Legazpi hits: The sound and style of a new generation

Gigs like these are part of the Coteng Series organized by Coteng, a tight-knit collective dedicated to curating intimate cafe gigs, hosting local art fairs, and sharing a deep love for cats. They operate as a branch of the Children of the Mist Records and Productions, one of the most popular record labels in town and the home of Bicolano indie music. The outfit has previously held other artist-themed sessions, covering the likes of Taylor Swift, The Beatles, and The 1975. These events help up-and-coming performers find their audience by taking something popular and familiar, like a certain song, artist or genre, and allowing them to put their own spin on it.

Funky tunes, fresh faces

For young performers, spaces like these are an avenue for growth and discovery. Still, it can be terrifying to dive into the music scene with people who have probably attended gigs together for years. This echoes what newcomers Crosant felt, having only performed at school events.

Crosant is composed of Grade 11 students Hector Jaucian, Jian Barrios, Raj Miraflor, Khoebe Ginez, Christian Arana, and Ian Callos. They say it’s because of the uniqueness of bands like Green Day, IV of Spades, and Kamikazee that they found a liking for alternative and indie rock. The Coteng Series marks their first step as part of a new generation of performers inspired by the ones that came before them.

“Our passion for music and having fun as a band inspired us to keep performing together and to finally take on gigs like this. We were excited and nervous because it was the very first time that we performed in front of people we didn’t know,” the band shares. “Pero sabi namin, ‘Enjoy lang natin, tripping lang.’”

Joshua Andrei Morales, bassist of The Illad, says that even if the band is often busy with school and other commitments, performing has become a part of their lifestyle. They only do covers for now, but they plan to branch out and play originals in the future.

“We do (gigs) as a stress reliever. Performing is where we have fun and express our current feelings through music,” Morales says.

Making our own kind of music

The gig culture in Legazpi is almost like a character itself, alive and breathing.

What’s truly special about the intimate cafe gigs here in the province is that even though our favorite performers from Manila and abroad only come and visit once in a blue moon, we have a plethora of talents and creatives right here at home. You’ll find an entire fanbase consisting of both dedicated listeners and casual enjoyers. Even creatives putting their stickers, crochet pieces, bracelets and other merch out into the world welcome you to their little booths.

I was both awestruck and overwhelmed to be caught in the midst of this artist solidarity. “They’re so cool!” I kept thinking whenever I saw a girl in a killer grunge outfit selling art prints or when I passed by the group dressed like the members of IV of Spades. I used to think I would never be able to enjoy artists performing live unless it was in a massive arena away from home, with major production numbers. But here I was, in my own city, having a blast and feeling like a character in a coming-of-age film.

It’s a new generation finding themselves in an ever-changing world, clinging to the buzz of electric instrumentals and the nostalgia and comfort of good music.

“Masaya ang bawat gig kasi nakikita mo talagang nagsabay-sabay 'yung fans ng mga local artist. There’s always something to look forward to kasi solid ang tugtugan at samahan,” says Jule Haspela, an avid performer at gigs around Legazpi.

With the caffeine still kicking in, my friends and I went home that rainy night running under one umbrella. We hummed along to the songs long after the music faded into the distance. With an assortment of random merch in my bag and a new playlist of songs in my head, my wallet might have been empty but my heart was full.

There’s certainly no quiet moment at gigs, but there is comfort. That comfort comes from sticking to your own stuff or learning to explore; the people you’re sharing the space with won’t judge. This community of artists supporting their fellow artists has been thriving since even before we were born. Now, it’s our generation’s time to keep it alive—on our own terms, in our own ways, and with our own sound and style.