EAGLE RIVER, Alaska (KTUU) – Every Friday night in Eagle River, Anchorage duo Kuya — meaning “older brother” — rolls out nostalgic music.
The duo said they specialize in songs audiences forgot they loved, performing covers that take listeners back in time.
“It’s like listening to radio, but it’s live music,” said Marlowe Lasmarias, one half of the duo.
Music as memory
Lasmarias and King Angchangco say their performances work like a photo album, connecting people to their past through music.
“It’s like opening up a photo album,” Lasmarias said. “‘Here’s the song that this guy sang before he proposed,’ something like that.”
The duo’s said their name, Kuya, means “older brother” in Tagalog. Their specialty is bringing back forgotten songs from different eras, particularly the 1980s and 90s.
Journey to Alaska
Lasmarias played music professionally for 28 years across the world before coming to Alaska five years ago.
“I think I was born to perform,” Lasmarias said.
Angchangco followed his wife to Alaska from the Philippines. He said he couldn’t afford a guitar in his homeland, but now pursues his passion with Lasmarias’ help.
Both musicians work in health care by day and perform by night.
Universal language
Lasmarias said music connects people regardless of language or culture.
“Regardless of what language is, or regardless of how different culture is from each country, but once the music, once the groove comes in, the vibe comes in, the emotions comes in, everything just rolls into one,” Lasmarias said. “That’s why music is so universal.”
Coming to Alaska refined Lasmarias’ performance style.
“I truly refined the way I perform,” he said. “It’s really more, now it’s really heartfelt.”
Future plans
The duo said they have original songs they plan to introduce gradually alongside their cover repertoire. They hope to record a demo album showcasing their brand of music.
“Our original songs — we like to kind of bring it out and polish it,” Lasmarias said. “Hopefully, we would cut a demo album or an LP to give out the brand of music that we do.”
The musicians were asked if they planned to stay in Anchorage for a while.
“Yeah, we’ll be here for — forever,” Angchangco said.
Kuya performs every Friday night at Garcia’s Cantina in Eagle River.
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