There’s something about musicians getting into acting that’s always been off-putting. We’ve all heard about great singers showing interest in making movies and often found ourselves rolling our eyes up into their sockets. There have been way too many instances where the musician flubbed the acting bit, and everything else goes winding down with it.
Then, there are the lucky ones. Kean Cipriano, lead singer of Callalily, has begun a seamless transition from vocalist to actor — a career path which is widening even further as he appears in his first movie role, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank — where he plays a young director seeking recognition abroad by peddling images of poverty. The satire stars Eugene Domingo and has received critical acclaim for both the director and the cast. With the way things are going, Kean seems to be playing his cards right, creating a well-crafted balance between his music and his newfound passion.
YOUNG STAR: Your first film, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, sheds light on “indie” filmmaking. What was it like to be part of an indie production, and with no less than Eugene Domingo as the star?
KEAN CIPRIANO: Sobrang dami kong natutunan sa buong cast, from the crew, my co-stars, to Direk Marlon (Rivera), sa script na napaka-talino nang gumawa (Chris Martinez) and of course sa award-winning star na si Ate Uge (Eugene Domingo)! Nakaka-proud to be part of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank. It was such a great experience at habang buhay kong ipagmamalaki ang pelikulang ‘to. And with Eugene Domingo? Dahil sa kanya, gusto ko syempre na sana, sana talaga mabigyan pa ako ng chance muli gumawa ng pelikula.
Your character in the movie, Rainier, is a passionate director with a vision. How was it playing him?
Malapit kasi yung role sa totoo kong pagkatao. I put myself in a state na parang alam ko lahat pero wala talaga akong alam. Dinadaan sa self-confidence lahat. (Laughs)
Do you think your acting career will get in the way of your music?
I am blessed that I can do two things at the same time. I could never ask for more. Though, kahit anong mangyari, I’m always going to be a musician at heart. Callalily is the air that I breathe.
You have several tattoos. Which one is the most meaningful?
The one on my back, my last name.
What inspires you creatively?
God, family, friends, music, the universe, my supporters, and rock ‘n’ roll.
What’s one thing people are most surprised to hear about you?
That I am a Justin Bieber fan.
You have a plethora of female fans. What’s the one thing you find most attractive in a woman?
Sincerity.
What song would sum up your current state of mind?
Drive by Incubus.
You have the best of both worlds, doing your music but acting at the same time. Where do you go from here?
We are now on tour for the promotion of my solo project with BBS and I still have my Callalily gigs. We are going to release our fourth album this year. I don’t really know where I’m going, but I’m certain that I’m on my way to achieving my goals.