What’s next for young artist Jikamarie after scoring a hit with 1st song ‘Lutang’

Jikamarie

The inspiration for Jikamarie’s hit debut single, “Lutang,” struck after a particularly stressful moment in her life as an architecture student: She had just finished a major plate, which she had been toiling on for weeks.

In the wee hours, the words just came pouring out. “I was under a lot of stress and I felt tired with my course. After submitting my plate, I had an urge to write a song. Writing songs wasn’t a hobby of mine yet back then, so I didn’t know where the inspiration came from,” she said in an interview arranged by Warner Music PH.

“Because of the pandemic and lockdown, I had more time to myself and my thoughts and I thought songwriting would be a good outlet,” the 22-year-old artist added.

Jikamarie posted the demo of the song last year on TikTok. Before long, her followers were clamoring for a full version on Spotify. And in September 2021, she officially released “Lutang,” an electronic pop song whose soft beats and dreamy vibe belie the lyrics’ sense of weariness and uneasiness.

Produced by Jikamarie’s brother, Ken Ponce, it talks about self-imposed pressures, crippling self-doubts and the need to get away from them—even just for a little while. The single resonated with listeners, especially students struggling to pursue their dreams amid the pandemic.

Bittersweet

The song rose to the top spot of Spotify’s Viral 50 Philippines chart. It got featured in various playlists and has, so far, amassed 15 million streams on Spotify alone. Asked what she makes of her song’s unexpected success, Jikamarie said it’s kind of bittersweet in a way.

“I’m happy that people are listening to my song. But I’m also sad that many people can relate to its message about being tired and needing some rest,” said the singer, who admitted that she always been a little too hard on herself. “My parents didn’t pressure me about academics—I’m the one who puts it upon myself because my parents and siblings are all achievers who are also good in music. I feel like, unconsciously, I was trying my hardest to keep up with them.”

The single also spawned different remixes, including one with Raymund Marasigan’s Squid 9. “I’m so happy that he took interest in my song. I remember being in a studio recording when he dropped by. I didn’t expect it. Badjao [de Castro of IV of Spades] was also there. They watched me record so I got conscious,” she said, laughing. “But they were supportive and expressed how much they admire my music. I was internally screaming and fangirling!”

Industry newbie

A young artist scoring a hit with his or her very first release is quite a feat. But while this gave her a much-needed confidence boost, she’s well aware that she’s only an industry newbie who still has a lot to learn and experience.

“It’s a validation as a musician and as a person. But I know that at the end of the day, the priority should be my creative work… I will always fight for creative expression, because people will know—through your work—whether you’re happy with it or not,” she said.

Jikamarie’s gravitates toward R&B, rock and indiepop. But she doesn’t want to be confined to such labels. “I try not to put myself in a box. If I end up wanting to release a rock song and if that’s what the song calls for, why not? If I’m happy with the sound, then the genre shouldn’t matter,” she said.

Her follow-up single, “Kailangan ko ng…,” is a more fun and bouncy love song about waiting for that special someone. An album or an EP is the next goal. “People are already waiting for an album. Pressure!” she said. “But I’m just excited to keep releasing new music.” INQ