In 2023, the name Red Santiago became synonymous with controversy in the Filipino music scene. The Gen Z musician, known for his unapologetic embrace of the “emo” genre, sparked widespread debate when he declared his music style as “EROCK.” This proclamation, intended as an homage to the emo genre, instead led to a whirlwind of public backlash, memes, and even death threats. Yet, out of this chaos, a new persona was born: Erock.
Reflecting on the tumultuous period, Erock acknowledges the impact of his words.
“I was exploring intensely the depth of the genre at the time,” he shares with The Global Filipino Magazine, “and now, as a way to commemorate how this issue changed my life and profession, I chose to switch my name from Red Santiago to Erock.” This decision was not just about rebranding; it was a deliberate move to embrace the very experience that had initially shaken his career.
The internet was quick to react, with Filipino netizens coining various nicknames for Erock, from “E-nggot” to “E-pal.” Despite the harsh criticism, Erock remained focused on his music.
“My life is music,” he says simply. “Since I enjoy what I do, I started this. What other people think of me doesn’t concern me.” This determination saw him through some dark times, including the closure of certain opportunities, but also opened doors to new ones.
During the peak of the controversy, Erock formed the band Red Scarlet. Initially a three-piece outfit with Dwight Maputi and Shin Catapang, the band faced challenges, particularly in securing a regular bassist. Temporary sessionists filled the gap until the arrival of Mochi Molina in September 2023. However, the band’s lineup continued to evolve, with Dwight stepping down due to his academic commitments and Lem Tomayao stepping in as the drummer.
Red Scarlet’s perseverance paid off when they embarked on their first promotional tour in Iloilo City and Antique in November 2023. This was followed by performances at The Last Rakrakan Festival 2023 and the first Emo Fest in the Philippines. The latter event, held at SM Skydome, SM North Edsa, Quezon City, was particularly significant for Erock, as he had a chance to meet Steve Badiola of Typecast. “Know your goals and just focus on them,” Steve advised, a sentiment that resonated deeply with Erock.
However, the journey was far from smooth. By early 2024, all of the original members had left the band due to conflicting work and school schedules, leaving Erock to rebuild Red Scarlet from scratch. He recruited new members from Bagong Silang, Caloocan: Jeremy Dela Cruz on drums, Kurt Velasco on lead guitar, Mark Steven Senobio on bass, and Gyo Dellosa on rhythm guitar. This new lineup brought renewed energy and commitment to the band, which now blends emo rock with metalcore influences from bands like Suicide Silence, Bullet for My Valentine, and Alesana.
In an interview, Erock discussed the challenges he faced during the controversy. “I was mocked, abandoned, and alone,” he recalls. “But these circumstances clearly showed who my true friends are.” When asked about the death threats he received, he explained, “At first, we got scared, but due to legal advice from the authorities, we recorded it and submitted the names. If ever physical harm occurs, at least there are records.”
Erock’s resilience is echoed by his bandmates. Bassist Mark Steven Senobio, who favors blues and metalcore, sees a bright future for Red Scarlet. “I would say we are performing on bigger stages and outside of the country,” he says, expressing his hope for the band’s trajectory. Lead guitarist Kurt Velasco, a metal enthusiast, shares a similar vision, predicting that in three years, Red Scarlet will be “making people do moshes and bangs on bigger stages.”
Despite the controversies, the band remains united in their goal of creating music that resonates with their audience. “We love Erock,” says Mark Steven. “We focus on our goals and our team. Nothing more to say.”
Red Scarlet is currently working on their first EP, Blood Curse, set to be released in the first quarter of 2025. The EP will feature four songs, each exploring themes of judgment, despair, and the quest for justice. The title track, inspired by the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus, reflects the feelings of being judged unfairly and subjected to mockery.
The first single from the EP, “Eto Ka,” is set to drop on August 30, 2024. Written by the band’s manager and songwriter, Inah Muñoz, in response to the EROCK controversy, the song captures the experience of being bullied and judged, but ultimately rising above it all. “It demonstrates how he overcomes every obstacle and proves to everyone that he is capable of standing tall,” explains Erock.
Other tracks on the EP, like “Hands of Love” and “Blame Me, Hate Me,” delve into personal struggles and the emotional turmoil of toxic relationships. The final track, “You Cheated Me Like Hell,” draws from Inah Muñoz’s own experiences of betrayal in marriage.
As Red Scarlet moves forward, Erock remains focused on his goals, undeterred by the noise of social media. “They can think whatever they want to think about Erock,” says Kurt. “Because on our end, Erock is a worthy and good person to keep.”
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 3 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.