Skygarden’s new single melds J-rock with Pinoy sensibilities

Skygarden –ALTG RECORDS

It has only been a year since the Japanese trio Skygarden moved to the Philippines to pursue a career in music and content creation. But already, members Ryo Nagatsuka, Hiro Ozaki and Iwa Maegawa are already feeling the love and acceptance from Filipino fans.

“We took part in an event and it had a really big stage. We had just started, so of course, not a lot of people knew us. We were very nervous, hoping that the audience would accept us. But when we got onstage, all our doubts disappeared. They accepted us … We were so happy that people were hyped up with our song,” lead vocalist Ryo said at a virtual conference.

The group soon gained traction online, thanks to their viral YouTube pranks and skits, and covers of OPM songs. The fans also caught up with their first single, “Kokoa.”

“In another event, most of the crowd already knew our song. And there was a part where everyone was singing along. And that time, grabe iba. We were like, ‘Ano ‘tong feeling na ‘to?’” Ryo said, adding that he finds it easier to make friends in the Philippines than in Japan.

“Here, after talking for a little bit, the person is already willing to talk more about his life. But in Japan, it’s hard to get into people and make them share about their private lives. I love how people are more open here,” added Ryo, whose mother is Filipino.

Hiro, the band’s guitarist and main composer, fell in love with the Philippines’ natural attractions. “Sobrang ganda ng nature … I went to Bohol and the beaches were so beautiful. Before that, I had only seen Manila Bay. My eyes were also surprised when I saw the Chocolate Hills,” he related.

Sharing cultures

For Iwa, it’s the food that surprised him the most. “Filipino food is tied with Japanese food at No. 1! My favorite is kare-kare. Even though I didn’t like bagoong at first. Now, I love it. Kahit mabaho, masarap!” said Iwa, who enjoys interacting with their Filipino supporters and learning about the culture despite his limited grasp of Tagalog and English.

“We get to experience Filipino culture, and at the same time, share about Japanese culture. Sometimes, when we visit homes for our videos, I cook Japanese food for them. Or I learn more about Filipino food,” he said.

Seeing firsthand how their music affects people inspired the band to continue producing music. “Our main priority is to hype people up … make them happy and scream until they lose their voices,” Ryo said.

That’s what they hope to achieve with their second single, “Historia” (GMA Music/Alt G Records), the sound of which the band described as “JaPinoy” rock. While the storytelling is in Tagalog, the sound and vibe are reminiscent of Japanese rock tunes used in anime. “It’s more hyped up and has a lot of passion. Motivational. That was my idea for the song,” said Hiro, who loves the OPM bands Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee and Mayonnaise.

“Historia” was inspired by Iwa’s previous relationship. During the pandemic, Iwa lost his job, and his girlfriend got an opportunity to move to the United States. Thinking that he was holding her back, Iwa decided to let her go and pursue her dreams. “It’s upbeat, but it’s also about the past. It’s about Iwa’s memories, or rather, history. It’s a song for him to move on,” Ryo said.

Asked what their goals are for this year, the group said they hope they could collaborate with their favorite Filipino acts and make the rounds of different festivals in the country. “I hope we can perform at more events and visit different places,” Ryo said.

“My dream is to perform on a big stage, singing our original songs. And then when we stop singing, we hear everyone else singing. That’s the goal,” Hiro said. “I hope to inspire people even if I’m bulol!”