2019 is shaping up to be another good year for music. New local artists, each with their own sound, are coming out with fresh tracks, and foreign music acts are flocking to the country as part of their album tours. Just this year, the Philippines welcomed Lany, Two Door Cinema Club, Kodaline, Josh Groban, Blackpink, Momoland, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, and a whole host of other artists, much to the delight of their fans. Of course, you might be checking show dates and you come across an unfamiliar name or two. Read on and find new artists to discover and cheer for their upcoming shows this year. You’ll thank me later.
When: September 1, 2019
Where: ABS-CBN Vertis Tent
Latest Album: Origin (June 2019)
New Zealand-Australian musician Jordan Rakei is only two years into his music career, and he’s already been nominated for a Grammy for his work with Disclosure on the song Masterpiece. In his latest offering Origin, the artist remains true to his soul, jazz, and hip hop influences with dance-friendly songs that will make you think, too. Catch him this month, as he performs with Unique Salonga for a night of soulful music at the heart of the metro.
Get Started With: With Goodbyes (Wallflower, 2017), you’ll be getting who the artist is in one song. Starting off with music similar to what you’d expect from a movie score, a sudden change in tone with the piano and bass, and with the coup de grace, coming from the soulful voice at just the right moment. The song is about that early stage in the relationship where you invest so much on someone, only to have them not feel the same way.
When: September 2, 2019
Where: New Frontier Theater
Latest Album: Post Traumatic (February 2019)
Hip-hop and rock fans may up at arms with this artist. “This guy isn’t an unknown. He’s famous!” They’re right, too. American musician Mike Shinoda rocketed to fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Linkin Park and as the rapper Fort Minor. He recently made waves in 2018, with the release of the Post Traumatic EP, featuring three songs about his own feelings about Chester Bennington’s death. The succeeding album of the same name features all three songs and thirteen additional tracks with influences taken everywhere from Nine Inch Nails to N.W.A. Watch him rock out and drop bars with British rock band Don Broco this month at the New Frontier Theater.
Get Started With: His work between Linkin Park and Fort Minor speaks volumes about his artistic range. Over Again (Post Traumatic, 2019) will give you Mike’s point of view as he pays tribute to his friend Chester Bennington. With sad verses, a complementing beat, and a strong message, Mike Shinoda delivers a great song, a sad story of mourning, and an excellent tribute to one of the greatest musicians of the decade.
When: October 4, 2019
Where: New Frontier Theater
Latest Album: Only Ticket Home (October 2018)
Following the steps of U2, Hozier, The Cranberries, and The Script, comes another great musical import from Ireland. Gavin Wigglesworth, who is not in any way a member of a children’s musical group, independently released a single which then won the Meteor Song of the Year Award. He then became a supporting act for artists such as Ed Sheeran, and Sam Smith before releasing a full-length studio album. His songs feature strong vocals and an obvious acoustic presence with pop sensibilities.
Get Started With: Differing from most of his songs that center on relationships, Start Again (Only Ticket Home, 2018) talks about doing things you haven’t yet. Reminiscent of pop songs from the mid-2000s, the song will leave you tapping your feet with the beat and singing along.
When: October 10, 2019
Where: New Frontier Theater
Latest Album: Plays Metallica by Four Cellos (December 2018)
Despite their last album being composed of Metallica originals, the Finnish symphonic metal band already has eleven albums to date since being active way back in 1993. What sets the band apart from the usual metal band is their use of cellos, not the usual rock band setup. Yes, that means cello riffs. However, aside from their unique instrument choice, they have the metal basics down, namely fast drum beats, and the riffs that are the foundation of rock music. The band will be performing in the country as part of their 20th anniversary tour.
Get Started With: Given that Apocalyptica got a vocalist for their last all-original album Shadowmaker, their other albums are filled with guest vocalists from Bush, Rammstein, Slayer, and Bullet For My Valentine. However, true Apocalyptica classic, Path (Cult, 2000) shines as the best work of their core members. With clear cello work being played against riffs, this is one that plays to the better end of expectations when you hear about three classically trained cellists play metal.
When: November 30, 2019
Where: New Frontier Theater
Latest Album: Soy Pablo (October 2018)
My research into this band had me watching a teenager in a pink hoodie and shorts playing guitar. I now have a new band to follow. Hailing from Hordaland, the indie-rock band became viral in 2017 with the aforementioned music video for a song called Everytime. The band’s music is characterized by a mixture of lo-fi sound and jingle-jangle, creating warm music anyone can sing to. Do yourself a favor and catch them play for the second time in the country, headlining their first concert ever.
Get Started With: Get caught up by listening to the song that started it all: Everytime (Roy Pablo, 2017). With the played up treble, lo-fi sound, and somewhat ironic story, the song wraps up to be an instant favorite.
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2019 Issue
Words by Daniel Ringon | Art by Jezeil Romero