For listeners seeking authenticity in an increasingly digital music landscape, ALYSON’s latest release offers a compelling reason to tune in. This song is not just another single—it is a deliberate return to emotionally driven songwriting and live instrumentation, elements that resonate deeply with audiences craving sincerity. Experiencing this track means engaging with a sound that prioritizes human expression over algorithmic trends, reinforcing why OPM continues to matter today.
A Defining Shift Toward Manila Sound
MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Long recognized for their polished take on Japanese-inspired city pop, ALYSON reemerges with a new single, released March 27 alongside a music video premiere on YouTube. The track signals a notable shift, as the Quezon City-based band leans into Manila Sound—infusing their signature style with a distinctly local sensibility rooted in nostalgia and cinematic romance.
Frontman Pio Ligot explains that the transition was both intentional and challenging. “Kung Sakaling Tanawin naturally leaned more into Manila Sound territory compared to our usual tendencies,” he shared, noting that the band consciously prioritized emotional depth over technical precision. The result is a track designed to evoke the same emotional pull found in Filipino films and Korean drama soundtracks.
Expanding Musicality Through Collaboration
The single stands as ALYSON’s most ambitious production to date. To achieve its orchestral richness, the band enlisted trumpet player David Jorvina along with a full ensemble of session musicians—eschewing digital replication in favor of live recording.
Drummer and producer Marcus Mababangloob emphasized the importance of this decision: “We knew that MIDI or sampled instruments would not give us the expressive human feel of real players, so we opted for a large team of session musicians for our orchestra.” This approach underscores the group’s commitment to preserving musical integrity in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Keyboardist Easel Manes also revealed that the track’s opening riff draws inspiration from the delicate style of Ryan Cayabyab—light, emotive, and unmistakably Filipino.
Visual Storytelling and Cultural References
Accompanying the single is a music video featuring the band alongside Jun Sabayton, whose inclusion reflects ALYSON’s admiration for Filipino pop culture figures. The concept subtly references Sabayton’s iconic roles, blending humor and nostalgia to complement the song’s thematic core of longing and timeless romance.
The visual component further reinforces the band’s new “blue era,” symbolized by their shift from red to blue suits—an aesthetic choice aligned with themes of reflection and emotional depth that will define their forthcoming releases.
Craft, Identity, and Artistic Intent
Beyond its sonic and visual elements, this release serves as a statement on artistry. Ligot underscored the band’s stance on the role of musicianship in contemporary music:
“The whole orchestra was composed of very talented and experienced players that gave their all in producing the sounds you hear. Sana matandaan natin na AI can only copy the form but never the expression of soul and emotion, of which humans do best.”
This perspective positions ALYSON not just as performers, but as advocates for preserving the human core of music-making—an ethos that continues to distinguish them within the indie and OPM scenes.
A New Chapter Begins
Following the success of their debut album DEFINITELY LOVE! and the closing single “Ikaw Lagi,” this latest release marks the beginning of a new chapter leading to their sophomore album AFTER OURS, slated for 2026. Known for their immersive live performances and growing international listenership, ALYSON continues to expand their reach while staying rooted in Filipino identity.
A Timely Return to Musical Authenticity
In a time when music production is rapidly evolving, ALYSON’s latest work reminds listeners of the enduring value of emotional authenticity and cultural grounding. This song is more than a track—it is an invitation to experience OPM in its most sincere form, where every note is shaped by human hands and every lyric carries genuine sentiment.
Read more Stories on Simpol.ph
Ely Buendia Returns with Optimistic New Single “Ate”
Imago Reaches a Creative Apex with Pasimple EP
Offshore Music’s Summer 2026 Slate Signals a Bold Shift in OPM’s Soundscape
