In 2023, the local music scene flourished with amazing music and promising artists, with some starting small and climbing to big stages, hinting at a bright future for Filipino music.
Looking to 2024, Yellow Room Music, led by Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise fame, is signing new artists across genres, each promising to leave a mark.
Macalino emphasized the current opportune landscape of the music industry, with digital streaming opening avenues for discovery and collaboration.
Established in 2013 by Mayonnaise, the label rebranded as YR Music in 2021, aiming to showcase exceptional talents and expand its artist roster.
Macalino expressed plans to release more material for both emerging and established artists in 2024.
Keep an eye out for a range of musicians, from familiar names like SUD and Autotelic to rising stars like Ultraviolet and NaÏV, all poised for significant progress this year under Yellow Room Music’s guidance.
Explore their stories and unique sounds as they shape the industry.
Autotelic
Autotelic, a prominent pop-rock band, solidified its position in the local music scene since debuting in 2016 with “Papunta, Pabalik,” which achieved platinum status. Their subsequent EP “Takipsilim” in 2018 garnered acclaim, earning them awards from Awit and Star Awards for Music. Their latest single, “Iwan,” was released in June 2021.
Formed in 2012, the band comprises Josh Villena, Neil Tin, EJ Edralin, Timothy “Pabs” Vargas, and Gep Macadaeg. Autotelic has amassed numerous accolades from mainstream channels, independent critics, and brands, solidifying its status as one of the most decorated acts in the age of social and streaming.
SUD
In 2016, SUD’s track “Sila” from their debut album, their only Tagalog song at the time, broke into the mainstream, marking one of the earliest instances of a local indie artist achieving such success. Hailing from Metro Manila, the five-piece band has explored various genres including alternative soul, alt-rock, indie-pop, and alt-pop/ballad. Their notable hits include “Dumadaloy” (2021), “Baliw” (2019), and “Di Makatulog” (2017). The current lineup features Sud Ballecer on vocals and guitar, Kohl Aguilar on keyboard, Carlos de la Fuente on saxophone, and Raisa Racelis on bass.
FIONA
FIONA’s musical talent was evident when they won Sky Cable’s Bikes Boards Bands in 2013, showcasing their ability to deliver outstanding live performances. Now, the band has inked a deal with Yellow Room Music for their upcoming second EP, promising a fresh take while maintaining their distinctive intensity.
Established in 2010, FIONA is a power-pop alternative rock band that has shared the stage with both Filipino and international acts such as Love Me Butch, Dia Frampton, Tiffany Alvord, and Tanner Patrick. Their hits include “Better Together” (2016), “Panganib,” and “Charades,” leading to their self-titled EP album. Additionally, they released “Haraya” in 2019 and “Goodbye” in 2022.
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet, a band hailing from Las Piñas, recently dropped their new track “Paraiso” through Yellow Room Music. Rayna, one of the band’s composers, explained that the song serves as a reminder that we all have our paradises where we can escape from reality when needed.
Highlighting the importance of self-care, Rayna shared that as someone who occasionally grapples with existential crises, she wanted to convey this message to others. The band, formed in November 2022, comprises Rayna Dane Dela Cruz (lead vocalist), Emman Ramos (guitarist), Vesper Gareza (bassist), Ronn Balmedina (drummer), and Marco Salvacruz (keyboardist). Their music is described as pop-funk with psychedelic elements.
NaÏV
NaÏV’s latest single with Yellow Room Music, “Ikaw Lang Talaga” is a poignant declaration of profound love, capturing the moment when you realize someone is ‘the one.’ Described by the synth-pop trio as a musical journey for those in the throes of new love, where emotions override logic, the song beautifully encapsulates the feeling of affection. NaÏV’s music, a fusion of synth-pop with vibrant melodies and poignant lyrics, reflects the trio’s shared passion for music. Comprising Mae, Gynn, and Joe, NaÏV, based in Metro Manila, brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds united by their love for music.
Tamara
Tamara’s career soared at 18 when she won a jingle competition, catching the eye of Champ Lui Pio from the renowned rock band Hale. Since then, she has impressed audiences at numerous events and bars, demonstrating her prowess as both a singer and songwriter. Her debut single, “Ngayon,” released in 2019, is a love song she penned at 17. Collaborating with bands like Hale and Soapdish, Tamara is always eager to showcase her musical talents at every opportunity.