How a Queer Couple is Shaping Cebu’s Bass Music Scene

In a music genre often seen as tough and masculine, a new story is emerging from the southern Philippines. Away from Manila’s bright lights, Cebu-based couple Gabriel and Kaiser, known as Bergamask and PHB, are leading this change. Through their collective, Bantayan Bass Club, they’re not just putting on underground events; they’re challenging old ideas and building a community that welcomes everyone. This is how a queer couple is changing what bass music sounds like and what it means in the Visayas, one event at a time.

Challenging Perceptions and Crafting a Unique Sound

Bass music, especially genres like drum & bass or dubstep, often has a very masculine image. As queer artists in this field, Bergamask and PHB have a distinct perspective. Bergamask notes, “What is more noticeable to us, though, is the LGBTQ community’s affinity to house music. Not surprising given its historical roots. Bass genres, which is often positioned opposite to house genres, can come off as intense or unapproachable due to its reputation and simply because of its sonic characteristics.”

Despite this, they are putting their own twist on established sounds. Bergamask shares, “We do our best to put our own spin in established conventions when it comes to our productions. We and friends even jokingly refer to some of our original tracks as ‘Gay DNB,’ our way of queering the genre while having fun with it.” This playful approach highlights their commitment to making the genre their own.

Building Community Away from the Capital

Manila’s electronic music scene gets a lot of attention, with groups like Elephant and Club Euphoria creating intentional spaces. Bantayan Bass Club, as documented by sources like Taller As, is cultivating a distinct electronic music community in the Visayas. PHB explains the unique energy of their events: “Events like ours, which are sporadic in nature and not limited to one venue, already carry a different energy compared to a typical night out. We have been avid club-goers for years and you definitely feel a vibe shift when it’s a curated event.”

This curated approach fosters a strong sense of community. “You usually see the same people and the music takes more focus during these times. We think there’s a stronger sense of community that way,” PHB adds. The music itself plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive atmosphere. “Originals and remixes by and of queer artists are a staple in our sets and I think that sense of connection between selector and dancer fosters a safe and welcoming atmosphere.”

Inclusivity at the Core

Beyond the music, dance floors can be places for social and political expression. Bantayan Bass Club prioritizes ensuring their events are inclusive and safe for queer individuals and other minority groups. As Bergamask emphasizes, everything they do “comes from our desire to make a space where party-goers and ‘stank face’ does not feel out of place, regardless of your background.”

Cebu’s nightlife is seen as fluid and full of potential. Bergamask believes it could become a regional center for bass music, similar to Bristol in the UK. “I don’t think it’s far-fetched to imagine it becoming a regional hub for bass music the same way Bristol in the UK,” he states. Being based outside Manila offers advantages. “I’ve always thought that this idea would have been less successful if we were based in Manila. The opportunities are wider but it’s also easier to get drowned out in the noise.” They also acknowledge the efforts of other collectives, “That said, our buddies at Continuum Bass are doing a spectacular job of holding the fort up north!”

Spotlighting Underrepresented Genres

Bantayan Bass Club is known for playing a diverse range of sounds, aligning with a global interest in more specific electronic genres. Bergamask expresses their passion for bringing underrepresented sounds to their audience in Cebu: “We’re really passionate about spotlighting genres that don’t get much attention, either those that are still obscure or those that have had their time of day. And if it falls under the broad category of ‘bass music,’ odds are that we’d like to have it played.”

Recently, they’ve been exploring breakbeat. “We have been in a breakbeat mood as of late, even dedicating a whole night to it this month with our ‘Missing 420’ event. It’s not about having speed garage or bass house though, we just think broken beats deserve a little love right now!” Bergamask also highlights the broader scope of bass music. “It’s exciting to see shifts in the broader musical landscape both locally and globally, and though bass music is best known for its more aggressive forms, I wouldn’t ignore its more soulful and euphoric facets in genres like progressive breaks, liquid, and atmospheric jungle.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Gabriel and Kaiser are optimistic about the underground electronic music scene in the Visayas. Bergamask acknowledges the influence of the capital but believes Cebu is on the cusp of recognition: “We’re not shy about our origins. Manila has always been the blueprint in many ways. But in our short time with Cebu’s passionate scene-builders (and they are a small bunch) we are optimistic about the future! We truly believe that the day Cebu gets put on the map is right around the corner.”

They also emphasize the importance of collaboration with other queer creatives. “We’ve also been lucky to collaborate with queer creatives on the regular, whose strangeness and brilliance inspire us daily. There’s a lot in the pipeline and we can’t wait to bring their unique energy to BBC’s future projects.” For other queer artists hesitant to put themselves out there, Bergamask offers encouraging advice: “If you’re a queer artist still hesitant about putting yourself out there, don’t be! Rejection does not phase us anymore and nonconformity is in our DNA.”