Indiesikat Pinoy

Commonly used but prosaically misunderstood.

People tend to think and tell that indie is a type of genre in music. It is not. They are actually referring to alternative rock, the genre that most indie bands/artists had before. Independent music or better known as indie music is not a genre, but rather a description for music artists/bands who are not signed with major record labels. It means that they handle their own shows and produce merchandise and branding by themselves.

Indie bands/artists tend to use deeper lyrics and complex rhythm in their songs because they keep a smaller fanbase - a fanbase that they know that really appreciates the music they produce. They create the music they really want without any hesitation and no major record label will limit and force them to create songs that are more profitable for the masses. They do not need to chase profit, they only create music to share and showcase their musicality and talent.

Jowi Ramos, former guitarist of Rocksteddy, Filipino band signed with Polyeast Records, now the vocalist/guitarist of Halogen (unsigned band), has experienced both sides. As he personally said “Pag nagsign ka with a record label, makakakuha ka ng endorsements, mas maganda ang paycut (pero nakadepende sa hatian niyo regarding sa kontrata), mas maganda din ang equipment dahil sagot minsan ng label niyo, tapos sila na din ang bahala magpromote sa inyo. Pero yung ibang kanta niyo matatapon o mababago dahil idedemand ng record label niyo. Para yun dun sa profitability ng album niyo, para mas bumenta sa masa.

(If you signed with a record label, you’ll get endorsements, have a better paycut (depending on the contract agreement), also better equipment because your label will provide for you. They will also handle the promotion for you. But your songs might be disposed or changed due to the demands of your record label. It is for profitability, to sell more copies to the masses.)

“Tapos pag indie naman or pag unsigned kayo, kayo na din magbobook ng gigs, pagrerecord at pagdidistribute ng albums. Ang pinakamahirap pa ay yung pagppromote sa sarili niyong banda. Mahirap din na walang record label dito sa Pinas. Kukulangin kayo sa pansustento sa banda niyo dahil limited ang budget at magastos. Pero dito kayo matutulungan ng fans niyo. Yung pagsuporta nila sa products niyo ang tutulong magpalaki sa inyo.”

(Then when you are indie or unsigned, you will handle booking your gigs, record and distribute your albums. The hardest part is that you need to promote your own band. It is hard to not be signed with a record label here in the Philippines. You will lack sustenance for your band because of your limited budget and is expensive. But your fans will help you here, their support to your products will help you grow.)

Reese Lansangan and Clara Benin, some of the well known indie artists here in the Philippines are taking the country by storm. More and more Filipinos are starting to appreciate indie music and are eager to welcome those who will come next to the local independent music scene.

The local Filipino audience in music today seems to be more diverse than ever. They are looking for something new, something raw, and something out of the extraordinary. They are willing to go beyond the boundaries of mainstream music and venture to listen to what is yet known.

Start to listen. Not only to yourself, but to indie music as well. Do not miss out on the content and new experiences that it will bring you. Start to support then try to create if you can. After all, we all have the same teacher but with different lessons taught at the end of the day, our experience. Help give exposure to others while they give it back to you.

Let us make the unknown known. Give Indie music a chance to thrive.