Following the release of the dynamic collaboration between young rock group Juan Karlos and rap royalty Gloc-9, ‘Sampaguita’, a haunting yet poignant portrait of the overseas Filipino worker, has now officially hit the one million mark in terms of views, barely a month after its premiere on the platform last March 13.
It was in 2019 when the two trail-blazing artists teased supporters of their coming collaboration. Earlier that year, their chance meeting during the Guillermo Awards prodded juan karlos to ask Gloc-9 for a possible team-up.
With the “Buwan” performer’s intended theme and melody, the multi-awarded rap artist shared that writing his part for “Sampaguita” took him just the same night to finish. He shared, “Ito yung isa sa mga kanta na mabilis ko lang naisulat. Siguro kasi na-impress ako sa ganda ng pinadala niyang demo.”
The song was then released on all music platforms at the tail-end of February of this year, hitting the right marks among fans and critics, resulting to a good performance on the charts on local radio and eventually on TV music stations.
Signed under MCA Music, juan karlos is composed of The Voice Philippines alumnus JK Labajo on vocals and guitar, Jeriko Aguilar on guitar, Louise Bayas on bass, and Gian Hipolito on drums. The 19-year-old Labajo notes, “Juan Karlos as a solo artist is currently inactive,” pertaining to his transition from solo artist aspirant to singer-songwriter and now frontman of the 6x Platinum awardee band.
“Having a band is not easy, ilang beses din kami nagpalit ng members but now, we’re settled na,” Labajo adds. “I’m not the best singer but when I perform, I really do give my best.”
With raves from local artists and fans, juan karlos continues to set its eyes on creating more music this year. Drawing inspiration from the career paths trodden by the likes of Prince, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Derek Trucks, Ambrosia, Toto, Chicago, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Jeff Buckley and many more, Labajo, with his band, looks to bring their artistry to international shores.
“I want to be able to make a change; a difference. I want to show people the importance and beauty of music. I’m in music for the art, to earn in order to fund my daily needs and dreams, and for the recognition so I can have reach and to be heard,” he said.
Stream the song on Spotify here: