The March and April 2026 listening session and artist showcase of Offshore Music, held in Makati, gathered media guests, creators, and music enthusiasts for an exclusive preview of upcoming releases featuring label founder Ely Buendia and Offshore Music artists ALYSON, Ligaya Escueta, Sexy Jay, and Halina, offering an early listen to new singles set to define the label’s 2026 summer sound.
The session unfolds in a stripped-back, intentional setting where music takes priority over spectacle. There is no heavy staging or elaborate production, only a focused environment designed to highlight the songs themselves. This approach allows each track to be experienced in its rawest form, giving space for the listener to fully absorb the direction Offshore Music is taking for its newest wave of releases.
Opening the showcase is ALYSON, a five-piece indie band from Quezon City known for their modern City Pop-inspired sound and distinctly polished aesthetic. Composed of Pio Ligot, Luis Uy, Marcus Mababangloob, Miguel Erfe, and Easel Manes, the group presents music that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. Their upcoming material leans into bright, rhythmic textures and smooth melodic layering, evoking the energy of summer nights in the city—light, stylish, and emotionally warm.
Following this is Ligaya Escueta, a young singer-songwriter whose artistic journey began early, writing songs at the age of 13 and releasing her first track in 2020 before dropping her debut album Laughing in Milk. Her new single reflects a more refined emotional perspective, carrying themes of growth, memory, and self-reflection. The delivery remains soft yet intentional, with lyrics that feel intimate without losing universality. There is a quiet maturity in the way the music unfolds, as if every line has been lived through before being sung.
The energy shifts with Sexy Jay Villarosa, known simply as Sexy Jay, whose presence brings a raw and unpredictable edge to the lineup. An independent musician, barber, and skater, his sound draws from post-punk and synth-wave influences, layered with a distinctly DIY aesthetic. His upcoming track “Daga” stands out for its unconventional inspiration, transforming an everyday observation into a gritty, experimental narrative. The music feels intentionally rough around the edges, carrying humor, chaos, and creativity in equal measure, making it one of the most distinct entries in the showcase.
Closing the listening session is Halina, the performance name of Divino Dayacap, whose work under Offshore Music explores Baroque-pop and contemporary OPM. Known for his 2025 single “Tukso,” his latest material continues to expand on cinematic arrangements and emotionally charged storytelling. The sound is layered and dramatic, yet grounded in personal emotion, creating a contrast that feels both theatrical and intimate.
Across the session, the presence of Ely Buendia serves as a steady creative anchor. As the founder of Offshore Music, his role is less about overshadowing and more about shaping a platform where distinct artistic identities can exist freely. The introduction of each artist reflects a clear curatorial direction—one that values individuality, experimentation, and authenticity over formula.
What emerges from the listening experience is a snapshot of a label intentionally pushing the boundaries of modern OPM. Each artist brings a different tone, genre, and perspective, yet together they form a cohesive narrative about where independent Filipino music is heading.
As the final tracks fade, the impression left behind is one of anticipation. The upcoming releases are not just seasonal drops but signals of a broader creative movement—one that embraces diversity in sound while staying rooted in personal storytelling. Offshore Music’s latest lineup does not aim to follow trends; instead, it quietly sets its own. (with reports from Tristan Paris)
