This month’s artist interview is with Silverfilter. He’s a longtime friend and artist of the label. He lives in Manila, Philippines. He’s an award-winning DJ there, he teaches music production, and he also is a vocalist and guitarist for the band Lovecore. There’s a ton more to know about him, but let’s just jump into the interview.
Until next time, keep it unique!
Dave R
Label Owner
MK837
How has your journey from Manila to the international stage influenced your approach to creating electronic music?
I think it’s easier to think that the music I make would get better traction outside Manila since the market here is small in terms of more underground dance genres. So it’s more freeing I guess to explore rather than trying to make more popular EDM genres just to cater to the local market.
What inspires you to experiment with such a wide range of genres—from techno and house to drum and bass and chillout?
I think the learning part of it. Since all genres have their own characteristics, it’s fascinating to me to dive in and discover what makes up the genres and how producers in those specific genres make them. Of course, I mostly dabble in those styles I personally like as well.
How do you blend your diverse musical influences to create a sound that resonates both locally and abroad?
For my dance stuff, I honestly just make sure that I’m moved to dance as well first of all. If there’s a vibe, then I know I’m in the right direction. It’s nice to have all these influences since it then becomes a toolbox of things I can pull out to try on tracks.
Can you share what it feels like to see your tracks picked up by record labels around the world?
Oh that’s quite rewarding actually. I’m aware that this isn’t a money-making venture so to get picked up means someone else is vibing off of my track so it’s a good feeling.
What role do live performances play in showcasing your versatility, and how do you keep each set uniquely engaging?
I see myself as a live act as well so getting out there is important for me. Although I’m more niched down when it comes to genres when I perform, it’s a way for me to not just play out but to also show people, at least locally, that dance music can be locally made and performed in an all original set and that it’s an entirely different experience from a DJ set.
I guess what usually keeps it engaging is being able to show what happens live and being able to really keep the arrangement minimal and do the progression live. It’s a bit of a challenge but it’s fun.
How has the evolution of electronic music in the Philippines shaped the way you perform and produce today?
Well the scene’s been a bit better compared to when I started so I think I can get “deeper” if I wanted to when it comes to listenership. But I really like making people move so that’s always essentially my goal. The challenge that’s still there though is the presence of clubs or venues that would cater to something deeper and that’s always been the hindrance.
What’s one element in your music that you believe gives it that distinctive “flavor” which sets you apart?
Sounds cliche but I’d say “groove”. But I’ve also been told that it’s how my track “flows” from section to section.
What’s the one message or vibe you aim to deliver through your performances that gets the crowd moving every time?
It doesn’t have to be bangers all the time. The fun part of a set is the journey and the anticipation that leads to those points in the night that brings those dopamine hits.
