MANILA, Philippines - Kean Cipriano doesn’t need to think long and hard on the question whether he plans to cut musical ties or stick with Callalily now that he has become a familiar face on the big and small screens since he started acting five years ago. The 28-year-old singer-songwriter is the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band, which has been around the music scene for a decade now.
“I am blessed with the most awesome bandmates I could ever have,” Kean told The STAR on the possibility of going solo. “Callalily is my life. I never see myself doing (music) solo. I’m good with my band.”
Performing in music gigs sans his band, Kean added, would feel like totally singing out of tune “because it is my energy, my life. We dreamt of success together; we’ve been together for years now since we started making a name in the industry so we are like family and for me, nothing can equal the kind of happiness and contentment being with your family.”
And just like a true brother to his siblings, not once did Kean fail to consider his bandmates in whatever project he does. They, too, are willing to play any kind of roles that perfectly fit them. In fact, they were given roles in one TV project that Kean did in another network. “I also asked Aaron (Ricafrente) to play a part in the music video, which I am doing so as the other members. They are also into art, filmmaking and everything. Solid talaga ‘yung foundation namin. You know, everything I do, it all boils down to me doing it for Callalily.”
That’s why, Kean is determined to give his best in the Season 2 of ABS-CBN’s Philippine version of Your Face Sounds Familiar (YFSF) that is set to premiere on Sept. 12. He is one of the eight celebrity contestants of the variety talent competition along with Myrtle Sarrosa, Eric Nicolas, KZ Tandingan, Sam Concepcion, Denise Laurel, Kakai Bautista and Michael Pangilinan.
Kean admitted he was hesitant at first to audition “but the stars (must have) aligned for this (to happen) because when I saw the true essence of the show, my hesitation just faded away and I told myself ‘Game! This is art, performance art.’’’
Having watched the past season’s episodes also fuelled his desire to go beyond his comfort zone and do something completely new to him. Truth is, after taping the show’s first two episodes, Kean had felt a great sense of fulfillment. “It’s really different when you were able to do what you thought you couldn’t possibly do. That’s why, I’m glad to be part of this (show), ang laking learning nito sa akin.”
What challenges him the most is the fact that the competition does not merely rely on vocal talent. Kean needs to be a good “copycat,” too. “Well, being a singer is an advantage but it’s not a guarantee for one to win. One needs to present not his self but the singing icon assigned to him. But I can say this is really entertaining na kahit ako mismo na-entertain kaya tama ang desisyon ko na sumali.”
Besides, his family and friends are supportive of him. One of them is first season YFSF contestant Nyoy Volante who gave Kean some pointers. “He told me to just have fun and don’t think of yourself higher than the character that you’re gonna be doing.”
Impersonating a diva like Madonna is what Kean looks forward to doing while he dreads the thought of performing ala Eminem. “I’m not comfortable doing rap and I move a lot on stage so it will be tough for me to perform those (singers) who perform na parang steady lang.”
Asked to assess himself as an artist, Kean answered, “Well, I am doing what makes me happy and luckily, I get to choose my projects and do them with freedom because I am surrounded with kind, loving, inspiring people who push me to grow as an artist. So, I think it’s right to say that there is growth — as a person, as an artist, as a songwriter.”
He is grateful for being part of the Soupstar Entertainment family that takes good care of his showbiz commitments. Aside from YFSF, Kean is also part of the Kapamilya comedy show Banana Split Extra Scoop.
Whatever success Kean is enjoying now, he never fails to give credit to Callalily. “Singing for Callalily got me into acting, directing, mentoring and now this, Your Face…”
In celebration of the band’s 10th year, Kean shared that their new album, titled Greetings from Callalily under Universal Records, will be released this month. “I hope everyone will support our album; ibang-iba ang tunog ng Callalily now that we have reached our 10th year.”