Fete dela Musique 2009

Fete dela Musique is probably the biggest one day music festival in the Philippines that features a wide array of genres to choose from. From it's humble beginnings in Tomas Morato to different venues like Eastwood, Malate and Mall of Asia, hordes of people brave the rains, the crowds and even the threat of communicable diseases, just to be able to catch their favorite artists and discover new talents that they will soon follow around. The people who come to Fete are also as varied as the bands that perform; sosyal girls out to prove they can also rock, die hard band groupies, punkelitos who dress in black like there's no tomorrow, discerning music afficionados who walk out of a venue if the performer is crappy, ordinary people who just like listening to live music

This year's Fete promised to be another feast for the local music followers, and the line-up was full of established bands, eager new artists and upcoming bands that will soon be household names. While we were only able to catch two stages, the pop/alternative and new wave/goth/electronica stages, we still went home happy and musically satisfied

Some notable standouts for us:

Mike's Apartment - Pinoy Soul lives! I've heard about them for some time now but it's the first time I've heard them live, and for a three instrument, one vocalist band, their sound is truly amazing. Just don't make the mistake of googling the band name, and you will end up with a NSFW (not safe for work) website, which was the inspiration for their name. To learn more about their music, just click on their name above

Gasulina - A truly surprising and thoroughly worth it discovery! Coming all the way from Cagayan de Oro, they are out to prove that Manila doesn't have the monopoly when it comes to amazing musical talent. Their blend of rock, funk and dance had the Metro Phi bar crowd screaming for more. Their website says that "They come to promote education. For a better world, peace, love, justice and unity for the nation" so they are a band with a mission

Turbo Goth - I am not the biggest fan of electronica, but hearing this duo's music has gotten me interested, and along with Techy Romantics, might probably convert me to the local electronica scene

Taken By Cars - 80% of the people in the bar were waiting for their set, and as always, it was worth the wait. If you haven't listened to them yet, I suggest you catch up because pretty soon you'll be the only one who hasn't heard of them

Check out our video of our favorite artists from Fete dela Musique 2009: Danita Paner, Mike's Apartment, Enemies of Saturn, Scarlet Tears, Gasulina, Turbo Goth, Taken By Cars. Looking forward to next year!