MANILA, Philippines - Why do people keep on saying that Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is dead? Joey Ayala said it's because people keep on hearing the same sound over and over again.
During his talk at the 6th Elements National Singing-Songwriting camp in Indang, Cavite on Monday, Ayala said the "homogenous" sound of local artists today is one of the reasons why people think OPM is dead.
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"The same sound, same sentiments. Lahat ng input pare-pareho, siyempre ang output pare-pareho, he explained.
Although having a "unified" sound could be a good thing at certain situations, Ayala believes each artist should embrace their differences.
"If you want to produce a variety of artistry record, boring kung pareho ang tunog n'yo," he said.
When asked how the new artists can make today's generation embrace OPM, Ayala said they should find their "voice."
"The best way is being ourselves," he said. "Hindi ko sinasabing ako walang foreign influence. Pero I erase the trace of my influence. I make it different from the original na hindi na nila ma-trace."
"Make it yours," he added.
He also advised the aspiring musicians at the Elements music camp to reconnect to where they came from.
"One external process is meditation. Talk to your ancestors, you'll be surprised baka sumagot 'yan and guide you," he concluded.
Ayala is one of the mentors at the Elements national music camp which will run until Thursday.