Veteran Filipino actor Ian Veneracion steps away from the expectations tied to his celebrity persona and into a space and name that feels more intimate and true to himself.
Under the moniker “Stephn,” a stylized take on his real first name Stephen, the Kapamilya actor releases his latest EP, “Searching for Stephn.”
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“Mas ako ‘to, real name ko ‘to eh,” he told USNewsRank. For Veneracion, this is not only about creating a separate identity, but also embracing a version of himself that has always existed since he was introduced to the world of art.
The image of the child on the cover represents the very essence of what he is searching for. As a young boy, he recalls being fascinated by the way fire moved in slow motion. That sense of wonder, first nurtured by his father’s influence in the arts, continues to shape his creative voice today.
Now, as a father himself, he carries that same passion forward, introducing his own children to a wide range of artistic expression.
Ian and Stephn
With “Searching for Stephn,” he leans fully into that side of himself, offering a sound that is introspective and unconfined. “Wala kaming hinahabol na genre. We’re going for authenticity,” he said, describing the direction of the project.
Rather than drawing a line between “Ian” and “Stephn,” he sees the two as intertwined. “I think it’s complementing,” he explained, noting how audiences who discover his music often come from his acting work, only to find a different dimension of his artistry onstage.
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“For example, I have a concert abroad, some would probably go there to see me because they know me from the roles that I played as an actor and they’d be surprised by the idea that I do full-band set-up. And some people know that I do music.”
‘Searching for Stephn’ EP
The EP builds on the release of “I Walk Alone” and introduces three new tracks: “Searching for stephn,” “Tryin” and “Lights On.”
Music has always been part of his life, having sung from a young age. But this era signals a renewed openness to growth and experimentation.
Beyond his own work, Veneracion also draws inspiration from contemporary acts, expressing admiration for IV of Spades, whose member Badjao has collaborated with him on select tracks.
At its core, the project is reflective and an exploration of identity and the spaces in between.
“This isn’t about reinvention,” Veneracion added. “It’s about listening more closely to the quieter parts of yourself.”
The post Ian Veneracion returns to music as ‘Stephn’: ‘Mas ako ‘to’ appeared first on USNewsRank.
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