Filipino musician and singer-songwriter Zild Benitez dropped his first solo album, Homework Machine, on August 6, 2020, via Warner Music Philippines. Entirely produced during the quarantine, the self-made project of the Benildean Music Production alumnus is a 10-track album featuring the previously-released singles: “sinungaling” and “dila.”

Inspired by Benitez’ favorite book from the fifth grade, “The Homework Machine” written by Dan Gutman, it became the album’s title. The singer revealed on his Instagram live that he emailed the author to borrow the name legally and avoid intellectual property infringement.

Video games, mainly their soundtrack, inspired the sound of the album which is heavy on the “Nintendocore” genre. This is a fusion of electric guitars, drum kits, synthesizers, 8-bit sounds, and other electronic production. 

This is a departure from the rock-infused sound of the Filipino rock band IV OF SPADES (IVOS). 

Living in an 8-bit world

In an online interview with The Benildean, Benitez shared the process of making an album entirely during quarantine. 

“A record is a snapshot of an artist’s life. Last April, I decided to make an album within three to four months. This commitment pushed me to wake up everyday and look forward to creating something,” he stated. 

A sense of spontaneity can also lead to unexpected breakthroughs. 

According to Benitez, dropping an album during quarantine is an impulsive and risky move. “Listening to that inner voice when creating something isn’t easy but most of the time, you should follow it,” he explained as the album is inspired from his personal experience to imagined ones.

Meanwhile, Benitez shared that he wanted to rediscover himself by creating something on his own during the quarantine period. 

“There are things planned for IV OF SPADES and my other side project called Manila Magic, but I try to not overthink that these plans should happen right away,” he added.

As a way of coping with this quarantine, listening and making music such as OPM truly saves us all. 

Stream-worthy singles

On July 12, 2020, Benitez surprised fans as he dropped the single, “sinungaling” accompanied by a music video. The song seemingly calls out the liars out there and unmasks one’s true persona, “Sino ba ang sinungaling? Tumingin sa salamin. Sinungaling ka na nga, nagawa mo pa mag-salita.” The production of the song features heavy on programmed drums and synths. 

“dila” is the album’s second single and a shout out to those who can’t keep their mouth shut. This catchy single once again features honest-to-goodness lyrics straight from the singer’s perspective, “Takpan na lang ang iyong bibig ‘di nakakatulong. Sawa na ’ko sa parinig, oh lapitan mo ’ko. Oh, alam mo ba ang tawag sa bulong nanggugulo sa iyong pantulog. ‘Wag ka ng mag-aksaya ng luha sa hilaw na hangal.” The song is heavily influenced by Fleetwood Mac and somehow shares the same tune of their track, “Dreams.” 

Supplementary recommendations

• The energetic track “bakit,” is a perfect fit to your sunny mornings as you wake up feeling good. However, this surefire bop is a contrast to the lonesome lyrics, “Alam mo ba? Sabi niya humanap na lang daw ako ng ibang kaibigan. Bakit ‘di ka na lang ba umalis? (pinag-uusapan ka na nila) Bakit palagi na kitang katabi? (pinag-uusapan ka na nila).”

• Serving as the foundation and inspiration of the entire album, “habulan” takes you to a dreamy 8-bit world. The title itself is a representation of chasing someone you truly admire. I guess, the chase adds to that fire when you’re in love. 

• Time to hug your loved ones with “alalahanin” because this song is written for Mother’s Day. One of Benitez’ faves off the album, the song is a simple way to say to a loved one that you care. Also, this track can be dedicated for your huggable pets! Ironically, Benitez was searching for his cat, Kafka, while writing this song. 

• “agaw-dilim,” the album’s closer is a perfect track to end the journey to Benitez’ quarantine thoughts. Translated as “dusk” in English, we can’t wait to play this while driving as the sun sets and looking back on how the day was spent. This track features 8-bit sounds similar to the to close off video games.

Overall, the essence of the Nintendocore genre is exemplified with the use of instruments found in Benitez’ bedroom and studio. Benitez continues to grow as a vocalist and as a musician.

Truly, there is no hindrance in creating art for the singer as he said, “I think it’s good to [not be] serious about the things that we create sometimes; it expands your creativity.”

His lyricism draws from experience and his inspirations such as The Beatles. The album solidifies the solo debut for the singer as he enters uncharted territory with the genre. 

Band breakthrough

Since 2014, Benitez has been part of IV OF SPADES as the vocalist, pianist/keyboardist, synth player and bassist of the band. Since former lead vocalist Unique Salonga’s departure in 2018, Benitez became the band’s lead vocalist. 

IVOS rose to prominence with their fourth single called “Mundo,” released in 2018, which was co-written by Benitez. Since then, the band released their debut album, ClapClapClap!, and moved on as a three-piece band.

Benitez, moreover, is part of the electronic pop duo Manila Magic, with fellow Music Production alumnus Tim Marquez, drummer/songwriter of the alternative/indie band One Click Straight.

For aspiring artists, Benitez’ advice is to never wait for things to just happen.

“Keep on creating and always try to explore the unknown. There are still a lot of potentials that you haven’t seen. Always know when to rest and when to create. After all, we’re all a walking living creature who’s just trying to survive.”

Rating: 4/5