Blaster Mitchell Medina Silonga (born 30 September 1999), popularly known as Blaster Silonga or mononymously as BLASTER (stylized in uppercase), is a Filipino singer-songwriter and a musician. He is known as the lead guitarist and co-vocalist of IV of Spades while he also pursues solo music and formed his own band known as "Blaster and the Celestial Klowns" which recently released the album my Kosmik Island Disk in 2022.[1]

Blaster Silonga
Birth nameBlaster Mitchell Medina Silonga
Also known asBLASTER
Born (1999-09-30) 30 September 1999 (age 25)
Marikina, Philippines
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • Songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • Guitar
Years active2014–present
Labels

Early life

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Blaster was born in Sta. Monica, Tañong, Marikina. He is the son of veteran musician Allan Silonga, a member of 90s band Kindred Garden and the singing group Daddy's Home which finished third in The X Factor Philippines, and the current Senior A&R Manager at Def Jam Recordings Philippines label under UMG Philippines. He has three siblings, namely Dave, Ashanti, and Alleinah.

Music career

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IV of Spades

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In June 2014, Allan Silonga decided to form a band for his son. The Silongas were able to recruit drummer Badjao de Castro and bassist Zildjian "Zild" Benitez, who are the sons of Allan's friends. Unique Salonga, Benitez's churchmate who was already writing his own music, was later recruited to become the band's lead singer.[2][3]

The band has released multiple singles, including the hit single "Mundo", and their debut album ClapClapClap!.

Solo career

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On 13 August 2016, Silonga joined a music competition named "Music Hero" in the noontime show Eat Bulaga!. He originally won the "Electric Guitar Hero" title, but due to IV of Spades' rise to fandom, he and his bandmate, Zild Benitez, who also won the "Bass Hero" title, left their titles and gave it up.

In 2021, Silonga officially signed with UMG Philippines label Island Records Philippines. He released his debut single, "Disko Forever",[4] in both Japanese[5] (released on 30 September 2021) and original Filipino version (released on 29 October 2021).[6][7]

Coinciding with his solo career, he formed his own band The Celestial Klowns, consists of his brother Dave Silonga on bass, Crystal Jobli on keyboards, Max Cinco on drums, and songwriter-producer Dan Tanedo on guitars.[8]

On October 8, 2022, Silonga released his debut studio album My Kosmik Island Disk,[9] featuring 9 tracks including his newest singles "Nararararamdaman" and "O Kay Ganda".[10]

Discography

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As a solo artist

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Studio albums

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List of studio albums with selected details
Title Album Details
MY KOSMIK ISLAND DISK

Singles

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Year Title Album Ref(s)
2021 DISKO FOREVER (Japanese Version) (Non-album single) [6]
DISKO FOREVER MY KOSMIK ISLAND DISK [7]
PASKO'Y HINDI NA MASAYA (Non-album single)
2022 NARARARARAMDAMAN MY KOSMIK ISLAND DISK
O KAY GANDA
SA HULI ANG PAGSISISI
2024 Kamukha (Non-album single)
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Year Title Ref(s)
2022 Maitim na Mahika (with John Roa and Yuridope)

References

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  1. ^ News, G. M. A. "BLASTER and The Celestial Klowns release new track 'NARARARARAMDAMAN'". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2022-12-11. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  2. ^ Gloria, Gaby (October 21, 2017). "IV of Spades is ready to boogie". Youngstar. The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on March 8, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  3. ^ Fernandez, Denise (December 1, 2017). "Here's why IV OF SPADES is about to become your new favorite band". Scout Magazine. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  4. ^ Blaster - “Disko Forever” (Official Video), retrieved 2022-12-11
  5. ^ Blaster - “Disko Forever” (Japanese Version), retrieved 2022-12-11
  6. ^ a b Bodegon-Hikino, Kara (30 September 2021). "Blaster Silonga makes solo debut with 'DISKO FOREVER' (Japanese Version), signs with Island Records Philippines". Bandwagon.asia. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  7. ^ a b "LISTEN: Blaster Silonga releases Tagalog version of 'Disko Forever'". Rappler. 29 October 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  8. ^ "Blaster Finally Launches Solo Career with Island Records PH". One Music PH. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  9. ^ MY KOSMIK ISLAND DISK, 2022-10-13, retrieved 2022-12-11
  10. ^ Basabas, Franchesca Judine (5 October 2022). "BLASTER on looking out into the cosmos for his debut album 'MY KOSMIK ISLAND DISK'". Bandwagon.asia. Retrieved 8 October 2022.