Jose Miguel On Representing The Philippines For Java Jazz 2025: “This is just the beginning for Filipino music.”

After making his mark on the Philippine soundscape, Jose Miguel is going global, representing the Philippines on one of the largest festival stages in Asia.

On May 30 and 31, the soulful singer-songwriter will be taking part in the largest jazz festival in Asia — Jakarta, Indonesia’s Java Jazz Festival. Representing the Philippines on a global scale, the artist will be joining the likes of Jacob Collier, Raye, Snarky Puppy, and heaps more international headliners on this major musical event. Just last year, as well, he had performed alongside Jack Johnson during his set for the Wanderland stage, even after playing a set entirely of his own.

On this note, Billboard Philippines caught up with Jose Miguel prior to flying to Indonesia for his set in Java Jazz, speaking on topics from playing major festivals to upcoming projects.

Billboard Philippines: On behalf of Billboard Philippines, congratulations on your upcoming set at Java Jazz in Jakarta this year. 

Jose Miguel: Thank you so much.

How are you preparing for your set at the festival? Are there any special arrangements or surprises that you guys have in store?

Well, yeah, I mean, usually before we do shows abroad. Well, first of all, thank you again for having me on your platform. I really do appreciate you guys having me here. It’s an honor to be on Billboard. And yeah, this week has been quite hectic, but in a good way and a positive light. I’m about to play a dream stage of mine, that’s Java Jazz. So, a lot of preparations have been going on in the past few weeks actually got sick last week so I’m still kind of recovering right now. The boys and I, while we’ve been continuously rehearsing, you know, since maybe a month or two months back prior.

Yes, in terms of preparation, I’m mentally prepping myself, because it’s a different stage, it’s a different country, so I’m just trying to dip myself a little bit in the culture to kind of get their home crowd connected with me. So, I’m trying to pick out some words, trying to be a little bit cheeky. It’s part of the showmanship, I suppose. But aside from that, a lot of time with the boys and a lot of time with the team in preparation.

So, more than just music-wise, you’re also doing your research for the…

That’s the way I see it, for me personally, it’s not a complete show unless I really kind of pick some things up from where they’re from and really incorporate that into the show. You know, they’re paying good, honest money to see all the performers, so I mean, it’s just right that we cater a little bit to them. So, I’m really excited for what we can do together, Java Jazz.

How did it feel when you first found out you were playing the largest jazz festival in Asia? 

I believe it, because back then, years ago, I used to perform in this place called “My Bedroom,” (he laughs) and I would put Java Jazz on YouTube, and I would listen to, like, Jamie Cullum. He performed, I think, 10, 11 years ago. I was just like, “Oh, one day, maybe I could perform in a stage like Java Jazz.“

Not Java Jazz, per se, I never really said, “Oh, I’m going to play the stage one day.” Never really manifested it, but I guess the videos appeared for a reason, right? I mean, ever since then, I was just really praying and hoping that we get to perform on a stage like that, playing jazz music. It’s unbelievable. I’m still in shock, but I’m honored, and there’s always a plan, so that’s why we’re here.

It’s like your algorithm manifested this for you.

No, it’s crazy. It’s almost like, well, it’s surreal. So, I’m still like, you know, the names on the bill, like those who are performing are big names in that scene. So, it’s going to be an honor to perform in the same stage and showcase as them. 

On that note, how does it feel to be representing the Philippines on a stage with all of these huge names at the Java Jazz Festival?

Yeah! I’m representing the country. I really am so thankful that they had a spot for a Filipino talent and all Filipino talent — all of us, not just me. Jose Miguel is not just me, by the way. It’s really the whole group, you know. Without them, there wouldn’t be the music that you hear on stage and you hear on the various streaming platforms. Excited to rep the country, but also it’s a lot to be able to perform the stage because, you know, there are a lot of great Filipino musicians as well that deserve to perform on international stages.

I’m just so thrilled that they were able to catch me in some of my shows abroad and I think some locally also and they invited me. I hope that more Filipino talent gets to play these stages as well. This is just the beginning for Filipino music. I believe it’s so hot right now, and literally in the scene, there’s so much great talent. I’m just glad that I’m in this position and I have this privilege to perform carrying our flag. It’s an honor. 

And more than just as a performer, as also an audience goer, who’s set? Are you excited and looking forward to seeing the most?

Oh my gosh. Yeah. I want to see, I’m super excited to see Jacob Collier. I actually caught him live here in Manila and Filinvest Tent. I think, yeah, Karpos brought them in and he absolutely crushed, right? He filled up the tent and everybody was singing along. He was controlling the crowds. I would love to see the crowd work that really inspires me as a performer and as a fan of his, it’s beautiful. It kind of reminds me of Queen in a way, like what Freddie Mercury used to do. And he used to perform and he goes, (singing) “Oh,” the crowd sings along with him. But Jacob takes it to another level where he controls the crowd in terms of having them harmonize and banding the notes as it is live.

It’s like a live instrument. I can’t even explain it. I’m excited. I’m so thrilled to even be there to witness that. So Jacob Collier, for sure, Jesus Molina, I believe – a lot of these guys are killers. So, yeah, exciting. 

After Java Jazz, where do you hope your sound takes you next? 

Well, I leave that to the listeners and to the world. Personal goals – I really do want to try to play more shows in Manila. I really do want to be able to get a hometown crowd support, hometown support locally also. I mean, I’ve been doing music for quite some time. I’ve had some projects so far in my career. But this is really the first time that I think I’m going to be able to be writing some songs specifically for Filipinos also. That being said, stay tuned for me trying to speak and sing Tagalog.

Very exciting. Have you started the songwriting? What are some concepts we can look forward to?

So yes, I have started writing. I’ve been writing for quite some time already. Maybe that’s why I haven’t been as active on the socials per se. I’ve really been dipping myself in the writing. So I’ve been writing with some really talented producers and musicians where, you know, they’re able to take the ideas and, you know, along with me build it and really bring it to the next level, like really serving the song per se and making sense of it all. So yeah, I’m pretty much in the demo stage recording and then I’ll be announcing the land. So stay tuned, guys!

Looking back at your past year in music since 2024, you had a really dynamic year in music from your debut album through major festival stages. What moment felt like a personal breakthrough for you?

What moment? Well, you know, to be honest, personally, it was the fact that I was able to, along with the team, were able to put out music. Like, first of all, that was already a breakthrough. That was more than enough for me to be honest. Like the shows came in, but the fact put out some songs that really meant so much to me. That was already the biggest achievement. And then, we were able to play on platforms like Wanderland. I was lucky enough to be able to meet one of my idols also, Jack Johnson backstage, and we did a little stunt on stage.

You know, that was also, by the way, just random — that wasn’t planned or anything. We met backstage. I introduced myself, started talking about music, and next thing you know, I’m in his tent rehearsing with his band. The Parcels boys came along inside, too. So, I mean, it’s just a very strange but interesting road or adventure that we’re on.

I guess, through everything, it’s just putting the music out. It’s a personal breakthrough. Seeing how the other nationalities or different stages abroad react to the music. That’s why I want to be able to push locally also, because I hope for that kind of connection with our local scene as well.

Going back to how you were talking about how your breakthrough was releasing the new music, it’s also been a year since you released your solo debut album, Five Star Overthinkers. At this point of time, what song on the record has made the most significant transformation since its release? And why? 

In terms of live performance, I think everything changed. Because me and the boys, we aim to really ensure that what you hear on the record is time-standing live. There has to be a live aspect to it. I personally don’t just want to play the songs like it is on the record, because you can do that at home or you can watch it on YouTube. But when you come to a Jose Miguel show, it’s like you’re going to come in expecting something, but walking away from the show, like, “Oh!” I’m going to make arrangements. If you really listen to it, I even bring horn players for other songs live also, so it’s grown significantly.

That’s a big thanks to the boys who helped me score and make this possible. In terms of meaning, “Five Star” always has my heart. Of course, because that really talks about my kind of like my journey, you know, about dreaming and you know, you never know what’s really true. You never know where you’re going to be. I never thought I was going to perform like Java Jazz, so that that’s been changing. I mean, that’s been coming into fruition. So “Five Star “is like the one that I hold closest to my heart, I suppose.

Is there anything I’ve yet to ask you that you’d like to talk about?

Yeah, actually, it’s not just the performance that, or the songs that I like to perform, but I also like to, as much as possible, showcase like a local fashion designer artist. I’m going to be wearing something by a friend of mine who’s a maker of things. They call her Miel, maker of things. Check her out. (She designed) what I’ll be wearing for the show. 

That’s something that I also embrace. It’s not just local music, but fashion, arts, anything creative, and anything Filipino branded also. It’s very important. I like to wear that and keep it on me at all times. It’s a little piece of our country and talent, homegrown talent.