Rock Music and Blues in Philippines

The United States dominated the Island from 1898 until 1946, and brought with them the American blues, folk music, R&B and rock and roll which became renowned. In the late 1950s, indigenous artists changed Tagalog lyrics for North American rock & roll music, resulting in the seminal roots of Philippines rock. The very renowned success in Philippine rock of the 1960s was the hit song known as Killer Joe, which pushed the group Rocky Fellers to reach number 16 on the American radio charts. Up until the 1970s, well-known rock artists began to write and produce in English and in the early 70s, rock music began to be written by using indigenous languages, with ensembles like the Juan Dela Cruz band being among the first renowned ensembles to do so. Combining Tagalog and English lyrics were also commonly used within the same song, in songs like Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko (The Miss Universe of My Life), by ensemble known as Hotdog which casual speech in the Philippines, was seen as bold move, but the achievement of Taglish in renowned songs, include Sharon Cuneta’s first hit, Mr. DJ, broke the barrier forevermore.

source of picture: news.ca.msn.com

Philippine rock artists added traditional music and other influences, helping to dominate the 1978 breakthrough achievement of Freddie Aguilar. Aguilar’s Anak (child), his debut recording, is the very commercially flourishing Filipino recording and was well-known all over Asia and Europe, and has been interpret into many languages by singers worldwide.

Traditional rock became the Philippine protest music of the 80s and Aguilar’s Bayan Ko (My Country) became renowned as an anthem during the 1986 EDSAR Insurgency. At the same vein, a counterculture banned the rise of politically focused lyrics. In Manila, a punk rock scene established by ensembles like Betrayed, Urban bandits, The Jerks and Cobtras. The influence of the New wave also felt during these periods was also spearheaded by the Dawn.

The 1990s saw the appearance of Eraseheads, considered by many Philippines nationals as the number one group in the Philippine recording scene. In the wake of their achievement, the appearance of a cord of powerful Filipino rock ensembles such as Siakol Parokya nj Edgar, Yano and Rivermaya were each of them combines the influence of a variety of rock subgenres into their pattern.

Filipino rock has also built into some hard rock, alternative rock and heavy metal such as Wolfgang Greyhoundz, Razorback, Queso, Slapshock, Urbandub, Franco and the progressive ensembles Paradigm, Fuseboxx, Earthmover and Eternal now.

Rock festivals have appeared through the present years and it has been a yearly occasion for some of the rock/metal fans. One of the biggest occasions is the Pulp Summer Slam where in indigenous rock/metal ensembles and international ensembles such as Death Angel, Lamb of God and Arch Enemy have performed.

The Neo-folk genres in Filipino music is also achieved fame, with musicians such as Joey Ayala, Cocojam, Grace Nono, Bayang Barrios and Pinikpikan reaping linking commercial achievement while utilizing the folk musical sounds of numerous local peoples in the Philippines.