Kung matagal ka nang mahilig sa OPM pero gusto mo ng something na kakaiba—may konting indie feels, may konting sayaw, at punong-puno ng emotions—then you’ve probably come across Autotelic. This Filipino synthpop band has been a consistent presence sa local music scene, and lately, lalo silang umaarangkada sa streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and even YouTube.
But what is it about Autotelic that keeps listeners coming back? Bakit sila tinatawag ng maraming fans as “the band that’s always a vibe”? Let’s dive into their story.
Background: From Small Gigs to Festival Favorites
Autotelic was formed in 2012, and ever since, they’ve carved their own space in the world of OPM. The band is made up of:
- Josh Villena – vocals and guitar
- Kai Honasan – synthesizers and backing vocals
- Neil Tin – guitar
- Timothy Vargas – bass
- EJ Edralin – synths
- Nitoy Adriano – drums
Their name, “Autotelic,” means “having a purpose in and not apart from itself.” In short, they create music for the love of music itself, and not just to please others or follow trends.
Sa simula, they played in small bars and indie gigs. Pero dahil consistent ang kanilang sound at energy, nakakuha sila ng solid following. Eventually, napansin din sila ng mainstream crowd, especially with their debut album Papunta Pabalik released under MCA Music.
Musical Style: Synthpop Meets Hugot
Autotelic’s music is often described as synthpop with Pinoy hugot. Imagine mo yung sound na parang pwede mong isayaw, pero habang sumasayaw ka, nasasaktan ka rin. It’s that sweet spot between upbeat and emotional.
Their songs blend electronic synth sounds with rock elements and catchy Filipino lyrics. May “kwento” lagi sa bawat kanta, and kahit modern ang tunog, very relatable pa rin sa everyday Pinoy.
Songs like:
- “Laro” – about playful love and mixed signals
- “Languyin” – a song of longing and swimming through emotions
- “Gising” – about waking up to the truth in a relationship
These tracks show how they balance fun beats with emotional depth, something that not many bands pull off well.
Influence and Impact: OPM Gets a Modern Twist
Autotelic brings a unique flavor to the local music scene. While most popular OPM bands go either acoustic ballad or heavy rock, Autotelic goes electronic—but still very Filipino.
They’re influenced by Japanese rock, K-pop, and Western synthpop, but always inject Pinoy culture and storytelling into their songs. Kaya maraming fans ang nakakarelate kahit experimental ang tunog.
They’ve also inspired younger indie bands to experiment with synths and not just stick to guitars and drums. Kung dati rock or acoustic lang ang peg, ngayon, mas open na ang Pinoy listeners sa iba’t ibang tunog.
Live Performance: Sobrang Energy, Sobrang Saya
Isa sa mga biggest strengths ng Autotelic ay ang kanilang live performances. Whether they’re playing in a bar, a music festival, or an online livestream, palaging buo ang energy at connection with the crowd.
Josh’s vocals and charisma, Kai’s synth solos, and the band’s tight musical chemistry make their sets feel like isang mahabang sayawan at sabayan ng iyakan. Hindi ka lang basta nakikinig—you feel like you’re part of the music.
Kaya sila madalas maimbitahan sa events like UP Fair, Fête de la Musique, and even big concerts as a supporting act. They don’t just play music—they make the audience feel it.
Streaming Growth: The Digital Vibe Continues
Sa panahon ng streaming, Autotelic is winning big. On Spotify alone, they’ve been included in OPM playlists like:
- “Tatak Pinoy”
- “OPM Rising”
- “Hugot”
- “Pinoy Indie Mix”
Their music consistently gains thousands of monthly listeners, especially when Laro and Languyin trended on TikTok and IG reels. Young listeners love using their songs for aesthetic background music, hugot posts, or late-night thoughts.
They’ve also adapted well to the online gig scene during the pandemic, gaining even more followers through virtual performances and collaborations with other artists like Kiana Valenciano and Reese Lansangan.
What Critics Are Saying
Music critics have praised Autotelic for their fresh take on OPM. Publications like Bandwagon, NME, and local music blogs admire their ability to:
- Innovate without losing the Filipino touch
- Keep lyrics relatable and poetic
- Maintain consistency while exploring new sounds
They’re seen as one of the few bands bridging indie and mainstream, making music that’s both artistic and easy to enjoy.
Why They’re Always a Vibe
Autotelic isn’t just a band—they’re an experience. Whether you’re dancing, driving late at night, or nursing a broken heart, their music fits right in.
They’ve shown us that OPM doesn’t have to sound old-school to be meaningful. It can be modern, electronic, playful, and still masakit sa puso—and that’s exactly why Autotelic will always be a vibe.
Next time you hear their synths kick in, don’t fight it. Just dance, feel, and vibe with it. Kasi sa totoo lang, ‘yan ang charm ng Autotelic.
Sources:
Bandwagon Asia – https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/autotelic
NME Asia – https://www.nme.com/en_asia/artists/autotelic
Spotify Autotelic Artist Page – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Lb5DccVjM97IGAVV2sCSW
Mike m. luster 