HAWAII ARTIST, DAJU, REIMAGINES “RAIN”

Today,Hawaii* artist Daju released a remix of his viral single “Rain” — featuring iconic Filipina singer, Denise Julia — coinciding with Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month. The release marks a creative milestone for both, with their art mirroring life: two Filipino R&B artists blending their signature, vulnerable, and soulful lyrics, bridging cultures to create the song anew. From different islands but united by sound, they are stewards of the Asia-Pacific, showing this collaboration is more than just international; it’s about a connection through music. It’s two artists, from two homelands, finding one shared voice.

The original, which was released last July, was a testament to solitude where Daju emotionally navigated love and loss, using “I got used to the rain” to convey inner peace, and as a catalyst for his path forward. Now, through Denise Julia’s reimagined second verse, listeners are offered an alternative (her perspective): “Why am I receiving all the blame? I have seen your worst, baby, I was there through the pain.” Through the track, the two trade off — recalling their experiences in an emotional back-and-forth to eventually achieve closure. The remix isn’t just a rework — it’s a reframing, inviting listeners into a dialogue between two voices, grounding themselves in their own experiences through the relationship.

“I wanted Rain to be a space where people can find comfort,” said Dominique Hill, the voice of Daju. “Sometimes, the most healing moments come when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and feel what we’re feeling. I hope this song can be a companion to anyone who needs it.”

The song’s production remains heartfelt and immersive, masterfully layered with vocal stacks, textures, and character. It personifies the two’s highs and lows, culminating in Denise Julia’s own search for clarity amid chaos.

“When Daju sent me the track, I was already in love with the rawness of it. I didn’t want to just jump in with a verse — I wanted to bring my truth into the story,” said Denise Julia. “There’s something powerful — and very R&B — about hearing both sides of heartbreak in a song, especially when it comes from two people who share the same roots. It’s beautiful how two artists from two islands, with different but shared histories, can echo the same emotion and find beauty in the same pain. It’s real, and it’s ours.”

Beyond its sonic beauty, this collaboration represents something far deeper: a cultural exchange. Both artists, while similar, are distinct in their ways. With shared roots in the Philippines, the two use music to elevate their cultural identity. Their union is not just a musical alignment, but a moment of ethnic storytelling, visually propelling Asia-Pacific sound while showing, musically, that heartbreak, healing, and desire are universal experiences.

“Music has always been my ‘why’ — a way to vocalize my life experiences in a way relatable and digestible to the world,” continued Daju. “Having the music take me home, and offer me an opportunity to reconnect with my roots, has been poetic and surreal. With the similarities between our two communities — from island life to the kindness, hospitality, work ethic and creatives — I’ve felt right at home, and I’m honored to help continue those ties between two islands with deep, Filipino roots. I couldn’t imagine anyone better to build on this track than Denise, one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing artists.”

Together, Daju and Denise Julia represent a new wave of R&B talent. The two are a reminder that something beautiful blooms even through the heaviest rain.

Fans of the artists can expect more, with the two set to release visualizers from their shared time in Manila, Philippines, in the coming weeks. Additionally, Daju plans to release an EP later this year.