Xian directs own music video
Xian Lim does something new in his latest album that would definitely make his fans curious to find out what he’s up to this time. The album, titled Key
of X, is Xian’s third under Star Music after his sophomore record three years ago.
Perhaps, his creative juices were flowing while completing the album that he thought of dipping his hands into production work by conceptualizing and directing the music video for Getting to Know Each
Other Too Well, the album’s carrier single. It was none other than 2016 Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina who joined him in the music video. “I just want to make the (music) video fun so sabi
ko naman meron akong feel to put together the music video,” says Xian. “If you’ll watch it, you’ll see na
kulit-kulitan lang siya na may konting habulan sa Binondo. I’m glad that it’s been a successful shoot that we did for one whole day. Everything went well at
’yung pinaka aberya lang ay nung bumuhos ang ulan but at least it was super fun. Ramon Bautista and Mon Confiado were also there.”
The Gerard Kenny revival, Xian added, became one of his favorites after hearing Ariel Rivera’s version in 2011. Getting to Know
Each Other Too Well gives him nothing but good vibes every time he listens to it. “I like how Ariel put emotion into it.”
That’s why in Key of X, Xian made it a point to include songs that are feel-good and at the same time, appealing to him until now. He selected the OPM classic
Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig, composed by Vehnee Saturno and popularized by Jaya.
“Dito sa album na ito ako pinaka handson. I suggested (to Star Music) if it’s okay for me to choose five songs that are a mix of something for everyone. I picked songs that I grew up with that until now I get to listen to and many can relate to the songs kaya nandyan ’yung Honey, My Love So Sweet (of April Boy Regino).” Since everyone knows that April Boy tunes click with the masses, did Xian intend to make an album that caters to the listening pleasure of all types of music aficionados?
“These are songs that became hits when I was young so lahat ng kanta kinalakihan ko. We chose
Honey, My Love So Sweet because April Boy is one of my idols. I remember copying his every move when I was a child, and there was a spot in my concert that was meant for April Boy. I was also throwing out caps to the audience (laughs).”
He, too, couldn’t deny how admirable April Boy moved on stage during concerts and the natural connection he had with his audience. Xian wished to make people feel the same on his shows because “April Boy has this vibe of allowing everyone to enjoy na parang he’s telling everyone that we are here together for fun. Meron siyang ganung magic.”
Star Music’s audio content head Jonathan Manalo says their main consideration is to make the album relatable to listeners. Its jukebox sound had been given a new treatment but with its feelgood vibe retained.
“When you listen to Xian’s version, you wouldn’t