Pep Deloroso

The Hidden Frequencies of Pep Deloroso

In an industry often driven by spectacle, Pep Deloroso has quietly carved out his own sonic space since 2003. His moniker is a humble nod to his roots: he drew "Pep" from "Pepito" simply because it carries a distinctly Filipino ring, combining it with his grandmother’s maiden name, Doloroso. He altered the spelling to "Deloroso" because he felt it paired better with "Pep," all while honoring his family's deep musical lineage.

Long before algorithms dictated taste, Deloroso’s ear was shaped by the instrumental surf-rock of The Ventures, a constant soundtrack in his childhood home. This organic love for the guitar eventually led him to MySpace, where he shared early solo tracks like "Haze," "Defecto," "Sedative," and "Deep Rest". Working with a strict DIY ethos, he layered real bass and electric guitars, painstakingly sequencing individual Cakewalk drum kits in Cool Edit to forge an authentic rhythm section from the confines of his bedroom.

The Musician’s Approach

As a musician, Deloroso's phrasing drifts naturally into the mildly psychedelic and experimental. While early listeners might have detected shades of the blues, he doesn't actively chase the genre. Instead, his approach is profoundly intuitive. Untethered by formal music theory, he simply plays what he feels, trusting his gut to allow the guitar work to serve the raw emotion of the moment.

The Evolution of Masterslave

The heavy stillness of the pandemic lockdowns sparked a quiet evolution. Deloroso co-founded the experimental duo Masterslave alongside fellow artist Arlo Misa (Arbiter). This partnership steered Deloroso’s organic fretwork into dense electronic territory.

Their first single, "Isolate" (2020), captured the solitude of the global standstill and earned a spot on the compilation MAÑANITA ~ A Noise Barrage from 18 Bedrooms. Released on June 12, 2020, by Green Papaya Art Projects and Pawn Records, MAÑANITA was framed not as a celebration, but as a "cacerolazo" of materials recorded by artists from the locations where they were confined. The collection served as a sonic barometer of the era, reflecting a shift from pandemic mourning to militancy and protest. This era also yielded the evocative track "Lingering Greed," further cementing their intricate, heavy soundscapes.

Live Performances & Collaborations

Though Masterslave is primarily a studio-based project, the duo occasionally steps into the physical realm, pairing sweeping audio with visual art. Their live history reflects a series of thoughtfully curated appearances:

• June 4, 2022: They made their debut at the 4th SynthramurosCommunity Meet-Up at Fort Santiago, Intramuros, marking the project's first transition from studio to stage.
• December 10, 2022: The duo performed for the Uwak Gallerysoft opening, further establishing their presence in the local art scene.
• March 10, 2023: They brought their ambient soundscapes to "Sudden Movement," a showcase presented by FORTYOUNCE, MAGMA Tattoo Gallery, and the Idea World Collective.
• March 18, 2023: Just a week later, they provided a visceral soundtrack for visual artist OoakosiMo during "The State of the Art