CinemaBravo

How can a single film stir up memories and transport you back in time? For Jhames Joe, a Filipino musician and singer based in Singapore, the answer unfolded after he watched Bela Padilla’s latest romantic drama film, ‘Yung Libro sa Napanood Ko,’ produced by Viva Films.

As the movie played, the familiar strains of Rivermaya’s ‘If’ resonated, sparking inspiration within him to create a cover of the beloved song.

Taking determined steps, he sought and obtained permission to craft his rendition. Now, it is readily available on streaming platforms.

Moreover, Jhames Joe considers it a privilege to share his cover of Rivermaya’s timeless song, ‘If.’

Working as a 3D visualizer in Singapore’s animation field since 2010, Jhames faces the challenge of pursuing a musical career in a foreign country. To overcome this, he dedicates himself to recording original songs, most of which he writes, under The 96 Records, a sublabel of Archipelago Records, available on various music platforms.

Where it all started

“1997, noong narinig ko ang kantang ‘to. Hindi ko akalaing Filipino ang kumakanta no’n. Nalaman ko na lang na Rivermaya yon noong high school ako.”

(“1997, when I heard this song, I never thought a Filipino sang it. I only found out it was Rivermaya when I was in high school.”)

On choosing “If” among other Rivermaya songs, Jhames shared that he received the blessing to use the song from its songwriter Nathan Azarcon, who is also the bassist of his favorite alternative rock band.

He said, “Recently, noong nagpaalam ako sa kanya, bago pa man niya mabanggit na mag-[re-reunion] concert sila, na-record na ‘tong kantang ‘to. ‘Pinaalam ko na rin sa distributor nila dati, which is Music R Us.

(“Recently, when I asked for his permission, even before the announcement of their [reunion] concert, I had already recorded this song. I also informed their former distributor, Music R Us.”)

“Kaya ko po siguro naisip i-release ito dahil wala pang nagre-release na ibang artist ng “If.” Nag-search po ako online, may mga nagyu-YouTube cover, pero wala yung nag-release sa Spotify, sa Apple Music.

(“I thought of releasing it because no other artist had done so yet. I searched online; there were YouTube covers, but none had been released on Spotify or Apple Music.)

“Sabi ko, ‘Kuya Nathan, baka pwedeng ako na lang ang mag-release ng kantang ‘to.’ ‘Walang problema, sabi niya naman. Magsabi ka lang kung ano pang kailangan mo.’”

(‘I said, ‘Kuya Nathan, maybe I can be the one to release this song.’ ‘No problem,’ he replied. ‘Just let me know whatever you need.’”)

Impact of Rivermaya

He further shared how influential Rivermaya was in his life as well as his passion for music.

“Káya pala ng Pilipinong banda magsulat ng English song. Doon ako nagsimulang mag-invest ng oras ko para makinig sa OPM. That time, 90s: Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez… mga gano’n ang naririnig natin sa radio, sa TV. Kaya hindi ko masyadong [nabigyan ng oras] siguro kasi nabugbog yung tenga ko sa gano’ng klaseng tugtog ng OPM… Malaking impluwensya sa akin ang bandang Rivermaya. Sabi ko, kung kaya ng Rivermaya, kaya rin ng kahit na anong banda that time. Sobrang nostalgic nito at napakalaking karangalan na mabiyayaan ako na mag-release ng kantang ‘If.’”

(“That’s when I realized Filipino bands could write English songs. That’s when I started investing time in listening to OPM. During that time, in the ’90s, we heard Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez… those kinds of songs on the radio and TV. Maybe I didn’t give it much attention because my ears were accustomed to OPM beats. Rivermaya had a significant influence on me. I thought, if Rivermaya can do it, any band at that time can do it too. ‘This is so nostalgic, and it’s a great honor for me to release the song ‘If.’”)

As a music fan himself

During his virtual media conference, CinemaBravo asked Jhames how he feels as a solid fan of the band knowing that ‘Rivermaya The Reunion’ is happening on February 17 at SMDC Festival Grounds as mounted by Live Nation.

Moreover, he is excited to go back to the Philippines in time for the release of his single.

When he first learned from Rivermaya member Nathan that the band is having a reunion event, Jhames Joe did not believe at first.

“Parang kinilabutan ako. ‘Kapag yan nagkatotoo, uuwi ako para lang diyan, kahit napakamahal ng ticket…’ Noong napanood ko yung interview nila, goosebumps talaga… Kinanta rin ni Bamboo yung “If” sa TV.”

(“It gave me chills. If it happens, I’ll come home just for that, even if the tickets are expensive. When I watched their interview, I got goosebumps. Bamboo also sang ‘If’ on TV.”)

CinemaBravo also asked about his other favorites. Aside from Rivermaya, he is also heavily influenced by local bands such as Bamboo, Urbandub, Franco, Tanya Markova. Among the more recent music acts, he mentioned Zild, Blaster, IV of Spades, Lola Amour, and Dilaw (who is also from Baguio like Jhames).

Listen to Jhames Joe’s soulful rendition of Rivermaya’s “If” — now available on all music streaming platforms.