Photo Courtesy of Jet
A new wave of artists is redefining the sound of Filipino R&B—and among them is Cebu-born singer-songwriter John Efraim Tirol, known professionally as JET. With his smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and signature blend of chill, romantic vibes, JET continues to carve out a space that resonates with listeners looking for both authenticity and groove.
From crafting feel-good love songs to exploring the deeper emotions behind his music, JET’s artistry reflects a journey shaped by passion, growth, and a clear vision of the sound he wants to share with the world. His music speaks to moments that feel personal yet universally understood—making him one of the rising voices to watch in the local R&B scene.
In this City Stories feature, we sit down with JET to talk about his beginnings in Cebu, the inspirations behind his sound, and what lies ahead in his musical journey.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers and share how your journey in music started?
JET (John Efrain Tirol) is a young R&B singer-songwriter born and raised in the Philippines and proudly based in the Queen City of the South – Cebu. He is managed by MSNY PH and under Homeworkz Music label.
Exposed early on to genres such as Pop, Chill Pop, and R&B, JET has developed a sound that blends smooth melodies with heartfelt storytelling.
Discovered and mentored by the King of R&B himself, Jay R, JET was guided in shaping his artistry and musical direction. One of the biggest milestones in his career was releasing his debut song in collaboration with the multi-platinum Philippine R&B icon, a dream come true.
Growing up in Cebu, what kind of music influenced you the most?
I grew up listening to a mix of R&B, pop especially Michael Jackaon when i was a kid like elementary days, and ofcourse OPM.
I was drawn to the smooth melodies of R&B and the emotional storytelling of OPM. That combination shaped my musical taste and eventually influenced my own sound.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a singer-songwriter?
I realized it when I wrote jingles first and after that i started make original song and saw how people connected to it.
That moment made me understand that music isn’t just about singing it’s about telling stories and making people feel something.
How would you describe your sound and identity as an artist?
My sound is soulful, emotional, and relatable. I like creating music that feels intimate like I’m having a real conversation with the listener.
Your music blends R&B, pop, and OPM—how did you develop this style?
It happened naturally because those are the genres I grew up listening to. I didn’t force the blend; it just became my identity over time. I want my music to feel modern but still carry that heartfelt Filipino emotion.
What usually inspires your songwriting?
Most of my songs are inspired by personal experiences , Sometimes I also draw inspiration from stories of people around me.
Can you walk us through your creative process when making a new song?
Usually, I start with a melody. Once I find a melody that feels right, I build the lyrics around the emotion it gives me.
Sometimes it starts with a single line or phrase that keeps repeating in my head.
Tell us about your single “All Day, All Night.” What is the story behind it?
“All Day, All Night” is about consistency in love the kind that doesn’t fade with time. It talks about being there for someone not just in the good moments, but every single day and night.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take from this song?
I want listeners to feel reassured that real love still exists, and consistency matters. It’s a reminder that genuine feelings don’t have an expiration date.
How was the experience working under Homeworkz Music?
It was a valuable experience. Being under Homeworkz Music helped me grow professionally and understand the business side of music more.
They guided me while still allowing me to stay true to my Artistry I also worked with Jay-R and Kris Lawrence artists I used to only watch on TV before.
I never expected that the time would come when I would actually work with them because of my talent. Imagine, the King of R&B Jay-R and the Prince of R&B Kris Lawrence artists admired by so many.
I used to sing along to their songs, and now I get to be with them regularly. Not just as collaborators in music, but they’ve become like older brothers to me. They guide me and help me grow into a better artist.
You worked with Jay-R on the song “LIGAW.” How did that collaboration happen?
It all started when I covered one of the biggest OPM hit songs, “Bakit Pa Ba.” I only sang a small line from the chorus and tagged him to give proper credit. That’s when he saw my cover. After that, he checked my profile and discovered that I had original songs. He told me they were good, but he noticed they weren’t submitted to streaming platforms yet.
He called me and asked if I was signed to a label or if anyone was already managing me, because he said he wanted to sign me after seeing my potential. We talked about music and shared ideas. Then suddenly, he told me he wanted me to fly to Manila. It was my first time riding an airplane and going to Manila.
That’s where we wrote “Ligaw” together and recorded it at his studio under Homeworkz Music. That’s how everything started. Since then, I’ve been traveling back and forth to Manila for shows and different projects.
What was the biggest lesson you learned from working with him?
Aside from singing skills, I learned professionalism and consistency. Talent is important, but discipline and work ethic are what truly sustain a career.
Are there other artists you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Yes, definitely. I’d love to collaborate with artists specially my OPM Idols, I’m always open to creating something fresh and meaningful.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist from Cebu?
One of the biggest challenges is exposure, since much of the mainstream industry is based in Manila. But with streaming platforms and social media, artists from the provinces now have more opportunities to be heard. I am also fortunate that I now have MSNY PH as my management team.
They are very supportive of rising countryside artists like me, and they provide support and guidance, exposure and even finance our projects.
How do you stay motivated during difficult times in your career?
I remind myself why I started. Every milestone even small ones like reaching streaming goals motivates me to keep going. I focus on growth rather than pressure.
What does success mean to you personally?
Success isn’t just about numbers for me. It’s about knowing that my music has touched someone’s life. If one person relates to my song, that already means a lot.
What can fans expect from you in the coming months?
I have more upcoming songs in the coming months- I recently released a new single “Palayain Ka”, produced by MSNY PH and released under Homeworkz Music. I am also happy to shared that it was included in Spotify’s New Music Friday during its release.
Are you working on an EP or album soon?.
Yes, I’m currently developing a bigger project. I want it to tell a cohesive story, not just be a collection of songs.
Is there a particular concept or sound you want to explore next?
I’d like to explore a more stripped-down R&B sound something raw and emotionally transparent.
Do you have a message for your supporters and for readers discovering your music for the first time?
To everyone who has been supporting me since day one, thank you so much.and btw for streaming my newest single Tahimik , tahimik is now almost 200K streams already. Your support means everything!
Follow him on all platforms for new music, updates, and exclusive content you won’t want to miss
IG: @jetmusicph
TikTok: @jetmusicofficial
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