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FEATURE: Indie Mo Ba Alam?
Are you looking for new music? Have you heard Mundo by IV of Spades one too many times and want to explore more of what the local indie OPM scene has to offer? Here are some bands and artists you might be interested in:
1. Cheats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fgsPtdBWfc
This 8-piece indie rock band was started in 2013 by a group of friends consisting of Saab Magalona, Jim Bacarro, and Candy Gamos on vocals, Ernest Agila and Mau Torralba on guitars, Manny Tanglao on bass, and Enzo Hermosa on drums. They performed in small gigs all around the metro until they released their self-titled debut in 2015. It came in the form of a tiny pizza box, fresh out of the oven. With influences from the likes of Arcade Fire, and added touches from pop bands like Spice Girls, Cheats mixes its garage rock distorted guitars and bass with soft pure indie vocals and harmonies. This band makes music that you can listen to when you’re lying in bed reflecting on your past.
2. Rusty Machines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od6p6NCh6FQ
Rusty Machines formed in 2013, and have only released an EP and two singles. They’ve toured all over Metro Manila, and consist of Iggy San Pablo on vocals, Joshua Andres on guitar, Leandro Fabregas on bass, and Miko Miso on drums. Their sound is full of jangly guitars and slightly distorted vocals. Their main musical influences are Phoenix and Young the Giant. Rusty Machines nails the alternative indie rock sound, making music that can make your road trips or your long commute home more dynamic and heighten the energetic buzz of barkada gimmicks.
3. B.P. Valenzuela
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsSuXCxLA7o
B.P. Valenzuela is a singer-songwriter in Manila that has been around the indie music scene for six years. She’s known for the Soundcloud music that she has been putting out since she was a freshman in high school, and for being one of the few out-and-proud LGBTQ Filipino artists in indie OPM. Her sound is mainly indie electro synth-pop, with colourful rhythmic melodies and moody ambience in the background tracks. Valenzuela’s music is perfect for seemingly never ending nights.
4. Jason Dhakal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvKtqz1UjBY
One of the more obscure artists in this list, Jason Dhakal can be found in the corners of Soundcloud. His melancholic and vulnerable lyrics paired with smooth jazz and funk influences make his music a unique act in the local scene. He’s one of those artists who help Filipino music be more modern. He connects with the current generation of OPM audiences by simply being genuine. If you’re looking for an RnB fix in the local OPM scene, or just impatient in waiting for Frank Ocean’s next release, check Jason Dhakal’s Night In EP. It’s the kind of music you can either relax to or listen to while crying.
5. Mellow Fellow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzhVBsR-mLA
Mellow Fellow, also known as Polo Reyes, has been releasing music on the internet since 2011. He first released music on Soundcloud as ‘garage604’. Since then, he has released three albums anonymously (Self-titled Mellow Fellow, Jazzie Robinson, and 604 Diamond Street) before revealing his real name and revealing his face in an interview with Scout Magazine. His music is an alternative mash up of the different genres of jazz, pop, and lo-fi. Gathering influences from music from the ‘60s and ‘70s, he’s released sad slow songs filled with lethargic lyrics and easy going, smooth guitars that make you nostalgic and heartbroken all at once.
There you go! These artists and bands will surely be the OPM soundtrack to your teenage endeavours. If you know indie bands that you think should be on the list, email us at kiranaut21@gmail.com. Keep on listening! //by Kiara Gabriel
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