Johnoy Danao sells the music as he made the big leap to the mainstream

Singer-songwriter Johnoy Danao has made the big leap to the mainstream music scene from being indie before. Johnoy Danao will keep on playing his guitar and singing his songs as long as he reaches his audience and as long as he enjoys his music. Recently, Universal Records launched his first album "Samu't Sari." His first created buzz via his entry “Kung ‘Di Man” in last year’s Philpop. Jonoyh's hopes to create a bigger mark in the industry via his new album.

Dubbed as the must-have OPM album of the year, his first mainstream album Samu’t-Sari boasts of songs that tackle love in its different faces. This is Johnoy’s first album under a major record label, and he chose Universal Records to take care of his songs.

“Releasing an album independently was a great experience for me,” admits Johnoy. “But, I realized that working with a label, gives me a chance to reach a wider audience. Limited din kasi talaga pag ikaw lang mag-isa. Kahit anong sipag mo, may hangganan sa maaabot na tenga.”

Johnoy, who has established his own strong following in his years as an independent artist, is proud to be in the Universal Records’ roster of artists, which includes OPM President Ogie Alcasid and Noel Cabangon.

“I had a very pleasant experience working with Universal Records’ resident producer Ito Rapadas when we we were working on last year’s PhilPop album,” says Johnoy when asked why he chose Universal Records to be his first mainstream label.

“Plus, I really respect the artists in the roster. They are the people I look up to. I am in good company.”

When asked what the buyers of his album should expect from the album, he quips, “Samu’t-Sari is my way of introducing my music to a wider audience. It is never about me, my face, the visuals. It is all about the music, the voice.”

Samu’t-Sari,” Danao’s first mainstream album, has 12 tracks. Apart from “Bakuran” it also include “Buntong-hininga,” “Salamat Sinta,” “Aking Mahal,” “Bilog Ang Bola,” “Malayang Bilanggo,” “Kung ‘Di Man,” “Dapithapon,” “Salubong,” “Ikaw At Ako” and covers of Itchyworms’ “Beer” and Imago’s “Sundo.”

“iba’t-ibang kuwento ang napapaloob sa album na ‘to. Iba’t-ibang tunog rin ang maririnig. Pero, lahat nasa iisang tema ng pag-ibig. Kasama din dito ang mga Beer at Sundo, na parehong paboritong i-request sa akin sa mga gig.”

When asked why, of all OPM songs, he chose Beer and Sundo to be included in the album, he replies, “Ang ganda ng mga kantang ‘to. Ito yung mga kanta na alam mong pinag-isipan. Ito yung kanta na minsan iniisip ko na, ‘sana ako nagsulat nito.’”

Johnoy describes the entire album as easy listening, perfect for sentimental moments or road trips.

Johnoy considers Buntong-hininga and Bakuran two of his favorite cuts from the album.

“Buntong-hininga kasi magaan, maaliwalas, at napapanahon sa init ngayon,” describes Johnoy. “Bakuran (his collaboration with Aiza Seguerra) naman at sumasalamin sa kung paano tayo lahat nagmamahal.”

Johnoy is also happy that his version of the 2013 PhilPop entry Kung Di Man is included in the album. The song, which was interpreted by Ney Dimaculangan in the festival, was 1st runner-up in last year’s PhilPop.

Ikaw At Ako, perhaps the most notable Johnoy Danao song, is also included in the album. The said song was used as theme in one of the episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya.

Johnoy expressed pride over his Samu’t-Sari album because he added different elements in every song in the album.

He cites, “we used Tuba in Salubong, Bassoon for Malayang Bilanggo… All songs have their own individual highlights.”