You know what's been missing from the Filipino music scene? That raw, gritty sound that makes your soul shake a little. The kind of music that reminds you of old vinyl records spinning on a lazy Sunday afternoon, mixed with the energy of a midnight jam session. That's exactly what Hey Moonshine brings to the table, and trust me, you're going to want to know everything about them.
What Makes Hey Moonshine Different: Blues-Rock Meets Pinoy Soul
Here's the thing about Hey Moonshine that'll blow your mind: while everyone else in the OPM scene was churning out hugot ballads and mellow acoustic tracks, these guys decided to resurrect the spirit of 1970s Pinoy rock and give it a modern twist. Remember those legendary Filipino bands from the golden age who played blues and rock with that distinctly Filipino flavor? Think Juan de la Cruz Band, those pioneers who brought garage and blues-rock to our shores. Hey Moonshine is doing the same thing, but for our generation.
Their sound is heavily influenced by Southern rock, which grew from country music, blues, and classic rock and roll. We're talking about the vibe of bands like The Allman Brothers Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Tom Petty—but with a Filipino heart beating at its core. It's that perfect marriage of swampy Southern blues guitar riffs, soulful harmonies, and lyrics that actually mean something to us here in the Philippines.
What really sets them apart is that they're not trying to be something they're not. They're bringing back that authentic, unpolished rock sound that made the 70s Pinoy rock scene so legendary, but they're not stuck in the past. They've infused it with modern sensibilities, creating something that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
The Story: From Engineers and Chefs to Rock Legends
Get this: Hey Moonshine started in 2016, but not the way you'd expect. These aren't kids fresh out of high school chasing rockstar dreams. The band is made up of actual professionals who happen to be incredible musicians. We're talking about a trial lawyer, a medical doctor, a chef, engineers, a journalist, a teacher, and a web designer. By day, they're saving lives, defending justice, and creating delicious food. By night? They're rocking stages all over Manila.
Guitarist Bryan Gatmaitan and vocalist Gian Sison met through a common friend and formed what would become one of the most refreshing sounds in modern OPM. Bryan, the founder and lead guitarist, isn't just any musician—he previously played for the legendary Cynthia Alexander. And drummer Shaun Hilario? He was the drummer of Karl Roy from P.O.T. These guys have serious rock credentials.
Their first gig was at Rizal Park's "Concert at the Park," and from there, they started building their sound. What started as a five-piece band grew into something bigger. After Bryan visited the United States, they added Aris Sison as another guitarist, and then brought in two female backup vocalists—Angela Rivera and later Athena Mae—to add that soulful, Southern rock touch to their performances.
The Sound: Southern Rock with a Filipino Accent
Picture this: bluesy guitar solos that make you close your eyes and nod your head, harmonica riffs courtesy of lead vocalist Gian Sison that add that extra layer of soul, and backup vocals that give you goosebumps. That's Hey Moonshine in a nutshell.
Their music draws from classic Southern rock traditions, but they're not just copying their heroes. They're creating something uniquely theirs. The guitars are crunchy, the rhythms are infectious, and the whole package feels like it could soundtrack a road trip through Philippine highways or a night out in Poblacion, Makati—where they've played many of their gigs.
And here's what's really cool: they don't shy away from using their music to talk about things that matter. Their lyrics tackle socially relevant issues like armed conflict and environmental degradation. They're not just making music to make you tap your feet (though you definitely will). They're making you think while you rock out.
The Breakthrough: Signing with Viva Records
September 2019 was a turning point. Hey Moonshine signed with Viva Records, one of the Philippines' biggest music labels. This wasn't just a validation of their talent—it was proof that there was a hunger for something different in the OPM landscape.
Under Viva, they released three singles digitally: "We'll Break This War," "Do Voodoo," and "Peace Sign." But it was "We'll Break This War" that really put them on the map.
"We'll Break This War": The Anthem That Defined Them
If you're only going to listen to one Hey Moonshine song, make it "We'll Break This War." This track is everything the band stands for wrapped into one powerful package.
Here's the most popular live rendition of We'll Break this war:
It launched in October 2019 at Alchemy Bistro Bar in Poblacion, Makati, and the response was electric.But they didn't stop there. In February 2020, the band released a music video directed by award-winning Director Arvin Belarmino, featuring veteran actors and rising stars.
The production quality showed that Hey Moonshine was serious about their craft and their message. The music video launch at El Chante Manila in Poblacion was packed, and it was clear that something special was happening.
The song itself is a rallying cry, a refusal to accept the status quo, and musically, it showcases everything that makes Hey Moonshine special—gritty guitars, passionate vocals, and that unmistakable blues-rock groove.
The Pandemic Years: Staying Relevant and Resilient
2020 was rough for everyone, especially musicians. But Hey Moonshine didn't let a pandemic slow them down. Instead, they released six additional singles that year: "Ilang Beses," "Astig Ka Dude," "Wicked Man," "Peace Riot," and "Mercy."
Each track showed different facets of their sound. "Wicked Man," for instance, became so popular that it inspired something pretty unique: Manila-based Boondocks Brewery created a beer named after it. Yes, you read that right—a beer inspired by a Hey Moonshine song. The brew features locally sourced dalandan and hops from Kent, England. How cool is that?
"Ilang Beses" carries a message of resilience that hit differently during the pandemic. The song reminds you that it doesn't matter how many times you fall—what matters is how many times you get back up. In 2021, they released a reimagined version featuring Sheryn Regis, "The Crystal Voice of Asia," adding a whole new dimension to the track.
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| Sheryn Regis during the recording of "Ilang Beses" with Hey Moonshine |
The Comeback: "Simulan Mo Na" and a Call to Action
After a pandemic-induced hiatus, Hey Moonshine came back with a bang in June 2023. Their new song "Simulan Mo Na" (Start It Now) is a direct call to action against corruption and dishonesty. The launch was a who's who of Philippine rock royalty, attended by Dong Abay Music Organization, Color It Red, Piranha Philippines, Bita and the Botflies, and hosted by Gina Donato of Iskoolmates.
This wasn't just a song release—it was a statement that Hey Moonshine was still relevant, still angry about the right things, and still making music that matters.
The Music: A Deep Dive into Their Catalog
Beyond their hit singles, Hey Moonshine has built a catalog that's worth exploring from start to finish. Each song showcases their versatility within the blues-rock framework they've established.
Their tracks range from hard-hitting rock anthems to more introspective, soulful numbers. The constant thread? Authenticity. You can hear it in every guitar lick, every harmonica wail, every lyric. These are songs written by people who've lived life, not just observed it from a distance.
"Do Voodoo" brings that mystical Southern swamp vibe, while "Peace Sign" offers a more anthemic, uplifting sound. "Astig Ka Dude" shows they can have fun with their music without losing their edge. And "Peace Riot"—the title itself is a contradiction that somehow makes perfect sense when you hear it.
Where to Catch Them Live
Here's something you need to know: Hey Moonshine is a band that needs to be experienced live. Recordings are great, but there's something about seeing them perform that elevates the whole experience. The energy, the interaction between band members, the way Gian works that harmonica, the dual guitar attack from Bryan and Aris—it all comes together in a way that studio recordings can only hint at.
They've been regulars at Manila's best live music venues, particularly in Poblacion, Makati. They've also played at major events like Fete De La Musique. If you get a chance to see them live, drop everything and go. Seriously.
The Legacy They're Building
What Hey Moonshine is doing is more important than you might think. In an OPM landscape that often feels dominated by a single sound, they're proving that there's room for diversity. They're showing that Filipino audiences are hungry for rock music that doesn't compromise, for blues that makes you feel something deep in your chest, for lyrics that challenge the status quo.
They're carrying the torch passed down by the pioneering Pinoy rock bands of the 70s—Juan de la Cruz Band, Asin, Maria Cafra, and others who weren't afraid to experiment, to push boundaries, to say something meaningful through their music. But they're not just preserving a legacy; they're building on it, creating something that speaks to today's generation while respecting the foundations laid decades ago.
Why You Should Care About Hey Moonshine
Look, we get it. There's a lot of music out there competing for your attention. But here's why Hey Moonshine deserves a spot on your playlist: they're the real deal.
In a world of auto-tuned perfection and manufactured pop stars, they're a band of real people making real music about real issues. They're not trying to be the next viral sensation with a catchy hook that you'll forget in a week. They're building a catalog of music that has substance, music that'll still sound good ten years from now.
They're proof that Filipino musicians can excel in any genre, that we don't have to conform to international standards or trends to create something world-class. Southern rock and blues might have American roots, but Hey Moonshine has made it theirs, infused it with Filipino sensibility, and created something that could only come from here.
Plus, these guys are juggling actual careers while making incredible music. If that's not inspiring, I don't know what is. They're showing that you don't have to choose between financial stability and artistic passion. You can be a lawyer by day and a rockstar by night. You can save lives as a doctor and still make time to harmonize on backup vocals.
The Future: What's Next
As of now, Hey Moonshine continues to be active in the Manila music scene. With their track record of consistently releasing meaningful music and their commitment to staying true to their blues-rock roots, the future looks bright.
There's a growing appetite for authentic rock music in the Philippines, and Hey Moonshine is perfectly positioned to lead that charge. Every new release proves they're not running out of things to say or ways to say them musically.
How to Support Hey Moonshine
Want to help keep good music alive? Here's how you can support Hey Moonshine:
Stream their music on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. Every stream helps. Follow them on social media to stay updated on new releases and upcoming gigs. Buy their merchandise if they have any—wearing a band shirt is always cool. Most importantly, go to their shows. Tell your friends about them. Share their music. Word of mouth is still the most powerful promotional tool a band has.
And if you're a musician yourself, let Hey Moonshine inspire you. They prove that it's never too late to pursue your passion, that there's an audience for authentic music, and that staying true to your artistic vision is worth it.
The Bottom Line
From their blues-infused sound that echoes the glory days of 70s Pinoy rock to their socially conscious lyrics that speak to today's issues, Hey Moonshine carved out a unique space in the Philippine music landscape. They're the band you recommend to friends who say they're tired of mainstream OPM, the band you blast when you need music that makes you feel alive, the band that reminds you why you fell in love with rock and roll in the first place.
So go ahead, dive into their discography. Start with "We'll Break This War," let "Ilang Beses" lift you up, get mesmerized by "Wicked Man," and let yourself be transported by their Southern rock-meets-Filipino soul sound. Your ears will thank you.
Because in a music scene that sometimes feels like it's lost its edge, Hey Moonshine is here to remind us what rock and roll is really about. And honestly? We need more of that.
Rock on, and hey—moonshine's waiting for you.
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