Sponge Cola on the Pressure of Trends and the Value of Timeless Music
After more than two decades in the industry, Sponge Cola is not trying to chase trends. They are trying to outlast them.
“In the early years, our sound really reflected what we were listening to at the time,” Armo shared, pointing to influences rooted in emo, alternative rock, and early 2000s music. But over time, their approach shifted from simply reflecting the moment to creating something more lasting.
Instead of asking what is popular, the band now asks a different question: what lasts?
“Go for timeless over trendy,” Armo said, a mindset that continues to shape how they write and produce music today.
That does not mean ignoring what is new. In fact, the band remains deeply curious about current music and culture. “There is a lot of interesting music coming out now,” Armo explained. “We listen, we experiment, and we try new things. But at the end of the day, we just want to serve the song.”
The band also admitted that part of their newer music comes from approaching songwriting differently than before. Yael reflected on becoming “a people pleaser” for a period of time creatively, explaining that it became easy to like things that were “intended for someone else.” But with the new album, he shared that the process became much more personal and honest.
“This time, I really just wrote for myself,” Yael said. “There is a lot more sincerity now.”
At the same time, nostalgia has become an unexpected part of Sponge Cola’s current chapter. With younger listeners rediscovering early 2000s music, the band has seen a new generation connect with songs that originally belonged to a different era.
“I like that kids are discovering our songs now,” Armo shared. “It is a multigenerational event. When people go to our concerts, you see the parents and then you see their kids, or in some cases, even three generations.”
But rather than relying on nostalgia alone, the band sees their songs as constantly evolving. Some tracks, they admitted, sound completely different live today compared to how they played them 20 years ago.
For Sponge Cola, staying relevant has never been about reinventing themselves completely. It is about growing naturally, staying curious, and making music that still feels true to who they are.
Watch the full Sponge Cola interview.
Photo courtesy of Sponge Cola.
Chris Cantada is a Filipino musician, content creator, and podcast host. He began his career as the drummer for the rock band Sponge Cola, contributing to their first three albums, two of which went Platinum. He later built a strong online presence with his YouTube channel, Chris Cantada Force, showcasing cosplay fan films and creative storytelling, amassing over 1.6 million subscribers. Today, he hosts the Once and Always a Fanboy podcast, blending his love for music, film, and fandom culture.
Sponge Cola Shares the Real Reason the Band Has Lasted This Long
