Gelo Rivera, Nate Porcalla, JL Toreliza, Akira Morishita, and Mikki Claver are the five members behind the international supergroup, BGYO. The chart-topping band is known for hit singles including “Lights”, “Tumitigil Ang Mundo”, and “Mahal Na Kita”. They’ve found countless awards and have performed around the world, and they’re just getting started! Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with BGYO about their latest single “Magnet”, their Be Us album, and more.
PC: How did you all discover your passion for music?
Akira: I discovered my passion for music when I was young. My mother used to sing in front of the computer, and she taught me how to sing. As I grew up, I discovered a lot of different genres. I learned about a lot of different artists and discovered my talent for singing.
Gelo: I started off dancing. My love for music came naturally through that. Through BGYO, I had an avenue to nurture my skills in singing, writing, and music knowledge.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Akira: The biggest influences in my career are Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Shawn Mendes.
PC: You’ve all had so much success in your career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Nate: The part that really stands out to me is our trainee days. All of the hardships, doubts, sweat, and tears were all there during that time, and it was very memorable because we passed through those challenges and now we’re here.
PC: Tell us about your new single “Magnet”. What inspired the song?
Mikki: “Magnet” is all about how a person is attracted to another person like a magnet in that no matter how much you try to separate them they will still be drawn together.
PC: The single comes off your new album, Be Us. If you had to pick one song off Be Us that best encompasses who you all are as a band, which would it be and why?
JL: “Panahon” because the lyrics are deeply relatable for all of us. It talks about how you need to take your time when it comes to your dreams and about weathering the challenges.
PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2022 into 2023, what can fans expect from you all?
Gelo: We always push ourselves to be better whether it’s music, dancing, singing, rapping, style, or personality.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
All: Philippine local rappers.
PC: First album you bought?
Gelo: Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey.
PC: First concert you attended?
Akira: Exo Planet 5 – Exploration at MOA Arena, Philippines.
PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Mikki: Our album, Be Us, because it represents our journey right now.
PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Nate: Korea, Japan, Yokohama Stadium, Philippine Arena…
PC: A must-have on the road?
Gelo: Earphones, shades, masks, and good company.
To keep up with BGYO, follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Stream “Magnetic” today.
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