Will Pinoy band scene recapture its lost glory?

MANILA, Philippines - Perhaps every rock artist in the country is now hoping that the local band scene recapture its lost glory the soonest. Industry optimists are actually making predictions it is going to come back strong, though may not be as that immediate.

Chris Cahilig, manager of various mainstream artists including the band Letter-Day Story, believes it will take two years more for mainstream rock to float up again the way it did back in the mid-2000s. He shared, “My feeling is, bands will be back in two years’ time. K-pop has reached its peak and what remains active is the support of its artists’ fan bases. I can feel some transition happening as the long process will eventually allow pop-rock to emerge again.”

A prime-mover of the ongoing concert series Tunog Natin which strictly carry OPM songs on stage, Cahilig revealed that as far as he knows, a number of record labels are quietly preparing their band talents for the long-awaited return of Pinoy rock. Few were said to be even withholding the release of some rock records while waiting for the right time to strike.

Pinoy rock began with the emergence of Juan Dela Cruz band in the ’70s and in the following decade The Dawn and some lost acts of the day. Alternative rock, triggered by the success of Eraserheads, led to what may be considered as the Golden Age of Pinoy band scene, with numerous now-legends groups entering the frame.   

Last decade, the quartet Bamboo reopened doors to local bands as an influx of “pogi rock” ensembles dominated the stage.

“It will take bands to overtake in order for OPM to really get back into spotlight,” expressed entertainment critic Jeff Valisno.

Covers have beaten originals to the draw in recent times. Scoring a hit Filipino song nowadays is not as easy as it was, with some observers blaming pop radio DJ talk as possible culprit since less time are given for songs to sink in to listeners.

Myrus, a young singer-songwriter getting raves for his currently released pop compositions, has another idea to the issue. “It’s really about the need for great songs. If we artists can come up with real good songs masses can relate to and not just done to please ourselves, then OPM will reclaim its old charm.”

Classic band tracks Ang Himig Natin, Pare Ko and Noypi have all become trendsetters and breakout songs for the previous band scene eras. The challenge to produce the next big one is on.