Cover OPM Artist Paul Pablo posing for a shot (Photo: @itspaulpablo/Instagram)
OPM Artist Paul Pablo posing for a shot (Photo: @itspaulpablo/Instagram)
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Discover up-and-coming OPM artists who sing and write with passion
There is no shortage of local talent when it comes to OPM. Back then we had monumental voices like Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and the Concert King Martin Nievera. These days, contemporary artists such as Zack Tabudlo, juan karlos, and Unique Salonga dominate the scene but what of the smaller soloists that only very few know of? We’re not in the business of gatekeeping, so in this article, Tatler shares some soloists who should definitely be on your daily playlist.
More from Tatler: 7 rising indie OPM bands you should be listening to: Letters from June, 12th Street and more
CRISHA
“At sa umaga pag gising ko’y tumatawa. Ang sarap ng panaginip. Ikaw at ako.”
Influenced by R&B singers Erykah Badu, Aretha Franklin, and Frank Ocean among others, Cagayan de Oro-based singer-songwriter, CRISHA takes her raw emotions and puts it on a page to blow the roof off any place she performs at. She’s currently signed under Offshore Music PH and Sony Music PH and just released a new single titled Unang Halik.
Paul Pablo
“Ako’y mahuhulog na. Mahuhulog na nang tuluyan. Sasaluhin mo ba?”
A musician from Davao keen on championing inclusivity and representation, Paul Pablo’s identity is built around breaking free from conservative influences. Currently, he has 36,700 monthly listeners with his top song breaking 2.7 million streams on Spotify. Pablo has headlined multiple music festivals and events such as Warner Music’s We Play Here school tour and QC Pride.
Kai Buizon
“Never let me go. Make believe that we are both in love.”
Often referred to as the ‘not so little sister anymore’ of Over October’s lead singer, Josh Buizon, Kai Buizon is looking to make her name known as something more through her masterful lyricism and storytelling. With over 400,000 streams on her 2023 single, over 13,000 monthly listeners, and a new song—Mr Nice Guy—released in October, she’s a promising artist that should be on your radar.
Also see: Over October on authenticity in today’s music scene
Dave Trinidad
“Oh taglay mo ang hiwaga. Hiwagang ‘di makita sa iba.”
Signed under UMG Philippines and hailing from Malolos, Bulacan, Dave Trinidad writes songs that paint life’s many journeys. After being invited by OPM band Chiquerella to perform at gigs and songwriting sessions, Trinidad quickly established his art in the industry—often bringing his talent to the stage in front of hundreds of people. Right now, he has around 2,900 monthly listeners on Spotify with three songs breaking 71,000, 61,000, and 17,000 streams.
rienne
“Hindi ako naghahabol, pasensiya na, sawa na ‘ko umasa sa wala. Ayoko nang mabalewala.”
Starting out her music career with SoundCloud recordings and open mic nights, queer alt-indie pop artist rienne creates with the heart. Often armed with just her phone, a pop filter and earphones, she has produced multiple songs that talk about relatable issues. She currently has around 5,000 monthly listeners on Spotify with her top song HINDI KITA KAILANGAN breaking over 300,000 streams.
JUNA
“Lock your lips on mine. Look into my eyes. Let me see the windows of your mind.”
Looking for something a little more upbeat? JUNA’s tempo and clever lyrics are perfect for energising lazy afternoons and fun nights out. As a self-taught artist with an angelic singing voice who likes to play around many themes like whimsy and melancholy, she probably has a song for every mood you feel. With over 14,000 monthly Spotify listeners and 10 songs uploaded in three years, JUNA’s fast-tracking her way to success. On October 25, she released a new single titled over u.
Paul Arcega
“Why would you kiss my lips and make it feel so right? And call that friendly?”
Singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist from Pasig City, Paul Arcega is a jack of all trades, master of many. Inspired by John Mayer, The Weeknd, and Charlie Puth among others, he brings a groovy spin on the OPM that we’re all familiar with. Currently, he has over 5,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and usually plays live in bars, music festivals, and universities. On November 15, he’ll be releasing his latest single, Paralyzed.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
