From Manila to Bali: Novocrane Takes Filipino Indie Music to the International Stage

Named Jack Daniel’s On Stage: The Chosen One, the rising Filipino band celebrates its first international performance and an exciting new chapter in its music journey.

Every band dreams of the day their music reaches beyond familiar stages and finds an audience somewhere new. For Filipino indie band Novocrane, that dream recently became a reality. After years of developing their sound, performing across the local music scene, and growing together as artists, Novocrane has officially been named Jack Daniel’s On Stage: The Chosen One, earning the top recognition among 35 independent Filipino acts that participated in the three-year music program. The recognition also brought the band to Bali, Indonesia, where they made their international debut at AXEAN Festival 2026, marking a major milestone in their musical journey.

From a Solo Project to a Four-Piece Band

Novocrane's journey with Jack Daniel’s On Stage began in 2024 through Chapter One: Playlist Live, followed by Chapter Two: Mixtape in May 2026, which brought together selected artists for a collaborative live showcase. What makes their story particularly interesting is how much the band has evolved along the way. Originally a solo music project, Novocrane eventually grew into a four-piece band, developing a stronger musical identity while staying true to their independent roots.

Along the way, they released new music, organized their own album bar tour, collaborated with fellow musicians, and continued making their mark on the Philippine indie scene. Their growth eventually earned them a spot among the program's final three artists, alongside ALYSON and August Wahh, before ultimately receiving the title of The Chosen One.

For Gabriel Fajardo of Jack Daniel’s Philippines, it was the band's authenticity and willingness to grow that made them stand out. “Novocrane demonstrated a character and authenticity that felt very natural to Jack Daniel’s. They have a distinct identity as artists, a dedication to developing and evolving their craft, while remaining open to growth and collaboration,” he shared. He also emphasized that their independent spirit and determination to forge their own path made them deserving of the recognition.

Taking Their Music Beyond the Philippines

As part of the recognition, Jack Daniel’s Philippines supported Novocrane's participation in AXEAN Festival 2026 in Bali, where they performed alongside fellow finalist ALYSON. For the band, it was much more than another performance. It was their first opportunity to bring their music to an international audience, connect with other artists, and introduce their sound to music industry professionals from across the region.

Novocrane vocalist Kai couldn't help but feel emotional about the milestone. “To be able to travel the world because of our music is such an amazing thing. Performing at AXEAN Festival in Bali really meant a lot to us—it’s our first ever international show!” she shared. For the band, performing overseas had always been one of their goals, and finally experiencing it made the years of performing and developing their music even more meaningful. “Playing international shows and festivals has always been our goal as a band. We can’t wait to play more!”

Beyond the excitement of performing overseas, the experience also reminded the band that reaching new audiences doesn't necessarily mean changing who they are. “What I really enjoyed about AXEAN was that we didn’t feel like we had to suddenly become something else just because we were performing outside the Philippines,” shared band member Henz. “We brought the same music, the same energy ... and the same weirdness that we have back home.” It's a refreshing perspective, especially for independent artists navigating the balance between expanding their reach and maintaining their creative identity.

A New Chapter for Novocrane

While Jack Daniel’s On Stage has officially concluded its three-year program, Novocrane's journey is far from over. The band has released its latest single, Dunkin!, and is preparing for the release of its highly anticipated debut EP. Another international festival appearance has also been confirmed, although further details have yet to be announced.

Their story is also a reminder of why platforms supporting independent music matter. Beyond giving artists an opportunity to perform, programs like Jack Daniel’s On Stage allow emerging musicians to experiment, collaborate, build connections, and discover audiences they might not otherwise reach. For Novocrane, the experiences of the past few years have helped turn a growing local music project into a band ready to explore bigger stages.

Despite everything they've accomplished, their outlook remains wonderfully simple. “This is just the beginning for Novocrane. We’ll keep on keeping on—all for the love of music and performing—and see where that takes us. We’re just happy to be here,” Kai shared.

From Manila's independent music circuit to an international festival in Bali, Novocrane's next chapter is already unfolding. And if their journey so far is any indication, there's plenty more music to look forward to.

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