I FIRST heard Tj Monterde's music when we were editing a video in third year college (2013). My friends and I were looking for a Tagalog OPM that will match our story and of course, we were taking our time finding the perfect song - every editor knows it, the soundtrack has that powerful effect of lifting the scenes and whisper emotions/channel energy to the viewers. And suffice to say, Tj's “Ikaw at Ako” did just that. Since then, he gained five more followers.
We kind of became his avid fans, the kind who would know if he uploaded a new song on YouTube right away. There's only a few originals though, maybe because he values the process of writing it as well as discerning the melody. Some of my favorites are: “Kung Siya Man,” having it in Bisaya made it more personal and the way he told the story of anticipation and letting go is both sweet and heart-breaking. Another one is “Tulad Mo,” which I recently learned was written for his girlfriend, KZ Tandingan. He shared it during their guesting in GGV last Sunday.
He also shared that he's been urging KZ to write her own song as well and I could only expect the best since KZ has a very strong singing instinct. In all of her performances, she sings songs with soul and makes it her own. Remember, she was hailed the Best Interpreter in Himig Handog P-pop Love Songs 2014 for Edwin Marollano's “Mahal ko o Mahal ako.” And if you already seen Sigrid Bernardo's hit-film “Kita Kita,” chances are, you are also addicted to KZ's rendition of “Two less lonely people in the world.”
I really see these two artists as the emerging power couple of Philippine's music industry and as they have their first concert together in Davao City this August 6 in University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Gym, I'm sure they'd prove that they are as good when they sing individually as they perform together. Here's a hint: you have to listen to their rendition of Middle by DJ Snake which performed in Gandang Gabi Vice. You can find a lot more on YouTube.
Since I've been eyeing to attend this concert for a long while, I've also googled who their guests are and I've been more excited knowing that Mark Carpio, one of the guests, was the one who sang “Hiling” and “Kay Tagal.” I conclude this concert is definitely worth your penny!
If you are as excited as I am, go get your tickets now at Gaisano Mall of Davao, Positive Impact Productions Office, Usep Obrero Campus, Globe booths on Schools and at BIR and SSS, Mang Del's Kambingan, Occasions First, Gutz Media Creatives, Digos Good Vibes v2, Marbled Restaurant, Regati Salon, and Muzic's Kool. Prices are Gen ad B- P250; Gen Ad A-P300; Upper box-P500; Lower deck-P600; Patron-P800 reserved seats; VIP-P1600 reserved seats with meet and greet plus freebies.
TJ X KZ Live in Davao is organized by Positive Impact Productions and Globe. You can see their Facebook Page for more details. See you at the concert!