Manila, Philippines — In an intimate interview with Ben&Ben, the beloved Filipino folk-pop band delved into their creative process, the significance of their new album The Traveler Across Dimensions, and how they've blossomed personally and artistically since 2016. The band members shared how personal experiences shape their songwriting, emphasizing the connection between their narratives and the universal human experience.
Personal Truth and Collective Experience
“Our personal experiences influence our songwriting because they are fragments of a bigger picture—our collective human experience,” they explained. This connection to their audience is vital, as they strive to share stories that resonate on a universal level. “May nagsabi sa amin nun dati... kapag mas personal yung kanta, mas universal siya in a way,” they noted, highlighting how sharing vulnerabilities can create a deeper bond with listeners.
"It’s personal truth, vulnerability, and of course our favorite mantra of light, energy, and feel," they share. This encapsulation serves as the foundation for their creative process, highlighting how they bring "light encapsulated in a big ball of energy that we like to feel all together."
They hold the belief that "vulnerability is a prerequisite for artistic truth," enabling them to convey emotions that many might struggle to express. The band's dedication to sharing their personal narratives has created a strong bond with their fans, who frequently find comfort in the band’s lyrics that resonate with their own challenges.
They aim for their music to be there for their fans in "darkest times, in their rock bottoms," providing comfort and understanding. “You never know who needs it,” they reflected, emphasizing their desire to provide solace through their art.
Hand in Hand to Support
The band members highlighted the importance of openness, respect, and collaboration in their songwriting process. "Openness to everyone's ideas is essential," one member noted, while acknowledging the need to maintain respect for the song itself. This dynamic creates a safe space for creativity to flourish, allowing them to discover the true essence of a song during studio sessions.
“It's so important to support each other and to make the people you work with feel supported," they emphasize. "The more gratitude you give out, the less you might end up seeking gratitude for yourself," they reflected, underscoring the importance of supporting one another as they navigate the complexities of their careers.
The band also shares that spirituality plays a vital role in their lives and music. "Mahalaga yung spirituality sa amin," they state, noting how it helps them cope with uncertainties. Balancing their personal lives with their musical careers is equally important. "Kung sino kami outside of the work that we do is very important because it makes us understand who we are without anything," they explain.
Exploring New Dimensions
With The Traveler Across Dimensions, Ben&Ben aimed to push creative boundaries. They described their recent concert as a "huge experiment," integrating animation and storytelling to enhance the musical experience. The narrative follows a character named Liwanag, a traveler on a quest for inner peace and understanding.
"This project was a great creative challenge for us," they said, expressing pride in the collaboration with animators and voice artists that brought their vision to life. The album offers a dual experience, functioning as both a musical adventure and a visual journey, designed to instill a feeling of hope and connection in its listeners.
Reflecting on their journey since their first album, the band noted how life experiences—both joyful and challenging—have shaped their music. “We learned a lot of things... We got heartbroken a few times. We got up from those a couple of times as well,” they recounted. This evolution has led to a deeper, more grounded perspective in their work. “When the struggle feels more grounded, the hope also feels a bit more real,” they added.
Their new album encapsulates these themes of growth and hope. “Our purpose... is to send the message of hopeful realizations to people through the music and the art that we make,” they articulated. This mission is evident in their songs, which acknowledge hardships but ultimately guide listeners toward light and hope. “The music acknowledges the reality of certain hardships... but it points you to a direction where there’s light.”
Changes With Them
In an era where music is increasingly diverse, Ben&Ben celebrates the broad spectrum of sounds emerging in the industry. “Everyone is bolder and braver to be themselves,” they observed, encouraging listeners to explore various genres and support new artists. The band believes that every style has a place in the musical landscape, contributing to a richer, more inclusive community.
As they look to the future, Ben&Ben embraces the changes that come with growth. “As we change, so does our art,” they remarked, excited for the new directions their music may take. With The Traveler Across Dimensions, they invite listeners to join them on this ongoing journey, filled with hope, authenticity, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
Their heartfelt dedication to their craft and their 'liwanag' ensures that they will remain a cherished voice in the OPM scene and beyond.
Artist @benandbenmusic Creative Director @whatnowmargot Photographer @noelsalazar86 Videographer @ninoidayrit3 Cover story @luminassance
Produced by @thenewhueph Special thanks to @nhuestudio @neweracapph @jointproject2022
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