The rising Filipino band caps a three-year music journey with its first international performance at AXEAN Festival 2026 in Bali
Novocrane has been named Jack Daniel’s On Stage: The Chosen One, emerging as the top artist among 35 independent Filipino acts featured in the three-year music program.
Alongside fellow finalists ALYSON and August Wahh, Novocrane secured a place among the program’s final three artists, earning the top honor and the opportunity to represent the Philippines at AXEAN Festival 2026 in Bali, Indonesia.
The recognition marks the culmination of Jack Daniel’s On Stage (JDOS), a flagship music program dedicated to championing Filipino independent artists and the communities that support them. Through live showcases, collaborations, and creative exchanges, JDOS provided artists with opportunities to hone their craft, connect with audiences, and explore pathways beyond the local music scene.
Novocrane’s journey began with Chapter One: Playlist Live in 2024, marking their first show in Manila, and continued with Chapter Two: Mixtape in May 2026, where selected artists from the program came together for a live collaborative showcase.
What distinguished Novocrane from their contemporaries was the band’s evolution. During their time with Jack Daniel’s On Stage, the group transformed from a solo music project into a four-piece band, gradually developing a more confident sound and identity on their own terms. They released new music, mounted their own album bar tour, collaborated with fellow independent artists, and continued performing while establishing a distinct presence in the Philippine indie music scene.
Gabriel Fajardo of Jack Daniel’s Philippines highlighted the qualities that set the band apart and made them deserving of the recognition.
“Novocrane demonstrated a character and authenticity that felt very natural to Jack Daniel’s. They have a distinct identity as artists, a dedication to developing and evolving their craft, while remaining open to growth and collaboration.
“Their independent spirit—the determination to create their own path, evolve on their own terms, and remain true to who they are as artists—is what makes Novocrane Jack Daniel’s On Stage: The Chosen One.”
As part of the band’s journey, Jack Daniel’s Philippines recently supported Novocrane in bringing their music to the regional stage at AXEAN Festival 2026 in Bali, Indonesia, alongside fellow Jack Daniel’s On Stage Top 3 artist ALYSON. For a relatively young Filipino band, the festival offered more than an international performance opportunity. It introduced their music to a broader regional network of artists, programmers, industry professionals, and audiences.
Fajardo added, “More than simply performing in another market, it gave the band a platform to introduce their music to decision-makers who are looking for artists to feature in their own festivals and events, potentially opening doors to future performance opportunities beyond the Philippines.”
The experience marked a significant personal and professional milestone for the band. Their performance at AXEAN was their first international show—an achievement they had long hoped to reach.
Novocrane vocalist Kai expressed her gratitude to Jack Daniel’s for helping the band perform at Southeast Asia’s biggest intra-regional showcase festival.
“To be able to travel the world because of our music is such an amazing thing. Performing at AXEAN Festival in Bali really meant a lot to us—it’s our first ever international show! To be able to share our music beyond home made me emotional. We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who believed in us (Thank you, Jack Daniel’s!). Playing international shows and festivals has always been our goal as a band. We can’t wait to play more!”
The festival also allowed the band to discover how their music could connect with audiences outside the Philippines without compromising the qualities that make them unique.
“What I really enjoyed about AXEAN was that we didn’t feel like we had to suddenly become something else just because we were performing outside the Philippines,” shared Novocrane member Henz. “We brought the same music, the same energy … and the same weirdness that we have back home.”
Supporting Novocrane’s regional debut reflects Jack Daniel’s long-standing relationship with music and the independent music community. The brand’s musical roots trace back to its founder, Jack Daniel, a music enthusiast who organized and performed with his own band, the Silver Coronet.
In the Philippines, Jack Daniel’s has supported the local music scene for more than two decades through grassroots initiatives, live music partnerships, independent showcases, and platforms such as Jack Daniel’s Indiefest. Jack Daniel’s On Stage builds on this legacy by providing a dedicated platform for independent Filipino artists and the communities that surround them.
“While Jack Daniel’s On Stage is now complete, the support for music continues—with more music to discover, more artists to champion, and more moments to celebrate together,” shared Fajardo. “Because Jack & Music is the Perfect Mix.”
With the brand’s support and guidance, Novocrane is already gearing up for its next musical chapter. The band has released its latest single, “Dunkin!,” and is preparing to launch its highly anticipated debut EP. The group has also confirmed another international festival appearance, with further details yet to be announced.
“This is just the beginning for Novocrane. We’ll keep on keeping on—all for the love of music and performing—and see where that takes us. We’re just happy to be here,” Kai explained.
As Novocrane carries the momentum of Jack Daniel’s On Stage and AXEAN Festival into its next chapter, the band’s story highlights the possibilities that emerge when independent artists are given platforms not only to perform but also to grow, experiment, connect, and bring their music to wider audiences.
Catch Novocrane as they bring their latest single to life with the “DUNKIN” music video launch on October 22, 2026, at Mono By Phono in Makati City.
