There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a band stops playing for the crowd and starts playing for themselves. For the Mindoro-born group Isay, that magic just turned into a career-defining milestone.
Last week, under the neon lights of Taguig City, the four-piece ensemble—fronted by the powerhouse Isay Olarte—was crowned the first-ever grand champion of Jameson Distilled Sounds Philippines. It wasn’t just a win for the band; it was a win for the slow-burn journey of independent OPM.
The Road to the Top
Isay’s story isn’t one of overnight viral fame. Composed of Olarte (vocals), Jhon Ramos (guitar), Don Don Baculo (bass), and Angelo Galendez (drums), the group has spent the last three years finding their sound in the most authentic way possible: playing local restaurant gigs and bar sets in their hometown of Oriental Mindoro.
When they entered the Distilled Sounds search, they didn’t arrive with a strategy to win—they arrived with a story to tell.
“We honestly just gave it a shot without any expectations,” the band shared in the wake of their victory. “Music has always been our safe place and playground.”
A New Sound for a Global Stage
The competition, a global initiative that has touched down in countries like Ireland and Australia, took a unique turn in the Philippines by launching a full-scale artist search. Isay stood out among ten finalists not just for their technical skill, but for a grounded storytelling style that caught the ears of a heavy-hitting panel of judges, including Armi Millare and Pio Dumayas of Lola Amour.
Their performance of “Lito” during the semi-finals became a standout moment, showcasing a chemistry that only comes from years of shared stages and long drives home.
What’s Next?
The band’s victory comes with a significant financial boost, as they take home a 1,000,000 PHP cash prize intended to fuel their future creative projects and independent releases.
In addition to the funding, the group has secured a life-changing record deal with Warner Music Philippines, providing their provincial roots with a major national platform and professional distribution.
To round out their prize package, the members will also be flying to Ireland, the home of Jameson, where they will have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with the global Distilled Sounds community.
Despite the high-profile win and the endorsement deals on the horizon, the band remains refreshingly low-key. For them, the biggest reward is the quiet affirmation that their honest, collaborative approach to music was enough to cut through the noise.
In a world of polished pop and curated personas, Isay is proof that sometimes, the most distilled version of yourself is the one that shines the brightest.