Today we’d like to introduce you to jQuelz.
jQuelz, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a Filipina-American R&B singer-songwriter and co-founder of TPP shows. I was born and raised in the Bay Area (ayyye) and currently reside in SoCal. I grew up listening to my father, Jojo, singing and playing his guitar. He inspired me to start singing at about the age of five. We often visited the music store to pick out karaoke cds and went home to sing our hearts out in the living room. My dad was like a singing coach to me, and he made sure I practiced almost everyday, whether it was with him or with my cousins.
I started off as a cover artist in 2010, performing at open mics and small competitions. In 2015, I was in college, sitting on the floor of my dorm room, when I wrote my first song. It was the first song to ever heal me from previous trials that were blessings in disguise. I began recording my music professionally in 2016 and released my first EP, “The Existence.” This EP made me question my ability to grow in this industry, but thanks to a very good friend (now husband), Anthony, I was motivated to continue creating, performing, and keep going.
Following this EP was “Love to Love,” featuring five tracks released in 2017. This EP’s hit single, “Be With You,” became popular from live performances at Neck of the Woods, Cornerstone, Brick and Mortar, and 111 Minna to name a few. Following these EPs were several singles that paved the way to my success today. “Fallin’ For You” and “Bare” were among the handful that attracted even larger audiences from live performances at Live House Hollywood, Station 1640, Harvelle’s, Harvey Mudd College, and more.
In 2019, I headlined my first sold-out show at The Lost Church in San Francisco before relocating to LA. My entire support system, family, and friends showed up to support and that is a special moment I hold very dear to my heart. I released my latest project, “Whatevz,” in February 2020 and dropped my newest single, “I’m Missin’ You,” in May.
I continue to “wake my dreams” as an R&B singer-songwriter with the support of my family, friends, and listeners.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it wouldn’t be such a fulfilling journey to navigate through if it weren’t challenging. Some of my biggest struggles were frequent experiences of writer’s block, performing at empty venues (resulting in doubting my talents and abilities), and the biggest one was deciding whether continuing with this career would be worth it, or if I should just settle for a salary job that I wasn’t passionate about.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I specialize in R&B music reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s. I’ve written songs revolving around different types of love – self love, romantic love, making love, aspirations of love. I’ve been told my music has influences from Aaliyah (R.I.P.), Ashanti, and Jhene Aiko, to name a few. These women are artists I definitely admire and hope to get to their level someday!
One thing that sets me apart from others is that I am a co-founder of TPP shows. TPP is the abbreviation for The People’s Party, a platform provided for Hip-Hop and R&B artists to share their art, perform, and connect with other artists. My husband and I started The People’s Party in San Francisco in 2018. As artists, we had moments in which we were seldom getting booked for shows, we were being charged to perform, or were expected to bring large crowds on a weeknight. We didn’t feel valued as artists who are passionate about our music, so we asked, “why not throw our own shows?” At the first TPP show, we had a lineup of eight artists and drew in a genuine and supportive crowd – you could just feel the amazing energy in the room. Performers supported the other performers, artists came to connect with those on the lineup, supporters showed love and it was amazing. We did this about every other month in the Bay Area, some days we had 200 supporters show up, some days we had ten supporters in the room. The biggest takeaway was that artists appreciated having that platform to perform, share their art, connect with other talented creatives and be provided a venue, a DJ, a stage, a microphone, promotional material, sometimes drink tickets (if our budget allowed it), all at no cost to the artist. Being a co-founder of TPP shows sets me apart from others because I have a passion for genuinely supporting other upcoming artists.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am currently working on my debut album and am looking forward to releasing that as my best project thus far. I am excited to collaborate with my dope ass producer, bad ass videographers, boss ass photographers, and sexy ass dancers haha! I can’t wait for the world to connect with me and my music. My two most important goals are to inspire artists and listeners to be in touch with their true selves, and to share amazing energy and music with my supporters in large performance venues, stadiums, and arenas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jquelz.com/
- Email: jquelzmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jquelz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jQuelz/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jQuelz
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/45HJccjLuOEUFWwcRvb8H7
Image Credit:
Shots By Top Notch, Stella Rose, Mikie Schulz, Anthony Wilcox Jr.
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