City Nomads Radio: Emel Rowe Shaping Manila’s Music and Nightlife Landscape

PUBLISHED July 6th, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED August 19th, 2024 02:37 am

At a time when Manila’s music scene was still developing, one DJ’s passion and talent caught the attention of music lovers. Emel Rowe’s innate talent and unwavering passion catapulted him into the world of music, where he now stands as a seasoned DJ and event producer. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Emel’s musical odyssey, his love for music, and his aspirations for the future.

Immerse yourself in Emel’s world of pulsating beats with his curated mix exclusively for City Nomads. You can also hit the play button below and listen while you read.

When asked about his mix, Emel says, “It’s music for the club! Play it as loud as you can! Enjoy!” 

Emel’s Musical Journey

Emel’s journey into the realm of music began as a newfound hobby that serendipitously transformed into a thriving career. While he modestly attributes his success to a stroke of luck and being in the right place at the right time, fans of this veteran DJ recognise his captivating and unique expressions rooted in the foundations of House music. Emel’s commitment to his craft, coupled with a discerning taste for fresh sounds, has enabled him to refine his skills and navigate the ever-evolving industry.

For Emel, music is not just a passion; it is his lifeline. Even during the challenges posed by the pandemic, when he momentarily fell out of love with music, it was the very medium that helped him release emotions that were holding him back. This powerful realisation reaffirmed the profound impact music can have on our lives. Emel’s ultimate goal is to curate sets that evoke deep emotions and resonate with his audience.

“I just want to play songs that make you feel. Songs that elicit an emotion.”

A Tale of Two Cultures

As a Filipino raised in Australia, Emel’s cultural background has shaped his artistic journey. In Australia’s vibrant music scene, Emel developed a profound affinity for Disco and its myriad variations. He admires the emphasis placed on local talents, often prioritising them over international artists. On the other hand, Manila became the fertile ground where he nurtured his love for Disco and explored uncharted musical territories. With three thriving pop-up parties (Sado Maso, Elephant, UNKWN), two underground nightclubs operating at regular times (Apotheka, Nokal) and another three on the way; Emel’s decade-long presence in the Manila music scene has helped shape its landscape while building a thriving community.

“To say Manila is in the middle of a renaissance wouldn’t be accurately describing what is currently happening here. We are not reliving times from the past we are actually venturing into unchartered territory. Which is so f***ing exciting.”

The Future & Beyond

Emel’s enthusiasm for the music industry knows no bounds. He fervently advocates for unity and support within the community, discouraging the negativity that hinders growth. Beyond the excitement of playing closing sets at the Equation Festival in Vietnam and opening for He Valencia at UNKNWN, where he showcased a different musical style, Emel is set to captivate audiences worldwide.

Singaporean fans can look forward to an exhilarating performance by Emel and his b2b partner Saint Guel aka Miguel Santiago in September. Additionally, his party series, UNKWN, will unveil a series of events featuring both regional and international DJs in the coming months.

Keep up with Emel on Instagram and Soundcloud and be sure to check out the special mix curated for City Nomads!