Why Synergasia makes us stop and listen
A rising force in the Filipino music scene, Synergasia brings together youthful energy, powerful performances and a fresh take on rock.
Photograph courtesy of FB/Synergasia
Composed of Asha Iida (lead vocalist), Agui Iida (drummer), Jlaw Acosta (bass guitarist), Bryan Nesperoz (guitarist 1), Raphael Guerrero (guitarist 2) and Sean Gabriel Bergado (keyboardist), Synergasia is a band on the rise that makes everyone stop and listen. Their high-level performances are infused with undeniable Gen Z creative energy, bringing fresh interpretations and execution to pop and rock tunes from the Generation X era, as well as to their original compositions.
“Our name, Synergasia, comes from a combination of Greek words that means fusion or collaboration,” said lead vocalist Iida. “The name reflects our core identity of combining different musical forces in a way that does not become messy but instead becomes cohesive and creates a unique kind of rock.”
To hear is to believe
During the One Last Time charity concert series organized by Ares Concepcion, Synergasia performed a setlist that included KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden,” Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” and VST & Co.’s “Rock Baby, Rock.” The songs were delivered with commanding, high-intensity vocals by Asha, who truly nailed the demands of each anthem. She made each song her own, giving them a fresh, youthful vibe.
What stood out most among their setlist was the OPM dance suite, particularly their contemporary interpretation of VST & Co.’s iconic “Rock Baby, Rock.” They gave the song the electric feel and energy that only an emerging rock band could deliver.
They replaced the traditional disco brass and funky bassline of the original with a two-guitar lineup featuring Nesperoz and Guerrero, heavy bass guitar by Acosta, and driving drums by Agui Iida. Asha’s distinctive powerhouse vocals completed the sound, creating a genre-blending style that bridged the gap between retro-pop nostalgia and contemporary live rock. For sure, even “Rock Baby, Rock” composer and VST & Co. vocalist Vic Sotto would be stunned to hear his song transformed into a full-blown rock anthem.
X Factor
Aside from the Greek conception of their name, another X factor in the band is that its lead vocalist and drummer are siblings. Family realness indeed for Asha and Agui, who rock side by side onstage.
Their artistry and versatility are evident and highly appreciated as they seamlessly pivot from intense classic rock tracks to modern pop hits and their original compositions. They are proof that, musically, youth is not wasted on these young ones.
Their socially driven purpose is also praiseworthy, as they prioritize playing and sharing their talents at charity concerts that raise funds for underprivileged communities rather than focusing solely on commercial endeavors.
Support
Supporting Synergasia helps uplift the next generation of Filipino rock artists. As a rising group with roots in Quirino, they represent the untapped potential of regional Filipino youth and their talents.
Mainstream support can help local and regional artists secure performance slots, open doors and create opportunities. Backing a band like Synergasia can serve as both an aspiration and an inspiration for other artists outside Metro Manila and the country’s major urban centers to pursue their passions and realize their musical dreams.