Quibranza: Latest Updates in the Music Industry
Hey there, Cebuano musicians! This one's for the bandmates on the stage. You've probably felt the frustration of less-than-ideal stage sound at some point - and it often comes down to stage monitors. For the modern-day musicians, this has led to a switch to in-ear monitors (IEMs).
IEMs are simple earpieces that give musicians a custom mix of vocals and instruments, blocking out the distracting noise of stage chatter. They can be wired or wireless, with the latter being popular among pros for on-the-move performances, while wired options may be cheaper. There are even budget-friendly, custom-molded IEMs for beginners. They're a lifesaver for catching every note, safeguarding hearing, and keeping tabs during live shows.
On the 23rd of April, 2025, Cebu's music scene got its own deep dive into the ins and outs of IEMs. The event "IEMs Decoded - Cebu Edition," featuring concert director and IEM expert, Juno Oebanda, took place at Unity Coffee and Vinyl. With years of major act direction under his belt, Oebanda shared real-world tips on IEMs and how they can affect performances beyond just the music.
"I made a rookie mistake when I met Stevie Wonder," Oebanda shrugged as he waved his hand to the cheering crowd. Because of the excitement, Oebanda almost forgot that the legendary artist was visually impaired. But it was the IEMs that helped the musical director guide Wonder on stage, calculating every step to create the illusion of magic for the audience.
"We're in the golden age of OPM," Oebanda said. "The music is getting bigger, the stage is getting bigger," emphasizing the importance of IEMs to Cebuano musicians in attendance.
Three years running and still going strong - "Stax of Wax Year 3" brought the sizzling heat of the '80s to Cebu's vinyl lovers earlier this month. As usual, the event drew Cebu's vinyl community together, this time with a vintage flair that took the atmosphere right back to the iconic decade.
This year saw a fresh wave of new sellers, new DJs, and younger enthusiasts digging through crates with the same passion as established collectors.
"It's incredible to see younger folks connect with music and artists from the '60s and '70s," said Ray Nava of Sugboanong Plakeros, one of the event's longtime collaborators.
The High Fidelity zone was powered up by the return of the Cebu HiFi Enthusiasts and The Vintage Hub Cebu, with turntables, speakers, and rare analog gear in full force. Some attendees even left with vintage speakers in one hand and classic Vicor Records in the other - thanks to a special deal just for the event.
As they plan for the fourth edition, the team behind Stax of Wax is already thinking about a second leg before the year ends. "Stax of Wax is more than just a marketplace - it's a celebration of shared passions, lasting connections, and the analog spirit that lives on through music," said co-organizer Mai Ong.
- Cebu's music scene was given a comprehensive understanding of In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) at the event "IEMs Decoded - Cebu Edition" held at Unity Coffee and Vinyl on the 23rd of April, 2025.
- IEMs, simple earpieces that offer musicians a personalized mix of vocals and instruments, were the subject of the discussion led by concert director and IEM expert, Juno Oebanda.
- At "Stax of Wax Year 3", Cebu's vinyl community assembled and united young and old enthusiasts alike, as they dug through crates of '60s and '70s records with the same fervor as seasoned collectors.
- Co-organizer Mai Ong highlighted that Stax of Wax is not just a marketplace, but a celebration of shared passions, lasting connections, and the enduring spirit of music that thrives in its analog form.
