So, the big guns SB 19, Bini, and Belle Mariano are finalists in the upcoming 37th Awit Awards. We lend an ear instead to less heralded finals contenders for a better appreciation of the contemporary OPM landscape.
Best World Music Recording
HIGH TARGETS
“Getting High”
High Targets are a neo-soul/funk/RnB outfit composed of Raffie Miranda, Dennis delos Santos, Ronn Sana, Arvin Austria, Marlon Palustre, Jeffrey Rodriguez, Mao Manuel, Tuesday Vargas and the soulman himself Bing Austria.
About the song, mainman Bing told Soundstrip, “The song serves to introduce our band High Targets but it can also be used for anything that makes you go high and move forward. I am now thinking of something like it’s theme music for the band. I wrote the music and lyrics and Tuesday Vargas added her parts.”
Best Jazz Recording
DEBONAIR DISTRICT
“Tawid Bago Tingin”
The quintet said, “Our latest single basically crams our collective experiences in travelling around Metro Manila where every day is always an interesting day– vehicles speeding by, people crossing almost anywhere, and of course, traffic! In the midst of all of these, the chances of having an accident are always high. The results can vary, but at the end, there should be accountability.
The song is also a reminder to the listeners to always look first before crossing, and to be wary of the busy-ness of the road. Safety first!
Best R&B Recording
Denise Julia
“B.A.D. (fest. P. Lo)” The single carries the thematic arc of sexuality, cultural identity and success for an artist of color which has become the hallmarks of Denise Julia’s music-making trajectory. That she delivers a compelling message draws also from the tight mix of hip hop and R&B that never fails to catch attention.
In “B.A.D.”’s case, it’s the heat of desire of a woman in love that gets burned in the listener’s memory. There’s no denying the intensity in lyrics that go: “And I’m rubbin’ and teasin’ on you/Touchin’ and lovin’ on you.” The song becomes an empowering anthem for young women to be confident in their own skin. Bottom of Form
Best Regional Recording
DWTA
“Delikado”
This single from Bicolana singer-songwriter Jhasmine Villanueva, tells the love between two people at the right time but the emotional connection turns tragic when one of them leaves the other person behind without warning to her sorrow and pain. It looks like another ‘hugot’ storyline with a sad punch and the captivating music just about keeps it on the verge of a tearjerker.
DWTA said that she drew from her personal experience but instead of wallowing in extreme regret, she composed a song that at least provided some happy memories at the start of the tune. The 31-year-old musician remarked that she also wanted to share how it feels to be ghosted. Remarkably, she keeps it real singing in her own dialect.
Best Remix Recording
ENA MORI
“Vivid (Reimagined ver.)”
The upbeat synthpop single with catchy hooks finds the musician Ena Mori contemplating on the nature of her insecurities. In a press statement, the Filipino-Japanese artist admits the song was written at a low point in her self-confidence which she alluded to jealousy sparked by actions of other people. It inspired her to deal with what’s driving her mad by writing about her situation. And this time, the reimagining of a song released two years ago sees Ena Mori pushing boundaries not just in words but also in music reshaped to fit the uncertainties bubbling in the lyrics.
Best Performance by a Solo Artist
SYD HARTHA
“Gabay”
Folk-pop artist Syd Hartha shared that her “Gabay” EP is a collection “of different stories from adventures and misadventures of a young woman. It mainly talks about healing and taking control over your own destiny; letting go of the past, and getting to know yourself again.”
What really shines though is the delicacy with which Syd’s folk music sympathizes with those who are struggling with deep-seated personal issues. Her music makes for a cathartic deliverance from self-loathing and shows the way towards healing.
