I was born to Filipino immigrants in a moderately-sized suburb just outside of NYC. My mom was always playing something and anything on the radio: Dionne Warwick, Chopin, Salsa, Frank Sinatra. She herself grew up with a mother who bought a piano before they even had a refrigerator! My uncle was the one who learned how to play it and my aunt was and still is an artist. Being creative runs deep in my blood.

Growing up, my mother was constantly on the hunt for “antiques” which would often include abandoned instruments. She would bring them home from everywhere she traveled, whether it was from across the street or across the ocean. We had instruments whose origins spanned the globe! Congas, bongos, rain sticks, a Berimbau, African percussion, Filipino ancestral instruments like the Kulintang, Anklung, Agung, and guitars from Cebu. Among these we also had our own Steinway Piano, a Pearl drum kit, and a Peavy bass that I “borrowed” from my high school band room. And let’s not forget everyone’s quintessential first drum kit: your good old pots and pans. Like most children, I was curious and loved the noise they made. We kept all of these in the “Blue Room”, our affectionately-named music room, and had access to them 24/7. My poor parents.

Even though I gravitated towards drums, bass, and guitar, I started formally training on the piano when I was 6. I hated it. I had lessons with a very strict classical teacher and I’m sure my ADHD didn’t make it easy on him. So after a grueling two years, I quit. I spent another two years away from formal lessons until my church organist heard me playing in the choir room. He took me under his wing while he also taught my two sisters. Using my competitive nature against me, he would often quietly remark how well my sisters played a certain passage I was working on and that was all the motivation I needed. I practiced my butt off and continued my classical training well into my teens.

I discovered Jazz and improvised music after Oscar Peterson’s “Live In Paris“ was gifted to me by my sister Johanna when I was in high school. It was love at first listen. I forgot about competing with my sisters and began exploring. I listened to everything from Chopin to Wutang. I loved it all. I still do. That exploration led me to a budding love for composing, even enjoying figuring out all the challenges that came with that. It felt natural, and so I decided I would become a professional musician. I would skip class and sneak into the band room to practice or compose, which I’m sure my band teacher turned a blind eye to. Unfortunately, that took a toll on my grades but my parents were adamant about attending college. I got rejected from the first school I auditioned for and thought, “Well, that’s a wrap!”. But luckily I got into every other school I auditioned for. I ended up attending SUNY Purchase where I received my BFA in Jazz Performance and Composition. It was there where I was able to refine my technique and nurture my voice as a musician.

After graduating, I have been blessed as both performer and composer. I’ve toured around the world with some amazing musicians and have played at fabled venues such as Blue Note and Madison Square Garden in NYC. I’ve recorded and played with legends and multi-Grammy winners like Lalah Hathaway, Marcus Miller, Lauryn Hill, Meshell Ndegeocello, Joey Bada$$, and Babyface. I’m a proud member of “The Lesson GK”, a band which has revived a culture where we completely improvise and create music in the moment. Truly something very special to be a part of and dear to my heart. Currently, I hold the title of Music Director for Grammy, Emmy, and 2x Tony Award winner Billy Porter.

As a composer I’ve written music for global brands such as Google, JetBlue, Papa John’s, Gatorade, and Garmen. More recent film credits include the animated feature “Urkel Saves Santa” for Warner Bros. Animation and the Frontline Documentary “And So It Begins,” directed by acclaimed director Ramona Diaz, which recently premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

It’s been a ride. And while I can’t say it’s been easy, it has definitely been a joy and privilege to be able to express my artistry, ideas, and creativity through music and to be able to work with these amazing collaborators.

Thank you for taking some time to learn a little more about me and my continued pursuit of happiness!

- Xtian