Waiian | Complex PH

Change is inevitable—all the more towards the reformation of Filipino sound. The industry proudly welcomes flavors from across the archipelago, gearing towards a community inclusive of voice and aesthetics. A sense of bayanihan (togetherness) is rooted in Original Pilipino Music (OPM)—growing and evolving together.

With the rap/hip-hop wheels churning in the present, Waiian procures a sound individually, regardless of the stage performed. Beyond his Kartell’em roots, his personal discography peers into Waiian as the artist and the person. Whether through his rhythmic tones and street vernacular with the 10-man ensemble or his sole compositions, there’s a means of showcasing his true self, a direction consciously implemented through his artistry.

Waiian talks to Complex Philippines about authentic artistry, regardless of the trends and external influences present. He notes that understanding the self fortifies the journey—staying true to expression through personal advocacies and values.

How would you describe your music? Any inspirations?

My music is a reflection of my life. For my artistry, I usually write about my experiences and things I’ve been able to pick up throughout the years. Music I tend to listen to would fall under the hip-hop genre, with the rest being more classical. Apart from these, I follow several influences from varying genres—such as Bamboo and Black Eyed Peas.

What is your music origin story?

I didn’t think of my alias too much, being a part of my given name. Once I started in the scene, the Righteous One asked for my name, and I replied, “Waiian,” which he then distinguished as my rap name, and I continued with it.

How different is Waiian from Kartell’em and Waiian as a solo artist?

When I rap as a member of Kartell’em I try to go hard—bars-on-bars type shit, though when I perform as Waiian, I integrate themes of my personal life. I’m more conscious when I’m just me.

In your singles “Real,” “All I Know,” and your album “Good Problems,” a common theme in your music is remaining authentic. Why is being authentic something so important?

Being authentic and honest is how you separate yourself from everybody else, focusing on yourself and your craft. Try to observe the occurrences around you and look at how you can be you the way you want to be.

Do you think it’s easy for artists in the hip-hop community to be inauthentic?

They could lose their authenticity when they chase the trends or what is accepted as “mainstream” in today’s sound. By focusing on external influences, there’s a probability of losing the drive of personal creativity and themselves.

You recently released your first solo single since 2020. Did you notice an evolution in your audience and music in the last three years?

Honestly, it’s difficult to see a specific “change” or “evolution” in terms of my audience. My sound isn’t catered towards a strict audience but somewhat assumes [itself] as the “background music” for the every day main character. What motivates me to keep pushing out music is the ability to help my audience with whatever they’re going through. It makes me happy, feeling as if I’m a part of their lives in a good way.

When you create music, do you take into account your listeners, or is it just putting something out you’d want to say?

When I make music, it’s more about the personal journey; though once we start producing the track as a whole, then that’s when I take in the influence of my audience. If my listeners are the main point of my narrative, then I wouldn’t be able to finish, considering the need for so many different perspectives, which may hinder the creative process of being authentic.

What’s a local hip-hop trend you see happening in the next five years, and how do you see yourself playing a part in it?

I think everybody is trying to be “cool” and “lit,” given the amazing reception from tracks that embody a certain sound.

I’ve got nothing against that, though the music may lean towards what would just make people “bounce” in clubs without thinking about the bigger picture when putting out tracks. It can’t just be an anthem for parties, but at the end of the day, when you’re all alone—is it still the same type of music you’d want to listen to? I’m focused on being the guy who can be the voice of your conscience.

Credits

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Photography Borgy Angeles
Art and Art Direction Alexandra Lara and James Francisco
Interview and Story Gelo Lasin and Xavi Bautista
Styling Assist Jana Silao assisted by Val Silao
Makeup Nadynne Esguerra
Hair Patrick John
Production Complex Philippines
Location Bulb Studios

The Council: Waiian

Being authentic and honest is how you separate yourself from everybody else.

How would you describe your music? Any inspirations?

What is your music origin story?

How different is Waiian from Kartell’em and Waiian as a solo artist?

In your singles “Real,” “All I Know,” and your album “Good Problems,” a common theme in your music is remaining authentic. Why is being authentic something so important?

Do you think it’s easy for artists in the hip-hop community to be inauthentic?

You recently released your first solo single since 2020. Did you notice an evolution in your audience and music in the last three years?

When you create music, do you take into account your listeners, or is it just putting something out you’d want to say?

What’s a local hip-hop trend you see happening in the next five years, and how do you see yourself playing a part in it?

Credits

The Council: Waiian

Being authentic and honest is how you separate yourself from everybody else.

How would you describe your music? Any inspirations?

What is your music origin story?

How different is Waiian from Kartell’em and Waiian as a solo artist?

In your singles “Real,” “All I Know,” and your album “Good Problems,” a common theme in your music is remaining authentic. Why is being authentic something so important?

Do you think it’s easy for artists in the hip-hop community to be inauthentic?

You recently released your first solo single since 2020. Did you notice an evolution in your audience and music in the last three years?

When you create music, do you take into account your listeners, or is it just putting something out you’d want to say?

What’s a local hip-hop trend you see happening in the next five years, and how do you see yourself playing a part in it?

Credits

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