Taking the Big Dome to sing their hits—and maybe even shoot some hoops
Their bond was formed not onstage or in the studio, but on the basketball court. Rob Deniel, Amiel Sol, Adie, and Arthur Nery—four of today’s biggest male OPM solo acts—have billions of streams among them. But they’re not competing, at least, not in music. They would rather count shots made and who gets the bragging rights after a game of hoops.
In the thick of the action though, things can get a wee bit physical. All in good fun, of course.
“Instead na kami ang mag-compete sa isa’t isa sa industry, sa basketball na lang namin dinadala. Kapag naglalaro kami, si Amiel minsan nananakit na lang. Si Rob din!” Adie shares, drawing laughter from the group.
“Si Rob, dumadakdak po ‘yan!” Nery quips.
More than fun-time friends
While those on the outside might think that making friends in the music scene is as easy as walking up to other artists who perform the same genres and have similar tastes, the reality is quite different. Sure, a passion for music will always give you something to talk about. But the thing is, friendship isn’t just about that.
That said, when they’re not hitting the court, they’re pounding the pavement. They also love playing board games such as chess and video games like “DotA.”
“As humans, we always try to find our own niche. It so happened na kami ang magkaka-circle,” Nery says.
“‘Di mo rin talaga sure kung sino ang mga tunay dito sa industry. May kanya-kanyang genre, category, or set of people na nagkakaintindihan kayo at first, but in the long run, ‘di pala kayo same ng trip,” Adie points out. “That’s why I believe it’s very important to have friendship outside music.”
But they’re more than just fun-time friends. They’re there for each other in the tough times just as much as they are in the laughs. And they’re glad to have found something real.
“As a singer-songwriter, not everyone will be able to relate with your struggles. Sa mata ng iba, puro saya lang ang buhay namin. ‘Kumakanta lang siya for a living,’ they say. But behind the scenes, there are so many challenges that only artists going through the same experiences can understand,” Sol says.
And through their shared struggle, the four are all the richer for it. “We give each other advice. Nagtutulungan kami. And I’m always open to listening to their experiences because I know I can take them as lessons to apply in my career,” Deniel says.
Not that deep
So perhaps it was only fitting that the idea of sharing a stage came about during a post-game hangout on the basketball court. “We were just chatting, and then suddenly, ‘Gawa kaya tayo ng concert?’” Nery shares.
Game. Now, what to call it? Between breaks, the group would yell, “Tara! Tara” to bring everyone back to the court. Before they realized it, “Tara” had become simply “Ra.” And what do you know? Add a few more As, and it lines up with the first letter of everyone’s first name.
Might as well call the show, “RAAA.” “It’s not that deep,” they say, laughing.
Happening on Dec. 5 at the Araneta Coliseum, the show doesn’t follow your typical festival format, where each artist goes onstage to play their own set one after another. Of course, there will be solo spots. But for the most part, the setlist—promising more than 40 songs, including originals and covers of tracks they grew up loving—will have the four playing together. Like a jamming session, but bigger in scope and with surprises sprinkled throughout.
This will be particularly fascinating for fans curious about how they will sound as one, or how they might put their own spin on each other’s hits.
Deniel’s music (“Ulap,” “RomCom,” and “Miss Miss”) has an indie-pop sound that’s usually laid-back, with an infectious retro-funk vibe from synths and head-bobbing basslines. Sol (“Sa Bawat Sandali” and “Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan”) is perhaps the closest to being a good ol’ OPM balladeer, with acoustic tunes that feel like modern harana.
Adie (“Paraluman,” “Tahanan,” and “Mahika”) is introspective, with his airy, almost fragile, vocal delivery making his already gentle romantic lullabies even more soothing. Meanwhile, the velvety-voiced Nery’s soul- and jazz-inflected take on R&B (“Isa Lang,” “Pagsamo,” and “Higa”) can be sensuous and longing, wistful and haunting—and sometimes all at once.
Onstage chemistry
But while all four have distinct sounds, their music mostly orbits the sphere of soulful pop-ballads that evoke heartbreak and yearning. “Nilalaro namin ‘yung sound ng isa’t isa. As much as possible, we want to sing and sound as one—but without losing our individual identities,” Nery says.
“I feel our bond is strong enough that it will translate into chemistry onstage,” Adie adds.
Afraid they might end up revealing more than they should, the four were initially wary about giving specific details about the repertoire. But they did let on that they had been working on a song together in Adie’s basement. And if the stars align and they finish it in time, the song might just make its debut at the concert.
But don’t expect them to go full Boyz II Men. “It’s our goal to have a song together, but ‘di naman on that level!” Nery jokes. “Just something simple and humble.”
Sol would love it if they could write more songs, and maybe even put out an album and go on tour together. No promises though, but he’s staying optimistic. For now, they celebrate their friendship through music.
“People appreciate it when they see their favorites interact and form bonds with other artists,” Sol says. “And this is what we want to showcase—artistry, friendship, and fellowship.”
