21 Questions With The "Naiilang" Hitmaker, Le John.

There’s a certain magic that comes when an artist’s personal touch extends to all aspects of bringing their music to life. Producing, mixing, and mastering his own songs, Le John knows this very well. The ability to do so is something that he believes makes his craft not only up to his standards, but ultimately, makes his music more honest and intentional.

Indeed, what this has done is Le John not only making music that speaks true to his artistry, but also helping him profoundly resonate with millions of listeners across the Philippines, especially through his breakthrough single “Naiilang.”

Also serving as the CEO and co-founder of the independent label Moody Music, the Tacloban City-hailing Le John achieved widespread recognition as an artist following the release of “Naiilang” last April 2025. Going viral on various online platforms, the hit song has continuously gained increasing listenership since it came out, breaking into the Billboard Philippines charts and touching the hearts of more and more Filipinos through its emotive sound and confessional, romantic lyrics.

To get to know the up-and-coming Filipino hitmaker, Billboard Philippines caught up with Le John to ask him 21 questions about the success and impact of “Naiilang,” the proudest moment of his career so far, his future plans as a performer, and more.

Billboard Philippines: Who or what made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

Le John: It wasn’t really one big moment, it kind of happened gradually over time.

Back in high school at STEFTI (St. Therese Educational Foundation of Tacloban Inc.), we’d always jam in the classroom during breaks, just messing around with music, often get scolded by our teachers because we even do it during class hours. Some of my friends started pointing out that I had a good voice, and others would tell me I should try recording something. I think that’s where it all started, just those little moments that eventually made me think, “Wait, maybe I can actually do this.”

How would you personally describe your music?

I would say my music is a mix of Pop, Alternative, and R&B. Influenced both by OPM and western pop music.

Which artists have been your greatest influences?

I’ve been a fan of Charlie Puth since high school and I think he one of my greatest influences in my music. Bruno Mars is up there as well. And when it comes to local acts, artists like IV of Spades, December Avenue, and Zack Tabudlo really made me fall in love with OPM and inspired me to make music that feels close to home.

Who is your dream collaboration, both local and international, and why?

[My] dream collaboration would be Maki for local. I really just admire his music lately and I actually met him in Seattle during their US Tour with Silent Sanctuary. He is really nice in person and we exchanged DMs on Instagram, and he is very supportive.

For international, I would say Charlie Puth, mainly because of how he approaches music production. I always watch how he makes his songs and I find it very intriguing.

Outside of music, what else do you enjoy doing?

Watching anime.

Aside from writing your songs yourself, you’re also known for being the one who produces, mixes, and masters them. In your opinion, what about this extensively personal and technical touch to your music makes your songs unique?

I think it just makes everything feel more honest and intentional. Since I’m involved in every part of the process, I can shape the song exactly how I imagine it, from the lyrics down to the smallest detail in the mix. It’s like the emotion I put into writing the song carries all the way through to the final version, and I think people can feel that when they listen.

What is your favorite part about your viral song “Naiilang”?

My favorite part about that record is definitely the bridge. I love surprising listeners musically, like in the bridge you’ll notice a key change and how it modulates from B major to C major. It shifts the whole mood and lifts the emotion right before the final chorus. I think it’s something you don’t hear often in OPM, and it really helped bring out that feeling of growth and acceptance after all the tension earlier in the song.

How does it feel that more and more people are discovering your music thanks to “Naiilang”?

It’s been several months already since “Naiilang” came out and I’m still processing what’s happening lately. I did not expect that this song would be this big as someone who does everything independently from writing to marketing. But I am glad that my music is reaching to a lot more people.

What has been your most memorable moment so far since “Naiilang” went viral?

I think the most memorable moment so far was during its release day. I was on a Discord call with friends when the song dropped and we just watched as the numbers climbed and the fact that it hit 100k+ streams in less than a day was something unforgettable.

What is one song from your discography that you believe is underrated and people should listen to more?

Definitely “Tayo” — and fun fact, I wrote “Naiilang” as a sequel to that song.

Aside from being a singer-songwriter, you’re also the CEO and co-founder of your very own independent label Moody Music. Based on your experience, how has this role aided you in becoming a better artist overall?

Being the CEO and co-founder of Moody Music has really pushed me to see things beyond just making music. I’ve learned to think about the bigger picture, how songs are marketed, how timing and strategy affect everything. It made me more intentional with my releases and helped me understand my audience better.

As an artist who has been officially releasing music for about five or so years now, what has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

I think my proudest moment was when I finished “Naiilang” and got it ready for release. I feel like this track shows my years of growth as an artist both as a songwriter and a producer. Hearing it back, I knew it was a new level for me, and that made me really proud even before anyone else heard it.

As someone born, raised, and based in Tacloban City, what do you hope to achieve for your local music scene in the future?

I was born and raised in Tacloban City, but moved to the U.S. to study to become a nurse, which I already am. That’s about to change though. I’ve already resigned, and this August, I’ll be doing music full-time as my career really starts to take off. I’ll be heading back to the Philippines with a bigger purpose. I’m happy I get to go home because of my talent.

Answering the question, what I really hope to achieve is to help bring OPM to a global stage. That’s the goal. I want to show that even artists from places like Tacloban can make it big and inspire the next generation to believe it’s possible.

Which fellow artist from Tacloban City do you think more people should listen to and why?

I’d say BLK21! They’re a group of talented artists from Tacloban made up of Imer Badilla (K.O.N), Lance Badilla (Lil LB), Rodiard Bulos (RAB), and Moses Abilar (Moozé). I think they are an underrated collective and I think they have the potential to make it big in the hip-hop kalye music scene. I really can’t explain, but their music just has that raw, street sound that connects with the masses. There’s something authentic about it that I think could really resonate if more people heard their music.

Where are the top three places you want to perform in the future?

The Cozy Cove, Wish Bus, and any malls in Manila.

What do you think is your greatest strength as an artist?

I think my greatest strength is being able to produce my own songs. Music production is very expensive and I think me knowing how to produce music saved me a lot of money. Also, I don’t have to rely on someone else which makes my music more personal since every sound you hear on the track is me.

On the other hand, what else do you think you can still improve on as an artist?

Definitely when it comes to writing my lyrics. I feel like there is so much room to improve. I am not that artist who writes using deep Tagalog words. As someone from Tacloban I mainly speak Waray-waray and I wouldn’t say I am the best in Tagalog.

Throughout your career, what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about music so far?

I have learned that being open to feedback is a big part of growing as an artist. People always say “just make music for yourself,” and while that’s true, I think it’s also important to remember that music is a form of communication. It’s meant to connect with others, so hearing how it feels from someone else’s perspective really helps. At the same time, I’ve learned to balance that with staying true to what I love and what feels right to me. It’s all about finding that middle ground where the music is honest, but also speaks to people.

What’s the biggest dream you have for your music?

That my music will reach not only local audiences but also people from around the world.

What do you hope to accomplish by the end of the year?

I hope to play my first headlining shows across the Philippines.

In terms of music, what can we expect from you in the near future?

Definitely more releases and shows. Now that I’m finally in a position to do music full-time, I have the freedom to go all in. So expect a lot more coming your way: new songs, live performances, and just overall more fun and creative things with my music.

Listen to Le John’s “Naiilang” below:

Meet Le John: The Tacloban City-Hailing Hitmaker Behind “Naiilang”