Balladeer Jason Dy tries new genre in upbeat single ‘Ulit-Ulit’

CEBU, Philippines — March 1 is a special date for Jason Dy. He recently released his latest single, “Ulit-Ulit” – his first under Star Music – first day of this month. Eight years ago, this was also the same date he was declared champion of the second season of “The Voice Philippines.”

“It’s been eight years since winning ‘The Voice’, but it feels like yesterday. When I watch ‘The Voice’ and hear the intro, it feels like I am still competing in the blind auditions,” the Cebu City-born singer-songwriter said during a virtual conference. “It’s been quite a ride since then and I am super thankful for everything that has happened so far.”

Dy wrote “Ulit-Ulit” in 2017, but it’s release date kept getting moved until the pandemic happened. He shot the song’s music video last September. Finally releasing the track last March 1 felt like “the right timing,” he says, as it also fell on the day of this eighth anniversary in the industry.

“Ulit-Ulit” is a departure from the 32-year-old balladeer’s usual compositions. It’s a disco-pop tune that tackles repetitive arguments in a relationship. When Dy wrote it years ago, it had a completely different sound.

“It started more slowly, like a ballad. But I wanted to perform and dance to it and make it more upbeat, so I changed the melody to where you can dance, which may be conflicting as the message of the song cuts deep.”

“Ulit-Ulit”, which will be part of his mini-album to be released this year under Star Music, is not necessarily based on his experience.

“I found the idea for the title in the notes app of my phone and I wanted to make a song called ‘Ulit-Ulit.’ I thought of the concept because when you are in a relationship for so long, all of the issues raised feel repetitive, the same topic,” he shared.

“It’s just the same argument over and over and nothing gets resolved. It’s about whether the relationship is worth saving or if it’s heading towards the end.”

The song’s music video double down on the concept as it features several Jason Dys as members of a band performing in a ‘70s-inspired music show, which he described as the “Multiverse of Jason Dy.”

“I was the one who came up with the concept of the music video. The main inspiration is the ‘70s variety shows where the likes of Jackson 5, and Sonny & Cher performed live. I wanted to have a band where I am all of the members, to play on the concept of repetition.”

“I was also inspired by the music video of ‘Hey Ya’ by Outkast because Andre 3000 in that music video was also cloned. And the vibe of the song is very disco and very ‘70s Motown, so I matched the concept to the lyrics.”

“Ulit-Ulit” and its corresponding music video are products of his current inspiration – which is an extension of his love for R&B and soul music as a child.

“Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder were my inspirations growing up, but now I am inspired by artists part of the resurgence of disco dance ‘70s music like Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s Silk Sonic, The Weeknd with his album Dawn FM, and Dua Lipa. Right now, ang init ng ‘70s revival and that’s the sound that inspires me.”

Despite having been with ABS-CBN for eight years, Dy’s previous releases were under labels outside of the network’s recording arm, Star Music.

“I am really excited because I wanted to work with Star Music and keep it all in the family. I got to talk to Sir Roxy Liquigan, the head of Star Music, and I asked if I could release my music under him and he was open to the idea,” he said.

Dy described his working relationship with Star Music as productive as his ideas were supported by his new label. “I love how they were ready to help me realize my vision and that’s what I want from a label and management: support and guidance to help me in the journey of releasing music. Iba ang feeling na sila ang katrabaho ko. Ang galing nila, very efficient when it comes to ideas thrown in our group chat,” said Dy.

“I am thankful to ABS-CBN for giving me these opportunities. As long as they will continue to have me, give me projects, and I continue to work on ‘ASAP’ and other shows, I will always be a Kapamilya.”

Dy looks forward to coming out with new music possibly via an EP. “I have written a couple of songs that are ready to go. We are working towards a June release date because that’s my birth month so hopefully, by then, I’ll be finished with everything.”