TJ Monterde, may espesyal na dahilan sa paggawa ng hit song niyang “Palagi”
- TJ Monterde recalled how he began writing songs at just 13 years old
- He explained how melodies and lyrics usually come together in his songwriting process
- The singer-songwriter revealed how one particular word sparked the creation of “Palagi”
- TJ also shared why he still becomes emotional and amazed when creating music
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TJ Monterde recently looked back on the creative process behind his hit song “Palagi,” sharing how a simple word eventually grew into one of his most recognizable songs.
Source: Facebook
During his conversation with Kara David for i-Listen, the singer-songwriter recalled that he started writing songs when he was only around 13 years old. Before pursuing music full-time, TJ also experienced working as a radio DJ and later as a regional television host before moving to Manila after college in 2011.
When asked whether he usually starts songwriting with a melody or lyrics, TJ explained that his approach depends on the situation.
"It's always case to case po e," TJ answered.
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He revealed that he keeps numerous melodies recorded on his phone, describing them as his personal “bank of melodies.” TJ said he often hums spontaneously and records melodies whenever something catches his attention, even before knowing what lyrics will eventually accompany them.
The songwriting process changes when a particular line suddenly comes to him. According to TJ, that moment can become the starting point for building an entire song.
One example was “Palagi,” which he said began when a particular word caught his attention while he was thinking about a milestone involving his wife, KZ Tandingan.
"Palagi, talaga. Parang I was just looking for a word to celebrate 'yung isang milestone namin ni KZ [Tandingan, kanyang asawa] nung 2023. Ano bang puwede kong i-describe sa kanya? And I stumbled upon the word online na pinost ko na pala dati. Sinulat do'n, 'Nandito lang ako palagi,' parang ganu'n."
From there, TJ developed the idea by writing the word down along with different phrases before arranging them until they began to resemble a poem. He would then use his phone and guitar to match the emerging lyrics with a melody.
For TJ, the key to songwriting is finding the right balance between the two elements.
"Kasi for me, songwriting is, it's the perfect marriage of melody and lyrics. Dapat 'yung nababaso mo sana as a songwriter, 'pag binasa ko siya at 'pag pinatugtog siya, same 'yung mararamdaman ko, sana ganu'n. So if you get the perfect marriage of lyrics and melody, napakagandang kanta non."
The process can still leave TJ emotional despite his years in the industry.
"Minsan naiiyak ako sa sobrang... kasi naa-amaze ako. Until now, I've been in this business for quite a while, but naa-amaze pa rin ako sa creatives. 'Yung getting to create something out of nothing."
He also credited God for the inspiration behind his music, saying that he sometimes finds himself amazed by the songs he manages to create.
"Tapos parang 'Lord, thank you.' Kasi naniniwala ako talaga rin na hindi ako 'yon. Until now, when I listen to my songs, 'Ako ba sumulat n'yan?' 'Yan, that feeling."
TJ’s reflections show that behind a familiar hit can be an unexpectedly simple beginning—sometimes just a melody, a striking line, or a single word that eventually develops into a complete song.
TJ Monterde, born Titus John Monterde, is a popular Filipino singer-songwriter who built a massive musical following with hit acoustic-pop ballads like "Ikaw at Ako," "Dahil Sa 'Yo," and "Palagi." Beyond his solo career, he frequently collaborates on music and tours with his wife, fellow OPM star KZ Tandingan.
In another report, KZ Tandingan, TJ Monterde, and John Prats grieved the unexpected passing of guitarist Makoy Portado, whom they considered a close friend and longtime collaborator. KZ looked back on their journey to Manila 15 years ago, when she and Makoy pursued their dreams in music together. TJ expressed his deep appreciation for Makoy and promised that his future children would grow up knowing about the beloved friend he considered family. John, meanwhile, admitted that he could not imagine how their gigs would continue or what it would be like to perform again without Makoy.
Meanwhile, KZ Tandingan looked back on her 14-year journey in the music industry and the challenges she faced while refusing to conform to expectations placed on her. The singer highlighted the importance of women taking up space and using their voices to express themselves through art. Billboard Philippines recognized KZ for her fearless artistic path and willingness to challenge established norms. She dedicated the recognition to her family, supporters, husband, and God, whom she credited as part of her journey.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
