Pinoy musician-composers Ryan Cayabyab and Noel Cabangon reacted to Pinoys who preferred international music.
During the media conference for Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino, Cayabyab said that Filipinos’ patronage of foreign music is not new to Pinoys.
“Matagal na ‘yang phenomenon na ‘yan. Kahit nga noong bata kami eh, gusto rin namin ‘yung musikang banyaga. Hindi natatanggal ‘yan.
“Lalo pa ngayon dahil bukas na bukas ang linya ng banyagang musika. Bukas na bukas sa mas malawak pa.”
Cayabyab added that Filipinos idolize international musicians because they want to compete with them.
“Mula noon hanggang ngayon wala naman kaming ginawa kung hindi makipagkumpetensya. Kasi hindi naman pwedeng sabihin natin na tiklop na tayo jan dahil magaling sila. Hindi matagal na naming pinaguusapan
‘yan.
“We will compete head-on. Hindi tayo magsasabi na, ‘hindi talagang talo tayo.’ Hindi tama ‘yun kasi mayroon tayong atin na wala sila. Mayroon as in sobrang mayroon.”
Cabangon then highlighted how social media and technology increased the access of Pinoys to international music.
“Hindi na talaga natin maiaalis na ‘yung mga musikang banyaga sa pang-araw-araw na buhay natin. Kasi, unang-una, pagbukas natin ng ating device eh nand’yan na ‘yung mga access sa music na app.
“Hindi natin ‘yun tinatanggal sa mga tao dahil choice nila ‘yan eh. Kung ano ‘yung gusto nila pakinggan.”
Pinoys have started to break through the international scene by utilizing social media platforms to promote their music online.
Currently, Pinoy music labels such as Tarsier Records and 7K Sounds started to release songs globally.
Another example of Pinoys competing with the international music scene is SB19. They recently received invitations from international media outlets, such as Rolling Stone and iHeart Radio, for interviews.
They are also the first Pinoy act to get a nomination from the Billboard Music Awards for their Top Social Artist category. Their music video of What? currently has 12 Million Views on YouTube.
As for Original Pinoy Music, Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino highlights Filipino musical talents through virtual concerts, gigs, mic challenges, exclusive premieres, workshops, and lecture series from July 22 to August 1.
