Dannyka Manangan

Ian Veneracion explains reason behind his musical persona ‘stephn’

Article (news)

Gary Ann Lastrilla

Push Team

<p>Seasoned actor Ian Veneracion is entering a new chapter in his career as he formally introduces his musical persona, &quot;stephn.&quot; </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2026/4/8/ian-veneracion-releases-searching-for-stephn-ep-under-new-moniker-1111"><strong>READ: Ian Veneracion releases ‘Searching for Stephn’ EP under new moniker</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>During an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN at a press huddle on Tuesday, April 7, Ian talked about having a “creative persona” for his music, allowing him to detach from expectations tied to his long-established name. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-18" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWWE24lEq3E/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A18%2C%22os%22%3A15996492.8%2C%22ls%22%3A60985.90000000037%2C%22le%22%3A61021%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-18" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>“In psychology, I think they call it the ‘Batman effect’ para matanggal ‘yung ego fatigue and all the expectations and pressures from trying to be whatever,” he shared. “It’s like taking on this creative persona and just being chill and expressing yourself, being raw. It’s just used to orient me towards the path of authenticity.” </p><div> </div><p>He added that separating stephn from his public identity also allows listeners to approach his music without preconceived notions. “I’m hoping that they listen to the songs with fresh ears. I think my face and my name get in the way of them listening to it with fresh ears. So [&#x27;pag hindi mo kilala], at least mapakinggan mo ‘yung kanta as it is.” </p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-19" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW2mbgyyVMS/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A19%2C%22os%22%3A15996509.5%2C%22ls%22%3A60985.90000000037%2C%22le%22%3A61021%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-19" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>Known for wearing many hats as an actor, painter, and even a private pilot, why is it important for him to venture into music and unleash his creative side as stephn? </p><div> </div><p>“Itong ‘stephn’, it’s not just another mask. Actually, it’s like removing the mask of my ‘Ian’ mask and getting out of that box,” he explained. “It’s just going with the raw aspect of my personality that just enjoys playing and creating without being pressured about anything. It’s just self-expression. It’s finding lang your authentic self.” </p><div> </div><p>This search for authenticity is also reflected in the title of his EP, <em>Searching for stephn</em>. “<em>Searching for stephn</em> because that’s me,” he affirmed. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-20" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DW1TYwrErlq/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A20%2C%22os%22%3A15996541.3%2C%22ls%22%3A60985.90000000037%2C%22le%22%3A61021%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="567" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-20" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>Through this, Ian said he is able to create from a space that is not driven by the need to impress an audience. </p><div> </div><p>“’Yung ‘stephn’ part kasi is a certain headspace na walang pakialam. Kumbaga it’s not to entertain. It’s like singing to the clouds,” he shared. “It’s like saying thank you to the clouds instead of singing in front of the people that you need to... You&#x27;re worried, are they entertained? Are they impressed by the guitar licks? Are they impressed by this? It’s like ito wala kang pinapa-impress,” he said, adding that since he wrote the lyrics, he meant every word and note.  </p><div> </div><p>Acknowledging that his music may not resonate with everyone, he said, “I’m not expecting that it&#x27;s for everyone.”  </p><div> </div><p>“I’m not attempting to make something that could resonate with everyone. It’s just I’m trying, I’m going for something that just feels really authentic and real. Ang tanong lang namin sa studio or sa lahat ng decisions namin musically, ‘masarap o hindi?&#x27;&quot;  </p><div> </div><p>Referring to the technicalities of making music, he said, “Wala kaming pakialam sa tama’t mali. Pag masarap, game. Pag hindi masarap, tapon. So kaya masarap ‘yung process kasi lahat ng hindi masarap, tinatapon namin.” </p><div> </div><p>Agreeing that their process is a very intuitive one, he said, “Even if it doesn’t mathematically make sense, it doesn’t matter. We’re not going for what’s right or wrong. It’s just expression,” he said.  </p><div> </div><p>Beyond music, the actor also reflected on his personal life. Earlier during the event, Ian shared that one of the things he does for his wife and kids is to create and play music for them. What is his secret to leading a happy family life?  </p><div> </div><p>“I don’t want to mislead anyone by saying it’s all roses and joy. It’s hard work too. It’s very hard work,” he began.  </p><div> </div><p>“I mean getting along with your siblings nga na iisa lang nagpalaki sa inyo, sa isang bahay lang kayo lumaki, sa isang school lang kayo pumasok, sa isang school bus lang kayo sumakay, it’s hard to get along. Imagine getting married and seeing that same person from different backgrounds, from different cultures, different values. It&#x27;s hard work, really. So yeah, I don&#x27;t want to mislead anyone into thinking that it&#x27;s all roses and cotton candy. It’s not pero it’s super worth it. It’s the most meaningful endeavor any human being could take in that path lalo na when the kids come.”  </p><div> </div><p>Ian Veneracion’s <em>Searching for stephn</em> is available on streaming platforms.</p><div> </div>

<p>Ian Veneracion shares what inspired him to release music under the name ‘stephn’ and talks about expressing authenticity through his craft.</p>

Ian Veneracion shares what inspired him to release music under the name ‘stephn’ and talks about expressing authenticity through his craft.