Meet David Unlayao | The Filipino Cowboy

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Unlayao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have an incredibly deep passion for art- and as a Filipino, my culture is extremely musical as well. My Nanay Linda (Grandma) was an amazing songstress in the Philippines before she immigrated to the US in the 80’s. My father is 1 of 11 kids and they were all involved in the family band at church. I can still hear my Nanay Jemma (my fathers mom) singing perfect harmonies to hymnals at the family parties.

I had many different bands growing up, but over the last 10 years I’ve gone headfirst into songwriting and developing my artistry and craft. My mom’s love of Shania Twain and Faith Hill had a lot influence on me as I eventually found my way to Nashville.

Here I’ve found my people and collaborators, and have made art that I believe in. I’ve also started to find an amazing support system of listeners and fans. There is nothing like hearing back a melody to the lyrics I wrote when standing center stage. And I chase that feeling every day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ll state the obvious- I am a Filipino making country music. There have been some before me yes, (Neal McCoy) and there are a few other asian artists in the genre as well. But I don’t think anyone’s gunning for your radios quite like I am!

I grew up on boy bands so at the end of the day I want you to have an ear worm of a hook stuck in your head. But the past 10 years I’ve focused more on lyrics, so I also want something that cuts to your heart and makes you feel something. Be it falling in love or reminiscing on what used to be.

I’m extremely excited for several projects. First of all I’m playing Eddie’s Attic on Aug. 30th at 9pm with Filipino legends, Jeremy Passion and Gabe Bondoc!

Secondly, I do have a 7-song EP coming out this fall that my team and I have been working on for about a year now. I can’t wait for y’all to hear these songs!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always take people visiting Nashville to The Listening Room. It’s like the Bluebird Cafe but a lot more accessible. I’ve seen some truly amazing songwriters play there.

We would get lunch at Deg Thai on Nolensville Pike. It feels like you just stepped onto a street in Thailand and the shrimp Pad Thai is top 3 all time for me. Also, Prince’s Hot Chicken- probably multiple times.

Drinks at greenhouse bar in green hills. Fun drinks, good vibes, (I mean it’s literally a greenhouse)

Definitely gotta hit the farmers market right by my place at Sevier Park and walk around. Cap off the night at Melrose Billiard Parlor and shoot some pool / play some ping pong.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Elizabeth Katie is a fantastic writer and artist! We’ve been penning since before I moved to Nashville, and she is one of my biggest believers. We moved here around the same time about 5 years ago and have written hundreds of songs together.

Ryan Brisotti is another fantastic multi-talented artist in town. He is my lead guitarist, co-producer and co-writer. And he could fit into any of the writers rooms in the world and absolutely kill it.

Jon Albers is a fantastic Mixer / Producer who’s also from Washington state like myself. He’s got an insane ear and has taken my tracks to a level I didn’t know they could go.

Website: https://davidunlayao.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidunlayao/

Linkedin: N/A

Twitter: https://x.com/david_unlayao

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidunlayaomusic

Yelp: N/A

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefilipinocowboy

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidunlayao

Image Credits
Kayla Eileen Photography