What is your name and what do you do?
I am William Elvin, Filipino singer-songwriter based here in Hong Kong. I produce my own music, and have just released my third album, titled “Faces/Phases,” which is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music and all other digital streaming platforms. I also wrote a number of original Filipino musicals in the Philippines, such as “Mula sa Buwan,” and “Maxie The Musical,” both of which are scheduled to be re-staged in 2021.
Tell us a bit more about your music and what inspires you?
My music ranges from folk to pop and alternative rock. I write in both English and Filipino, and really relish the poetic beauty of both languages in my songs. I find inspiration in real-life events that happen to me, the people I meet and the emotions I feel. Songwriting works for me like a diary or a journal, where I put my thoughts into words and melodies.
Ethnic minorities comprise a large population here in HK, what improvements would you like to see?
As an artist and creator, I’d like to see more creative documentation of our lives here in Hong Kong. Yes, we’ve been showcasing our heritage and culture in public events for a very long time now, and that’s a great thing. But personally, I think there’s more we can do, with the kind of talent we have, in having a more in-depth dissection and discussion of our situation here through art.
We can make more music, or films, even fiction – short stories and novels – of our lives here, written by ourselves, from our perspective. If we can pool enough talent and have a singular vision for this, I think it could make Hongkongers appreciate and understand our place in this city even more.
How would your Pangyaos describe you?
I’m the guy with thick, large eyeglasses and long, curly, hair. And I always wear a beret-type hat. On a deeper level though, I want to be described and remembered as a singer-songwriter who touched hearts and souls through my music. That would be enough.
Advice for budding musicians?
Take control of your own career, go the indie music path. In this day and age, we have all the tools to gather our own audience and change their lives through our music. Learn how to manage your self – from your music to your personal branding, to marketing and business administration. And never stop learning.
Blogs by
9dde49c3be6bac6166d59fb7abf39532)
