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Folk-pop singer-songwriter Jan Roberts drops his new single “Kung Masusunod,” featuring none other than Filipino folk icon Johnoy Danao.
The soft OPM folk ballad talks about the weight of loving someone with all the uncertainties of not being able to give them everything they deserve. Marked as Roberts’ most personal releases in his career, “Kung Masusunod” is about the longing to make life easier and better for the person you love.
“I wish I had the ability to make you feel that being with me wouldn’t make life or anything else difficult for you,” Roberts shares. Driven by its acoustic and minimalist tendencies, the light instrumentation and production make “Kung Masusunod” feel comforting, warm, and vulnerable.
“The lyric that hits me the hardest is ‘Ipararanas sa’yo ang buhay na makulay (I will let you experience a life full of color).’ It shows my desire to make our life together happy and full of color,” Roberts explains.
The track wouldn’t be complete without Roberts joining forces with a legend of the industry. Danao, who has captured the hearts and ears of many listeners as an independent musician, composer, and singer-songwriter, is one of Roberts’ many inspirations when it comes to making music.
“It’s my dream to have a collab with one of the legends of the OPM scene,” Roberts says. As for Danao, it was as easy as 1-2-3 when he agreed to work with Roberts, saying, “The song made me say yes right away. Catchy chorus, earworm tune — I could easily see and hear myself singing it.”
“The song being in my wheelhouse, the collaboration with Jan was a joy and a breeze,” Danao recalls. He was also given space to make the song his own, noting that Jan let him write his part. As a full-circle moment, Roberts revealed that the guitar playing on the song was directly inspired by Danao’s own song “Right Time.”
“This song represents me showing a more vulnerable side and embracing raw emotions,” Roberts adds. “The song is for everyone — for the lover, and for people who feel like they’re carrying a heavy feeling inside, tired and exhausted.” Ultimately, “Kung Masusunod” isn’t a breakup song, but it also isn’t a conventional love song either. In a way, it’s a track that makes you feel held.
Listen to “Kung Masusunod” below: