KIANA
Valenciano — who also goes by the stage name Kiana V — is creative waves in the
music industry once again with her new single. “Sweet Release” is a dance track
designed to showcase her unique vocal stylings and songwriting ability.
She
co-wrote this captivating single with songwriters Rosemarie Tan and Philippe
dela Pena. As the kids say these days, “Sweet Release” is a bop. Produced by
De’La, it’s sure to set dance floors ablaze with its catchy hook and
irresistible rhythm.
Kiana’s
songwriting is deeply personal, drawing from her own experiences, and she’s
been hard at work in the studio lately. In fact, “Sweet Release,” which she
says is dedicated to her best friend, is just the first taste of what’s to come
from this talented young woman in 2024.
During
a recent interview at the launch of Kenzo’s spring-summer 2024 line in
Greenbelt 3, Makati City, she shared some insights into the evolution of her
sound. According to Kiana, she’s currently leaning more toward a pop vibe,
reminiscent of her father Gary Valenciano’s iconic style. She also revealed
that she’s been working on a lot of Tagalog songs. “I’ve started writing, and
some of my favorite songs are in Tagalog,” says Kiana who has been exploring
writing in Tagalog since she started creating songs in English. “I’m really,
really excited. It’s different to express ourselves in our native tongue. It’s
really moving, a different experience. I’m having too much fun.”
Her
excitement was palpable as she talked about her upcoming album. However, she
refrained from giving away too many details. All she said was that if all goes
well, the album will drop sooner rather than later. She’s been writing and
recording with an eye toward releasing a new batch of songs by the end of the
year, if not early next year. “It’s kind of two years in the making,”
Kiana says of the album. “So you’ll hear a lot of my growth through my
storytelling, and also sonically; the sound of the music, the genre, has been
changing as well. It’s different from what I’ve released in the past, but a
good kind of different.”
Although
she’s been busy working on new music, she made time to perform at the National
Diversity Coalition’s 21st Annual Economic Development Conference at The
Landmark in Mission Hills, California.
The
theme of this year’s conference, “Unveiling the Future,” focused on harnessing
diversity and inclusion to foster economic growth and prosperity. The event was
well-received, drawing a sold-out crowd and featuring discussions on how these
critical elements contribute to economic development. Aside from Kiana,
performers at the conference included soul singer April Velasco, the
internationally acclaimed all-male hip hop dance group Junior New System, and
Nonie Belarmino’s iDance Line Dancers.
Most
recently, Kiana joined her father Gary onstage at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
last April 26 and 27 for the musical extravaganza that isPure Energy: One Last
Time. Like her brother Gabriel, who also performed on both nights of the show,
Kiana is now based primarily in the US, where she is charting her own career
with Gary and his wife, Angeli, cheering her on from thousands of miles away.
Since
Kiana moved abroad in 2020, this journey has led to tremendous growth in her
career and personal life. Her notable achievements include performing at SXSW;
opening for Yuna in LA; winning Female R&B Artist of the Year at the 2022
PMPC Star Awards for her song “Corners;” and collaborating with renowned
artists like Jesse Barrera; and writing songs for younger independent artists
from different songwriting camps.
Gary
has spoken at length about how proud he is that Kiana is forging her own path
in the world, though he admits he misses her. That’s why it’s so heartwarming
that Kiana made time to be by her father’s side for what will likely be
remembered as the most memorable concert of Gary’s 40-year career thus far.
Pure
Energy: One Last Time was so well-received that a third night has been
scheduled at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 10. Kiana will perform alongside
her father again. All proceeds from the show will benefit the Valenciano
family’s Shining Light Foundation, continuing Gary’s legacy of giving back
through his music.
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