Words by Aly Evangelista
In the vast tapestry of music, where genres and styles blend and evolve, some bands stand out not just for their sound, but for the experience they offer. One such band is Vedas, an instrumental, psychedelic space rock group hailing from Cebu, the Queen City of the South. Their name, inspired by the ancient Hindu scriptures, encapsulates their musical philosophy — deep, immersive, and transcendental.
Comprising high school best friends Louie Lalin, Enric Carl Callangan, and Jairus Roxas, Vedas brings a distinctive auditory experience to their audience. With Lalin on guitar, Callangan on bass, and Roxas on drums, the trio has been mesmerizing listeners with their immersive soundscapes. Their performances, often described as hypnotic and spiritual, have become a staple at the Molave Community Marketplace, where they grace the streets with an evolving, free-flowing style that blends structured musicality with improvisational energy.
A sound rooted in collaboration
“The sound is just based on pure vibes,” the band members unanimously agree. Unlike many bands with a defined leader, Vedas operates on a principle of harmonious collaboration. Every decision — musical or otherwise — is made collectively, with no single member dominating the creative process. This fluidity is reflected in their performances, where each member listens and responds in real-time, creating a dynamic experience akin to jazz improvisation.
Their journey together began in high school, with Lalin and Callangan forging their musical bond early on, while Roxas, Callangan’s neighbor, later completed the trio. Despite playing together for years, it wasn’t until 2023 that they officially became Vedas, solidifying their identity within the Cebu music scene.
Beyond genre constraints
While the term psychedelic space rock might best describe their sound, the members of Vedas resist the notion of adhering strictly to a single genre. Instead, their music is a form of self-expression, free from boundaries and open to interpretation. They emphasize that there is no heavy influence from any particular artist or style; rather, their sound emerges from the synergy of their collective vibe, unfolding organically with each performance.
For Vedas, music is not just entertainment but a ritualistic experience. They see their performances as a means of emotional and spiritual release, creating a space where both they and their audience can connect on a deeper level.
The birth of Genesynthesis
After years of live performances, Vedas recently released their debut album, Genesynthesis. True to their spirit, the album consists of live session recordings, capturing the raw essence of their sound. The project was years in the making, with the trio deliberating over its composition since 2023. Eventually, they settled on a seven-track album, a decision that felt right after extensive discussions and reflection.
A key figure in making Genesynthesis a reality was Erik Tuban from Pawn Records, who reached out to the band after witnessing one of their performances. Recognizing their potential, Tuban took on the business aspects of the band, allowing them to focus solely on their artistry.
“Erik is in charge of the business side of things, which helps us to focus on creating music,” explains Callangan.
The visual aspect
Vedas is more than just music. Enric, apart from being a skilled bassist, is also a visual artist. He was responsible for designing the album cover for Genesynthesis, with conceptual input from Louie and Jairus. The album’s visual elements mirror the auditory experience; fluid, ethereal, and deeply symbolic.
Among the standout tracks in the album is “Hibiscus II,” a song deeply embedded in the band’s early days. Another highlight is “Leaf Bed,” which carries the essence of their improvisational yet cohesive style. Each track offers listeners a glimpse into the organic evolution of their sound, shaped by spontaneous creativity and mutual trust.
The philosophy behind Vedas
At the heart of Vedas’ music is a philosophy that transcends mere performance. As Louie puts it, “We do not perform for egocentric reasons. We see this as a ritual — an outlet where we can express ourselves and our emotions.”
This ethos extends to their outlook on the band’s future. While they have no immediate plans of disbanding, they remain open to whatever direction life takes them. Instead of rigidly planning their trajectory, they prefer to follow the flow of the universe, embracing the unpredictability of artistic and personal growth.
Wisdom for the soul
The members of Vedas weave their philosophy of life and art into a tapestry of introspection and wisdom, each offering a unique perspective that resonates with their shared journey. Callangan’s mantra, “Trust yourself,” reflects a steadfast belief in self-reliance and inner conviction. Lalin expands this notion, urging others to “trust the process, balance yourself. The universe is within you,” emphasizing harmony and the interconnectedness of existence. Roxas echoes Callangan’s call for introspection with his advice: “Listen and believe in yourself. Padayon lang (just keep going),” encouraging perseverance and faith in one’s path.
Together, their philosophies create a narrative of self-discovery, resilience, and universal connection; guiding listeners not only through their music but also toward deeper reflections on life’s essence.
Looking Ahead
For Vedas, music is not a means to an end but an ongoing journey. Their sound, ever-evolving, reflects their personal growth and deep connection to the present moment. They invite listeners to join them, not just as spectators, but as fellow travelers in their sonic explorations.
Whether they are performing at a local community market or recording a new piece in the studio, Vedas remains committed to their core values, which are authenticity, collaboration, and artistic freedom. As long as the vibes align, they will continue to create, inspire, and resonate with those who are willing to listen.
So, if you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Cebu and hear the ethereal, immersive sounds of Vedas drifting through the air, take a moment to stop and listen. You just might find yourself embarking on a journey beyond sound, into something far more profound.
Listen to Vedas’ debut album, Genesynthesis, here.
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