Exclusive: Singer Mario Jose's First Original Song Tackles Unrequited Love

Mario Jose, an energetic and bubbly personality from California, is breaking into the music industry.

From singing solos at weddings to duets with John Legend, Jose's gift is undeniable and expanding. For years Jose has found inspiration for his performances through the works of others. Videos of his covers have secured millions of views on YouTube and a dedicated fan base--some have even driven hours in stand-still L.A. traffic just to see him perform.

"...I just love people," he said to Out. "I love talking with people. I love connecting with people."

Some of Jose's friends include award-winning singers Scott Hoying and Avi Kaplan, vocal powerhouse Tori Kelly, and popstar Meghan Trainor, among others.

"You can do so much covering songs and I think that it's a whole other art form to express yourself with someone else's music," Jose explains. "But to come out and tell your story through your own words and through your own voice is a new journey for me and an exciting one."

Jose raised funds for his EP through a GoFundMe campaign.

"The entire EP is something that I wanted to be very conversational. It's full of things that I would say and very true to me and who I am."

The album is titled Heart of Gold, a saying Jose often uses to describe the people closest to him.

"I'm definitely a love-life kind of guy and I would be nothing without my friends. I am so grateful for all of them"

The first single off of the album is titled "Tell Me Now" and you can listen to it exclusively below. It's a powerful ballad about unrequited love, a feeling that--paired with Jose's vocals--will have you in tears.

Listen to the single "Tell Me Now" below and get the full EP this Friday, October 7: