OPM band juan karlos recently released a new single, BLESS Ü. The single aims to help the fight against COVID-19, with a portion of the revenue stream being donated particularly to mass testing efforts.
WhenInManila.com was able to have an exclusive interview with juan karlos vocalist JK Labajo to ask him about BLESS Ü, quarantine life, and how the band further plans to help the fight against COVID-19.
Photo courtesy of MCA Music
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The singer said there wasn’t much difference in making the song in terms of songwriting. According to the JK, his inspiration when it comes to making songs comes from all types of sources.
But with more free time while in quarantine, Labajo shared that he’s able to spend more time on the internet to discover new artists. “Ever since the pandemic started, I’ve been listening to Prince, so that really inspired me,” he shared.
However, the same can’t be said production-wise. “Back then we would record normally. We’ll go to the studio and record,” he said. But now, he talked about wearing PPEs while recording, always having to wash their hands, and constantly disinfecting the studio.
Photo courtesy of MCA Music
Because of this, JK shared, he and the band gained further respect for frontliners while making the song. “It was a weird experience,” he added.
With a portion of BLESS Ü‘s revenue streams going to COVID-19 efforts, Labajo said that this decision all goes back to the idea of being able to help. “I personally just want to be able to help. I’m not that super capable in terms of financially and physically,” he said. “It was the best way that I can think of how I could help. It’s basically wanting to do something; it’s the drive for wanting to do something.”
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The singer also shared that the idea of recording a song and donating a part of the revenue started when the Taal Volcano erupted. “I was so frustrated — I didn’t have the time to go there and everything,” he said. This is when he first had the idea of recording a song and eventually donating a portion of the revenue to initiatives.
Aside from donating a portion of BLESS Ü‘s revenue streams, juan karlos will also hold an online concert this August. All donations from the concert will be sent directly to UP-PGH Bayanihan Foundation.
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