Elijah Canlas recently released his star-studded music video for “Joseph K”, directed by award-winning blockbuster filmmaker Dan Villegas.
READ: Elijah Canlas shows a different side through music: ‘I’m just being really transparent’
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Elijah shared how the concept for the project came about.
“It wasn't easy of course. UMG presented the idea na, what if may mga cameos from your friends na actors din? I think that would boost the music video. Sabi ko, I don't know, I mean, people would be busy, I don't know, ha? I mean, people would be busy. I don't know if they'd want to be part of something, a part of a music video na kind of politically charged,” he explained.
Elijah shared how grateful her was to find that everyone was game to join when he asked, including his real-life partner Miles Ocampo and his Gameboys co-star Kokoy De Santos.
“Nung nakiusap na ako, actually, isang text lang, oo agad sila lahat, pareho, lalo ‘yung dalawa. Si Kokoy (De Santos) isa sa mga pinakaunang um-oo. Siyempre, si Miles was the first one to say yes. So, I'm grateful to everybody. Hindi lang sa kanilang dalawa, but everybody who took the time out of their busy days to be in this video and to fully commit to their parts kasi alam mo medyo dramatic and they really committed to their parts,” he expressed.
LOOK: IN PHOTOS: Elijah Canlas with his favorite person in the world
Now venturing into the music and hip-hop scene, Elijah admitted that both this path and acting — where he is more widely known — come with their own challenges.
“Pareho kasi siyang mahirap but in its own way. Sa acting, syempre, mas educated na ako. I learned about how to do it — practices, technique, and all that. Pero each character has its difficulties. Depende sa hinihingi sa akin physically and emotionally,” Elijah said.
WATCH: Elijah Canlas on being recognized by other actors: 'Kilig malala'
The award-winning actor added that he uses music as an outlet to tell his own story, which is something he doesn’t get to do as much in acting.
“Pag dating naman sa music, it's challenging in a way na kailangan ko maging vulnerable sa sarili ko kasi lahat ng sinusulat ko ay ako at personal. And dahil nga medyo private na person ako, sa acting nakakasuot ako ng maskara, hindi ko kailangan ipresenta ang sarili ko. Dito sa music — ito ‘yung all out na Elijah,” he explained.
Elijah’s hip-hop track ”Joseph K.” is out now on all music platforms.