JONAVI’s Upcoming Album: Bite My Tongue
Written by Kimberly Saenz | May 25, 2026
Graphics by Kara Noun
Delivering catchy rhythms and clever lyricism coupled with her alluring vocals, JONAVI’s upcoming album, Bite My Tongue, is set to release on May 29, 2026. A familiar and welcomed face with Nopality; Dallas, Texas artist, JONAVI has returned, continuing with the thematic exploration of relationships, intimacy, duality, and introspection. She is not afraid to slow it down with somber piano arrangements and contemplative verses that transition fluidly into buoyant tempos and captivating choruses hinting at a hopeful outlook.
Graphics by Kara Noun
JONAVI, the Filipina songwriter, producer, and recognized self-starter, presents her distinct ability to show through thoughtful word choice and figurative language, paired with smooth, restrained vocals and carefully constructed instrumentals. She traces these skills back to her childhood: when her parents sang in a church choir, when, from an early age, she often asked her Titas to tell her bedtime stories, and when she became an avid reader. Her dedication of nine years to piano lessons followed suit, and this blend of skills and passion reflects in Bite My Tongue’s multifaceted composition.
In teasing the new album, JONAVI shares to her instagram, cool-toned, ethereal photos of herself in front of open notebooks. Glimpses of potential songwriting strewn about across open pages speaks to JONAVI’s sincere nature and yearning to connect with her listeners. She bridges the gap between herself and her audience through a willingness to share insights from her life, including in the caption that she has two degrees unrelated to music — a reminder that she is a person who is, like many of us, pursuing and bringing her passions and dreams to fruition on her own. Her fascination with structuring music and writing lyrics stems from the chance to engage with her audience, from the chance for listeners to relate and find meaning in her songs. The personable approach to her work ethic and the wholesome want to support others through music exemplifies her character as an artist.
“1,2,3” and “easy peasy”, the two singles released ahead of the whole album, give a taste of the indie pop dance-tracks which parallel the playful beginnings of a magnetism between two people. With a propensity for rhyming, these singles illustrate the lyrical poetics that she meticulously implements into the narrative. Bite My Tongue has something for everyone, as its tonality shifts based on the context of each song, while supporting its themes of navigating intimacy, mistakes, and identity shaped by circumstance. Comparable to the dynamic range of artists like Olivia Rodrigo or Billie Eilish, JONAVI does not limit her sound to one genre. Under the umbrella of the pop genre, the album blends elements of folk, indie, and even rock. Not only through airy, raw vocals, but through guitar riffs and eclectic keyboard melodies.
While JONAVI traverses familial and interpersonal relationships through her songs, she is set apart from the everyday person and musician due to her go-getter attitude. In an interview with Asian Tones, JONAVI reveals that she does most of her work alone: “I don’t have a team, it’s just me, I’m my own A&R, manager, booking agent, marketer, etc. - so accomplishments like that mean a lot.” Recently, she was featured on Rolling Stone Korea’s “Editor’s Picks: Hidden Gems | Songs” for her single “easy peasy,” which has already made it to the radio and is only one of the nine new songs on the album. To name a few of her notable appearances, she previously performed at SXSW, YAR fest, MYX Global, SoFar Sounds, and as an opener the Dallas Mavericks. With a considerable number of accolades, JONAVI has much to offer with Bite My Tongue and any posterior releases. Be sure to catch the release by pre-saving Bite My Tongue here.
