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The Playback Music Festival is bringing back the anthems of our youth, and we had the chance to sit down with its CEO, Ms. Stephanie Moreno, to learn more about the inspiration behind the event, what makes it unique, and what fans can expect.
As a lifelong music fan, Ms. Stephanie Moreno shared that growing up, she didn&rsquo;t always have the means to watch her favorite artists live. This passion for music carried into adulthood, leading to the idea of bringing nostalgic music to Filipino fans. The festival aims to create an experience that reminds attendees of their childhood and teenage years through music that shaped their lives.
<img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/g-9wriNYzp4ifdiLW0eQz.jpeg" alt="" /> Photo: Ms. Stephanie Moreno, Playback Music Festival's CEO
When asked why emo music continues to resonate with Filipino fans, Ms. Stephanie Moreno pointed out that it has become a staple in the local music scene. The deep lyrics and melodies create a strong emotional connection, making it a significant part of many people&rsquo;s life soundtrack.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/bv8-NbhNdeOvFlAQWhOPg.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="467" />
Ms. Stephanie Moreno described the excitement of organizing a festival that revives the music of people&rsquo;s younger years. Seeing the overwhelming response from fans has been both fulfilling and surprising. She recalled the moment they confirmed the lineup, feeling the same thrill as the audience when the announcement was made.
<img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/6IwzlKX-_VgVcGajz3BWw.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="467" /> <img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/gHle5YGLXiSbstcD1MjQz.jpeg" alt="" />
Playback stands out from other music festivals in several ways. Unlike traditional concerts where each band performs separately, Playback curates a more immersive and cohesive experience. They work closely with artists, incorporating creative elements like visuals and special effects to enhance the show. While the festival has a strong punk rock and emo presence, it isn&rsquo;t limited to one genre. The team carefully selects artists based on the overall theme and experience they want to create for fans. The festival team is highly engaged with fans, ensuring they deliver an experience that exceeds expectations. They actively listen to feedback to make each event better than the last.
<img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/8JfftfWR_do_rzYkaEKo2.png" alt="" />
For this year&rsquo;s festival, Playback successfully secured full sets from Boys Like Girls, The Click Five, and Secondhand Serenade. Ms. Stephanie Moreno credited their strong connections with talent management agencies and the enthusiasm of the artists, who recognize the dedicated fanbase in the Philippines.
<img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/yzMZreeEIbZ4TmyLXzV8y.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="467" /> <img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/RN0EFO8rqF9kvo456zKWd.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="467" /> <img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/bklKJQEDSLiYP7puMdGpi.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="467" />
While Ms. Stephanie Moreno remained tight-lipped about future announcements, she teased another show set for the last quarter of the year. While it won&rsquo;t focus on punk rock and emo, it promises to be just as exciting. Additionally, she confirmed that plans for more shows in 2026 are already in motion.
<img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/E4N8kSREI12GPrPDFbAQq.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="467" /> <img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/4EZryUHLNxAStgCDu0w6G.jpeg" alt="" />
Ms. Stephanie Moreno acknowledged that including local artists is a priority for Playback. Due to scheduling constraints, this year&rsquo;s lineup didn&rsquo;t feature many Filipino acts, but she assured fans that future festivals would highlight more local talent.
<img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/I29_L7sR-9dVViGN2I9Cm.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="467" /> <img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/JW-F0aSsm_NvjnrOmjb41.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="467" />
Fans can look forward to a festival experience unlike any other. It won&rsquo;t be a typical band-by-band concert; instead, it will feature dynamic performances, immersive visuals, and interactive elements in the festival lobby. The team is also preparing special surprises for attendees.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/3/if7tm3vkCdFQKCXcTMJuC.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="467" /> Photo: Playback Music Festival / Facebook
Ms. Stephanie Moreno expressed immense gratitude for the fans who have supported Playback since its debut in 2018. &ldquo;We see you, we hear you, and we&rsquo;re working hard to give you an unforgettable experience. Thank you for being part of this journey&mdash;we promise there&rsquo;s more to come!&rdquo;
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/DJCTAD4725iGjY0Gm_rie.jpeg" alt="" /> <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2025/4/-Jiho4gePuSPW0LdWoYti.jpeg" alt="" /> The Playback Music Festival is set to be an unforgettable trip down memory lane. Stay tuned for more surprises as they continue to bring back the music that defined a generation!