Cebu-based supergroup The Sundown has been selected to represent the Philippines at the upcoming Music Lane Okinawa Festival. It marks the second Cebu band to perform at the prestigious event. The band is excited to showcase Cebuano music on the global stage.
The Sundown, a quintet comprising vocalist Aaron Domingo of Thcrss, bassist Luigi Balazo of Sepia Times, guitarist Vincent Eco of Vispop, and guitarist Gino Rosales and drummer Alden Panes of Mandaue Nights, is known for its high-energy performances and anthemic pop-rock sound. They gained fame with their breakout hit 'UwU' and won the Wanderbattle in 2020.
It was recently announced that they will represent the Philippines alongside One Click Straight at next year's Music Lane Okinawa Festival. This is the second time a Cebuano act will perform there; last year, Eco made history as the first solo artist from Cebu to be selected. Eco submitted the application without telling the band, and they were shocked upon acceptance.
"Wa ko ka-ingon nila na nag-apply ko," Eco shares, laughing. The festival is a music showcase attended by global industry professionals, offering opportunities like record deals and international bookings. However, the Philippine government provides little support for music export, especially for acts from the Visayas and Mindanao facing disadvantages in the Manila-centric industry.
"The biggest thing at the back of our minds is, ‘the opportunity is so great, but how do we get there?’" Balazo says. The band is fundraising for travel costs and plans to release one or two new songs before the event. "Extra pressure siya," Domingo adds, but they are committed to delivering the best show to champion Cebuano music.
"Ganahan mi na daghan mi’g makaila, na mabunga siya eventually ug mga [artist collaborations]," Domingo concludes.