From Manila to LA: Kiana V on Family, Music, and Her Journey as an Artist

Possessing a quiet intensity that draws immediate comparisons to Tinashe and Aaliyah, Kiana V has cemented herself as a rising powerhouse in the music world. Since her debut in 2016, Kiana has garnered over 43 million Spotify streams. That includes hit tracks like “Does She Know,” “Misfits,” “Corners,” and “Safe Place.” With a distinctive sound that combines her Filipino heritage and international influences, Kiana has captured the attention of major outlets. These outlets include SPIN, HYPEBAE, and NME. She’s also gained recognition in her homeland, winning an Awit Award for Favorite Female Artist. Also a PMPC for Best R&B Artist of the Year. Her songs have been featured on platforms like the CW’s Kung Fu, further cementing her position in the global music scene.

Kiana V Takes Over Los Angeles

Now based in Los Angeles, Kiana’s journey is one of cultural fusion, family legacy, and self-discovery. When asked to introduce herself, Kiana humbly described herself as a “slightly delusional artist” from the Philippines. This captures her quirky personality and creative nature. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in music — her father, Gary Valenciano, is one of the most iconic musicians in the Philippines — Kiana had a unique upbringing. “It was a lot of fun when we were all together,” she recalls. Kiana mentions how music was ever-present, with everyone fighting for attention and sharing stories, songs, and even some “dancing.” This lively, chaotic environment helped shape her love for music.

Kiana’s sound is deeply emotional, drawing from personal experiences and those shared by close friends, if given permission. “I grew up listening to a lot of different genres — from R&B to house to show tunes — so I like incorporating elements from those genres in my music,” she explains. This fusion of styles is what makes her music so relatable yet distinct.

88Rising Involvement

Her involvement with 88rising’s PARADISE RISING collective during the pandemic was a turning point. Kiana describes the experience as one of her core memories as an adult, especially given the uncertainty surrounding her career at that time. She was able to release “Safe Place,” a track that resonated with many. Being invited to join the project provided a huge boost to her morale and visibility.

One of her most recent releases, “Sana,” holds a special place in her heart as it was inspired by her family and Filipino culture. “Sana Maulit Muli” was living in her mind when she entered the studio with her collaborators. The song was a family affair, as she worked with some of the most important people in her life, including her father, who was thrilled with the final product.

Having lived in both Manila and Los Angeles, Kiana has experienced the distinct artistic energies of each city. “Manila’s smaller creative community fosters a genuine sense of support,” she notes. Meanwhile LA’s artistic scene thrives on collaboration and healthy competition. Both cities have played crucial roles in her creative journey, and she loves the constant inspiration that comes from being surrounded by talented artists on both sides of the world.

Other Hobbies Kiana Enjoys

When she’s not making music, Kiana enjoys painting, illustrating, and even surfing. “Painting and illustration keep me sane,” she says. These hobbies help her escape from the pressures of the music industry and offer a different outlet for her creativity. She also admits to being an avid mobile gamer, joking about her love for Call of Duty.

As Kiana looks to the future, she hopes to evolve both on and off stage. She wants to be writing for other artists and diving into creative direction and design. Her advice to aspiring female musicians is simple: “Practice, practice, practice! ‘Perfect’ doesn’t exist, but you can get close”! She also stresses the importance of understanding the business side of the industry, noting how crucial it is to be aware of what you’re getting into.

With an album set to release in early 2025, Kiana is gearing up for what promises to be a significant moment in her career. “I had a great time working on this record,” she shares. Kiana envisions it as something listeners can dance to, celebrate with, and scream along to. As she prepares to drop her long-awaited full-length project, Kiana V continues to build on her impressive career, inviting listeners to join her on a journey that bridges cultures, genres, and emotions.