MODERN PINAY ROCKERS

Who made names in the Local Music Scene
By Joanna Carissa Marzan

In a genre where men are dominant, it’s not that easy for women to stand out amidst the heavy guitar riffs and solos of the rock music, the deafening voice that speaks for the songs and the rockers who already made a name in the music scene. How will women keep up with men who share the same passion for a particular genre?

Asin, Sampaguita, Cinderella and Hotdog, some of the Filipino bands who had women as lead, started all of this. They were the proof that women don’t have to scream or roar their lungs out and copy the style of men in performing rock songs in order for them to make names and be noticed. With their original songs and music, they have shown their creativity in performing rock with the feminine touch, unique, soft and matchless style but can still be distinguished as Rock. Because of this, women gained respect from men and even made men support women rockers not only because of physical appearance but most especially with their talents.

Time passed by, taste of people in music changed and years after the decline of OPM in the music industry, new breed of talents revived the Filipino Music Scene. And who are the Pinay Rockers who pursued their passion in rock music? Let me give you the list of the Modern Pinay Rockers who continue to rock the house down:

Barbie Almalbis, a solo artist who was once the front of the bands like Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle, popularized “Firewoman”, “Torpe” and “Limang Dipang Tao” and despite her status in life, still managed to give us good music.

The multi-awarded, Kitchie Nadal who one the Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist for her well known single, “Wag na Wag Mong Sasabihin” in the PARI 18th Awit Awards way back 2005 and Best Song written for Movie/TV/Stage Play for the song “Majika” on PARI 20th Awit Awards last 2007.

Lougee Basabas, the vocalist of De Lara (formerly known as Mojofly) popularized the songs “Mata”, “Tumatakbo” and “Minamalas”. Despite all the struggle Mojofly has faced, they stood tall and continue to play the music they truly love.

Aia De Leon and Myrene Academia of the band, Imago and Sandwich (Myrene) who were known for the songs “Akap”, “Sundo” and “Taralets”. Aia won as the Vocalist of the Year on 2001 in NU 107 Rock Awards and Rock Female Icon of the year on 2005 NU 107 Rock Awards. Myrene on the other hand, won the Bassist of the Year on 2006 NU 107 Rock Awards.

Hannah Romawac of Session Road came all the way from Baguio to share her band’s music with all of the people who have the ears to listen. Because of perseverance, her band earned numbers of Awards from prestigious Award-giving-bodies for Music.

And lastly, Maychelle Baay, the new vocalist of Moonstar 88 (after Acel Bisa), popularized “Migraine” added up with the already known singles of Moonstar 88 which are “Torete” and “Sulat”. It’s really amusing how a girl with a voice like of an angel, managed to stand out in Rock Music.

These women are the major influence of the up and coming bands who aspire to follow their footsteps in the Music Scene. The new generation of Pinay Rockers inspired the youth who loves music to continue what their hearts desire and be productive with the help of Pinay Rocker’s sole Music.