Kiana Valenciano carves her own path

INDEED, talent runs in the blood. 

Having been in the industry long enough, singer Kiana Valenciano has, without a doubt, already proven that she is more than just the daughter of OPM legend Gary Valenciano. 

Kiana’s voice and music continue to fly high and she is slowly making a name for herself without the help of her famous family. 

Among her many achievements was her Female R&B Artist of the Year award during the last edition of the Philippine Movie Press Club, Inc (PMPC) Star Awards for Music. She received the award for her heart-tugging song “Corners.” 

“It made me reflect on when I first started working on this song and how I had zero plans for it. I just knew I loved it. Receiving an unexpected nomination and trophy for it makes me appreciate it all the more,” she told republicasia. 

Because of the family she was born into, Kiana was practically thrust into the limelight since she was born. She, however, wanted to be more than just a Valenciano.

Hence, the dream of navigating solo resounded in her soul and she sought to make it a reality. 

Kiana goes to the US 

After some time, it finally happened. Kiana moved to the US and pursued her dream. 

“It allowed me to explore different perspectives and shut out some of the pressure I dealt with in the Philippines,” she said. 

It was a time for growth as well.

“It ushered in tremendous growth in my career and personal life. It was a little scary, but the right decision. I’ve learned so much about myself,” she said. 

Not only was she able to leave behind people’s expectations, she also left her last name. 

Just V

It is noticeable now on music streaming services such as Apple Music and Spotify that she goes by Kiana V. She actually considered totally dropping the “V,” but her team suggested to keep it. 

“When I released my first batch of new music, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to take my sound. But I felt carrying my last name would cloud people’s judgment of me and keep them from separating my journey from my family’s,” she said. 

When Kiana changed her stage name and country, she also changed her life. 

After releasing a five-track EP that earned praise from international publications like NME, PAPER, and SPIN, she performed at the prestigious SXSW (South By Southwest) music festival in Austin, Texas. 

She was the lone Pinoy on the bill, and performed alongside Japan’s Haru Nemuri and South Korea’s HAEPAARY and Y2K92.

“SXSW was an inspiring experience. It came and went so quickly, almost like I didn’t have a chance to catch my breath and enjoy the moment until I was back in LA. My favorite part was jumping from show to show and meeting other artists in the Artists’ Village. One evening, I set out on my own and watched an entire showcase myself. I loved it,” she recalled.

Kiana’s move came at the perfect time because the world has become more receptive to Asian music, as proven by K-pop talents headlining global pop culture. 

Kiana’s next move

Currently, Kiana is trying to figure out what to do with the new material she’s been working on. 

Her frequent collaborators include Asher Yelo and Jesse Barrera, but she hopes to work with hitmaker SZA of “SOS” fame and Victoria Monet—a producer, singer, and songwriter best known for working with Ariana Grande on “Thank U, Next.”

“I love the unreleased songs I have, but I know the moment I share them with the world, they won’t be mine anymore, you know?” she said. 

She wants to take her time.

“Last year, I promised to have fun in the recording studio and not worry too much about deadlines, labels, and numbers. I’m finally starting to find my voice, and I don’t want to rush that. I have no doubt I’ll release new material this year, but who knows what it might sound like?” she said.