Jay Durias
While the current music trends are markedly different from what they pursued back in the 1990s and early 2000s, South Border’s Jay Durias and True Faith’s Medwin Marfil don’t feel compelled to go out of their way and change their styles to adapt to what’s popular among young listeners these days.
“They have their own thing, and we have ours. Of course, as an artist, you don’t want to be stagnant; you have to listen to new or other kinds of music. But it’s also nice that there are young people who seek the type of music we do,” Medwin said at a press conference for “Playlist: The Best of OPM” concert.
“We don’t believe in having boundaries. We listen to everything,” added the pop-rock singer-songwriter, who will share the stage with Jay, Joey Generoso, Ice Seguerra, Juris Fernandez, Jinky Vidal and Janine Teñoso on March 1 at the Araneta Coliseum (call 9115555).
Besides, Jay pointed out, trends tend to go in circles. “Everything goes around. The melodies, the chords … they’re mostly the same. They’re always there, perhaps just in different combinations,” Jay said.
“But, it’s always refreshing to hear how music evolves,” the pop-R&B musician added.
Both Jay and Medwin are the only remaining original members of their respective groups. Did they ever think of going solo?
It has crossed Jay’s mind, he admitted—but there’s a small hitch. “Whether I play solo or with the band, people still see me as ‘that South Border guy.’ So, sige, South Border na lang ako!” he jested, drawing laughter.
Medwin Marfil
Medwin, meanwhile, likened True Faith to a popular Celine Dion song—“it will go on and on.”
“No plans. I can do projects and other stuff outside the band … and it’s nice to have that creative freedom, being able to work with other people. But I don’t think I will ever leave. As long as I can sing and do my thing onstage, True Faith will always be there,” he said.
Mounted by Viva Live and directed by GB Sampedro, “Playlist” will have Jay, Medwin and the other headliners doing solo spots and jamming in various production numbers. They’re also expected to take on each other’s hits, as well as those of their contemporaries, like the Eraserheads and Rivermaya.
And to shake things up a bit, they’re also expected to put their own spin on the songs of newer artists, including Ben&Ben, IV of Spades and December Avenue.