JMRTN returns to the Philippines with a new song and a solo career
Contributed by Sandy Cagurangan
After fourteen years of living in Guam and touring internationally, JMRTN, the frontman of the band REtroSPECT, has returned to the Philippines to launch his solo career.
“I decided to go solo due to economic reasons. I need to stay afloat and since this is the only thing I do best, might as well go solo,” JMRTN said during a press conference at Pandan Asian Cafe.
Despite his decision to pursue a solo career, JMRTN remains on good terms with his REtroSPECT bandmates.
“Hindi kami umayaw. I’m the leader of the group, I’m the manager and chief composer of the group,” he explained. “Whenever we come out with an album, ako ‘yung producer ako rin ang composer.”
He also shared that the band is planning a reunion concert and will be releasing a new single soon.
Staying true to their roots
JMRTN is known for his unique musical style, which he developed with REtroSPECT in the 1990s.
“When we came out in the ’90s kasi wala rin kaming ginaya. We were just who we are, sa music namin, sa image namin wala kaming ginaya, like Aegis, Jeremiah, Freestyle, we have unique sounds na parang hindi mo na iisipin kung sino nga ito ulit.”
Collaboration with the Asia’s Nightingale
JMRTN is excited about his new song “Iisa Lang,” a collaboration with Lani Misalucha. The song was written by JMRTN and co-written with Mandy Placheta and Emil Pama, and released under his label Godspeed Music through Star Music.
JMRTN has long admired Misalucha’s vocals, having seen her perform in bars in Makati before her rise to fame. The two artists recorded the song and filmed the music video in Las Vegas.
Upcoming Performances
In addition to their song collaboration, JMRTN and Misalucha will be performing together at Bar IX in Molito, Alabang on November 14th and Bar 360 at the Newport World Resorts on November 15th.
JMRTN will also be performing solo at Bar 360 on October 11th, and as a guest performer at the M.A.D.Z. Festival at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on October 12 and at the “Rated GIGI 2.0” Gigi De Lana & Gigi Vibes Concert in Guam, USA on November 23.
Future Plans
Beyond his music career, JMRTN has aspirations of directing and creating a film with his own original soundtrack, a dream he has had since high school. He also expressed his fondness for new generation artists in the Philippines like Gigi de Lana.
If he were to create a song for a current artist, he wants it to be for Maki. Just like him and his band, JMRTN appreciates the young artist’s authenticity and uniqueness.
