NU looks back on a year of 'High Definition'

MANILA, Philippines - The theme of this year’s Rock Awards is “High Definition” — the most basic reason being radio’s shift into high-definition broadcasting. High-definition technology is a system used by radio stations to digitally transmit audio and data in conjunction with their analog signals. HD Radio is fast becoming the norm worldwide, and soon enough every station in the Philippines will have this technology.

Of course, that bit of information is too boring and scientific for the Rock Awards. What is interesting is that along with the arrival of high-definition technology, there is also a shift in the culture of music. Whereas three years ago the Rock Awards would have a separate category for indie artists, these days indie is the norm. Past favorites such as Taken by Cars and Up dharma Down are all independent, and there are a slew of indie releases this year that shake up not only the industry but the definition of rock as well.

You have the roots-ish Corporate Lo-Fi, one of the most exciting new artists this year, who combine hip-hop with a distinct Motown big band flavor. There are also Zach Lucero’s solo album, “Fall Crash Infect” — a combination of ’90s alternative and 2000s indie rock; Peryodiko, which feels like an edgier version of The Dawn; and Duster, the superstar all-girl dance-punk band that combines Lourd de Veyra’s twisted lyrics with ironic Riot Grrrl sensibilities.

This is where things get exciting, then: rock music is currently redefining itself so greatly that it is becoming less of a genre and more of an attitude. The Chillitees and The Out of Body Special sound similar to many R&B artists today, but their DIY aesthetic and fiery performances make them rock. Likewise, Corporate Lo-Fi is for all intents and purposes a hip-hop band, but the focus on doing things live and organic makes them rock. There are already as many sub-genres as there are bands, and right now things are just paving the way for what looks like an exciting 2010. Expect a lot from The Techy Romantics’ Dub Pop, Sleepwalk Circus’s Post-Rock, Kate Torralba’s piano-driven alternative music, Turbogoth’s Electroclash, The Bernadette’s Garage Rock and Us-2 Evil-0’s Indiepop.

Noticeably absent the past year are new albums by the more established, and commercially successful but adventurous bands such as Sandwich and Chicosci but they were far from inactive, playing countless gigs here and in neighboring Asian countries. These bands, aided by sponsors, spent the past year playing many concerts, and fortunately, composing new material and new albums that may see a lot of action in the year between Rock Awards ‘09 and ‘10. The Pinoy Rock industry, on the surface, seems to have calmed down the past year, with friendlier new songs from new bands, and the more established bands cranking out their past hits but the coming year will see everybody pushing the envelope. A highlight from the past year is obviously the second record-breaking Eraserheads reunion concert, and if there is any band in Pinoy music history that has proven to be both ground-breaking and commercially successful, it is definitely the ‘Heads. The reunion concerts may have pushed other local rock acts, new and vets, to pursue the standard established by the Eraserheads, and quite possibly encouraged them to take things to the next level of creatively.

The past year in modern Pinoy Rock feels like the calm before the proverbial storm. Expect rock music’s definition to no longer be explained, just felt. Expect a higher definition.

This year’s Rock Awards will feature fantastic live performances from Chicosci, The Dawn, Franco, Greyhoundz, Itchyworms, Juan Pablo Dream, Kamikazee, Kjwan, Pupil, Rico Blanco, Sandwich, Sugarfree, Up Dharma Down and Urbandub. There will also be performances from Duster, Turbo Goth & The Lowtechs in the pre-show. Tickets are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets and at the Araneta Coliseum box office.

For information, visit nu107fm.com.

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NU 107 Rock Awards ’09 is presented by Red Horse Beer Muziklaban, Smart Buddy, and Clear. The event is supported by Nokia Music, Converse, Frenzy, Levi’s Loop, The Philippine STAR, Gateway Computers, and in part by JB Music, Click to Print, Aquaknox Restaurant, Hard Rock Café, Artwork, Basement Salon, and MTV Philippines.