Singing straight from the heart

MANILA, Philippines - “During gigs, I’m used to having a smaller audience and I feel close to them,” answers Juris when asked about her idea of getting intimate with listeners. “It’s easier for me to talk to them and reach out to them. Since I’m not the outgoing type, it’s natural for me to make small talk with everyone.”

Juris is able to bring this to her sophomore album titled Forevermore, released by Star Records. Yes, the acoustic singer seems to be speaking to you straight from the heart. Her soothing voice gives you the impression that the ASAP sessionista is going down memory lane with you track after track.

“Thanks to my over-all producer Jonathan Manalo and to other producers like Jimmy (Antiporda) and Aiza (Seguerra),” says Juris of the brains behind the album’s total mood and feel. “They were good at directing me or giving me instructions. I must admit that I need direction when recording an album. It’s different when you get feedback from others (aside from the fact) that you know you can deliver each song.”

At work, Juris loves to collaborate and to give her two cents’ worth in the final song line-up. In her latest album, Juris had listening sessions with the think-tank from Star Records.

Although the second album is composed of revivals (Side A’s Forevermore, Pops Fernandez’s Don’t Say Goodbye and Ariel Rivera’s Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin) and new songs (carrier single Kahit ’di Mo Sabihin, Bliss, Sabihin Mo Lang), Juris admits the music is still the same as her debut. The songs are about enduring love, letting go, loving from a distance and inevitable separation, among others. Juris even wonders why people want her to sing sad songs replete with pain and longing. 

“Perhaps, many people like listening to sentimental music,” the petite singer reasons out.

Also songs worth a listen in the album are Dreaming Away, I Believe In You, Magkaibang Mundo, Not Like You, If You and Me and Wishes.

Asked about the affairs of her heart, Juris replies, “I’m engaged… I’m more of a romantic but not hopeless.”

That’s true because Juris will tie the knot with boyfriend of five years before the year ends. The non-showbiz guy is three years her senior. They met in one of her gigs. Juris will have a Catholic wedding attended by family and closest friends. She will never do a Lea Salonga act wherein the bride serenades the groom while walking down the aisle. Forevermore is Juris’ song for the man of her dreams.

Songs of Juris are not only heard locally. She released a digital album in Korea and the songs have been getting good airplays there. “The album is moving,” she shares. “It’s good for them (Koreans) to know that there are also good artists here. I’m thankful to be given that chance.”

After all, Juris’ songs are radio-friendly and relatable. They cross cultural boundaries and break language barriers.

What else is there to expect from Juris in the future?

“I will collaborate with some Korean artists,” she answers. “There are plans to release an album in Singapore. They have yet to select the songs.”

Does Juris have qualms of using the Side A song as the album title?

“At least people are familiar with (Forevermore),” she concludes. “It’s another version of the song. Besides, I’m a Side A fan and I’m happy to record it.”