Filipino city pop band ALYSON are stepping into a new chapter — and it’s sounding more heartfelt than ever. The band’s latest single ‘KUNG SAKALING TANAWIN’ arrives alongside a newly dropped music video, marking a shift in both sound and style for the Quezon City outfit.
Known for their polished take on Japanese city pop, ALYSON lean into something closer to home this time. The track trades glossy grooves for a more sentimental, Manila Sound-inspired palette — one that channels the emotional pull of Filipino films and K-drama OSTs. Frontman Pio Ligot shared that the band intentionally focused on evoking feeling over technicality, aiming to “stir the heart” with every listen.
That emotional depth is matched by the song’s expansive production. Featuring a full ensemble of session musicians and orchestral arrangements led by trumpeter David Jorvina, ‘KUNG SAKALING TANAWIN’ stands as the band’s biggest recording project to date. According to drummer and producer Marcus Mababangloob, the decision to use real instruments over digital ones was crucial in capturing a more human, expressive sound.
Even the smallest details were deliberate — from the featherlight intro riff inspired by Filipino music legend Ryan Cayabyab, to the band’s visual reset. Swapping their signature red suits for sleek blue fits, ALYSON officially usher in what they call their “true blue” era, hinting at a more introspective direction for their upcoming releases.
The music video expands on this vision, featuring the band alongside comedian and filmmaker Jun Sabayton. His appearance adds a nostalgic, pop culture layer to the visual — a nod to classic Filipino entertainment and even Pedicab’s ‘Insekto’ MV, which inspired his role here.
More than just a sonic pivot, ‘KUNG SAKALING TANAWIN’ signals ALYSON’s commitment to authenticity in an increasingly AI-driven music landscape. As Ligot puts it, while technology can replicate form, “it can never copy the expression of soul and emotion.”
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