Jay Som’s latest record, Anak Ko, is a lush, genre-bending journey born out of solitude, collaboration, and embracing her roots. It’s a project that came to life in the stark, quiet expanse of Joshua Tree, where the indie multi-instrumentalist found refuge from the chaos of Los Angeles. “I needed to force myself to leave the chaotic energy and just be in solitude,” she admits. Turns out, that isolation did wonders for the creative process.
For this record, Melina Duterte (aka Jay Som) took a step back from handling every instrument herself, instead inviting her friends to add their touch. “I got really tired of hearing myself drum,” she says, laughing. “It made sense to invite talented friends to play, and it brought new energy to the songs.” Despite her impressive skills as a multi-instrumentalist and producer, she values collaboration, knowing it takes her songs to unexpected places.
The title Anak Ko translates to “my child” in Tagalog, inspired by affectionate messages from her mom. It’s a personal nod that wraps the record in warmth and connection, even if it doesn’t directly reflect the lyrics. “It felt good at the time, and it still does,” she says.
She’s got production credits stacking up too, including work on recent records by Chastity Belt and Pendant. It’s a passion she plans to continue growing, aiming to be as much behind the board as in front of it. “Producing used to be my plan B,” she says, “but now I want it to be just as important as my own music.”
When it comes to influences, Jay Som doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the artists who shaped her sound. Steely Dan, Alanis Morissette, and Prefab Sprout are all on the list, and she’s unapologetic about how much she borrows from their styles. “It’s important to talk about your influences,” she says. “People who downplay that are just lying.”
And if you’re wondering about that DJ-style breakbeat in “Tenderness,” it’s pure instinct. “It’s such a classic thing in music—just a satisfying fill,” she explains. The moment is like a shot of color bursting through the song, reminiscent of that magical transition in The Wizard of Oz.
Jay Som’s got her sights set on producing more, making music that feels both intimate and expansive, and refusing to run from the sounds that made her who she is. “I love working with my friends and learning from each session,” she says. “I never want to get bored with my own music, and collaborating is one way to keep it fresh.”
Catch Anak Ko—it’s the soundtrack you didn’t know you needed for that perfect mix of reflection and groove.
Listen to the interview above and then check out the videos below.
