Manila, Philippines — With a refreshing presence, Ryannah J is not just another name in the Philippine music industry; she's a force in her own right. The malambing artist who independently made her own niche and now got here—Ryannah J opened up about her journey, her musical identity, and the challenges she faced along the way.
Finding Her Identity
"Sa una, wala akong vision na makikilala ng tao," Ryannah admits, reflecting on her initial reluctance to embrace the spotlight. "Ayoko ng gano'n. Gusto ko lang kilala niyo ako bilang normal na tao." Despite this hesitation, she found herself propelled into the industry, thanks to a strong support system that constantly reminded her of her destiny without pressuring her to walk down the path to fame.
"Sobrang thankful ko sa family ko kasi no pressure, na-encourage lang ako na mas gagalingan ko na lang," she shares, emphasizing the importance of her supportive family in her journey.
Having grown up in a musical family, with a mother who sings and a father in a band, and with a sister who's also in the spotlight, her love for music was always present. "Mula bata pa, mahilig na ako sa music," she says.
With her sister already a major artist, the question of stepping out of her shadow was inevitable. "Never nagkaroon ng inggit," she assured. "May iba akong way na tinatahak, and andito na po yung opportunity. Sino ba ako para tumanggi? Ipapakita ko rin kung ano 'yung kaya kong gawin as Ryannah J." This foundation and thinking allowed her to navigate the industry without feeling overshadowed by her sister's success, who also played a part in encouraging her to pursue her music career.
Finding A Flow
When it comes to defining her musical identity, Ryannah describes it as an ongoing exploration. "Ito siguro yung challenge as an artist," she explains, noting the difficulty in finding a sound that suits her voice. "Up until now, ine-explore ko pa rin siya. More on lo-fi ako na beat... Parang ang sarap [ba] sa boses na kumakanta. Hindi bigatin, hindi rock. Pop." This, she believes, sets her apart in the competitive landscape of the OPM landscape, and she aims to continue on just finding different ways to not only make music, but to enjoy the process of making it as well.
Consistency in Passion
Ryannah has been on an impressive streak of hit releases, and she attributes this success to her genuine passion for music. "Success, for me, is 'yung love mo for music at nalalahad mo sa tao, napaparamdam mo," she emphasizes. The people around her, from producers to fellow artists and her fans, play a crucial role in her creative process. "Yung spark ko pagdating sa nililikha ko, hindi pa rin nawawala," she assures.
She believes success isn't just about numbers or charts, but about emotional connection. "As I said, definition ko ng success is... yung love mo sa ginagawa mo at 'yung consistency nun," she explains. Sharing her stories and struggles through her music for everyone is what she considers true success.
Growth Through Challenges
As a young artist, Ryannah has experienced significant personal and professional growth. "Mas nakikilala ko 'yung sarili ko," she reflects, noting how her self-love and confidence have evolved. She admits that way back, she wasn't appreciative of herself and her capabilities—as Ryannah J the artist, and Ryannah J as a normal person—as much as she does now. This newfound self-awareness has transformed her creative process and perspective for a better version of herself. "Nagkaroon ako ng tiwala sa sarili ko, na, 'Ah, kaya mo pala?' at nag-iba na rin perspective ko sa bawat ginagawa ko."
Keeping Herself Real
Navigating the music industry comes with pressures, especially regarding marketability. It's a challenge to stay in line with what you want for yourself and what would the people want. "Maging totoo lang sa sarili," she advises. For Ryannah, it's essential to create music that resonates with her true self rather than conforming to external expectations. "If you're doing all of this para lang sa supporta nila, hindi okay 'yan," she emphasizes.
Look Out
With exciting plans in the pipeline, Ryannah J is preparing to release her first EP, which she describes as a reflection of her experiences. "Baka mawala 'yung malambing na side dito... it's different," she teases, hinting at an evolution in her sound and lyrics.
As she continues to grow as an artist, her goals remain focused on authenticity and connection. "Gusto ko ipakita kung sino si Ryannah J," she says, determined to share her journey with her audience.
Piece of Advice
To young musicians trying to find their place, Ryannah J offers heartfelt advice: "Huwag mawawala 'yung puso niyo sa ginagawa niyo. Kung nararamdaman niyong para diyan kayo, 'wag niyong susukuan." Passion is key, and she encourages aspiring artists to embrace their experiences and emotions through their work.
As Ryannah J continues to carve her path in the OPM scene, she is not just building a career but creating a legacy of her own. With her unique sound and heartfelt approach, she stands poised and ready to inspire others, proving that like water, she can adapt, flow, and thrive.
Artist RYANNAH J Creative Director M FERRERAS Photographer JOB CORPUZ Videographer JOB CORPUZ Cover story JAS RICO
Hair and Makeup MARK FERNANDEZ Production Assistant ELAINE LAUREL Produced by THE NEW HUE Special thanks to NHUE STUDIO
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