Jace Roque —STAR MUSIC
While the term “P-pop” has become closely associated with groups in recent years, Jace Roque hopes to point out that the musical umbrella covers different types of artists and that there are soloists like him out there, trying their best to keep the movement growing.
“I wish we could be recognized for our efforts and contributions. But I’m happy that we’re starting to get our share of the limelight and people are becoming more aware that P-pop can also include soloists or even bands,” Jace told the Inquirer at the launch of his debut album, “Paradiso” (Star Music).
P-pop isn’t limited to sounds and concepts popularized by South Korea or K-pop, either, he added.
“My sound is pop-EDM but leans more toward American pop and European house,” said the singer-songwriter, who was nominated as male soloist of the year at the 2023 P-pop Awards. That same year, his song “Back to the Beginning” received a nod for best dance/electronic recording at the Awit Awards.
Authenticity
“A lot of the P-pop acts who rose to popularity in recent years are inspired by K-pop. But I couldn’t just hop on it for the sake of following trends. I veered away from it because the sound I started with feels most authentic to who I am,” Jace said.
“Paradiso” is seven years in the making. It’s composed of previously released hits like “Sober” and “Day and Night,” as well as cuts from his previous EP, “Inferno.” It also includes new tracks, including the carrier single, “Casual”—a dance-pop track with Latin and Reggaeton twists.
The song, which delves into love and sex, depicts the “early stages” of his “love life before all the heartaches and heartbreaks.”
“It’s light, fun and sexy—like how the first few months of a relationship typically are. This is also a love manifestation track, encouraging people to stop playing mind games and just get on with it. Admit what you are feeling. Don’t hold back and allow it to blossom,” he said.
Roller-coaster of emotions
The album’s 13 tracks are grouped into four chapters: heart, mind, body and soul.
“The songs are arranged in such a way that lets my life story unfold as you go along. It’s a roller-coaster of emotions … very human. It delves into my highs and lows. While ‘Inferno’ focused on negative emotions, ‘Paradiso’ becomes cathartic toward the end,” Jace said.
What’s his personal idea of paradise?
“A life that’s not necessarily perfect, but with fewer complications. A music industry where everyone thrives, where there’s healthy competition that doesn’t descend into bashing,” related Jace, who also drew ideas from Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy,” which can be gleaned from the Garden of Eden-inspired visuals.
The album’s release came on the heels of his signing with Star Music. Now, Jace’s no longer a one-man team.
“As an independent artist, I used to do everything. But for ‘Paradiso,’ I got to work with an audio engineer. I no longer had to mix the songs myself. The process takes longer now because there are more people involved in the process, but it’s a welcome change,” Jace said, adding that the label’s head Roxy Liquigan and creative director Jonathan Manalo share the same vision when it comes to the future of his music.
“I’m happy because we all share the same ideas about what I want to happen. And they give me creative control,” Jace said. “There have been challenges mounting the album. But it was all worth it. I’m starting to see the fruits of my labor.”