Hastang of Yesteryears

Weeks ago, Hastang did an interview with Y101 FM Cebu on their late Sunday night radio show Eskina. For the record, Eskina is “a two hour radio show that is all about indie music. Not just about music, the show also features interesting conversations with in-studio guests, tips for musicians and home producers, product reviews, new music features, featured artists, gig schedules, and a lot more … ” (Lifted verbatim from Y101’s site.)

A week earlier, we had submitted Random (with me as the designated delivery boy) in the hopes that the single might catch some radio airplay on Sunday nights. As luck would have it, we got the call and gamely consented to be interviewed during the show.

Eskina is hosted by the sprightly DJ Roy Sencio, a musician in his own right and an acquaintance of mine while I was working in advertising (don’t ask—long story). He smoothly guided us through the informal (a little too informal perhaps) interview with the usual questions like “Who are the members of Hastang?”, “How did the band start?”, “How long have we been playing together?”, “Who gets drunk the fastest?”, etc. For our part, we did our best to provide him with sensible answers and not embarrass ourselves on air (do I hear anyone sniggering?).

Along the way, we managed to touch on the subject of the independent music scene in Cebu. I think I said something about how good it feels to be part of a scene that’s overflowing with so much talent and diversity. Indeed, you get bands and musicians churning out original material in all kinds of genres—post-punk/new wave, emo-core, reggae dub, progressive hard rock, alterna-jazz—and even create a new one—bisrock.

Credit goes to pioneering acts like Urbandub, Sheila and the Insects, Junior Kilat, Missing Filemon, Cattski, Smooth Friction and Faspitch for opening the door and for proving that it’s cool to play a live set consisting of original compositions. Of course, don’t forget older bands like Frank, 40, BTU, The Abyss and Roots which inspired younger acts to be all they can be in terms of musical expression.

During the radio interview, Roy also popped another equally important question: given the seemingly “increased appreciation” for Cebuano music, is Cebu ready for a music industry of its own, where bands and musicians can sell their music independently from Manila?

Admittedly, it’s a tricky question to answer—there are so many factors to consider. However, Makoy may have provided the most concise and appropriate answer when he replied during the interview, “Not yet. But we’re getting there.”

We’re getting there. That’s the important part.

~guile

Hastang is a Cebu-based, female-fronted indie band composed of members Ria (vocals), Guile (bass), Gaw (guitars), and Makoy (drums).
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