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EM LIVE << back l page 2
Amidst a local scene where according to Silverfilter, “it’s more of what’s hot, like when the R&B thing hit, everybody was so into it, followed by the acoustic wave that took the whole country by storm,” and “can be sub-divided into your typical and more commercial show bands, acoustic groups, and showbiz-type divas,” as Morse has observed, just how do the artists of EM Live fit in?
“Initially, we never fit in anywhere, but we were able to provide choices,” says Wolfmann. “We made ourselves fit in.”
“I think we fit in in the sense that we're the odd peg in any scene,” muses Malek. “It's an exciting time...people are always in search of something different…”
“Pinoy Electronica will fit in more perfectly with the underground scene where people have a genuine appreciation for the music,” says Ian. “It doesn’t matter if you play reggae, world music, hiphop, rock, punk, or electronica. For this reason, we believe the scene will stay alive but we don’t expect it to go mainstream anytime soon.” “It’s all about trend rather than being “into” the music you like,” explains Silverfilter “Pinoy Electronica at the moment can only fit in the “purist” taste since everyone’s into acoustic these days.”
“Pinoy electronica flatly refuses to be acoustic, and its nature being rooted in technology, it forces itself to innovate,” says Karlo Samson of Clone. “Everybody’s doing acoustic. Electronic is a breath of fresh air.”
Until that happens, “Pinoy electronica should be able to establish itself as a legitimate alternative to DJs or people playing guitars and a kahon,” says Lionel.
There are, however, some forms of electronica that can blend more easily with the mainstream, as in the case of Morse. “Our remixes of Sandwich’s “Right Now” and Drip’s “2U” have been getting some radio airplay recently—which makes it a little more ‘mainstream’.” explains Ian. “However, the more experimental forms of electronic music will most likely remain underground.”
They are, however, not closing their doors to the idea of Pinoy electronica going mainstream. “It could,” says Malek. “It starts with a good act.”
And good acts are what EM Live could guarantee. At a time when “The local music scene is just about to settle from its last transition period,” as Rubber Inc. has observed, doors will probably open wider for opportunities. For now, they try to get their music heard at every opportunity, from playing at various spots and events around the Metro, to selling their EPs and LPs for some, and to getting more people to join the mailing list, from which, who knows, the next big electronic artist might just spurn from.
“It's a constantly evolving field because manufacturers they constantly upgrade the stuff we use, so we have the ability to upgradde ourselves,” says Wolfmann. “Being musicians, we never stopped reinventing ourselves. There's always a chance to improve ourselves, coz technology’s on our side.”
Things are just starting to heat up for EM live; they still have a lot ahead of them and the future looks bright for this group armed with dedicated members, vast knowledge and the means to produce electronic music, as they set their sights on slowly establishing, according to Malek, “A thriving electronic music industry (that would give way to) international collaborations.”
Keep your senses ready and stay tweaked for their live performances and upcoming albums, because for these artists, fueled by their own boundless creativity, as long as there's a power plug, they will let themselves be heard. To those who have yet to experience live electronic music, don’t be left behind. As Siilverfilter says, “Support your local electronic act!”
There are thirteen acts composing EM Live’s rare breed of live performing electronic musicians. Be sure to catch them live.
© Valerie V. Mayuga, 2005
To support your local electronic act, join the Electronica Manila mailing list at http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/electronicamanila Contact: [email protected]
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Ian
attests to this. “As a performer, it’s pretty unnerving at times, because you
want to be able to form a connection with your listeners but you’re quite unsure
if you’re getting through.”