As we progress into 2024, it is clear that UDD is determined to claim the throne of Pinoy Electronica. Better known as Up Dharma Down, UDD is the premier synthpop-electronic band. Its members include singer-synth-bassist Paul Yap, guitarist-synth-vocals Carlos Tañada, and drummer-synth Ean Mayor.

And not just out to reclaim its position as one of the most established bands in their genre, with the current streamlined lineup, the trio has also tweaked itself sonically for the times. In case you haven’t seen UDD play live lately, the band swapped their analog equipment for electronic music hardware that their gigs have resembled a three-way DJ set. The difference is, instead of a DJ playing the latest hot club track by pushing a fader or two, UDD is playing their tunes.

And speaking of tunes, UDD has already released two previous singles “Run Deep” and “Nanaman” this year and both have an obvious electronic music bent. This brings us to UDD’s brand-new single titled “Kapoy.”

A word that means ‘weary’ or ‘fatigued’, “Kapoy” features singer ZOYA of Iloilo City on vocals. Head-bobbing with atmospheric leanings, the song displays UDD’s command of synth/electropop. ZOYA, with support from UDD’s Yap, provides the vocal hooks as Yap, Mayor, and Tañada lay down the ambient groundwork. “Kapoy” is probably the first electronic music track to feature Hiligaynon lyrics.

As for the UDD x ZOYA connection, the band had this to say. “We met her at one show coincidentally Carlos was already listening to her na pala separately,” Paul Yap shared. “I wanted to make a dance track with one of Paul’s songs, I thought better if girl ang singer, then I just saw her song in my feed,” added Tañada. “Hindi kami same ng style ng music, pero gets niya agad yung vision namin for the song,” chirped Ean Mayor.

According to UDD, their recent collaborations, including this one, is meant to “push them out of their comfort zone.” This circles us back to UDD’s current resurgence. With single number three already out, is a full album forthcoming? We’ll probably know soon enough.

And I was running down some notable new singles this past weekend.

Not afraid of trying something new, singer and songwriter Janine mixes it up on her latest single titled “Apat Na Buwan.” Janine swaps her usual acoustic-guitar flavored singer-songwriter musings with an infectious-sounding alt-pop sound on “Apat Na Buwan” and the result is an urgent modern pop song that frames Janine in a different but likable sonic light.

Pecado is the ace rap music artist in Wild Dream Music’s growing roster of talented music acts. On his new single “Paano Kung?” Pecado’s relationship what-ifs are explored with an intense scrutiny that his listeners can feel and vibe with through the piano-decked motifs and minor key explorations of his mid-tempo trap-beat-driven track.

Filipino singer-songwriter Jono Hilario has been making singer-songwriter stuff for some time now and has always been reliable in delivering quality songs. But his best has always seemed forthcoming. Not anymore with his latest song “Kampana.” Here, the Canada-based solo singer-songwriter act hits the proverbial bullseye as far as catchy songwriting is concerned. The rootsy-sounding “Kampana” is equal parts folky and alt-tinged pop but wholly compelling as a song about finally finding the one.  

Shamrock's hit “Pagkakataon” gets a revamp with the amazing Katrina Velarde. Shamrock vocalist Bradley Holmes and Kat Velarde sound good while taking turns on the verses and the eventual duet on the choruses, and give all the right late 90’s-early 2K pop ballad vibes for those looking for a shot of kilig while listening to this catchy pop gem.