Magnus Haven is an alternative rock and pop band from Manila, Philippines. The band also described their music as a fusion of various musical genres with varying styles from one song to another.

Magnus Haven
Magnus Haven in 2023
Magnus Haven in 2023
Background information
OriginMetro Manila, Philippines
Genres
Years active2017–present
Labels
MembersRajih Mendoza
David Galang
Louise Vaflor
Rey Maestro
Sean Espejo
Websitewww.grandlarain.com

The band is composed of Rajih Mendoza (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), David Galang (vocals and keyboards), Louise Vaflor (lead guitar and backing vocals), Rey Maestro (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Sean Espejo (drums and percussion).

The band is known for their hit song Imahe, which is written by bassist Rey Maestro, released in 2018.

History edit

According to the band members, the name Magnus Haven literally translates to "the greatest sanctuary".[1]

The band originally started as an acoustic trio composed of childhood friends Louise Vaflor and Rey Maestro, together with Sean Espejo. Later on, they decided to forge a full-fledged band and held auditions for additional members wherein Rajih Mendoza and David Galang were then selected. The members were aged 18 to 23 when they started the band.

Magnus Haven released "Imahe" in 2018, which Maestro based on his long-distance relationship which lasted two years.[2] It wasn't until 2020 that the song trended after they performed it at an event in Batangas State University. "Imahe" ended the year as the "Philippines’ Most Streamed Local Song" on Spotify.[3]

In 2022, Magnus Haven released "Oh Jo", an ode to a loved one.[4] The song trended on YouTube as the top OPM track.[5] They also released "Maria Clara" later that year.[6] In 2023, they released "Hele" (lullaby).[7]

Band members edit

  • Rajih Mendoza - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • David Galang - vocals, keyboards, keytar
  • Louise Vaflor - lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Rey Maestro - bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Sean Espejo - drums, percussion

Influences edit

The band cites South Border, IV of Spades, The Beatles, John Mayer, December Avenue, KZ Tandingan, Chris Brown, Kamikazee and Moira Dela Torre as major influences.

Discography edit

Notable singles edit

  • Imahe (2018)
  • Kapalmuks (2019)
  • Panalangin (2019)
  • Santuwaryo (2020)
  • Multo (2020)
  • Landas (2020)
  • Noel (2020)
  • Rosas (2021)
  • Mapaglaro (2021)
  • Oh, Jo (2022)
  • Maria Clara (2022)
  • Hele (2023)
  • Dambana (2023)

Awards and nominations edit

Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
Wish Music Awards 2021 Wishclusive Elite Circle — Silver Imahe Won [8]
2023 Wishclusive Elite Circle — Gold Won [9]

References edit

  1. ^ "Magnus Haven".
  2. ^ "'Pinagtagpo ngunit hindi tinadhana': Ang kuwento sa likod ng kantang 'Imahe'". news.abs-cbn.com. February 10, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  3. ^ Biong, Ian (December 2, 2020). "Ben&Ben tops Spotify list of most streamed artists in PH". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  4. ^ Liwanag, Punch (July 25, 2022). "AUDIO JUNKIE: Magnus Haven scores anew, Nobita returns, krisostomo and Zo Zo's lo-fi pop, EMN '98 and the excellent sounding neo folk of Nicole Abuda". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  5. ^ Liwanag, Punch (June 30, 2022). "Magnus Haven's new music video featuring Zeinab Harake trends on YouTube". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  6. ^ Liwanag, Punch (August 1, 2022). "AUDIO JUNKIE: John Roa's proposal song, Magnus Haven's ode to Pinays, new Ppop band BOIZ and the cool vibe of Keneniah". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  7. ^ Liwanag, Punch (March 20, 2023). "AUDIOJUNKIE: New singles alert! Magnus Haven, ALLMO$T, Ppop Gen Angelo Garcia & the debut of Pecado". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  8. ^ Borromeo, Emmy (January 17, 2021). "6th Wish 107.5 Music Awards: Complete List of Winners". Wish FM 107.5. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  9. ^ Borromeo, Emmy (January 22, 2023). "8th Wish Music Awards Winners, Highlights, and More". Wish FM 107.5. Retrieved May 16, 2023.

External links edit