Hey there, soundtripper! So you've been hearing buzz about this band called Apartel and you're curious to know more? Well, you've come to the right place! Grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and get to know everything—and we do mean everything—about one of the Philippines' most fascinating musical collectives.
Who Is Apartel? The Soul Supergroup You Need to Know
Picture this: It's 2016, and Filipino music icon Ely Buendia (yes, that Ely from the legendary Eraserheads) decides he wants to explore his love for soul, funk, and R&B. But instead of doing it solo, he gathers some of the most talented musicians in the Filipino music scene to create something completely fresh and unexpected. That's how Apartel was born—a supergroup that would soon change the landscape of OPM.
If you think Apartel is just another band, think again—it's a musical collective that brings together incredible talents including guitarist Redge Concepcion, bassist Jun Lazo, drummer Pat Sarabia, percussionist Deej Rodriguez, and several other phenomenal musicians who rotate in and out of the lineup. Think of them as the Filipino version of Snarky Puppy meets The Roots with a dash of classic Motown thrown in.
The Sound: Soul Music with a Filipino Twist
Now you might be thinking: "Soul music in the Philippines? Really?" But trust us when we say this isn't just some imitation of Western soul. Apartel has crafted something uniquely their own—a sound that pays homage to the golden era of soul while injecting distinctly Filipino sensibilities and experiences.
Their music feels like a warm, vintage embrace with contemporary production values. Imagine the smoothness of Marvin Gaye, the orchestral ambition of Isaac Hayes, and the musical sophistication of Steely Dan, all filtered through the lens of modern Filipino musicians who have something meaningful to say.
The Albums: A Musical Journey Worth Taking
Apartel has released two phenomenal albums that you absolutely need to hear:
Inner Play (2016) – Their debut album announced their arrival with authority. From the moment you hear the opening horns on tracks like "Is It Hip?" and the smooth grooves of "Sala Sa Init," you know you're in for something special. This album established their sound: meticulously crafted arrangements, soulful vocals, and lyrics that make you both dance and think.
Full Flood (2019) – Their sophomore effort expanded their musical palette even further. Songs like "Patterns" showcase their ability to create complex yet catchy compositions that reward multiple listens. The album demonstrates their growth as a collective while staying true to their soul and funk foundations.
The Mastermind: Ely Buendia's Soul Project
Let's talk about Ely for a second. After achieving iconic status with Eraserheads and exploring various musical directions with Pupil and The Oktaves, you might wonder why he decided to form Apartel. The answer is simple: passion.
Ely has always been a musical chameleon, constantly evolving and exploring new territories. With Apartel, he found the perfect vehicle to express his love for soul music—a genre that had influenced him throughout his career but that he hadn't fully explored until now.
"I've always been a fan of soul music," Ely mentioned in interviews. "Apartel is a culmination of my love for that particular genre." And you can hear it in every note—this isn't just a side project; it's a labor of love.
The Significance: Why Apartel Matters
Here's the thing about Apartel that you really need to understand: they arrived at a crucial moment in Philippine music history. When they formed in 2016, the local scene was dominated by indie pop, folk, and various forms of rock. Soul music wasn't exactly at the forefront of the Filipino music conversation.
Apartel changed that. They showed that OPM could encompass sophisticated soul arrangements and still connect with listeners. They proved that Filipino musicians could excel in genres not typically associated with the local scene. In many ways, they helped expand the boundaries of what OPM could be.
If you haven't seen Apartel perform live, you're missing out on something truly special. On stage, the band transforms into an even more powerful entity. With anywhere from 8 to 12 musicians creating a wall of sound, their concerts are less like typical gigs and more like soul revues of the 1960s and '70s.
The band's energy is infectious, with tight rhythms, blaring horns, and Ely's distinctive vocals creating an atmosphere that simply can't be fully captured on recordings. Their shows at venues like 19 East and their festival appearances have become the stuff of legend among Filipino music fans.
The Cultural Impact: Beyond Just Music
Apartel represents something bigger than just great tunes. In a music industry often driven by trends and commercial considerations, they stand for artistic integrity and musical craftsmanship. They remind us that there's still room for bands that prioritize musicianship and composition over image and marketing.
They've also helped introduce younger Filipino music fans to soul, funk, and R&B through a local lens. By connecting these genres to the Philippine experience, they've created something that feels both universal and distinctly Filipino.
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| Promotional poster for Ely Buendia's record label "Offshore Music." |
What's Next for Apartel?
While the band hasn't been as active in recent years as they were immediately following their two album releases, that doesn't mean they're gone. Like many supergroups composed of busy musicians with multiple projects, Apartel operates on its own timeline.
Whether they're currently working on new material or taking a creative break, their influence continues to be felt in the Filipino music scene. Several newer acts have emerged showing clear Apartel influence, embracing soul, funk, and R&B with a distinctly Filipino approach.
Why You Should Listen to Apartel Right Now
Look, it can’t be denied that an overwhelming amount of music competing for your attention these days. But here's why you should make time for Apartel:
- They represent
some of the best musicianship the Philippines has to offerÂ
- Their songs
reward repeated listening with layers of musical detailÂ
- They've created
a unique fusion of classic soul and Filipino sensibilitiesÂ
- Their lyrics offer thoughtful reflections on life, love, and society
Start with songs like "Is It Hip?," "Patterns," "Sala Sa Init," and "Mejor Vivir." Once these tracks hook you—and trust me, they will—dive into their albums in full. Each listen reveals new details you missed before.
The Final Note
Apartel might not be the most famous band to emerge from the Philippines, but they're certainly one of the most musically significant of recent years. In a music scene that sometimes prioritizes trends over substance, they've remained committed to creating art that matters.
So whether you're a longtime OPM fan or someone just discovering Filipino music, do yourself a favor and check out Apartel. Their music represents not just great soul, but the endless possibilities of what Filipino musicians can achieve when they follow their artistic vision without compromise.
And who knows? Maybe someday soon we'll be blessed with new material from this extraordinary collective. Until then, their existing catalog provides more than enough musical richness to explore and enjoy.
Have you listened to Apartel yet? What's your favorite track? Drop a comment below—we'd love to hear your thoughts on this remarkable band!
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