It all starts with a drizzle. Then the soft sound seems to fade out after a couple of minutes, ushering in a sense of calm. But the silence is evanescent. The raindrops start to fall to the ground as one loud, heavy downpour.
This is how most afternoons have been — well, at least in the metro — over the past few weeks. This scenario is really nothing out of the ordinary, especially for a tropical country like ours — except that this year’s monsoon season happens to coincide with a pandemic that we’re yet to overcome.
But while we’re caught up in storms of different forms, we have music and the constancy of its charm to thank for. Songs are here to help keep us at bay; to make us feel sentimental yet inspired and motivated.
In this feature, we reached out to Munimuni, Clara Benin, and Monty Macalino, and asked about the songs they listen to on a rainy day, their fond memories of the season, and the role that music plays during these strange times.
What’s your go-to OPM songs whenever the rainy season kicks in?
Adj: Clara Benin’s “Kingdom Come.” It’s calming and affirming.
John Owen: I do not have one but I would probably listen to Clara Benin’s “Riverchild.” Aside from its message, the execution of its music also evokes peace and rest.
Rain is often associated with nostalgia. Is there a particular music memory you associate with the season?
Adj: It reminds me of the several times that we played open-air gigs while it was raining (FEU, UP Fair, Intramuros). Nakakakaba ‘yung nababasa ‘yung equipment pero kakaiba rin ‘yung experience na puro payong ang nakikita sa audience at nag-stay sila.
TJ: Whenever it rains, I remember times during my childhood when classes would get suspended and I would stay at home all day playing video games. I remember music from those games, especially the whole Sims 1 soundtrack!
Jolo: I remember that one gig we had in Intramuros where it rained hard during our set. It’s a special memory for me because I didn’t think that the crowd was going to stay, but they did. It’s just amazing how people love and appreciate music.
John Owen: There is no particular music memory I associate with rain. But I always remember the sound of the rain in Mt. Makiling where I stayed during high school.
Josh: Same with Jolo!
This rainy season has a particularly different vibe with the pandemic happening. How do you cope during these strange times? How important is music for you especially during this period?
Adj: Kakaiba nga ang rainy season ngayon dahil sa pandemic. Minsan naiisip ko na sana anurin na lang ng ulan ‘yung virus. Yeah, I know it doesn’t work that way. Hahaha. Pero, sana matapos na nga ‘yung crisis. Importante ang music ngayon kasi para siyang steady companion sa buhay, may crisis man o wala.
TJ: Music becomes an outlet of my thoughts. It’s hard when you can’t get out and talk to people. There’s so much you want to express, but talking to yourself doesn’t cut it. So I write songs instead. At least that way, I could arrange how I feel. Rain’s an added ambiance too, haha.
Jolo: Importante ang music para sa akin dahil pwede mo siyang kasama sa buhay kahit ano pang nararamdaman at nararanasan mo sa kasalukuyan.
John Owen: Well, the project we have with Marilag Records and Prod does help me cope with everything. The planning of what songs to record, the recording process, and the delight in hearing the music during the release; all of these contribute positively to my well-being.
These strange times have also allowed me to write music more. Music has been an important part of my life ever since. I think its importance or the greater relevance of it to a lot of people has just been magnified because of the pandemic. But it has been the same for me. It is both a companion and a means to express and to relate to.
Josh: Malaking tulong ‘yung music ngayong time na ‘to [para] mabuhay pa rin kahit hindi na madali ‘yung mga nangyayari. May comfort ‘pag nakikining ako ng music.
READ: Munimuni Wants You To Slow Down and Muse About Human Experiences
What’s your go-to OPM songs whenever the rainy season kicks in?
“Drown” by Dana Blaze, “Constantly” by half-lit, and “Nawa” by Munimuni are a few OPM songs I like to listen to during this rainy season because they put me in an introspective mood.
Rain is often associated with nostalgia. Is there a particular music memory you associate with the season?
I remember back when I was in high school, it rained really hard one night that the electricity in our house went out. I just played my guitar the entire night in the dark.
This rainy season has a particularly different vibe with the pandemic happening. How do you cope during these strange times? How important is music for you especially during this period?
I cope by listening to my favorite songs. I’ve been particularly enjoying watching live performances of my favorite artists on Youtube. Music is so important especially during these trying times because it helps us stay connected and be inspired!
What’s your go-to OPM songs whenever the rainy season kicks in? Is there a particular music memory you associate with them?
“Ulan” by Rivermaya. Unang kantang natutunan kong tugtugin no’ng bata ako. Narinig ko ‘yang kantang ‘yan no’ng start ng pasukan no’ng Grade 6 ako. So tag-ulan talaga during that time. For some reason bumabalik lagi ang nakaraan.
“Ulan” by Cueshe. Kailangan ko pa bang i-explain ‘yan?
“Masilungan” by Sandwich. Very smooth and very nice song. Nakakakalma yung areglo nila dito and mas natatanggap ko mga pagkatalo sa buhay after hearing this song.
This rainy season has a particularly different vibe with the pandemic happening. How do you cope during these strange times? How important is music for you especially during this period?
Coping mechanism ko during the lockdown will always and forever be music — regardless kung nagbago ‘yung platform. I will always listen, appreciate, discover, write, [and] learn music. Never-ending kasi ang releases ng mga artists. And ang daming pwedeng balikan. So to answer both questions, music is life.
READ: Ebe Dancel, Monty Macalino, And More Reflect on Reaching Out, Offering Relief Through Music
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