“Marami pa kasi akong gustong i-try and maraming opportunities na nag-open, kaya nakapag-decide ako na it’s time.”
With those words, Clyde Martin closed a major chapter of his career to start a fresh one. From his days on the idol survival show Top Class to performing as a member of the group Eclypse (later renamed AON), Clyde has proven he has what it takes to stick around in the entertainment industry. Now, he’s ready to face the music entirely on his own terms.
Going solo is a big leap, and for Clyde, transitioning from group dynamics to a one-man show was a big adjustment.
“Malaki siyang adjustment,” Clyde admits. “Kaya ‘yung mga first performance ko parang naninibago ako kasi sanay na may ka-group. Ngayon, sa akin ‘yung buong stage, sa akin ‘yung buong performance. Pati ‘yung management ng mga crowd, sa akin din.”
The initial shift brought some nerves, but that worry quickly turned into excitement. “Nung una, nakakakaba siya, but at the same time, naaaral ko na siya. Nakaka-excite din pala kasi kontrolado ko siya lahat, ako ang bahala. So, ‘di ko na kailangang mag-ingat kasi I just have to own the performance and the stage, always.” His preparation strategy? Simple: “Sa mga preparations naman, more practice.”
Music, Influencing, and Going Global
When the time came to make the decision to go solo, Clyde knew exactly who to talk to first. “Sa mama ko,” he shares. “‘Yung mama ko naman, supportive siya kung ano man maging decision ko.”
With his family’s blessing, Clyde is diving straight into a packed schedule. Over the coming months, his main focus will be his music, with plans to release his own original songs. He is also balancing his music with his work as an influencer, alongside a big milestone: joining the tour of comedy trio Beks Battalion.
This marks Clyde’s first time touring, and it’s taking him far beyond the Philippines. With stops lined up across the United States and parts of Europe, he feels like he’s checking off a huge bucket list item.
“Nakaka-excite, para siyang na-check sa bucket list,” he says. “Nakakatuwa, parang ang dami agad countries for ilang months. Parang nalibot ko na buong mundo.”
Handling the Setbacks
Clyde’s road here hasn’t been completely smooth. When asked about the toughest challenge he has faced so far, he points to the constant shifts behind the scenes with his past management.
“Siguro ‘yung ang dami naming changes sa management. Parang four times siyang nangyari,” he reveals. “And everytime na nangyayari ‘yun, nagba-back to zero kami lagi.”
Fortunately, those days are behind him. Clyde has found a good rhythm with his current team, describing their dynamic as a real partnership rather than a strict hierarchy.
“Ang maganda sa management ko ngayon, very collaborative. Partnership siya. So, naririnig both sides kaya mas madaling mag-plano. Tsaka mas may freedom, magagawa ‘yung gustong gawin, but with their guidance.”
This freedom allows him to focus on what he does best. While some artists struggle to find their lane, Clyde knows exactly where he stands: he is a vocalist at heart. “Mas comfortable ako sa vocals ko kasi mas gusto ko tunog ng pagkanta ko kesa sa tunog ng rapping ko,” he explains.
From Pop Stages to Comedy Skits
Working alongside Beks Battalion has brought a completely different energy to Clyde’s routine. He describes being around them as a constant source of good vibes.
“Sobrang gaan ng mood, ang saya, kasi para akong nanonood ng show lagi for free kapag kasama ko sila,” Clyde laughs. “Nagpapatawa sila palagi on and off cam, kaya everytime na nakakasama ko sila, ang gaan sa feeling.”
The comedic environment has even inspired him to try new things. While he’s known for his vocals and dancing, he’s currently trying his hand at comedy and hosting. “Tina-try kong aralin magpatawa. Hindi pa kasi ako marunong sa ganun, like hosting. Kaya nakakatuwa na kasama ko sila kasi naa-adapt ko. Baka sa future, kaya ko na.”
The “Biceps ng Bayan” Steps Up
Years of performing have made Clyde feel right at home under the stage lights. “Super comfortable, lalo na ngayon, kasi parang ilang years na din ako nagpe-perform sa stage,” he reflects. “May konti paninibago lang nung first performance ko na wala akong kasama, pero ngayon nakaka-adapt na ako.”
Beyond his stage presence, there’s another reason Clyde gets a lot of attention. A quick look at his social media feeds shows that he spends a lot of time in the gym. His physique hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans, who have playfully dubbed him the “Biceps ng Bayan.”
Hearing the nickname, Clyde reacts with genuine humility. “Di ko alam ‘yun, pero, thank you. At least may pagkakakilanlan ako.”
With a solid team behind him, a global tour ahead, and the drive to command the stage alone, Clyde Martin is ready for his moment in the spotlight.