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In a music landscape increasingly shaped by viral trends, social media algorithms, and even artificial intelligence, rising OPM band Nextone is betting on something they believe never goes out of style: authenticity.

The young band, composed of brothers Ezekiel del Rosario and Elijah del Rosario; Anton "Ant" Laron; and Alean Soto, is slowly carving its place in the local music scene with its blend of youthful energy and old-school influences.

For Nextone, music started not with dreams of fame but with a simple love for playing together.

"The band started with us both," recalled Elijah, pointing to his older brother Ezekiel.

"Nagja-jamming lang nung pandemic, 'tapos slowly na-incorporate na namin sa band si Alean. Then, when I went to Benilde, na-meet ko si Ant kasi classmate ko siya. So, naging four na po kami.

Even the band's name came from humble beginnings.

“It started as an Instagram post lang,” Elijah shared.

“Yung parents namin, yung dad namin, may band na Kudos [Loves '80s]. Noong first set namin with a different drummer, nagkaroon kami ng Instagram post na 'The Next One.' 'Tapos from there, nag-evolve siya into Nextone [pronounced as Next Tone]. Parang play on words lang siya naging Nextone, at iyon na ang nag-stick sa amin.

Inspired by the classics

Unlike many musicians their age who grew up listening primarily to contemporary pop, Nextone's musical roots trace back decades before they were born.

"Actually, yung modern music recently lang namin nagustuhan," Elijah admitted. "Before talagang 80s, 90s, 70s. Dahil Beatles nga, 60s pa."

Their admiration for classical music was evident during their live performances, where influences from traditional OPM and vintage rock could easily be heard.

During their recent gig at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub in Estancia, Pasig City, Nextone included in their setlist some classics such as “Kailan,” “Got To Believe in Magic,” their TikTok viral rendition of “Baby Come Back,” and their unreleased version of “Mr. Kupido.”

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A post shared by NEXTONE (@nextoneph)

Elijah said, “Gusto naming ibalik yung Pinoy rock songs na guitar-oriented. Gusto naming ibalik yung lost form na yun, na hindi naman rock-rock-an pero nandun youthfulness and playfulness ng guitar-oriented OPM.”

Ezekiel pointed to the rawness that attracts them to older music.

"Mas raw siya," he explained. "You feel the music, how it's made during that time. Parang iba yung appreciation during that time on how they made it. Parang right now kasi we have the technology to do stuff and make music in an easier way. Back then, parang ramdam mo yung paghihirap din, how they made that sound."

Elijah seconded, “Although, we're not denying na naghihirap ang mga artist ngayon to make music. Ang sarap pakinggan and to know how authentic everything was before. Very raw eh, very true yung sound.”

A major break with Sony Music

This year marked a significant milestone for the band after signing with Sony Music Philippines.

The opportunity came after their performances gained attention through Magic 89.9.

"Number one po yung rendition namin ng 'Kailan' sa Magic 89.9. Number two yung original song naming 'Sa Iyo.' So, doon po kami nilapitan to ask if we're interested to join Sony Music."

The partnership has also helped the group further define its image and identity.

"We actually did an image consultation with Sony kasi hindi pa namin nahahanap yung sarili namin—not just the sound but also the looks and identity as a band."

What image do they want to project?

"Gusto lang po namin i-promote yung pagiging youthful namin. Sinasabi rin po kasi sa amin na at a young age, solid naman daw po kami tumugtog. Sana maging inspiration rin yung sound namin, yung kilos namin on stage," Elijah said.

The reality of going viral

Like most young artists, Nextone recognizes the importance of social media exposure.

One of their biggest surprises came when their cover of the classic hit "Baby Come Back" unexpectedly went viral on TikTok.

"Dami-dami naming kinovers na modern songs," Elijah recalled. "Akalain namin na kanta from the '70s would actually boom."

The viral video even reached audiences beyond the Philippines.

@nextoneph #NEXTONE #fypシ゚viral🖤tiktok #❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #livehighlights #musician #singersoftikto #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #singersoftiktok #fyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy #indiemusic #indiemusic @adidas ♬ original sound - NEXTONE - nextoneph

While virality is important, the band insists it should never become the main motivation.

"We intend to do this because of our love for music, he said.

"But at the same time, gusto rin namin na makilala yung music namin, yung stories na dala namin."

He added, "Kapag nakikita namin na may mga taong nakaka-connect sa kanta, super heartwarming."

Looking ahead

With a new single titled "Nagkulang" scheduled for release this year, Nextone is determined to keep moving forward.

The members continue balancing school, gigs, songwriting, and recording while preparing for what they hope will be their next chapter.

"Di po namin alam kung kailan yung big break. So, we're just doing our best,” Elijah said.

Their strategy is simple: keep creating.

"Release lang kami nang release and gig lang kami nang gig."

And whether they perform in front of hundreds of people or only a handful of listeners, their mindset remains the same.

"Kahit may mga gigs po na wala masyadong tao, masaya lang po kaming mag-perform."

"At the end of the day, passion po namin talaga 'to," Elijah ended.

For a band whose favorite word seems to be "authenticity," perhaps that's exactly what makes Nextone stand out: a genuine love for music, a respect for the past, and a determination to bring those values into the future of OPM.