Meet Gian Solo of North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gian Solo.

Hi Gian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in the Philippines, and music was always around me growing up. My dad played guitar and listened to records all the time. He’s actually left-handed but played the guitar flipped, backwards (think Eric Gales) so as a kid, that already made it feel like music didn’t have to follow rules. He showed me some basic chord shapes so I started rockin’ out in junior high but really started taking it seriously in high school.

From there, I went all in. I started playing in rock and metal bands, just grinding it out at rehearsals, local shows, small venues, whatever we could get. That experience really shaped me. It taught me lessons I still carry with me today like how to perform, how to connect with people, and honestly, how to push through when things aren’t perfect.

I’ve spent most of my life in Los Angeles, which has a huge impact on my life in general. The people, diversity, the culture, the different sounds, it all kind of blended into how I hear and create music now. Plus, being out here, you’re constantly surrounded by people chasing something, and that’s the type of energy that sticks with you.

Over time, I started feeling the need to tell my own story more directly, which led me into creating music as a solo artist. That shift gave me the freedom to really explore everything I love about music. Guitar-driven, emotional, full of melody, and telling stories about real-life experiences without being boxed into one lane.

And through all of this, family and friends have been a huge part of my journey. They’ve kept me grounded, supported me through the ups and downs, and reminded me why I do this in the first place.

So yes, from learning guitar in high school to playing in bands to now doing my own thing as Gian Solo has been an absolute journey, and I’m grateful for it every day.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. But that’s what obviously makes the journey super real.

Playing in rock and metal bands, there were a lot of highs, but also a lot of challenges, like lineup changes, unruly members, creative differences, trying to get everyone on the same page. You put your heart into something with other people, and sometimes it just doesn’t work out the way you hoped. That was tough, but it taught me a lot about communication, patience, and knowing when to evolve.

Then you’ve also got the typical struggles of being an artist in Los Angeles. I mean it’s Los Angeles. Such an amazing city with so much culture and opportunity, but man it is a cutthroat competition out here. You’re constantly surrounded by incredibly talented people, and it can get in your head if you let it. Following my own path is definitely something I had to learn and stay focused on.

The transition into becoming a solo artist from being in bands was also a huge challenge. No one to share ideas with, pressures, and responsibility. Going solo means it’s all on you. Writing, recording, performing, building your brand and it can be overwhelming at times. But it also forced me to grow and really find my own voice.

And of course, let’s not forget about real-life struggles. Balancing music with responsibilities, losing friends and family to diseases, covid, getting older, staying consistent when things aren’t taking off as fast as you want, dealing with self-doubt. It all gets too real sometimes.

Through it all, having strong support from my wife, son and family and friends keeps me grounded. They’ve been there through the ups and downs, and that’s made a huge difference.

So yeah, it has not been smooth but man has it helped shape who I am as an artist today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a singer-songwriter and guitarist. I create music that’s rooted in guitar-driven indie pop rock, but I blend in different elements depending on the story I’m telling. I focus on melodies, emotion, and sprinkle heavier tones, but also sometimes tone it down to get more stripped-down and intimate, but overall, I aim to do what serves the song. I produce my own music as well, so I’m really hands-on from the idea all the way to the final track.

I also create content on YouTube. I do guitar lessons, quick guitar riffs, some reactions, and music discovery, which lets me connect with people in a different way. It’s not just about putting out songs for me but also about building a community around music, sharing what I love, and helping others grow too.

I’d say I’m known for my guitar playing and the way I break things down so people can actually learn and enjoy it. I try to make things feel accessible, geared towards beginners and intermediate players. At the same time, when it comes to my original music, I keep it real so everything comes from personal experience, emotions, and moments I’ve lived through.

What I’m most proud of is honestly the journey itself. Going from playing in bands to stepping out on my own and building something as a solo artist. Also, growing my YouTube channel and seeing people from all over the world connect with what I’m doing is a crazy feeling I don’t take for granted.

What sets me apart, I think, is the combination of everything I bring into it. My unique background of being born in the Philippines, then growing up in LA, being influenced by rock, metal, hip-hop and different cultures, all of which shapes my sound and perspective. And then there’s the fact that I’m not just one thing. I’m creating music, teaching, sharing and discovering. I’m living in all parts of music, which I am totally in love with.

And through it all, I stay grounded in who I am. Family, friends, and real experiences I keep at the center of everything. I just want to create music and content that people can feel, learn from, and come back to.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Consistency.

Not just showing up when things are exciting, but showing up when it’s quiet, when growth is slow, or when doubt creeps in. Whether it’s making music, practicing guitar, or putting out content, I keep going.

Consistency and staying grounded is what’s kept everything moving forward so far.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://giansolomusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gian_solo
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GIANSOLO