ANNILOV Abad, an indie-pop and soft rock artist from Mati, Davao Oriental is carving a name for himself in the music scene with his soulful and authentic sound.
Known for his mellow tracks that speak to the heart, Annilov's music resonates with listeners, drawing from his personal experiences and his passion for genuine connection.
Annilov's journey into music began long before he could even remember.
“My grandma used to tell me that when I was around 3 years old, I'd sing along to their karaoke sesh. So I think, my journey in singing or performing sparked during that time until it became dormant,” Annilov shared.
This early exposure to music, however, took a backseat until later in his life when a simple spark rekindled his passion.
It wasn’t until sixth grade when his cousin left a ukulele at their home that Annilov's curiosity about music resurfaced. He spent hours teaching himself how to play through YouTube tutorials, a skill he continued to develop through his high school years. By then, he began songwriting, first collaborating with classmates for school projects before realizing that his true love was creating music.
It was during the height of the pandemic, when the monotony of daily routines left Annilov feeling uninspired, that he truly discovered his calling.
Watching a John Mayer video about the making of his song “New Light” was a pivotal moment for him. It sparked the thought, “What if magbuhat pud ko’g ingon ani?” Soon after, he started experimenting with GarageBand, creating his own songs. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, and Annilov made a commitment to music, knowing it was something he would never leave behind.
Annilov describes his musical style as a blend of pop, indie, soft rock, and OPM influences. His sound is often mellow and laid-back, creating the perfect backdrop for reflective moments, whether on a long drive or during quiet introspection. His songs tackle universal themes such as love, coming-of-age, friendship, and self-acceptance, often drawing from his own life experiences.
Through his music, Annilov seeks to remind listeners that they are not alone in their feelings. His goal is to create a space where emotions are validated, where listeners can find comfort in the shared experiences his music reflects.
“I want my songs to remind people that what they feel is okay, they aren’t the only ones feeling that way,” Annilov expressed.
For Annilov, the most rewarding moments in his career have been those when he’s able to perform live in front of an audience. Whether on a big stage or a smaller gig, the act of sharing his music with others has been fulfilling.
He’s also proud of the friendships he’s formed through his music, meeting new people who share his passion. There was a time when he didn’t think anyone would listen to his work, but now, as he receives compliments and recognition, he feels a deep sense of accomplishment.
He shared, “From thinking that I wasn't listenable enough to people, to now receiving compliments about my craft. I never imagined being interviewed by VoxPop, yet here I am typing these answers. These are the rewarding moments I consider the highlights of my music career so far.”
As with many artists, Annilov has faced his share of challenges. Burnout and creative blocks are some of the toughest obstacles for him. To overcome these hurdles, Annilov believes in giving himself space and time. He reminds himself not to force creativity, instead focusing on finding inspiration in everyday moments. Whether big or small, these moments become the building blocks for his songs, much like connecting pieces of a puzzle.
Annilov’s musical influences are diverse, ranging from international artists like John Mayer, Phoebe Bridgers, and The Beatles, to local talents such as Zild, UDD, Rico Blanco, and Jad Montenegro. Each of these artists has left their mark on his music, shaping his sound while encouraging him to continue exploring and evolving as an artist.
As a musician from Davao, Annilov takes great pride in representing his hometown and the broader Davao region. He believes that Davao has a wealth of untapped musical talent that deserves to be recognized on the national stage.
For Annilov, it’s not just about his individual success, but also about uplifting and supporting fellow local artists. He collaborates with musicians in Davao, whether by featuring them in his songs or performing alongside them at gigs, in the hopes of building a stronger artistic community.
Growing up in Mati City, Annilov is particularly driven to put his hometown on the map in the music and arts scene. He envisions a future where local artists receive more recognition and opportunities to showcase their work.
For those looking to break into the music industry, Annilov offers this advice:
“Don’t be afraid to explore outside of your comfort zone. Be open to trying something new, but always keep the passion alive in what you do.” He believes that the creative process isn’t always smooth, but it’s important to keep creating, even when things don’t seem perfect. Every experience, good or bad, contributes to growth.
Looking ahead, Annilov is excited about his upcoming gigs in Davao, including a performance on February 22 at The Commons at MTS, and another at Suazo Bar for Beatles Night on March 1.
As Annilov continues to thrive as an artist, he remains focused on his mission to create music that is heartfelt, authentic, and relatable. For Annilov, the music is never just about the notes but it is about the emotions, the connection, and the stories shared along the way. DSCA
