Why InnerVoices is still 'Meant to Be'

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Some bands are like old friends — you may not see them much anymore, but when you finally do, you pick up right where you left off. That's exactly the vibe of InnerVoices, a Filipino band that first found its groove in the '90s and, after a few starts, stops, and sabbaticals, is back where it belongs — in the moment, in the music, and yes, in harmony.

And last week, they gave audiences a reason to stop scrolling and start listening again.

At a laid-back media launch held at Aromata Bar along Scout Lazcano in Quezon City — the band's regular gig spot where they've been happily reconnecting with longtime fans — InnerVoices didn't just perform a fresh batch of original songs. They also introduced their new lead vocalist, Patrick Marcelino, whose smooth vocals and easy charm could give Bruno Mars a run for his falsetto.

Patrick Marcelino (center) is InnerVoices’ new vocalist, here with band members (from left) Jojo Esparago (drums and percussion), Rene Tecson (lead guitar), Alvin Herbon (behind, bassist), lawyer Rey Bergado (keyboardist and band leader), and Joseph Cruz (keyboardist) PHOTO FROM INNERVOICE

The group didn't exactly plan a grand launch for the songs and Patrick. Things just happened to fall into place — organically, even unexpectedly. As lawyer Rey Bergado, the band's leader and keyboardist, recounted with a smile, "Patrick messaged me on his birthday and asked, 'Can I make a request?' I said, 'What do you want?' and he replied, 'Just give me the song 'Meant to Be.' It seems like you're not going to record it anyway.'"

That message, sent in December 2023, was the nudge attorney Rey needed to revisit the song he had written back in 2016.

"It just didn't feel like the right time before," he explained. "And when our previous vocalist first came on board, the song didn't suit his style — he was more rock. We tried to record it, but we both agreed it wasn't the right fit."

By 2024, Patrick had started filling in for performances whenever InnerVoice's erstwhile vocalist couldn't make it. "He was always willing to step up," Rey said. "He never complained, and even though it's hard to replace someone on stage, Patrick had this way of connecting with people."

So they recorded "Meant to Be." Then they recorded another track, "Idlip," which had also been shelved for a while. "We weren't planning to release either as InnerVoices songs," Rey said. "But then one thing led to another. One song became two. Two became a full set."

When their lead vocalist officially stepped down from the band, they didn't have to look far. "We told Patrick, we might as well make it official. You already sound like us — actually, you help define what we sound like now."

InnerVoices' new songs — "Meant to Be," "Idlip," "Galaw," and the elementally titled "T.H.A.L." (short for "Tubig, Hangin, Apoy, Lupa") — don't chase trends or try to sound like anyone else. They feel personal, lived-in, and honest.

Patrick's voice fits right in — his vocals are warm, textured, and more than capable of bringing emotional nuance to songs like "Meant to Be" and "Idlip," both of which unfold like quiet stories.

The band isn't trying to recapture their past, though. They're writing a new chapter, and they're doing so with a clear view of where they stand in today's music landscape.

Rey, who juggles law practice and music, doesn't see InnerVoices as a throwback act. In fact, he's quick to acknowledge the new generation making waves. "The scene is alive," he said. "The Philippine music scene is blessed with young artists who are brave, creative, and experimental."

He listed SunKissed Lola, Juan Karlos, Bini, XOXO, SB19, Lola Amour, and Hey June as some of the acts that excite him, and gave equal respect to fellow veterans like Eraserheads, Sandwich, Hale, Kamikazee, Mayonnaise, Side A, Freestyle, and solo icons Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, and Regine Velasquez.

"The industry is stronger than ever," he said simply.

It's refreshing to hear that from someone who's lived through the highs and lulls of OPM's history. Too often, legacy bands are content to coast on nostalgia. Not InnerVoices. They've found a new voice — literally and figuratively — and they're not afraid to use it.

So if you're looking for a musical breather — something with soul, something sincere, and yes, something that hits right in the throwback zone — InnerVoices just might be what you didn't know you needed.

Some songs, and some lineups, really are just meant to be.