With 2020 drawing to a close, what better way to celebrate the year end than with a bang?
Enter Bye2020, dubbed as the biggest concert event of 2020 featuring then participation of several “Philippine record labels and musicians of all stripes.”
28 artists are slated to take part in this event with virtual performances designed to make the experience as immersive and enjoyable as possible. The lineup includes some of the biggest local and foreign acts including Ben&Ben, Darren Espanto, Moira, SB19, Matthaios, The Itchyworms, Leanne & Naara, Maximillian (DK), Peach Tree Rascals (US), Tate Mcrae (CA), Glaiza de Castro, Kean Cipriano, Lala Vizon, Zack Tabudlo, Keiko Necessario, Fern., Elha Nympha, Autotelic, Sud, Miguel Odron, VVS Collective, Ace Banzuelo, Paolo Sandejas, Earl Generao, FANA, TALA, J-Nine and Dia Mate.
Set to welcome the new year on various social media platforms on December 31, 2020 at 7pm, Bye2020 intends to be powerful statement that not only recognizes the small but impactful triumphs of the music community despite a very challenging year, but also honors the collective efforts of everyone in holding each other up during the pandemic.
The utmost goal is to bring together the Filipino people through music and inspiring them to help cope better in the face of adversity.
Although 2020 is a year that a lot of people would rather forget due to the loss of lives, loss of loved ones and in the case of entertainers and everyone else involved in the industry, loss of jobs and income, many of these featured artists are nonetheless grateful that what is now referred to as the new normal has at least allowed them to create new music while stuck in quarantine.
“The first few months of quarantine were tough because I was also still in school, so I was swamped with school work also. But over the summer break, since I couldn’t go out with my friends or anything because of the lockdown, so I was kind of just cooped up in my room, and I had a lot of opportunities to write new songs. I think that was the most productive I have ever been in writing songs.” said singer-songwriter Paolo Sandejas.
However, nothing can match the adrenaline of performing, so many also had to adjust to doing online concerts and gigs to connect with audiences nationwide. For some artists, this event marks one of the first times in months that the band have just jammed in the same room together.
“It’s surreal, you wouldn’t think you’d miss playing with the band, but it’s exciting,” said Paolo.
Indeed, 2020 was a year where music kept most of us grounded in reality. Whether it be listening to your favorite artists as you work from home or trying out a new instrument, music kept many of us going despite the horrors 2020 presented.
As such, with the year finally ending, it only seems right to usher in a better year with the songs that made 2020 more bearable as a last hurrah before 2021.
“Sana bye-bye sa sunod sunod na bad news, sana man huwag maging 2020 2.0 yung 2021. Yun, we just want to say goodbye to the year 2020 and hopefully saying hello to a better 2021,” said Itchyworms’ lead guitarist Chino Singson.
Bye2020 is a six-hour continuous virtual event that will be streamed live on multiple platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and more on December 31, 2020, from 7pm onwards. It will also air on Sky Cable (Ch 955 HD and 155 SD).
For exclusive concert privileges such as access to zoom pits, backstage content with the artists, and limited-edition merch, visit ticket2me.net to get tickets.
BYE2020 is brought to you by Pepsi, Tinder, and Its More Fun in the Philippines, and is presented by MCA Music, Sony Music Philippines, Warner Music Philippines, O/C Records, Star Music, Universal Records, and Midas Records.
The virtual showcase is also co-presented by Official Beer Partner, Heineken; Official Streaming Partners, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok; Official Music Partner, Spotify; Official Cable Partner, Sky Cable; in partnership with Viber; and Media Partners, CNN Philippines, Manila Concert Scene, We The Pvblic, UDoU PH, Wonder, Rank Magazine, Adobo Magazine, Starmometer, and Rakista.