More than a dozen independent acts whose musical styles range from pop-rock and synth pop to R&B and hip-hop, all in one world-class venue to deliver a one-of-a-kind homegrown festival experience, are what you can expect and more, from the GetMusic Indie-Go music festival.
MCA Universal Senior Manager for Live Events Cris Hermosisima shared the reason for staging such a large scale production.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time already. I’ve been talking to bands, to managers. Sabi nga namin ang init ng indie scene now eh. This is like a cycle of what happened before, probably late ‘80s, early ‘90s, that indie scene before, that NU107 scene before. It’s just that before may medium eh, it was radio supporting them. Now pareho lang, there’s festivals, may gigs. It’s just that we really need something to kick-start the whole thing,” said the former station manager of the late and lamented NU107.
“Do a live bongga production and bring them all to the MOA Arena for everyone to see. Make it like a foreign concert treatment. That’s what we’re doing now for GetMusic Indie-Go. And hopefully nga it will start a lot of things, kasi it will benefit a lot of the bands.”
MCA Universal is confident that Paolo Valenciano’s creative direction will help ensure a concert experience that fans and music aficionados won’t find anywhere else; with two-stages, extended multi-membered band set-ups, a horn section and visuals that you would never see in your local bar gigs.
Of course, no music festival would ever be successful without a promising line-up. Here’s GetMusic Indie-Go’s exciting roster of performers.
Autotelic
The six-piece Filipino pop/rock band had been in the gig circuit for several years before releasing their first major record, “Papunta, Pabalik” last year. Majority of the band’s songs—such as crowd favorites “Gising” and “Misteryoso” are written in Filipino, yet incurably as infectious and danceable as could be. Josh Villena (vocals/guitar), son of music director Mel Villena, and The Voice PH finalist Kai Honasan (keytar, back-up vocals), are among the band’s members.
Gabby Alipe
The former frontman of Cebu-based prolific rock band Urban Dub certainly hasn’t lost his touch. His solo EP, “A New Strain” is testament of Gabby’s continued pursuance of his craft and fans should be thoroughly pleased to see him perform on a grand scale once again.
Reese Lansangan
You’ve probably seen and heard her singing on TV or corporate event and for good reason; Reese’s brand of indie-folk pop is easy on the ears as her whimsical yet wholesome personality is as attractive to brand execs. Music is only one medium through which Reese showcases her innate creativity. The singer-writer is also a visual artist, designer and published author.
Sud
Sud’s Pulp Magazine August 2016 drew flak from netizens for its allegedly misogynistic portrayal of women. The band publicly apologized on social media for “any sensitivities that have been hurt due to the nature of our featured photo.” Controversy aside, Sud has a good following and it’s the soulful, sexy music the band creates.
Jensen and the Flips
Motown, Soul and R&B on one platter aren’t usually offered in the Pinoy music scene, but Jensen and the Flips offers them in generous and delicious doses.
Somedaydream
It’s hard to believe that Somedaydream is just one person. Rez Toledo’s synthpop project is a refreshing break from the sudden barrage of EDM. “Hey Daydreamer” and “Delivery Boys” appeal to a young, free-spirited demographic but anyone can decipher the songwriting and music production talent with which these singles were created. GetMusic Indie-Go will be Somedaydream’s first time to perform in front of a huge audience, and Rez is both nervous and excited.
Ninno
Lighter, less aggressive rap lives in Ninno’s music. Spoken word is evidently this poet’s poison and he tells fluid stories set against a distinct electronic-fueled, hip-hop sound.
MilesExperience
MilesExperience’s sultry groove fits into the band’s self-proclaimed description of its music: heavy landi rock. The single “Silakbo,” from “Against & Against,” the band’s debut album, perfectly captures MilesExperience’s signature sound.
She’s Only Sixteen
Admittedly influenced by The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Phoenix, The Black Keys and Radiohead, She’s Only Sixteen is in no way a mere copycat of the bands they look up to but certainly takes cues from them in terms of lyrics and musicality. She’s Only Sixteen delivers tightly wound originals that even grown-up alternative rock fans can appreciate.
Conscious and the Goodness
Soul jazz fused with hip-hop and funk isn’t something we normally hear but definitely something worth listening to. Conscious and the Goodness’ “Pero” tells the Filipino listener that there are so many other musical flavours to try out there. GetMusic Indie-Go just might be the perfect opportunity to see Conscious and the Goodness at its best.
An Honest Mistake
The only foreign act to perform, Malaysia’s An Honest Mistake keeps pop-punk youthful, ear-grabbing and relevant. Emotional lyrics set against scratchy guitar riffs and pulse-pounding beats are at the core of An Honest Mistake’s music. Pop punk is not dead as long as acts such as this one keep it alive.
GetMusic Indie-Go brings together some of the country’s most loved independent music acts in one extraordinary show. Acts from top universities such as Papapeta, The Cohens STLO and Matty Juniosa will be opening the event.
“For sure we’re doing something different. Kami mismo kinakabahan kasi meron kaming ita-try doon na hindi namin ginagawa in a usual set-up. So pinaghahandaan namin nang husto. It’s not just a gig; it’s a culmination,” Autotelic frontman Josh Villena, said.
GetMusic Indie-Go happens on Saturday, May 20, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tickets are available through SM Tickets.