Filipino rock music has a rich and diverse history that spans several decades. From the emergence of Pinoy rock in the 1970s to the current crop of indie rock acts, Filipino rock music has evolved and adapted to changing times.
Pinoy rock was born out of the social and political upheavals of the 1970s, with bands like Juan de la Cruz Band, Asin, and Maria Cafra incorporating local and regional influences into their music.
The genre reached its peak in the 1980s, with bands like The Dawn, Razorback, and Wolfgang leading the charge. These bands infused heavy metal, punk, and alternative rock into their music, creating a distinct sound that is still popular today.
In the 1990s, Filipino rock continued to evolve, with bands like Eraserheads, Rivermaya, and Parokya ni Edgar achieving mainstream success, along with other bands like Color It Red, and The Rizal Underground. These bands incorporated pop and alternative rock elements into their music, creating a more accessible sound that appealed to a wider audience.
The 2000s saw the rise of indie rock in the Philippines, with bands like Up Dharma Down, Pedicab, Kiko Machine, Slapshock, and Sandwich gaining a following. These bands eschewed the commercialism of mainstream rock in favor of a more experimental sound, incorporating different elements into their music. This is also the time when emo bands started to emerge. Bands like Chicosci, Typecast, and Maryzark made bars and school fests loud, with many Filipino teens felt deeply connected with the music and found solace in lyrics that reflected their own struggles and emotions. And then, there’s Kamikazee carrying the Pinoy Punk flag, making everybody jump during their live performances.
It was also during the 2000s when Pinoy alternative rock bands took over the mainstream stage again since the 90s. Hale, Cueshe, Spongecola, Imago, and 6CycleMind, just to name a few, had dominated the music charts for years and headlined major music festivals in the country.
Today, Filipino rock music continues to thrive, with a new generation of bands making waves both locally and internationally. Acts like IV of Spades, Ben&Ben, and Munimuni are bringing a fresh sound to the scene, blending indie rock, pop, and OPM (Original Pilipino Music) into their music.
The state of Filipino rock music today is healthy and vibrant, with a rich history and a promising future. The genre has adapted and evolved over the years, reflecting the changing times and tastes of its audience. With a new crop of talented musicians emerging every year, the future of Filipino rock music looks bright.
There are still a lot of bands that we want to mention, but this article won’t be enough to tell the greatness of everybody that influenced the Filipino rock music through the years.
