Cebuana singer-songwriter Janine Berdin released another hugot-filled track with her upcoming single, SITWASYONSHIP. The track, an alternative rock and fully Filipino song, is a melancholic look at what it’s like to be in the recently-popularized relationship dynamic–situationships, an internet-sourced term that describes a pair who are caught in the gray area of being much more than friends, but slightly less than lovers.
Listen to the track here.
Putting A Label On No Labels
Janine sings from the perspective of a woman who is in an unwantedly undefined romantic relationship. They may engage in acts that only pairs in romantic relationships do, such as dates, late nights, and physical affection, but this is all without the label of an actual committed relationship.
“Aamin na’ko, hindi pa tayo. Ang labo-labo, isa lang ang klaro. Sayong sayo na ako.” The lack of clarity on defining the relationship, while still engaging in romantic acts, poses an internal conflict which is further complicated by the character’s attachment towards their partner.
The track, which she wrote the song herself, starts off with a slow-paced and dreamy sound profile, with Janine citing good memories about the pair’s situationship, such as, “Nagtatawanan, nag-iinuman. Ibang-iba kung tayo’y magkatabi.” As SITWASYONSHIP progresses, it slowly evolves into an anthem of obsessive and almost-humorous longing for a meaningful connection.
Whimsical Yet Obsessive Sound
It’s also worth highlighting that this is the first track Janine is releasing alongside her bandmates, who she stands proud with, including TJ Castillon on guitars, Luke Casanova on bass, and Kirk Basilio on drums, all of whom have a background in music as students. According to Janine, “we are all awesome friends and I’m lucky to have met them.”
In this very special release, one that she holds close to her heart, Janine Berdin fully explores her artistry as a fully independent artist. “Mahirap din maging indie, you have to do everything yourself,” she mentions in a recent TikTok post on the behind-the-scenes of her music video. Fortunately, with the help of bandmates, friends (fun fact: Dom Guyot shot the cover art for this track), and production house Toothless Create, she is able to execute her plans and successfully shoot her very first music video. “I have talented and amazing and kind people around me, kaya even when I feel that I’m alone, I know that I’m not.”
Dark and playful at the same time, SITWASYONSHIP, explores confusion and uncertainty in modern romance and dating, and is culminated by its energetic sound and almost gigil-level vocals of Janine Berdin. Here, she makes it very clear that she is ready for bigger, bolder, and brighter things ahead, love included.
SITWASYONSHIP is now available on all major streaming platforms.