An interesting quote from singer- songwriter Rico Blanco says, “A lot of people, old musicians, who analyze the situation of music industry now, are those who are no longer part of the scene.”
Rico, who is enjoying the advantages of a solo career, adds that he believes that local music is thriving and that it never had the kind of diversity that it has right now. With an emphasis on what is the current state of rock music in the Philippines, the musician appeals to his fans and to rock music aficionados to take time in listening to the song “Ngayon.”
“People anticipate the future too much and most of us say that the music in the past years were better compared to what we have right now, but we tend to forget how to savor the kind of music that we have right now,” he furthers.
The lyric of the song pays homage to the songwriters and composers before Rico. And the clear message the composition would like to convey is for all the OPM artists to unite and to celebrate the great heights the local music has achieved.
The single, which serves as the anthem of the 2011 Rhum Rockfest will be released first in a compilation album under Warner Music Philippines on Oct. 14 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. The commemorative album also features tracks by The Dawn (“Tibay Ng Pinas”), Wolfgang (“Tibay Ng Pinas”), Siakol (“P.I.”), Chicosci’s “Seven Black Roses,” Kamikazee’s “Chinelas,” Franco’s “This Gathering,” Typecast’s “This Kind Of Silence,” Gloc-9’s “Upuan,” 6Cyclemind’s “Sandalan,” Urbandub’s “Gravity” and Ebe Dancel’s “Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Mundo.”
The CD titled Ngayon: Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 5 Commemorative CD will be available only at the Tanduay Rock Rhumfest, which will tour 30 key cities nationwide. The tour is headlined by the so-called “The First Five” comprised by the bands Kamikazee, Sandwich, Chicosci, Wolfgang and Parokya ni Edgar.
Supporting OPM
The fifth edition of Tanduay Rockfest is going to be biggest celebration of local music. According to the key people behind the festival, 30 local bands that represent different music generes and generations will take part in this event. The concert expects at least 80 thousand concertgoers.
At the concert, Tanduay will formally pledge its support for Filipino music and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) through a special number. Additionally, no cover will be sung in the entire concert.
“This is not just a festival. The event will commence the OPM and brand’s conscious effort to bring the advocacy forward, which is to promote local music,” folk singer and composer Noel Cabangon said.
The rockfest started in 2006 as a mere music marketing strategy. As it evolved, it has become one of the most anticipated gatherings of rock music bands and fans.
VERY WANG 