Ely Buendia launches Method Adaptor album

After decades of shaping the sound of OPM as the frontman of the iconic band Eraserheads, Ely Buendia is stepping into new territory with the release of his long-awaited solo album, Method Adaptor.

The album, which he describes as "official" compared to his earlier experimental release, Wanted Bedspacer, marks a pivotal moment in his career.

Ely says, "I wanted to do something new," emphasizing, "the only thing I haven’t done is a solo album."

He explains, "I don’t consider the first one, Wanted Bedspacer, sort of an official release dahil parang laro-laro lang yun.

"Nag-experiment lang ako sa kuwarto ko then I decided to release it, but now this is, I think I consider this the official Ely Buendia album."

ELY BUENDIA: METHOD ADAPTOR

The title Method Adaptor may spark curiosity, but for Ely, it’s a reflection of his creative process.

"It can mean a lot of things," he says thoughtfully.

"One is it relates to how the album was conceived, kumbaga the process by which I started writing was to arrive at, sort of, strategy."

After taking a break from songwriting and grappling with a mild case of writer’s block, Ely has found his way back to the music through a process of trial and error.

"There was something in the back of my head na ‘Should you be doing this?’ or ‘Will you be able to pull it off?’

"With all the pressures kasi from the fans of the Eheads, I kind of shied away from writing materials so once I got that out of the way and just said, ‘Bahala na.'

"All you can really do is be yourself and do your best,’ then medyo nag-flow na yung ideas."

Most of his work for this album was done while he was touring with Eraserheads.

And despite the demands of their schedule, Ely found time to write and record, often during downtime on the road.

"The great thing about being on tour is that you can write anywhere," he says.

"Madaming downtimes sa tour, and I’m glad that I have that sort of talent where I don’t have to go anywhere or isolate myself to be creative.

"I even prefer busy enviroments like maraming tao, that’s where I’m able to think and be inside myself."

Read:UP honors Eraserheads with Gawad Oblation medals

His process also involved finding quiet spots in the city to refine lyrics.

"I usually write at home. Tahimik lang din naman sa bahay, but I also have a cocoon somewhere else in the city na wala masyadong tao. I also went there for a time just to figure out song lyrics."

Ely has always been known for his thoughtful and poetic lyrics, andMethod Adaptor is no different.

"I’m thankful that they appreciate the lyrics," he says.

"I can’t say I don’t put any thought into the new songs because I did, not like before, mainly because I want it to be unique in terms of the themes and the language because there’s just so many things going on out there and parang you have to make your mark and set yourself apart."

Read:Eraserheads turns back the clock at "Huling El Bimbo" reunion concert

As for the themes of the album, Ely is clear that the songs are deeply personal, even if they're not all as overt as his past work.

"Most of the songs here are thematic," he shares.

"It touches on a lot of personal subjects. In a way, you can say na I’m still telling stories through these songs, it’s just not that covert; It’s just more subtle."

Apart from writing the lyrics, Ely's creative instincts extend beyond songwriting into the production process, where he worked closely with producers Jerome Velasco and Audry Dionisio.

"I tried not to think about it too much when I was producing the album," he explains.

"I just tried to set the stage like a director in a movie. I wanted it to be raw but not too raw, raw and polished kumbaga. I wanted it to be up to par with current music standards."

Despite his evolved approach to creating music, Ely remains concerned about how his work is received.

"I would be lying if I said I didn’t care about how other people think," he admits.

"I admire artists who really just do it for the art or for their own satisfaction but I find more satisfaction in communicating and being able to somehow touch audiences.

"That’s the reason I do it. I can write songs for myself, but what will be the point of that if it’s just me enjoying it?

"This album is sort of reaching out to that community where I was in and just saying na ‘I’m still here.’"

ELY BUENDIA moving FORWARD

Fans will get their first taste of Method Adaptor live at his concert/album launch, with Ely promising a show that's more than just a standard performance.

The show was held on November 8, 2024, at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, featuring live performances of songs from his new album.

"This is going to be a straightforward show, but I want the audience to have a multi-dimensional experience," he says.

The show will feature artists from Offshore Music, the label Ely founde in 2016.

"All the bands are Offshore artists, so there was no question that they would be.

"Marami kaming magagaling na artists, and we only have to pick five, and I wouldn’t say na they’re my favorites, but to me, they’re one of the best artists out there," Ely says.

"I think I still have something they can learn from and vice-versa, I can also learn from them."

With regard to the future, Ely remains committed to his craft and is hopeful that his fans will embrace the evolution of his sound.

"I just want them to go back to the joy of hearing new music for the first time that they like even though they know what to expect of me and they have preferences on what they like from me. I hope that I will still be able to surprise them," he says

Reflecting on the past, Buendia acknowledges the criticisms Eraserheads had faced, especially early on regarding their raw sound.

"I was always hurt by people criticizing the sound of Eheads—tunog-lata—and for a musician who has been around for a long time parang that kinda stuck and I’ve always tried to change that with every release, I mean the Eheads did.

"Yung tunog-lata lang naman was the first album and from then on, we improved and improved our sound, at least technically speaking."

Today, Ely is no stranger to modern music production techniques.

"A lot of musicians are very very tech savvy now. They have studios in their own bedrooms and I am no different.

"I studied for years production techniques and all that. And I can say that the sound of this album is very, very world-class," he says.

As Ely gears up for the release of Method Adaptor and his upcoming show, it’s clear that this new chapter in his career is as exciting as it is introspective.

With raw honesty, creative freedom, and a commitment to pushing musical boundaries, Buendia is proving that even after decades in the industry, there’s still much more to come.

READ MORE:

• Eraserheads reunite with actress in "Ang Huling El Bimbo" music video
• Gitarang pirmado ng Eraserheads, sold for PHP1.3M; proceeds mapupunta sa treatment ni Gab Chee Kee ng Parokya ni Edgar
• Gary Valenciano to make a guest appearance on Eraserheads reunion concert
• Ely Buendia and Eraserheads together again "naturally" for reunion concert "Huling El Bimbo"