Don't allow Pinoy music to die

What's up?



See that? Angas diba? That's why I was super excited when I found out that DJ Academy Philippines is bringing Masta Plann as part of my DJ Lineup for my next event in Bacolod. Poster, below:

However, however, my regional counterpart until now seems doubtful of the quality of show we're producing. He's afraid that the music might be too "deep." That the audience might not like and appreciate our event. He'd prefer canned pop songs taped together by band aids of sound bites which in totality he'd call a mix. Not his fault that he wants to make sure that our events sell because in the first place, that's our objective when we do events - generate business (and of course strengthen brand affinity). Not his fault that kids today like the pop-ish kind of music. I love pop music too, nothing really wrong with that. But what I'm frustrated about is the attitude toward originality and creativity in music. Masta Plann is a pillar of the local music industry, a mega block in the Hiphop pillar of the crumbling house we call OPM, a music hero who fought with other Pinoy legends such as Francis Magalona the Great. How can you doubt such a talent? How can you not notice the sexiness and angas that go well together in his music? Gahd we're too peppered with cutesie-patootsie already. Sometimes we need Angas. And not the jologs kind of angas na puno ng angst, galit at frustration. But angas that has an opinion. A point of view.

And speaking of Angas, who says cute can't be angas?



I find that cute, angas and pop. And original! The problem with Philippine music is that we've stopped to be creative. Who else writes songs these days? Many of the bands are gone. They've disbanded, disintegrated or have felt too comfortable with their old hits. They're pretty okay doing the regional concerts without producing new material. Ehem Itchyworms. And others I can't even remember. Buti pa nga sa Rico Blanco, kahit binayaran para sumulat, at least sumusulat. Our great bands should remember, wala silang pera when they started. They only had dreams, messages and talent. They can't use lack of funds now to justify their laggard creative production. Magalit kayo kung gusto niyo pero sa tingin ko, 'yan ang totoo.

And our divas? They're busy out-performing each other. Nagi yatang ongoing reality contest ang kantahan ngayon in our shows. It's not about performing for the audience anymore - to enthrall, inspire. It's not about messages of songs anymore. Now it's all about vocal power. Have we as a people become too hurt and numb with our problems that messages can't get through with songs anymore? That only through being awed by vocal power can we appreciate music? Sad, sad Philippines if that's the case. Our musical spirit seems to be dying while we are plastering on our surface a plastic kind of music manufactured only to be consumed. It's like eating without tasting.

Anyway, my event is pushing through. October 14 and 15, Flow SuperClub, Bacolod's only SuperClub. I've listened to some of the DJs and truth be told, I'm not too excited. My regional counterpart will be happy however - yes, we'll have the pop DJs playing the top 40s. But I'm hopeful that when Masta Plann starts spinning, girls will be grinding and boys will be drinking their beers as they wave one hand up in the air. We're in Bacolod. We're sexy boys and pretty girls and this party is ODK super.