ATTEMPTING to relive the music of past generations, Syato releases its self-titled debut album, merging the 60’s, 70’s, and 90’s pop-alternative sound with a touch of their main musical influence—the Beatles. The 10-track album boasts of an all-original Tagalog music, reminiscing OPM greats from the past four decades.
When the band started in early 2002, they first called themselves Staffbox, as almost all of them are journalists by day. UST graduates Yugel Losorata (bass/back-up vocals) and Jay Flores (lead guitars) have known each other since first year of college. Then Losorata met fellow Thomasian Michael Santos (drums) at Manila Bulletin in April 2000. Acoustic guitarist Joseph Gonzales and lead vocalist Ronald Jayme came into play in the next few years, and the group was finally completed in 2005. Ivory Music and Video gave them a two-year contract as well as a fresh and true Filipino name—Syato, taken from the traditional Filipino children’s game.
The band prides itself for having restored the music of the past. Syato combines Manila sound with contemporary music, creating an upbeat and lyrical melody and reaching out to pop music enthusiasts.
“We are trying to bring back traditional OPM, but with a modern feel. Our songs are based on voicings with a cleaner tone, unlike other bands that are heavy on guitars and distorted sounds,” Losorata said.
When Syato’s first single, “Kailanman,” was launched late last year, it immediately caught the attention of the masses, entering the MYX OPM hit charts and radio countdowns in Manila and Baguio.
Syato is now promoting its second single, “Scorpio,” which was released on ABS-CBN’s ASAP Fanatic Banda Republic. The song is now playing in various FM radio stations across the country. Expressing love and the complicated feelings it generates, “Scorpio” relates a lover’s otherwise obsessive quality, justifying the reasons for being over protective and jealous.
Unique and quite out of the ordinary, Syato’s music is one for the taking. Even at the start of their musical journey, they have already received positive feedback from critics and music lovers alike. It would be no surprise if their music will soon go far beyond expectations.
