Sa dami ng OPM artists na nagsusulputan ngayon, isa sa mga tunay na standout ay ang Dilaw. Kung isa ka sa mga sumabay sa viral wave ng kantang “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat),” chances are, hindi ka na nakawala. Their music doesn’t just sound good—it feels real. Kaya naman kahit indie sila, they’ve been breaking into mainstream playlists and gaining serious streams on Spotify, YouTube, and beyond.
But who is Dilaw, really? Bakit biglang ang dami nilang fans? And paano sila nagiging game-changer sa OPM rock scene?
Background: From Baguio to the World
Dilaw started out as a duo from Baguio City, made up of Dilaw Obero (vocals) and Vie Dela Rosa (guitar). Eventually, they grew into a full band with six members, bringing in a mix of instruments and influences that make their music super rich and layered.
Hindi sila ‘yung tipong pa-pogi band. Their roots are raw, rebellious, and poetic—parang spoken word na may halong gig vibes. Mapa-lyrics man o melody, they don’t play safe. They play what they feel.
Sa interviews, Dilaw has been vocal about their goals—not just to make hits, but to say something meaningful. “We’re not just here to entertain, we’re here to shake something,” sabi nga nila. And that mindset? Kita agad sa music nila.
Sound and Style: Rock, Soul, Spoken Word, Atbp.
So ano nga ba ang tunog ng Dilaw? Well, it’s hard to box them into just one genre. Their music is a mix of alt-rock, funk, soul, and even hip-hop rhythms, all layered with emotionally charged vocals and honest-to-the-bone lyrics.
Take “Uhaw,” for example. It starts off mellow, almost like a slow spoken word, then builds up into an explosive rock anthem. The arrangement alone tells a story—para kang sinakal, then binigyan ng full release.
Iba rin sila gumawa ng kanta. Hindi formulaic, hindi pang-cliche. Their songs talk about real emotions, frustrations, social themes, and personal struggles, but laging may poetic twist. Kaya kahit bago lang sila sa scene, sobrang tunog-mature na ng mga gawa nila.
Influences and Impact
Dilaw draws influence from different artists—local and international. May halong Eraserheads attitude, IV of Spades creativity, Parokya sa kwela minsan, at The Beatles sa melodic experimentation. Pero kahit may halong ganon, Dilaw still sounds like Dilaw.
Their influence is now seen sa dami ng bagong banda na sumusubok ng unique sounds instead of the usual hugot ballads or K-pop inspired pop. In a way, they’re giving indie OPM a more defined, edgier voice, and that’s something na matagal nang kulang sa mainstream.
Gaining Streams and Going Viral
Their song “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” became a massive hit online. Naka-millions of streams sa Spotify, featured sa big playlists like Top Hits Philippines, and used in thousands of TikTok videos. Kaya kahit indie sila, naabot nila ang general public sa very natural na paraan—walang pilit, walang pa-hype.
Even their music videos gain traction dahil sa simple pero emotionally effective direction. Walang heavy effects or big production—just the band, the music, and the emotion. Sometimes, that’s all you really need.
Live Performances: Energy You Can Feel
Isa sa mga lakas ng Dilaw ay ‘yung presence nila sa live shows. Kung nakapanood ka na ng gig nila, you’ll know na they don’t just perform—they pour their soul into every note. Whether small bar gig o music fest, walang tapon na performance.
People say it feels like watching a protest, a poetry reading, and a rock concert all at the same time. Dilaw connects with the audience not just through music, but through shared emotion.
Reception from Music Critics and Fans
Critics are loving them. Articles from local music publications and blogs call them “the future of OPM rock,” praising their authentic sound, fearless songwriting, and no-BS approach to performance.
Even veteran musicians have noticed them, giving shoutouts online or praising their music sa interviews. Maraming nagsasabi na kung sila ang future ng OPM, then we’re in good hands.
Meanwhile, fans feel like they’ve found something raw and real in a world full of polished but empty pop. Dilaw’s fanbase keeps growing—not just in numbers, but in connection.
A New Era for OPM Rock?
Dilaw is not your average band. They’re not here to please—they’re here to provoke, inspire, and create space for a new kind of OPM.
Their sudden rise in streaming platforms proves one thing: People are hungry for something honest. And that’s exactly what Dilaw brings—music that’s not afraid to say what’s hard to say, to feel what’s hard to feel.
If you haven’t listened to them yet, this is your sign. Baka ito na ang sound na matagal mo nang hinahanap.
Tunay, malalim, at malakas—Dilaw is not just changing OPM rock. They’re bringing it back to life.
Sources:
NME Asia – “Dilaw’s ‘Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)’ makes history on Spotify PH”
Rappler – “Dilaw on their journey from Baguio to the big stage”
Philippine Star – Young Star – “Dilaw wants you to feel something real”
Mike m. luster 