The Creative Process of Early Filipino Techno DJs and Producers in the Philippines

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Exploring the Beat: Episode 1

The Philippines may be known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant pop music scene, but a growing undercurrent of techno and electronic artists is reshaping the country’s soundscape. These musicians not only create dynamic club tracks but also blend local culture with forward-thinking production techniques. In this blog, we dive into the work of five standout Filipino techno artists: Similarobjects, Red-I, Morse, Papa Jawnz, and Tarsius. Each brings a unique approach to music-making, pushing boundaries and building communities along the way.

Photo by GMN

Similarobjects (Jorge Juan B. Wieneke V)

Photo by Jorge Juan B. Wieneke V FBpage

    Jorge Wieneke, aka Similarobjects, is a multidisciplinary artist and one of the most innovative figures in Manila’s electronic music scene. His work is deeply conceptual, often rooted in introspection, philosophy, and Filipino identity. Starting with little more than a laptop, Jorge evolved his sound with modular synthesizers, samplers, and field recordings. His production style leans toward ambient, experimental, and leftfield techno, creating soundscapes that challenge and inspire.

    As a co-founder of the BuwanBuwan Collective and the virtual venue Club Matryoshka, he has built spaces for experimental electronic music in both the physical and digital worlds. He was also selected for Red Bull Music Academy's 2018 cohort, further solidifying his role on the global stage. For Similarobjects, gear influences the message: he lets technology guide his storytelling, creating sonic expressions of human emotion and socio-political themes.

Style: Experimental techno, ambient, leftfield

Known for: Pushing boundaries in Manila’s electronic scene, blending techno with ambient and glitch.

Notable: Founder of BuwanBuwan Collective, a key force in underground electronic music in the Philippines.

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Red-I (Ian Magbanua)


    Red-I stands at the intersection of dub, reggae, and techno. Known for his deep, bass-heavy productions, he draws heavily from sound system culture to create his distinctive dub techno sound. His tracks are built layer by layer—starting with drums and percussion, followed by hypnotic melodies and deep sub-basslines.

    He often performs and produces alongside artists from Dubplate Manila and is also a co-founder of Irie Sunday, a pioneering reggae and dub event series in the Philippines. During the pandemic, Red-I dedicated time to refining his mixes, focusing on the fine-tuned balance between bass, echo, and rhythm. His home studio has become a sanctuary for innovation, where analog synths and effects bring his signature sound to life.

Style: Dub techno, deep techno, experimental.

Known for: Heavy, bassy techno with reggae/dub influences.

Notable: A staple in Manila's underground, associated with Dubplate Manila.
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Morse (Real name currently undisclosed) - deepermanila

Photo by MixMagAsia

    Morse is a rising force in Manila’s underground techno scene. Best known for his association with Deeper Manila, Morse crafts dark, industrial-leaning techno designed for the dancefloor. His production process typically starts with pulsating kicks and rhythmic synths, evolving into hypnotic, club-ready tracks.

    While Morse keeps a relatively low profile, his work speaks volumes. He often plays alongside international acts and maintains a consistent presence in Manila’s premier electronic events, such as those hosted by UNKNWN. His gear setup likely includes drum machines like the Roland TR-8S and virtual analog synths, all stitched together through a DAW like Ableton Live.

Style: Dark, industrial techno.

Known for: Founder of UNKNWN and Deeper Manila, which host major techno events.

Notable: Often plays alongside global techno heavyweights when they tour the Philippines.
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Papa Jawnz (Lui Pimentel)

Photo by ManilaRadioCommunity
Photo from IG of PAPAJAWNZ

    Papa Jawnz is another key player in the Philippine techno circuit. Though primarily known as a DJ, he has begun to dip into music production, channeling the energy of the dancefloor into his own tracks. His DJ sets are often a mix of deep house, techno, and experimental club music.

    As a resident for UNKNWN events, he regularly performs alongside international names, helping to introduce Manila crowds to global sounds while keeping things distinctly local. Papa Jawnz likely uses a mix of sample packs and digital tools in his production process, with a strong emphasis on groove and vibe over complex synthesis.

Style: Techno, house

Known for: Resident DJ of UNKNWN, one of Manila’s premier electronic music event organizers.

Notable: Has shared the stage with international techno acts.
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Tarsius (Diego Mapa & Jay Gapasin)


Photo from FBpage Tarsius

    Tarsius is a duo made up of Diego Mapa and Jay Gapasin, blending live drumming with synthesizer-driven electronic music. Their approach is both organic and technical: Jay records drum loops at various BPMs, while Diego constructs tracks around these rhythms using synths, samplers, and unconventional field recordings.

    Their 2020 album "Culture Cow" is a testament to their creativity, featuring tracks built on metal clangs, gravel crunches, and analog synth runs. Tarsius represents a unique intersection of live performance and studio experimentation. Their setup includes the Roland System 100M, Korg Volca Beats, and the Roland Juno 106 a mix of classic and modern tools that help define their genre-blending sound.

Style: Live electronic, techno-infused beats.

Known for: Hybrid live sets blending percussion and synths.

Notable: Toured internationally, blending traditional Filipino elements with techno rhythms.
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Conclusion

The Filipino techno scene is alive with creativity, and these artists are leading the charge. From Similarobjects’ introspective soundscapes to Red-I’s dub-infused basslines, from Morse’s dark industrial energy to Tarsius’ live electronic experiments, and Papa Jawnz’ club-ready grooves—each artist showcases the diversity and innovation thriving in the Philippine electronic underground. As the scene continues to grow, these creators are not only shaping its present but also its future.

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Location: Philippines

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