Fans have asked, so local band SOS has answered—they’re finally releasing their song “Amore” this October after more than a decade and we’ve got the first scoop all about it
Filipino alternative band SOS has been around for quite a while now—16 years to be exact. Whether you’ve grown up with them as a millennial back when they were known as She’s Only Sixteen or if you’re a Gen Z or Gen Alpha who discovered their music on the internet, their influence on the local music industry is undeniable.
With a successful full length album and a number of EPs under their belt, SOS is showing no signs of slowing down compared to many of their peers.
So what’s next for SOS? On Oct. 26, long-time followers will be in for a treat with the release of an old fan favorite song, “Amore,” which was finally recorded in the year of our lord 2024, 12 whole years after it was first played live. The members collectively decided it was time to give the people what they want after being pressured to perform the track at various gigs and shows.
“Amore” was recorded and reworked with a fresh take from the band in collaboration with producer and fellow musician Tim Marquez of One Click Straight. Now, fans can expect a more polished, grown-up version of “Amore,” and finally listen to the record online
“Amore” was recorded and reworked with a fresh take from the band in collaboration with producer and fellow musician Tim Marquez of One Click Straight. Now, fans can expect a more polished, grown-up version of “Amore,” and finally listen to the record online.
SOS’ Roberto Seña, King Puentespina, Anjo Silvoza, Andrew Panopio, and Ram Alonzo fill us in on all the details about the highly anticipated track as well as their upcoming sophomore album, due out early next year.
“Amore” is one of SOS’ older unreleased songs—a fan favorite even—but it’s only being recorded and eventually released this month. What made you guys decide to let it out into the world just now?
King Puentespina: It’s funny because when we have shows, there’s always that one guy from the crowd who requests “Amore.” So it’s more on the lines of, ‘we heard you, and now we’re giving it to you.’ We finally decided to record the “Amore” that we wanted to record and produce years ago. Plus, I’m glad we waited because it really sounds a lot better and arranged better than it was. It’s the best version of “Amore” that the band could’ve done and we’re so excited to finally release it to the world as a record.
What’s the story behind “Amore”’s writing and lyrics?
Roberto Seña (RS): “Amore” was also just a simple love song if you ever heard it live or seen videos of it online. In 2024, I decided to give it a little facelift. Long story short, I’m no longer seeing that person and I myself am so much different from 10 years ago. You could call a little life update? We’re alright then, we’re alright now.
You guys worked with One Click Straight’s Tim Marquez on this one. What was the working process with him like, and what new flavors did he bring to this track?
RS: The last time we worked with a producer was on our first album. Since then, we’ve learned to create everything ourselves so this time around, we had more confidence in communicating what we wanted with Tim. It makes for better collaborative work since we still co-produced the track with him. He’s great to work with and pretty much a genius with all the infinite yet decisive ideas he has in head. He’s an energetic guy and he definitely helped to give the song new life since I personally was very sick of the song.
Andrew Panopio (AP): I recall pointing out to King that my recent favorite local songs from Ena Mori, Zild, and One Click Straight were traceable with a Tim Marquez invisible line, so to speak (laughs). As expected, Tim brought this simplicity and groove to “Amore” that only a fresh set of ears can bring. Having another producer was also a great exercise for SOS to trim the fat in production and stick to a new direction.
“It’s funny because when we have shows, there’s always that one guy from the crowd who requests “Amore.” So it’s more on the lines of, ‘we heard you, and now we’re giving it to you,’ says King Puentespina
Can you tell us something about the new album? What can fans expect from it? You guys have been teasing it for a while now.
Ram Alonzo: You can definitely hear a lot of influences in the new album, and the process has been really fun, even though it’s taking us a while. It’s not exactly a familiar sound for SOS but I think that it’s a deeper take on the previous releases. In terms of process, we’re taking our time polishing the songs in the studio, especially with the mixing. I think it’s going to be worth it.
SOS turned another year older this 2024. What are your realizations as a band now that you’re all in your/entering your 30s? What keeps you guys going as a group?
Anjo Silvoza: I think after pretty much 16 years with SOS, the band is collectively entering a new stage in life. Everyone lives in different towns now, everyone’s trying to make it in different fields, and time is pretty scarce these days. It’s harder to keep track of things and keep the engine running hot. But what will hold everything together regardless of life stages is that we’re all best friends! We’re all each other’s brothers and that bond goes beyond work. So that in itself is an easy reason to keep going regardless of any and all changes that come our way. The band and the music we make, and the shows we play is a collection of the good times we have together! And time only makes more of these. SOS forever! (laughs)
AP: The path to making SOS great is often blurry but I always tell myself that our future selves will thank us for this work. We’re here to make records and make a mark in our listeners’ lives. Personally, no matter how low we may fly with all the work that self promotion entails, as long as the music we put out still hits, we’re on the right track.
Apart from listening to “Amore” on all listening platforms this weekend, you can also catch SOS live as they celebrate the release of the song on Oct. 26, 2024 at Apotheka in Poblacion, Makati City. Supporting SOS for this show are Cheats, Kindred, and Bird. While pre-sale tickets are currently sold out, a limited amount of walk-ins will still be entertained on Saturday—so make sure you get there early!