MYX Brings in a Fresh Beat for the New Generation

It’s clear that MYX has been a pillar of local music since the early 2000s, with many young people growing up listening to their favorite artists and dreaming of one day becoming a video jock. Now, with their latest look, MYX enters a new phase of OPM aiming to be the “beat of our culture”—a renewed energy for this exciting era of Filipino music. 

Bringing stellar performances

During the MYX Mediacon event last August 29, several artists showcased some of their original songs—some of them even being unreleased. PlayerTwo’s first performance was one such song, which they followed up with their 2022 single “That’s My Baby.” The hip-hop group will also be appearing in the next MYX Live. “We’re doing it with a very good friend of ours, Felip, and it’s pretty cool,” said member Ivo Impreso as he expressed their excitement. 

Bicol-based songwriter Dwta also sang songs in her native dialect, including “Padaba Taka,” and her latest single “Pauwi Na ’Ko.” Her folk style brought an easygoing energy that had many heads in the room nodding along.

Following her set was indie band Nameless Kids that brought in an acoustic vibrance to their songs, with soulful harmonies. They showcased their singles “Sa’yo (Ang Mundo)” and “Gabi” which are both packed with relatable lyrics. 

More performers are set to take the stage in the highly-anticipated MYX Music Awards, which is set to come back in November this year. The previous one was held virtually in 2021 but still managed to create a lot of buzz. 

Discovering fresh artists

Reaching a new generation also means looking for new talent. “MYX continues to be an experience for the young audiences, for the young generation that we have now,” shared ABS-CBN Global managing director Maribel Hernaez. She recounts how the platform was part of many young people’s core memories, where they would rush out of classes to catch which artists made it to the Top 10. The channel’s youthful energy is definitely something that they’ve kept constant. 

But in entering this modern MYX era, new faces and sounds are no doubt waiting to be discovered. So what exactly are they looking for? Hernaez said that it’s hard to pinpoint an exact answer, partially because of the richness that current OPM offers: “Ang dami nang characteristic ng Filipino music, ng Filipino artists, ng Filipino creativity these days.” It only means that anyone is welcome to show their own unique take on OPM. 

Continuing the VJ search

New talent not only extends to new artists but also video jocks—because the MYX VJ Search is back on! Being a MYX VJ back in the day was pretty much a pop culture badge of honor. And it has helped pave the career of many young talents, including Samm Alvero.

“I had no hosting experience,” says Alvero of her first time being a VJ. She described how the experience brought her out of her shell, launching her career as a content creator and molding her into a more well-rounded person. “It’s not just getting to meet my favorite artists but all of the opportunities that MYX has presented to me even outside,” she said.  

Setting itself up for a global stage

Speaking of outside, MYX is, in fact, opening itself to a wider audience. Hernaez revealed that MYX has been doing events not only in the country but also in areas like the US, Canada, and London—where many Filipinos also reside. 

It was seeing the rise of artists like BINI that further proved how OPM was ready to go overseas. “Ang galing-galing nating mga Pilipino,” said Hernaez. “We can create music that can compete, or that is at par with the other music that you hear not just here in Asia but anywhere in the world.”

Text by Tim Marasigan

Lead photos from MYX