Pastel Sky is a Filipino indie band blending dreamy melodies, playful guitar riffs, and diverse musical influences into a sound that feels comforting and easy to listen to. Inspired by artists like PREP, wave to earth, and Boy Pablo, the band continues to build its own identity while navigating the challenges of being an independent act from the province.
With listeners reaching as far as Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan, Pastel Sky proves that music can connect people beyond language barriers. In this edition of City Stories, we explore their musical influences, creative process, and journey in the Philippine indie music scene.
For readers discovering Pastel Sky for the first time, how would you introduce the band and describe the sound you are creating?
Em: If you listen to Boy Pablo, wave to earth, PREP, babychair, and the likes, we sound somewhat similar. We also incorporate playful guitar riffs in some of our songs.
Pastel Sky was formed in February 2023. How did the band come together, and what inspired you to start this musical journey?
Em: We are a group of friends who wanted to do something different from what’s commonly heard in the local music scene. We draw inspiration from our diverse musical influences to create our own unique sound.
Why did you choose the name Pastel Sky? What does it represent to you as a band, and how does it connect to your music?
Em: The name “Pastel Sky” was inspired by Kenmochi Hidefumi’s song “Vermillon Sky.” I would always have that song on repeat during bus rides between the province and the city when I was in college. I’ve always been fascinated by how the colors of the sky change throughout the day. In a way, that reflects our sound—comforting, easy to listen to, dreamy, and soft.
Coming from Dagupan City, Pangasinan, how has your hometown and the local music scene influenced your identity and development as musicians?
Em: It made me a self-aware individual.
Your music carries a dreamy, nostalgic indie-pop atmosphere. What musical influences, artists, or personal experiences have helped shape your sound?
Em: My mom is a huge fan of Depeche Mode and Fra Lippo Lippi. I also admire the vocal styles of Chet Baker and Michael Franks. When it comes to using space in music, we draw inspiration from artists like PREP and wave to earth. Lastly, I love Chon, Ichika, Plini, and Polyphia.
How does each member contribute to Pastel Sky’s creative process, and how do you work together when developing a new song?
Em: It’s basically a mix of different personalities in one song. My brother, Nix, and I usually start by building the backbone of the track. From there, everyone gets a say in shaping the song and deciding where we want to take it.
Jed: The creative process feels different during recording sessions. We usually work well under pressure, and somehow, more ideas tend to come up on the day of the recording.
When writing music, do you usually begin with a particular emotion, a lyrical idea, a melody, or an instrumental arrangement?
Em: A melody? Sometimes a challenging guitar riff.
Your songs explore different emotions and experiences. How important is storytelling in your music, and what do you hope listeners take away from your lyrics?
Em: Most of our songs are disguised as love songs, but beneath the surface, they tell stories about pursuing our passions, including the challenges and the love-hate relationship that come with it. I hope listeners can feel the connection between the lyrics and the melodies.
Among your releases, which song feels the most personal to you, and what makes its story especially meaningful?
Em: “Freeway” tells the story of a love that had to end and the hope of moving forward after everything that happened.
Nix: “Haaayyy,” because you can really feel the emotional weight of the song through its melody.
Jed: “Lubayan,” because of its midlife crisis theme
Nate: “Lubayan,” because I can relate to it through my personal experience of having worked abroad.
What is the story behind your song Hanap? What inspired its creation, and what would you like listeners to understand about it?
Em: It’s a song for my then girlfriend who is now my wife.
Your music often evokes nostalgia and reflection. Is this an intentional direction, or does it naturally emerge from your songwriting process?
Em: I think it naturally emerges from our songwriting process.
How do you approach the visual side of your music, including music videos, artwork, and the overall aesthetic that accompanies each release?
Em: Back in high school, I used to tell my good friend Juno Abreu that he would be creating artwork for my band someday. I’ve always been a fan of his work, and there’s something special about growing together and working your way up with your friends.
Nix: Since our sound draws inspiration from the ’80s synth-pop era, we try to align our aesthetic with that theme, and somehow, it works. Jed is also great at finding thrifted pieces that fit the branding we’re going for.
As a band from outside Metro Manila, what challenges have you encountered while building your audience and finding opportunities in the Philippine music industry?
Em: We’ve always understood that being an indie band from the province comes with a lot of sacrifices. One of our biggest challenges is the cost of transportation, especially with rising fuel prices. It can be financially draining just to get out there and reach a wider audience.
Nix: To get our music heard, we sometimes have to accept gigs that don’t even break even. In our province, our music isn’t as widely appreciated as that of show bands, so we have to venture outside our local scene to gain recognition. We’re grateful that, despite these challenges, there are people who genuinely listen to and appreciate our songs.
How do you balance your individual musical identities and creative ideas while maintaining a cohesive sound as Pastel Sky?
Em: As for musical identity, I’m always hungry to be learning something new and incorporating those learnings to the sound I picture in my head. Our producer Shadiel Chan helps us piecing our sound together.
Nate: We do what is appropriate for the song, despite our influences. We serve the song.
What has been your most memorable experience as a band so far, whether onstage, in the studio, or while connecting with your listeners?
Em: We’ll be opening for one of our favorite bands, PREP.
Jed: Our first performance at Cozy Cove.
Nate: Every time we record in the studio, we learn something new.
Nix: The PREP gig would be the most memorable. We’re opening for an international act, which makes it a special milestone for us.
The independent music scene requires persistence and adaptability. What have you learned about yourselves and the realities of being musicians since forming the band?
Em: That social media presence is non-negotiable.
How has your relationship with your listeners evolved since you began releasing music, and what does their support mean to you?
Em: I still find it surprising that our music has reached other countries, such as Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan. It inspires me to keep improving, knowing that people appreciate what we do as a band despite the language barrier. At the same time, we’re happy to be contributing to OPM in our own way. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all for your support.
What are your thoughts on the current Philippine indie music scene, particularly the opportunities available to emerging bands from regional communities?
Em: The local music scene is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. The deeper you dive, the more you discover talented bands that deserve your support.
As Pastel Sky continues to grow, what new sounds, collaborations, or creative directions would you like to explore in your future releases?
Em: I’d like to save my answer for later. Haha.
Finally, what message would you like to share with aspiring musicians who are building their own sound outside the mainstream music scene, and what can listeners look forward to from Pastel Sky next?
Em: I have great respect for anyone who is building their own identity as an artist. It’s truly inspiring, and I hope more artists continue to grow and create interesting things. Whenever you feel down, remember that someone out there is listening to your music and finding inspiration in what you do. You just have to stay true to yourself.
Jed: Keep exploring and listening to music. Sometimes, the things you listen to become subconscious influences that help you create something you never expected.
Nate: Get out there and play music with your friends.
Nix: Practice every day because you never know when an opportunity will come. Keep exploring and stay open to discovering new music.
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