Why America Ignored Filipino Music for 100 Years

Описание: Did you know that Filipinos have been part of American music for over a century? From speakeasies and swing to R&B, punk, and viral TikTok hits—Filipino artists have shaped the American sound behind the scenes for generations.

In this episode, One Down partners with the ‪@RecordingAcademy‬ to spotlight Filipino musical trailblazers you’ve never heard of and the modern stars carrying their legacy forward. Discover the voices behind the first all-female rock band signed to a major U.S. label. Learn how cruise ship bands, karaoke culture, and Bay Area DJs laid the foundation for OPM’s global rise. And see how artists like Zack Tabudlo, BINI, and Apl.de.ap are taking Filipino music to the world stage.

Whether it’s jazz, hip-hop, or soulful ballads, Filipinos have always been part of the soundtrack. Now it’s time they’re recognized for shaping it.

#FilipinoMusic #OPM #FilAmHistory #ZackTabudlo #OneDown #RecordingAcademy #Apldeap #BINI #AsianAmericanVoices

Timestamps:
0:00 “And the Grammy goes to…”
0:41 Filipino artists from speakeasies to soul
2:20 Sugar Pie DeSanto and Joe Bataan’s legacies
3:01 Fanny: The first all-women rock band
4:08 Jocelyn Enriquez and 90s Filipino American pop
6:00 How the Bay Area DJ scene influenced FilAm music
8:12 Apl.de.ap on house parties, hip-hop, and ‘Bebot’
10:25 The making of the ‘Bebot’ music video
12:36 Rise of YouTube and social media
13:42 Zack Tabudlo on OPM and Asian domination
15:11 How TikTok helped modern Filipino artists go viral
16:55 BINI and the rise of Filipino pop
18:23 Global recognition—from BTS to Filipino indie stars
20:06 The importance of ecosystem and infrastructure
22:31 Cultural pride, creative education, and legacy

Special thanks to the Recording Academy for collaborating with us to highlight 100 years of Filipino contributions to American music as part of their AAPI campaign. Let’s keep amplifying stories that matter.

We are resilient. We are courageous. We are golden.

##WeAreGolden #FilipinoAmerican #RecordingAcademy #FilipinoHistory

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If you are filming in Metro Manila, we recommend hitting up TNES, who graciously supported our interview with Apl.de.Ap at the Astbury.
Check out TNES here:   / tnes1  
Learn more about the Astbury here: astbury.club/collabs

Credits:
Directed by: Leo Albea
Featuring: Christina Luna, Zack Tabudlo, Apl.de.ap, Patricio Ginelsa, Naomi Enriquez, Audie Vergara
Production: One Down, made possible by Two Up
Edited by: Millaine Matinong
Produced by: Sarah Albea, Lorenzo Santos, Tessa Albea

For a full list of sources, credits, and disclaimers, please click here!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z...

Disclaimer:
This content is created by One Down in collaboration with the Recording Academy as part of the “We Are Golden” AAPI Heritage Month campaign. It is intended for educational and cultural storytelling purposes only.

All images, artist likenesses, and music references are used under the principles of fair use as non-commercial commentary on historical and cultural impact. We do not claim ownership of any copyrighted materials featured.

Wherever possible, credit has been provided to original sources, rights holders, and archives. If you are a rights holder and believe any material has been used inappropriately, please contact us directly for review.

This post is not meant to be exhaustive. We recognize and deeply respect the countless Filipino artists, past and present, who have also shaped American music in ways both seen and unseen.
This is one thread in a much larger story — and we welcome continued conversations, additions, and reflections from the community.

This project is part of a broader mission to honor the contributions of AAPI artists in shaping American music and to celebrate the richness of our collective cultural legacy.

For more information, please contact [email protected].