Fresh off the local hip hop scene, Pablo Santos, also known as WAIIAN, is a hidden gem lurking behind the digital space. The artist belongs to Kartell’em which he also founded, an underground collective comprised of beat makers, skaters and graphic artists. WAIIAN’s tracks, in particular, act as a window to his mind, often infusing jazz, lo-fi and hip hop elements to create his own distinct, bouncy flow.
For the sixth episode of Sound Fiesta Season 2, WAIIAN performs Solo Mission with Ruiijikun, a song that talks about the personal quests we solely embark on. We chat with the rapper on how he got started, his musical evolution over the years, and his place in the local rap scene.
When did you start rapping?
3 years ago, I discovered I had a thing for writing lyrics. Since my surroundings officialized that I do have a thing for this music stuff, I just went on with it. It’s been a long ride and I have a long way to go.
What do your raps usually revolve around?
Any accumulated thought of mine, some relevant mental issue I’d like to dissect and give solutions for or An adventure I had or occasionally just flexing for fun.
Over the years, how has your style and songwriting evolved?
It develops all the time because I still listen and study from greats that I could pick up from, but I can’t ever remove the authenticity of me in my songs. What’s fun is even if my pick up a style from my mentors, it wouldn’t sound the same because I execute it differently from them.
What do you think sets you apart from other artists in the local hip hop scene?
I am who I am, and only I can do that. What I am is a happy, hard working kid that just dreams of the impossible everyday with the power of my natural high optimism and understanding the diversity and the duality of mankind. I’m just a viewer writing my thoughts about everything around me and making songs out of them.
As an emerging artist, what are you most excited about?
I’m excited to expand my horizons and see what lies ahead for me as soon as I step on top of my goals I’ve been reaching for at the top, but I am in no hurry because I know ill be there at the right time. I just have to keep going and make my songs the way I imagine them to be.
Can you share any new projects that you are working on at the moment?
I’m working on my sophomore project. My album called YAWAN is in the works. I might change the title if I feel like it, but it’s about the struggles and the fights I had with myself over the recent years since the fame and the rap game came flashing into my life. Though it’s not all struggle, there’s love there too and the bliss of the silver linings in between. I’m genuinely having fun with my life and I want you all to hear it.
Sound Fiesta is in collaboration with Playhouse Studio for video production and Kindred Productions for audio management. This video is shot in OTO, Poblacion, Makati City — a cocktail and music-inspired bar.
