You either know for a fact, or constantly hear about how the independent local music scene is bursting with raw talent. With the differing ideas of what exactly qualifies as "talent" these days, that statement might be highly prone to a bloody debate of never-ending proportions. But if you enjoy music in general and would prefer to shove the politics aside, there's no reason not to check out Number Line Records.



Manila-based, independent music label Number Line Records was established in 2011 to provide a platform for Filipino artists to share their music locally and globally. Specializing in free digital releases, the record label helps the eternally music-hungry audiophile in his/her quest of sniffing out new music online.

Their 13 artists currently on board range from electronic, indie pop/rock, neo-folk, shoegaze and experimental sub-genres that might elude the most traditional of genre nazis. There's no one way to strictly categorize the spectrum of sound that this record label's artists offer; in the meantime, here's an overview of five artists:

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1. Outerhope



Brother-sister tandem Michael and Micaela Benedicto started making music as Outerhope in 2004. Largely inspired by their childhood years, the output is delicate, dreamy, guitar-and-piano-driven pop layered with themes of youth, dreams, and surreal imagery reminiscent of ideas only childlike wonder could conjure up. They currently have two albums: Strangely Paired, which debuted in 2004, followed by A Day For The Absent in 2009.

2. Similar Objects



Similar Objects is Jorge Wieneke, who took on the monicker after Carl Jung's theory on collective consciousness and the relationship between cosmic entities. Inspired by philosophy, minimalist/abstract art and new age themes, the result is a smooth collision of beats, tunes and audio clips blended together to form a milkshake of thought/emotion-provoking music. Although having said that, the tracks may be enjoyed simply for their sheer aesthetic appeal. Alternatively, they may also be used to induce a cosmic mind-journey or meditation of sorts.

3. Manuel Nicolas Alvero



The solo project of Owel Alvero from Ang Bandang Shirley, Manuel Nicolas Alvero makes "stoner-folk/surf-noise" music. His songs are simultaneously tender and leaving one feeling somewhat desolate, as best epitomized by two-track single " Tender Baal/Pious Kiss", which is aptly described as "two closed-mouth songs, a soundtrack for the rapture."

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4. Slow Hello



Also an offshoot of Ang Bandang Shirley, Slow Hello is Selena Galang, who started working on her solo material in 2008. Marked by a charmingly lo-fi take on indie-rock, most of her songs are said to be "conversations she wants to have with other people, real or imagined, and with herself". She currently still sings and writes for Ang Bandang Shirley.

5. Big Hat Gang



The solo project of Musical O guitarist Mario Consunji, Big Hat Gang's impressive alt-electronic works sound like something you'd hear in a movie which involves either an inter-planetary expedition, a fascinatingly odd late-night encounter on a deserted city street, a montage of ethereal images showing different landscapes or all three combined. He is currently working on a split album with Plant A Tree.

Do your ears a favor and check them out.


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