Being an independent band is not always about the music. It is about finding the time to keep creating, traveling from one side of the country to another for a show, dealing with people who will always have something to say, and still choosing to continue. For DISENGAGED PH, however, the answer to why they keep going is simple: “Kasi mahal namin kung anu ginagawa namin.”
Their journey as an indie band reflects the realities of balancing music with everyday life. From managing their time and finding opportunities to navigating the local music scene, DISENGAGED PH has learned that staying committed to what they love means learning how to endure the challenges that come with it.
The Reality of Being Independent
One of the hardest parts of being an independent band is the reality of performing and creating music in the Philippines. DISENGAGED PH acknowledges that it can be difficult to operate independently, especially when opportunities require bands to travel long distances.
“Malaking tulong nalang din if may mga Productions na nagegets nila minsan yung situation ng mga bands,” they shared, particularly when productions understand the circumstances of bands coming from far away, from North to South, as they put it.
For an independent band, support and understanding from productions can make a difference, especially when distance becomes part of the challenge.
Making Time for Music
Balancing music with work and life comes down to one thing for the band: time management.
“Yun na mismo. Time management.”
For DISENGAGED PH, knowing how to handle time properly is important not only for being in a band but also for life in general. If a person cannot manage their time properly, committing to something becomes difficult.
The band’s experience reflects the reality of being musicians while also having other responsibilities. Making music requires commitment, and commitment requires knowing how to make time for what matters.
Why They Keep Going
Despite the challenges, there is one simple reason DISENGAGED PH continues.
“Kasi mahal namin kung anu ginagawa namin.”
That love for what they do is enough reason to keep moving forward.
When asked if there was ever a moment when they wanted to give up, the answer was clear.
“Never naging option samin yun. Sa banda man or sa totoong buhay.” – Vin
Giving up has never been an option for them, whether it comes to the band or life itself.
Learning Not to Please Everyone
One of the biggest lessons the band has learned is that there is no need to please everyone.
“Wala kang kahit sinong kelangnang I please. Dahil kahit anong gawin mo, meron at meron silang masasabi tungkol sayo.”
For DISENGAGED PH, the important thing is to continue doing what you love. No matter what you do, there will always be something someone can say about it. Instead of trying to satisfy everyone, the band chooses to focus on their passion.
Finding an Opportunity Through Luzsphere
Their opportunity with Luzsphere came after Luz left Stardom.
The band approached Luz and asked if she could manage them. She agreed, opening another opportunity for DISENGAGED PH.
“Nung si Luz ay umalis na sa Stardom. Nagsabi ako sa kanya kung pwede ba nya kami i manage. Ayun pumayag naman sya.”
A Historical Moment
For DISENGAGED PH, one of their biggest achievements so far was being part of the Rizal Music Fest.
“Nung nakasalang kami sa isa sa mga Historical na event ng Rizal (Rizal Music Fest). Para samin ang solid non.”
Being part of the event stands out as a significant moment for the band, one they consider solid and memorable.
The Local Music Scene
When asked what they would change about the local music scene, DISENGAGED PH had a direct answer.
“Labels. Purists etc.”
They also pointed toward gatekeepers in the scene, ending their answer with a message of defiance:
“Sama na natin yung mga Gate keepers. Nakataas gitnang daliri namin sa inyo mga sir!”
For the band, these are among the things they would like to see addressed within the local music scene.
“Strength to Endure”
When it comes to their most personal song, DISENGAGED PH says that the songs they listen to all connect with their personalities in different ways.
But among their own songs, one stands out:
“Strength to Endure.”
The title itself reflects something that runs throughout their answers, the ability to continue, endure, and keep doing what they love despite the challenges that come with being independent musicians.
A Message to New Bands
For new bands, DISENGAGED PH’s advice is simple: do what you love.
“Basta nyo gawin mga hilig nyo kasi pag dumating na kayo sa time na kelangan nyo nang harapin yung totoong laban sa buhay mahihirapan na kayong pag sabayin lahat.”
The reality is that life eventually brings responsibilities that can make it harder to balance everything. For the band, learning how to manage time becomes essential.
“Not unless meron kayo nung sagot namin sa question number 2. Haha”
For DISENGAGED PH, being an indie band is about facing the realities that come with music while refusing to let those realities become a reason to stop. It is about managing time, accepting that not everyone will approve, finding opportunities, and continuing because you love what you do.
And for them, giving up was never an option.
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