From catchy hip-hop hooks to sentimental ballads, Just Music is the new one-stop corner for true OPM of all genres
Music has always been deeply rooted in our history and culture. From kundimans to fresh pop tracks, it is one of the languages that we, Filipinos, speak fluently. And although western music and K-Pop have cemented their place in our playlists and radio stations, OPM comes with a distinct code that no other artist that doesn’t share our blood can ever mimic.
With the birth of Just Music Philippines, we can only expect more diverse sounds and voices from Filipino artists. The label currently houses different musicians who dabble in different genres such as alternative rock, R&B, hip hop, and pop.
In an exclusive interview with MEGA, the artists of Just Music share their thoughts on the process of making their sound and their experiences as artists. Get to know each one of them:
TJ Monterde
Known for tugging his listeners’ heartstrings with piano chords as touching as the songs’ powerful lyrics, the balladeer continues to succeed in exuding heartfelt emotion with his tracks.
“Gusto kong i-validate ‘yung mga tao through my songs na you’re not alone in what you’re feeling now. What you feel is also what I feel at times.”
When asked about his technique of channeling yearning and heartbreak, he comically answered, “To be honest, watch K-Dramas! I don’t know how they do it, but whenever they have their soundtracks, it just makes you want to feel and be there also,” he noted. He currently put sad ones on hold, opting for feel-good series such as Hometown Cha Cha Cha.
The singer-songwriter also opened his relationship and creative process with his wife and fellow musician, KZ Tandingan, saying, “When it’s her set, I’m always on the side. I always watch her because it excites me watching her. Humihingi siya ng tulong sa akin pagdating sa construction ng songs. Pagdating naman sa mga tono, siya talaga yun. Give and take lang kami when we do things creatively.”
Claudine Co
Most people know her as a YouTube star with more than 300,000 subscribers, but she also uses her voice to sing tunes. Honesty and transparency have always been her trademark, be it her vlogs or her tracks. So far, Claudine has released two singles, namely “Patay Sindi” and “I Love You Goodbye.”
But fret not, Señoritas and Señoritos (as the artist fondly calls her supporters)! She revealed that she is currently releasing new music. “This new single is more on the happy side! Itong bago is very happy lang yung vibes.” She also spilled that Pop Rock Royalty Yeng Constantino composed the song.
Kenji
His soothing voice and guitar chords are the perfect combination to relive the heartbreak you thought you’re over with. The hugot Cebuano singer delivers tracks that are compelling because of their honesty and rawness.
Using his experiences as an inspiration, the “Liham” singer explained, “You can always learn from them. Yung honesty ng isang Kenji, I want them to know me through my songs.”
As a proud Cebuano, Kenji certainly hopes that he can collaborate with artists who came from the province like him such as Jacky Chang, Kurt Fick, and Morisette. “It’s also very good to cater to our Bisaya crowd, so I’m still trying to make a song pa in Bisaya,” he said with much excitement.
MC Einstein
Adding the hip-hop spice to the group, the rapper has released catchy hooks accompanying his LSS-worthy beats. Talking about his process, he mentioned, “Sa hip-hop, basta may beat ka na, isip ka ng hook mo, then pwede ka na mag-isip ng verses.”
While the songwriting process could be simplified in a few words by the talented artist, he acknowledged the importance of effort in honing one’s craft. “Kung gusto nila sumubok magsulat ng tula, practice lang sila kasi ‘yun lang ang way na ma-perfect mo ‘yung craft. Kung kaya mong sumulat araw-araw, maraming beats sa YouTube. Practice ka.”
Besides passion and hard work, MC is also rooting for collaboration in the music industry. “Last na lang sa bucket list, si Sir Gloc 9. Gusto ko ring makacollab si Ate Moi (Moira Dela Torre), i-testing kung anong magiging flavor kapag nandu’n na yung hip-hop sa malungkot niyang kanta.”
NKO
Ticking the groovy electro pop off from the genre list, NKO is in charge of the funky beats that polarize his sentimental lyrics. Case in point, his song “PANO NA?”
“Last minute submission, and unexpectedly, ‘yun ‘yung napili,” he confessed. “I want to release a sad song na pwedeng i-play sa clubs.”
Citing western music as his inspiration, he also mentioned Post Malone as one of his top artists. The sound of his EP, XOXO, experimented with beats and synths that are usually heard from foreign music. “Ginamitan ko ng 2-5-1 [arrangement] na not really used in the Philippines.”
Adding to his EP’s story, NKO expounded, “It took me one year to produce XOXO. I didn’t want to release an EP that I couldn’t relate to. It’s like a series with episodes of my experiences.”
I Belong to the Zoo
The newest addition to the Just Music roster has made a name for themselves with their songs about heartbreak from failed relationships. “They are personal experiences, as well as stories from friends. I end up using songwriting as some sort of release because I’m not too keen on talking about what I’m going through. I’d much rather write a song about it,” their vocalist, Argee, shared.
For the frontman, songwriting is a process that needs the right moment to conjure the melody and the lyrics. After remembering a memory or an event, a verse or a chorus would come up, then the collaboration between the bandmates ensues.
After their first release since debuting under the label, I Belong to the Zoo has a lot in store for their fans. “We are currently talking about different collaborations with other Cornerstone artists, and we are currently working on our new album, which is set to be released next year.”
Watch all these artists perform at the Just Music Fest happening this Sunday, November 27, at the Trinoma Activity Centerfrom 5:00 p.m. onwards and to be hosted by MacoyDubs.
Photos from JUST MUSIC
