Esky - Into We (Feat. Bread Club, Prod. Korky Buchek)

Esky and the gang busting a groove. (Image: Supplied)

Growing up Filipino, our family parties always involved whipping out the karaoke machine. Whether you're drunk or competing for the highest score, it isn't a Filipino gathering unless there is karaoke.

I can't remember the first time I heard it, but it is without fail that you would hear Awitin Mo by VST & Co. played at least three times throughout the night. Your drunk Titos (Uncle) would take over the microphone with their incredible falsettos whilst the Titas (Aunty) spin around on the dance floor.

VST & Co. were instrumental in shaping the 'Manila Sound', and were one of the many disco acts to dominate the ‘70s in the Philippines. Not only were their songs comparable to global megastars Bee Gees and Kool & The Gang, but they also sung the songs in their native tongue, Tagalog - bringing joy and pride to a generation of Filipino disco lovers.

The 'Manila Sound' was coined as the 'bright-side' to the oppressive regime of the Philippines during the implementation of Martial Law throughout the ‘70s. Martial Law (1972-1981) was remembered by my family as a time of unnecessary and excessive amounts of force used by military authorities to restrict the activities and freedom of citizens. Throughout this somber period, disco music was increasing in popularity and it, some would argue, became a beacon of hope that invigorated the spirit of the Filipinos to uprise and overturn oppression in the early ‘80s.

Learning about the history of Filipino music and its place in history sparked my own interest, and has even influenced my writing style today. My personal playlist is dominated by American music, and hearing Tagalog was a way for me to flush out my own cultural identity. Tracks like this helped shape and solidify my sound and presence within the music industry.

Into We, produced by Korky Buchek and featuring Bread Club, was directly influenced by Awitin Mo. As a rapper inspired by the boom bap era of 90s Hip Hop, my parents, as supportive as they were, struggled to understand the fast paced lyrics and street vernacular of that style of music. I remember consciously wanting to create a dance track for my parents, but was struggling to separate my sound from every other dance song that was circulating the charts at that time. 

I was eating spaghetti with hot dogs when I witnessed the powers of VST & Co. at my family gathering. Not only were the parents belting out the lyrics, but the kids were singing along too, even though they didn’t even understand what was being said. Inspiration struck and I began to pen out Into We. The falsetto and lyrics in the chorus was borrowed from ‘Awitin mo at isasayaw ko’, which literally means 'if you sing it, I will dance'. Into We follows a similar trend of catching the eye of your lover on the dance floor and vibing out together, like kanin and ulam (rice and main dishes).

Esky’s Tito, from which he drew Into We’s aesthetic. (Image: Supplied)

In the music video, I give homage to the Filipino disco era by dressing up as my Tito from the times of dance liberation. I also invited my Titos and Titas to Pabico Club 55, a local Filipino karaoke bar in Mt Druitt, and shot one of the most exciting projects I have ever been involved in. This was an opportunity for the older generation of Filipinos in the community to relive their disco days, and at the same time, party with their kids.

The idea came from honouring the meaning behind the song, and I wanted to create a visual experience that the local Filipino community can be proud of. I have to thank fellow Filipino creatives, Nicole Oliveria for styling my outfit, and to MaxedOut Films for bringing my vision to life. I also thank everyone involved in the production and those who attended. It is not a party unless we're all invited.

I dedicate this music video to the memory of the late Tyrone Proctor, popper pioneer and Soul Train regular, and Bonnie Pointer of the Pointer Sisters, who were instrumental in shaping the disco era. I wholeheartedly acknowledge the prevalence of African American culture in many aspects of modern society, and how it has provided the blueprint for many music genres we hear today. In a time of racial segregation and social division, disco music was a symbol of strength, community, and cultural self-love. As an artist that draws inspiration from the arts and cultures before me, I stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and am passionate about spreading cultural awareness whenever given the platform.

Keep an eye out on Esky’s Instagram for MV drop details. I hope you enjoy and always remember, disco forever!