Following the release of GRADIENT back in November 2023, Filipino-Chinese artist, Josh Makazo, has dropped a sonically and visually stunning new single titled, “Hours.” With the impressive success of his debut work that garnered him over 13 million streams across all platforms and even earning him a spot at No. 2 as the “Most-Viewed Artist” on TikTok in Singapore last year, Josh has quickly become a talent the world should watch out for! Aimed at sharing stories of growing up and personal experiences through a darker contemporary R&B sound, Josh ensures pure authenticity in his work.
“Hours” truly showcases Josh’s artistry and quickly takes the listener into a whole new universe which is visually confirmed in the cinematic music video for the track. Arambulo Live had the opportunity to chat with Josh in an exclusive interview:
AL: Hi Josh! As a quick little history lesson, can you please share how you got started in the music industry?
Josh: I got started in the music industry after a deep and early immersion in musical theater. At the age of 11, I began performing in various professional musical theater productions alongside some charitable concerts. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this experience subsequently shaped my artistic sensibilities and influenced my own creative works. The storytelling, emotion, and dramatic elements of musical theater became foundational to my music, helping me craft songs, such as my latest single “Hours” with resonant narratives and expressive depth. Transitioning from theater to music felt like a natural progression, allowing me to blend my theatrical roots with my passion for songwriting and performance.
AL: How did you discover that you were able to write and produce songs that pull from your own experiences?
Josh: I started producing music at the age of 14, but just as a hobby. At that time of my life I had enjoyed singing and recording covers to some of my favorite songs, but instead of getting an instrumental from online, I would try to understand the production qualities of these songs and make them for myself in Logic Pro – My preferred DAW (Digital Audio Workshop). At first, it was difficult learning the process of music production “backwards”, but in a way, this introduction to music production had greatly accelerated my skills. It was only at the age of 17 when I interned at an independent music label and met some exceptional individuals that incited me to make music for a reason. Previously I had only known to make music for the sake of it, but it was only then and there when I implored myself to work with more passion and meaning.
AL: How would you say your Filipino-Chinese background has influenced your music?
Josh: My Filipino-Chinese background has definitely added a fun twist to my music. When I was younger, family gatherings on my Filipino side would more often than not end up at the karaoke machine. A room full of my relatives, belting out everything from soulful ballads to pop hits, often with questionable pitch but undeniable passion.
AL: Who are some artists you pull inspiration from?
Josh: I draw inspiration from a variety of artists, but one standout is Frank Ocean. His introspective lyrics and ethereal production soundscapes have profoundly influenced my music. I admire how he seamlessly blends personal storytelling with innovative sounds, creating an emotional depth that resonates deeply with listeners. His ability to evoke such vivid imagery and emotion in his songs pushes me to explore my own experiences and translate them into my music.
AL: Your latest single “Hours,” is an incredible track – how was the creative process for it?
Josh: The song is about bidding a last goodbye to an impressionable past lover, and I wanted to capture the bittersweet emotions that I endured with that farewell. The lyrics came naturally as I channeled those emotions, aiming to convey this impact that past lover had on me. I also wanted to create an ethereal soundscape that would amplify the song’s emotional depth by layering ambient synths, soft yet impactful percussions, and subtle vocal harmonies to give the track a dreamy, almost otherworldly feel. The goal was to create a sonic and visual environment that mirrored the feeling of looking back on a meaningful relationship.
AL: The MV is one of the most impressive visuals we’ve seen in a while. A cinematic masterpiece! How did the idea for this concept come about?
Josh: The concept for the music video of “Hours” emerged from my passion for both music and filmmaking. Before diving into music, I had a strong desire to convey song narratives visually on screen. Elements like the dystopian and Blade Runner aesthetic were foundational ideas I had conceptualized. Working with Singapore-based production company Abundant Productions and director Salihin Ramli was pivotal in bringing this vision to life. Their expertise and creativity amplified the imagery and storytelling, turning the initial concepts into a cinematic masterpiece. Together, we crafted a visual narrative that mirrored the song’s emotional depth, blending nostalgic reflections with futuristic elements to create a unique and captivating experience. Their brilliance and dedication made the music video for “Hours” not only visually stunning but also a true reflection of the song’s themes of introspection and letting go. I’m incredibly grateful for their collaboration and thrilled that the music video resonates as a cinematic masterpiece.
AL: What scene was your favorite to film? Is there a fun behind-the-scenes story you can share?
Josh: To enhance the visual atmosphere, the production team decided to turn off the air conditioning and add smoke on set. This created a moody, atmospheric effect but also made the environment quite warm and challenging to work in, especially while wearing thick clothing for the shots. Despite the discomfort, everyone on set was incredibly dedicated, and we managed to capture some truly stunning visuals that perfectly complemented the song’s narrative. It’s moments like these, where everyone comes together with creativity and perseverance, that make the final product so rewarding. I’m just lucky to have been lying down on a platform for more than half of the shots – even though after the first 45 minutes my back would start to go numb.
AL: Your debut is fairly recent but you’ve already garnered quite some traction on your music! What’s your reaction to the success of “GRADIENT” as well as for “half of my heart”?
Josh: For “GRADIENT,” I wanted to explore themes of growth and transformation from a more “reckless behavior”, and I’m so thankful that listeners have connected with its message. “half of my heart” also holds a special place for me as well, as it was the first song that had really resonated with many listeners. Knowing the context of the song, it’s bittersweet knowing that many people do connect with the heartbreak encapsulated in the track, but reading comments that have mentioned its ability to heal and mend the soul is why I make music in the first place and it inspires me to create even more.
AL: Any upcoming projects we can look forward to?
Josh: I won’t reveal too much, but “I see everything in ULTRAVIOLET”.
AL: Please invite our audience to check out “Hours” and do you have a message for the fans who have streamed and supported your music as well as a message for the new fans who have just discovered you?
Josh: To all my amazing fans who’ve streamed and supported my music: Thank you so much for your incredible support and love. It means the world to me, and I’m so grateful for each of you. And to those discovering my music for the first time: I’m thrilled to have you here and hope you find something special in my songs.
My latest single “Hours” is out now! Go check out the music video and be sure to keep updated because the story will go on!
Josh Makazo is a new artist that any music fan should put on their radar! Be sure to add “Hours” to your playlists and check out the stunning music video and behind the scenes footage down below!
Thank you to Secret Signals and Team Josh for the interview opportunity!