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The New Generation of Original Pilipino Music: 5 Artists To Listen To Now

Many Generation X kids hark back to the 1990s-early 2000s as a golden age of Original Pilipino Music’s (OPM) modern rock scene. This period saw the rise of greats such as The Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Parokya ni Edgar, Wolfgang and many others that strengthened the pillars of that quintessential Pinoy rock sound.

Forward to a decade and a half later, the Philippine radio soundscape has changed where there is still constant a battle for local airtime between foreign and Filipino music; with the former far winning over the latter with only 3 out of 10 songs being Filipino (2 out of those 3 being remakes) (change.org). However, there is a colossal amount of undiscovered talent in the Philippines.

All this needs a mammoth change. Kultura.dk has gathered 5 bands and artists that deserve your attention for their unique, original, modern and classic take on OPM. Give your ears a rest from all that off-the-mill playlist and give your ears a treat. Tune in your music platforms to these young ones who are setting a new bar for Filipino musical creativity.

Outerhope

Brother and sister tandem Micaela and Michael Benedicto of Outerhope creates dreamy and meaningful pop music that is easy on the ears and substantial to the heart. They cleverly balance simple and whimsical melodies with deep, introspective lyrics that remind you of childhood summers, quiet long drives, or that time you felt dejected yet stayed hopeful. Outerhope’s music is altogether comforting, happy and melancholic. This is Pinoy pop music at its finest and most delicate.

Ang Bandang Shirley

Ang Bandang Shirley composes battle cries for the lovelorn, loved or in love with emotions to be fought on the dance floor. Having long been a local darling of the Filipino indie music scene, their songs cover a range of themes such as love, heartbreak, solitude and anticipation played against a backdrop of their trademark of infectious, jangly guitars. Their songs are deep but relatable in their approach. Have a listen and discover theme songs to accompany drunken nights and happy days.

Autotelic

Singable, daneceable and anthemic. Autotelic makes music that is catchy and slightly reminiscent of a pop-shoegaze sound. They mix harmonies with easy Filipino lyrics that successfully work. With just 3 songs (Misteryoso, Mulat and Balik) in their self-titled EP, the band leaves it’s listeners wanting for more.

BP Valenzuela

If you had a sudden urge to run out into the night in reckless abandon after hours of brooding, BP Valenzuela’s The Neon Hour would be your scene’s electro-pop soundtrack. Beats and melodies pulsate to an increasing crescendo of soundscapes and rising emotions—quite distinct creations by the young artist whose fragile voice is never lost in the synths and beats.

Peryodiko

Peryodiko has been around for many years but released an EP, “Balik sa Simula” in 2014 after a 5-year absence. Their music is classic Pinoy rock that is melodic and laden with a good dose of guitars and drums. All this goes well with front man and guitarist, Vin Dancel’s voice and words that speak directly to different phases of life—aspiration, longing, respite, and the ever-occurring search for triumph.

References:

Nicdao, R. KBP and Philippine Radio Stations: We Want More Original Filipino Music!

Accessed 12 August 2015.

Photo sources:

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