IV of Spades (pronounced "four of spades"[1]) is a Filipino rock band formed in 2014. The original line-up consists of Unique Salonga on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Zildjian Benitez on backing vocals and bass guitar, Blaster Silonga on lead guitar, and Badjao De Castro on drums. Salonga served as the band's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist until 2018.[2]

The band are known for their 1970s-inspired outfits.[3]

Contents 1 History 1.1 Musical style 2 Discography 2.1 Singles 3 Band members 4 References History

In June 2014, Allan Silonga decided to form a band for his son Blaster, who would become the band's lead guitarist. The Silongas were able to recruit drummer Badjao de Castro and bassist Zildjian "Zild" Benitez, who are the sons of Allan's friends. Unique Salonga, who was already writing his own music, was later recruited to become the band's lead singer.[4][5]

All the band members are sons of musicians. Blaster's father, Allan Silonga, is a member of the singing group Daddy's Home which finished third in The X Factor Philippines.[6][7] While Zild's father, Franklin Benitez, was the drummer of Hungry Young Poets and Barbie's Cradle.[6][8]

Blaster and Zild gained popularity when they became contestants for Eat Bulaga!'s hit contest, Music Hero. Zild was the first member of the Music Hero Squad and was the Bass Guitar grand champion, Blaster won the Electric Guitar grand champion and the title of Ultimate Music Hero.

IV of Spades signed to a record label and released their first single "Ilaw sa Daan" under Warner Music Philippines.[citation needed]

The group’s second single, “Hey Barbara” was released on July 9, 2017 and followed up by their third single “Where Have You Been My Disco?”, released on December 9, 2017 via YouTube.[citation needed]

In 2018, the band released their fourth single called "Mundo". It became the group's highest viewed single on YouTube. The band's videos have over 50 million views on YouTube.[citation needed]

IV of Spades won the New Artist of the Year and the MYX Bandarito Performance of the Year and Nominated as Group the Year at the annual Myx Music Awards.[9]. The band also won the Dreams Come True with Air Asia, the airline's search for the most promising acts in the region. The band performed with David Foster as part of their prize. They also won the Favorite New Group award at the 30th annual Awit Awards.[citation needed]

The band is currently in the studio working on their debut full-length album.[citation needed]

On May 5, 2018, the band announced on their official social media accounts that lead vocalist Unique Salonga had left in order to pursue "personal endeavors".[2].

On July 13, 2018, the song "In My Prison" was released simultaneously on Spotify and Youtube. It is band's first single after Salonga's departure, with Benitez taking over as lead vocalist.[10]

Musical style

The group was heavily inspired by 1970s fashion, acts and sounds. The band’s genre is a mix of 1970s influenced disco, funk, alternative rock and Manila Sound.[citation needed]

Discography Singles 2016: "Ilaw sa Daan" 2017: "Where Have You Been My Disco?" 2017: "Hey Barbara" 2018: "Mundo" 2018: "In My Prison" Band members

Current members

Zild Benitez – bass, lead vocals (2014–present) Blaster Silonga – lead guitar, backing vocals (2014–present) Badjao de Castro – drums, percussion (2014–present)

Past members

Unique Salonga – lead vocals, guitar (2014–2018)