From indie alternative to hip-hop, these rising bands represent a local music scene that is alive and kicking
[ IV of Spades ] Visually, this three-membered group (managed by Callalily's Kean Cipriano) will already tickle your curiosity with their strong retro aesthetic. However, it's is their '70s-charged, nostalgia-inducing sound that captivates their audience. As a live act, it's impossible not to get your groove going during "Sentimental" and wish they'd release a recorded version of the romantic tune "Mundo" already! For now, relish their singles "Hey, Barbara" and "Ilaw Sa Daan" on repeat as you patiently wait for these cool kids' next bar gig.
[ Munimuni ] On our first listen, Munimuni's heartwrenching vocals were the first thing to convince us that this folk band is worthy to be put in the spotlight. Couple those pipes with tenderly written Filipino lyrics that talk of poetic love, and we're sold. Their EP Simula is packed with exquisitely heartbreaking tracks of that "hurts so good" type, giving us a wistful mix of flavors that homegrown veterans Ebe Dancel and Join The Club have dished out through the years. Just listen to "Sa Hindi Pag-Alala" and you'll know—or feel—exactly what we're talking about.
[ Ben&Ben ] Soaring vocals, rich instruments, and heartwarming lyrics—Ben&Ben will surely spark a cozy yet passion-filled flame in you. The nine-piece folk-pop band sings of love in its purest forms, even tackling themes such as loss with a refreshingly hopeful voice. Watching them live will surely give you all the warmth and fuzzies especially when you sing along to the hearfelt "Maybe The Night" and release your heartaches with the too-real "Kathang Isip" (Minsan siya ay para sa 'yo, pero minsan siya'y paasa!) The band, along with Kiana Valenciano and Reese Lansangan, also represented our country at this year's Music Matters Live in Singapore, so you'll definitely be indulged with world-class tunes when you check them out!
[ One Click Straight ] With popping guitars, subdued vocals, and beats that will perk you up while sitting in traffic on a weeknight, One Click Straight's music is well-deserving of the attention it's getting. If you're into that The 1975 kind of pop, then make sure to check these guys out! Their recent release entitled "Small Talk" makes for a refreshing alternative pick that will jive smoothly right into your daily playlist!
[ I Belong to the Zoo ] The solo folk project of Tonight We Sleep’s Argee Guerrero. It embodies Guerrero’s more private musings, with songs characterized by hushed vocals and wistful verses. His songs are resonant of intimate experiences, inhabiting subtle acoustic melodies in the same terrain as the music of Keaton Henson, William Fitzsimmons, and Damien Rice.
[ UNIQUE ] is a Filipino musician and singer-songwriter. He began his career as vocalist and original frontman of IV of Spades and later pursued a solo career. In 2018, Salonga released his debut single, Midnight Sky, under the label of O/C Records of VIVA. In the same year, Salonga released his debut album, Grandma.
Unique first gained prominence as the vocalist of IV of Spades, known for hits such as “Hey Barbara”, “Mundo” and “Where Have You Been, My Disco” in the recent years. Fans and critics alike have taken note of the band’s meteoric rise in recent years. Barely out of high school, the foursome that was once composed of Unique Salonga, Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga and Badjao de Castro won over fans with their catchy and refreshing funk-influenced brand of pop rock. Unique broke off from IV of Spades in May 2018 after speculation on his departure in the months prior. He signed a record deal with Viva Entertainment’s O/C Records care of manager Kean Cipriano the following month as a solo artist.
UNIQUE’s debut album, "Grandma" is now available in all digital formats: