Exclusive Interview with Phaze

Filipino singer-songwriter and producer, JMKO welcomes listeners to a new generation of authentic R&B with his fresh single, “Malibu.” The authentic, coastal R&B record is the soft summer track we’ve been waiting for – all year long.

Making waves isn’t new to JMKO. Rising to fame in his native Philippines through a reality television competition (GMA Network’s To The Top), JMKO also earned the Himig TikTok Choice Award and went on to win the hearts of international listeners.

The turning point in JMKO’s career came from the untimely passing of his brother with whom he shared dreams of pursuing a career in music. Together, they were raised on the music of the early 2000s and sang as a family. “He was my blueprint when I was a kid,” remembers JMKO.

A few years ago, JMKO decided on a fresh start in the United States, first in New York, then Los Angeles where he now resides. “Singing in English is different,” shares JMKO. “You always have to put your best foot forward and perform.” Fortunately, JMKO isn’t afraid of giving his all to the things he loves.

Looking back, JMKO takes pride in his era of virality, the early stages of his career marked by TikTok fame and a hard launch into the world in which he now thrives. JMKO’s music has matured over last couple of years, taking on a more cinematic and authentic songwriting style. Now, he's more sure of himself and his craft and focused on moving forward.

“‘Malibu’ was inspired by my move from the Philippines to Los Angeles,” explains JMKO. “Oddly enough, I grew up on Malibu Street in the Philippines. But the real story comes from the first time I went to Malibu to hang out with friends. It was magical and hit differently. I thought about how I felt alienated when I first arrived but now there was this feeling of home. Now LA feels like a second home to me.”

The authenticity behind “Malibu” is what JMKO hopes listeners will hold on to. “The idea is how I inspired myself to be genuine in a new place and wanting to start from scratch and be a different person than who I was before. Malibu reminds me that you can be yourself and have fun and be at ease. You don’t have to wear a mask,” he adds.

While his music awakens a unique listening journey for each individual, JMKO hopes everyone can take away the importance of being yourself and having fun. A feel-good track, “Malibu” comes from genuine feelings and is designed to freeze time. JMKO hopes this temporary pause will enable listeners to hold on to the time, place, and people they're with – and remember that special moment every time they hear “Malibu.”

Engineered by Jett Galindo and co-written by Ryan Lu, “Malibu” was written and produced by JMKO and recorded in Ohio. The “Malibu” we’ve come to love isn’t the original. The original was lost in the universe, along with JMKO’s laptop, mic, and entire collection of produced music taken from his car. This version is meant to hold on to the emotions of the first in a more stripped down, authentic format, reminding us that even in moments of despair, not all is lost.

“Malibu” introduces the story that unravels throughout the EP. The single stands out on the record as the singular “coastal R&B” track; the remaining tracks feature JMKO’s signature pop and R&B fusion. "Malibu" has a tangent single, "Orbit," which will also be on the upcoming EP.

In the years since writing “Malibu,” JMKO has gone on to manifest his career blossoming. While listening to the final version of the single after recording, he envisioned performing in front of a huge crowd. Fast forward to this summer, listeners had the pleasure of watching JMKO perform alongside the popular Filipina girl group, BINI on their world tour in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. “It was so nice to perform the song I wrote and produced and see people singing along,” shares JMKO.

For JMKO, success is more than building the American dream – it’s a journey of personal growth and connecting with a larger community. He hopes to bring more recognition to Filipino musicians on the global stage and continue to inspire listeners around the world.

“Malibu” is available on all streaming platforms, with promotional support from Starlight PR.

Make sure to stay connected to JMKO on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

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