Vans, the global symbol of youth culture and uninhibited creativity, is hitting the right note with its latest project, “Make It Heard”. This initiative is an ode to the artistic prowess of blossoming local talents. Singling out Filipino artists Ena Mori and Paolo Sandejas, Vans takes us into their creative process and their journey of using music to forge connections within their community.

Rocking Out Since ’66: Vans’ Melodious Journey

From the skate parks to the stage, Vans has certainly left an indelible “Off The Wall” mark in various spheres of youth culture. Making its first foray into the music industry in 1966, Vans lent its iconic brand to Warped Tour, the most prominent traveling punk rock music festival in the USA and Canada.

Over the years, Vans has been a staunch supporter of both budding and renowned musicians. Its digital music ventures such as the “Sidestripe Sessions” and “Vans Musician Wanted” competition have not only given a platform to musicians from diverse genres but also catalyzed their growth in the industry.

Make It Heard: Ena Mori and Paolo Sandejas

In the ever-evolving OPM scene, new musicians like Ena Mori and Paolo Sandejas echo their distinct sounds. Vans, through “Make It Heard”, endeavors to tune into their narratives and artistic identities.

Ena Mori, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter whose pop music pushes boundaries, says, “The hardest thing is to keep myself original. There is pressure to stay on trend or hype a certain style of music ” Her latest album, “DON’T BLAME THE WILD ONE”, has drawn applause from music enthusiasts.

Paolo Sandejas, known for hits like “Sorry” and “Lost”, recalls his early struggles, “At the start, I didn’t really know what type of music to put out. I was bouncing around different genres. [But I realized] I don’t have to be anything other than myself and I can just enjoy and own that.” His musical repertoire involves a tasteful blend of indie pop, alternative rock, and neo soul.

Bringing People Together

“Make It Heard” is the newest addition to Vans’ continuous campaign to support and empower young musicians from diverse genres and backgrounds by helping nurture communities.

“Vans is very fashion-forward. They love to collaborate with creative people, support creatives, and connect a lot of creative people. As a musician, it’s nice to see brands that value creativity and expression,” Ena and Paolo express their appreciation for the initiative. “When I see the reaction in the audience — that’s the best feeling. Seeing people connect to your music, seeing people enjoy it, the ways that your music impacts their lives make you feel accomplished with what you did.”

Throughout the year, Vans is poised to highlight a diverse range of musicians, solidifying its stance as a global platform for creativity. To catch a glimpse of the full video here and stay updated, follow @vansphilippines on Instagram. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the symphony of creativity that these artists offer!