Jonalyn singing a new tune

MANILA, Philippines - Jonalyn Viray has started a new chapter in her showbiz life by forging a partnership with Creative Media Entertainment after spending 10 fruitful years at GMA 7. She and her new management are looking for new platforms to showcase further Jonalyn’s vocal chops and versatility.

“While I was working with GMA, Creative Media Entertainment was there to back me up and it produced concerts and albums for me,” Jonalyn said. “They (the people behind the company) have been there with me for many years.”

With this latest development in her career, Jonalyn clarified that “I’m not totally leaving GMA. I’m still open to appear in any of its shows and, at the same time, I’m open to work with other networks, like ABS-CBN and TV5.”

Toying with the idea of becoming a freelance talent started when Jonalyn’s Sunday concert musical variety show Sunday All Stars bade goodbye on air. Although she was offered to appear in Sunday Pinasaya, Jonalyn begged off.

“(Sunday Pinasaya) is more focused on comedy,” she said. “I had to be honest with the management. (I told them) that (comedy) is not my forte or the direction (and path) I want to tread. We had meetings. Alam po nila na wala na akong contract ngayon and I’m now freelance. Actually, there was a negotiation, yun nga lang di nagtagpo (dun) sa path na gusto kong puntahan.” This is perhaps part of how she has envisioned herself to be in the coming years — that of a singer who explores varied musical genres and collaborates with different artists.

Jonalyn’s upcoming album set to be released next year is the first step to it. Her latest single titled Heart Of Glass is a sneak peek into this musical venture and can be downloaded from digital stores. 

“I want to focus on the music scene and the concert scene,” she said. “I want to release new songs and new albums. (As for the album,) hindi naman talaga lalayo o hihiwalay (sa mga kanta na nagawa ko na). (I’m not totally veering away from the songs I’ve done before). The sound will be updated. I’m sure, yun pa rin yung gusto ng tao, kung saan sila na sanay sa sound ko. I’m sure yun pa rin ang hahanap-hanapin sa akin pag naglabas ako ng material. It’s just that the materials I’m releasing soon offer a new and updated sound. There is a touch of pop-urban. I have upbeat songs in the album. It has like a classic, disco feel with EDM sound. The themes like love, however, remain the same.” Although she is now into these new songs, Jonalyn said she still considers Mariah Carey and Beyoncé her ultimate influences and appreciates the music of Sam Smith.

In her recent pocket interview, Jonalyn exuded the aura of happiness and her voice was definitely full of excitement. 

“I’m very happy that I’m under Creative Media Entertainment,” she said. “I’m also given the creative freedom to choose the songs and to work with my songwriter Edmund Perlas. (I’m also consulted about) the arrangement of songs. I have really dedicated myself to this. I’m glad that Creative Media Entertainment is there to guide me.”

What’s in store for her next year?

“My show (Journey Into My Heart), which was mounted last November, will have a repeat,” Jonalyn answered. It will be followed by the release of more songs, and music videos. So far, Jonalyn and her team wrapped up shooting three MTVs and the power belter was thankful to Ian Celis Productions “for helping us create astig music videos.” The song Somebody Like You and its music video will see Jonalyn performing with guest artist Dennis Trillo, a rock singer in his own right. Jonalyn said that Dennis fits the pop-alternative leaning of the song, reminding one of One Republic.

For this latest outing, Jonalyn has worked with songwriter Edmund and Swedish and American songwriters. The launch of her five-track EP is in the pipeline. It is an addition to Jonalyn’s full-length On My Own and self-titled albums, which spawned such hits as Nakita Kang Muli and Help Me Get Over You, the soundtrack of My Husband’s Lover. 

With that, Jonalyn is welcoming the New Year with new management and new music.

(For updates, like Jonalyn Viray Official on Facebook and follow her on Twitter and on Instagram at @jonalyn_viray.)