MarketIV of Spades
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IV of Spades

IV of Spades is a Filipino rock band from Metro Manila, Philippines, consisting of vocalist, bassist and keyboardist Zild Benitez, vocalist and lead guitarist Blaster Silonga, backing vocalist and drummer Badjao De Castro, and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Unique Salonga. The band first gained exposure with the release of their fourth single, "Mundo" (2018). Their first album, ClapClapClap!, was released on January 18, 2019. The band went on hiatus on August 21, 2020, and returned in 2025 with the release of their single "Aura" and subsequently released their second and most recent album Andalucia, on November 5, 2025.

History
2014–2017: Early years In July 2014, Allan Mitchell Silonga, also known as "Daddy A", planned and decided to form a band for his son Blaster, who would become the band's lead guitarist and vocalist. Daddy A handpicked and recruited drummer Badjao de Castro and bassist Zild Benitez, who are the sons of Daddy A's musician friends Franklin Benitez and Chuck de Castro. Unique Salonga, one of the band's vocalists, was recruited last by Daddy A through his father Randy Salonga, who used to play guitars for Daddy A's vocal group Daddy's Home. Unique already writing his own music, and was later recruited to become the band's lead singer. Most of the band members are sons of musicians. Blaster's father, Allan Silonga (aka Daddy A), is a member of a band in the 90s, Kindred Garden, which evolved as K24/7, the first R&B and Hip-hop band during that era. He was also part of the singing group, Daddy's Home, which finished third in The X Factor Philippines. Zild's father, Franklin Benitez, was the drummer for the Hungry Young Poets and Barbie's Cradle. Badjao's father, Chuck de Castro, was a member of Makatha & Posivity Band and was also a session rhythm guitarist of the Rage Band. Blaster and Zild gained popularity when they became contestants for Eat Bulaga!'s hit contest, Music Hero. Zild was the first member of the Music Hero Squad and was the Bass Guitar grand champion; Blaster won the Electric Guitar grand champion and the title of Ultimate Music Hero. IV of Spades signed to a record label and released their debut single "Ilaw sa Daan" () under Warner Music Philippines. IV of Spades won the New Artist of the Year, MYX Bandarito Performance of the Year, and nominated as Group of the Year at the annual MYX Music Awards. The band also won the Dreams Come True with Air Asia, the airline's search for the most promising acts in the region. The band performed with David Foster as part of their prize. They also won the Favorite New Group award at the 30th annual Awit Awards. On May 5, 2018, the band announced on their official social media accounts that lead vocalist Unique Salonga had left in order to pursue personal endeavors. On July 12, 2018, the song "In My Prison" was released simultaneously on Spotify and YouTube. It is the band's first single after Salonga's departure, with Benitez taking over full-time as lead vocalist. They released their sixth single, "Bata, Dahan-Dahan!" on September 14, 2018. After they released their sixth single, they released another single "Sa Kahapon" and this time, with hip-hop artist and rapper Shanti Dope for Coke Studio Homecoming. In October, IV of Spades was nominated for the Best Southeast Asia Act category in the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards but lost to Joe Flizzow of Malaysian hip-hop group Too Phat. Within the same month, they returned to Wish 107.5 and collaborated with Moira dela Torre with a new song entitled "Huli Na Ba Ang Lahat". The song was first unveiled during a digital concert held on October 8, 2018. The show, staged by Acer Philippines in partnership with Wish 107.5, was part of the annually-held Acer Day celebration. The band released their first studio album, ClapClapClap!, on January 18, 2019. It consisted of 15 songs, the most popular being Come Inside of My Heart. 2020–2024: Hiatus The band then released their seventh single entitled "Ang Pinagmulan", on February 16, 2020. After 2 months, they released their final single recorded "Sariling Multo (Sa Panaginip)", on April 17, 2020. On August 21, 2020, the band announced their hiatus. The band members have since been focused on other solo and group projects outside of IV of Spades. 2025–present: Reunion, Andalucia On July 16, 2025, IV of Spades announced their return from hiatus with the release of a single titled "Aura". Salonga had also rejoined the band. On August 13, the band surprise-released their second single, titled "Nanaman" (). ==Musical style and influences==
Musical style and influences
IV of Spades is heavily inspired by 1970s fashion, acts and sounds. Members of the band have cited various musical groups and artists as songwriting influences, including ABBA, Kings of Leon, Tame Impala, My Chemical Romance, Radiohead, and Jet. ==Band members==
Band members
Zild Benitez – lead and backing vocals, bass guitar ; keyboards, synth bass, programming ; omnichordBlaster Silonga – lead guitar, backing vocals ; lead vocals • Badjao de Castro – drums, percussion ; backing vocals , lead vocals • Unique Salonga – lead vocals, rhythm guitar ; backing vocals Timeline ==Discography==
Discography
ClapClapClap! (2019) • Andalucia (2025) ==Tours==
Tours
Headlining • The Sweet Shadow Tour (2019) • IV of Spades Live at the MOA Arena (2025) • Andalucia Tour (2026) SupportingPanic! At the DiscoPray for the Wicked Tour (2018) ==Awards and nominations==
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