Hey there, I’m Etchos, originally from the Philippines, and now navigating the vibrant artistic landscape of Vancouver for the past two years. Armed with a degree in Speech and theatre, my journey started with aspirations in film, but when the strike began in the film industry, it led me to uncover a profound passion for music.
Getting Started:
My artistic venture fully kicked off when I stopped caring about what my parents thought. Convincing Filipino parents that their child wants to be an artist requires blood, sweat, and tears. The turning point came when I found inspiration in shows and music that made me feel seen and represented.
Artistic Inspiration:
Liberation is my ultimate muse. Being free is what fuels my art and craft. Experiencing liberation, especially from fear and shame, eliminates the need for being performative. It allows me to embody my true self, giving me a unique perspective on the truth I know in my life. My artistic style? Theatrical. Flamboyant. Animated.
Favorite Projects:
My latest and favorite project is writing ‘Good Run,’ a single set to release in February. Always dreaming of making songs and singing them, seeing the final product ignited a desire to create more.
Challenges and Growth:
As an artist on a student visa in Vancouver, I grapple with immigration anxiety. Limited by the scope of my passport, some opportunities slip away. Studying and working full-time leaves less room for what I moved here to do, but the journey is necessary for eventual freedom. To grow, I stay inspired even in the darkest times, As long as it’s not causing negativity that’ll impact me in the long run. I also watch a lot of RuPaul’s Drag Race because it makes me feel like their lives are parallel to mine in terms of finding my footing in this world and realizing my artistry through showmanship.
Artistic Process:
‘Good Run’ was born from conversations in my relationships (whether they were friendships or romantic), where it could have been a lasting, profound one if we had only been aligned on how we love or if we had just tried to meet each other in the middle and compromise. But I understand love is so complex; we outgrow each other, but it doesn’t mean we had a bad run. Good Run is a song that closes that chapter.
In my music, I want to convey rawness, ugly, shame, guilt, and eccentricity, but also all the opposite parts, which are beauty, love, freedom, liberation, and representation.
Local Collaborations:
CouchJams and OpenMicGrooves are my go-to local organizations. Spaces are organized to help artists get out there and create a community. CouchJams, being a BIPOC space, creates a humbling environment where I feel like I belong and can share my artistry. Also, alongside film school friends, we founded 9FiveFilms, continuously producing short and feature films for local festivals, our love for film and TV, and for fun!
Collaboration for artists in local communities is the AMPLIFICATION of the voice we share. It’s a big deal because it shows who we are. In a world where people just like me go through similar struggles and feel alone, it’s important for them to know that they’re not on their own. Connecting with others who understand their story helps them feel seen and recognized.
Community Engagement:
Engaging with the local community involves attending events, being friendly, and emphasizing collaboration. I recently participated in the CouchJams Artist Showcase that Matt Yang organized at The Cobalt on New Year’s Eve 2023.
Future Goals:
Short-term goals include producing meaningful outputs. Long-term goals encompass releasing an album, venturing into TV show production, and being a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Dream projects? Being in TV Shows and films, and doing a concert.
Advice for Aspiring Artists:
Keep creating. Fuck the haters. Embrace being an amateur. What you put out doesn’t have to meet someone else’s standard; be your own standard. If I look back on my artistry history and the things I’ve put out – I’m glad I’m an amateur, and I still am! I’m glad I went through doubting my music or my art because that’s the process of how I got better.
Destroy the idea of perfection; having perfect outputs to make sure “you sell” only progresses what we already know as a problem in such a capitalistic scene. I balance it by asking, “What truly matters to me, and have I done it? Am I happy?”
Navigate the balance between passion and practical needs, as it can lead to an objective shift. Deconstruct and liberate yourself from fear, shame, guilt, and thoughts of inadequacy – it guides me in managing everything.
Keeping a list of things to do (a schedule), although imperfect, reignites purpose and fuels determination.
Be forgiving not only to people but to yourself as well.
In the evolving narrative of my artistic journey, I continue to unravel stories of liberation, collaboration, and creative expression, leaving an enduring imprint on Vancouver’s vibrant artistic community.
