5 rising OPM acts on creating meaningful connections through music

While Syd Hartha, Maki, Ace Banzuelo, Cean Jr. and SunKissed Lola have heard of each other’s work and bumped into each other at various events, it wasn’t until a recent video shoot for a brand endorsement that they got to know each other better.

They were admittedly shy and had to feel their way on the set. But soon enough, the “magic of music” worked its way, helping them realize that they have more things in common than what they had initially thought.

Despite their different styles and genres, it was comforting to hear that they share similar trajectories, stories and dreams.

“Music is our language, so there was instant connection and synergy among us … Music really is a language all its own. Even if you don’t know each other, you create a connection when you share a love for music. There’s magic in music,” Bino Serito, vocalist and rhythm guitarist for SunKissed Lola told the Inquirer in an interview for Greenwich Pizza’s “Sarap to Feel G” campaign.

“We were shy around each other, but the ice broke when we started eating together. That’s when we began letting our guard down,” Syd said.

They may not be household names just yet, but these five young OPM acts are easily some of the scene’s most promising—and they have the songs to back it up. They’re the voices behind some of the biggest hits in recent years: Syd has “Tila Tala”; Maki, “Saan?”; SunKissed Lola, “Pasilyo”; Cean Jr., “YK”; and Ace, “Muli.”

But more than the growing fan bases, TikTok virality and streaming figures that reach hundreds of millions, what matters more, they agreed, is the sense of connection they feel with their fans when they’re onstage.

“Our music tells stories from our own experiences, so it’s as if we’re sharing a part of ourselves when fans listen to our songs,” said Laura Lacbain, vocalist for SunKissed Lola, which is also composed of Dan Ombao (vocals, lead guitar), Genson Viloria (drums), Danj Quimson (bass) and Rodney Resos (keyboards).

“I’m not speaking just for myself when I say that hearing people sing your songs is a different feeling. You feel that there’s mutual understanding,” Ace said.

Maki added: “It’s overwhelming to see that there are people like us who listen to us, and we get to represent them. When I wrote my EP, ‘Tanong,’ I thought, ‘May makikinig ba?’ Because the lyrics are so specific to my experiences. But I was surprised that my audience grew, which means that a lot of people feel the same way.”

This is exactly the message the “G Barkada” musicians convey through the two-minute, “Sarap to Feel G” video they shot—that music can help “create meaningful relationships,” “break down barriers,” “encourage authenticity” and “create a safe space” for people “to express themselves freely.”

“Aside from music, we love road trips and eating. That’s one of our favorite bonding moments. We were excited to have this chance to work with the brand and other talented artists,” Bino said.

What are some of your most memorable fan encounters?Maki: I don’t really expect people to know me, especially in the provinces. I once did a show in Palawan. I thought there would be other artists, but I was shocked to find out that I was the only one performing. I visited a school where the kids asked for photos with me. They held notebooks with my songs’ lyrics in it, so they could sing along.

There was also this instance in one preshow, where four fans gave out flyers with my Instagram and Spotify info. I ended up getting one. That flyer is still in my wallet.

Syd: After a set at the 123 Block, two women, at different times, approached me and showed their tattoos—butterflies, fairies, etc. They said the tattoos were inspired by me and my songs. That was so cute.

Ace: It was raining during one event I played. I thought no one would watch me. But I was shocked that my fans were there, and they were very active. Not only were they supportive of me, but they were also supportive of the other featured artists, too. They had gifts and fan art.

Cean Jr.: Someone approached me at a mall. The person didn’t ask for a photo, but was very appreciative of my work. I had no idea whether people were listening to my songs, so I was surprised to find out in person that there are those who do.

Laura of SunKissed Lola (SL): Shout out to our fans, the Dolores Fam. One time, we had two consecutive gigs, one in Abra and then in Isabela. And some fans attended both! We didn’t expect them to put in so much effort. That’s what made us feel connected to them.

How has social media platforms like TikTok helped your careers?Maki: It’s intimidating. You start small—you don’t appear mainstream, you don’t have TV appearances, you don’t make it into competitions. And as a musician, I thought I would lose my spark, because I wasn’t getting noticed.

But social media helped many of us, especially those who don’t conform to the mainstream. Our authenticity comes out and we’re able to express ourselves without the pressure to be this or that. I can be more personal with my music.

And now you have all these opportunities, because you had the courage to upload a song. It’s beyond what I have ever imagined … When I go onstage, I think, “Ang dami na palang nakikinig.”

Syd: I released my song “Tila Tala” in 2018. The song did well, but it didn’t really blow up. But because of TikTok, the song came to life again recently. I was wondering why at first. I’m super grateful about that … But yes, social media and sites like SoundCloud were instrumental to my career. They helped me put my music out there.

Ace: I had songs released years ago, but didn’t blow up until years later. That really helped my career … I’m able to connect with my fans directly. Through the internet, you can grow in your own way. Eventually, I got to travel around the country … go abroad, places I never knew I would be in.

Cean Jr.: TikTok opened many doors for me, after a song of mine (“YK”) went viral. It’s one of the reasons I have this endorsement. It’s a big instrument that helps me discover trends and what people are listening to these days … It’s that TikTok magic.

Bino of SL: Most of us started small. But social media amplified our craft. This generation revolves around it. It helped us find our audience—what kind of fans they are, what they want.

Things move so quickly on social media. Do you feel any pressure about always having new content or music to put out?Syd: I just go with the flow and post what I want. Otherwise, I get easily overwhelmed. But of course, you also have responsibilities as a musician … I just handle it in a way that motivates me to work more.

Ace: It will always be there in any way or form. It’s up to us how to handle it. But we try to enjoy ourselves while making art.

Cean Jr.: There was some pressure after the success of “YK.” “How do I follow it up?” I thought. I have to come up with something, because people are expecting. But I just had to look back and remind myself what my real purpose was. You have to focus on that, so you can be authentic with the things we create and be more relatable.

Do streaming statistics affect the way you do music?

Maki: The songs in my EP are of different genres, approaches. I’m still exploring who I am as an artist, trying to find my audience. For me, it’s a 50-50 between the music I want to do, and the music people want to hear from me. That’s my compromise … I don’t think it’s unfair to me because I wouldn’t be here in the first place without my listeners.

Syd: I don’t let it define the worth of my music. But at the same time, I use it to track my progress. It wakes me up or reminds me that there are people who listen to my music. I don’t make music just for myself anymore. I also use it to gauge what they want to hear from me. Sometimes, the songs I like aren’t what they want. I look for that balance.

Cean Jr.: At some point, you will look at the numbers, especially if it’s your first time getting a big number of streams. But if we make numbers the main reason we make music, then it means we’re doing it wrong.

Dan of SL: Every day, you see your streams increasing. But if you obsess over it, you will end up expecting. And when numbers go down, even a little, you get hurt. So, what we have learned is to not take it to heart.

Bino of SL: It’s a given because numbers are one of the things that sets the standards and milestones in our line of work. But I want to treat it as a bonus … Don’t make checking the numbers a habit … promise, it’s not fun!

Ace: It reminds me of how I started. Back then, I just uploaded to SoundCloud songs of different genres. I put out whatever comes to mind. And now, seeing my numbers on Spotify, it makes me reflect: “Dati, tatlo lang plays ko sa SoundCloud” … I see it as a reminder to be grateful. INQ