Now, lots of bands are recording their albums inside their private homes using the oh-so-convenient art of digital technology, which only means that the current local band scene surge manifested through the release of a number of ‘signed groups’ in the music market will not stop the so-called indie bands from doing their own thing; or simply exist in the gig circuit independently.

Renmin Nadela, bandleader and drummer for rock band Agaw-Agimat, feels there are so many indie–classified bands (Indie is short for independent) that the need for them to unite for a cause is imminent. And what’s the cause? Nadela pleaded, "Sana lahat ng independent bands magtulungan para sa ikauunlad ng eksena. Dapat magsuportahan tayong nasa ilalim kasi tayo yung eksenang hindi talaga namamatay."

The guy must have a point. Years ago when the band scene was inactive, it was the indie world that served as refuge to struggling artists aching their way to get recording deals for themselves. There were bands, though not lacking in talent, which decided to split up in reaction to the problem. But there were those who felt that whether signed or un-signed, they owe themselves the perseverance to pursue doing what they love to do: Share their music.

This was the prevailing feeling when five indie bands gathered themselves at the Music Museum last July 8 and staged the ambitious yet noble "Indie Kami! Indie Music Fest" in front of a relatively few but delighted audience.

There is obvious need to promote such venture, though the show went well and ended promisingly enough. Agaw-Agimat, the veteran group fortunate to have their latest CD distributed by a big label, headed the short list of performers that night, along with its contemporary ensemble Alamid which reportedly been hopping from one bar to another to still share their pop rock sound that endeared the listening public during their heydeys in the early 90s. The other three were newcomers Saydie, The Brew, and Up Dharma Down.

Nadela, who’s also the brains behind the show, is planning to do the said music fest a monthly event for indie bands. "Magandang exposure itong ganitong music fest para sa mga bandang katulad namin. Malaking venue ang tulad ng Music Museum kaya dapat lang na ma-enganyo ang ibang indie bands na sumama at ibahagi ang musika nila sa mga tao."

The self-styled drummer, whose band amused the crowd with its tongue-lashing (through song lyrics) at the country’s rocked presidency, hopes to get into other venues a la Music Museum in the succeeding shows and expects a gamut of independent artists of varied musical orientation to come and join the fest.

Indie bands are technically those not signed up by any recording outfit, but usually with recordings (done without the supervision of any big business entity and usually recorded in bedrooms or garages) that don’t reach the airwaves or record bars as much as those of their ‘signed ones’ counterpart, and which very existence are unknown to most people. Most of these groups survive through gigs (with or without pay) where they sell or practically (‘special’) offer their CDs for free just to be able to share their sound.

Nadela added, "Indie ang isang banda o artist kung nabubuhay siya sa prinsipyo ng pagiging independent kung saan malaya nilang nagagawa ang gusto nila."

Indie is often a term associated with artists whose kind of music is not accepted by the majority.

That’s actually not true.

In the first "Indie Kami!" jam, the bands played some good ‘original’ songs deserving of radio airplay. Alamid brought copies of their newest CD entitled "Anting-Anting" and even if only two of the original members have survived in the new line-up, there sound still carried the kick that made them a household name a decade ago.

Interestingly, the group was brave enough to admit that they still wish to be signed up again. Guitarist Dexter Facelo, who delivered a heartfelt acoustic version of the now-classic "Your Love" which is included in the album, said it straight to the point, "Tulungan niyo kaming makabalik sa senaryo. Buhay pa rin ang bandang Pinoy!"

Obviously, Facelo’s belief that Pinoy bands are alive is really true, especially now that a good number of new bands are being signed up by recording companies. The division line between the "indies" and signed artists depends on a certain label’s preferences. Recording companies sign-up bands which they feel are needed by listeners or can carry their labels’ names very well enough to translate into good business. As an indie artist once claimed, "It’s not about a band being better from another. It’s a matter of choice for those which have the capacity to sponsor an artist’s career."

While it is true that not all bands will be signed up, every band deserves to be heard.

So a monthly or daily indie fest will be more effective if participating artists will just believe they’re in it primarily for the purpose of sharing their music. It is just continuing to exist whether they will ever be signed up or not. More than having another venue to play at, the regular convergence that is "Indie Kami" is a path-stirring drive.

And that is the real essence of being "indie."