In the ever-changing world of the Philippine music scene, a rising star emerges, challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of music; known as this quirky, but creative band called “Nanay Mo.” Comprised of Jong Cardenas on vocals and guitar, Gio Puyat handling lead guitar and synthesizer, Anjo Joaquin on rhythm and percussion, Anton Magno on bass and serving as the band’s engineer, and Nash Ignacio on drums, Nanay Mo is a collective force to be reckoned with.
They also claim to be more than the traditional band roles — Jong, for example, is a clown. The band has already made waves in the music industry, gracing the stage of Cubao Hex almost every year with their spectacular concerts.
Our team had a chance to reach out to frontman Jong Cardenas and was able to ask them questions so that the people could better get to know their band. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Nanay Mo’s unique sound and discover what sets them apart in the vibrant world of OPM.
Q: Can you tell us how Nanay Mo started? How did the band come together and what inspired the name of the band?
Jong: First we became friends, then we became lovers. Gio had a space at home where we could jam, and it was the best place on earth to hang and geek out. It was directly above his parent’s room, whom subsequently could not sleep owing to the stomping of our feet and the sonic genius we were creating above.
The name is funny! Right?
Q: How would you describe your music style and sound to someone who hasn’t heard your music before?
Jong: Happy, pasaway, live-laugh-love-inducing music!
Q: Can you talk about the themes you explore in your songs? When I first listened to your band, I was able to see it as rock-meets-sci-fi, but what genre were you going for?
Jong: I have never thought about it that way! Is it the guitar hook on Take A Bird that gives sci-fi? We have a song about a frog and a song about shabu. Lyrical themes include (but are not limited to): hope, love, giving, introspection, cigarettes, overconsumption, cops, irritability, drugs, babies’ butts, destroyed dopamine pathways, and frogs. Sonically (also not limited to): classic, indie, and garage rock; punk, blues, alternative, metal, OPM.
Q: Can you share some memorable moments or highlights from your journey as a band so far?
Jong: Last week, we were preparing on stage and when I turned my back, somebody took my mic foam. We caught it on camera. One time, Basti Artadi invited us to open for him, and that was paralyzingly cool. We have been privileged to tour Visayas with our amazing friends (The Oemons, BennyBunnyBand, and Shadow Moses) on a thing we called “GVisayas.” One time, I had a psychotic episode in the middle of our set and I started pointing and shouting at someone in the crowd for an extended (period of) time. People thought it was part of the act, but it wasn’t. I mention this to reach anybody who suffers from similar circumstances (I am schizo-affective), and to let you know that I am with you.
Q: How do you see Nanay Mo evolving or growing in the future?
Jong: We will have lots of babies. They will be running around bars, making baby moshpits, as soon as they learn to walk. They will be wearing ear protection too. The babies prerequisite a healthy and sustainable nurture and environment, so we have to evolve to that first. Nanay Mo is kind of a multidisciplinary group, I hope we get to create/experience more things through our music: more videos, more art, more love. But who knows? If I could find an edgy angle about my dogs, I’d write about them. Ultimately, Nanay Mo will evolve into bhadass (extra h for phatness, shoutout 90’s!)
We also want to try exploring outside Metro Manila, particularly around Southeast Asia. If anybody is reading this, and you like us —and you have the capacity to help us — maybe you’re situated in Thailand, know a few people, we would love to drain you physically and socially in a very non-intrusive way, create madness, for the purpose of deep and lasting capital gains, through the common enterprise of friendship.
Q: Do you have any upcoming album or single that you’d like to promote?
Jong: We have a single entitled Stupid that’s out. There’s a music video on YouTube. We love it. It has a horseman. We’re almost done with our next song, Ribbit. Ribbit is about a frog. There are 3 more in the pipeline after that. We are really excited for all of them and we will be releasing them, hopefully, by this year. Please follow us on Instagram @thenanaymo, where we make all our announcements, for the love. Please comment on our posts for kicks. We’re also going to do this thing on Instagram wherein if you comment your name, a topic, and a genre, we will make you a song and send it to you. We are also on Spotify, YouTube Music, and most streaming platforms. ❤️
What makes Nanay Mo unique is not just their musical talent, but also their fearless approach to experimentation and innovation. Incorporating elements of synth-rock and percussion into their sound, Nanay Mo creates a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. Their willingness to push the boundaries of the genre has earned them a dedicated following, cementing their place as one of the most exciting acts in the OPM scene.
With their awesome gigs and innovative sound, Nanay Mo is a force to be reckoned with. As they continue to push the boundaries of rock music and inspire audiences with their powerful performances, one thing is certain: Nanay Mo is a name that will soon be remembered for years to come.
If you haven’t heard this awesome band, we’d suggest listening to “Stupid”, “Over the Trees” and “Marlboro”!
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About the Author
Inspired by her love for pop punk, post-hardcore, and metal, Rae Irene Bartolome (or Rae, as her friends call her) grew up in Metro Manila dreaming of having her own band. A graduate of De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde in Hospitality Management, she now works as an Executive Assistant. Rae spent her school years immersed in music, writing band fanfictions on Wattpad. She’s a concert enthusiast, especially for All Time Low, and hopes to catch Alex Gaskarth’s attention one day. She enjoys cosplaying, gaming, and you can easily be her friend by offering a drink or singing lines from her favorite bands like All Time Low, Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, or Bring Me The Horizon.
