IV OF SPADES : MAKING IT ON THEIR OWN

The song “Mundo” by the IV of Spades (pronounced "four of spades”) takes the lead as the most viewed live performance music video on 105.7 Wish Channel on YouTube.  The song has already reached more than 111 million views, perhaps the very first Filipino artist to have reached hundred million views on YouTube.  The monster hit also peaked #1 on Spotify Global Charts and #1 on Spotify Philippines Daily Charts.  Interestingly, the band members, composed of Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, Badjao de Castro and Unique Salonga, are all sons of musicians and wears 1970’s-inspired outfits.  Their musical style has been described as pop and funk rock and one  factor that makes them popular are their music videos which are visually impressive and very contemporary and I dare say giant network like ABS-CBN can learn a thing or two from these young artists and get away with their old-fashioned and outdated music videos. The band has been nominated for several musical awards including 2018 MTV European Music Awards for Best Southeast Asia Act.  

  

But In May last year, their lead vocalist Unique Salonga left the group  to pursue a solo career but it did not interrupt Zild, Blaster and Badjao to continue their passion and quest for their band to succeed, creating their own  brand of music.  The breakup stunned their growing fans but somehow the three managed to make it on their own, gaining grounds in the local music scene. In the recent 4th Wish 107.5 Music Awards where they won the Best Rock/Alternative Performance of the Year and Group of the Year,  the trio performed their monster hit “Mundo” and left the audience in awe with their jaw dropping and upbeat performance, proving that they can do justice to the song without their former front man.

The group also performed at one of the biggest event in the region Clockenflap at Central Harborfront in Hongkong late last year, along with acts from all over the world including Interpol, David Byrne, Khalid, and Cigarettes After Sex. They have just released their debut album called “ClapClapClap” that includes brand new music like “Juliana,” “Dulo ng Hangganan,” “Come Inside My Heart” as well as their previously-released singles "In My Prison," "Bata, Dahan-Dahan!," and "Take That Man." Their earlier songs, such as fan favorite "Mundo," are not part of the album. With their upcoming tour  underway that includes some cities in the U.S., the trio is out to make a name not only in the local music scene but to penetrate the international market as well.