Welcome to City Writer

Hi! My name is Rey Cariaso. I am an independent P-POP soloist, and I’m currently based in Caloocan City.

Being an independent artist is a unique path. What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards you’ve experienced?

The challenges that come with being an independent artist stem from the financial side. My debut project was something that, with a proper budget, would be very easy to pull off. But I did not have that luxury, as I still had to work my day job to just get by while working on my debut and planning everything on my own and with a couple of trusted people.

But with that handicap comes the freedom creative wise to make decisions and allow me to just go wild with my content without restrictions due to possibly putting off marketability. Of course, quality checks are still necessary on my end because, to make this a potential full-time career, I have to gain fans.

What inspired you to pursue a career in P-POP, and how did you get your start?

A huge influence on this is SB19, as they are the definition of a blueprint boy group here in the Philippines. But I was also very inspired by K-pop groups such as BTS, Seventeen, SHINee, and Stray Kids to learn how to dance and sing at the same time. I have contemplated joining a group once again multiple times, but for the realm of P-POP soloists, aside from SB19 solo acts, other P-POP solo acts who market themselves towards the OPM side instead of the P-POP community’s side are almost non-existent.

This is why I’ve made it my mission to attempt to make noise in the P-POP soloist world so that people won’t have to think that they still need to be a part of a group to thrive in P-POP.

What would you say is your signature sound or style? What artists or musical influences have shaped your music?

My signature style of music revolves around ROCK and hype-inducing sounds that make you wanna stand up and do something about it.

The biggest influences are Crush 40, One Ok Rock, SB19, Panic! At the Disco, and Linkin Park.

Can you tell us about your songwriting process? What inspires your lyrics and melodies?

My song isn’t composed by me as this was a gift to me by the amazing Jonnell “J.O” Sarmiento. But I did have creative input padin, especially with the style I’m trying to pursue.

What are your biggest goals for your music career? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

My biggest goal is to perform alongside the top P-POP groups someday on the same stage hopefully Araneta. Also, to inspire other people to become soloists as well which is evident in my music video for ‘Rumble’

Hopefully, a few years from now I wish to have an album of songs and to have a mini-concert for my fans, and have my mom and dad watch me in the front row

What advice would you give to aspiring P-POP artists who are just starting?

My biggest advice is to love P-pop with your whole heart. I feel like only those who truly have a passion for P-pop or love the community will succeed in the industry which is why everyone involved in the community should fully dive into the art.

Lastly, anything would like to promote

My first-ever single ‘Rumble’ is currently out now on all streaming platforms as well as my music video. You may check this out on my YouTube channel as well and of course my social media platforms as well which are Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram @rey_cariaso.