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Ever found yourself in the blues, yearning for a song to keep you company? Jeri’s latest track, “Di Ka Mag-iisa,” aims to be just that — a comforting presence in times of solitude. Delving into themes of companionship and support, this heartfelt melody strikes a chord with listeners.

At a recent music video launch held in a hotel in Quezon City, Jeri shared insights into his creative process and experiences surrounding this impactful song. According to Jeri, this track marks the second collaboration between him and renowned composer and songwriter Vehnee Saturno, following their successful partnership on “Gusto Kita.”

Watch the official music video of Jeri’s “Di Ka Mag-iisa” below.

Reflecting on his collaboration with Saturno, Jeri expressed humility and gratitude. He stated, “When I collaborated with Tito Vehnee Saturno, the two songs we collaborated were ‘Gusto Kita’ and ‘Di Ka Mag-iisa.’ It’s a very humbling experience talaga being able to collaborate with Tito Vehnee Saturno.” (“It’s a very humbling experience indeed being able to collaborate with Vehnee Saturno.”)

Crafting musical diversity

He noted the distinctiveness between “Gusto Kita” and “Di Ka Mag-iisa,” highlighting how the former started as a fast-paced pop song while the latter evolved into a heartfelt ballad with R&B elements. Jeri remarked, “Believe it or not, very different yung ‘Gusto Kita’ and ‘Di Ka Mag-iisa’ in terms of how they started and how they ended.”

Discussing the themes of his music, Jeri revealed his intention to broaden the interpretation of “Gusto Kita” beyond romantic love, aiming for it to resonate with various forms of meaningful connections, including those with family and friends. He shared, “When we think of ‘Gusto Kita,’ we usually think about lovers or significant others. I want it to be relating to family, friends, loved ones.”

Gratitude and surreal moments

Recalling the exhilarating moment when he first heard his song played on the radio, Jeri described the experience as surreal, questioning whether it was truly happening. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends and fans, stating, “Nakaka-heartwarming na grabe ang suporta, leading to this na hindi talaga ako mag-iisa.” (“The support is truly heartwarming, leading to this feeling that I am not really alone.”)

Jeri also discussed his personal growth as an artist, noting a newfound sense of confidence and ease in showcasing his talents. Overcoming initial shyness and nervousness, he emphasized, “Before, I felt very shy since it was something new. I was agitated easily and got nervous when asked questions. But now, getting asked many questions and interviewed numerous times, I think it really should come from the heart.”

He shared anecdotes about his friends’ reactions to his music, such as when he first heard his song on the radio while driving, experiencing a mix of disbelief and excitement. Additionally, Jeri mentioned how his friends proudly tell cab drivers that the singer is their friend, expressing their support in unique and heartwarming ways.

More of Jeri soon

Furthermore, Jeri revealed his strategy of releasing his songs one at a time instead of through an album, aiming to create longer recall for the public and to allow each song to have its own moment to shine.

In the coming months, the audience will hear and see more of this young artist who happens to bew an Ateneo de Manila Business Management cum laude graduate. He recently signed a 3-tier contract with Star Music, ABS-CBN’s music production arm. 

As Jeri continues to refine his craft and define his musical identity, he finds joy in creating the music he loves and cherishes the unwavering support from his growing audience, affirming that he is not alone on this journey.