The local music industry has had to say goodbye to significant gig spots that just couldn’t survive the pandemic, no matter how well-loved they were.
As the country prepares to ease restrictions, B-Side takes stock of what it’s been like for local and independent musicians to collaborate and perform in a socially distanced world.
“Collaborating online has taught us how to streamline our music creation process which we believe is a lesson we can take with us after the pandemic,” said Renzo R. Lumanog, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the local alternative pop band Any Name’s Okay. The band has performed in famed venues such as Route 196 on Katipunan Avenue, as well as in international music festivals in Taiwan. “A lot of musicians right now have either stopped making music, and there are some who have released more music than they ever have, there is a scale there.”
In this B-Side episode, Mr. Lumanog talks to BusinessWorld reporter John Victor D. Ordoñez about venues closing down, people losing jobs, and musicians pursuing their passion.
Recorded remotely on Jan. 28, 2022. Produced by John Victor D. Ordoñez, Jino D. Nicolas, and Sam L. Marcelo. Music used with permission from John’s Dirty Old Sneakers.
