There are at least three reasons why I would listen to and write about this new song “Never Be Like That,” recorded and released by California-based talent MJ Racadio. Not to mention that the singer’s main claim to fame is not as a recording artist, but as a blogger.
MJ is the personality behind Blogtalk with MJ Racadio, which is described as a Fil-Am Hollywood entertainment podcast.
Reason one: it’s because of the press release details that the song is in heavy rotation on US Top 40 radio. By that, it meant it made and circulated on the playlists of radio stations, namely Splash 98.5 FM, Jamz 103.3 FM, and Energy 90.5 FM. That’s certainly not bad for a pro not known for his singing.
The track crucially credits the featured American duo Klubjumpers, consisting of Sam Michaels and Dan Matthews, who are known for their Billboard-charting remixes and dance arrangements.
MJ shared, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to our Almighty God for the incredible blessings this year, particularly the surreal experience of hearing my latest single on the radio alongside global superstars. Working with Dan and Sam has been a dream come true.”
Back in the Philippines, when I heard my then-band Syato’s single or two being played on FM radio, I likewise had goosebumps.
But MJ is referring to something more than that, because his song is being played on American airwaves. Which leads me to the second reason: MJ has Filipino roots. He is one of the Fil-Ams who wouldn’t miss the opportunity to make their country proud.
As proven time and again, Pinoy pride gets a different boost when showcased beyond Philippine shores. Call it a form of Filipino patriotism when one celebrates a personal victory by vocally waving the Philippine flag.
The Fil-Am scene is filled with multi-talented people. I met a guy who could direct a fashion show and then serve as one-third of a singing trio. It’s not unusual to meet a set of parents with kids who can sing both “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Lupang Hinirang” in sports arenas like they’re having ice cream on a summer afternoon.
And then there is the unpredictable MJ Racadio, who has long carved a career in blogging, whose annual list of influential Filipino-Americans seems to have gained enough ground to become a good source of who’s making it at some level—and then here he is donning the hat of a recording artist, like everything he’s done before were teasers.
The blogger-who-is-also-a-singer now finds himself eyeing a Grammy nomination and collaborating with a Grammy-nominated duo.
Last year, he recorded his version of Rodel Naval’s “Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin.” And way back in 2005, he released a track called “Burning Memory,” under the name Mario Racadio. That’s proof he had planted the seeds.
If we go down to the basics, “Never Be Like That” is a good record. Melody-wise, it’s a strong song, with MJ’s voice—thanks to his accent—a good fit for the number, especially in the chorus. Who knows, this guy may actually end up getting a Grammy nod one day.
