EXCLUSIVE: Moonstar88 talks about the rise of OPM in today’s music scene
More than two decades since their debut, OPM band Moonstar88 continues to find inspiration in the stories and experiences of listeners who have found comfort in their music.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Herbert Hernandez shared how rewarding it is for the band to hear from fans who turn to their songs through different stages of their lives.
“Rewarding is yung may mga message namin na nakakasama raw nila yung mga kanta namin. Through their downs and ups. So, ano yun eh, it’s a blessing kasi kahit may pera ka, I mean, feeling ko priceless yan. You were able to do your job or your gift na may mashare mo sa iba,” Herbert said.
While the band’s music continues to connect with listeners, Herbert also acknowledged that staying together and making music has come with its own set of challenges, particularly as the members grow older and take on more responsibilities.
“Well sa challenges, scarcity ng time talaga. We would love to have all those time. Unlike nung bata kami na we could really tambay pa talaga na sobrang lahat. We could do everything. Pero as we, kumbaga, nagiging mature na kami and choosing yung time to spend wisely,” he said.
For vocalist Maysh Baay, this growth and maturity have also shaped the way they approach their music, particularly in creating their latest album, Habambuhay, which reflects the band’s aspiration to become part of OPM history and reach listeners across generations.
She admitted that balancing creativity and efficiency was one of the challenges they faced throughout the album’s production.
“But that also makes us more intentional. So, yung, the whole process of recording the Habambuhay album, yung challenge is to really be very efficient and creative at the same time. And sometimes that could be like medyo parang opposite force siya. May tension. Pero we were really locked in together in the process of writing the songs, recording, doing the demo. Parang everybody was prepared and may ambag,” she said.
Meanwhile, the band also expressed their happiness over the continued growth of the local music industry, particularly as more Filipino artists gain recognition and bring OPM to a wider audience.
Drummer Bon Sundiang said being able to continue making music, releasing new material, and sharing their stories with listeners remains a blessing, especially with the support they receive from their label and management.
He added that the band took pride in being part of an industry that continues to grow and reach the global stage: “We’re happy. And we’re happy that we’re still here doing this. And nabibigay na opportunity to do this and to share it and to create new songs. New album. Since supported by a label and our management. So, for us, it’s a blessing. For me, it’s a blessing. And seeing all the other talents and yung pag-level up ng songwriting, ng performances, and everything up to the global stage!”