In an exclusive interview with MEGA Man, Filipino-Canadian Hip-hop/R&B Duo MANILA GREY talked about their music’s humble beginnings and their dedication to paying tribute to their roots through their sound
With its captivating tunes and heart-pumping rhythms, music reveals an array of powerful emotions. It enables us to tap into the depths of our emotional landscapes, celebrate our unique individualities, spark a fire of inspiration, and even honor the roots that hold a special place in our hearts—concepts that MANILA GREY is intimately acquainted with. In an exclusive interview with MEGA Man, the Filipino-Canadian Hip-hop/R&B Duo shared their beginnings in the industry and how they continue to pay homage to their heritage through their music.
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Meet the artists
Consisting of Justin “Soliven” Villarosa and Neal Carlo “Neeko” Zabala, MANILA GREY is known for creating captivating nighttime music that revolves around life, love, and friendship. The duo breathes new life into the Hip-hop and R&B genres with their dynamic partnership and diverse musical inspirations. As reflected in their name, they bring a unique focus to duality. Joining the words “MANILA” to represent their Filipino roots and “GREY” to symbolize their rainy, silver-skied home in Vancouver, they bridge the gap between the music scenes of the East and West.
From shadows to spotlights
The two shared that they had known each other since high school and that their common love of music and the arts was the driving force behind their instant rapport. They began collaborating on music and eventually met Azel North, an artist and producer who has become an integral part of their process. From that moment on, their combined synergy propelled them towards new heights of artistic expression and brought numerous albums and EPs, with tracks like “Silver Skies,” “Timezones,” “Turbo,” and “Backhouse Ballin’.”
Despite their current success, both of them noted that coming to Canada at such a young age was challenging. They discussed how difficult it was at first to build community and a voice because there wasn’t much media portrayal of their experiences at the time. It wasn’t until they discovered hip-hop and R&B, which they both praised for being authentic, approachable, and an inviting escape, that they felt seen through music. “Listening to Pac, Big, 50, Kanye, Jay-Z, Cudi, and many more… man, it felt like they all knew what we were going through as young colored kids with dreams,” MANILA Grey shared.
Vibrant impressions
When asked about their experience gracing the stage in the Philippines, the duo enthusiastically expressed their awe and admiration. Among their performances, MANILA GREY mentioned that it was their homecoming show on the “Silver Skies Tour” in 2019 that truly stood out. “We knew we had a fanbase out there, but we did not expect thousands of fans to come see us play. It was electric; it was a movie. And the best part was that we got to bring our team, friends, and family from Canada to experience the show,” the duo explained. They also noted that this was a pivotal time since it was then that they fully grasped the gravity of their mission to continue speaking for the Filipino people through their music.
MANILA GREY added that they are continually impressed by the dedication and creativity of the young musicians they witness in the Philippines’ rap scene. In fact, they have been encouraged to test out demos of them singing and rapping in Tagalog after hearing how poetic Filipino rappers can get when they use our native language. When asked for advice for young, aspiring Filipino artists, they simply said, “Believe in what you’re saying and speak your truth. Only you can tell your story.”
Resonating roots
When MANILA GREY launched their latest album, SOUND DRIFT, in April of this year, the duo wanted to do more than merely provide their fans with high-quality music by paying tribute to their Filipino roots. Both artists emphasized that they create music as a means of self-expression and poured out their gratitude that audiences of different backgrounds, not just Filipinos, can relate to this. In retrospect, they found comfort in the music and stories of other musicians. Today, they hope to do the same for their listeners.
It’s instilled in us. We simply make music about our story, and that’s part of our story.
In a remarkable display of their commitment to honoring their roots, MANILA GREY unveiled their latest musical masterpiece titled “Motherland.” They expressed their satisfaction with the way the song turned out, saying that they found the perfect combination of lyrics that flawlessly conveyed their heartfelt desire to pay tribute to their cherished heritage.
What’s next?
MANILA GREY is definitely about to embark on an exciting journey. To further reflect their Filipino roots, the duo is promising more music and collaborations with fellow Filipino musicians. They’ve said that they’re eager to find new ways to share their music with the globe using the connections they’ve created in the Philippines. In addition, they revealed that they are working on a podcast titled Midnight Exchange, which they plan to have in-depth discussions on topics including music, style, pop culture, and their own influences.
Photos: MANILA GREY (via Instagram)
The post How MANILA GREY’s Music Celebrates Their Roots appeared first on MEGA.
How MANILA GREY’s Music Celebrates Their Roots
Source: Insta News Pinoy
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