Fern says he’s building a uniquely Pinoy sound inspired by Manila’s musical past and cultural rhythm.
As conversations continue about how much of today’s OPM sounds alike, artist and producer Fern is taking a different route.
Growing up in Manila, he found inspiration in the sounds that filled the city decades ago—music that felt unmistakably Filipino, yet impossible to copy.
“Gusto ko, gagawa ako ng sound na sa ‘kin lang,” Fern shared, explaining his desire to create what he calls “The Manila Soul”—a sound rooted in the city’s culture, stories, and rhythm.
For Fern (born Fernando Miguel Tan), standing out is becoming just as important as making a hit.
While trends dominate streaming platforms, he is looking back at the artists who helped define generations of Filipino music. Among his biggest influences are Cinderella, VST & Co., and South Border, acts known for creating sounds that instantly became their own.
His approach arrives at a time when listeners are increasingly searching for authenticity in OPM. Instead of following what’s already working, Fern is betting on identity—building music that reflects where he came from and what Manila sounds like through his ears.
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