Out with old, in with the new Young JV

Young JV’s sophomore album due February will feature collaborations with Akiko, Karylle and Yeng Constantino

MANILA, Philippines — A month before many people make resolutions for 2012, singer-songwriter Young JV has already put in effect some changes in his career that are bound to win him more fans and recognition in and from the industry.

At the launch of his latest single, “Alay,” from his sophomore album, “Doin It Big,” due in February, Young JV surprised the media with his new look. The bling-blings and cap as well as the oversized shirt and pants are gone and in its place are well-fitting and dapper clothes that bring to mind one word to describe the artist: suave.

“I’m going for a new look that’s cleaner and more urban. Bagay ba?” he asked, smiling.

The look is in line with the slight redirection in his music as heard in “Alay.” If before, Young JV was more hip hop/R&B/rap, this time, the sound is R&B with a dash of dance and urban appeal ala-Ne-Yo and Jason Derulo.

“Alay,” written by acclaimed tunesmith Jungee Marcelo and features Akiko, is a shining example of the new Young JV sound: easy flowing, hooks that stay in the head for days, and musical arrangement that’s so with the times.

Young JV revealed that he is doing double time in wrapping up work on “Doin It Big” as he got slightly “derailed” by his support role in the movie “Won’t Last A Day Without You,” and guest appreances on “Budoy.” He disclosed that he got into the former through the recommendation of these projects’ star, Gerald Anderson, but clinched the second on his own.

“Matagal na po kaming magkaibigan ni Gerald, nagbaba-basketball, ganyan. Napakabait po niya at inalalayan niya ako kahit dito sa movie lalo po at baguhan pa sa pagarte, kumbaga medyo ‘stiff’ pa,” the musician said.

For “Doin It Big,” Young JV intends to collaborate with Karylle and Yeng Constantino. He is also open to co-writing songs with and sing songs by other tunesmiths.

Asked about “Alay,” Young JV said that it’s a love song that could be interpreted in different ways.

“‘Alay’ could be about romantic love, love for country, love for family and friends…” he said. “It’s just the first of three more singles we plan to release from the new album.”

More open about his feelings, the singer-songwriter gamely answered questions about matters of the heart. Young JV said that though he is single these days, it doesn’t mean he has no crushes. Two celebrities that he has had a “crush” on for sometime now are Empress Schuck and Sarah Geronimo.

“And who wouldn’t have a crush on them? They are just so beautiful and talented. I even told Sarah that I have a crush on her. Tiningnan lang ako ni Mommy Divine [Sarah’s mom],” he said.

Young JV is seen regularly on “ASAP Rocks.” He is being managed by Star Magic.