Thirty years ago, an album exploded into the hearts of a generation and changed the face of Filipino music forever. That album was Cutterpillow. Today, Ely Buendia’s very own label, Offshore Music, breathes new life into that cultural cornerstone with a daring and deeply personal tribute project.

The result is not just a walk down memory lane. It’s a sonic reinvention—one that doesn’t just honor the past, but dares to rewrite it.

A Time Capsule Reopened

Released in 1995, Cutterpillow was the Eraserheads at their creative peak. It gave us unforgettable anthems like “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “Overdrive,” and “Superproxy.” These songs didn’t just top charts—they became soundtracks to heartbreaks, friendships, youth, and rebellion. Three decades later, the album’s impact remains indelible.

“Cutterpillow wasn’t just music. It was a movement,” Ely Buendia once said in an old interview. And now, he returns to the very album that defined a generation—this time not as frontman, but as curator and mentor.

The Vision Behind the Tribute

Offshore Music’s tribute to Cutterpillow isn’t your typical remake. It’s not a greatest-hits compilation or a nostalgia act. According to Ely Buendia, that was never the goal.

“We didn’t set any parameters. We just told the artists that it was a tribute album, and they could interpret it as they see fit,” he shared.

That freedom opened the door to bold experimentation. The lineup features Offshore Music’s brightest: ena mori, Sansette, Alyson, Pixie Labrador, Pinkmen, and more. Each artist reimagined one track from the original album, infusing it with their unique sound and identity. The result is a kaleidoscope of genres—synth-pop, dream pop, indie rock, experimental folk—all tied together by the spirit of the original.

Rewriting the Soundtrack of a Generation

Among the standout tracks is ena mori’s reinterpretation of “Ang Huling El Bimbo.” She transforms the melancholic ballad into an atmospheric, almost ethereal experience. It’s no longer just a love story—it becomes a haunting memory suspended in time.

Meanwhile, Pinkmen puts a raw, garage-rock spin on “Overdrive,” channeling teenage angst and liberation in a way that feels both nostalgic and brand new.

Then there’s Alyson’s version of “Fill Her,” layered with modern synth textures and haunting vocals, giving the lesser-known track a futuristic twist.

Each rendition doesn’t just pay homage—they challenge the listener to hear these classics in a radically different light.

Why Now?

The tribute album arrives at a perfect moment—thirty years since Cutterpillow shook the OPM scene. But this project isn’t just about commemorating the past. It’s about bridging eras.

“This is not for just the fans who grew up with the Eraserheads. It’s also for a new generation,” says Offshore executive and producer Marla Reyes. “The themes in Cutterpillow—love, pain, identity, youth—are still relevant. This album proves that.”

Indeed, what makes the tribute powerful isn’t just the nostalgia—it’s the continuity. It’s a baton pass between generations, where one legacy gives rise to another.

A Personal Offering from Ely Buendia

For Ely Buendia, this project is as much about letting go as it is about remembrance. After years of navigating the weight of being part of the Eraserheads, he now stands in a new role: that of creative guide, giving young artists the freedom he once fought for.

His quiet presence in the album is felt not through vocals, but through vision. He chose not to perform, allowing others to shine. It’s a humble but powerful move—a symbolic handover from rock legend to next-gen pioneers.

Behind the Scenes: Documentary Incoming

To deepen the connection, Offshore Music has also announced a behind-the-scenes documentary series set to premiere in June. It will showcase the recording process, artist interviews, and exclusive conversations with Ely and his team.

Fans can expect a raw look into the struggles, inspirations, and creative breakthroughs that shaped the album. According to Offshore, the series will highlight how each artist connected with their assigned track and how their personal stories reshaped the meaning of the songs.

An Evolving Legacy

The Cutterpillow: Tribute Album comes on the heels of a limited-edition vinyl remastered by Bernie Grundman in 2024, and a line of official merchandise featuring art by Tarantadong Kalbo. Clearly, the legacy of Cutterpillow is not just being remembered—it’s being revived, remixed, and reimagined.

“I grew up with this album,” shares Pixie Labrador, one of the contributing artists. “It’s surreal to be able to put my voice into something that meant so much to me growing up.”

That sentiment echoes across the roster of artists involved. For them, this wasn’t just a gig—it was a homecoming.

What It Means for OPM

Tribute albums are nothing new, but few take the risks this one does. Offshore Music’s bold move signals a shift in the local music landscape—one that honors tradition without being imprisoned by it.

By giving young, genre-bending artists the keys to a national treasure, Ely Buendia has done more than celebrate the past. He’s given OPM a future rooted in fearless experimentation.

Final Note: Cutterpillow, Reborn

In the end, Cutterpillow: Tribute Album is more than a collection of covers. It’s a love letter to artistry, a celebration of courage, and a reminder that great music doesn’t age—it evolves.

Whether you’re a die-hard Eraserheads fan or a first-time listener, this album invites you to rediscover what made Cutterpillow timeless—and to imagine what it could become next.

Because if the original made us feel understood, this tribute dares us to feel differently. And sometimes, that’s the boldest tribute of all.