Juan Karlos Labajo, who performs and records under the name juan karlos, made history as the first Filipino to break into the Spotify Global Charts last October 8. His track “ERE” continues to trend online, with over 18 million streams since his album Sad Songs And Bullshit Part 1 released last September 22.
Billboard Philippines talked with juan karlos at the Billboard Philippines launch event last October 15 on the global success of “ERE,” his favorite track to perform live, and what Sad Songs And Bullshit Part 2 will be about.
Juan Karlos photographed by Kim Angela Santos
Billboard Philippines: Congratulations on the success of “ERE!” How did it feel to receive the news that it was on the Spotify Global Charts?
juan karlos: It was definitely interesting. I didn’t really expect much from the whole thing. I really just focused on making music and that’s really about it. And for me, once a song is out, it’s not mine anymore. I don’t have anything to do with it anymore. It’s really nice and I’m just really proud of the people I worked with in making the album and project.
Billboard Philippines: What’s your favorite song to perform off the album?
juan karlos: “Manhid” (Numb)!
Billboard Philippines: Do you think it’s an underrated track in the album?
juan karlos: Hmm…a bit. It’s a track that people should listen to more. [It’s] my personal favorite in the album.
Billboard Philippines: What else can we expect from your music soon?
juan karlos: Part two of the album! We’re going to release it early next year. It’s going to focus more on the process of healing, acceptance, and self love.
While the world waits for more music from juan karlos, listen to his latest album Sad Songs And Bullshit Part 1 below.