Jason Dhakal Goes Independent With “Play”: “I just want to create music that truly feels like myself”
In an exclusive statement shared with Billboard Philippines, the beloved R&B musician opens up about his latest career move as an independent artist and what fans can expect from his upcoming record.
Courtesy of @jasondhakal.
Courtesy of @jasondhakal.
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Jason Dhakal has moved on to the next chapter of his career as an independent artist –– signing with ONErpm Philippines for music distribution, and releasing his brand new single titled “Play.”
The beloved R&B musician’s comeback single sees him embrace a more playful, if beachier, style of sound — trading the moody textures of his prior work for something a bit lighter, yet still sensual. Written by Dhakal himself, the track was produced by his constant collaborator LUSTBASS, and was mixed and mastered by Felipe Buencamino.
Speaking to Billboard Philippines exclusively, Dhakal opened up about his new chapter as an independent artist under ONErpm, sharing: “I just want to create music that truly feels like myself without having to think about profit & mass consumption; and to trust myself more & the decisions I make. I’m excited to remove the seriousness that comes with being a creative working in a corporate setting and just go back to when i first started releasing, to express & free myself! I’m so happy to start something new with ONErpm & I’m hopeful for the future,” he shared with a smile.
Additionally, Dhakal also teased the release of a brand new record. “I’m looking forward to releasing my latest record ‘Escape!’, which has 8 new tracks,” he teased.
Alongside the track’s release on various digital and streaming platforms, an accompanying lyric visualizer was also dropped on Dhakal’s YouTube channel. Featuring footage of Dhakal and his partner enjoying their trip, the video was shot on location in Boracay. Check it out below:
“Play” marks Dhakal’s first musical release since his string of singles from last year, which included “Dalawa,” “Magic,” and “Home” — the latter of which was done in collaboration with the viral Australian musician, Oliver Cronin.
Prior to signing with ONErpm, Dhakal was signed to Warner Music Philippines up until 2025. During his time there, he released two studio albums with BEING and lovesound, both of which received critical acclaim upon release. For the label’s 10th anniversary, he dropped a cover of Sitti’s classic hit, “Para Sa Akin,” which shot him up to mainstream virality on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and more.
As we anticipate his forthcoming record, Escape!, listen to Jason Dhakal’s latest single “Play” below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Jason Dhakal’s new single “Play” sees the R&B musician embrace a more playful, beachier sound, trading the moody textures of his earlier work for something lighter yet still sensual. The track was written by Dhakal, produced by frequent collaborator LUSTBASS, and mixed by Felipe Buencamino.
Jason Dhakal went independent to create music that feels truly authentic without focusing on profit or mass consumption. He shared that signing with ONErpm Philippines lets him remove the seriousness of working in a corporate setting and return to the freedom he felt when he first started releasing music.
Jason Dhakal teased his forthcoming record, titled “Escape!”, which will feature eight new tracks. The release follows his new single “Play” and marks his first full-length project as an independent artist under ONErpm Philippines, signaling a new creative chapter built on artistic freedom.
The lyric visualizer for Jason Dhakal’s “Play” was shot on location in Boracay, featuring footage of Dhakal and his partner enjoying their trip. The accompanying visualizer was released on his official YouTube channel alongside the single’s digital and streaming platform debut.
Before signing with ONErpm Philippines, Jason Dhakal was with Warner Music Philippines until 2025. During his time there, he released two acclaimed studio albums — BEING and lovesound — and a viral cover of Sitti’s classic “Para Sa Akin” for the label’s 10th anniversary celebration.