#CulturePH - Filipino content creator-turned-artist Jemay Santiago opens up in vulnerable R&B single “1A”
Rising R&B artist and prominent content creator Jemay Santiago marks a triumphant return to music-making with the release of her new single, “1A,” the new single off her highly anticipated EP, Depresyon.
Integrating hazy textures with nocturnal beats and vulnerable
storytelling, “1A” delivers an unfiltered glimpse into the silent battles many
people face behind closed doors.
“The song really came from a genuine and vulnerable place in my life,” shares the multi-hyphenate star. “A lot of people know me through social media and content creation, so most of the time they only see the highlights: the success, the numbers, the entertaining side of me. But behind all of that, I’m still a normal person dealing with real emotions, real pressure, and real struggles that people don’t always get to see.”
Santiago recalls how hesitant she was in releasing a song so personal
and dear to her, questioning if the people around her would understand or if
the timing were right. “I realized there are probably so many people silently
carrying the same emotions every day: feelings of failure, pressure,
self-doubt, or feeling lost despite trying their best. So instead of waiting
for the perfect moment, I decided to be honest and just release it. I wanted
people to hear a side of me that’s more human and more real beyond the public
image they usually see online.”
Originally titled MARY1A, the song later evolved into “1A,” a
metaphorical concept representing self-priority and personal healing. According
to Jemay, “1” signifies being first, while the letter A represents beginning,
together embodying the message that mental health, self-care, and inner peace
should be a priority before external pressures or public validation.
“Just to clarify, the title evolved from ‘MARY1A’ to ‘1A’ as a creative
and practical decision during the release process,” Santiago reveals. “At the
same time, the adjustment was also about being mindful of how the track would
be presented publicly, ensuring it could be received in the right context
without unnecessary distractions from its core meaning.”
Far from being a product of trends, “1A” openly addresses the emotional realities hidden behind the smiles, confidence, and success often projected online. The track was pre-produced by Jemay Santiago, with beat production by Mark Arganda (Køii) and vocals mixed and mastered by Icy D. of Got Name? Collective.
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