THE GLOSSY MEDIUM

The media (network radio, production and national marketing, advertising and sales of recording) changed the face of the music industry. It created the “hit’ song, determined what songs produced profits for the creators and producers and developed a way to report the hits. To a large extent, it determined who would be the “stars” of popular song, what people would listen to and in effect, what their tastes in popular music would be. Soon after its beginnings, radio was found to be a medium for reaching large numbers of people and the best format to reach that goal was to broadcast popular music.

Star FM tower

Without radio stations that play new music, a new record release is almost certainly doomed. Airplay spurs people to go out and buy a record. A Cebu music artist once said in an article that radio should be the backbone and the support system of the music scene. It is only right they make a tangible contribution to Cebu music and its development. More importantly, radio should realize that they are the most convincing of messengers in the attempt to change the passive behaviour of Cebuanos towards local music. Artists covet radio airplay since it increases mass popularity and music sales. Bands pass song demos to stations to get a chance of being aired.Television, on the other hand, brought and still brings rock to teens in their homes. In the Philippines, MTV and MYX are the two major music televisions that cater to audiences with different musical preference.

Newspapers also take their share in spreading the cause of artists. But it’s usually magazines over newspapers. This glossy print material often attracts readers especially the youth.

Philippine musical print outings include MyxMag, Fudge, Burn and PULP. The latter is the official music magazine of the country.

Just Another Band

PULP Magazine is a monthly edition which reports the musical events and happenings inside the Philippines. It usually keeps track of what’s going on with the Filipino bands. It keeps fans posted up to date. It features artists, concerts, album reviews and anything music related within the Philippine scope. Its editor Joey Dizon, a self-confessed metal head, always welcomes the readers to a fun and exciting browse of every PULP page. This month features Rico Blanco, the former front man of the alternative Filipino band Rivermaya. The story talks about his personal progress after he left the said group. The magazine has also departments allotted for its readers. Fans could send comments and suggestions for the magazines which are paired with convivial replies by the staff themselves. The target audience of PULP includes the young people and the young professionals. And bands of course—the core reason of PULP’s existence.

MyxMag is just an extension of the music television MYX. The magazine features song lyrics and chords which appeals to instrument players. Burn, more or less, has the same template with that of MyxMag. Fudge is packed with pop culture stories and observations but with music incorporation as well.