Kiana Valenciano. The Filipino Manila based singer who has made a name for herself in her native Philippines and has positioned herself to bring her Neo-soul/Future R&B sound to the rest of the world. Music has always been a permeating force in Kiana's life. Her father, Gary Valenciano, is one of the Philippines' most prolific musicians with a three decade spanning career. Her two brothers Gab and Paulo also work in the industry as a variety show producer and concert director respectively. Her new single "No Rush” has sensual guitars and pulsating synths that hover over a sturdy four-on-the-floor beat to provide a bed for Kiana’s luscious vocal.
**Can you speak about the process for your single "No Rush?"**
I wrote “No Rush” as a ballad. I had this story in my head of a partner getting ready to leave in the middle of a fight, which is why the song starts with "put your coat down." Lyrically, I wanted it to be a song of reassurance. When I got in the studio to start production with Billy, we had already finished another song that was pretty heartbreaking so we both agreed we needed something to counter that. The moment I sang him part of this song we knew it was the right one to work on.
**What was it like working with Billy Davis?**
Billy is like the annoying older brother you love to hate! All jokes aside though, I genuinely have a great time working with him because he gets my vision and we just understand each other.
**How does your culture play into your work?**
I will always be proud of my heritage and culture. As a Filipina artist, I make it a point to raise my flag and fellow Filipino artists everywhere my work takes me.
**Your debut EP Grey was nominated for an Awit Award. How did that feel, especially coming from your first released body of work?**
To be honest, the nomination came as a shock. I didn't know how to react at first because it came a year after I released the project and I had evolved so much since its drop. But I was and am still so thankful for the recognition.
Photo Credit: DJ Magbanua
Photo Credit: DJ Magbanua
**What inspires your music?**
When I started releasing my music, I just wanted to be honest and write what I was thinking and feeling. After I dropped “Circles,” “Does She Know” and then “Misfits, “people started to reach out to me through social media, telling me how my songs had moved them and how they were thankful they had my words and music to cling to. I didn't realise I had it in me to connect with people I've never met, the way all the artists I admire do. That connection is what inspires me to keep creating.
**What are you currently working on/what is next for you?**
I have a couple releases set for the next few months and I'm writing my next project, but because of the current state of our world I've been focusing most of my energy on reflection. I have a voice and I want to make sure I use it the right way. More music will come, I just don't think it'll be what everyone is used to hearing from me.
**Music touches a lot of industries such as fashion and film. Would you ever want to pivot in that direction?**
I studied fashion design so it's a goal of mine to venture into that world someday. As for film, I've never tried that but I'm open to it if it doesn't completely distract from my music. At the end of the day music is my priority.
**What are your core values/morals as a musician and person?**
Authenticity always. I used to be such a people pleaser and all that did was leave me feeling empty.
**What are you listening to right now?**
It's been 3 years but I'm still not over Jhene Aiko's album “Trip” and I still have it on repeat.
**Who would you like to collaborate with?**
To name a few: Lucky Daye, UMI, Raveena, Jason Dhakal
Photo Credit: DJ Magbanua
Photo Credit: DJ Magbanua
Follow Kiana for her new music and updates:
[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kianavee/)
[Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2-WSztHA_73vCGJknrrYww)
