The Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) regions of the Philippines have long been a melting pot of sounds, scenes, and stories. From the tongue-in-cheek writing of artists like Yoyoy Villame to the pioneering talent of Midnasty, VisMin music continues to push boundaries in a country that often overlooks it.
With that, here’s a small but mighty intro to our diverse scene, covering a little bit of everything: from maneater core dance pop, experimental rock, to hardcore. In no particular order, this is Coast2Coast‘s inaugural list of the 25 best songs released by VisMin artists this year.
“watchyoudie” — stab.
Self-described “Juana Osmeña Hardcore” band stab. have made waves all over the country with their stellar debut single “watchyoudie” — and for good reason. “watchyoudie” is burgeoning with female rage, all the way from the iconic Ruth Langmore quote at the beginning of the track to frontwoman Irish Alcano’s powerful vocals. Stab. is making their way into becoming one of Cebuano hardcore’s finest.
“Wuz Good?” — Parklane Collective
Dumaguete’s Parklane Collective throws it back to the ’90s with “Wuz Good?,” a headbanging hip-hop cut with some of the best flows on this side of the country. Despite the stripped back production, the rhythm of their bars and the tasteful sonic textures (a chopped police siren, record scratches, and that earworm of a synth line) make the song shine through all the noise.
“Comedown” — She Must Be Dreaming
Discovering She Must Be Dreaming’s debut single feels like uncovering a diamond in the desert. It brings a fresh and exhilarating spark to Cebu’s rising shoegaze scene.
“Habit” — IIICCCYYY
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again — IIICCCYYY is the newest pop princess that the world needs to pay attention to. Seeing the Sepia Times duo embark on their solo music projects has been an exciting thing to watch unfold, and “Habit” is a beautiful reintroduction to Elisha Ang’s artistry and composition style. It’s refreshingly pop, feminine, and catchy as hell.
“The Way Things Go” — Vincent Eco
Vincent Eco is one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the country, and “The Way Things Go” continues to prove that statement. All the singles leading up to his forthcoming EP Sa May Baybayon (roughly translated as From The Shoreline) have been one hit after the other. However, “The Way Things Go” is a gem out of all three. That bridge, where Eco bares his soul in a heartwrenchingly and soulful rasp, is a car crash of emotions (in the best way).
“Paradise Dreams” — Jetter
I didn’t anticipate Jetter venturing into a different style, but this bold departure from his usual RnB roots is a refreshing and impressive evolution.
“I’m Wrong” — KRNA
KRNA can truly do no wrong. Frontwoman KC Salazar’s distinct, full voice transcends reality in this dreamy and haunting track. You can’t help but cry and scream along as she belts out: “Nothing can make it somehow matter.”
“GASOLINA” — Chuya, Justraw, Jkey, Soulthrll, Bakeshopboyz
The Bakeshopboyz are a one-of-a-kind hip-hop group. They effortlessly blend genres together, lay it all under catchy and witty bars, and packaging it all together with a thought-through concept. “GASOLINA” (Gasoline) off their 2024 record BAKESHOP RADIO is a great example of this, where they play around with the radio show motif and slide in tongue-in-cheek wordplay. I mean, just look at this bar: “I got what you want / I got what you need / I’mma pass it up / ‘Kaw bahala sa’kong gas dai, ha? / Asa naman to akoang lighter ha? / Sige nalang man ka ug pang gaslight ha!”
(I got what you want / I got what you need / I’mma pass it up / Dai, you’ll take care of my gas, right? / Where’s my lighter, ha? / You keep gaslighting me, ha!)
“RRRIP” — SUGARKISS
Diane Tungol — performing as SUGARKISS — has defined her solo project with sultry, dark, haunting pop music. “RRRIP” is “maneater core” at its very best, with Tungol blending in club dance beats with catchy melodies. If you’re looking for the soundtrack to punch a man to, then “RRRIP” is perfect.
“Night Sky” — The Sundown
This supergroup delivers an exceptional performance with Night Sky, a flawless fusion of pop-rock energy and compelling lyrics, culminating in a track that is as captivating as it is musically satisfying.
“Cliche” — Sansette
Surfpop band Sansette trade in their sunny and upbeat melodies in this stripped down yet intimate track. There’s a fondness in frontman Gab Villacarlos’s voice, especially as he sings out some of the band’s most vulnerable and honest lyrics. You can’t help but feel like you’re in a movie as he croons out: “Cause I don’t know what I did / But I know I don’t deserve this / How you often leave me breathless / With just a smile / And you will always be / The only one who’s loved by me.”
“Go Home” — Wiji Kun
This track has unquestionably become my 2024 go-to, with a melody that’s irresistibly catchy and stayed with me for weeks. It’s invigorating to hear pop-punk reclaiming its place in the city’s music scene.
“17B” — Cookie$, Jkey
The vivid imagery in Cookie$’s lyrics makes this track deeply relatable, especially for anyone who rides the 17B daily — a perfect companion for your commute.
“Mundane Drive” — Nervevineturbine
This track strikes a perfect balance, making you want to bop your head and mosh simultaneously, all while taking you on a journey as the song unfolds.
“Yours” — Mandaue Nights
Synthpop duo Mandaue Nights have explored different sounds over the years: pop, pop-punk, electronic, and now, house music. Gino Rosales and Karl Lucente take the backseat as keyboardist Ana Geverola sings the main vocal line — and she shines. With Bisaya lyrics and a fun, catchy beat, Mandaue Nights continues to expand the possibilities of what Vispop (the genre) can sound like.
“Monamie” — Coney Reyes On Camera
There’s a quiet sense of intimacy in how frontman Jom Ouano sings about love in “Monamie” off Coney Reyes On Camera’s debut record, Clones and Flying Cars. Maybe it’s the repetitive, trance-like guitar riff, or the reverb in Ouano’s voice, or the catchy chorus. But, if there’s a song that feels like the feeling of falling in love, it’s definitely this one.
“On My Own” — Ronnie Villa, Soulthrll, Jetter, Pxrple
You can’t go wrong with a good jersey beat. Well-sought-after producer Ronnie Villa hits it out of the park yet again with “On My Own,” featuring Soulthrll, Pxrple, and Jetter. The sonic accents and beat switches provide great texture to the song, ensuring that it never feels one-note.
“The Truth Is…” — evita
16-year-old Celestine Olsen (performing as evita) is superbly gifted beyond her years. Not only is she an absolute beast on the bass, she has a way of crafting rock-blues-jazz songs that are always exciting to listen to. It’s refreshing and unique to hear, especially when the song has a jazz break come out of left field. If evita is not on your playlist, you’re missing out.
“Best Of Luck” — &ND
Hailing from Bacolod City, the band &nd showcases their delicate side with Best of Luck, a song so precious it’s perfect for those moments when you’re traveling and in need of a soundtrack that resonates.
“Giliw” — Mojo Nova
If you’re looking for funky R&B pop, look no further than Mojo Nova’s “Giliw” (Affection). The song just oozes a groove that you can’t help but dance to. It shines in its clean simplicity and infectious bass lines. Mojo Nova is definitely a band to watch out for in the coming years.
“For Ginger & Fiona” — Precal Dropouts
This young but incredibly gifted group from Davao is more than just a shoegaze band. Whether it’s live or in the studio recording, Precal Dropouts have a penchat for blending multiple influences together — and doing it incredibly well. Whereas shoegaze songs lean towards a downer mood, “For Ginger and Fiona” conveys optimism in the most cinematic way. It’s utterly refreshing to hear.
“Daydreamer Drowsy” — Marcid
2024 was a busy year for Dumaguete shoegaze outfit Marcid, but “Daydreamer Drowsy” off their Across Imaginations a Serendipity of a Soul twin single release is a standout for that intro guitar section before it launches into full fuzz and distortion. The ambience and reverb drive home the track’s somber tone. If you’re looking for new shoegaze to obsess over, you can’t go wrong with Marcid.
“Only You” — ZOYA
Fresh off her collaboration with indie-electronic trio UDD, Iloilo’s ZOYA is back with this Afrobeats pop cut. Produced by MISTERMIL and Davao’s Luke April, this dance beat is exactly that: a great track that’s catchy, groovy, and a certified headbopper.
“Through the Passages of Time” — Cyber Band
To say that Cagayan de Oro’s Cyber Band are talented musicians would be a grave understatement. The title track of their recent album, Through the Passages of Time, is as experimental as it gets. For 23 straight minutes, you get this anthemic, dissonant, intense feast for the ears. There really is nothing else to say except that this track is an audio rollercoaster in all the right ways.
“Positibo” — budoyX, JCOY, CHOCO
Budoy Marabiles’ electronic project budoyX constantly pushes the boundaries of sound and rhythm, and “Positibo” featuring J.C.O.Y and CHOCO is no different. Marabiles blends organic drums, a chopped up Japanese vocal sample, and ambient synths to make something that you can’t help but move your body to.
Listen to all these songs on our Spotify below.
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