Spotify Radar artists One Click Straight and Jerge will never be anything but themselves
Radar Philippines, Spotify’s program for emerging artists, returns this year with a fresh class of promising Filipino acts primed to take over our playlists.
The diverse roster includes returnee P-pop boy group BGYO; R&B hitmakers Allmo$t and Justin Vasquez; hip-hop stars Young Blood Neet, Zae, and Costa Cashman; pop visionary Ena Mori; and indie artists Dilaw, One Click Straight, and Jerge.
Young STAR got to meet two of the indie acts: four-piece One Click Straight and content creator-turned-musician Jerge. We asked about finding their place as artists and the road that led them to Spotify Radar; we left the room smitten, in awe of their self-assurance, humility and determination to never be anything but themselves.
Meet two of the most exciting voices in OPM: A post-punk band of (literal) brothers and a quick-witted, DIY-fueled singer-songwriter.
One Click Straight will always fight for authenticity
In the decade that One Click Straight has been a band, there have been no downs, only ups. “Kasi ‘yung mga crazy things na nangyari, sobrang lala niya when it’s happening, pero nagiging story to tell, or a way to connect with each other, the music, or our friends. It all falls into place,” said lead guitarist Sam Marquez.
With him are his brothers, drummer Tim Marquez and bassist and keyboardist Toffer Marquez; and their childhood friend, rhythm guitarist Joel Cartera. “Tuloy-tuloy lang, that’s our mentality,” Tim added. Such was the resounding message of their anthemic single last year, Siga: “We don’t care even (if) life is unfair.”
The members, despite all being young, carry a certain wisdom, which perhaps comes from growing up with your bandmates. They’re very protective of their truth and always put their art first. They realize the significance of marketing themselves as artists, but they also know what they value most. “On the business side (of music), the best thing you can do is try, and the worst thing that can happen is you get a temporary fail or a learning situation,” Sam said. “Pero if the music is done 100 percent authentically, One Click Straight way, never siyang fail for us.”
“Authenticity is such an important thing to fight for if you’re an artist,” Tim continued. “It’s something that gives value to what we’re doing, because I think music is much more than entertainment. If a piece of art is authentic, it has more of an impact than a three-minute sound of clapping, for example. I think people deserve to hear something honest.”
“It creates a genuine connection with our audience, and we believe in having the courage to sing our own songs despite what everyone expects,” Joel said.
Sam further explained: “Romantics kami eh. We believe that music is sacred. It’s the most human thing you can do.”
“And now that technology’s advancing, aliens are coming down, and with AI and everything else, the best thing you can do as humans is to make human things. And you can’t disrespect the process of making human things by having different intentions. Walang point ‘dun.”
This recognition from Radar, according to the band, goes beyond “extra exposure.” “Pat on the back siya sa hard work namin and our dedication to our craft,” Tim said. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it,” added Toffer.
Just last week, they released the Telepono EP, containing both their single Telepono and a reimagined version with acoustic folk artist Clara Benin. Tim said this era of One Click Straight is his favorite so far. “We’ve been healthier than ever. We’re writing the best music we’ve ever written. We’re trying to bring our vision to life, and (now we have) the support of Radar behind us.”
While they have witnessed their growth as a band and as individuals in the past decade, Toffer said their central truth will always remain the same. “The music you are listening to was created by four average dudes—three brothers and one childhood friend—who have something to say and just love music.”
As more people discover them through Radar, Sam hopes their music will accomplish these three things: remind listeners of their humanness, become a chance to imagine what’s outside the human experience, and make people realize “na ito ‘yung pinaka-malupet na OPM band!”
You will never feel alone with Jerge
Jerge’s name may not ring a bell, but his oft-viral TikTok skits definitely will. The quick-witted student from Surigao started posting comedy videos online in 2022, and when he started gaining a following, he saw it as a “stepping stone” for his music.
In 2024, he wrote Pakiusap and recorded a lo-fi music video at home with just his phone. His followers begged that he upload it on Spotify, where it shot to the Viral 50 Philippines chart. The addictive, Olivia Rodrigo-esque track builds on the relatability Jerge’s videos have been known for, while also revealing a polish and vulnerability that shows he takes his music very seriously.
Beyond feeling understood, Jerge is drawn to songwriting because it connects him to people. “Nung nagustuhan nila ‘yung kanta ko, mas lalo akong na-motivate na gumawa pa ng marami,” he said. “Gusto kong maka-relate sila. Ayokong ma-feel nila na nag-iisa sila. Nasa iisang circle kami.”
His latest single, Kalul’wa, is a searing rock ballad for everyone exhausted by the world. “Kalul'wa ko, halika na’t umuwi na tayo,” he invites. Like Pakiusap, he made the music video by himself, riding the LRT from his home in Balcaran to Antipolo to shoot in a moody garden. “It’s fulfilling and challenging. Ako lang mag-isa, wala akong equipment,” he recalled. “Kaya ko naman pala mag-isa, which is the message ng Kalul’wa. Nakakapagod pero worth it kasi naisabuhay ko ‘yung kanta.”
“Inabot na ‘ko ng gabi, (at naisip ko), ‘Pa’no ba ko uuwi neto?’ Baka maging kaluluwa na talaga ‘ko,” he laughed.
Jerge feels a bit of pressure as songwriting becomes a job. But he feels honored by his listeners’ response. “Nagt-thank you sila sa’kin. (Nagsasabi sila ng) ‘You saved my life.’ Grabe, totoo ba? Para pala akong psychologist.”
Now, being part of Spotify Radar motivates Jerge to keep getting better at his craft. “Sabi ko kay God last month, if hindi talaga para sa’kin ang music, give me a sign. Hit me baby one more time,” he said, the room bursting into laughter.
He continues, “Hala, naiiyak ako”—we collectively respond with “awww”—“Eme lang!”
It’s easy to see that Jerge lights up any room he enters, and this translates into his music. Meeting him just affirms that while he’s having fun with his work, his heart is also in the right place. With his songs, he wants his listeners to remember that he will be with them, no matter what. “Hindi sila nag-iisa. They can cry, they can scream, and they can still try kung nagkamali sila.”
As we wrap up, I ask if there’s anything else he wants to add. “Thesis defended,” he simply replied.
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Listen to One Click Straight, Jerge, and the rest of the 2025 class on the RADAR Philippines playlist on Spotify.
