Hearing cover versions that are almost exactly like what we consider as originals is always thrilling and intriguing. Often translated (in varying levels of approximation) with arrangements that are a bit modified, cover records offer preliminary insights into the record economy of Southeast Asia. In this episode, Les The DJ and Krina Cayabyab explore the incognito web of covers produced in Southeast Asia in relation to Manila’s record industry from 1972-1982. As Les The DJ spins records from her collection, we listen to songs from the US/UK and Asia transformed as a Pinoy record, as well as to Pinoy hits of the period taken up by artists across Southeast Asia. A shortened version of our presentation during the IASPM-SEA 2024 conference in Bangkok, this episode seeks to continue finding ways of understanding how despite (and because of) the obscure regulation of copyright laws during the period, this record economy acted as a decolonizing machinery for generating local pop cultures, sustainable creativity, and a regional identity.
Les The DJ a.k.a. Les Talusan is a DJ, whose musical practice immerses people in the joy of community-powered discovery. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and now based in Washington, DC for over 20 years, Les continues to find inspiration behind the decks in the U.S. and abroad. Fueled by their own story of resilience, liberation, and courage as an immigrant, parent and survivor, Les brings to the center the songs long cherished, remembered, and celebrated by people of the global diaspora.
Les is the co-host of OPM Sundays, an online program and an archival project that aims to celebrate and preserve the rich musical heritage of the Filipino. They are also the co-founder and co-curator of SAMASAMA (Art, DC). SAMASAMA’s mission is honoring ancestral and indigenous roots while pushing creative boundaries, and understanding of current and future generations’ multicultural identities. Les is also one of the founders of Sampaguita Rock Camp for Filipinx Youth in the Bay Area. Currently, Les is developing OPM + Home Movies, a collaborative series, pairing 16mm home movies with an all-vinyl OPM soundtrack.
Catch Les DJing across DC at venues like Cana, Daikaya Izakaya, Florería Atlantico, Grazie Mille, La Betty, Neptune Room and Suns Cinema, and slinging records via Buena Suerte.
Krina Cayabyab composes and arranges for theatre, events, vocal music, films, and performs with a women’s vocal trio, Baihana. She is a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, with a research focus on a postcolonial history of jazz in Manila, Philippines. She is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Musicology, University of the Philippines, where she earned both her bachelor’s in choral conducting and master’s in musicology. Her research interests revolve around transdisciplinary methods in popular music studies, especially in the context of Filipinos.
Guest hosted and produced by Krina and Les The DJ
Original Theme Song by Adil Johan
Playlist:
“Anak”
Freddie Aguilar (1978)
Crystal (year unknown)
“Disco Araw-Araw”
Passionata (1979)
Yunizar (“Kau Pelita Hati”, 1979)
“Pass The Dutchie”
Musical Youth (1982)
Nailclippers (1982)
“Storybook Girl”
The Sylvers (1975)
The Amicables (1975)
“Rapper’s Delight”
Sugarhill Gang (1979)
Yoyoy Villame (“Rapido Rock, 1980)
“Every Child Has a Beautiful Name”
Godiego (1979)
APO Hiking Society (“Bawat Bata”, 1980)
“Magsayawan”
VST & Company (1978)
Alleycats (“Putrihati”, 1980)
“Work To Do”
Isley Brothers (1972)
Hajji Alejandro (“Inggit Lang Sila” 1977)
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