Yan Sison sees himself more as a composer than a vocalist.
As part of the pop-rock group Avalon Beyond, singer-songwriter Yan Sison wrote songs that aimed to inspire and focused on “positivity and goodness.” And he plans to continue walking down that path, even as he starts to pursue a solo career.
“I still want to inspire people with my work. I want my songs to leave those who are feeling down or helpless with a sense of hope,” he told the Inquirer at a recent press launch of his debut solo album, “Underrated,” under DNA Records—a sublabel of Star Music.
In writing the five songs for the album, he looked back at his struggles with depression and all the rejections he had to put up with, as an aspiring artist who left his hometown in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, to try his luck in Manila.
“After playing keyboards for different bands back home and in Davao, where I studied college, I decided that I wanted to take my music career seriously. I flew to Manila. I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t have connections. It was tough. But I didn’t lose my passion and drive.”
The lead single, the uplifting anthem “Kayang Kaya,” is coupled with a music video that features common folk in Davao going about their daily lives and chasing their dreams.
“We included street sweepers, farmers, garbage collectors, the disabled… I wanted to convey the message that, while some people look down on them, it’s not a reason for them not to hold their head up high, because they contribute a lot to our society,” said Yan, whose other songs include “Fighter” and “The Best Thing.”
Asked about his decision to leave Avalon Beyond, for which he was the lead vocalist for three years, Yan said he wanted to go out and explore new things.
“Going solo didn’t cross my mind. But there was a point where I felt I was too focused on work. I was growing as an artist, but not as a person. I was confined in one place. But I have no regrets—all of these are learning experiences,” related Yan, who leans toward pop, rock and electronic genres, and listens to such bands as Imagine Dragons, The 1975 and One Ok Rock.
Yan sees himself more as a composer than a vocalist. And one of his dreams is to collaborate with and write songs for the local artists he looks up to.
“I’d like to work with my fellow Mindanaoan KZ Tandingan, Shanti Dope and Gloc-9,” he said. “And, given the chance, I would like to write a song for Sarah Geronimo. But that’s just a dream!”