MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Legendary frontman Ely Buendia is back on our playlists with new song “Ate” to be released March 26 under his own label, Offshore Music Philippines.
After a year of the release of his tumultuous solo album “Method Adaptor” (2025), which garnered a string of praise from critics and fans alike, noted by Rolling Stone PH as “a sprawl of metaphors that thrive in paradoxes…”, and a continuously successful run of his intimate bar tour which shares the same name as the album, Buendia is far from taking a step back and is gearing up to expand his range and discography with solo single, “Ate”.
“I wanted to change the atmosphere a bit,” says Buendia in an interview about his upcoming single, noting the contrasting nature of his previous sonic masterproject and the new single, he pinpoints his intentions for shortly following up his grittier and more serious album, Method Adaptor, with a more “light and optimistic” new track. The song carries a softer tone in both instrumentation and lyricism, not novel to Buendia’s prowess but a stark difference to what the artist is currently known for. “The melody had such a nursery rhyme-feel which came directly from the harmonized lead guitar lines that go up the major scale,” Buendia discusses his rationality behind the inception of “Ate”. Saying as if the song itself embodies the mindset of seeing the positives in life’s ebbs and flows.
In addition with the idea of “Ate” being a break from the norm of the OPM icon’s current sound, the place where it was recorded was also something different for the “Bulaklak sa Buwan” singer, “I needed a change of pace. I love the weather there [Baguio],” citing a change in scenery was crucial in influencing the project. This overall chase for fresh air, perspectives, and sound were also present due to the inclusion of Shadiel Chan, music producer and label head of Nine Degrees North, where Buendia and his band recorded “Ate”. This marks the first collaboration between the Baguio producer and the singer. “Shad[niel] had a fresh take on everything. He works fast which I really like and had spot on instincts. I’m always up for working with new blood, there’s a lot you can learn from them.”
About Ely Buendia
More than the usual string of superlatives, Ely Buendia is a storyteller. Not just someone with above-average verbiage, or a propensity to weave hastily rhymed couplets. But the genuine article. And whether it’s with the massively popular Eraserheads, or with any of his latter-era pursuits (the genre-bending rock outfit Pupil, rockabilly meisters Oktaves, or the soul/funk collective Apartel), listeners are assured of both pop smarts and an indefatigable sense of invention. Buendia’s canon is a ride to be relished. From landmark Eraserheads classics (“Alapaap,” “Magasin,” “Ang Huling El Bimbo”) to smashers by Pupil in the mid-aughts (“Nasaan Ka?,” “Disconnection Notice,” “TNT,”), the tunes serve as balm to the weary soul. But the lesser-known items is where we are given a picture of Buendia’s creative breadth: the one-off release Wanted Bedspacer; In Love & War (made with rap legend Francis Magalona); collabs with the Itchyworms (“Pariwara,” “Lutang”); and, more recently with indie rockers Cheats (“Plunder My Heart”). Buendia is also committed to guiding a new generation of artists in the OPM scene. As co-founder and CEO of Offshore Music Philippines, he has shaped the future of Filipino music. Now releasing a new single, “Bulaklak sa Buwan” from the new album “Method Adaptor” under Offshore Music, Buendia offers a glimpse of his currency as a songwriter and musician. Music that is sure to inspire new and old fans alike.
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