There was four times the talent on All Out on Thursday as Rico and Karla were joined by the talk of the town: the artists of Paradise Rising! We got Fern Tan, Massiah, Leila Alcasid, and Kiana Valenciano to talk about their latest mixtape, “semilucent.”
Paradise Rising the newly established Filipino label of the famous music group, 88rising, known for talents like Rich Brian, Joji, Niki, and many more! Now that 88rising has made their way on to Philippine shores, they’re giving the opportunity for our Filipino artists to reach a wider, global scale with their music! Stream the semilucent mixtape here:
The All Out duo took some time to talk to each artist individually before bringing everyone together on the livestream. First up, the artist behind the track “Kaori,” Fern Tan! Fern started out as a producer, but eventually got into the performing side. According to him, it makes him a little more nervous but also helps his confidence, which is awesome because this guy is so talented at such a young age!
His track on the Paradise Rising was inspired by the anime “Your Lie in April.” Fern says that the show was an emotional experience and he became attached to the characters. “Writing that song was kind of a release of what I felt from it, so I could totally detach myself from the pain that I felt.” On being part of the Paradise Rising artists, he said, “When I found out it was all these artists that are much more experienced than me, it felt like I had to learn something from them.” He realized that as a young and passionate musician, his youth is great tool when it comes to learning. “It was an exciting challenge for me.”
Next up was one of our favorite gentle giants, Massiah! We met him last October in the RX booth when he guested on All Out with James Reid, which was a lot of fun (you’ve gotta check out the vlog we did that day).
Massiah’s track on the mixtape “On God” was a song he already started on months before lockdown happened. “I just changed a few of the lyrics,” he said. “I was lucky with that, we just had it and we were working on it constantly.” And not only is the track fire, it’s also TikTok worthy! The #OnGodChallenge has become a trend on the platform, and Massiah’s super flattered about it. These days, that’s a huuuge deal.
Even while he’s stuck in quarantine, Massiah has been making it a habit to write new music. Does that mean we can expect an album from him soon? “I have a bunch of songs we put together already and are calling an album!” he said. As for the Paradise Rising experience, Massiah said, “I was really happy that Filipino music was getting some recognition from an outside label. Like wow, you really think we got it! It made me feel a lot of pride, for all the artists under Paradise Rising.”
Third artist on the show was the lovely Leila Alcasid, who we last saw in the station in February with boyfie Mito (aka curtismith)! For Leila, the Paradise Rising opportunity came at a perfect time – she was going through a bit of a creative block and self-doubt at the start of quarantine until this opportunity came along.
“This whole Paradise Rising thing has put me in a mindset where I’m ready to be positive, and motivated, and inspired,” she explained. Her track on the mixtape “Clouds” reflects that! We’re glad to hear this was a confidence booster for her. “There was this insecurity at the back of my mind, because a lot of it is attached to my last name. This was the first time I was given an opportunity that I can say wasn’t because of whatever my last name is. It was just the music I was making.”
A solid support system definitely helped Leila get unstuck and keep shining! Leila collaborated with Moophs on the “Clouds,” and got her dad’s help to record the vocals. Advice that her dad, the great Ogie Alcasid, gave her? “He really pushes me to stick to what I know and what I like. There’s always this pressure to kind of conform to what people enjoy listening to.” But Leila’s got her own style and her own sound that’s working for her – the fans love it!
Last but not least, an artist we’ve had the pleasure of talking to many times on the Monster: Kiana V! Karla and Rico both agreed that this was the happiest they’ve seen Kiana on the show. Good for you, girl! And her reaction to being part of Paradise Rising is just priceless. “I got a message and all I saw was ‘opportunity,’ ‘Safe Place,’ ‘88rising.’” She told them about how she started screaming and celebrating, “I didn’t know what to do, I need to scream, I need to hug someone, I need to have a shot, I don’t know!”
In Kiana’s case, the semilucent experience was all about trusting the process. Her song “Safe Place” was finished since November last year, but she didn’t get to release it, and it frustrated her. But the universe had other plans for this song! “If I had forced to release it earlier, then I wouldn’t have been part of such an amazing mixtape.”
What’s Kiana’s real life safe place? It’s her special little spot by the piano in her parent’s house, where she listens to her dad play as she drifts into sleep. Figuratively, her safe place is “anywhere I know I can be myself and I know I’ll be supported.” We love it!
Rico and Karla brought Fern, Massiah, and Leila back on the stream so we could hear more from the four artists about their mixtape and ask some fan questions. Someone asked: What are their favorite lyrics from their Paradise Rising songs?
Fern: “When the times get lonely, will you think about me?” Turns out this guy is a romantic, and he likes the idea of being thought of. Sweeet!
Leila: “I’ve been floating in limbo,” to reflect how many of us have been feeling the past few months in quarantine, and “When the clouds wanna part, I can let you in.”
Kiana: “The after party’s dying, and the only thing I’m craving is you.” Have you ever gone out to party to forget about your problems (a certain someone, perhaps), only to think about them again immediately when you get home? We feel you.
Massiah: “Cellphone ringing, bringing more bad news, sticky fingers and my gold snafu.”
Before letting them go, the All Out hosts gave the artists a chance to send a message to their supporters and fans. “I really am truly grateful for everyone that supported the whole project. As artists, the only reason we can keep being artists is because of the supporters,” Fern said.
Leila added, “We wouldn’t be here without people listening to music and appreciating it.” She’s gotten a lot of messages from people who loved the song and the vulnerability of her lyrics, and she says she appreciates it very much! “I hope that seeing us have this opportunity to represent everyone gives this inspiration to work hard, and keep doing what it is you wanna do or dream of doing.”
Massiah thanked everyone for the support as well, and gave a little message of hope: “I know these times are uncertain; just be patient and keep doing what you love doing and you’ll find solace within that.” Always surprising us with wisdom, this gentle giant!
Finally, Kiana shared her gratitude and excitement for the future as well. “Now that I’m a little more open to change and evolving and growth, I’m glad to have such amazing supporters and fans-turned-friends on my side, going through all of it. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
What a fun way to celebrate the anniversary month on the Monster and kick off the long weekend! Check out the full video on our Facebook: