We have entered a new era in OPM or Filipino music. For years, even decades, mainstream music was dominated by novelty songs. We can’t help it – Filipinos are simply happy people. It’s one of the reasons why novelty songs almost always reach our households and communities faster than the speed of light. Who doesn’t know how to make the Otso-otso dance or the Laban o Bawi hand gestures? For a few minutes, they remind us to pause, laugh, and have a little bit of fun before going back to our usual routines.
Just like most things in life, our musical palette can change, too. Thanks to digital advancements, a lot more Filipinos can listen to more OPM music. We are no longer limited to listening to what we see on the television or hear on the radio. With the emergence of digital platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and some more, we discover the vast musical space in the country – the fact that there is an overflow of Filipino talents waiting for recognition.
Did you also notice the shift in OPM?
Back in the 90s, our TVs and radios were lorded by Pinoy rock music. Later on, R&B started cementing its spot on our hit lists. In the early 00s, we saw how alternative rock flourished – thanks to Slapshock, Chicosci, Urbandub, Kamikazee… I could go on and on with this one. But when we hit the first decade of the millennium, this soundscape slowly faded and gave way to a genre that, to this day, vows to stretch further.
When NU 107 went off the air in 2010, indie music burgeoned in the OPM void left by alternative rock. It gave birth to unsigned acts that continues to influence the future generation of artists. Up Dharma Down (UDD), Cheats, Pedicab, Ang Bandang Shirley, Reese Lansangan, to name some.
I have in mind one particular band: Ben & Ben, the band dominating the OPM world on virtually any platform. The then-duo produced hits like “Kathang Isip,” “Leaves,” and “Maybe the Night.” What makes Ben & Ben a huge success can also be attributed to the mainstream-indie dichotomy that has been shattered by the bands and artists that came before them.
Staying true to what they believe in, Ben & Ben manages to create music and elevate how they deliver those to the masses by learning from the people they work with. One of those would be the equally-talented SB19 – a P-pop group that has been making some noise internationally. Lucky for us, we won’t have to imagine what artists with different genres, market, and artistry can produce.
Breaking records and boundaries
Just a few weeks after SB19 released their new single MAPA, a heartwarming nod to our parents for their dedication and unwavering love, the group collaborated with Ben & Ben for a version of the song that offered a sprightful take without losing the message the song is trying to send across.
This kind of collab is proof of how some changes need to happen, usually, for a good reason. This is the music era we are now in – an era of norms-breaking, collaborative, and never ceases to create quality music that can stand the test of time.
Lastly, in case you haven’t noticed it. The new breed of OPM artists has embraced the culture of inclusivity in their songs. They continue to shatter a century-old dichotomy while breaking the glass ceiling of the gender binary. These artists manage to produce pieces that encompass all walks of life and all forms of expression. Case in point, ‘Di ka Sayang by Ben & Ben and Hanggang sa Huli’s music video by SB19.
OPM is never dead. It never died. Like people, it is simply unafraid to try on new clothes – creating a new vibe and aura. They will sound different, but the rich and rooted culture of Filipino sound will always find its way to remind us what OPM truly means.
