‘Now self-managed, he has the freedom to navigate his career path, plan his direction, and decide on his next steps.’
John Edward Tiña Tajanlangit, more popularly known as Jed Madela, is a multi-awarded singer, songwriter, host, and occasional actor. He is the first Filipino to win the highest honors at the World Championships of Performing Arts.
After celebrating his 20th anniversary in the music industry last year, Jed experienced a significant career shift. New opportunities opened up, making him realize there’s still much more to achieve. Now self-managed, he has the freedom to navigate his career path, plan his direction, and decide on his next steps.
“The experience is not easy,” says Jed. “Sometimes it can be scary but I believe with the right mindset and surrounding myself with the right people, it can be exciting and rewarding.”
Jed has been notably hands-on with his concerts and gigs. His major Araneta Coliseum concert “Higher Than High” (2018) showcased his creative concepts at the Big Dome. In his last concert at the Theater at Solaire, he collaborated with the late great writer-director Floy Quintos, yet still contributed song concepts and visions.
“For the longest time, I have been so hands on with all my concerts. From the conceptualization and the implementation. I guess that’s how a concert should be – a reflection of the artist’s personality and a reflection of what story the artist wants to tell. Of course, it takes a team to make things work but I get the last word,” emphasizes Jed, who certainly has his imprimatur on every element in his gigs.
What makes his upcoming concert, “Welcome to My World” on July 5 at the Music Museum special?
“‘Welcome To My World’ is extra special because this is the first concert I’m doing as a self managed artist, and through this concert, the audience will be able to see and hear my story and what I have been through, what I’m going through and what I’m planning to do in the years ahead,” relates Jed.
“Every song in this concert was personally handpicked to tell my story. In my 20 years, people may think they’ve seen it all, but there are more stories to be told.
“Also, I’m releasing a brand new song at the concert!” he adds, “Something that I’m really excited about.”
When asked what he is most thankful for at this point in his career, Jed replies, “I am just so thankful that I am still here. I have seen a lot of artists come and go but I am still blessed to be able to do what I enjoy doing.
“Aside from singing and performing locally, I want to expand my audience… hopefully in the international scene. Just what every artist dreams of. Also, I want to continue to mentor and help aspiring artists and maybe push through with my dream of putting up my own school.
“I have performed with almost all the artists in the country,” he continues, “but what I really dream of is to immortalize duets with all of the artists, both young and young at heart, in an album.”
How about acting projects in the future? Jed remains open to possibilities, having previously appeared in Star Cinema’s “All About Love” (2006) and Regal Films’ “Shake, Rattle and Roll 12” (2012).
Jed shares five valuable lessons he has learned in the industry: 1. Be grateful. 2. Love what you do. 3. Know how to get along with everyone in your workplace. 4. Never stop learning and growing. 5. Choose to be good, both in your craft and as a person.
When asked which song best describes him now, Jed quickly answers, “I wrote this original song called ‘Never Bring Me Down’.”
For his fans, Jed has this message: “You are the reason why a Jed Madela continues to sing and for that I am truly grateful. This life is not easy. We put ourselves out there, vulnerable and all… and somehow people take advantage of it. I’ve had my share of challenges and obstacles and almost wanted to give up. But when I hear stories of people who come up to me and tell me my voice and my music saved them, it gives me purpose to go on. Never mind the hurt. Never mind the pain. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? And that’s my mindset now. And as what they say, ‘dedMadela sa nega.’ Go with the flow and continue to make people happy. When I see my fans and supporters happy, I am happy.”
Happy birthday in advance, Jed!
