By Sundy Locus
Whoever said that OPM is dead was definitely listening to the wrong artists. While the culture of TV stars turned singers is still a fad in the country, a new light sheds over the Original Pilipino Music scene as independent music continuously earns recognition from fans, especially from the younger generation.
Social media may have played a major role in attracting listeners but the wide variation in genre is the main reason for the sudden stardom. Unlike the usual surmount of ballads and revived love songs, indie bands and soloists fearlessly explore their craft which resulted in gems that now dominate the local airwaves.
Here are some of Manila’s rising acts that captured the millennial playlist:
BP Valenzuela
The synth-pop musician known for her hit track “Steady” is one of the indie acts music consumers are excited about. “Steady” has been used as an original sound track (OST) for numerous indie films including Baka Bukas and Sleepless. The 19-year-old singer-songwriter first showcased her passion in creating electric melodies in her debut EP be/ep in 2014 and later released a full-length album entitled The Neon Hour in 2015. Valenzuela continues to win the hearts of the younger generation with her LGBTQ-themed singles “Bbgirl” and “Cards,” which were released earlier this year. These tracks together with her other songs will be included in her sophomore album Crydancer scheduled to be released this month on her birthday.
Ang Bandang Shirley
Whether it is heartbreak or kilig, the Filipino post-pop rock band perfectly translates the raw emotions of love into anthemic ditties that paved its name to fame to become one of the millenials’ sentimental favorite acts. With its most recent album Favorite, Ang Bandang Shirley diverts listeners back to the memories they want to either remember or forget. Tracks like “Maginhawa” paints the sweetness of a blossoming romance while singing about the patches of memories that happened in Maginhawa St., title track “Favorite” is about taking the risk of falling in love despite the fear of hurting, while “Siberia” is about choosing one’s happiness.
Benny Bunny Band
Known for its so-called “Kuneho Rock,” the band that performs in scene-stealing costumes has become a favorite among millennial listeners. Performing its brand of music with its comic suits like Harry Potter and Power rangers, the band together with its vocalist, Benny, can effortlessly make the audience jive as the group serenades the crowd with their contagious energy. Playful lyrics may have been usual when it comes to music writing but BBB puts this kind of creativity into a different level. Who else would sing a song about Chickenjoy aside from them? No one.