A Self-Produced Artist Makes Name for Himself in the OPM Stage

By Cydee Cabato & Niña Rizza Tosoc

Raven Iviso at Wish Bus. Photo Source: Wish 107.5 Facebook page

At such a very young age, he already dreamed of becoming a singer and songwriter despite not having the privilege to pursue it.

The 22-year-old singer-songwriter, Raven Aviso is a new OPM rising artist under Sony Music Entertainment. He is known for his original songs, “Paraluman” and “S.U.K.I,” which he co-produced with Rico Blanco.

Raven lived with a family of musicians. At the age of eight, he learned how to play the guitar and started composing songs.

Singing and composing have always been his passion and dream. In the year 2020, the lockdown was implemented due to the pandemic. He took this opportunity to pursue his love for music and achieve his dream.

He tried to write various songs and recorded them inside his tiny room. He wanted to share stories through music and inspire other people that they can still reach their dream despite the lack of resources.

“Gusto kong makapag-share ng story through my music and also to inspire people na kahit wala kang masyadong gamit…pwede mong makamit ‘yung pangarap mo basta tuloy-tuloy lang. ‘Yun, gusto kong maging isang inspiration sa mga katulad kong aspiring artist."

(English translation: “I want to be able to share a story through my music and also to inspire people. That even with a lack of resources, you can still reach for your dreams as long as you persevere. I want to be an inspiration to aspiring artists like me.”)

He filmed his music video alone and with no proper recording room, he had difficulty maintaining a quiet background to record his song properly.

“‘Yun talaga ‘yung pinaka-struggle sa lahat…’yung ingay. Kasi ‘yun nga, wala akong... proper na kwarto na pagre-record[an]. (That is the biggest struggle... the noise. I don't have a proper room for recording).”

He had to endure the heat since the electric fan must be turned off so it would not be heard while he records a song. Despite the obstacles, he never looked at them as a struggle. It was his passion and he loved what he was doing.

In March 2021, he released a song called, “Paraluman” and it garnered over 520,000 views on YouTube and 5,000,000 streams on Spotify.

He never expected a lot of people would watch his music video and listen to his song. He was even acknowledged by Rico Blanco, one of the most known Filipino singer-songwriters and producers.

Singing and writing were only a part of his hobbies. But, now that his efforts have paid off and he has gotten recognition, he started to feel the pressure.

"Masaya pero at the same time, nakaka-pressure. Lalo na kasi nakapasok ka na sa isang music label, kasi dati solo lang talaga ako. So, kung anuman masulat ko, okay lang sa akin. Pero ngayon kasi nasa- namo-monitor na rin ng mga professionals."

(English Translation: “It's fun but at the same time it gives me pressure. Especially when I got signed to a music label because I used to be on my own. So, whatever I write it's fine with me. But now, it is being monitored by professionals.”)

Especially now that he is already under a music label. He does not want to disappoint anyone, particularly his management’s expectations.

"Medyo nakaka-pressure tapos nakakapagod din mentally (It's a bit pressuring and mentally exhausting)."

"Feeling ko ayoko makadisappoint sa gagawin ko kaya medyo nahihiya ako or napapagod minsan, ganon. (I feel like I don't want to disappoint anyone with my work, that's why I get shy or feel tired.)" He added.

Even with the pressure and expectations, his dream, his family, his fans who are looking up to him, and his eagerness to inspire more people are what motivate him to continue.

Raven has surely faced a lot of difficulties but he never looked at them as a hindrance to stop. Instead, he treated them as part of his journey to achieving his dream.

“Patuloy lang and 'wag mawawalan ng pagasa. If gusto mong makamit ang isang bagay, makakamit mo 'yon basta continue lang. (Just continue and don't lose hope. If you want to achieve something, you can achieve it as long as you continue.)” he said.

As a musician who started at the bottom and is now making his way to the top, the most fulfilling for him is how he was able to inspire small artists. His story is a testament that dreams are possible and reachable.