Jona Viray revealed how ABS-CBN Network rebranded her image—changing her genre from ballads to upbeat songs.
On December 10, during the media conference for Troy Laureta’s Giliw Vol. 2, she was asked how being part of the album contributed to her overall creative growth.
“Since I transferred to ABS-CBN, they kinda have rebranded my music coming from the previous recording labels: which is GMA Records, and having produced an independent album under our independent label also.
“Nung time na nagre-brand kami ng music. It is just the same ballad songs. But ‘yung songs na napili would appeal to the masses. After singing those kinds of songs for years, I started having this vision: ‘What if mag-iba naman ako ng direction ng music? What if I tried a more modern sound or modern beat? More mid-tempo or up-tempo songs.”
JONA admitted that she pondered on changing her direction in music during the pandemic—wanting to follow the current music trends.
“During pandemic, I also took a break. Doon ako nagkaroon ng maraming realizations. What if I collaborated with this producer or this kind of music? Gusto kong makasulat ng mga songs na kung ano ang trending na music ngayon. It is all about mga RND and upbeat.
“Nung nag-reach out si Kuya Troy, if I could be part of this volume. He told me I was gonna interpret an original song. I had no idea kung anong klaseng song ito. But when Kuya Kuya Troy messaged me, I got so excited talaga.
“Syempre, deep inside, pinagprapray ko din sana magkaroon din ng ako ng opportunity to be part of that excellent album which promotes Filipino music, talent, and culture,” she stated.
Jona Viray, popularly known as JONA, was the grand winner of the first season of Pinoy Pop Superstar (2005).
