Jay Som Releases New Record

Filipino-American artist Melina Deturte is back with her second album as Jay Som. Deturte’s sophomore record “Anak Ko” released earlier today and contains some of her strongest work to date.

The album’s title Anak Ko means “my child” in the Filipino dialect of Tagalog. Throughout Anak Ko, Deturte largely tackles concepts of self-acceptance and promoting kindness.  She stays true to the lo-fi style as the LP was recorded in her own home, and some tracks even feature her washer and dryer. The sound is signature Jay Som with intimate production and mournful tones.  Deturte also delves into new territory with an emphasis on pop grooves and influences from country and folk music.

The musical range on “Anak Ko” is expansive with a constantly evolving sound.  Influences from Alanis Morrissette shine through on lead single Superbike. Nighttime Drive effortlessly shifts from warm, acoustic strums to folky violins.  Tenderness is a slow burn of soft rock that evolves into a smooth jazz soundscape. Duterte accomplishes a striking sonic pallet with music that shifts from hazy dreampop to nineties alt-rock to seventies soft rock to twangy country guitar.