Ex-band vocalist goes solo

MANILA, Philippines — Electronic pop-rock lovers who prefer the music of Imagine Dragons or The 1975 should watch out for Yan Sison who is debuting as a solo artist in the same genre.

Yan was the frontman of Avalon Beyond which was already on its way to establishing a name in the music scene having been nominated for Best Rock Artist and recognized for Best Rock Album at the 2016 PMPC Star Awards for Music for its album which was digitally released by Universal Records Philippines and physically distributed by Pulp Live World. Unfortunately, the band’s almost three-year journey ended abruptly. 

According to Yan, it was a hard decision and was not part of the plan because, “I (also) invested effort, money and everything in the band. I didn’t have regrets because what happened was part of my learning experience. I started there. Lahat ng mga dumating na blessings sa akin kasama ko naman yung band.”

He added, “I just felt like exploring other things and now, I’m not only focusing on my music but I’m also able to do film and music production.”

Under a new management company of I. Entertainment Co., Yan will be releasing this month his debut album titled Underrated via Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon and all digital platforms by DNA Records Philippines headed by Roxy Liquigan. It has five original tracks, namely Fighter, Fire, The Best Thing, Paramdam and the carrier single, Kayang Kaya, which has its music video to debut on MYX also this month.

Asked why his album is titled Underrated, Yan replied, “I just felt that I have something in me that is not known yet by the public. I have a lot of things to show to them. The album is all about me, and my music. I am more driven now,” said Yan who admitted that he had gone through a lot of struggles in the past.

He said, “As a musician, talagang nag-struggle ako because I’m from the province and I had no connections at all so madami ding rejections. But then after a while, I realized na hindi lahat ng gusto mo makukuha mo kaya you have to try other things and you can try harder or improve yourself.”

The 30-year-old artist from Kidapawan City hopes to collaborate with Gloc 9, Shanti Dope and fellow artist from Mindanao KZ Tandingan, or write songs for other artists. In the 2016 elections, Yan collaborated with Jay Durias of South Border on the song Pagbabago.

Aside from his passion for music, Yan’s interest in the creative arts extends to the acting department where he had previous stints in Ang Probinsyano, Home Sweetie Home, Super D, On the Wings of Love and in Star Cinema’s Love Me Tomorrow. He is currently attending advanced acting workshops in Star Magic through his mentor Air Paz Pablico.