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Basti Artadi
Birth nameSebastian Artadi
Born (1977-05-03) May 3, 1977 (age 48)
Pampanga, Philippines
OriginManila, Philippines
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • painter
Years active1992–present
Member of
  • Wolfgang
  • Brain Salad
  • Plan of Fools
  • Basti Artadi and the Nice Ones
Formerly of

Sebastian "Basti" Artadi (born May 3, 1977) is a Filipino musician, songwriter, and actor. He is known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Wolfgang, which was active from 1992 to 2002 and later regrouped in 2007. After the band disbanded, he became a member of California-based band Lokomotiv until 2007. He launched a side project called Plan of Fools as vocalist, and also provided lead vocals for Brain Salad. Aside from music, he ventured into theatre, performing in Jesus Christ Superstar (2001) and the musical American Idiot (2016).[1]

Early life

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Sebastian Artadi was born on May 3, 1977, in Pampanga, and was raised in Lucena. He has a sister named Sabrina Artadi, a former Binibining Pilipinas contestant.[2] As a child, he was a fan of Johnny Cash, but his musical interests later expanded to rock and heavy metal.[3] While still a high school in 1993, his father brought him to his first rock concert, having previously been exposed only to the music played on the car stereo.[4]

During his college years, Artadi was invited by the band Razorback to sing with them, as they were in need of a vocalist. He was given tapes of the songs the band knew, which introduced him to rock music.[3]

Career

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Wolfgang

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Artadi began his journey with Wolfgang in the early 1990s when he was discovered performing with his previous band Sin City. He was later invited by guitarist Manuel Legarda and drummer Wolf Gemora to join their new group, eventually completed by bassist Ramon "Mon" Legaspi. The band's name, suggested by Razorback guitarist Dave Aguirre, served as their nom de sonique, referencing Gemora's nickname.[5] The band gained attention in Manila's rock scene and released their self-titled debut album in 1995, which achieved Platinum status. Artadi's vocals featured prominently in songs such as "Darkness Fell" and "Left Alone", which received regular airplay on local rock stations.[6]

Wolfgang followed up with several albums, including Semenelin (1996), Wurm (1997), and Serve in Silence (1999), earning multiple awards at the NU107 Rock Awards. Artadi was named Vocalist of the Year several times during this period.[4] The band released fifth album Black Mantra (2001), which would be their last before disbanding in 2002. They later reunited in 2007 and released Villains (2008),[7] followed by the Tagalog-language extended play (EP) Ang Bagong Dugo Sa Lumang Ugat - Unang Kabanata (2012).[8]

In 2025, Artadi announced the release of Wolfgang30, a re-recorded and remastered version of the band's self-titled debut album, marking its 30th anniversary. The album is set for release exclusively on vinyl (limited to 300 copies) and as a box set through the independent label Eikon Records Philippines. According to the label, the album was re-recorded between 2024 and 2025 by Artadi, guitarist Manuel Legarda, original drummer Wolf Gemora, and includes some of the final recordings of late bassist Mon Legaspi.[9]

Lokomotiv

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After Wolfgang's disbandment in 2002, Artadi relocated to California, United States. In early 2004, he joined the California-based band Lokomotiv, which had been formed the previous year in Orange County by Wolf Gemora, bassist Danny Gonzales, and guitarist James MacDonnell. Following MacDonnell's departure, Artadi was invited to become the band's lead vocalist. The lineup also included David Aguirre of Razorback.[10]

The band recorded their debut album, Rock N' Roll Death Toll (2005) and released it in the Philippines in September 2006. Artadi left the band on June 24, 2006, due to "musical and creative differences".[11]

Brain Salad

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In 2001, Artadi fronted the rock supergroup Brain Salad, a one-off project featuring musicians from Wolfgang and Razorback.[12] The band released a self-titled album that same year, which has since been regarded as a hidden gem in Filipino rock and was later reissued on vinyl by Backspacer Records in 2022. The reissue was remastered by sound engineer Shinji Tanaka.[13]

Plan of Fools

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Artadi began a recording project with a band called Plan of Fools. The group is an eight-piece ensemble that includes prominent Filipino musicians such as Louie Talan (Razorback), Bea Lao (General Luna), and Rommel dela Cruz (Freestyle and Barbie's Cradle). Artadi described the project as a serious musical endeavor, stating, "We're putting the finishing touches on this new album with this band I'm with called Plan of Fools."[1]

Solo career and other projects

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Artadi has also worked as a theater actor. He portrayed Jesus Christ in Atlantis Productions' staging of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2001. The production featured stylized design and unconventional casting, with Dessa and Anna Fegi alternated as a reimagined female version of Pontius Pilate.[14]

Artadi released his first debut album, Everybody Knows That the Dice Are Loaded (2014), featuring a collection of songs he performs live with the band the Nice Ones. The lineup includes guitarist Marco de Leon, bassist Nikki Tirona, and drummer Jed Dayrit. The music revealed a different side of Artadi, with a sound that was "fresh" and more melodic compared to his heavier rock background.[15]

In 2016, he portrayed the character St. Jimmy in the local staging of the Philippine production of Green Day's musical American Idiot.[16] That same year, he also provided live scoring for the Austrian silent film Der Ballett erzherzog during the 10th International Silent Film Festival held in August.[17]

In June 2022, Artadi starred in the play Fermata, written by Dustin Celestino and directed by Guelan Luarca. He played Alex, a retired musician who runs a jazz bar. The two-character play also starred Xander Soriano as Ben.[18] On December 27, Artadi posted a photo of himself on social media after a promotional poster for his song "God of Light" caused concern among fans due to its layout resembling a tribute image. The song premiered exclusively on Jam 88.3 (DWJM). The poster drew mixed reactions, including from musician Inka Magnaye and Moonstar88 vocalist Maysh Baay, prompting the station to clarify its intent.[19]

Artadi released a independent second album titled Black on Black, Blood on White (2023), which featured nine tracks.[20] Artadi also launched his first graphic novel Darkness Fell, with a special interactive performance held at 19 East in Sucat, Parañaque. The 36-page self-published black-and-white graphic novel was inspired by the Wolfgang song of the same name from the band's debut album.[21]

In September 2024, Artadi stated that Wolfgang would not support the vinyl reissue of their album by Ivory Music and Vicor Music due to low royalty fees. He revealed that the band was set to receive only ₱2.40 per vinyl record sold at a retail price of ₱1,900, to be divided among the members and the heirs of late bassist Mon Legaspi. Artadi urged fans to wait for an alternative release that would properly compensate the band.[22]

Artadi was among the featured artists in Un|Tethered, an exhibition by Galeria Paloma at Art Fair Philippines 2024. He was featured alongside artists such as Ernest Concepcion, Carla Gamalinda, Carlos, and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.[23]

Personal life

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Artadi is married to Rizza Artadi.[24] Aside from his music and acting career, he is also a painter, and has pursued visual art.[25] He has often been described using the Filipino word "angas" (transl. cool) due to his tough persona.[26]

In 2009, Artadi was diagnosed with a tumor in his head, which caused facial paralysis on the right side of his face.[27] He later revealed that the condition was due to schwannoma, a type of benign nerve sheath tumor that affected the seventh cranial nerve.[28]

Discography

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with Wolfgang

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Main article: Wolfgang (band)

Albums

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EP

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with Lokomotiv

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Main article: Lokomotiv (band)

with Brain Salad

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  • Brain Salad (2001)

Solo

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  • Everybody Knows That the Dice Are Loaded (2014)[29]
  • "Black on Black" / "Blood on White" (2023)[30]

With Plan of Fools

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  • Plan of Fools (2020)

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2015 The Breakup Playlist Caloy Feature film
2017 Historiographika Errata Lt. Tasker Cinema One Originals
2018 Tres Virgo Anthology film (uncredited)

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2014 The Boston Serges S1.E5: "If You Don't Speak, Your Stomach Swells"

S1.E6: "Truffle Up and Deal"

Theatre

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Year Production Role Company / Event
2001 Jesus Christ Superstar Jesus Christ Atlantis Productions
2016 American Idiot St. Jimmy 9 Works Theatrical
2022 Fermata Alex Virgin Labfest (CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute)

References

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  1. ^ a b "With Doors Wide Open: An Interview with Rock Icon and Multi-Artist Basti Artadi". Bandwagon Asia. May 27, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  2. ^ Khaye Dave, Kimberly Kathreen (July 5, 2018). "How ex-beauty queen used cooking to beat depression". ABS-CBN. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Pareño, Elijah (June 16, 2025). "Wolfgang's Basti Artadi is Still Making Noise After 30 Years". Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  4. ^ a b ppastor (June 24, 2016). "If you love Wolfgang, help Basti". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  5. ^ Mesa, Karl R. De (September 23, 2015). Radiant Void. Flipside Digital Content Company Inc. ISBN 978-621-01-0025-9.
  6. ^ Tan, Oscar Franklin (June 27, 2016). "As long as Basti Artadi sings, we'll never be old". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  7. ^ Rodriguez, Rebecca C. "Brotherhood of the wolves". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  8. ^ "Power, corruption and Wolfgang at 20 years". Yahoo News. August 29, 2012. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  9. ^ JESUS, TOTEL V. DE (January 13, 2025). "Basti Artadi reclaims 'prodigal' debut album with 'Wolfgang30' and more". GMA News Online. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  10. ^ INQUIRER.net. "'Taralets—Fight AIDS!' - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on February 22, 2008. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  11. ^ "Filipino Express Online". filipinoexpress.com. Archived from the original on January 25, 2007. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  12. ^ Mesa, Karl R. de. "What is a Brain Salad?". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  13. ^ Olivares, Rick (June 22, 2022). "Discover hidden Pinoy rock gem in Brain Salad on vinyl". ABS-CBN. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  14. ^ Abunda, Boy. "Atlantis Productions in the eye of a storm". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  15. ^ "Wolfgang's Basti Artadi goes solo; launches debut album online". Yahoo News. August 1, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  16. ^ Manila Santos, Rhea (June 3, 2016). "EXCLUSIVE: Basti Artadi returns onstage in 'American Idiot the musical'". ABS-CBN. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  17. ^ Showbitz, Manila Standard (August 5, 2016). "A musical rendezvous with Basti Artadi". Manila Standard. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  18. ^ JESUS, TOTEL V. DE (June 20, 2022). "Q&A: Basti Artadi on theater, topbilling 'Fermata' at the Virgin Labfest, and keeping busy through the pandemic". GMA News Online. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  19. ^ Madarang, Catalina Ricci S. (December 27, 2022). "'Proof of life': Basti Artadi shares selfie after promotional poster got fans worried". Interaksyon. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  20. ^ Olivares, Rick (December 29, 2023). "Best new indie releases on vinyl in 2023". The POST. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  21. ^ Olivares, Rick (February 23, 2023). "Basti Artadi releases audio graphic novel 'Darkness Fell'". ABS-CBN. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  22. ^ Gonzales, Angelo (September 18, 2024). "Basti Artadi says 'not supporting Ivory/Vicor Wolfgang vinyl' over small royalties". RAPPLER. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  23. ^ Suralta, Bryle B. "Basti Artadi on His Art: 'My Main Thing Is Always Vibrant Colors and the Little Magic Nuances'". Esquiremag.ph. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  24. ^ "Basti Artadi ng Wolfgang hindi gumamit o tumikim ng ilegal na droga kahit kailan". INQUIRER.net. December 4, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  25. ^ de Jesus, Totel V. (January 29, 2020). "Bring it on: Basti Artadi will say yes to all in 2020". ABS-CBN. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  26. ^ Atilano, Joseph R. (August 2, 2016). "My thoughts on Basti Artadi". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  27. ^ "Rock singer Basti Artadi reveals facial paralysis due to tumor in his head". PEP.ph. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  28. ^ Policarpio, Allan (October 14, 2017). "Basti Artadi back to the grind after US surgery". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
  29. ^ Everybody Knows That the Dice Are Loaded by Basti Artadi on Apple Music, August 1, 2014, retrieved July 19, 2025
  30. ^ Black on Black / Blood on White by Basti Artadi on Apple Music, September 30, 2023, retrieved July 19, 2025
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