How Kiana V transformed a Philippine classic into an R&B masterpiece

I chatted with Kiana V about her musical influences while growing up in an artistic family, the power of finding a Filipino community while taking on the music industry in Los Angeles, how transforming a classic with “Sana” came to be, and what the future looks like for her with her full-length project, set to drop early next year.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Andre Lawes Menchavez: With a clear music influence in your home, and being Filipino, where music is such an integral part of our culture, did you always see music as the route for you when you got older?
Kiana V: I was always drawn to music. My older brother and mom were in a band,  my dad is who he is, and my other brother was into music production. All of these things were happening under one roof, so I figured that it was in the cards for me. I was such a rebellious kid that I had to figure it out at my own pace, though. Growing up, I was performing, guesting in shows, but it didn't feel natural to me because I didn't find my own way there. It felt like the path was already paved for me, and if there's one thing about me, it's that I like figuring things out on my own, even if it takes longer!

I did my best to avoid this industry. But it was like gravity, you know? I found my way back. I enjoyed fashion, which was the one thing that I thought I was going to be seriously getting into. I loved the behind the scenes aspect of the industry. I would help my dad and all the other artists that he took under his wing with styling and creative direction. That's really where I thought was my lane. But as I got older, I gained the confidence to start sharing my story through my music, and here we are today.

ALM: You are an incredible storyteller with your music. How has being from the Philippines inspired your storytelling process in your music?
KV: I was born and raised in Manila, and so even the way that I act is very culturally rooted in the Manila way or the Antipolo way, which is really where I grew up. It definitely finds its way into my creative process. Growing up listening to ballads and being raised by this inspirational singer that my dad is, I began enjoying a lot of drama in my music. I like a good build up and the lyrics being a little more dramatic and romantic.

Kiana V was born in Manila but now lives in Los Angeles.

Sandro Tolentino

On top of that, I think that that “utang na loob” (which translates to “debt of gratitude”) feeling of wanting to give back to those that paved the way for you or helped you get to where you are, I carry that with me. I really want to be able to in the future, if it's in the cards for me, build bridges for other artists to also experience what I've been experiencing out here in the United States.

ALM: What advice would you give to those emerging Filipino artists you want to build a bridge for? I can imagine you have had some roadblocks in the industry being a Filipina woman in music, especially when you’re making songs like “Sana” that are in Tagalog.
KV: It's so easy in this industry to be riddled with self doubt, and most times, people will feed off of that self doubt and try and keep you where you're at. You have to get past that, and you just keep putting in the work, and you need to be honest with yourself that you know what you’re doing because you’re doing it! Stay rooted in that confidence. And I always say this, like Rihanna said once when there was this interviewer who asked her, “What do you do on those days when you don't feel confident?” And she is just like, “Pretend.” And it's so true. I value this sense of like, “Alright, let's lock in. I have a goal. If I don't fight for that goal, no one else will!”

ALM: How much of your confidence as an artist comes from the community of Filipino creatives you surround yourself with? I know you’ve worked with Jesse Barrera and are friends with Ruby Ibarra among so many other Filipino artists, how important is having that community for you as an artist?
KV: I don't think I would have had this confidence if not for the friendships that I've built within the community. I'm so honored, number one, to be surrounded by such talented, driven and hardworking people, and that's incredibly inspiring. And I just like the level of support that they've given me. Jesse especially, he worked on my whole pandemic project with me, and he is a bit of a mentor with how he guided me through that whole process. I learned so much from him, and that gave me the confidence to then go into other rooms with more knowledge.

For Kiana V, her Filipino community has fostered her confidence and motivation.

Sandro Tolentino

Bonding over our Filipino culture was the starting point when meeting [my Filipino creative community]. Like, “Oh, we have this in common. Have you been here? I can't wait to show you that side of the Philippines the next time you visit!” All of that. I think it's a beautiful experience to see a community of Filipino artists grow.

ALM: I love that you mention that you and other artists find each other out in the industry and bond over our common heritage, it kind of reminds me of our immigrant elders who built foundations alone in this country and found a community of other immigrants. It’s beautiful how we as Filipinos take space in places not made for us, and find strength to do it by finding each other.
KV: Absolutely. I think that's something that I didn't expect moving here. Like, Rose Tan, who I’m working with who’s helping executive produce my next project, she's a Filipina and there are just a lot of times that I have a hard time articulating what I really am feeling or how exactly I want to say things and because she understands my culture, she's able to pull it out of me very naturally and it doesn't at all feel forced.

The friends that I've made understand the barriers I have. They understand that like, “She grew up in the Philippines and it'll take her a little longer to adjust to certain things in the U.S. and all that.” Their understanding and support adds so much onto my confidence of feeling respected, seen, heard, because they know that experience too. I take comfort in that and I'm glad that we can find each other in these spaces.

Kiana V is deeply inspired by the early 2000’s era of R&B.

Sandro Tolentino

ALM: With that community foundation, I want to ask about the music you now create. You’ve taken on the genre of R&B, but why choose this genre specifically for your music, and where did your love for that genre begin?
KV: It's so great that you're asking me this question because I just yesterday spent my whole morning at Jojo’s book signing! I love Jojo. I was listening to her music the whole drive home, and it clicked where I was like, “Okay, I know where my music came from.” I remember growing up with Brandy, Aaliyah, Destiny's Child, Monica, but it was really Jojo that was the one! When she released her album she was 13 years old, her voice was incredible, and it just hooked me.

I was listening to her whole album and I still remembered every single run. I remembered how long I would sit in bed when I was younger with my headphones on just trying to memorize and mimic everything. So I think at the age of like 10 or 11 I really was like, “Oh, this is really fun, and I’d like to play around with these melodies and try singing this way.” The early 2000’s era of R&B was really what just snatched me and never gave me back!

ALM: And your newest single “Sana” totally gives “Too Little Too Late” vibes! What inspired you to write this newest single?
KV: Oh my god, yes! Especially with this full project that's coming next year, I've noticed that a lot of the topics that I sing about are about certain people coming into my life a little too late, and I've had to reflect on that. I've realized that when I was in my 20s, I made myself so emotionally available for so many people—too emotionally available. I would find myself in these situations where I was giving so much more than I was receiving, and even maybe falling so much more than this other person. A lot of unrequited love, but then the moment that I would try and take myself out of the situation, they'd come knocking on my door!

So, “Sana” comes from the perspective of, what would a 2024 modern girl say when someone says, “I wish I could have you back. I wish we could turn back the clock. I wish we could do these things over again.” No, I don't think so. I think I'm good! I think you're good, you’re fine, you’re lying, but you’re fine. And I’m doing great. So no more sanas (“if only”), no more what ifs! We move onto the next chapter, period.