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It's not surprising that former Eraserheads frontman, Ely Buendia, supports the OPM scene—but here's why the 90's rockstar says it's important for us to do so as well
There's no doubt that 90s rockband, The Eraserheads, was a huge part of our generation's most formative years; and for a country that's often put foreign influence at the forefront of its cultural scene, this is no small feat. Though original Pinoy music (OPM) doesn't usually find itself as the go-to genre for the youth, in the 90s, The Eraserheads reminded us that it didn't have to be that way.
Decades later, we speak to frontman and bona fide rockstar, Ely Buendia, on his thoughts about the industry he himself helped shape.
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"I think we are one of the most forward thinking and innovative people in terms of music. We can do anything," Buendia says. Having been proof of this himself, Buendia adds that international recognition is within reach. "We’re already making waves in the international scene and it’s only a matter of time before our talent gets the recognition it deserves."
Of course, before this can come to fruition, it's important to support our own. Ultimately, it's because success is a group effort. As talented an individual is, success will only come when everyone bands together to help each other out. "Our country does not have that much support for the arts. The ideal would be what Korea has. We really have to support our own," Buendia comments. "There’s also a matter of attitude; I really believe the more we keep making music for other people’s tastes trying to please others, the less likely our innate talent is going to shine."
Read also: Why Philippine Music Is So Deeply Embedded In The Culture: Notes On Filipino History
After decades of success in his career, Buendia is now a full-time businessman with Offshore Music and at his recording studio, Crow's Nest. Funnily enough, after time onstage, he now says he's happy to be off it. "I feel like I’m built to be behind the scenes pulling the strings," he laughs. Singer or entrepreneur, however, there's one thing that Buendia always remembers: "Humility goes a long way. Be confident, but also be receptive to criticism."
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