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INDIE MUSIC THAT HEALS (1)

According to a study by Professor Graham Welch of the University of London, singing is beneficial for both physical and psychological aspects. It particularly increases oxygen levels in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body. Exercising the vocal chords is also good for the lungs and heart. Meanwhile, listening to music lights up areas of the brain and heightens positive emotions by stimulating the production of feel-good chemicals called dopamine.

During pre-Hispanic times, Filipinos were already known as intent music lovers. Proof of our love for music up to this day is our growing pool of musical artists that perform different genres. But not all musicians can be heard over the radio. Some of them are independent artists, who have a lot to offer in terms of musical diversity.

Today, Panahon TV shines the spotlight on some of these musicians that are real gems and worth checking out.
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Coeli San Luis
At age 7, San Luis has always sought comfort and strength in music. An excellent cellist blessed with a soulful voice, singer-songwriter Coeli has been actively performing in the local music scene since 2015. She enhanced her craft in songwriting back in 2013 when she joined Ryan Cayabyab’s songwriting camp. Last year Coeli launched her single, Magkaibigan o Magka-ibigan.

How would you describe your musical style?
It is a fusion of baroque, folk and pop.

What message do you want to convey to your listeners?
Embrace the process of life. Let love be genuine.

Would you consider you songs therapeutic for listeners? Why?
Most of the songs I write helped me embrace whatever situation I’m facing in life. I intend to set a spark. The healing process starts from within.

How would you like your songs to be remembered?
I would like for it to be something people can hold on to whenever they feel troubled or anxious. I want them to feel at home whenever they listen to my music.

How important are good lyrics VS a good melody?
For me, they are equally important. I paint a picture with both elements, and there will always be a variety of usage.

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Loop
“It is like reaching and influencing a lot of people through it— music can connect the many ways of life.” The soulful lead singer of the band Loop is Kim Trinidad, a native of Iligan City who started writing her songs in high school. “It is simply telling stories from experiences and observations as well,” she offers. True enough, Loop’s songs unfold like pages from a diary that speaks of admiration, longing, and happiness.

How would you describe your musical style?
This is a question that we’re not sure how to answer. But for the sake of categorization: Alternative Rock.

Would you consider your songs therapeutic for listeners? Why?
Not so sure about therapeutic, but at times when listeners can feel the message of the song, we are able to share the same experience.

How would you like your songs to be remembered?
Once in their lives, they heard a song that relates to them.

How important are good lyrics VS a good melody?
Both are important, to be honest, depending on your musical path. If you’re an instrumental band then there’s no need for lyrics. However, if you’re into spoken word or hip-hop, lyrics are everything.

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April Hernandez

“Music is life-changing,” is how April Hernandez describes her craft. Her songs tell stories of choosing hope and positivity even in tough times. Having grown up with music at an early age, Hernandez was classically trained in violin but taught herself to play guitar later on. She grew up with all sorts of music–from ’80s power ballads, to hip-hop, but it’s western folk music that resonates with her. “Sara Bareilles is a really big part of my life, both in writing and singing,” she says, adding the likes of Mumford and Sons, Gabrielle Aplin, Jose Gonzales, Bon Iver, and Bear’s Den as her musical influences.

How would you describe your musical style?
In terms of genre, I guess the closest I could liken it to is Folk Rock with a singer-songwriter aspect. It’s quiet, it’s loud, and full of feelings.

What message do you want to convey to listeners?
To suggest to listeners to see the beauty of life and the world. We spend so much time on different things that we really forget what the important stuff are.

Would you consider your songs therapeutic for listeners? Why?
In some aspect I would say yes. It’s realistic but is optimistic at the same time. I feel the like my songs give off a vibe that everything’s going to be okay.

How would you like your songs to be remembered?
Hopefully even after 10 years, people would still listen to them. I hope the songs make a strong connection with moments in people’s lives that even when they grow older, and when they listen to the songs, they could go back to those moments and feel the same exact thing. I hope that even after my generation, the songs would still live.

How important are good lyrics VS a good melody?
For me, no one aspect should be above the other; even the music. It’s a delicate balance and marriage among the three: lyrics, melody, music. The three should be able to support each other, give each other the space to breathe, and highlight each other’s strongest points in a song.

There’s no doubt that what we listen to plays a big role in our lives. The next time you go on a sound trip, why not try the road less traveled and give these indie artists a try? You might discover your latest favorite musician!