James Reid shared the story behind his collaboration with TJ Monterde for his latest single "Pahinga."
Speaking with Billboard Philippines, James said that working with TJ had been on his mind for a while. "TJ was top of mind when thinking of who to collaborate with and I’ve been hoping to work with him since last year. When we got in the studio I feel like our energy and artistry just aligned and TJ definitely delivered some awesome vocals," he relayed.
TJ recalled being immediately drawn to the song upon hearing it for the first time.
"[On my] first listen, [I] loved the song right away! I feels like it’s something I would write — the message is also very clear to me: ‘Pahingi lang ng isang minuto, mataas lang emosyon ko ngayon. But after all this, mahal pa rin kita."
James released "Pahinga" on June 6 as part of the deluxe version of his jgh Extended Play (EP).
"It began with a real-life experience," James shared on the inspiration of the song as per previous report by ABS-CBN News. "I realized you need to quiet the mind so you can hear your heart. 'Pahinga' is about patience and perseverance in relationships."
It was in November of last year when James released his jgh EP.
As per previous press release, the EP captures the singer "at his most vulnerable, rediscovering the earnest, grounded parts of his identity that he may have lost touch with and learning to forgive himself and accept the flaws that came with it."
James remarked: "My home is a reflection of myself. It’s filled with things I’ve gathered along my journey and decorated with memories. It’s been another crazy year, and now that I’m home, I have a lot of stories to tell."
Meanwhile, TJ recently released his collaboration with Korean singer 10CM titled "Silver."
Back in February, TJ and 10CM performed "Silver" at TJ's Sarili Nating Mundo concert. "I always dreamed of my collab with Jung Yeol (10CM) and ito na iyon," TJ remarked. "I listen to him. Pinapakinggan ko siya and ngayon may ginawa kaming music."
The singer shared that "Silver" is about friendship, portraying it as a kind of love between best friends that goes beyond time and distance.