Behind the Sound: An Inside Look of medyo maybe Journey

Feeling ok, alright? You might want to listen to this alternative rock band that has been carving out its own space in the local indie music scene with its dynamic sound and raw energy. They are already turning heads on Spotify, reaching 8.79K listeners and 86K streams this year. It’s no surprise since medyo maybe’s blend of powerful soundscapes, catchy melodies, and introspective lyrics is striking their fans and listeners.

But there’s more to medyo maybe than just their captivating music. If you’re a fan of their gritty, emotional style, you might not know some behind-the-scenes details that make this band even more fascinating. Ready for their facts and story that may surprise and captivate you even more? Keep reading for some insider knowledge about medyo maybe and their musical journey.

 

Who is medyo maybe?

The band medyo maybe is all about the beauty of simplicity in mundane things that people rarely notice in their everyday moments. Through their music, they explore how something as simple as an ordinary experience can have a profound impact on others. Their songs are not just melodies but reflections of the band’s singer-songwriter, who was once the quiet kid in the back, observing the world around him. From writing and producing their own music to designing their album artwork, medyo maybe takes takes pride in being hands-on with every aspect of their creative process. This has helped them maintain a unique sound, free from the pressures of mainstream expectations, and make their own name in the local indie music scene.

 

The Faces Behind the Music

medyo maybe is based in Pangasinan, but they perform in Manila and Baguio. They are composed of soulful singer and songwriting genius John Dave Santos, also known by his peers as JD, who also doubles as the music producer in Yaelokre Alongside him is Emil Ortega, the rhythm guitarist and producer behind projects like Mirasol and Auri and The Conscious Cats, whose contributions shape the band’s sound. Interestingly, Emil and JD aren’t just collaborators by chance; Emil’s involvement goes back to when he critiqued JD’s demo mixed song, which eventually sparked their musical partnership.

Driving the rhythm section is Eugene Rabang, a drummer whose creative talent extends beyond music into the world of visual arts. Eugene has been friends with JD since elementary school, and they are also neighbors. On bass, John Guevara brings a steady groove to the group, balancing his musical passion with his studies in Multimedia Arts at Saint Louis University. Completing the lineup is Jermaine Tamondong on lead guitar, another Saint Louis University student pursuing Multimedia Arts, whose skillful solos add the perfect touch to medyo maybe’s dynamic performances. Both Jermaine and John have been familiar faces at the band’s gigs as photographers, always in the crowd, watching the sets. So when JD was looking for a bassist and lead guitarist, they both stepped in.

 

What “medyo maybe” Really Means

According to JD, the story behind the band’s name stems from a time when he was indecisive. The band was initially supposed to be called “maybe maybe,” but since there was already a song titled “Maybe Maybe” by Lola Amour, and most of his songs are written in English, he decided to add the word “medyo”. This way, people would know he was a Filipino. In fact, “medyo maybe” was originally intended as the title for his first extended play. However, the name stuck in his mind, and he decided to make it the band’s name.

 

The Origins, Inspiration, and Evolution

Origins

medyo maybe started as a solo project by JD in 2018 when he was in Senior high school. It was supposedly a project out of pent-up emotions since the lyrics were drawn directly from JD’s journal. Initially, it served as a means of self-exploration, and the melodies of the songs came from the songs he composed in other bands that weren’t used, which was his side hustle back then.

JD originally enrolled in a Computer Science program but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. He shifted to Architecture, but that, too, left him unfulfilled. Eventually, he boldly decided to drop out of college and began working as a video editor while juggling multiple side hustles. During this time, he also focused on producing his songs, dedicating himself to music production.

Inspired by the gigs he had watched in Manila, JD’s solo project eventually pushed him to step out of his comfort zone and pursue his music more seriously, setting the stage for medyo maybe’s growth beyond just a personal project.

Inspiration

medyo maybe’s inspiration for the songs comes directly from JD’s journal. He mentioned that their music is based on his experiences, his journey as an artist, and his relationships with the people around him. For example, one of his extended plays, Porcelain People, features a song entitled “Breaking All the Plates”, which explores the family dynamics during his childhood. The chaos at home deeply influenced his perspective on love. Additionally, there is an extended play titled LOWERCASE, which delves into his moments of heartbreak. This raw emotional honesty allows listeners to connect on a deeper level with their music, making each music feel like a personal reflection of the band’s journey.

Evolution

While medyo maybe embraced alternative rock, their music has continuously evolved with each new release. Starting with the imperfections of their first song, “SPILL,” which is only available on SoundCloud, the song explores themes of honesty and acceptance, conveying that no one should be judged. Since the song is from JD’s journal, he treats it as if he were talking to the paper, using it as his safe place. Over the time JD has learned from his mistakes and reached a more polished level of artistry. People would ask him if he would ever remake SPILL, to which he responds:

“Parang no sense para sa akin mag remake kasi mas gusto ko (na) mag write ng song kung ano ako ngayon kaysa mag-look back. Firm believer ako ng “You write what you know” and remaking a song from the past, yung feeling is hindi na genuine. Literally eto na yung growth ng medyo maybe since makikita din yung journey ko as a songwriter and music producer kasi makikita mo yung progress (ko) throughout the project.”

The production of his music has significantly improved. He has shared that one of his biggest achievements as a producer, alongside Emil Ortega, was helping Keath Osk bring their songs to life on Yaelokre, with the title “Harpy Hare” reaching the Billboard Hot 100.

As of today, medyo maybe has made great strides, but for JD, the journey is far from over. He remains unsatisfied with his current body of work, continuously seeking to explore, experiment, and push boundaries while keeping their music fresh and exciting for fans and listeners. Currently, there is a work-in-progress album that delves into JD’s immersion in the music scene and the love of his life and the whole universe.  

 

Explore medyo maybe’s Music

Explore medyo maybe‘s evolving sound through their diverse collection of extended plays and singles on Spotify. Their music showcases growth and emotional depth, from their raw beginnings with SPILL to their more polished and experimental releases. Check out their entire playlist to experience the journey of their unique blend of alternative rock and personal storytelling.

 

Just Released: Roadblocks

The song was written during the time JD was fired from his long-term job, and at the same time, he started performing live gigs. Roadblocks is basically doing something that slowly kills you, all for the sake of reaching the person or thing that brings life to your soul. It captures the internal struggle of pushing through hardship to pursue what truly matters, reflecting both personal challenges and the passion that drives him forward.

 

Why Support medyo maybe?

medyo maybe is still on their journey to mainstream recognition, but they’re already making an impact on the local indie music scene. With their solid music and relentless drive, this band is definitely one to watch.

On December 14, Sigaw ng Kuwago will celebrate its 1-year anniversary with medyo maybe and other talented bands and artists. This art and music collective is filled with creative individuals who not only perform at gigs but also explore Baguio’s underground scene. They are also friends of the band, pushing medyo maybe to improve and keep up with the music scene.

Are You Even Listening Now (to their music)? Go ahead and enjoy the music of medyo maybe. — Where every song hits you differently.