Taylor Swift is the gift that keeps on giving!
Just last Friday, she dropped her surprise eighth studio album “folklore”, an immaculate indie-folk perfection where she poured all of her “whims, dreams, fears, and musings”. Recorded in isolation, Swift said the album is “a collection of songs and stories that flowed like a stream of consciousness”.
So.. It’s been almost a week since the release of the album we never knew we needed. What are your favorite songs so far? Just like you, we’re also obsessing over this cohesive Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff-produced 16-track album.
In search of Pinoy “folklore” alternatives to listen to? We’re born ready! Here’s a comprehensive list of local bands and artists you should check out. PS. We highly suggest you listen to their music with quality Marshall headphones on!
Ben&Ben
First on the list is Ben&Ben, a nine-piece indie-folk band famous for redefining mainstream music with a blueprint that makes affection and intimacy feel expansive—a signature style of Taylor Swift.
Songs to get you started: Leaves, Lifetime, Kathang Isip
Listen to them on: Spotify, Youtube
Clara Benin
Just like Miss Swift, Clara Benin rose to fame due to her impressive songwriting skills. Her enchanting vocal style suits her laidback music that is perfect for rainy mornings and late-night listening sessions.
Songs to get you started: Parallel Universe, It’s Okay
Listen to her on: Spotify, Youtube
Ourselves The Elves
Ourselves The Elves are a four-piece garage folk band formed back in 2011. The band has already produced killer songs centered on themes of love and self-reflection—something that Taylor Swift is known for.
Songs to get you started: Baby I Love You So, Self Is Universe
Listen to them on: Spotify, Youtube
Bullet Damas
Bullet Damas’ music has been making rounds in the indie scene for 10 years—which makes him the epitome of indie-folk music in the Philippines. If you’re up for some distinctly Filipino raw and earthy music, he’s the artist you should listen to.
Songs to get you started: Put To Waste, Ninuno
Listen to him on: Spotify
Keiko Necesario
Keiko Necesario has that distinct music discography that hurts the same as Taylor Swift’s. From writing songs at a very young age to independently producing her own studio album some five years ago, Keiko Necesario has definitely come a long way.
Songs to get you started: Right Next To You, Away From The Current
Listen to her on: Spotify
Johnoy Danao
For intimate, heart-wrenching “folklore”-like music, Filipino independent musician, composer, and singer-songwriter Johnoy Danao is the artist you should check out. Warning: His music will break your heart into pieces.
Songs to get you started: Ikaw At Ako, Buntong-Hininga
Listen to him on: Spotify
Reese Lansangan
Reese Lansangan is a singer-songwriter, artist, graphic designer, fashion designer, and author—all rolled into one. Famous for her NASA-featured A Song About Space, she has been releasing indie-pop songs that will remind you of certain songs from “folklore”.
Songs to get your started: Home, An Opportunity To Go To The Moon
Listen to her on: Spotify
Shirebound & Busking
Shirebound & Busking has been around for so many years, but it was only when the hit TBA Studios movie I’m Drunk I Love You featured his songs that he got a taste of mainstream success (yes, he’s a solo act). Listening to this Filipino folk singer will inspire you to write songs just like what “folklore” did to us.
Songs to get you started: Waltz Of Four Left Feet, Pahintulot
Listen to them on: Spotify
Share this list with your family and friends!
ShopBack is a Cashback reward platform that allows savvy shoppers to earn a portion of their online spendings as Cashback. You get all the best deals and discounts from your favorite online stores and earn Cashback that you can easily payout to your bank account. Join ShopBack now to make the best experience out of your online shopping.