Cheats

Based in Manila, Philippines, Cheats was formed in 2013 when Jim and Manny decided to continue making music following the dissolution of their former band. After numerous personnel shifts, the group solidified into its current seven-piece line-up, which has been together since 2016.

The band independently released its self-titled debut in 2015 to much acclaim. This was followed by invitations to play several festivals in 2016, including Singapore’s Laneway Festival in January, the Wanderland Festival in March, and the Paradise International Music Festival in April. In 2017, they released their second full-length album Before the Babies, shortly after performing at Hong Kong’s Clockenflap Festival.

The following years were spent playing more shows, having earned a reputation of giving energetic and sincere performances, and leaving the audience wanting more each time. In 2019, they released a succession of singles that would become the Ultramilk EP. Over time, these songs became fan favourites, generating a lot of anticipation for what the band would put out next. And then the pandemic happened.

However, being in quarantine did not stop Cheats from creating music. They kept engaging with their followers through live online events and pre-recorded video performances from their homes and continued writing new material. By 2021, the band had enough material for a third album and signed with Island Records Philippines. They entered the studio once restrictions were lifted and released the single Hakbang in October 2021 followed by Honey Calm Down in February 2022. The album, houseplants, was finally released in November 2022, a few months after the band returned to Singapore to perform at the ASEAN Music Showcase Festival in September.

Jim Bacarro – vocals/keys/guitar
Saab Magalona-Bacarro – vocals
Candy Gamos – vocals
Kyle Quismundo – guitar/keys
Jason Caballa – guitar
Manny Tanglao – bass
Enzo Hermosa – drums/percussion