As someone who has enjoyed music throughout its many iterations and genre fusions, I find it disheartening that modern music production is so preoccupied with formulaic techniques like loops, audio sampling, overused chord progressions, and clever bassline maneuvers that it has become tedious and uninspired. Include random, strange-sounding soundbytes that serve as rap music samples.
The creative flare and variety are gone. Okay, some may dislike what we’re saying and expressing right now, but as things stand, we don’t owe this generation an explanation for why we don’t love the type of music they listen to and enjoy today. We are not making generalizations. To each their own, I suppose.
For the time being, we commend Asian musicians (including Filipino musicians) and composers who continue to create diverse and nuanced music with flourish. Despite minor parallels and influences from previous artists, the intricacies they incorporate into their ideas and compositions distinguish them as totally their own. That is totally normal but totally ear-candy!
Right now, let’s play A&R (artist and repertoire) for a while. An A&R for the uninitiated is a person in a recording company who scouts for new music, artists, and artistry (genre types et al) that will be the next generation’s zeitgeist. But for this instance, we’re hiring an A&R that has the taste for the 70s brand of musicality but still moving forward with the times.
Let’s make some allowances, shall we?
Some musicians are excellent performers and vocalists but lack the uniqueness to shine on their own. However, other vocalists, such as Bamboo, Jay Durias, and Vince Alaras, can shine with creativity, and the right materials. And shine they did. These people are now etched into music history as one of the few who dared to be different and adventurous!
However, we are thinking of musicians and vocalists who are exceptionally creative, rather than those that simply repeat the original song or the musician’s version. Someone with the courage, and the range to make the music their own. Let us mention a few.
KZ Tandingan
KZ Tandingan’s ability to produce music from a variety of genres and make it her own is quite unique. For example, she competed in China against Jesse J, a well-known American music artist. Adele’s song Rolling In The Deep became her own. She added a completely original rap number. Furthermore, KZ’s vocal nuances are so diverse that they are unlikely to be imitated or parodied from the original. To be honest, this is something that the vast majority of Filipinos excel at.
TJ Monterde
TJ Monterde is another artist who stands out among his peers. He creates original music out of his own creativity. His melody has that 70s spirit and vibe that fits perfectly with the 2000s zeitgeist. His voice, oh his voice has that tonal quality that is totally soulful. TJ Monterde happens to be KZ Tandingan’s spouse. Kindred souls, we guess.
Project: Romeo
For a time, the acoustic genre became a toast in the mid-1990s but has become so stale as some record companies milked it for all its worth during that time. But then again, it seems to be raring for a comeback. This time it’s carrying with it originals that sound and enunciate 70s vibes, a Kundiman flourish, and a somewhat old-fashioned flavor. We’re talking about the duo they call Project: Romeo. Take a listen to their new song called Tugon so you’ll get an idea of what we’re talking about. Moreover, it’s about time that this duo get their fair share of attention from the record industry. Also listen to Ito Lamang, a song that’s eerily influenced by Rey Valera’s Pangako. Hay and Di Tiyak also sounds promising
Bugoy Drilon
Like Jay Durias, Michael Pangilinan, and Vince Alaras, Bugoy Drilon is also one of the best voices around. Given the right project of all-originals, this gentleman will soar. If his Paano Na Kaya is not an indication of what this gentlemen can do, what can’t?
Michael Pangilinan
Michael Pangilinan is another voice with that soulful flourish. He can interpret songs that will pull at your heartstrings much like what TJ Monterde or Bugoy Drilon can do. Listen to his interpretation of South Border’s Rainbow, and see what we mean. But I digress, this gentleman can stand on his own. Funny though how Michael and Bugoy sounds so identical at times. Blame it on BuDaKhel, their trio before they became solo artists.
Christian Bautista
Though always compared to Josh Groban in his early days, Christian Bautista managed to shake off that comparison. Christian, through the years have edged his contemporaries when it comes to projects and albums. Practically speaking, he has such staying power that his voice and project choices may be the sole reasons he continues to persists. He has that kind of voice that evokes raw emotions. Kung Nasaan Ka Man proves this!
Passage
A band that created a name for itself in the 1990s but has since retired, and we’ve heard that a new set of members will join the new roster. Please! Passage, like South Border, Side A, and Freestyle, fought for melodic brilliance over loud headbanging lunacy. No offense. Every genre should be respected while maintaining variety in its delivery. Nuance should reign supreme in today’s manufactured products.
You Won’t See Me Crying remains one of my favorites to this day.
Gary Valenciano
Despite his years in the music business, Mr. Pure Energy never failed to give us original songs of his own making. His compositions, like the one we’re describing earlier, describe him to a T. Though heavily influenced by Western music, Gary Valenciano still gives credence to his Filipino roots.
In Another Lifetime, among others, I always listen when I get the chance. This La Sallian has elevated himself to the ranks of the best OPM performers of all time. We’ve Won! Hail, hail, hail!
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