Young singer-songwriter thankful for Vehnee Saturno’s mentorship

Jeri Violago (left) and Vehnee Saturno —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Though his initial releases were composed by renowned composer Vehnee Saturno, young singer Jeri Violago doesn’t want to stay dependent on other people and just wait for new material to fall on his lap. He wants to create songs that he can call his own.

“I think it’s important to be able to write or produce your own music, you need to connect with it. You’re not just singing words; you have to mean them. When you sing a line like, ‘Minamahal kita,’ for instance, are you just saying it, or do you really mean it?’” he told the Inquirer at a press conference. “Where am I getting it from? Dapat may hugot.”

The 23-year-old recording artist signed a three-tiered contract with ABS-CBN Music’s Tarsier Records that will have him working as a singer, songwriter and producer. “When I write my songs, I go back to what I’m experiencing or feeling … for whom are these feelings? I can write about my family, a significant other, or just things that are happening around me,” he said.

Glee club

Jeri won various singing contests at the Ateneo de Manila University, where he used to be vice president of the senior high school glee club. “I started with classical music when I was young. I got involved in theater and pop a cappella singing in high school,” said Jeri, whose singing lean toward pop, jazz and R&B styles.

The two recent releases, “‘Di Ka Mag-Iisa” and “Gusto Kita,” have contrasting vibes: The first one was originally a harana-inspired ballad, but was given a more upbeat twist; the second one is a “raw R&B jam with a bit of a bounce.”

“When I make music, I try to feel how my body will naturally move to it. Music makes me move, physically and emotionally. And that’s what I like about it,” he said.

More than a collaborator, Jeri sees Vehnee as a mentor. “I’m touched to be given the opportunity to work with someone who’s very accomplished and well-known in the industry. I’m humbled. It’s truly a blessing to enter the industry with his support,” he said.

“I’m blessed enough to be given an opportunity to collaborate with Tito Vehnee… We were able to work on the songs together and tried to make them more appealing to music lovers these days,” added Jeri, who plans to put out the self-penned songs he has been working on soon.

Full-time in music

“My goal isn’t just to sing songs … I want to create music and be able to share it with everyone. I also hope to write for other artists in the future,” said Jeri, who dreams of collaborating with Zack Tabudlo, Ben&Ben and Lola Amour.

Now that he has finished his studies, Jeri, who has a degree in business management from Ateneo, is ready to go full-time with his music career.

“If you’re really passionate about something and see yourself becoming someone in the future, and if you have a healthy support system, then it’s something worth going for,” he said.