Gloc-9's Bloggers' Gathering

Gloc-9

I remember watching Jim Paredes saying with such conviction that the next Filipino song after Anak to hit it big overseas will not be a song in English. It will be one in Filipino instead. Now I say it with conviction that this song could be among the tracks from MKNM Mga Kwento ng Makata, the latest from Gloc-9 and his first under Universal Records. All tracks but one are in Filipino and they have the potential to be hits not just in the country, but in the international market as well. This album, a collection of smart and witty verses by Gloc-9 that clearly reflect Filipino sensibilities also boasts of collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry namely Chito Miranda, Bamboo, Ebe Dancel, Jay Durias, Billy Crawford and many others.

The album’s first single Sirena has already become a massive hit. It shouldn’t surprise anyone anymore if one hears random people singing the chorus at the most unexpected places. I heard someone singing it inside a public restroom for crying out loud. Gloc-9 recently had a Bloggers’ Gathering conference at Universal Records and it was a great chance for bloggers who attended to know more about him and how he comes up with his music. One thing we learned there was how the song Sirena came about. The song spawned from a conversation between Gloc-9 and Sandwich’s Raimund Marasigan. Meeting at the backstage during a concert, they discussed that there hasn’t been a song about homosexuals told from the first person perspective. From there, the wheels started turning for him and earlier on, Ebe Dancel was the frontrunner to sing that very catchy chorus. I couldn’t imagine now hearing someone else singing it.

Looking at Gloc-9 or Aristotle Pollisco in real life, he clearly defies the stereotypical and idealized image of a rapper. He doesn’t have any tattoos or any piercings in the first place. He looks inconspicuous just like everybody else although many did comment that he looked like popular actor John Lloyd Cruz in the Sirena music video. I also remember seeing him at the lobby prior to the Philippine Popular Music Festival Finals Night and he didn’t look nor act like a star that he is. He admitted that during gigs, most of the patrons wouldn’t even know who he was until he took to the stage and started performing. And this demeanor does reflect in his music. None of his tracks promote the party lifestyle or glamorize sex, drugs and violence. Instead, he serves social commentary with his verses and spices them up with probably the most infectious hooks heard in local music today.

During the bloggers conference, Gloc-9 also recalled that recording MKNM: Mga Kwento ng Makata took six months which was longer then usual compared to his other albums. Mostly, it went down to scheduling conflicts since majority of his tracks featured collaborations. But he said that it’s the recording that is his most cherished part in making the album. When he comes up with new compositions, he would normally let his producers hear it and then let them do the musical arrangement. This long wait probably made the album one of the most eagerly awaited releases of the past month. In fact, an additional album launch show was held over at Eastwood Central Plaza to meet the demands of people who clamored for more Gloc-9.

For the 15 years Gloc-9 has been in the industry, he has gone through a lot. He has changed labels and management and encountered difficulties in surviving in the music industry as a rapper. Now, he is not just some other rapper but is treated instead as one of the most respected artists in the industry. Even National Artist for Literature, Bienvenido Lumbera, lined up during one of his CD signings. Gloc-9 was also recently named as one of the National Peace Ambassadors by Malacanang with no other than President Benigno Aquino, Jr in attendance during the awarding ceremony. That is truly a huge deal from someone who found it hard to be marketed as a rapper.

Just like what I did with Bamboo before, I also had Gloc-9 leave a message in my little notebook and here is an English translation of what he wrote: “To Adrian! I will always be a fan and a follower of Filipino music! Long live OPM! Gloc-9 913912” With an album such as MKNM: Mga Kwento ng Makata, who wouldn’t be a fan and follower of Filipino music? Aside from this new album, Gloc-9 will have a special participation in certain performances of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Walang Kukurap. I am still not sure which performance dates he will show up but I do hope to catch him there as well.

"Mabuhay ang OPM!"

MKNM: Mga Kwento ng Makata is available at record stores nationwide. Sirena and the rest of the album's tracks are also available via digital downloads over iTunes and MyMusicStore Philippines.

Gloc-9’s Bloggers’ Gathering was presented by Universal Records in cooperation with LionhearTV, Pinoy Magazine and BANDS Magazine. Special thanks to Francis Magalona Clothing Co.

MKNM: Mga Kwento ng Makata

Tracks:

1. Balak Ni Syke

2. Apatnapungbara feat. Ian Tayao

3. Silup feat. Denise Barbacena

4. Alalay ng Hari feat. Allan Mitchell Silonga

5. Sirena feat. Ebe Dancel

6. Hindi Mo Nadinig feat. Jay Durias

7. Sino (Interlude)

8. Salarin feat. Bamboo Mañalac

9. Inday feat. Cathy Go

10. Bakit Hindi feat. Billy Crawford

11. Malakas (Interlude)

12. Pison feat. Chito Miranda

13. Thankful feat. Maychelle Baay of Moonstar88 & Bambu

Bonus:

14. Hari ng Tondo feat. Denise Barbacena

15. Kung Tama Siya feat. Jaq Dionisio of Kissjane