There's something magical about watching a band evolve from humble beginnings to becoming a defining voice in their country's music scene. One Click Straight's journey is exactly that kind of captivating story—a tale of brotherhood, persistence, and artistic evolution that has shaped contemporary OPM.
This is the ultimate deep dive into One Click Straight—where they came from, what makes them tick, and why they're one of the most exciting acts in OPM today.
The Early Days: Just Kids Jamming
Before they were filling venues and dominating playlists, One Click Straight was simply a group of school kids making noise together:
- Toffer Marquez — bass, keyboards
- Sam Marquez — guitar
- Tim Marquez — drums, percussion
- Joel Cartera — guitar
Around 2009-2010, the Marquez brothers—Sam, Tim, and Toffer—along with their cousin Joel Cartera, were just jamming between classes with no serious ambitions. These casual sessions in their garage were merely an outlet for teenage expression, a way to escape the routine of school life.
These informal jam sessions laid the groundwork for something much bigger than they could have imagined. The chemistry was undeniable—the natural synergy that comes from growing up together, from sharing DNA and dinner tables long before sharing stages.
Noticed something? There’s no ‘lead vocals’ in the designated band roles. Why? Because all of them do lead vocals whenever they feel like it. Cool, right?
The Decision That Changed Everything: 2014
The pivotal moment came in 2014 when what had been casual play transformed into serious artistic pursuit. The band officially decided to become ONE CLICK STRAIGHT—a name that would eventually be recognized throughout the Filipino music landscape.
This wasn't just about picking a band name; it marked a fundamental shift in how they approached their craft. They began writing and producing original music, moving beyond covers and jam sessions to create something uniquely theirs. This period was marked by intense learning—teaching themselves production techniques, songwriting structures, and the practical aspects of being in a working band.
What makes this transition particularly remarkable is that they didn't just focus on making music—they embraced the full spectrum of what it meant to be independent artists. They learned how to book their own shows, promote their music, and build a following from scratch.The Grind: Underground Shows and Empty Rooms
The formative years of One Click Straight weren't glamorous. They were a tough array of strange gigs—underground shows where the band sometimes outnumbered the audience. There were nights when only two people showed up to see them play, moments that would have discouraged less determined musicians.These early struggles forged their resilience. Each sparsely attended gig was not a failure but a workshop—a chance to refine their sound, their stage presence, their connection with whoever was willing to listen.
But it wasn't all empty rooms. These underground shows also connected them with other artists and production teams in the scene. These relationships became the foundation of their network, opening doors to opportunities that would gradually elevate their profile.DIY Ethos: A DAW Band at Heart
At the core of One Click Straight's musical identity is their relationship with technology. The Marquez brothers consider themselves a "DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) band," embracing the possibilities of digital production from their earliest days.
This technical approach to music-making has been integral to their distinctive sound—a blend of organic instrumentation and electronic elements that feels both intimate and expansive. Their comfort with technology allowed them to self-produce their music, maintaining creative control over every aspect of their sound.
This technical proficiency gave them the freedom to experiment with genre boundaries, blending indie rock foundations with synth-pop textures and dance-worthy beats. The result is a sound that feels distinctly theirs—immediately recognizable yet constantly evolving.
Family Ties: The Secret Ingredient
Perhaps the most powerful element in One Click Straight's story is the foundation of family. The band isn't just a collection of musicians who met through auditions or mutual friends—it's three brothers, and a cousin.
Notable Songs: The Soundtrack to Their Evolution
One Click Straight's musical catalog charts not just their musical growth but also their emotional maturation as artists. Their standout tracks offer windows into different phases of their artistic journey, each showcasing their versatility and consistent songcraft.
"Paraiso"
"MRT"
Named after Manila's metro rail transit system, "MRT" is One Click Straight at their most observational and urban. The track captures the frenetic energy of city life through driving rhythms and urgent guitar work. The song's propulsive energy mirrors the constant motion of urban existence, while the lyrics offer glimpses of fleeting connections made in transit.
"Telepono"
With its infectious groove and vintage electronic flourishes, "Telepono" demonstrates the band's skill at crafting dance-worthy tracks that still maintain emotional depth. The song explores disconnection and longing in the digital age—themes that resonate deeply with their generation. Its blend of nostalgic synth tones with contemporary production techniques exemplifies their cross-era appeal.
"Dahan-dahan"
This track showcases One Click Straight's more introspective side, with delicate guitar work and restrained vocals that build to emotional crescendos. The song's contemplative lyrics about taking things slowly in a fast-paced world reveal their thoughtful approach to contemporary challenges.
"Hahayaan"
Perhaps their most emotionally raw offering, "Hahayaan" deals with acceptance and moving forward. The track's atmospheric production creates space for vulnerability, with vocals that convey genuine emotional weight. The song's careful balance of electronic elements with organic instrumentation demonstrates their production sophistication.
Discography: The Sound Evolution
One Click Straight's discography of 2 albums and one EP captures a band continuously refining their craft while fearlessly exploring new sonic territories.
The Midnight Emotion (2018)
"The Midnight Emotion" positioned One Click Straight as a significant new voice in OPM, earning critical acclaim and expanding their audience beyond the underground scene that had nurtured them.
ONE CLICK STRAIGHT (2023)
Five years after their debut, the band released their self-titled album—a bold choice that signified a definitive statement about their identity as artists. "ONE CLICK STRAIGHT" revealed a band that had grown more confident in their sonic explorations, embracing a more expansive sound palette while maintaining the emotional core that defined their work.Telepono EP (2025)
Their most recent release, this EP confirms that One Click Straight remains committed to growth rather than repetition. Even as established artists with a dedicated following, they continue to challenge themselves by collaborating with other artists. In one version of “Telepono,” Clara Benin jammed with the band, lending her vocals in an acoustic track.Final Thoughts: The Evolution Continues
From those casual school jams to becoming one of the most innovative voices in contemporary OPM, One Click Straight's journey embodies the power of artistic persistence. Their evolution from playing to empty rooms to influencing a generation of Filipino musicians speaks to their unwavering commitment to their craft.
The band that started with school kids jamming between classes has become a touchstone in OPM—and their evolution suggests the best chapters of their story are still being written.
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