Nothing defines OPM more than the sweet melodic flow of the Filipino
language to evoke a multitude of emotions. Artists like Ebe Dancel and
Autotelic use the local language in most of their compositions, though in
different genres. But at Coke Studio, this collaboration breathes a fresh life
into the local music industry by fusing the soulful song writing of Ebe with
the upbeat storytelling of Autotelic.
Ebe explained that he thinks of his song writing as a kind of advocacy.
“There can never be enough Tagalog songs,” he adds. He spoke of the innate
rhythmic quality to the Filipino language and continued by saying that it was a
plus that Autotelic used the same medium in their music.
 |
| Ebe Dancel |
Band members of Autotelic admitted that they were initially pressured
about the pairing because of their admiration for their collaborator and his
mastery of the mother tongue. “He could be like the Balagtas for millennials,”
exclaimed Josh Villena, vocalist and guitarist of Autotelic.
Finding inspiration is as easy as sitting calmly on a field and
reflecting according to Ebe. “I wouldn't say that I am consciously or
deliberately doing anything other than observing life,” he added. In the case
of Autotelic, the process is anything but calm but just as effective. “It’s an
explosion of ideas, a good mess,” said Kai, the band’s vocalist and
keyboardist.
 |
| Autotelic |
Despite these differences in song writing approach, the pairing
complemented each other. “When we first got to the studio, they were going,
‘Let’s do this! Let’s do this!’
Sometimes, when you’ve been at it for a long time, you let things like
worrying about getting away from traffic and all that fill your mind. It’s good to get new energy,” said Ebe.
Raymund Marasigan, Coke Studio host, was also a witness to this
energy. “I like that when we ask them
for one idea, they’ll give you back three!” he shared.
 |
| Ebe Dancel X Autotelic |
The result of the collaborative effort is the song, Bahagi, which both Ebe and Josh describe as a song of hope. Bahagi plays with the word’s dual
meanings as “a fragment” as well as “something to be shared”. The blending of
the pairings’ unique sounds and styles are bound to give listeners a treat.
To hear Ebe Dancel and Autotelic’s Bahagi
and other fresh and exciting collaborations, tune in to Coke Studio every
Saturday at 7 p.m. on TV5 or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudio.
The Coca-Cola
Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing
consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and nearly 3,900
beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and
recognizable brands, our company's portfolio features 21 billion-dollar brands,
19 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. These brands
include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater,
Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the
world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both
sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages
are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring
commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on
initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive
work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of
the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank
among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system
associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at
www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit
our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on
LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.
