I'm proud to proclaim that I belong to the 80's generation. It was the era of New Wave, Punk and Anarchy...non-conformity was a common cause. We ain't got no cell phones, no internet, no text messages, no yahoo messenger, no goggle yet the kids of my generation is still connected with an unseen bond that confuses even me. What is that common denominator that keeps such generation cool? The music perhaps, The attitude? The fashion or maybe the passion. It is undeniable that 80’s music is one of the best in terms of musical genre.
New wave music, which is a mix of the music of the 60’s and the 70’s is such a classic. Romanticism, poetry and psychedelic vibes blended magnificently. I can still hear new wave influenced bands invading the airwaves. Some local bands even had the guts in changing the lyrics and claiming such tunes as theirs. Can’t blame them though cause the hooks and the melodies are so addictive and at the same time soothing for someone to think that it was written especially for him. Several classics were produced during that highly creative era.
The fashion statement was also one of a kind. Black which was often used during funerals and mourning became the color of the moment. We were once branded as Satanists or cult members for wearing black outfits with spiky hair. It was during those times when an alleged cult would abduct little children, dressed in black with spiky hair do, and offer the poor kids during their satanic rituals. Hahaha, I guess some government bureaucrat was successful in covering whatever he the government was trying to hide by creating such public hysteria. In those days we were frowned upon, people would treat you differently because you have porcupine hair and studded boots. But it was more than just a fashion statement; the attitude comes with it too. Can’t explain how it works though. Hehehe
The art scene was also very much alive during the 80’s. Local artists were busy creating. Shows and exhibits were all around and the resulting art work really reflected the moment that was then. The atmosphere was really conducive in creating art and music that we would be at the Museo Iloilo almost every month to support an exhibit or a one man show.
Local bands also started to sprout out. The local music scene then was limited to a few restaurants that have cover bands that play whatever you wish them to play. Much like a jukebox, drop a coin, choose a song and press play. They were good no doubt about that, what’s missing is the feeling and the attitude that should go with every song. There’s no passion if I might say. The only way local acts would get gig is if New Wave concerts were organized, the favorite venue was at UP auditorium because it’s cheap. Bands would also play cover tunes but of their own choosing and also their own interpretation of a particular song. That’s how things started as far as I see it. Look at the scene now.
To quote the station I.D. of a now defunct but still have a cult following radio station,
“The station that dares to be different”
You dare?
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