“I didn’t know how to write songs before. I would scribble lines of poetry in my journal and marvel at other people’s songs; words and melody blending into one another to tell beautiful stories,” Lian Kyla recounted.
“When the pandemic hit, alongside a friend, I decided to start writing more of my own songs—not just lyrics but melodies too. It was scary, freeing, comforting, but most of all fun,” she added, noting that some songs in the album will showcase her early attempts at songwriting, arrangement, and music production—a symbolic demonstration of her first steps in pursuing her dreams.
Aside from its title track “Unang Hakbang,” other self-penned songs included in the album are “Saya,” “Space and Time,” “Waiting,” “Happy for You,” and “Kapit Lang.” Its key track, “Verified,” serves as a reminder to those feeling inadequate that they don’t need to prove themselves to anyone and that being themselves is more than enough.
Kapamilya teleserye soundtracks “Walang Hanggang Paalam” and “’Yun Ka” from “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” are also part of the album track list.Lian Kyla will be singing tracks from her album in her “Unang Hakbang” mini-concert happening on Saturday , 8 pm live on ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel, Star Music Facebook page, and kumu .
Prior to “Unang Hakbang,” she released her lo-fi “Dream Maker” EP, which she arranged and produced, in October 2021. In 2020, she was nominated for Best Christmas Recording and Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist at the 33rd Awit Awards.