EXCLUSIVE: OPM band Calein eyes full-length album, looks forward to new musical journey

OPM band Calein is entering a new chapter in its career, setting its sights on creating music that not only connects with listeners but also helps them navigate their emotions and personal experiences.

 In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, the band shared its goals for this new stage of its musical journey, emphasizing its desire to make songs that offer comfort.

 “Our biggest goal with Calein is to use our music to uplift people and help them embrace their emotions, whatever they may be going through. We want our songs to be part of their journey and let them know that it’s okay to feel deeply,” the band shared. 

 Beyond this goal, Calein is also looking forward to exploring new musical directions, with a full-length album in the works that they hope to release in early 2027.

 “Right now, we’re exploring different sounds and ideas for our upcoming full-length album, which we’re hoping to release in early 2027. After that, we’re also planning to create another album focused on worship and praising God. It’s something we really want to explore as a band, and we’re excited to see where this new musical journey will take us,” vocalist and songwriter JD Mustacho added.

 Since making their debut in 2019, the band has also seen significant growth in how its members approach their craft, learning to work together more efficiently and develop a creative process that works for them.

 “Over the years, I think Calein has become more efficient and more comfortable with our creative process. We’ve developed our own way of making music, from songwriting and arranging to recording, producing, and releasing a song,” JD explained.

 JD also shared how each member contributes to the band’s music, with everyone bringing their strengths and ideas to the creative process. “I usually handle the songwriting and build the foundation of each song. Benjo helps develop the beats and find the sounds that fit the song, while Oliver works on the bass lines and grooves. I also take care of the vocals and recording.”

 “What I’m most proud of is how we’ve learned to work together and understand each other’s strengths. We each have our own role, but we bring our ideas together to create something that feels like Calein,” he continued.

 Calein recently released a remastered version of its 2020 hit song “Oras,” giving the track another opportunity to reach listeners with a renewed sound while preserving the emotions behind the original.

 As Filipino music continues to reach wider audiences, the band hopes to contribute to the growing OPM scene by creating songs that listeners can turn to during different stages of their lives.

 “For us, Calein is more than just a band. It’s our way of expressing what we feel and sharing those feelings with other people through music. As the Filipino music scene continues to grow, we’re grateful that we get to be part of it and share our songs with more listeners,” JD said.

 He continued, “Personally, I want Calein to be a band that people can turn to whenever they’re going through something in life. Whether they’re happy, heartbroken, confused, or searching for comfort, I hope they can find a piece of themselves in our songs. We may not be able to solve their problems, but if our music can make them feel understood, even for a moment, that already means a lot to us. That’s the kind of impact we want to leave as a band.”