Sean Archer marks his official debut with the release of his first EP, BANDA KA NANG BANDA, under Sony Music Entertainment.
Named after a common phrase often alluded to passionate musicians whose connection with performing sees no limits, the title of the EP reflects the immediacy and grit of Sean Archer’s rock-leaning sound, drawing inspiration from his ‘90s grunge and pop-punk influences.
The multi-talented newcomer explains, “BANDA KA NANG BANDA talks about pushing through with your love of music despite the stigma it holds within our society, where people see music as a waste of time instead of a beneficial career or hobby. This record is very personal to me because it came from a place of confessional expression. I’m proud to have written songs that reflect my experiences as an adolescent in my early twenties, navigating love, sleep deprivation, band life, and interest in zodiac signs.”
Sean Archer co-produced the album with his mentor Rico Blanco, with award-winning record producer and engineer Angee Rozul taking over the mixing duties. The former also arranged most of the songs, going for a raw and heavy sonic direction that fits the current times.
Sean Archer revealed that he originally released three of the songs before deciding to re-record them with Rico and Angee. He re-recorded the other previously unreleased tracks, in separate sessions.
The young artist under Balcony Entertainment considers the recording process an “efficient” and memorable experience, where he admitted learning so much from his collaborators. For instance, he shares that he completed the vocals for three songs in a single day. “This was due to Rico’s advice of not thinking too much about the process and just letting the magic happen. It was a new experience for me, and I immediately took on this new mindset as a musician.”
Standouts in the EP include “Puyat,” his breakout hit, which delivers three-chord menace with pop sensibilities; “Red Flag,” a soaring anthem that shows his more vulnerable side; “Patay,” a dynamic track filled with brash hooks and intense energy; and “Yayaman,” an ode to youthful recklessness and drunken passion. The EP’s focus track “Ms. Zodiac” continues his coming-of-age journey with a burst of romance, wrapping up the 6-track release on a high note.
Taken as a whole, BANDA KA NANG BANDA is a remarkably restless work that strikes a balance between emotional tenderness and intensity. The writing, as expected, is manic and unapologetic, but never loses its sense of truth and youthfulness—a commitment that makes his new record all the more human.
Sean Archer’s debut EP, BANDA KA NANG BANDA is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.