Puka shells strewn along white sandy shores and bronzed necks. A mellow gold sun setting on the horizon. The tranquility that overcomes the senses with each gasp of salty sea air.  Malaya’s combination of beach, world, barrio funk, island, reggae, blues and rock makes it all summer long on your CD player as this four-man band gives you a pretty piece of the beach life. 

Comprised of musical maverick Boom Dayupay on vocals, Razorback’s Louie Talan on bass, Randy Pages on guitars and Budeth Casinto on kahon and ethnic percussions, Malaya breaks free from synthesized strung out sound and hardcore guitar grinds to bring you stripped down, beach-inspired organic licks. 

Just like the countless DJs that created party anthems inspired by amazing island hideaways Ibiza and Boracay, Boom decided to make music that would translate his fondness for an island with its own pristine shoreline. 

“I was going to Cebu a lot because I was doing a lot of work there and I started loving the island.  I got to spend a lot of time in the beaches because I was shooting videos for various resorts. I said I’d love to stay here and have a band here.  So I spread a word that I wanted to have a band,” recalls Boom. 

In came guitarist extraordinaire Randy Pages who impressed Boom so much, he invited the Cebu native to join him as the first member of his band called the “daboomroom.” Randy then suggested his ‘idol’ Louie Talan as the best bassist to capture their brand of beach vibe.  Boom called Louie and sure enough, Louie came aboard enthusiastic about the project.  Now all they needed was the right percussionist to bring it together and Louie happened to know Budeth of Pinikpikan.  As soon as respective schedules aligned, Boom, Randy, Louie and Budeth were off to the beach for one unforgettable jam session

“The first time we got to play together was in Puerto Galera.  I gave them a CD of the songs so they had an idea what to play.  Then we played the songs Malaya style and the sound metamorphosed into something that everything just clicked.” 

Boom knew they had struck gold after that first and only jam session that they decided to record immediately.  All they needed now was the right name to represent their unique, audacious and infectious music.  It’s not just my project now…” 

And so after a brainstorming session with wife and fellow artist Angel, the consensus of more than a hundred friends via text and the eager approval of fellow band mates, Boom christens the band Malaya.  It was the perfect name to capture the laidback freedom of the beach life.  It also expresses what their music is all about. 

“I wanted to make an album where, if you’re cruising or if you’re in the beach, you can take a Malaya album, play it and enjoy.  It’s just relaxed, chill music that is groovy, fun loving and very natural,” says Boom.  “It also speaks to local listeners but it can be appreciated internationally too,” he adds.  

Malaya will be releasing a vibrant 12-track album entitled “Life is…”. The group will also be releasing several music videos that Boom will direct.

Each track is tempered, unhurried and individual, letting you surf a wave of emotions without drowning in a sea of sickly sweet pop or earsplitting rock.  Each sampling takes you back to that perfect summer when you and your friends sat around a roaring bonfire and sang your heart out to the bongo beats and rolling tides.  With each song, Malaya casually reminds you that life is what happens when you’re making plans.