Despite the return of music festivals and live concerts in other parts of the world, large crowd gatherings remain prohibited in the Philippines, thus making face-to-face music gigs impossible– prompting musicians to improvise, adapt, and hopefully overcome COVID-brought challenges.
Brian Sombero of Filipino synthwave pop band Brisom shares how they are currently coping in the new normal.
“The pandemic took away our main livelihood which is live gigs, but luckily we get some online bookings but very few lang, still thankful and surviving though!” Brian tells My Pope Philippines as he recalls their last public performance in February 2020. (Read: Pinoy Band ‘Run Dorothy’ Shares How COVID Changed PH Music)
“Aside from financial, it’s also affecting us mentally [because] it took away the live aspect and live interaction with the people who watch us by having zoom gigs, at least we get to keep in touch with our supporters kahit screen lang katapat,” he adds.
Brisom has performed online on Rakista Radio, Globe’s #VirtualHangouts Summer Fest, and ELEMENTS 2021 Online Concert Series, to name a few.
Asked how they spend their free time, Brian says through working out, “That’s how we mainly cope by getting fit. Walang ginagawa eh!“
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on live shows and gigs, Brian is still positive that the worst will be over soon, “Lapit na yan matapos!“
What’s next for Brisom?
Brian shares they will be releasing more songs this year and will be practicing more to get ready once live gigs finally receive the green light.
“When it happens, we expect left and right gigs, that’s why we exercise para physically kayanin namin and mentally.” (Read: A Prayer for a Healthy Body)
Formed in 2013, Brisom is composed of Brian (vocals, guitars, and synths), Timothy Abbott (synths, beats, and programming), Jason Rondero (bass), and Jeffrey Castro (drums and samplers).
In 2018, their “Balewala” won the “Rock Video of the Year” in the Myx Music Awards.
For those who want to enter the music scene, Brian tells budding musicians to just keep on creating. (Read: This Pinay Artist Says the Pandemic Reignited Her Love for Painting)
“Don’t push yourself too much, do it at your own pace, this is not a race. Artistry takes time and a lot of experience, just be consistent. Also, exercise. Believe us, push yourself, it’s gonna help not only physically but mentally,” he adds.
The post From Live Music to Zoom Gigs: How Filipino Band Brisom Is Coping in the New Normal appeared first on My Pope Philippines.
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