A quiet revolution is stirring in the Philippine music scene, fueled by a legendary name and a new generation of sound. Ely Buendia, the iconic voice of Filipino rock, isn’t just revisiting the past – he’s actively shaping the future through his independent label, Offshore Music.
Offshore Music has recently welcomed two strikingly original artists: Sexy Jay, a barber turned synth-punk innovator, and Halina, a baroque-pop artist who seamlessly blends music with visual storytelling. These aren’t simply signings; they’re declarations of a commitment to creative integrity and a bold new direction.
Sexy Jay, also known as Jay Villarosa, stumbled into music making in 2018, initially gigging in small bars. He describes himself as a “late bloomer,” but his energy is anything but. His latest single, “Daga” (meaning “rat”), is a vibrant burst of synth-punk, inspired by the playful, frantic energy of his childhood memories – specifically, a mother and baby rat he discovered in a cabinet.
“Daga” isn’t just a song; it’s a sonic landscape built on the foundations of 1980s analog synthesizers and driving drum beats. The accompanying animated music video, crafted by visual artist Apol Sta. Maria, perfectly captures the track’s jumpy, infectious spirit. For Villarosa, success isn’t about chart positions, but about connection – about the growing circle of friends and fellow musicians he’s encountered along the way.
Villarosa’s debut album, set to release around June, will feature nine tracks born from a joyful creative process, meticulously mastered by music producer Diego Mapa. He found the process exhilarating, stating, “I felt it was fun, so I continued doing it.”
Meanwhile, Halina, the artistic persona of Divino Dayacap, offers a different, yet equally compelling, sonic experience. His single, “Tukso” (meaning “temptation”), is a baroque OPM pop song steeped in the rich traditions of Filipino music. Influenced by legends like Ryan Cayabyab, Basil Valdez, and Sylvia La Torre, Halina’s music is characterized by intricate arrangements and a captivating emotional depth.
Dayacap’s upbringing, immersed in his father’s collection of 1970s Manila Sound records, profoundly shaped his artistic vision. He doesn’t just write songs; he crafts immersive soundscapes, drawing on his experience as a film scorer to create moods and narratives that resonate long after the music stops.
A pivotal moment for “Tukso” came during a performance at Backyard Live, where a 20-piece ensemble brought the song to life in a breathtakingly intimate setting. This experience fostered a spirit of collaboration, prompting Dayacap to embrace a more communal approach to music making. He realized the power of letting go of perfectionism and embracing the collective energy of a group.
Halina’s artistry extends beyond music, encompassing a multidisciplinary approach to creative expression. He envisions a future where sound and visuals are seamlessly integrated, where songs are born with accompanying imagery. As he puts it, “Music is not the only way. There’s a lot of ways to express what you feel as a human being.”
Both “Daga” and “Tukso” represent a thrilling new chapter in Philippine music, showcasing the vibrant talent nurtured by Offshore Music and the enduring influence of a rock icon who continues to champion innovation and artistic freedom.
