On February 27, the Philippine concert crowd welcomed FENIX 360, a new innovative app that aims to be “the future of social media”. The grand launch featured a spectacular mix of indie artists and established OPM names which drew a huge crowd of diverse music enthusiasts at the New Frontier Theater – among them were Josh Cullen, 6cyclemind, Autotelic, Nik Makino, Sunkissed Lola and more.

FENIX 360 is an innovative blockchain-based app that connects the artists to their fans and vice-versa. For artists, it’s a platform for them to release their music, sell their merchandise and talk to their fans. For fans, it’s a gateway to discover new music and support different artists directly. It was previously launched in Malaysia and Indonesia.

FENIX 360’s overall CEO Allan Klepfisz and Asia-Pacific CEO Sandy Monteiro were also present in the event. When interviewed by the host Ai Dela Cruz, they said that they chose the Philippines as their next destination because they knew we love music more than anyone else in the world. True enough, when the lineup was announced, the demand for tickets was so high, slots were filled right away. Admission to the event was free of charge. The only requirement was a simple app registration.

All 9 acts of the evening had their distinctive flavor, some outstanding quirk that would surely pique your interest. Starting this off was singer-songwriter Ica Frias who effortlessly belted high notes in her softly rousing acoustic ballads. She said she hopes “Ayoko Na” would become an anthem for the lovelorn.

Next up was the indie-pop sibling duo called No Lore composed of painter/visual artist Tita Halaman and multimedia artist Jerald. Together, they create “music from paintings with poetry” which was exactly what they showcased during their set. Their songs had a mystifying quality, something cut out from a tall fairy tale yet grounded in reality. This also bleeds into their video background which was interspersed with vibrant images from traditional paintings mixed with digital renders. They performed “Paumanhin” and “With Little Light”.

Toneejay – the artist behind “711”, one of 2023’s biggest earworms – also shone onstage. He might have appeared laidback and candid, but when he started singing, he captivated everyone’s attention. When he performed “Bawat Piyesa”, people were singing along, as if in a trance to its dreamy lyrics “Dito ka na lang habangbuhay”.

Gracenote might have been in the industry since 2008, but they still have surprises up their sleeves. During their introduction, the spotlight was on frontwoman Eunice Jorge who performed a stirring violin solo which led into their trademark cover song “When I Dream About You”. The band also performed their latest track “Babaeng Torpe”.

Fast rising indie band Sunkissed Lola was a scene stealer. With their smooth blend of funk rock and romance-stricken lyrics, it’s very easy to go with the flow of their music. Their songs “Paki Sabi” and “Pasilyo” are the kind you can slow dance to or cry to – maybe both if the mood called for it. When they performed, they easily established this synergy with the crowd. It was mesmerizing to see people swaying and singing along to the lines “ikaw at ikaw” from “Pasilyo”, which was drawn out and chanted for a dramatic ending.

Hip-hop artist Nik Makino brought all the swag that evening, and people adored him for it. When he rapped, the whole room rapped with him, especially during the explicit parts of his songs. During his performance of “Walwal”, “Lexi”and “MOON”, the majority of the crowd could just fill out the lyrics in a heartbeat. Behind his persona, however, Nik Makino revealed that it was his first time to sing live again in 3 months after being diagnosed with an illness related to his throat. Teary-eyed, he thanked the crowd for jamming along to his songs. He said it meant a lot to him as he thought his career was over when he got the news.

Alternative rock band Autotelic took the spotlight with their hits “Languyin” and “Takipsilim”. As always, it’s a pleasure to listen to the quintet’s mix of relatable, heart-tugging lyrics and danceable guitar lines. For a change of pace, they also performed the somber “Ikaw”, a ballad about longing, then they closed their set with the playfully nostalgic beats of “Laro”

The energy of OPM veterans 6cyclemind could not be stopped. Starting off with their cover of Eraserhead’s “Alapaap” and Hoobastank’s “The Reason”, the band immediately captured the crowd’s fervor. Kleggy from Banda ni Kleggy also made a special appearance during “Sandalan” until the end of their set. They also played their classic hits “Upside Down” and “Kasalanan”.

For the finale, all eyes were on Josh Cullen. After making his solo debut last year, the SB19 member has steadily made waves in the industry as a rapper and singer. His performance that evening also exhibited his improved mastery in performing. Josh flexed his sharp dance and oozing charisma during “Get Right” and “Wild Tonight”. He also gave the crowd a taste of his rapping skills during “Pakiusap Lang”.

Missed the event? Fret not because according to FENIX 360’s CEOs, they plan to hold another concert soon. Stay tuned for updates!

by Sandra Mae Laureano