With the huge support from fans for OPM in the past years, Filipino bands such as Lola Amour, Over October, and shirebound expressed gratitude for more opportunities given to local acts.
During the press conference for their upcoming Alt.chestra Vol. 1 concert, the three acts shared with PUSH ABS-CBN how the growing appreciation for Filipino music has helped artists, especially independent musicians, reach wider audiences and bigger stages.
For Over October vocalist Josh Buizon, today's OPM scene is far different from what it was when the band first entered the industry.
“It’s kind of different than before. Before, people will go to bars but now we have more OPM acts having shows at bigger venues [like] Music Museum, New Frontier Theater, Araneta, MOA, and even in Philippine Arena, it’s sold-out shows. So, you know, it’s really nice to see,” Josh said.
He recalled that in the past, only legendary acts or the biggest names in the industry could mount sold-out concerts.
“When we started out in the industry parang a band doing that was actually the likes of Eraserheads, like with legendary status. But now, we also have bands who are not yet there but close to being there, are able to do things like that,” he added.
Seeing more Filipinos embrace local music has also motivated artists to keep creating and take pride in the OPM sound.
“It’s really encouraging as people. We have been here quite some time already, so to see that growth is exciting,” Josh stated. “We are also excited for all our other friends and younger friends who are just beginning and who are in the middle of their careers. Grabe yung malayong mararating nila because of how OPM is right now. I feel there are also pros and cons to it, but we are just happy to be part of it now.”
Over October lead guitarist Joshua Lua also pointed out that independent artists now have more opportunities than ever before.
“One thing to add din is mas may power na rin yung artists today. The mere fact na lahat kami rito are independent artists tapos magkakaroon kami ng concert like Altchestra. Dati unheard to have a concert kapag independent artist ka, wala kang funding kasi nga mahirap maghanap ng sponsors or di ka sure kung makakapagbenta kang tickets. Pero ngayon, kita natin na mas tinatangkilik nga noong fans yung mga ganito lalo na yung mga live experiences,” he added.
While Lola Amour vocalist Pio Dumayas welcomed the growing recognition for local artists, he admitted that music discovery has changed over the years.
“A lot of stuff that’s happening right now is good. The people’s taste now is diverse (kasi) you know someone in every single genre of OPM na,” he said.
Pio expressed, “As much as good things happen, there are also pros and cons. Dati naexperience namin noong starting out pa lang kami, people will really show up to bars to discover artists and musicians. Now, they do that on the internet. They wait for it to be fed to them. It's very seldom for me to find someone to look for music na (in person).”
For Iego Tan, also known as shirebound, the growing support for OPM presents both an opportunity and a challenge for artists to continue raising the standard of local music.
“Exciting yung growth ng live events,” he said. “Kung maraming cons, siguro opportunity yun na tayo as artists na i-ride yung momentum para mas lalong itulak yung eksena.”
Lola Amour, Over October, and Shirebound will headline the inaugural Alt.chestra Vol. 1, a concert series that pairs contemporary band music with the rich sound of a live orchestra.
The first installment will be held at the Music Museum in San Juan on August 8, with musical direction by Ronald Tomas.
Limited VIP tickets, priced at ₱2,400, are still available. The package includes soundcheck access, an exclusive poster, and a postcard as fan perks.