Podcast
Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana
Hosted by Ervin Besana · FI
Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana is an OPM podcast where veteran bassist, producer, and music critic Ervin Besana breaks down new releases, production techniques, songwriting, live performance, and the realities of today's Philippine music industry. Honest reviews. No hype. Just music.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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 →
Dear Juliet, - Biyaya (Track review)
Oct 1300:22:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ervin Besana discusses the return of the band Dear Juliet with their new single 'Biyaya'. He shares personal updates about his health and the direction of his channel, which will focus more on music reviews. The review of 'Biyaya' highlights its musical elements, production quality, and lyrical themes, while also critiquing the band's approach and expectations for future releases. Ervin emphasizes the importance of evolving as an artist and the challenges of meeting fan expectations. Episode Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and New Direction(08:28) - Review of 'Biyaya' by Dear Juliet(21:36) - Final Thoughts and Critique on Dear Juliet's ComebackLet's Connect - https://linktr.ee/ervinbesanaSubstack - https://ervinbesana.substack.com/Join the community - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SEi5bDiC/
Transcribe →
What is Meaningful Music Today? Facing the Good, the Bad, and the Bomalacks in OPM
Aug 4, 202500:18:24Tap to summarizeWhat is 'meaningful music' in today's OPM scene, and are we getting too much "bomalacks" (nonsense)? In this candid episode of Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana, Ervin doesn't hold back, tackling frustrating trends. He discusses artists like Elias J TV, questioning the ethics of earning millions from uncredited covers, and the controversy surrounding Dom Guyot's provocative lyrics. Ervin pushes for a return to authenticity and substance, urging artists to share their true "colors" and listeners to support music with genuine depth, even if it doesn't go viral. Join this crucial conversation on the direction of our music industry and what we truly value in art.What does "meaningful music" mean to you? Hit play now and join the debate!Episode Timestamps:(00:00) - The State of Modern Music(09:23) - Creating Meaningful Music(12:17) - Engagement and Industry Ethics
Transcribe →
Unpacking "Magpakailanma" by Ft. Pidiong – A Heartbreaking Melody
Jul 28, 202500:29:53Tap to summarizeWhat makes a song truly connect? In this Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana music review, Ervin dives deep into "Magpakailanma" by Ft. Pidiong, an indie band and Red Horse Musiklaban 2024 grand finalists! We explore the track's journey, from its early 2010s guitar vibes and Pidiong's raw, emotional vocals to its powerful chorus hooks and cinematic finale. Lyrically, it's a poignant story of loneliness, lasting memories, and a desperate plea to hold onto a love destined to end. While Ervin shares a personal critique on the song's length, he praises its emotional depth and storytelling. Tune in to discover why this track resonated so deeply.Episode Timestamps:(00:00) - Exploring the Essence of Music(03:00) - Introducing FT.Pidiong and Their Journey(04:59) - Diving into "Magpakailanma" - The Song Review(12:00) - Analyzing the Musical Composition(19:05) - Deep Dive into the Lyrics(23:52) - Final Thoughts and Feedback
Transcribe →
Beyond Likes & Shares – Do We Still Need Music Critics?
Jul 14, 202500:28:53Tap to summarizeIn an age of endless likes and shares, do we still need professional music critics? In this thought-provoking episode of Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana, Ervin (a critic himself!) dives into why these voices remain vital. We'll explore how critics go beyond simple "likes" by providing deep analysis, historical context, and guidance through the overwhelming amount of new music. Discover how their constructive feedback can push artists to grow, sparking deeper self-reflection and encouraging timeless creation. We'll also discuss the ethics of criticism, acknowledging subjectivity while highlighting the responsibility of influence.Join the conversation on why critics help us appreciate music on a whole new level.What's your take on music critics? Share your thoughts in the comment section below! Timestamps:(00:00) - The Relevance of Music Critics Today(04:49) - The Role of Context in Music Criticism(10:11) - The Impact of Criticism on Artists(15:20) - Navigating Subjectivity in Music Reviews(20:17) - The Responsibility of a Music Critic(25:33) - Engaging with Music Criticism
Transcribe →
Hawaiian Combo Meal
Sep 5, 2024Tap to summarizeHawaiian Combo Meal is Indielible Ink's artist of the month for AUGUST! --- Timestamps: (00:00) - Soundtrack (00:24) - Intro (00:43) - How does it feel to be Indielible Ink's artist of the month (02:20) - Paano nag simula ang Hawaiian Combo Meal (02:44) - Dael's perspective (04:39) - Dael's rig & Ervin's rig (06:05) - Kris's perspective (18:15) - Kwento ng 1st song (The Declamation) (12:27) - Kwento ng 2nd song (Dr. Dean) (23:15) - Kwento ng 3rd song (Evacuate) (25:25) - Dael coming in (27:10) - Don's perspective (Paano nag simula ang Hawaiian Combo Meal) (31:30) - Ervin's comment on how the songs were written (33:35) - Paano inaarrange ng HCM ang mga songs nila (37:20) - Kwento ng 1st gig (42:00) - Slaman Na! (47:10) - Ervin's comment (48:06) - Kwento ng Slaman Na (57:59) - Nasingitan na ba ang HCM? (01:01:50) - HCM's take on the Ben&Ben Issue (01:14:00) - Advice on starting bands (01:20:24) - Shoutouts and Thank you (01:30:00) - Soundtrack --- Sali ka sa Community group Facebook YouTube Instagram Tiktok
Transcribe →