Music has a unique place in the Philippines. It's everywhere, from daily neighborhood karaoke to TV variety shows and underground gigs. The global top 40 is prominent, but nothing beats the sound of native Filipino music—whether in English, Tagalog, or another local language.
Pinoy indie music is a distinct blend of alternative rock, pop, and electronic music. The music is highlighted by introspective and poetic lyrics, as well as experimental soundscapes incorporating a wide range of instruments and electronic effects. In recent years, the genre has grown in popularity, with many brilliant musicians coming from the scene. Dreamy melodies, sophisticated rhythms, and an emphasis on emotional expression are some of the characteristics of Pinoy indie music.
Pinoy indie music are referred to as OPM, or "Original Pilipino Music," a phrase popularized in the 1970s to define pop music at the period. Decades later, OPM started to refer to all Filipino music. Pop, rock, hip-hop, and every genre in between are now considered OPM. OPM has 10 billion streams on Spotify as of 2019, having listeners in the Philippines as well as Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States.
'OPM'—A Phrase Familiar to Filipinos
The catchphrase 'OPM' is a term well-known among Filipinos. Every year, various Spotify playlists are curated featuring different variations of OPM, such as 'OPM Favourites,' 'OPM: Hits of the 00's,' 'Acoustically OPM,' and many more. However, what exactly makes these songs 'original' to the Philippines, as implied by the acronym?
The term 'OPM' or Original Pinoy Music originated in the 1970s and 1980s as a successor to the 'Manila Sound' era. Initially, it referred specifically to Philippine pop ballads during that period. However, over time, it evolved into a broad term encompassing music produced by Filipino artists, becoming a catch-all label for such music.
A Brief History of Filipino Indie Music
The Spanish and American colonization of the Philippines influenced not just the languages but also the music of the Philippines. Before the eras of Manila Sound and the peak of OPM in the 1970s and 1980s, Filipino music incorporated elements of both Spanish and American music. As we mentioned in our culture piece, Spanish influences encouraged the creation of Philippine folk music, but this differed significantly from place to region.
"The American colonial period saw Filipinos mastering the Western classical idiom, as they began performing and creating classical pieces," Paul de Guzman wrote of the early 1900s. "Operas, which became popular in the country, produced talents such as Jovita Fuentes, who received international acclaim for her international performances." Filipinos were embracing western influences and developing something of the genres that had spread to the country long before the peak of OPM in the 1970s and 1990s.
Another notable name from the highest point of OPM is The Eraserheads, often known as "The Beatles of the Philippines." It's easy to see why they were compared to the Beatles; their classic rock vibes and humorous lyrics have Filipinos screaming their songs on Karaoke even today. Although they were created nearly two decades after the peak of The Beatles, it is clear that they were inspired by the British band through these traits.
Globally music trends and strong ties to the Western world played a vital role in shaping OPM during its peak. Even if the topic is what makes the country's music 'original and its history ,' surely we would reach the same conclusion: nothing is ever original?
The Term may not be Completely Original, but What Makes' OPM' UNIQUE?
OPM certainly had its own identity, as many musicians from this era are still active today. Bands from the 1990s, such as The Eraserheads, Freddie Aguilar, Ryan Cayabyab, and Sharon Cuneta, to name a few, were household names in Filipino households.
Let us examine the reasons behind the enduring celebration of musicians from this era, who are regarded as timeless classics in OPM
Harana and Kundiman
Although OPM (Original Pilipino Music) may not have been entirely original in terms of musical style, with comparisons made between The Eraserheads and The Beatles, and elements of disco rock found in the music of VST & Company, what sets OPM apart and makes it uniquely Filipino is its incorporation of traditional Filipino practices, specifically the Harana and the Kundiman.
Despite the Harana having Spanish origins, online search results associate the word with "serenade" and attribute its origin to the Philippines. Articles often highlight the Harana as a Filipino courtship tradition, where a gentleman serenades a woman outside her house, near her window.
On the other hand, Kundiman represents a genre of traditional Filipino love songs, mostly written in Tagalog. Some scholars suggest that the genre originated in the Visayas region, even before the colonial period. The term itself, "Kundiman," is derived from the phrase "kung hindi man," which translates to "if it were not so." Albert Bofill describes Kundiman as a genre that has deeply embedded itself in Filipino culture, sowing the seeds of romantic pursuit.
Filipinos have a deep affection for romantic themes, earning us the reputation of being hopeless romantics. Romantic comedies, known as the "genre ng bayan" or the nation's genre, consistently rank among the highest-grossing Filipino films. This love for romance extends to music, with romantic songs being favorites for karaoke sessions. OPM compositions during this time capitalized on these traditions, highlighting their originality and resonance among Filipinos.
Ballads as OPM Classic
Combine the cultural significance of harana and kundiman with the power of ballads, and you have the ingredients for an OPM classic!
We have established that love is a central theme in Filipino media consumption. But what elevates a love song to become truly Filipino? What makes a Filipino love song so exceptional that it becomes immortalized in karaoke books? It's the "hugot" factor.
"Hugot" is a colloquial term that can be translated as "to extract" or "to draw out." It represents an intense emotional response, a profound extraction of feelings from the depths of one's soul—a transcendent experience. The finest Filipino love songs are those that evoke this "hugot" sensation, and ballads play a significant role in achieving that.
During the 1970s and 1980s, ballads were a prevalent characteristic of OPM. Prominent OPM figures such as Freddie Aguilar, Sharon Cuneta, and Ryan Cayabyab contributed to popularizing Filipino ballads. Despite the diverse range of styles encompassed by the term OPM during its peak, it was the Filipino ballad's ability to evoke such a deep emotional connection with the listener that distinguishes these OPM hits as exceptional.
Filipino Indie Music with R&B Influence
R&B has always been a prominent genre in the Philippine mainstream, with numerous renowned artists championing it during the 1990s. However, with the rise of bedroom production, independent beat makers have taken the reins, introducing a more intricate fusion of jazz, pop, soul, and electronic elements alongside well-crafted concepts.
One notable figure is King Puentespina, the producer and drummer of the alternative band She's Only Sixteen, who goes by the name crwn. He possesses a unique ability to create captivating beats. Regardless of the singer he collaborates with, whether it be August Wahh or Jess Connelly, he consistently manages to make each track distinct, blending textures with lo-fi beats in a masterful way.
A similar talent can be attributed to producer LUSTBASS, who, in his collaboration with Jason Dhakal on the track "Body & Soul," flawlessly captures that elusive and tender moment of surrender to a lover.
Moreover, artists like Leanne & Naara, Leila Alcasid, and Jolianne have also perfected the art of combining lyrical honesty with soothing vocal prowess, contributing to the rich landscape of Filipino indie music with their R&B-infused sound.
Soothing Acoustic Filipino Indie Music
The resonant sound of the acoustic guitar is deeply ingrained in the musical fabric of the Philippines. Whether it's heard at a food park, a mall, or the ubiquitous "restobars," there's always a live band serenading the audience with renditions of beloved ballads. While acoustic covers of popular songs dominate the radio waves, there are also exceptional original compositions worth exploring.
In the realm of relaxing acoustic Filipino indie music, Coeli stands out as an indie darling. Her tracks artfully blend elements of pop and folk, delving into a wide range of subjects, from yearning relationships to celebrating the joys of life.
On the other hand, Reese Lansangan enchants listeners with her delightful pop melodies, creating dreamlike yet grounding experiences. Her songs transport you to lunar escapades and evoke nostalgic childhood memories.
Exploring further, you'll discover artists such as Ourselves the Elves, Clara Benin, and Munimuni, each offering their unique acoustic soundscapes. Finally, there's "Ninuno," a timeless classic by Bullet Dumas that pays homage to our ancestral roots while expressing concerns about the current state of the environment. This song's tension keeps you on the edge of your seat, evoking a sense of curiosity about where it will lead you.
Filipino Indie Music with Hip-Hop Vibes
Hip-hop boasts an immense following in the Philippines, with artists spread across the country delivering rap songs in various languages such as Tagalog, Bicolano, Chavacano, Cebuano, Ilocano, and English. This genre also covers an extensive range of topics, encompassing everything from love to social issues.
Kicking off the playlist, Calix and BLKD present the politically-charged track "Kildemol," followed by "Sandata," a song from the album Kolateral, a collaborative effort by the artist-research collective Sandata. Both tracks boldly highlight the devastating consequences of President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war. The songs on Kolateral are based on meticulous research and on-ground interviews with victims of the drug war. This album is highly recommended for in-depth listening, providing a vivid portrayal of the realities many Filipinos face.
Following these intense tracks, Tito Uncle, Scarly, Yorko, Six the Northstar, King Promdi, Bugoy na Koykoy, Kemikal Ali, and Emar Industriya continue to deliver compelling hip-hop performances. Finally, the playlist concludes with "Fax Machine" by switchbitch and MALLWARE, expressing disappointment in how the Philippine government has handled the pandemic.
The Filipino Inclination for Exploration
Lastly, among the distinctive qualities of OPM that demonstrate its uniqueness is the Filipino propensity for venturing into diverse styles and genres.
The Filipino talent for crafting something distinctive from the multitude of cultural influences is undoubtedly praiseworthy. De Guzman encapsulates this notion perfectly, stating that this "variety in musical styles, themes, and traditions reflects the multifaceted nature of our musical heritage. It also signifies the liveliness of our culture." This clearly indicates that OPM is far from lacking originality.
The numerous lists and blog posts that showcase the greatest OPM hits of all time encompass more than just one genre. The introduction of disco into Philippine music was not the sole genre that Filipinos dared to explore. In the early 1990s, the band Brownman Revival ventured into experimenting with reggae. Their music blends elements of pop, folk, and rock, incorporating percussion and wind instruments like the saxophone to infuse reggae vibes.
Whether sung in English, Tagalog, or a combination of both (Taglish), what truly defines the OPM classic is its ability to evoke sentimentality and nostalgia. This characteristic is at the core of its uniqueness. These are the songs that you sing on karaoke machines with your family during gatherings, the ones played loudly while cleaning the house from "burned" CDs, and the theme songs to your favorite MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya) episodes. The power of an OPM hit lies in its capacity to evoke strong emotions, that profound moment of connection, regardless of how old the song is or the memories associated with it. Its ability to uplift your spirits and provide a sense of well-being is what distinguishes a song as an OPM hit.
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