Novocrane has been named Jack Daniel’s On Stage: The Chosen One, earning top recognition from a pool of 35 independent Filipino acts in the three-year music program. The local independent music scene is full of incredible talent, but every so often, a group emerges that truly captures the heartbeat of the community. Through dedication, evolution, and an unapologetic sense of identity, one standout indie act managed to rise above the rest and make waves both locally and internationally.
Rising to the Top with Jack Daniel’s On Stage
To start with, out of an impressive pool of 35 independent Filipino acts, the indie band Novocrane was named the ultimate winner of the three-year Jack Daniel’s On Stage program. Alongside fellow finalists ALYSON and August Wahh, the band secured the top honor, which ultimately paved the way for their international showcase. Highlighting what made them stand out, Gabriel Fajardo of Jack Daniel’s Philippines shared,
Novocrane demonstrated a character and authenticity that felt very natural to Jack Daniel’s. They have a distinct identity as artists, a dedication to developing and evolving their craft, while remaining open to growth and collaboration.”
Furthermore, Fajardo noted,
Their independent spirit—the determination to create their own path, evolve on their own terms, and remain true to who they are as artists—is what makes Novocrane Jack Daniel’s On Stage: The Chosen One.”
Making History at AXEAN Festival in Bali
Following this milestone, the band took their music to the regional stage at the AXEAN Festival 2026 in Bali, Indonesia. Because this marked their very first international performance, vocalist Kai expressed deep gratitude, saying,
To be able to travel the world because of our music is such an amazing thing. Performing at AXEAN Festival in Bali really meant a lot to us—it’s our first ever international show! To be able to share our music beyond home made me emotional. We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who believed in us (Thank you, Jack Daniel’s!). Playing international shows and festivals has always been our goal as a band. We can’t wait to play more!”
Moreover, member Henz noted that staying true to their roots was key, sharing,
What I really enjoyed about AXEAN was that we didn’t feel like we had to suddenly become something else just because we were performing outside the Philippines. We brought the same music, the same energy … and the same weirdness that we have back home.”
In addition, Fajardo pointed out the long-term value of the event. More than simply performing in another market, it gave the band a platform to introduce their music to decision-makers who are looking for artists to feature in their own festivals and events, potentially opening doors to future performance opportunities beyond the Philippines.
DUNKIN at Makati!
Ultimately, while this chapter of the program has concluded, the commitment to local talent remains steadfast. While Jack Daniel’s On Stage is now complete, the support for music continues—with more music to discover, more artists to champion, and more moments to celebrate together. Because Jack & Music is the Perfect Mix.
Building on this momentum, Novocrane has released their latest single, “Dunkin!,” and is actively preparing for their debut EP. Looking forward to the journey ahead, Kai stated,
This is just the beginning for Novocrane. We’ll keep on keeping on—all for the love of music and performing—and see where that takes us. We’re just happy to be here.”
Fans can catch them live as they bring their latest single to life at the “DUNKIN” music video launch on October 22, 2026, at Mono By Phono in Makati City.
Read more stories on Simpol.ph
SHANNi May Have Found The Cure For Loneliness
Ghosts of Philippine Cinema: The Horror Classics We Should Revisit
