoustic guitar and subtle percussion, which sets the mood for a sonic introspection.

Acceptance is what “Hey” thrives on—the emotional twilight where you’re neither overwhelmed with passion nor submerged in sorrow. It’s a reminder that as much as intense feelings can fuel creativity, there’s an understated beauty in capturing the middle ground, a.k.a. those emotions that are quiet and subdued but just as significant.

“Neverland”

In a nutshell, “Neverland” opens the door to a dialogue we often have with ourselves but seldom share with others: Is this still the right path? Have we veered off course? Do we really know where we’re heading? It’s that silent conversation about chasing dreams and fearing the passage of time.

Loma doesn’t provide clear-cut resolutions or pat answers in the song but that’s precisely what makes it so relatable. It mirrors the human experience of grappling with the unknown and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery.