TBH, with a name like WRIZZARDS, you already have our attention.
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There’s nothing like discovering an artist when they’re relatively starting. While they may be small now or don’t have the biggest fandom, you know there’s something special about them, and they have the potential to make it big. That’s the vibe we’re getting from the Filipino multi-genre collective WRIZZARDS (yes, that is their actual name). Composed of members Bema Tadey, Leif, J Matty, and Tina Carzon, this four-member group has the makings of your next fave, not to mention even more Filipino representation in the Western music scene. Get to know more about the group below.
THEY’VE JUST FRESHLY DEBUTED ON THE SCENE
WRIZZARDS, also known as the Washington Rizzards, is a US-based 4-piece Filipino music collective that unapologetically embraces its Filipino roots (their take on the NPR Tiny Desk while wearing Barongs is a must-watch). The members hail from Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia and started out with weekly jam sessions that, as is the lore for many bands, turned into the formation of the group in late 2022. In July 2023, they held their debut show at Songbyrd DC, making WRIZZARDS a pretty rookie group.
THEY PUT COLLABORATION AT THE FOREFRONT OF WHAT THEY DO
It was through collaboration that WRIZZARDS came together, and that is what is at the heart of the group. If they aren’t working on music as a collective, the members, all of whom are artists in their own right, are still helping each other with their craft. Aside from coming together as a team for performances, they are also known for performing as solo acts as well as collaborating as duos. The friendship and creativity are evident in how they work together while also letting each other shine by supporting solo and sub-unit activities. Ego? WRIZZARDS don’t know that.
THEY DON’T STICK TO ONE GENRE
To describe WRIZZARDS’ sound isn’t easy, and that is on purpose. True to their collaborative nature, the group’s sound is wide-ranging. Their music reflects the members’ style, showcasing a new flavor to listeners whenever they release new material. Their single, Ms. Barista, is an upbeat R&B jam sung in English and Tagalog about the joys of having your morning coffee with a side of love. You can check out their latest release, Less Than Three, here.
THEY’RE ALREADY ATTRACTING ATTENTION FROM OPM STARS
While WRIZZARDS has been on the scene for less than two years, they’ve already worked with and been co-signed by a who’s who of OPM stars. They served as the opening act for top artists like Ben&Ben, Moira Dela Torre, Jay R, Kris Lawrence, Billy Crawford, and Silent Sanctuary, to name a few. When talent stans talent.
THE MEMBERS ARE TALENTED AF
When a group is as good as the WRIZZARDS is, it makes sense that the members are also talented. Together, it’s a strong group, but even as individuals, the members aren’t anything to sneeze at. Leif is a singer-songwriter, producer, instrumentalist, and co-founder of Up2NoGood Music Group, an independent music label he co-founded with WRIZZARDS member J Matty. Bema Tadey is a multi-hyphenate whose many musical talents match the influences she infuses with her music. J Matty, like the rest of the group’s members, is also a music whiz and a frequent collaborator with Leif. Finally, singer-songwriter Tina Carzon delivers on the vocals, production, and instruments.
When artists are as talented as they are come together, it’s expected they’ll give in their music and shows. And speaking of shows, WRIZZARDS is ending 2024 on a high note with their end-of-the-year show at Union Stage in Washington, D.C. If you happen to be in the area over the Christmas break, you may want to check the group out and see why they’re an indie act on the rise.
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