Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to J. Custodio. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, J. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

During 8th grade, I actually started off doing semi-professional song covers at my friend’s house. I sounded terrible of course but it was something I took an interest in. Going into high school, I found a group of like-minded friends who wanted to make original music. Taking inspiration from my top artists at the time like Lil Peep, Chris Travis, and Pouya, I started with rapping before I got into singing. When I graduated high school I attended the Los Angeles Film School to study music. I started delving into things like music theory and production which really reinforced the aspect of being an artist into reality. Whilst attending LAFS, I met my manager Reno Ludwiga, who began pushing me into a professional direction. He and I would discuss creative plans and outlined my brand and future image. I started doing shows at venues and going to professional studios frequently whilst under him, and it showed me the fun in doing the things I do to create.

J., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Well, my name is J. Custodio, and I’m a Filipino-American artist residing in Manila. I mostly create R&B and Pop songs inspired by West Coast music blended with Filipino sounds. What sets me apart is that I can be very meticulous with my work in terms of my craft. I always think of where I want to be five years from now, considering the steps I need to take in order to get there. The thing I’m most proud of is getting signed under Universal Music Group Philippines shortly after moving to Manila. A huge part of that was accomplished through the work of my manager Reno and I. Recently I’ve collaborated with the Filipino artist John Roa and I am currently in contact with many more huge artists here in the Philippines. The thing I wish for people to know about my music is that I am aiming to bridge the gap between Asia and North America. Both respectively have their own unique sounds and styles, I like to imagine what it would be like to combine one with the other. Another huge thing I want people to know is that anything can be accomplished with the right mindset and work ethic, I moved to Manila in June of 2024 and got signed to a major label two months later. Set a goal and understand the steps needed to get there.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

What many people don’t know about me is that I actually enjoy reading. Two particular books really shaped my mindset and philosophy: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli. Meditations touches on the aspects of daily human life and how to properly react and address specific situations. Whether it’s things with family, work, or life there’s a proper and moral way to act in any given moment. Whereas The Prince talks about the “ideal leader.” The book is modeled after a real historical figure, Cesare Borgia. It states a leader of the people should be merciful and kind when the time calls for it, but decisive and ruthless during times of crisis. What these books have taught me is that you should always be a good person to those you love and help others in need. But if you’re living under a period of distress or pressure? Be decisive and hungry, as those emotions will carry you through to the end.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The main goal I always think of when I wake up is helping out my family here in the Philippines. I have four sisters, three of which are working and one who is still in elementary school. My family never came from a life privilege. My dad works as a tricycle driver, a sort of taxi driver here who uses a motorcycle. As such, I want to give to them what they could never give me. It’s my driving factor whenever I face a situation that puts me under pressure, just thinking of providing a better life for them only fuels the fire within my soul. Once they’re taken care of, I wish to give back to the less fortunate across the Philippines. There are many kids who would do anything to have the position I’m in, and it’s only right to help them. Whether it’s providing donations to local schools, handing food to the needy, or giving shoes to the street kids who always run around barefoot. These drive me to keep going, even through rainy days.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcustodiomusic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.custodio.1232
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@j.custodio252?app=desktop
• Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KSDVkPC6Ain4fTzUrSJ1H

Image Credits

Photographer:
@Gabella.Photos (Instagram)