LOOP. Indie band "Loop" takes center stage with their vocalist Kim Trinidad. Photo by Tisha Biruar.
Report by Lorraine Napone, Communications Intern
Music has been at the core of our society — it influences us, shapes us, and changes us. For some, music is much more than that. Music is their lifeblood. It shapes their passion, gives life color, and ultimately, makes life more meaningful.
Last January 19, “Mayonnaise: Gusto Ko Lang Mag-Tour” was held at The Hive Food Park in Lim Ket Kai, organized by IndieCDO. Mayonnaise is a five-piece Filipino alternative rock band, and this event was part of their tour's Mindanao leg. However, the band was not the only group who performed, local bands were also given the opportunity to share their music.
The indie music scene in CDO is thriving. When asked why indie is such a well-loved genre, KC Salazar, founder of IndieCDO and an alumna of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, answered that it's because indie presents a certain level of charm that is different from the typical music playing on popular radios.
It was not this “easy” in the past, though. Before Spotify, indie artists had a difficult time getting a following. Radios and music channels were dominated by mainstream pop music favored by the general public. Still, CDO’s indie scene survived. Its cult following, paired with unique and varied local artists, stood strong against time and is flourishing today. Indie bands can now share their works on social media and get national attention because of music-sharing apps.
MAYONNAISE IN CDO. Mayonnaise, a five-piece Filipino alternative rock band, performs at The Hive Food Park. Photo by Tisha Biruar.
Salazar said that challenges still exist. There are people who doubt the capability of local bands, saying that they are only good on the local level. This is a problem that every indie artist has to go through. But she believes that these bands and artists can reach their full potential if we support them.
"How can they be of national quality if locals won't even listen to them?" she asks.
Talents are in abundance in Cagayan de Oro. Multiple avenues have opened up for local indie artists because of IndieCDO and other establishments that support them. The CDO music scene is as alive as ever and it needs constant nurturing to grow into something much bigger.∎
CDO CROWD. Last January 19, “Mayonnaise: Gusto Ko Lang Mag-Tour” was held at The Hive Food Park in Lim Ket Kai, organized by IndieCDO. Photo by Tisha Biruar.