Q&A: Jonavi Unpacks the Honesty and Heartache Behind “If Only We Knew”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
JONAVI HAS ALWAYS BEEN A STORYTELLER WHO WRITES FROM THE HEART - but her latest single, “If Only We Knew,” peels back the layers like never before. The track captures both the beauty and the pain of a deep, long-term relationship, chronicling how something once so full of promise can slowly unravel. It’s more than just your average heartbreak song, instead it’s an exploration of accountability, perspective and the space between two people who tried their best but couldn’t make it last.
Written during a moment of emotional turbulence, “If Only We Knew” is a reflection on the complexities of love: how it begins, how it changes and how it sometimes ends without a clear villain. With cinematic production and tender, introspective lyricism, Jonavi offers a raw portrayal of heartbreak that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Born in Cebu, Philippines and now based in the U.S., Jonavi’s music bridges pop sensibility with intimate storytelling, weaving emotional honesty into every melody. As she continues to evolve as an artist, “If Only We Knew” marks a defining moment in her journey, one where vulnerability becomes her greatest strength.
LUNA: “If Only We Knew” feels more layered than a traditional breakup song. What was the spark that inspired you to write it
JONAVI: I was going through a really tough time in my previous relationship, and the best way I know how to communicate is through writing. I wanted to write a song that was honest to me but was also a song that talked about how the nuances of a relationship can only be understood by the people who actually experienced that relationship. "If Only We Knew" was a product of my nervous attempt to communicate what was going on at that period of my life.
LUNA: The track highlights how sometimes there’s no villain in a breakup, just two people in pain. How did you approach capturing that nuance in your lyrics?
JONAVI: In my songwriting, I acknowledge that both parties did something wrong or fell short in the relationship. Realistically, someone is always going to end up a villain in someone's story; you can never be the "good guy" all the time. But when you're in the relationship, it's never that black and white. That's what I kept in mind while I wrote this song.
LUNA: Musically, how did you balance the beauty and the pain of the relationship in the sound of the track?
JONAVI: The song starts off very delicate, with piano and light synth leading the first few notes. I love when the electric guitars suddenly come in at the bridge; I think it perfectly encapsulates the chaos and pain of the lyrics in that moment, and how things are finally coming to an end.
LUNA: Vulnerability is at the heart of this track. How do you navigate sharing something so personal with the world?
JONAVI: One of my friends once told me that I am my most honest self when I'm songwriting, and I agree. I'm a pretty private person; I don't share much about my personal life. But when it comes to songwriting, I feel like I can be as vulnerable as I want without judgement. Writing this song came easy — it was a song about my true feelings.
LUNA: What do you hope listeners feel or take away when they hear “If Only We Knew” for the first time?
JONAVI: With all my music, I want listeners to feel like they're not alone. I want them to hear my song and think, "Wow, someone has felt this too?" I hope "If Only We Knew" gives them a sense of comfort and community.
LUNA: As you continue creating, do you see this song as part of a larger story you’re telling in your music?
JONAVI: Totally! Over the last year, I've experienced so many big changes and learned a lot about myself; with this song and with future projects, I hope to continue to explore themes around the nuance within romantic relationships, how our childhood upbringing affects our current perspectives, and learning (and unlearning) generational trauma.
LUNA: Sonically, who are some of your main influences lately?
JONAVI: For this song, I was heavily influenced by “The Greatest” by Billie Eilish and “Intro (End of the World)” by Ariana Grande. In general though, my musical influences can range from pop music to indie songwriters from around the world. Currently, I'm most influenced by all the creative artists in my community who are sincerely chasing their dreams; they inspire me to be and do better in my art.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for this fall season?
JONAVI: Creating art and music that's authentic to me, and not shaped by what I think people will think is "cool" or "trendy." I just want to be myself and confidently step into that version of me!
