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An innovative indie pop/R&B singer, writer, and producer with a love for storytelling. JONAVI's music is fresh yet relatable, unique yet familiar, with lyrics focused on love, identity, and generational trauma, all sung with a memorable melody. JONAVI has performed for SoFar Sounds, SXSW, the Dallas Mavericks, House of Blues, YAR Fest (Texas' first Asian music festival) and more. |
Photographer: Hannah Dimmitt
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3 words to describe you:
Sarcastic, down-to-earth, and a foodie
Describe your sound:
Primarily indie pop with R&B, folk, and rock influences
Describe the moment you knew that you wanted to pursue music:
Since I was about 4 years old, I wanted to be a performer (I signed up for a performing arts program when I lived in the Philippines even though I wasn't technically old enough yet). I grew up reading a lot of books, and I'd always ask my Titas to tell me stories before I went to bed. When I started studying piano in middle school/high school, I realized I could do both - make music and tell stories.
How does your heritage impact your art?
Being Filipino typically means you're surrounded by creativity (whether it's karaoke parties or being asked to perform in front of your Uncles & Aunties) but it doesn't always mean you're encouraged to pursue a career in it. I think it took me a long time to find my musical identity because I cared more about meeting my parents' expectations than pursuing my dream. Now that I'm older, I've found music to be a great outlet - a way that I can express my personal stories, whether it's about love or generational trauma.
What moment are you most proud of in your music journey so far?
Releasing my EP in 2023 was definitely one of my proud moments, because I wrote and produced a majority of those songs. It was the first moment where I felt like, wow, I could do this. Beyond that, getting invited to sing at places like SoFar or SXSW was definitely an accomplishment. I don't have a team, it's just me - I'm my own A&R, manager, booking agent, marketer, etc - so accomplishments like that mean a lot.
I think where I feel the most pride, though, is when a listener comes up to me after a performance and tells me how my songs impacted them. Hearing them say "This song meant a lot to me" or "Thank you for writing this" means everything.
Your next music goal:
Right now, I'm working to release an album in May, so that's my immediate focus!
If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
Alicia Keys, only because I grew up listening to her. I think it would be fun to write a flirty song with Sabrina Carpenter. I also would love to feature on a track with Steve Lacy.
Your favourite song/lyrics:
This is hard because I have a lot of favorite lyrics (fun ones, introspective ones, etc). One of my fave songs of all time is "If I Believe You" by the 1975.
It's very simple, but the chorus starts with "If I believe you, will that make it stop?" He's talking about religion but I think it can apply to the people in our lives, too. If I believe someone, and finally take things at face value rather than trying to convince myself of something else, then will the pain I feel finally go away?
3 songs you're listening to right now:
Dance With Me by Bruno Mars (obviously - I'm Filipino, I love to yearn!)
Poster Child by Ellee Duke, love the lyricism
And honestly, my next single, easy peasy!
Your community shout out:
I'm really into Sailorr right now so I just have to shout her out. I love seeing a SEA woman getting her flowers, and I think her songwriting is so blunt and truthful.
Anything else you'd like to share:
I've got a single coming out 4/17, another on 5/1, an MV on 5/15, and an album on 5/29! Lots going on :)
