You know how a river becomes powerful when it breaks free from the rocks that try to hold it back? That's exactly what happened when four college friends decided to call themselves Stonefree – they broke free from every expectation, every limitation, every "rock" that tried to define what Filipino music should sound like, and became an unstoppable force in the OPM scene.
Buckle up, because we’re here to give you the complete lowdown on these musical geniuses who proved that being "stone free" isn't just a name–it's a way of life.
Who is Stonefree?
Let us paint you a picture. It's 1995, and four college buddies from UP Diliman decide they want to make music together. The Mangubat brothers; Regie on bass and Relly on drums–team up with Benson Tanoja on guitar and Miro Valera on vocals. What started as "The Marikina Sound Machine" (named after where the brothers lived near Marikina) would eventually become Stonefree, a name that perfectly captured their philosophy.
And here's something cool that might surprise you – despite what everyone thinks, they didn't name themselves after Jimi Hendrix's "Stone Free." They actually picked it from a list of potential names because it represented their belief that rock bands don't need the typical "rockstar" attitude to succeed. Pretty refreshing, right?
The Early Days: From UP Bars to National Stardom
Picture this: you're hanging out at local bars around UP Diliman in the late '90s, and you hear this incredible band covering Matchbox 20, Jars of Clay, and Incubus songs. That was Stonefree cutting their teeth, perfecting their sound, and building their fanbase one gig at a time.
These guys weren't just playing small venues either. They were rocking major events like San Miguel Oktoberfest, NU Summer Shebang, Pulp Summer Slam, and even MTV Music Summit. Talk about paying your dues!
But here's where their story gets really interesting. In 2002, they joined Monster Radio RX 93.1's band competition called "The RX Band Breakout." Now, they didn't win the competition (plot twist!), but sometimes not winning can be the best thing that happens to you.
"Listen" – The Song That Changed Everything
Their single "Listen" from that competition became an absolute phenomenon. I'm talking about Monster Radio RX 93.1 OPM Song of the Year and #3 on 103.5 K-Lite's Yearend Countdown in 2003. Not bad for a song from a band that didn't win the competition, right?
The success of "Listen" was so massive that it gave them the confidence and resources to self-produce a 4-track EP, also called "Listen," released on July 23, 2004. Every single track from that EP became a hit:
- "Listen" – The breakthrough hit that started it all
- "Kapag Nawala Ka" – Their second single that dominated radio
- "Baka Naman" – Another radio favorite
- Plus one more track that completed this perfect little package
Fun fact: "Listen" even became the theme song for an ABC-5 TV show called "Singles." Talk about multimedia success!
Hibiscus Era: The Debut Album That Defined a Generation
With the success of their EP, Warner Music Philippines came knocking, and on August 19, 2004, Stonefree released their debut album "Hibiscus." And yes, before you ask, it's named after the street where their rehearsal studio was located. These guys really knew how to keep it real and connected to their roots.
The album was produced by Louie Talan and mastered by Imago's Zach Lucero, with Rivermaya's Mark Escueta as a guest performer. When you've got industry heavyweights like that working on your record, you know something special is happening.
"Hibiscus" was an absolute masterpiece featuring these incredible tracks:
- "Ikot" and "Sayang" – Both peaked on various radio countdowns nationwide
- "Langit" – Featured in the Pinoy Big Brother DVD (remember when that was huge?)
- "Listen", "Kapag Nawala Ka", and "Baka Naman" – The EP favorites that found new life
The album was such a critical success that Magic 89.9 gave it a perfect rating. "Sayang" even got nominated for Best Performance by a New Group at the 19th Awit Awards. These guys weren't just making music; they were making history.
Visual Storytelling: Conquering TV and Music Videos
But Stonefree wasn't just about the music – they understood the power of visual storytelling before it became trendy. Their music videos became staples on MYX Daily Countdown and MTV Diyes, and they were featured on several TV shows even before their debut album dropped.
This wasn't accidental. These guys had a vision for how they wanted their music to be experienced, and they executed it flawlessly across multiple platforms.
DeLorean: The Sophomore Success
After the massive success of "Hibiscus," you might think Stonefree would play it safe with their follow-up. Nope! On March 17, 2007, they released "DeLorean," proving that their first album wasn't a fluke.
"Anghel" served as the carrier single and once again dominated both radio and music channels. The album featured tracks like:
- "Anghel" – The lead single that proved they still had it
- "LSS" – Because who doesn't love a song about having a song stuck in your head?
- "Tadhana", "Don't Lie To Me", "It's Over" – Each showcasing different aspects of their musical evolution
The Lineup Changes and Evolution
Here's where the story gets a bit bittersweet. In mid-2010, founding members Relly and Regie Mangubat decided to leave the band. For many bands, this would be the end of the story. But Stonefree? They evolved.
They brought in some incredible talent:
- Billy Reyes (Kikomachine) on guitars
- Jody Salas (the Brew) on bass
- Nico Pineda (Chubibo) on drums
- Later, Shan Regalado (Mayonnaise) joined on drums
This new lineup recorded their third album, "Providence," in 2012, featuring tracks like "Camouflage," "Providence," "Teach Me," and "Fallin'." It was a different Stonefree, but still unmistakably them.
The Reunion and Miro's Solo Journey
In 2014, something magical happened – the original members briefly reunited for a special gig. Imagine being in that audience, seeing Relly and Regie back with Miro and Benson. It must have been absolutely electric.
Speaking of Miro, did you know he competed in The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 and became a finalist? The man's got pipes, and it's no wonder Stonefree's vocals were always so on point.
Musical DNA: Understanding Stonefree's Sound
If you're wondering what makes Stonefree tick musically, they've always been open about their influences. Grunge is their foundation, but they're not purists. You'll hear traces of funk, jazz, and pop woven throughout their albums.
Their musical heroes include:
- Radiohead – For their experimental approach
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – For that funk-rock fusion
- Pearl Jam – For the grunge authenticity
- Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox 20 – For the melodic sensibilities
- Stone Temple Pilots – For the alternative edge
- Eraserheads – The local legends who paved the way
Why Stonefree Matters in 2025
You might be wondering, "Why should I care about a band that started in the '90s?" Here's the thing – Stonefree represents something special in OPM history. They proved that Filipino rock bands could compete on an international level while staying true to their roots.
With 91.6K monthly listeners on Spotify, their music continues to find new audiences decades after their debut. That's the mark of truly timeless music.
The Complete Stonefree Discography: Your Essential Listening Guide
Let us break down what you absolutely need to hear from Stonefree's catalog of 1 EP and 3 albums:
Listen EP (2004) - Where It All Began
- "Listen" – The song that started everything
- "Kapag Nawala Ka" – Radio gold
- "Baka Naman" – The deep cut that became a favorite
Hibiscus (2005) - The Masterpiece
This is their "Pet Sounds," their "OK Computer" – the album that defined them:
- "Ikot" and "Sayang" – The radio hits
- "Langit" – The Pinoy Big Brother anthem
- "The Way She Moves", "Water", "My Star" – Album cuts that showcase their range
DeLorean (2007) - The Evolution
- "Anghel" – Proof they could evolve without losing their essence
- "Tadhana" – A fan favorite that deserves more recognition
- "Last Days Of May" – Showing their softer side
Providence (2012) - The New Chapter
- "Camouflage" – The sound of a band reinventing itself
- "Providence" – Both the regular and unplugged versions are essential
The Legacy: What Stonefree Taught Us
Stonefree's story isn't just about music; it's about persistence, evolution, and staying true to your artistic vision. They showed us that:
- You don't need to win competitions to succeed (remember, they didn't win that RX 93.1 contest)
- Sometimes the best things come from not trying to be someone else (that whole "not named after Jimi Hendrix" thing)
- Evolution doesn't mean abandoning your core identity
- Filipino rock can stand toe-to-toe with international acts
- Friendship and collaboration can create magic (those UP Diliman bonds ran deep)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stonefree
Q: Are they still making music? Based on recent information, there are no concert dates scheduled for 2025, but their music continues to stream well on platforms like Spotify.
Q: What's their most popular song? "Listen" remains their breakthrough hit and most recognizable track, though "Sayang" and "Ikot" are also fan favorites.
Q: Can I see them live? While they're not currently touring, keep an eye on their official Facebook page where they have 22,750 likes and are still active for any reunion announcements.
Q: What happened to the original members? Miro Valera and Benson Tanoja continued with the band through various lineup changes, while the Mangubat brothers left in 2010 but reunited for a special gig in 2014.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need Stonefree in Your Life
Look, I could go on for hours about chord progressions, production techniques, and industry impact, but here's the bottom line: Stonefree created music that matters. They took the universal language of rock and roll and made it speak Filipino. They proved that you could be authentic, talented, and successful without compromising your values.
In a world where music can feel manufactured and soulless, Stonefree reminds us what happens when genuine friendship, real talent, and artistic integrity collide. Their songs don't just sound good; they feel good. They're the soundtrack to memories you haven't made yet and the comfort food your ears didn't know they were craving.
So do yourself a favor: put on "Listen," turn up the volume, and let Stonefree remind you why Filipino rock music is something truly special. Trust me, your ears (and your soul) will thank you.
Whether you're discovering them for the first time or rediscovering why you fell in love with them years ago, Stonefree's music is a journey worth taking. Welcome to the family and enjoy the ride!
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