From Past to Present: ZILD's Emo & Grunge Resurgence

In the world of music, there are certain individuals who stand out as true prodigies, pushing the boundaries of their craft and enthralling audiences with their unparalleled talent. One such prodigious musician is Zild Benitez, a Filipino singer, songwriter, and bassist who has taken the music scene by storm. With his extraordinary skills, creativity, and passion for his art, Zild is redefining the art of music by reviving music genres, injecting it into the OPM scape, and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

The IV of Spades standout is notorious for reinventing his image with every era of his music had begun anew giving his fans a fresh breath of atmosphere to the music he releases. However, it is not only his image he reimagines. He took a drastic turn on his musical aesthetic and rebirthed the nostalgic Y2K grunge sound of OPM while utilizing the modern age’s sound with it.

While IV of Spades sky-rocketed to immense success, Zild’s artistic spirit craved further exploration as the band took an indefinite hiatus. In pursuit of personal growth and creative freedom, he embarked on a solo journey, releasing his own music with two full-length albums between 2020 and 2021; “Homework Machine” and “Huminga.” While many would expect him to pause and perhaps take a break, he allowed his creative gears to keep spinning and continued writing in the form of his latest record titled "Medisina." From the electronic pop sound, an acoustic record, up to his latest record, he continues to give the OPM industry the mischievous sound it needs. The “Medisina” album explores mundane, youthful emotions, insecurities, love, frustrations, and childhood nostalgia. He poured all of his whims, visions, fears, vulnerability, and musings into writing this record.

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of music, certain genres hold a special place in the hearts of fans, evoking powerful emotions and memories. Among these genres, emo and grunge have left a permanent mark on the music scene, defining a generation of artists and listeners alike. While these styles may have waned in popularity over the years, the resurgence of the emo grunge sound in OPM can be credited to the creative genius of Zild.

Rekindling the Grunge Flame

The 1980s and 1990s were watershed years in the music industry. Emo and grunge arising distinctly separate genres, each with its own distinct ethos and traits. Emo, which stands for emotional hardcore, has its origins in punk and hardcore cultures. It became an outlet for artists to express their innermost thoughts, deepest ideas, and emotions, often focusing on themes of heartbreak, introspection, retrospect, existence, and personal struggles. Meanwhile, bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden popularized grunge, a mix of punk, metal, and alternative rock. Grunge's raw and gritty sound represented a generation's despair and angst, resonating powerfully with jaded and disenchanted youth.

Timelessness is being written by Nows

Fast forward to the present, the Philippines' music scene is experiencing a revival of the emo and grunge spirit thanks to the creative force of Zild. This talented artist has breathed new life into these beloved genres, blending their essence with a contemporary twist, captivating both long time fans and listeners who are newly introduced to his work. This is evident on his latest record’s lead single with “Isang Anghel”, followed by “Medisina”, and lastly, “Duda.” This emo and grunge sound and vibe is heavily translated to his live performances and music gigs. Zild's ability to encapsulate raw emotions through heartfelt lyrics and powerful instrumentals has struck a chord with music enthusiasts, igniting a fervent passion for the emo and grunge revival in OPM.

Our modern age may have warped society's sense of life in some way. However, despite the cacophony and turmoil of life, music, love, and art always transcend boundaries—Zild's first single off of Medisina, "Isang Anghel," released by Island Records Philippines, is an auditory proof of that. Zild released a music video along with it that unearths his deep emo psyche and tweaks it to add his unique touch that draws inspiration from the contemporary perspective of romantic lyricism in OPM.

Emo Nights Newcomer

Zild’s experimentation with his music birthed new appreciation for the Emo & Grunge genre. One being Erika Dela Peña, a “panikid” (what Zild’s fanbase are called) who attended Zild’s gig at the Balcony Music House for the first time in Makati on July 27, 2023.

Erika's musical journey with Zild began in 2021 when she first encountered him as part of the band IV of Spades. The band's music went viral at the time, catching her attention. However, it wasn't until Zild took the lead as the band's singer that she truly felt drawn to his artistic expression. The release of their album "CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!" marked the turning point, and Erika found herself exploring Zild's solo music, particularly intrigued by "Sariling Multo."

What sets Zild apart from other musicians in the OPM industry, according to Erika, is his ability to tell interesting, vivid, and raw stories through his songs. His creativity as a songwriter shines through his melodies and lyrics, coupled with captivating music videos that add depth to the storytelling. Beyond his songwriting prowess, Zild's talents encompass a remarkable vocal range, exceptional musicality, and captivating stage presence. It is this combination that sets him apart from his peers and makes him a notable artist in the new generation.

Erika acknowledges that Zild's current vibe, sound, and aesthetic in his current era reflect a deeply personal connection to his music. Drawing inspiration from past eras, Zild blends various elements into his work. From 70s jazz, vintage retro, electro-arcade po, stripped down acoustic record, and eventually to the realms of emo and grunge, Zild effortlessly navigates through these genres with a incandescent touch. Despite the unusual ground of experimenting with emo and grunge as a mainstream artist in OPM, he manages to strike a balance that beguile both long-time listeners and newcomers alike.

Zild's daring approach to exploring less common genres has played a pivotal role in revitalizing old styles within the mainstream OPM scene. Where Erika thought grunge and emo were once seen as outdated and cringe-worthy, Zild's infusion of these genres with contemporary elements has made them trendy again. By experimenting with new sounds, Zild opens the ears of his audience to a whole world of musical possibilities, paving the way for future experimentation and innovation within the industry.

As Erika contemplates Zild's future, she envisions him as an artist who will continue to tell vivid stories and evoke vehement emotions through his music. With each instrumental, lyrics, and melody, Zild's cathartic performances resonate deeply with his audience. His signature vocal style and engaging live shows contribute to his potential for a long-lasting impact and a solidified place in the annals of OPM history.

Zild, a rising artist with a penchant for storytelling and experimentation, has tattooed his mark on the new generation's music scene in the Philippines. From his early days with IV of Spades to his solo career, Zild's evolution as a musician has inspired countless fans, including Erika, who was captivated by his drive, passion, and creativity. With his fearless embrace of old genres and innovative blend of styles, Zild's music promises to endure, influencing generations to come and cementing his name as a true visionary in the world of OPM.