Gessie has been making waves in the Philippines since her first original release in late 2020. The Tarsier Records signee has since then released three originals, each showing her growth both as a woman and as an artist. In celebration of her latest single, “Callin’ It Quits” - we sat down with the rising RnB act to discuss her sound, her influences, and more.
Calling It Quits tells an intimate story of unreciprocated affection that speaks through pain and wasted love. With laid-back vocals and smooth arrangements from bass lines to looped drum beats, this R&B song captures the doom laden blues of getting back to someone you once loved.
Q: First and foremost, let’s have those who are meeting you for the first time get to know you more through your music. Send us three clips, can be anything from released songs, music videos, TikTok challenges, covers, etc for our readers to get a glimpse of your sound.
Cover:
Music Video:
Performance Video:
Q: Describe your sound in 3 words:
Raw, emotional, vibey!
Q: Who are your biggest influences as an artist?
My biggest influences would be my mom, Kehlani and Jhené Aiko. Jhené and Kehlani changed how I perceive artists because their music is so honest and unapologetic. My mom, on the other hand, was just there guiding me along the way. She allowed me to explore music and create my own stuff. It took a bit of time, but she is always just supportive and happy whenever I sing.
Q: What was your inspiration behind “Callin’ It Quits”? What was the creative process behind the song?
It stemmed from a past relationship that was going through a tiring cycle. I wrote the song when I was at my breaking point and when I decided to finally end it. I’d like to think “Callin’ It Quits” helped me move past the heartbreak from that relationship. This was a necessary release for me.
Q: Is there any advice you can share with women who are going through a similar experience like the one “Callin’ It Quits” details?
Never settle! You’re allowing better things to come in your life by letting what’s burning you out go.
Q: Name 3 other Filipino artists you’d like to collaborate with in the future:
Curtismith, Kiana V, Jess Connelly!
Q: Any upcoming releases that we should be on lookout for?
“Callin’ It Quits” is out NOW under Tarsier Records. Also, watch out for another one, a collab song coming out real soon!
Check out Gessie's music below:
Singer/Songwriter Julius brings a raw acoustic performance of his unreleased track "Blue Jeans" live to the MYX Traks stage. He's our first live acoustic performer for the series. So get ready to witness his smooth vocals as he performs this unreleased song, and look out for his next EP, "In Stride," coming soon.
About MYX Traks:
MYX Traks is a part of MYX Global’s new Youtube content line-up. The show features a live in-studio performance from up-and-coming and established artists co-produced with Traklife Media Group.
About Julius:
A sucker for melody, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Julius uses music as a mirror of introspection. Born on Christmas and the son of a church pianist for Fil-Am masses, he often blends notes and themes of spirituality in his writing. He was recently asked to open for Anthony Ramos on a US tour, has co-penned songs for 6lack, Jesse Rutherford, and Maria Isabel, and is also currently working on his next EP titled “In Stride.”
Follow Julius:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliusmusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3mL3865eKXbKf5zcjEmb28
Singer-Songwriter Jon Guelas is the latest edition to the Tarsier Records roster. The half Filipino half British artist recently signed to Tarsier and is now ready to debut his first single under the label titled "Did I Let You Go." The heartbreak anthem has an acoustic pop vibe with a catchy chorus, and Jon's falsetto showcases his range. The song explores the themes of “what ifs” and “what could’ve beens.” Jon wanted to write a track that had meaning and can be relatable to everyone. Check out the lyric video below and stream the single here.
Jon Guelas is a half Filipino, half British singer/songwriter born and raised in Cambridge, England. Being a football fanatic throughout school, he was hesitant to show his love for music but at 18, he was scouted for the X Factor. He smashed his audition getting 4 yeses from all judges, with Robbie Williams describing him as "obviously incredibly talented.” His stint in The X Factor 2018 kick-started his career in music. While on the show, he stayed in a boyband called “United Vibe” for a couple of years where he released 4 singles he co-wrote with 2 other band members. During his time with “United Vibe,” he did multiple headline tours around England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. He has also ventured as far as doing mall shows in the Philippines and media guestings in ASAP Natin To, Wish Bus, and Monster RX 93.1.
In 2019, Jon was able to perform in Hyde Park alongside Robbie Williams in front of an audience of 60,000 people. This is what ignited the spark in him that made him realize he wanted to do this for the rest of his life.
Early 2021, Jon released his first 2 singles as a solo artist “Wonderland” and “Out of Love.” With the desire to expand his reach and the goal to get his songs to the rest of the world, Jon Guelas signed with Tarsier Records, a music label based in the Philippines whose goal is to bring Philippine music to the world stage.
This November 2021, Jon is gearing up to launch his solo music career with his first release under Tarsier Records, “Did I Let You Go.”
Check out the artists who are up for MYX Awards New Artist of the Year. Don't forget to vote for your favorites! Vote every day until July 18, 2021 at 11:59pm PHT, and don't miss the big show on August 7, 2021 to see who wins!
Maine Mendoza
In 2016, she wrote and interpreted the song, Imagine You and Me, the theme song for a movie of the same name. The instrumental was done by Eat Bulaga co-star Vic Sotto with arrangements by Jimmy Antiporda. In 2018, Mendoza signed with Universal Records and shortly released an album after being signed.
Matthaios
Jun Matthew Brecio know by his artist name, Matthaios is a music producer turned artist. He owns a record label called, Offended By Passion. He started his rapping career by singing a lot of Filipino songs. He has also released a few English rap songs like I Want You Back and No Cap.
Michael Dutchi Libranda
Michael Dutchi Libranda is a rising singer-songwriter who became viral with his hit heartbreak anthem, Binalewala.
Michael Pacquiao
Michael has steadily been gaining traction in the music industry with his original material. One of his earliest tracks Pac-Man was released on his Youtube channel and doubles as an ode to his dad, Manny Pacquiao. Since then, he's also released his first album, Dreams which has a total of 11 tracks.
Miguel Odron
Miguel joined Idol Philippines and made it to the round of the Top-5 contenders in the singing competition. He thinks of himself primarily as a songwriter who just happens to sing. He is signed with Tarsier Records, the same label as Inigo Pascual. His latest release is Lost In Love.
