Podcast
Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana
Hosted by Ervin Besana · FI
20+ years in OPM. One unfiltered voice. Ervin Besana is a veteran bassist and a dedicated music reviewer and critic. Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana is where the technical craft of a musician meets the sharp eye of a professional critic.
In a world of "nice" opinions, Ervin provides high-level, constructive criticism to help artists sharpen their craft and help fans find music they actually love. From viral hits to underground gems, we analyze music with the ear of a player and the standards of a critic. No bias. Just the truth.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Live Performance vs Spotify | Building REAL Fans | AI in Music
1w ago01:04:55Tap to summarizeLive Performance vs Spotify.Building REAL Fans.AI in Music.Sa bagong episode ng Usapang Musiko, kasama ko si Monty Macalino ng Mayonnaise para pag-usapan ang isa sa pinakamalaking reality check sa music scene ngayon:• Bakit hindi sapat ang streams• Paano talaga bumuo ng loyal fans• Difference ng listeners vs superfans• Stage presence at live performance• At paano binabago ng AI ang music industryWalang bias. Walang filter.#UsapangMusiko #MontyMacalino #Mayonnaise #OPM #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast #AIMusic #Spotify #PinoyMusic
Transcribe →
From Chops to Pocket: Real Talk on Musical Growth
4w ago01:26:17Tap to summarizeSa episode na to ng Usapang Musiko, kasama ang guest na si Eljomiah Cal (former co-host ng Mind The Beats) pinag-usapan namin ang isang reality na maraming musicians ang ayaw aminin:Hindi lahat ng kayang mong tugtugin… dapat mong tugtugin.Pinag-usapan namin:Paano nag-evolve ang playing style from “chops” to musicalityBakit mas mahalaga ang space at pocket kaysa speed at complexityAng harsh truth tungkol sa overplaying sa bandaAt reflections mula sa Mind The Beats era. Ano ang tama, at ano ang kulangDiretso, walang filter, walang pa-impress.Kung musician ka, lalo na kung feeling mo kailangan mong magpakitang-gilas palagi, para sayo to.
Transcribe →
Song Review: Callisto, The Little Pear, wax.wav
Apr 2601:12:47Tap to summarizeSa episode na to ng Usapang Musiko, sinuri namin ang tatlong bagong OPM tracks:Pula't Puti – CallistoSun Mon – The Little Pear10PM – wax.wavPinag-usapan namin:- Bakit “perfect sounding” songs minsan walang kaluluwa- Bakit exposed ka agad pag hindi mo kaya i-perform live- At bakit mas tumatagal ang kanta na may identity—kahit hindi flawlessWalang bias. Walang filter.
Transcribe →
Music Industry Truths Every OPM Artist Must Know
Apr 1400:50:17Tap to summarizeMusicians love to say:“Music lang, sapat na.”Reality check—it’s not.In this episode, Ervin Besana and Monty Macalino breaks down:Why success depends on your definition—not your talentThe role of business, contracts, and positioningAnd why most artists fail before they even understand the gameBottom line:Good music gets ignored every day.Smart artists don’t.
Transcribe →
Song Review: Ozone Vibe, Off To Aurora, Eleyn
Mar 3000:50:59Tap to summarizeSa episode na ‘to ng Usapang Musiko, sinuri namin ang tatlong bagong OPM tracks:Gusto Ko – Ozone VibeBituin – Off To AuroraFall Back – EleynPinag-usapan namin:Bakit “loose” pakinggan ang ibang tracks kahit maganda ang ideaBakit hindi sapat ang pagiging polishedAt bakit may mga kanta na kahit hindi perfect… mas tumatamaWalang bias, walang filter.
Transcribe →
Monty Macalino: The Truth About OPM Labels & Longevity
Mar 2301:37:27Tap to summarize"I want the song to be famous, not me." Most bands in the Philippines hit a wall after just 24 months. Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise has been at the top for over 20 years. In this episode, we’re stripping away the "rockstar" ego to talk about the brutal business of staying relevant.Monty joins me to discuss the "Jopay" Paradox—the blessing and the curse of having a hit song that refuses to die. We dive into the reality of major labels vs. the independent grind, the ethics of making money in the OPM scene without "cheating" the system, and why your technical ability on stage is the only thing that actually protects your reputation.What you’ll learn:The 2-Year Rule: Why longevity is the hardest thing to achieve in the local scene.The Label Trap: When to sign and when to stay independent.Creative Evolution: Using AI and nostalgia to write songs when you’re no longer a "sad boy."The Live Standard: Why "playing it live" is a non-negotiable professional etiquette.
Transcribe →
How Music Labels Really Work | OPM Industry Secrets with Monty Macalino
Mar 1601:24:48Tap to summarize"No matter how good your song is, if it's not the right time, it won't work." In this episode, I’m joined by Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise to deconstruct the "general knowledge" of the music industry that most artists learn too late.We’re diving into the "miscommunications" of the label world and the controversial reality of how songs actually reach Number 1. From the truth about payola to why certain tracks take 20 years to finally have their "resurgence," we aren't holding back on what it takes to survive this small, often careless industry.Key Topics:Label Mechanics: How the industry actually functions behind the scenes.The Radio Game: Understanding payola vs. genuine station interest.The Power of Timing: Why the "perfect product" still needs the right moment to explode.Industry Longevity: Lessons from 20 years in the OPM scene.
Transcribe →
5 Music Career Mistakes I Wish I Avoided
Mar 900:21:37Tap to summarizeAre you playing gigs for the same ten people every week? Are you waiting for the world to "discover" your genius while your Spotify plays stay at zero? In this solo episode, Ervin Besana breaks down the 5 hard truths he learned while navigating the Filipino music scene. This isn't about being a "rockstar," it's about the tactical mistakes that separate hobbyists from professionals.Key Takeaways:Stop Post-and-Pray Marketing: Why you need clear audio and a strategy before you hit "upload." Character over Playlist: If you don't have a personality, you can't market your music. The Power of 'No': Learning to skip the gigs that add zero value to your portfolio. Write More, Play Less: Balancing the craft of songwriting with the thrill of performing. Music is Business: Why you need to create demand instead of waiting for itArtistic integrity is great, but it doesn't pay the bills. Choose to be strategic.
Transcribe →
The Louie Jay Owa Interview: The Chongkeys to EnjointPH Transition
Mar 100:44:44Tap to summarizeThe Season 3 Premiere is here. Sa pagbubukas ng bagong season, hindi tayo magsisimula sa mababaw. Kasama natin si Louie Jay Owa Velasco. Frontman ng EnjointPH, lead guitarist ng The Chongkeys, and brand ambassador ng Vans at Tribal Gear. Sa loob ng 12 taon sa industriya, nakita niya ang lahat: mula sa siksikang Rakrakan Festival hanggang sa "real-life work" na kaakibat ng pagiging recording artist.Hihimayin natin ang psychology ng isang performer. Paano mo pinapatay ang "Chongkeys character" para bigyang-daan ang "Enjoint identity"? Paano mo mapapanatili ang 100% energy sa isang kantang libu-libong beses mo nang tinugtog at sawa ka na, pero 'yun ang hinahanap ng crowd?Topics Covered:The Saturation Struggle: Mas mahirap ba sumikat noon na kailangang lumabas ng bahay, o ngayon na mabilis makalimutan ang artist dahil sa dami ng ingay sa internet?Creative Friction: Ang teorya kung ang pinakamagandang kanta ba ay nabubuo sa "chill" na vibe o sa gitna ng tensyon at banggaan ng ideas.The Legacy Track: Ang isang kanta na ititira ni Owa kung kailangang burahin ang buong discography niya para sa susunod na henerasyon.---Find me anywhere: https://linktr.ee/ervinbesana
Transcribe →
Off To Aurora - Sampung Hakbang TRACK REVIEW
Oct 2700:21:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ervin Besana reviews the new single 'Sampung Hakbang' by the band @OffToAurora . He discusses the technical aspects of the song, its nostalgic influences from the 90s and early 2000s, and provides a critical analysis of its lyrics and overall impact. The review culminates in a rating, reflecting on the song's potential as a reintroduction to the band while acknowledging its common themes.----Episode Timestamps:(00:00) - Dissecting 'Sampung Hakbang'(11:28) - The Bigger Picture and Final Thoughts----Listen to Sampung Hakbang on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1COCNJpFfpkArWa6WiT1wD?si=ke0lneSGQBmBHRFLPfae4AConnect with Off To Aurora: https://lnk.bio/offtoaurora----Let's Connect - https://linktr.ee/ervinbesanaSubstack - https://ervinbesana.subst`ack.com/Join the community - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SEi5bDiC/
Transcribe →