Tonight, we welcome JeffreYumol, a pioneering figure in Philippine Hip-Hop. From his award-winning career—including the Asian Achiever Award and numerous songwriting accolades—to founding his own label, Downorth Musique, his journey is inspiring. We’ll discuss his impactful career, his memorable “Pitch Your Hunger” moment, and his commitment to fostering new talent. Let’s welcome JeffreYumol!
What sparked your passion for music, and who were some of your early musical influences?
Music has always played a significant role in my life. Both my parents are music lovers. I’m a big fan of Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B but I also have a big heart for OPM’s very own. I love listening to Up Dharma Down, Clara Benin, (((o))), and Reese Lansangan. Their songs are my escape from the loud beat of music production. But international artists such as Kanye West, Jay Z, and Jhene Aiko had a profound influence on me. Their captivating storytelling and melodies inspired me to craft my sound.
Can you describe your journey into music, from your early days to your decision to pursue it professionally?
I started writing songs back in 2009, primarily as a personal form of expression. As time passed, my love for music evolved into a desire to share it with the world. I self-studied music production, video editing, and graphic designing so I can have freedom from composing my sounds to creating my album artwork to shooting my visuals. After I finished recording my first album, I went to every record label in Metro Manila trying to shop for my demo. But because I didn’t have any followers, I didn’t get signed by any of them. But I wasn’t discouraged by the rejections. From there, I kept pushing myself to refine my craft and eventually decided to pursue music professionally even though my resources are limited.
What role did your upbringing and environment play in shaping your musical style and perspective?
My upbringing taught me resilience and the importance of storytelling. I grew up in an environment where hard work was valued, and I applied that same mentality to my music. I also pull a lot from personal experiences both the highs and lows which have shaped my style into something honest and emotionally driven.
Your win in the GMA 7 Diva Songwriting Contest with “My Girl” performed by Jay-R is impressive. How did that collaboration come about, and what was it like working with such a renowned artist?
Winning that contest was a surreal experience. “My Girl” was just a song I wrote on a bus while traveling to my gig. I really didn’t expect it to win the grand prize. At the finals, Jay-R hadn’t even memorized the song. There are times that he’s just mumbling while performing it but it’s all good. I have so much respect for Jay-R and up until now, I am grateful to him for interpreting the song and helping me win the competition.
You founded Downorth Musique. What motivated you to start your own record label, and what challenges and rewards have you encountered?
After not being signed by the labels that I passed my demo to, I told myself, “If they will not let me in using the main door, I will use the window”, so I decided to create my record label. I named it Downorth Musique. Dow means “to be able” or “capable” and North means that I am from the north side of the country, Bataan. I started Downorth Musique because I wanted to create a space where independent artists could thrive without compromising their artistic identity. One of the biggest challenges is competing with mainstream labels who have more resources. They will try to direct-message our artists inviting them to sign with them and to be honest, I am not against it because it can only mean that I always signed great artists that even the mainstream labels will go after them. Some of our artists are now signed by these big labels, and I’m proud of them. But the reward is seeing raw talent develop into something great, helping artists find their voice and grow in the industry.
What’s your approach to artist development within Downorth Musique? How do you nurture and guide emerging talent?
In the meantime, we only sign singer-songwriter artists. Our focus is authenticity. I want artists to stay true to who they are while refining their skills. From there, we will work on their recording session, mixing, mastering, DSP distribution and priority pitching. I also encourage them to be involved in every aspect of their music career, so they understand both the creative and business sides of the industry.
What are some of the key themes and messages you explore in your music?
Love, self-discovery, and the complexities of human emotions are central themes in my music. I like to explore both the beauty and struggles of relationships, as well as personal growth and resilience.
How would you describe your musical style, and how has it evolved over time?
My style blends Rap, R&B, and pop, but I always keep an OPM touch in my melodies and lyrics. Over time, I’ve learned to experiment more. Incorporating different sounds and influences to keep my music fresh while staying true to my core identity.
What inspires your songwriting process? Do you have any specific routines or rituals?
Real-life experiences inspire me the most. I always start with the creation of the beats, then I start writing lyrics while listening to it. I will also make sure to record the melodies I’m making so I won’t forget them when I record it. I don’t have strict routines, but I find that late nights or quiet moments tend to bring out my best ideas.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as an independent artist and label owner in the Philippines?
The biggest challenge is visibility. The industry is saturated, and breaking through without the backing of a major label requires a lot of strategy, persistence, and networking. Funding is another challenge. Producing music, marketing, and distribution all require resources. So the strategy we always use is to make friends with the industry. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
How do you navigate the complexities of the music industry, balancing artistic vision with business realities?
It’s a constant balancing act. I make sure I stay updated on industry trends while keeping my artistic integrity intact. Being independent is not easy. But being uneasy excites me. I also started to surround myself with a solid team that will help me make informed decisions, whether it’s about branding, marketing, or collaborations.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians in the Philippines who dream of making it big?
If you think music is your destiny, and that you can make it big in the industry, then start working. If you think that this whole thing is easy, I suggest you find another job. Music is not your ordinary 9 to 5 thing. This is art, and this type of art needs a lot of energy, consistency, imagination, skills, humility, a support system and money. Artists eat rejections for breakfast so you should be ready.
But if you want to be in the industry badly, you have to stay true to your craft but also learn the business side of music. Talent alone isn’t enough. You need to understand how to market yourself, build connections, and create opportunities. Most importantly, never stop learning and evolving. The industry changes fast, and adaptability is key.
JeffreYumol Releases New EP #Engkanto, Out Now on All Streaming Platforms
Following the success of his previous single, Liryo Ng Tubig, JeffreYumol continues to captivate listeners with his unique blend of heartfelt lyricism and enchanting melodies.
As JeffreYumol continues his goal to release a song every month in 2025, Engkanto sets the stage for even more exciting music to come.
Stream Engkanto now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and all major platforms.
Click the link: bfan.link/engkanto
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