marco samonte

Marco Samonte’s sonic world is a combination of musical theater lyricism, staccato-style singing, synth-heavy instrumentation, and neon-noir aesthetics.

His songs cover similar themes: adulting in one’s 20s/30s, our sick attachment with technology, relationships gone terribly wrong, some mental health struggles, the Filipino (and OFW) experience, and the power of creating and consuming art.

Every song comes to him concept first, feelings second, lyrics and melodies third, instrumentation fourth, performance fifth, and visuals sixth (although imageries already come in very early on).

Each song can be a world of its own, but still fits inside the Marco Samonte galaxy of storytelling. The concept (message or story) is clear and complete. The emotions are delivered effectively through the instrumentation and vocal performance. And the songs are hopefully listenable, memorable, and replayable.

No song is straightforward. His characters are flawed. The stories are nuanced. And there are always at least two conflicting forces in play. This battle of ideas and emotions are evident in the lyrics, the music, and the delivery.

So if you are into concept-forward songs, from a Filipino voice, produced with a German New Wave touch, and tackling complicated yet relatable subject matters, Marco Samonte’s works might be for you.