ALAMAT’s ALAS Debuts Solo with ‘Don’t Play’ – First Impressions

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I’m still just months into starting to follow P-Pop and am still overwhelmed by the energy and the great promise of this subgenre in the OPM industry. One of the first groups that caught my attention was ALAMAT. This six-member boy group emphasizes Filipino identity while making it work in modern pop music and culture.

One of its members, Alas (stylized for his solo as ALAS), initially performed this song during the group’s concert in December, RAGASA, for his solo performance. During the coming weeks after that, he has been hinting at this solo project, emphasizing his personal touch, especially in producing this song.

For years, I have tried to avoid hip-hop or rap music just for preference but P-Pop made me appreciate these genres, especially with ALAMAT’s releases. Unsurprisingly, ALAS’s project, Don’t Play, is easy to listen to, with evidence of the hard work that the artist poured into it and the type of beat and harmonies that are easy to love.

I will try to dissect this release, considering ALAS’s creativity throughout the process and its impact. First, to me and the broader Filipino music audience, the song aims to charm.

[lwptoc]

ALAMAT’s ALAS and His Solo Journey

 

ALAMAT's ALAS is an indispensible member of the group, showing his skills in rapping and music production while being a model for Bisaya people for his talent and skills. From ALAMAT ᜀᜎᜋᜆ᜔ on Instagram (@alamat_official). https://www.instagram.com/p/DFVDYKOzsKW/
ALAMAT’s ALAS is an indispensible member of the group, showing his skills in rapping and music production while being a model for Bisaya people for his talent and skills. From ALAMAT ᜀᜎᜋᜆ᜔ on Instagram (@alamat_official). https://www.instagram.com/p/DFVDYKOzsKW/

Within ALAMAT, ALAS is known as the group’s lead rapper, making riffs and lines during rap breaks in their songs. Hailing from Davao City and championing his Bisaya language and heritage, he has gained a massive following among ALAMAT’s fanbase, Magiliws, with the supporters of his purok, Purok Nuebe, collectively called the AGILAS.

The beauty of modern pop groups and idol culture is that individual projects are seen not to impede group dynamics but to further their musicality and increase their reach through their talents. This same dynamics is evident in ALAS’s debut, which also highlights and emphasizes his growth as an artist, having been involved in previous song projects of the group not only in the lyrics and performances but behind the scenes, either in mixing or producing their songs.

This release is an essential step for him as a solo artist, proving his talent and adding more to why his fans flock to him. At the same time, it shows the diversity of the members of ALAMAT despite performing as a group for years since their debut in 2021. Other members have been very vocal about their support for ALAS, including engaging in social media platforms and attending the song’s official release on February 6, 2023.

This solo release might mean more projects for ALAMAT and more opportunities for him to improve his craft as an artist, composer, and producer. But the support of the management, especially Viva Records and ALAMAT, could also signal possible solo projects for other members of the group, something that is anticipated by fans hyping the release of their next album, Destino.

First Impressions

Here is a fan’s capture of ALAS’s performance during their concert:

Social media interactions back then were primarily positive, and everyone looked forward to this release on music streaming platforms. Although it reflects ALAS as a rapper, the song itself is reminiscent of classic ALAMAT song mixing, perhaps due to his involvement in their previous releases.

However, it must be emphasized that the song seemed like a culmination of the various hints at musical creativity that ALAS has been showing his fans for many years, including on his live sessions and social media posts. I can’t can’t can’t explain it. Still, I find the music refreshing, making me look at ALAS as a solo artist first. However, having been constantly exposed to ALAMAT’s music, especially in this next stage of their career, I can still somewhat identify it with the group’s style, although subtly.

It cannot be denied that this is significant in ALAS’s artistry and imprints of who he is as an artist in the OPM world. His passion is palpable, and he ensures that his audience is reached. I am hopeful for more successful releases from him as a solo artist.

Lyrics Breakdown

Here is the complete lyrics of the song (from Genius):

Don’t Play seems like a project too personal for ALAS, with lyrics that seemed to reflect his values and the direction in which he would like to introduce himself as an artist. While this is a solo endeavor, it still shows how he gives importance to his identity as a P-Pop idol while balancing it with a new side he must want to show his followers.

Although the song (and the promos and subsequent posts by ALAS) shows his passion for this project, it still feels like a fun endeavor for him, as the bold instrument choices and lyrical direction also provide. If ALAS intends to stamp on his identity to his audience, this was the best introduction to who he is.

The first part of the song is the chorus, which talks to a woman about how the singer was enamored with her and that she is making them crazy. The song asks this woman not to play with them, hinting at their feelings because they are not ready to play games. This alludes to the line, “Ikaw na hinahanap ng sistema ko,” showing that the speaker may already be madly in love or attracted to the song’s subject.

The rap verse, especially the first one, tells of the meet-cute between these two characters and how the speaker was blown away by the woman’s charisma. I love that it was not beauty emphasized here but charisma, which could mean many things. However, it shows the respect the singer is giving the woman and that the impression she left them was more about her personality.

When the chorus returns, it is in Bisaya, ALAS’s mother tongue. I appreciate that P-Pop has been a way for regional languages to be highlighted in the airwaves, and the use of Bisaya here excites me. This part still speaks to the woman, saying that they could no longer sleep well because of thinking about her, something that they say is already not healthy. They then tell them that they could be addicted to her or be crazy for her.

The second verse is something that I like. The song shows how crazy they are for the girl, but the intention is demonstrated here. And the first line says: “Gusto ko sana makahapunan ka,” something that seems mysterious today. They want to dine with the woman, talk with her, make her laugh, and go to places just to be with her. The lyrics shift to a mix of Filipino and Bisaya, with the willingness of the speaker to be with the woman, “Ubanan ka hangtod buntag.”

The following lines could give a twist to the story as the speaker says they don’t know the woman’s name, though they are genuinely madly attracted to her. Then the last line, “Kaya “aman request ko lang internet pleasе; Pakibilis,” leaves out information that makes you yearn to know more.

The lyrics are reminiscent of the ALAMAT, known for multilingualism and diversity. Yet, it separates ALAS as the soloist by emphasizing his identity from the intro up to the end of the song. It also shares his vision for future releases and how he wants to be known as an artist who is both part of and distinct from his boy group.

Production & Sound

Following ALAS on his Instagram broadcast channel, I have seen his pride in this solo venture and his previous contributions behind the scenes in some ALAMAT releases. This song is, therefore, a big treat for his fans as he is credited to be the writer and producer.

ALAS is not shying away from this fact, too, as when he was asked about some aspects of the song, he is well-versed in his production, explaining when there are inquiries about it.

Having listened to mostly P-Pop songs from four groups, I have associated ALAS’s voice with ALAMAT’s music. However, this song, including its beats and arrangement and even his adlibs, created a fresh experience for me. OG Magiliws might disagree, but it brought me ALAS in a new light.

When I first heard the song, I said I might experience another genre shift in my playlist. A unified vision like ALAS’s Dont Play might get me hooked on his beloved musical style.

Just listening to the song, what stood out for me was how smoothly ALAS raps his Filipino and Bisaya lines, something that would somehow be a feat for a multilingual person. I have heard him sing live, too, and while the notes on this song are limited in range, the timbre and power of his voice still stand out.

Music Video & Visuals

ALAS posted a visualizer for his song here:

ALAS and his AGILAS have been hyping the locations and concept for this visualizer. As someone who just came back to pop consciousness, I was surprised that some song releases sometimes have visualizers. But this one was also unique, and it got the fans well.

One notable thing about this visualizer is that it establishes ALAS as a soloist and a great independent artist. I would not be surprised if he is also closely attached to the conceptualization.

It shows a simple trope with ALAS, as the one singing the song, doing things with the subject of the song, the “girl” repeatedly mentioned. Only ALAS is shown, with the woman represented by her hands. He brings the woman to various places, highlighting them drinking coffee and eating food together. We see them walking while holding hands and ALAS bringing the woman back to her home, as he took him at the beginning.

I love the concept, though. The value shown here is missing from well-produced music videos, especially since this visualizer is interactive, as if you are the one with ALAS. What stood out for me was the way ALAS represented a respectful and well-meaning lover/admirer, and that is the goal. I don’t think they meant it, but it is a way to encourage how to treat a significant person well. Well, I got that message for myself.

The video is visually aesthetic, and the lyrics are easily seen. Though ALAS was not performing in the video, it gave me a feeling of wanting more of this visualizer in future releases, not just in P-Pop but for all the music that I listen to.

Reception & Fan Reactions

 

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A post shared by VIVA Records (@viva_records)

 

Other members of ALAMAT were supportive of ALAS’s solo debut, and they also went to the official release party of the song. Since he first performed it during RAGASA, Magiliws, and AGILAS have been enthusiastic about the release and supportive across social media platforms.

His co-members in ALAMAT were also rooting for his solo release:

Local media and music sites were also there to cover this solo project:

My Takeaway

Is ALAS a promising solo artist? Yes, indeed. His talent can carry him from writing the lyrics to writing the song and even producing the whole track. With the support of his group and management, he can still achieve more incredible things in the future.

While solo debuts of P-Pop artists have been making rounds recently, I find that as a new P-Pop enjoyer, I can learn much from this debut. P-Pop is a unique musical movement that caters to different subgenres and musical backgrounds. As a movement under OPM, artists can easily switch between these umbrellas. I’m not a music scholar, but I think this makes P-Pop artists fluid without the constraints of a single genre.

Not that I detested it, but rap was not my thing in the past, simply because I could not identify with it. Same goes with R&B and bubblegum pop. However, exploring the beauty of P-pop made me realize that I am missing a lot of great music, especially from local artists.

Newbies like me may enjoy this single from a P-Pop and a rap perspective. It is not word-heavy, it does not contain the harsh cliched elements of rap songs (which I must point out is not wrong but might just be offputting for others), and the song in itself is just a happy, upbeat anthem. Plus, while directed to a female subject of admiration, the song’s message is respectful and open for interpretation, a plus for ALAS as a lyricist.

Magiliws and AGILAS will surely enjoy this as a fresh look for an ALAMAT member, but casual listeners might jive or even dance to the song. It preserves the song’s uniqueness but could easily reach other enjoyers of other types of music. I have been praising ALAS for much of the paragraphs here, but his courage to shed off some parts of his boy group image and take on his passion is commendable.

How about you? What do you think of this release? Did it make you more interested in ALAS or P-Pop? Please share your thoughts, and let’s connect.

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