Alongside fellow finalists ALYSON and August Wahh, Novocrane became one of the program’s final three artists, taking home the top honor and the opportunity to represent the Philippines at AXEAN Festival 2026 in Bali, Indonesia.
The recognition serves as the culmination of Jack Daniel’s On Stage (JDOS), a staple music program developed to champion Filipino independent artists and the communities that sustain them. Through a series of live showcases, collaborations, and creative exchanges, JDOS created opportunities for Filipino independent artists to develop their craft, connect with audiences, and build pathways outside of the local music scene.
Novocrane’s journey started with Chapter One: Playlist Live in 2024, their first show in Manila, and continued with Chapter Two: Mixtape in May 2026, where handpicked artists from the music program participated in a live collaborative showcase.
What set Novocrane apart from their contemporaries was the group's evolution. During their time with Jack Daniel’s On Stage, Novocrane transitioned from a solo music project to a four-piece band, eventually steering their sound and identity in a more confident direction—on their own terms. They released new music, mounted their own album bar tour, collaborated with fellow independent artists, and continued performing while building a distinct presence within the Philippine indie music scene.
Gabriel Fajardo of Jack Daniel’s Philippines, highlighted the qualities that distinguished the band and made them the right choice for 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 artist’s journey, Jack Daniel’s Philippines recently supported Novocrane as they took 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 provided more than an international stage: it placed their music within a wider regional ecosystem of artists, programmers, industry professionals, and audiences.
Fajardo adds, “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 personal and professional first for the band. It was their first international show, and it had been among their goals. Novocrane vocalist Kai expressed her gratitude to Jack Daniel’s for supporting the band 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 gave the band a chance to see how their music could resonate outside the Philippines without compromising the qualities that define them.
“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,” shares 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 continues the brand’s long-standing relationship with music and the independent community. The brand’s connection to music traces 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 including Jack Daniel’s Indiefest. Jack Daniel’s On Stage builds on that history by creating a dedicated platform for independent Filipino artists and the communities surrounding 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,” shares Fajardo. “Because Jack & Music is the Perfect Mix.”
With the brand's institutional backing and guidance, Novocrane’s next music era is already taking shape. The band has released its latest single, “Dunkin!,” and is preparing to launch their highly anticipated debut EP. The band has also confirmed another international festival appearance, with 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 explains.
As Novocrane carries the momentum of Jack Daniel’s On Stage and AXEAN Festival into what's next, their story reflects the possibilities that emerge when independent artists get platforms not only to perform but also to grow, experiment, connect, and take their music further.Catch Novocrane as they bring their latest single to life with the “DUNKIN” music video launch, happening on October 22, 2026, at Mono By Phono in Makati City.