If you clicked on this article, mildly interested to read about an artist you may not have heard yet, then you're in for a treat. You're about to discover a sensational recording artist whom we've been so blessed to have on our radar for several years now. She is none other than the talented Janel Marisse. If in case you're a longtime fan like we are, allow us to swoon some more with her latest release "Chopstix".

My introduction to Filipina-American recording artist Janel Marisse was through the song “Self Medication” back in May of 2019. I first heard it at a curated Filipino Hip-Hop R&B music podcast called Heavy Rotation. When DJ Marlino updated me on his latest episode that day, her song stood out from the rest of the playlist and I was instantly in love. Maybe it was the use of a familiar '90s Smash Mouth line on her verse, or the fact that her voice, to me, had a unique Pop sensibility to it. It could have also been the tropical vibe it gave off. Whatever it was, I knew that I would be excitedly listening to more of her work in years to come.

In that same month, Janel Marisse released her debut album called Unbothered. I was for sure a happy camper. After multiple spins, I found personal favorites like “Closer To You”, “Choose To Be”, the premiere single “Serve”, and the unforgettable track “On My Way” feat. Compton hip-hop artist Garren. The music video for “On My Way” was done so well and it solidified my life-long fanboy status. Later that year, I took a chance and mustered up the courage to invite Janel into our podcast, Behind This Beat. She remains to be one of our favorite guests to this day.

Fast forward to 2021, I am excited to once again feature Janel Marisse with her newest release, “Chopstix” which is part of her sophomore album entitled The New Order. I had the privilege of listening to her album before its release and “Chopstix” stood out from the rest of the collection at my first listen. This track is in great company with other hits like “Off The Record (Freaky)” and “All That”.

“Needa get a grip like chopstick. Get a grip like chopsticks. I ain’t really worried bout the flossin,
cuz this love non profit.”

“Chopstix” gives off a special feeling together with a live performance video that further captures a tender yet sensual mood. Produced by frequent collaborators Blake Straus x DTB and written by herself, “Chopstix” boasts powerful lyrics plus seductive vocalization juxtaposed with sweet and ethereal visuals that put her ahead of the curve.

“Chopstix navigates the story of a person who runs out of time to prove their love and get their act together. The line “Get a grip like chopsticks” means get your act together cause I will not be the one to chase and it’ll be too late when you realize you missed out on the right one. The good ones go if you wait too long!” - Janel Marisse on this R&B slow jam track.

Janel Marisse is a Bay Area native now based in Los Angeles. She's been writing songs since high school and got her big break as a recording artist in 2014. Since then, she's been compared to the likes of Aaliyah and Jhene Aiko. It's hard not to notice Janel Marisse and the immense talent she brings to the Global Filipino Music space.

About The Author

Alex “Phat Boy” Lim started Beat This ON AIR on terrestrial radio back in 2017. His goal was to hold space for Filipino-made music on a global stage. This was a passion project he held onto from the beginning until the present day. Alex believes that Filipino Global is the next wave that will shape the standards of the music industry in the Philippines.