Taking Back Thirdy have seen lineup changes over the years, with frontman and sole remaining original member Toshi Te almost quitting music for good. Now, with a renewed passion and new members who share his vision, they have been turning heads with their fresh, nostalgic sound, making their most exciting iteration yet. They blend a mix of alternative rock, emo, and pop-punk influences, while giving these genres their own distinct spin. Their music feels like a walk down memory lane, but with a twist that appeals to both fans of the '90s and modern-day indie.
Drawing heavy inspiration from the Eraserheads and a host of '90s and '00s OPM bands, Taking Back Thirdy have set out to bring back the energy and spirit of an era that's still loved by many. Their goal is to create original music that channels their turn-of-the-millenium roots while putting a contemporary stamp on it. They want that infectious sense of nostalgia that feels familiar and at the same time stays fresh and relevant today.
The name Taking Back Thirdy is quite a clever nod to their love of alternative rock. Te came up with it after seeing the band Taking Back Sunday on YouTube and decided to incorporate their former lead guitarist's nickname, "Thirdy," into the wordplay. "I remembered our lead guitarist, Raul 'Thirdy' Aspera, and asked him, 'Your nickname is unique—can I add it to my idea?'," he explains.
Their debut single, "Metaphor", was a school project by Te from 2015. The song, recorded and released only a few years later following a lineup reset, unmistakably saw the band in its earliest attempt to signal potential. From there, Taking Back Thirdy reemerged, reigniting their sound and delivering new music with "Akalain" in 2023. They have since dropped three more singles, "Redflag" being the most recent.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Taking Back Thirdy's Toshi Te and newest member Markus De Leon to talk about their formation, the inspiration behind their name, and what drives their passion for music. We look into how the band first came together, the influences that shaped their sound, and the messages they want to convey through their songs. They open up about their creative process, the challenges they've faced, and the reasons it took years before the band finally got moving.
Taking Back Thirdy is such a cool name. What's the story behind it? Was it inspired by Taking Back Sunday, or does it have a different meaning for you guys?
Toshi: The story behind the band's name started when we joined a certain event in high school. Most of the other bands were playing modern songs, and we were the only ones with an old setlist, only knowing '90s cover songs. I started thinking, "How about we name the band 'Throwback Thursday'?" I asked the bandmates, and they thought it was a good idea, but the next day I realized it felt a bit lousy and common. Weeks passed and the event was fast approaching, so I felt a bit pressured to come up with a name.
While browsing YouTube, I came across Taking Back Sunday. I didn't know that band was big at the time. I thought, "Maybe I should name the band 'Taking Back Thursday'?" Suddenly, I remembered our lead guitarist's nickname—Raul "Thirdy" Aspera. I told him, "Your nickname is unique. Can I add it to my idea?" He laughed and agreed, saying I was smart and hilarious. That's how "Taking Back Thirdy" came about.
Your band draws a lot from the music of the Eraserheads and other '90s and '00s OPM bands. How do you blend these influences with your style to create something original?
Toshi: I grew up listening as early as 10 years old to the Eraserheads, The Beatles, Green Day, etc., the bands that influenced and had a big impact on my creativity as an artist. I always wanted to sound unique and different.
Markus: The current band members have vast and diverse influences. Cebastian, the drummer, serves as the canvas and timekeeper of the group. His influences include Franco, Urbandub, Fastpitch, Deftones, and Kamikazee—the heavier side of music, but with an appreciation for the beauty in simplicity.
Our bassist, Shean, is inspired by gospel chops, funk, and a bit of alternative rock, adding a unique flavor to the mix with his distinct style.
Toshi: Markus, the newest member who joined as a session guitarist, was originally a bassist. He plays guitar in his personal projects, leaning toward the heavier side of music. His influences come from progressive metal, metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. Nevertheless, Markus is still a '90s kid, with a style that's somewhat reminiscent of the band's roots.
Creating something authentic is an art and that's a special gift for many artists. Before we write our original songs, we draw inspiration from various bands and influences, pouring our passion, determination, and emotions into the process. Through our unique style and approach, combined with creativity and refinement, we blend these ideas together to craft an original song.
Suddenly, I remembered our lead guitarist's nickname—Raul "Thirdy" Aspera. I told him, "Your nickname is unique. Can I add it to my idea?" He laughed and agreed, saying I was smart and hilarious. That's how "Taking Back Thirdy" came about.
Toshi Te
Your first release, "Metaphor", is dated 2015. And you started releasing new music in 2023. Did you take a break, or what made you decide to come back now?
Toshi: "Metaphor" was the first song I wrote in 2015 during our English class in high school, before our band was even formed.
For a school project, our English teacher asked us to write a song with metaphorical lyrics. I didn't expect much, but the song turned out better than I imagined, and I realized I took the project seriously. When the band was formed in 2017, I remembered the song, found a demo recording in my archives, and shared it with the group. They loved it and suggested we finish it, arrange it properly, and record it. The year on Spotify actually reflects when the song was created, not when it was uploaded.
I soon got busy with personal matters and took a break from the scene. I also became discouraged about being in a band, as no one seemed to have the same passion and vision that I had. Maybe I was in the wrong circle at the time.
In 2023, I reconnected with my passion for music when I met Cebastian and Shean. I regained my motivation, realizing music is what truly makes me happy. Ideas started flowing again, and we began professionally recording and publishing new material.
How did the band come together? Can you walk us through the early days of Taking Back Thirdy? As a band that's been together for a while, have there ever been any artistic differences or challenges in terms of creative direction? How do you handle that as a group?
Toshi: The story behind Taking Back Thirdy started in 2017 at Davao Doctors College, where we were senior high school students. The original members included Raul "Thirdy" Aspera on lead guitar, me (Toshi Te) on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Alex Olan on bass, and Jones Al-ag. We were schoolmates, and during the school intramurals, there were band performances. I wanted to join badly I asked my seatmate if he played any instruments. He said no but advised me I should meet the guys from the classroom next to ours.
I was excited to meet them, and when we did, we hit it off as we shared a love for rock music. Since we were in the same building, we quickly became friends. After class, we went to a studio in Bonifacio, where we mostly did cover songs. We became a cover band, performing at school events and enjoying the experience.
However, by 2019, before the pandemic hit, my bandmates became busy with personal matters, leading to a long break from performing or practicing. In 2022, during our last jam in the studio with the original members, they informed me they were leaving the group. I was the only original member left, which was a challenge knowing we weren't on the same page. Despite this, my passion for creating original music kept me focused on my single goal.
Markus: The original members were replaced, and the new lineup now consists of Cebastian Tangara on drums, Shean Espanola on bass, Toshi on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and me (Markus De Leon) on second guitar and backing vocals, having joined in 2024.
Toshi: We started working on new original songs and solidifying the band's structure. There were certainly artistic differences at first, but with our newest lineup, we've grown as a team, all aligned with the same goal. At last, we're now on the same page.
We also have Joseph Charles Ramos on backup vocals and Jermar Mendoza as a substitute drummer.
Markus: Outside of the studio, we're like brothers, not just bandmates—we treat each other like family. We spend more time together outside the rehearsal and recording studio than we do inside.
As for our music-writing process, when we're in the studio, we lay down new ideas and play them repeatedly until new parts emerge. We don't view anyone in the band as inferior—new parts are always popping up that sound great. By setting aside our differences, we combine all our ideas, giving equal value to each member's input.
I soon got busy with personal matters and took a break from the scene. I also became discouraged about being in a band, as no one seemed to have the same passion and vision that I had. Maybe I was in the wrong circle at the time.
Toshi Te
Your music mixes alternative rock with elements of pop-punk and emo. How would you describe your style to someone hearing your music for the first time?
Toshi: Our music is catchy and has a unique, versatile style. Even if the audience doesn't initially connect with our sound, I'd describe it as evoking emotions and creating good vibes, especially when they listen to it for the first time. It might even bring back some nostalgic memories, sparking what we call an "LSS" (Last Song Syndrome) moment. What makes our style unique is that, when people hear it for the first time, they may think our melodies resemble those of other bands, but in reality, there's nothing quite like it.
Markus: "Emotional lyrics, BUT jumpy." This is one thing I learned from Dennis Concepcion of Brownman Revival, a good friend of mine. Once you have the "hooks" and a "catchy melody," you've already done your job as a pop music creator/performer.
Out of all your songs, do you have a personal favorite? What makes that particular track stand out for you?
Toshi: My personal favorite is "Metaphor".
I wrote "Metaphor" when I was 15, and it takes me back to all the good and bittersweet moments of my high school life that will never come again. It's a timeless song for me, and the lyrics and melody evoke emotions I can't fully describe. Lyrics like "My life is a blue sky thinking about you" really hit differently—it's a beautiful song.
Markus: For most of the members, "Metaphor" is a favorite, but for me, when I first heard "Redflag", I thought it could be a hit. The song captures the pop culture and the stereotypical view of how this generation approaches relationships, weighing them at first glance. It also touches on the showbiz scene, and I can see it being used as a soundtrack for a movie or TV series—or maybe even becoming the title of one.
At last, we're now on the same page.
Toshi Te
Can you share a memorable experience from one of your performances that stood out to you as a band?
Toshi: Every time we play together as a band is memorable, regardless of the venue. However, one performance that really stood out was our recent gig as a guest band at the Sutherland Kickoff Party 2025 at Crocodile Park Concert Grounds. Great audience and stage setup.
Markus: My favorite venues are always the small gigs. I don't aspire to be famous, but those small gigs always touch something inside of me in the audience's eyes. I got to see bands like Queso (Cheese), Greyhoundz, Slapshock, Maryzark, Typecast, and many other local bands over a decade ago, performing in small venues before they had established names. I feel a sense of pride knowing I witnessed those bands before they went international.
Outside of the studio, we're like brothers, not just bandmates—we treat each other like family. We spend more time together outside the rehearsal and recording studio than we do inside.
Markus De Leon
Stream Taking Back Thirdy's latest single, "Redflag", below.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Sam is a mediocre artist, musician, and the founder and editor in chief of UNXIGNED. He is a Juris Doctor who leads an excitingly boring life in the confines of his room juggling studies with passion and dreams. He is terrible at finding balance but gets by anyhow. He wants you to follow his artist pages and channels for when he decides to up his game. Pretty open for collabs and will mix your would-be hit song for cheap.
