“Sea Major Project” Band: The Rhythmic Pulse of the Filipino-Austrian Diaspora

Music has always been the bedrock of Filipino culture, serving as a powerful medium of expression and a creative bridge for people from all walks of life. From the legendary ‘90s era of the Eraserheads and Rivermaya to modern icons, such as Lola Amour and Ben&Ben,

The evolution of Original Pinoy Music (OPM) has solidified a vibrant band culture. Today, this influence has traveled across continents, inspiring the Filipino diaspora in Europe to craft their own unique musical identities.

A Fusion of Heritage and Healthcare- On July 7, 2025, a collective of Filipinos — some born in Austria and others who migrated later- founded the “Sea Major Project”. Formed through a tight-knit network of family and friends, the band represents a diverse cross-section of the Filipino Austrian community. While they are musicians by passion, many serve as the backbone of the Austrian healthcare system as nurses, while others work within Vienna’s international organizations and businesses, attend local schools, or pursue advanced academic degrees.

The Collective Talent. The band’s sonic depth is anchored by a versatile lineup of performers. The vocal front features the diverse range of Ody, Michelle, and Carol, alongside male and acoustic guitarist Miggy. Their sound is brought to life by a team of experienced instrumentalists:

- Harold: Lead Guitar;  Marko: Bass; Robert: Drums, Ricky: Keyboards

- PJ: Multi-instrumentalist (wind keyboards, percussion, and guitar)

- Kenneth: Sound Engineer

A Global “Songbook”. The Sea Major Project "songbook" is a curated blend of genres that captures a broad demographic. Their repertoire ranges from the rock and R&B of Bon Jovi and Amy Winehouse (whose hit "Valerie" has become a band staple) to the contemporary sounds of Billie Eilish and the "hidden gems" of Laufey and Olivia Dean. At the heart of their identity, however, remains OPM. By performing hits like "Manila" by Hotdog and "Tuloy Pa Rin" by Side-A, they bring the soul of the Philippines to European stages - from the trendy halls of Hotel Am Brillantengrund, to the festive Christmas markets in Baden.

Impact and Future Vision. In the six months since their formation, Sea Major Project has transformed a "fun hobby" into a pillar of community connection. Their debut at the Filipino-Austrian Barrio Fiesta resonated deeply with the diaspora, providing an emotional homecoming through song. Their influence extends to philanthropy as well -   the band was recently invited to perform for Matthias Stelzmüller, an Austrian entrepreneur advocating for Filipino children’s welfare through his "Skate the World" program.

Looking ahead, the band remains grounded in the joy of the craft. Their primary hope is to continue bonding over rehearsals and live shows, watching with curiosity and excitement as their collaborative sound evolves over time. For the Sea Major Project, every note played is a way to contextualize heritage, build confidence, and unite two cultures under one rhythm.

Connect with the Sea Major Project. Experience the journey and stay updated on upcoming performances by following Sea Major Project on Instagram profile. From behind-the-scenes glimpses of their rehearsals in Vienna to highlights from their latest gigs at local festivals and markets, their digital community is the best place to witness their sound evolve. Follow them today to support the local Filipino-Austrian music scene and be the first to know where they will be taking the stage next!