“C13!” Somewhere deep in the depths (also known as last year) of my phone’s gallery, an unidentified person softly shouts the name of VXON’s leader and main rapper. In the short video clip, C13 (pronounced as “C one three”) stands on the stage of the 2022 TikTok Awards with Sam, Patrick, Vince, and Franz, showcasing their impressive dance moves and powerful vocals. Despite the late hour of their performance, which could easily induce sleepiness after dinner or a long day, they managed to captivate the audience with their performance of “Reach the Top.” This single is part of the soundtrack of “Top Class,” a reality survival show in search of the next generation of P-pop talents.
As the popularity of P-pop continues to grow, so does the number of emerging local rookie groups. In January, at the P-pop Radar event, I had the opportunity to see some of these groups perform live. There was G22, an all-female group dubbed the “Female Alphas,” who debuted in 2022. Then there was Yes My Love, a six-member boy group who made their debut in March. AJAA, another six-member boy group, is still in their pre-debut phase. These groups shared the stage with VXON, who despite debuting in January 2022, already had a strong and dedicated fan base known as the “Vixies.” Not only did the VXON members wave enthusiastically at the crowd, but they also took phones from the audience to snap selfies, making an effort to connect with as many supporters as possible.
When I encountered VXON for the third time at their music label’s office, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity. Although they were dressed in their usual dark outfits and chains, they appeared more relaxed and engaged in their chill zone. They were watching a music video by NewJeans on the TV and casually chatting with the label’s employees. It was a contrast to my previous encounters with them, which were noisy and fast-paced. It wasn’t just my perception; if the group had a monthly highlight reel, it would be filled with countless achievements. Since their debut, they have appeared on TV shows, collaborated with local artists such as Jonathan Manalo and Zephanie, and even performed at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
As our quick sit-down chat began, I greeted them with, “Good to see you again,” explaining that we had met twice before for photo-ops, although I doubted they would remember. Surprisingly, they responded in unison, “No, we actually remember you.” This led to a little test to see if they remembered my hair color during those meetings, but Vince and Patrick failed to guess. Then I had the chance to ask them about their whirlwind debut year. How had they evolved as artists? Did they approach music differently now? Were they more conscious performers? Sam explained, “We were so fired up last year, to the point that we were ready to do stunts and run 1,000 miles in a month. But now, we have become more critical of the details and our expressions. We used to go all out with our facial expressions, but now we control them to enhance the visual aspect of our choreography. And of course, the experiences we’ve gained from each stage performance have become like ammunition for future performances.”
Franz agreed that the change had been drastic, with the group becoming more meticulous about every aspect, from their vocals to their dances. They prioritize excellence, quality, and relatability. One of the ways they prepare themselves before facing the crowd is by getting in the zone. Despite any nerves they may have, they “turn on their switch” and be ready. To recharge, they stay awake and pray before and after each performance.
The unity of the group is evident in their answers and gestures. However, each member has their own unique origin story, from reality shows to The Voice Kids. It may seem like a complex task to keep everyone in harmony, but C13 insists that everything fell into place naturally from day one. He says, “We instantly clicked, bonded, and I think the reason behind that is our shared passion and fire for music and performing. We help each other and build that bond, so that people can see who we truly are.”
“We hear each other out, we talk it out, so I think communication is really important when it comes to a group. Because if you know each other well through communication, it’s easier to support each other and deliver a quality performance,” chimed in Franz. He described insecurities as their “ghosts” that challenge their confidence. They combat these insecurities by opening up to each other and lifting each other up.
Sam added, “That’s what’s important. No matter what outsiders say, we always prioritize our internal circle. So when we perform, we focus on ourselves first. Once our inner circle is nurtured, it will reflect to the audience that we are enjoying ourselves on stage. Our manager always says we should celebrate because we are performing onstage. Always celebrate.”
For Vince, maintaining confidence can be tricky due to its unpredictability. No one knows what may happen while facing the audience. However, they make an effort to stay on the same page. He shared, “We have our own visions of what we want to show and say to people. That becomes our mindset before performing…”
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