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HUESPAPER BY THE NEW HUE

Manila, Philippines

Writer's pictureJas Rico

Hue & View: Perspectives with Nhiko Sabiniano

“This is Nhiko Sabiniano for The New Hue,”

Nhiko Sabiniano's journey into the world of music began with a simple desire: to create for himself. Early in his career, he found mentorship in Kiko Salazar, a figure who profoundly influenced his musical foundation. Nhiko recalls, “He helped me from day one, teaching me chords on the piano—those lessons shaped my tendencies in production.”



Starting his production career while in college, Nhiko would often be found in the library during breaks, working tirelessly on his music with limited resources. Armed with just a MacBook Air and a couple of MIDI keyboards, he produced tracks that, while rough around the edges, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the music industry.


Shaping Moments


A pivotal moment in Nhiko’s career was his collaboration with Khimo Gumatay, the grand winner of Idol Philippines. Their track, "Where the Sun Goes," not only signifies a professional milestone but also reflects their personal growth as artists. Nhiko admits, “When we listen to our old work now, we realize how far we've come.”


For Nhiko, music is more than sound—it's a visual experience. He draws inspiration from films, citing soundtracks from feel-good movies like Shrek and more intense films such as Fight Club. “When creating music, I often feel like I’m painting a picture,” he explains. This cinematic influence shapes his artistic output, blending different genres and emotions to create a unique sound.


Authenticity in Art


“Music for me should be purely authentic,” he argues.

At the core of Nhiko's philosophy is authenticity. He believes that true artistic expression shouldn't be constrained by commercial expectations. “If you’re doing something authentic, it might resonate with more people, potentially leading to commercial success, but it shouldn't be the primary goal,” he states; he believes commercial success emerges naturally when artists create from a place of sincerity. This commitment to authenticity extends beyond just music, highlighting that considering relatability often resonates with a wider audience, and that genuine expression can exist in any genre.


Nhiko Sabiniano

Nhiko's influences are diverse, ranging from Jackson 5 to contemporary bands such as Joan, Valley, The 1975, and Bleachers. He describes his musical influences as a “chop-suey” of different styles, showcasing how varied experiences shape his artistic identity.


The Role of Influence


Reflecting on the concept of being a “museum of people,” Nhiko emphasizes the importance of external influences in his music. “A lot of the music that we do, naka-base siya sa kung ano man yung na-absorb mo sa ibang tao," he explains. He explains the significance of daily interactions, stating that even simple observations can inspire creativity. "Yung simple observation mo lang, malaki siyang bagay in terms of what you could absorb as an artist.” This external absorption informs his art, allowing him to channel more personal experiences and societal observations into his work.


Despite the increasing vocalization of opinions in the industry, Nhiko perceives this trend in a positive light. Knowing it’s nuanced, he acknowledges that criticism varies in its impact, he believes that it ultimately fosters artists' growth and innovation to create. This dynamic interplay between feedback and creativity is crucial, however, for the progression of art.


On Artistic Freedom and Future Aspirations


Nhiko expresses a desire to expand his artistic horizons beyond music. He recalls an idea he developed during his college years about a project he worked on regarding misinformation and cancel culture, reflecting a broader ambition to explore film and other forms of expression. "I want to go into film... kung ano man yung nasa utak ko na hindi ko kayang directly ma-express sa music," he shares. This desire to tackle complex themes illustrates his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.


Nhiko Sabiniano

Ultimately, Nhiko defines art as freedom—an unbounded expression of one's heart and tendencies. "The fact na you can't define what art is, it's just plainly freedom," he says, encapsulating his philosophy as an artist.


In essence, Nhiko Sabiniano advocates for more of artistic liberation. The path he is making in the industry is marked by a steadfast commitment to keeping his authenticity, help from a diverse array of influences, and an openness to exploring new forms of expression and uncharted expressive ways of forming and sharing his perspective through art. As he continues to evolve as an artist, he remains focused on creating art that reflects not just his experiences but also the world around him.


“Art is simply freedom,” he concludes. “It’s about following your heart and expressing whatever is in your mind.”

Surely, Nhiko Sabiniano’s passion for art and music promises exciting developments not only for his career but the entire industry.

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