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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Indie artist Jhames Joe adds new twist to Rivermaya song

Indie artist Jhames Joe adds new twist to Rivermaya song

Published Feb 3, 2024 02:09 am

At A Glance

  • In an online interview on Jan. 22, James shared that he asked composer Rivermaya bassist Nathan Azarcon if he could add a new twist to the song "If."
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Pinoy indie artist Jhames Joe 

Upon hearing the song "If" in Bella Padilla and Lorna Tolentino's film "Yung sa Libro Napanood Ko," Singapore-based Pinoy artist Jhames Joe reignited his passion for creating music.

In an online interview on Jan. 22, James shared that he asked composer Rivermaya bassist Nathan Azarcon if he could add a new twist to the song "If."

"Itong kanta po na ito ay napakaespesyal sa akin dahil binasbasan po ito ni kuya Nathan Azarcon. Actually bago ko po irelease itong kanta na ito nagpaalam po sa ako sa kanya and sa mga music distributor po nila dati," Jhames said.

(This song is very special to me because Nathan Azarcon gave me his blessing to do this song. Before I released this song, I asked for his permission and their music distributor before)

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Jhames shared that one reason he wanted to cover the Rivermaya song was because of its deeper meaning of becoming vulnerable with someone.

"The song captures the internal struggle between the desire for connection and the fear of rejection,” he said.

In terms of making it his version, the singer tweaked it a little to make it more Gen Z vibes.

"Wala naman akong binago sa lyrics. Bilang nagmi-mix din ako ng song, mayroon lang mga dinagdag para maging modern ‘yung song — sa beats, instrument, and sound," he added.

(I didn't change anything in the lyrics. As I also mix the song, there are only things added to make the song modern — in beats, instruments, and sound) 

Jhames also recorded his song under his independent record label The 96 Records.

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Jhames Joe releases his version of the Rivermaya song "If" 

He thanked Rivermaya for being a huge influence on his musical journey. Jhames shared that he will be coming to the Philippines next month to watch the reunion concert of Rivermaya.

"Bumili na ako ng tickets. When they announced it, bumili ako agad. Excited ako na makita sila. Iba kasi ‘yung feels na makita sila reuniting in one stage. Excited din akong umuwi sa Pinas,” he said.

(I have already bought tickets. When they announced it, I bought it immediately. I'm excited to see them. Because it feels different to see them reuniting in one stage. I'm also excited to go home to the Philippines)

His version of "If" dropped on streaming platforms on Feb. 2.

Aside from music, Jhames is also working as a 3D animator in Singapore for 14 years. According to Jhames, he was a licensed architect in the Philippines before heading out to Singapore. 

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