That one-man-band mentality has persisted, collecting instruments as he goes, though he’s never been formally trained; instead developing his own ear. Prestigious music colleges were too expensive and so he eventually moved to Paris to study the sound and film, which helped give him grounding in cinematic arrangements. He fell into the city’s nightlife scene, playing live instruments in clubs in Paris, and became known as a Soundcloud producer who blended house and jazz, as on his vibey 2013 Time For A Change EP.
But then in 2015, he played a festival in the Philippines that changed everything. There he met June, who performs as ((( O )))) and who he’d remixed a track for. Eventually they got married and moved in together on an island off the country’s south coast, where they have created a tropical studio idyll that looks out onto lush rainforest. You can see it in the live session FKJ recorded there in 2019 (over 19m views on YouTube), as he flits between piano, singing and sax.
The seeds for his more introspective sound were sown with his 2017 self-titled debut, while the track that he did with Masego that same year, ‘Tadow’, further evidenced his effortless ear for intriguing rhythms – the pair made the hip-hop-speared jazz jam out of a day-long improvisation in Paris, duelling on their saxophones, their keyboards and drums interlocking effortlessly. There’s an ease to his collaborations – nothing forced; artists who are like-minded about being guided by groove – see the meeting of minds on the track “Risk’ with the American rapper Bas or his latest remix for PinkPantheress.
But in 2019, FKJ started drawing more from within. He released the Ylang Ylang EP, the result of a tumultuous and devastating year when June miscarried. The couple cancelled their commitments and holed up together to recuperate and make music. The sweepingly romantic jazz of the title track is the EP’s centrepiece, encircled by crisp R&B beats, acoustic guitar flourishes and ambitious sax instrumentals on the other songs. The making of it soothed them as much as it did his growing international fanbase. “With music, I feel safe,” he says. “So when I hear that my music is healing for people, it’s the best compliment.”
Back in the Philippines, with no wifi and an impending global lockdown, FKJ was quite literally cut off from the world, able to explore music’s endless possibilities. “Sometimes I would get into it for the whole night and go to bed when the sun came up.” Out of this freedom comes an expressionistic, touching album that’s impossible to pin down. There’s no more hiding behind a branch of leaves, as he did on the cover of his 2017 debut: V I N C E N T marks FKJ out as a crucial new voice. He’s redefining chillout music with his bursts of late-night jazz sax and piano, coupled with his wood-cabin whispery vocals, recalling Bon Iver’s early work, and those Santana-styled guitar flourishes.
V I N C E N T is a marvel – and testament to the magic that can happen when you dig deep. “This was a challenging record,” he says. “I’m a perfectionist and it’s hard to shake that off. But once I did, and I let the music take over, I felt totally free.”
So much to me
FKJ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, ohh hey whatchu doing? Because you mean
Because you mean so much to me because you
Oh, ohh hey what you doing?
I don't know (know)
Because you mean so much to me, because you
(you) and I
Hey, what you doing? I don't know (know)
Because you mean so much to me, because you
(you) hey what you doing? And I
The lyrics to FKJ's song "So much to me" are quite simple at face value, but they carry a deep meaning about the importance of a certain someone in the singer's life. The repeated question of "Hey, whatchu doing?" is a reflection of the constant thoughts the singer has about this person, and how their actions and whereabouts hold immense significance for him. The singer goes on to say "Because you mean so much to me," emphasizing the importance of this person and how they have a profound impact on his life.
The ambiguity in the lyrics with lines like "I don't know" and "you and I" suggest that the relationship between the singer and the subject of the song may not be crystal clear, but the strong emotions he feels towards them are undeniable. The singer acknowledges that there is much to discover and explore with this person, but regardless of uncertainty, they remain an integral part of his life.
Overall, the lyrics to "So much to me" are a heartfelt expression of admiration and appreciation for an important person, with a sense of longing and yearning for deeper connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, whatchu doing? And I
I'm asking what you're doing and also stating that I am here with you
Oh, ohh hey whatchu doing? Because you mean
Reiterating the question about what you're doing, with the added emphasis that it's important to me because of my feelings for you.
Because you mean so much to me because you
Asserting that you are very important to me, and that is why I care about your actions.
Oh, ohh hey what you doing?
Asking again what you are doing. The repetition is meant to convey how curious I am about your behavior.
I don't know (know)
Admitting that I'm unsure of what you are doing.
Because you mean so much to me, because you
Repeating the earlier sentiment that you are very special to me, which makes your actions matter.
(you) and I
Emphasizing that we're in this together.
Hey, what you doing? I don't know (know)
Another repetition of the question and answer, highlighting my confusion about your behavior.
And I oh, ohh hey, what you doing?
Again, emphasizing that I am with you and interested in your actions.
Because you mean so much to me, because you
Repeating the reason why your actions and behavior matter to me.
(you) hey what you doing? And I
Asking a final time what you are doing, with the confirmation that I am here with you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RocheMusique
Come celebrate the 10th anniversary of the label 🎉 Tour, exclusive gifts, new music, merch capsule & more ➡ https://rochemusique.com/ ⬅
@msdeejay7
Happy Anniversary 🎉
@melindathomas211
Today is Palm Sunday- the triumphant entrance of our FOREVER KING JESUS— the rainbow symbolizes God’s promises—and YES IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE!! SOS Jesus!! You sing this to us, as we sing this to YOU!! Thank you for life and light, and good things!! I love YOU SO MUCH—🎉❤🎉
@janinecotto245
FJK what can I say...you surpassed your years in music. Thank God for your gift, your ear to allow old school and new. just people who enjoy good music. Peace to all the Peeps listening.
@longshlongjohnson5361
I work at a gas station over night and stumbled upon some of the best music I've herd in a while.. Currently its 3:22am I'm outside smoking a blunt and listening to this just got down with skyline on to the next
@codycloete169
Enjoy the good vibes bro, FKJ only makes hits!
@robbingrafton4364
I feel y😌🔥🙌🏽🥰
@nicholasford6414
Vibin out with a respectable beautiful woman is best to none
@usandthemakakelly2535
That's a good story and all but wtf is up with the name you chose? None of my business but maybe it should be yours.
@nicholasford6414
Still feels so right well into 2021 when I need I pick me up from dull daily routine it brings me way back up!