In this day and age, how do you stay relevant in the music industry?

This is what Bulletin Entertainment asked alternative pop band Paraluman that has been on the scene for more than a decade now.

Paraluman (Facebook)

Guitarist Jay Macalincag said they don’t think about it and they just continue playing out of passion.

“‘Di namin kaya ang ‘di tumugtog,” he said. “We want to convey messages to our listeners through songs.”

Asked how their sound has evolved, Jay said he writes 50% based on formula as they need to go with the trend to make it on mainstream.

“Kasi kung ako lang, gusto ko ‘yung mga ’90s na tunog lang eh pero hindi na s’ya masyado uubra ngayon so kailangan kong sabayan whatever what’s necessary para alam mo ‘yung maging friendly sa bigger mass,” he explained.

Vocalist Louisse De Leon acknowledged the power of social media in promoting artists. She said they try to come up with content on their online platforms as frequently as possible.

“Anyway it’s free so as long as you’re good, people will help disseminate your work,” Jay added.

He then recalled the days before social media came in.

“As in pumipili kami sa mga gig para lang marinig ‘yung music namin,” he remembered. “Sasakay ka ng jeep may dala kang gitara, ngayon may Grab (online taxi booking service) na, Angkas. Dati kami sasakay kaming ng three rides papuntang España para maka-gig. So ganu’n ka hirap dati, ngayon madali na lang.”

Jay cited performing on MB Life Live streamed from Manila Prime Hotel as example.

“It’s convenient for fans to listen to your music because they don’t need to go to the actual place just to watch you perform,” he said.

But there are downsides to it.

“Imbes na nakakasalamuha mo sila through gigs and ‘yung mga concerts, ngayon ‘di na nila kailangan pumunta, nuod na lang online,” lead guitarist Rj Romero pointed out.

Bassist Vince Romero and Dylan Mendoza agreed to it.

Paraluman knows “senti” and “hugot” songs are the trend so they churn those out.

“‘Bes, I Ever Had’ was a song about being in friendzone, while our recent song ‘Hanggang Dulo’ was supposed to be a wedding song.”

Why do Filipinos like hugot songs?

“Masyado nating pinapahalagahan ‘yung mga tao na hindi na dapat pahalagahan.”

And there they go again.