Troy Javelona - What’s A Guy Gotta Do (Official Video) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: Jeff Javelona
At just 23, Troy Javelona is stepping into his own with the striking debut single WHAT’S A GUY GOTTA DO. Raw, vulnerable and open hearted, the track is led by intimate vocals that slowly build in intensity, capturing the emotional push and pull of wanting clarity when a relationship begins to fracture.
Written initially as a voice note sketch on his phone, the song was later fleshed out in London with producers WAVSDNTDIE and Teo, alongside songwriter Darcy Tighe. Recorded between Troy’s bedroom setup in Plymouth and studio sessions in the capital, it retains a close to home feel that mirrors its subject matter. “When my girlfriend and I broke up we lived a couple doors down from each other. I poured my guts into that song,” he shares.
The accompanying video, directed by Ray Fiasco, leans into that emotional lift with misty, cinematic visuals, drifting between intimate close ups and sweeping aerial shots of Plymouth’s rugged coastline.
Raised in South London and introduced to music early by his jazz loving father, Troy taught himself guitar, posted covers online and later dove into producing during lockdown and university. That DIY mindset has already paid off. His 2023 self made breakout Go Away, written and produced entirely in his uni bedroom, has quietly surpassed 30 million streams worldwide.
With more music on the horizon, WHAT’S A GUY GOTTA DO feels like a clear introduction to Troy Javelona’s world. Emotionally direct songwriting, genre blending sonics and an artist confidently carving out his own lane.
Troy Javelona sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I fell in love with playing guitar before anything else. My dad gifted me a nylon guitar at a young age and I instantly fell in love learning how to play. Most of it was self taught! Vocals developed as I was learning and I never took it seriously until I was in high school. Eventually as I began to dip my head in different genres, I started to appreciate different sounds and instruments which inspired me to learn how to produce. I fell in love with R&B and Indie and subconsciously fused the two genres I love into this unique pocket.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
One of the main artists who inspired me as a guitarist is Tom Misch. His music connected with me whilst I was in high school and it taught me a lot of the jazz guitar licks that I still do to this day. Steve Lacy is also a big inspo, he really showed proof that you don’t need fancy equipment to make great hits. Then came along Daniel Caesar who truly pulled my R&B side out, I specifically find his melodies inspiring.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I have lots of exciting music coming this year. During my time away, a lot has happened in my personal life and as a way of capturing the emotion, I have translated it into a waveform. There are new sounds and textures that I have discovered that I’m really excited to show the world.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is alternative R&B. A lot of people describe it as Loverboy music. It has the texture of indie music but also a lot of soul - this stems from the bg vocals, the chords and vocal tone. My songs are emotionally grounded, modern and soulful. It’s a good blend of R&B and Indie music.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment as an artist is making and releasing music from my room which millions of people now listen to. I had limited resources, but instead of letting that stop me, I learned how to make the most of what I had and unlocked creative abilities I didn’t even know I had.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
You need to be hungry to create. I am so motivated to make music every day because I love it. You have to find the passion and motivation that will drive you to be successful, and for me that was producing. I learnt how to produce because for me, that was a way to expand my creative control. Learning the skills allowed me to try things that I would’ve never thought would work.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I have so much respect for two artists right now. Cikho and MarQ. These two artists have such unique sounds and their melodies are soooo satisfying. Definitely check them out.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Son of Spergy by Daniel Caesar - this album is perfection. I love the direction of music he’s going. BELOVED by Giveon is another, it’s straight up R&B storytelling. The vocals as well are chef’s kiss. Lastly, The Fall That Saved Us by Odeal - I always love supporting UK R&B, it’s a very underrated scene right now. His BG vocals are so smooth and inspiring and the production is so warm.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love surfing. It’s something I never grew up with but the moment I started, I haven’t stopped. There’s an insane amount of mental clarity I get when I surf. I also love travelling. It’s such a good way to learn more about yourself. Last year I backpacked the Philippines because I wanted to learn and see more about my culture.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water - making sure I always stay hydrated helps me keep my vocals smooth.
Guitar - most of the songs I create start with guitar. It’s my secret to creating unique chord progressions then the rest of the song is built from that.
Snacks - I’ve always got to fuel up in my sessions, I have had full day sessions and it’s hard to think creatively when your tummy is rumbling!
