OPM band Tuwina makes a mark with distinct sound
She started as a solo act, but Lui eventually found the sound she was looking for with Janine, Raymond, and Mico.
During the "Girl Code" music event hosted by Bridgify Studio in partnership with MEJO Bar, Tuwina shared how the band came together.
"Well, nag-start kasi yung band with Lui playing the acoustic guitar. No pedals, no effects. Tapos si Janine. Then when we invited Mico to play with us, hindi pa talaga pareho yung level o taste namin sa music. Eventually, nag-decide si Lui na mag-electric guitar with, of course, the help of pedals. Si Janine naman plays the electric violin and acoustic guitar. So eventually, doon na kami naging comfortable at doon na rin lumabas yung sound namin," Raymond said.
Coming from different musical backgrounds, Janine admitted the band struggled to find its identity in the beginning.
"Nung una naming encounter, may conflict talaga sa sound. As in, hindi namin mahanap yung music namin. But after one or two gigs, bigla na lang, out of nowhere, nag-rehearse kami, tapos nag-click lahat," Janine shared.
She said being the band's lead vocalist has allowed her to explore new sounds, with each member contributing ideas that help shape and improve their music.
"Saka ano din e, okay din yung dynamic naming apat kasi andoon talaga yung personality ng isa't isa na gusto nilang ilagay sa arrangement ng kanta. Sobrang free kami. Lahat puwedeng magbigay ng ideas," Lui said.
Describing their sound as a blend of folk, classical, and rock, the band said "Regalo ng Kalawakan" is the song they are most proud of.
"Kasi andoon yung lyrics ni Lui na very sweet and innocent. Pero andoon din yung bigat at grit kahit love song siya. Kahit sobrang sweet nung kanta, may rawness pa rin," Mico said.
As they continue carving out their place in the OPM scene, the band said local gigs have become a safe space where artists can support one another.
"Definitely important. I mean, sino bang magsu-support sa isa't isa kundi the people inside the scene? Di ba? So if we don't show up here, then how can we say we're supporting the scene?" Janine said.
Mico also thanked MEJO Bar for giving emerging musicians a venue to perform and grow.
"It's a good space for nurturing artists who would like to start performing. Hindi naman sa wala silang mapuntahan, pero para sa mga naghahanap ng space, especially since nandito ang MEJO, we really consider it a safe space for everyone," Mico said.