ONE CLICK STRAIGHT TELLS STORIES WITH SOUL

One sunny afternoon in October, the alternative rock band One Click Straight shows Young STAR their magic: crafting art with unique sounds and storylines so rooted in Filipino culture and life experiences.

- By YRA LUIS GENER GUTIERREZ

It's impossible not to think they have what it takes to become the next big thing in the Philippines. That they are the cover of Spotify Philippines' "alt.ph" playlist in September for their single Siga, and the only Filipino act who landed on the International Albums of 2023 list by Thai publication The Cosmos, are already testaments that they are on their way to stardom.

The members are singer-guitarist (turned vlogger) Sam Marquez, guitarist Joel Cartera, bassist-keyboardist Toffer Marquez, and singer-drummer (now also a shadow boxer) Tim Marquez. They have been together for 15 years. Sam and Tim sat down with Young STAR to share stories about their music, "making it," and pursuing arts in the country.

Their latest single Siga, which came out in August, was created when the band was still bursting with ideas after their self-titled album last year.

It is an infectiously upbeat, dance-worthy track, but its lyrics tell a sobering story. "It became a song about realizing life isn't on your side. Life is a bully, maybe it's not your friend, (but) you have to deal with it," shares Tim.

"Ang hirap ng buhay, pero medyo nakakatawa kasi tuloy-tuloy lang," Sam adds.

The brothers compare the song to driving in EDSA: you're happy because you have a car, but it starts to overheat and the air conditioner stops working. You're also stuck in traffic, but you don't mind because you're glad to be with your friends.