VXON: Change It Up
Earlier this year, VXON (pronounced “vision”) dropped their debut album, 20:20. Fitted with nine full-length songs, which were written and conceptualized by the members, it also features collaborations with other artists, including G22’s AJ, MC Einstein and Zephanie.
Each member was scouted by Cornerstone Entertainment, with C13 (24), Sam (24), Franz (23), Vince (21) and Patrick (20) undergoing monthly evaluations to discover their talent, skill and potential. “We are the result of the company’s vision, hence the name,” shares VXON.
Collectively offering a different “kalye” twist to P-pop, VXON knows they have something unique to offer. “From our debut to the latter part of our first year, we did light and dark concepts,” the group explains. “We wanted to explore different genres and ideas in terms of our branding and music. Coming into our second year, we wanted to do something different and introduce a different side of VXON with Breaking Bad, and that was our bridge to finding our sound with the release of our first full album, 20:20.”
Wonder: The P-pop scene has been growing rapidly. How do you think your group has helped this growth?
VXON: We’re very proud of what P-pop is becoming as it opens a lot of doors for an opportunity for [the genre] to expand. We want to offer something that hasn’t been offered yet with our “kalye sound,” in hopes of tapping the hip hop community.
Wonder: In 20:20, we see that there’s been a shift in VXON’s sound. There’s a focus on elements of hip-hop and urban music. Was this a conscious choice, and can we expect to hear more of this from you guys?
VXON: One of the main goals of VXON with the creation of 20:20 was to solidify our main sound being “kalye music.” Prior to 20:20, we released Sandal, and the audience reception was amazing. A lot of people wanted us to do more of that genre and a fellow artist told us that “You have finally found your sound.” With that being said, expect us to do more of this—but that won’t stop us from exploring more genres.
Wonder: Was there any fear in changing your sound?
VXON: At first, we were worried about our supporters’ reception, but as time went by, we were convinced that this kind of music is our sound.
Videography and Editing Chino Villagracia assisted by Anna Miralles
Wonder: You guys have gone on the record to say that 20:20 showcases each of your individual personalities. Can you expound on that?
VXON: Making the album, we wanted to showcase each and everyone’s strength and influence, that’s why we tapped our individual roots and influences for us to be able to show something unexpected. Sam being a hip-hop and kalye enthusiast, you can feel his strength and personality with the track Gamu-Gamo. He was also paired with an artist that he looks up to, MC Einstein. C13 enjoys old school hip-hop and rap music, and O Kay Sarap easily showcases that genre and his strength in rapping.
Wonder: How would you describe the relationship you guys have with each other?
VXON: We’re very confident [in saying] that we treat each other as a family and not just coworkers. We’ve gotten to a point where we already know each other's personality, and if something is off, we can easily sense it.
Wonder: What’s your favorite lyric from your songs?
C13: “Basta’t kasama ka O Kay Sarap.” I would like to dedicate that to VXON, as I feel complete whenever I’m with them.
Sam: “Ngiti palang kuhang kuha mo na ko.” Kasi may mga times na kapag gustong gusto mo yung tao ngiti palang niya, di ka na mapakali (Because there are times when you really like a person, that their smile leaves you restless).
Franz: “Saksak sa puso, tulo ang dugo.” When I was conceptualizing our song about betrayal, this phrase kept replaying in my mind. I wanted to incorporate a part of our Filipino culture from one of our street games Langit, Lupa. I’m proud of this song; I can’t wait to write more
Vince: “Kalaw,” because it’s a play on “kalawakan,” and I think it’s smart and catchy.
Patrick: “Sandal lang.” Catchy siya sa pandinig and yun ang paulit ulit na kinakanta ng mga listener (It’s catchy when you hear it and it’s what’s repeated by listeners).
Another unique thing about VXON is that they perform in their subunits. “At first, we were not used to it as we were used to training and performing as a cohesive unit,” shares the group. It was something that they all had to get used to after gaining confidence and strength from working with each other. Despite this, C13, Sam, Franz, Vince and Patrick take their collaborations seriously—whether with each other or with other artists, as evidenced by the number of collaborations heard in their album, which the group describes as something they could “check [off their] bucket list.”
And while we expect more music from VXON, as well as “events coming to a city near you,” the group doesn’t like boxing themselves into a certain sound or way of performing. They tease: “We really love the line, ‘Expect the unexpected,’ as we do like to surprise our listeners, so watch out!”
VXON is wearing pieces from Yves Camingue, PALENGKE, Glorious Dias and Studio Süg
Each member of VXON—C13, Sam, Franz, Vince and Patrick—offers something different. But collectively, they form one of the P-pop groups to watch out for, a group that not only wants to succeed in the music business, but also wants to expand the understanding of what it means to hail the banner of P-pop.
They might have only debuted two years ago, but their fans and supporters have already spoken; and they are eager for more. Fortunately, VXON is not only up to the task, they welcome it.
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Photography Jerick Sanchez assisted by Karl Rimando and Bryle Albano
Creative Direction Alexandra Lara
Interview and Cover Story Adie Pieraz
Fashion Direction Sarah Santiago
Styling Bryan Laroza assisted by Matthew Fetalver
Beauty Direction Elisa Aquino
Glam Miz Raffy, Kendra, Ida Siasoco, Justine Sabalvaro, Vannie Claveria and Jhai Castillo
Special Thanks Universal Music Group Philippines and Republic Records Philippines
