JC Regino is always inspired to compose new songs

MANILA, Philippines — JC Regino is always up for the challenge of composing and recording songs.

His latest work, released under GMA Music, is Wala Na, a follow-up to last year’s ditty, Tama Na Sa ‘kin Ikaw. It is now available on digital platforms worldwide.

“When I’m told to do one, of course, I’ll go (and I’m game for it),” said the singer-songwriter and the son of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artist April Boy Regino when The STAR asked to describe himself as a tunesmith in a recent virtual press conference.

“Sabi nga ni Daddy kapag may opportunity and may binigay sa’yo, ibigay mo agad yung the best mo, (my dad told me that when an opportunity presents itself to you, you have to give your best),” added he. “Kasi minsan hindi na dumadating yung opportunity po. Kaya pinagbubuti ko po kung ano yung nasa harap ko po (sometimes, such an opportunity never comes again. That’s why I only give my best to what’s in front of me.).”

So, when the creative inspiration to write Wala Na came upon him, JC followed and embraced it.

“It’s the same in a way that both are love songs,” said he on differentiating Tama Na Sa ‘kin Ikaw from Wala Na. “(Tama Na) is for those who are in love, and (the song) is upbeat, while (Wala Na) is for those who are broken-hearted. Both are pop. (With Wala Na), there’s a bit of change in terms of my style of playing and style of writing.”

JC also recalled that his two songs are in stark contrast to the single, Idolo, which pays tribute to any artist’s followers or specifically to loyal supporters of The April Boys, with uncles Vingo and Jimmy Regino as members. His dad also became part of it before embarking on a solo musical career.

“Of course, (it’s very fulfilling),” shared JC on creating and coming up with compositions such as Idolo and Wala Na. In his case, he also shows his singing chops. “Tapos, marinig ng tao (at) magustuhan nila ay sobrang masarap sa pakiramdam (then people give it a listen and like it, it’s really a good feeling), especially when you know you’ve given your all, you’ve put your feelings into it, (you’ve written) every letter or lyric of the song. The feeling is really good, and it’s more fulfilling.”

Asked what’s his creative process like when writing songs, like Wala Na, his first single for the year, JC said, “Wala po, biglaan na lang po (I don’t have a well-designed approach. It suddenly comes to me). I’m just happy that there’s always an opportunity for me to write a new song, when they call me to make one.”

When he further reflected on the question, he shared that creating the music and writing the lyrics seem to happen simultaneously. There are instances, JC added, when writing is simply smooth-sailing after finding his groove, and when it is filled with “stops and starts,” as one may borrow the words from a popular tune.

One thing is for sure: He can write anywhere and anytime.

Sometimes, when JC is about to hit the sack and can’t resist the call to write a song, he puts his sleep on hold and voice records the tune. So, JC can remember it.

“Let’s say I’m holding a guitar, while having coffee on the terrace, and I think of a song, (I will follow the lead and continue on),” said he. “Siguro lang po may panahon lang po talaga na bigla lang siyang may pumapasok sa akin po, pero wala pong kung anong oras po, kung saang lugar, wala naman po. Minsan naglalakad lang ako (perhaps the inspiration just comes in. I don’t have a ritual like writing in this particular time of day or place. Sometimes, while walking, I can begin composing a song).”

Aside from releasing single after single, JC would like to have an album.

“Pangarap ko talaga na magkaroon ng album na tapos, ako po ang lahat na sumulat (It’s really a dream to have an album that features songs all written by myself),” concluded he.

So far, JC has recorded Idolo, Tama Na Sa ‘kin Ikaw, and Wala Na with the Kapuso label.

(For details on Kapuso artists like JC, visit www.gmanetwork.com.)