Erica Jo’s New Christmas Anthem Will Hit You Right in the Filipino Feels
This holiday season, Kollective Hustle brings you an exclusive interview with rising Filipino-American pop sensation Erica Jo as she shares the story behind her heartfelt new single, “Christmas Always Makes Me Think of You.” The music video and song drops tomorrow, in collaboration with ABS-CBN Foundation International, the song captures the spirit of Filipino Christmas traditions and the bittersweet joy of being connected to loved ones across oceans. Inspired by her childhood memories of spending Christmas in the Philippines, Erica Jo weaves a nostalgic melody that resonates deeply with Filipino-Americans and fans of holiday music everywhere. Get ready to unwrap a new kind of holiday magic as we dive into Erica Jo’s journey, her creative process, and the powerful message behind her latest release, dropping just in time to make your Christmas playlist sparkle.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you, and what do you do?
I’m a Filipino-American artist from San Francisco who grew up singing from a very young age! Today, I write and produce my own pop songs, drawing inspiration from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Dua Lipa. I love expressing myself through my music, dance, and music videos! I also love sunset walks on the beach, and my favorite food in the whole world is sinigang ;)
What inspired you to write and perform “Christmas Always Makes Me Think of You”? Can you share any personal stories or experiences tied to the song?
Growing up, I was fortunate to visit my family in the Philippines every year. I would spend a month there every summer and two weeks every other Christmas! I remember my parents waking me up at midnight to see what presents Santa had brought us, and I would stay up until 3:00 a.m. opening presents with my cousins, eating with my Lola and Lolo, and drinking tsokolate.
When I got older, we couldn’t afford to go home to the Philippines as often, and I missed these traditions! But no matter how long it had been, Christmas always made me think of the paróls and Christmas lights, the endless singing of Christmas carols, and, of course, my family back home. I know many Filipino-Americans can relate to that feeling - no matter how far we are or how long it has been, Christmas always makes us think of the Philippines. I wanted to write a song that captured that spirit!
How does your Filipino heritage influence your music, especially this holiday song?
My Filipino heritage is ingrained in my music, and even in my desire to be an artist in the first place. Some of my favorite childhood memories are singing karaoke for hours on my Lola’s TV, and I learned to face my stage fright at a young age because my Titas and Titos would always make the kids perform at family gatherings! For this holiday song, I wanted to celebrate all the traditions that make Christmas in the Philippines so special. And, as even Mariah Carey knows, Filipino Christmas starts in September!
What is your creative process like when writing music? Did this song challenge you creatively in any way?
My creative process varies between songs, and making “Christmas Always Makes Me Think Of You” was an amazing, fun challenge - especially as someone who listens to Christmas music year-round! First, I deep-dove into “What makes a song ‘Christmas-y’ in the first place?”… It’s a good question right?! Then I workshopped the melody and lyrics until I thought it was catchy, fun, and (hopefully) relatable for Filipinos in the States and back home!
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style as an artist?
Of course, one of my biggest inspirations is Olivia Rodrigo. She is a lyrical genius and a master storyteller! And I love seeing a Filipina artist shine and celebrate our culture. I also love Ariana Grande’s vocal stacking and Billie Eilish’s music production - my music is alt-pop like hers!
What message do you hope listeners take away from this song, especially during the holiday season?
I hope the song inspires listeners to call their loved ones near and far. Christmas is all about bringing family together and celebrating. Whether you live with your loved ones or they’re thousands of miles away, I hope listeners honor the importance of family this holiday season!
For aspiring musicians and songwriters, what advice do you have for those who are just starting out or would like to pursue a career in music?
My biggest advice is: just go for it. Write that song. Upload that video. The biggest hurdle is getting over your own mental blocks! Don’t worry about things being “perfect” - just keep creating if that’s what you love to do, and everything else will happen the way it’s supposed to. Also, a mantra I live by is: “Everything is ‘cringe’ until it isn’t.”
What made you want to team up with ABS-CBN Foundation International for this project, and why is their mission close to your heart?
The ABS-CBN Foundation International does so much good work for Filipinos at home and abroad. Particularly their Sagip Kapamilya disaster relief program, which works on the frontlines to help prepare, provide immediate relief, and rebuild communities affected by natural disasters like Typhoon Pepito. They also do amazing work for the environment, education, and child welfare across the Philippine islands! I am so proud to help raise funds for the ABS-CBN Foundation International to help improve the lives of millions of Filipinos.
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