the first gathering of genres in a willowdrive prod.
http://willowdriveproductions.com/
06 July 2007
02 July 2007
LILA
Being caught unaware can be a good thing. I was supposed to interview another band that night then all of a sudden I was before Lila. In what we may call an impromptu interview for both parties (the band and myself) we went got the ball rolling.
The interview went well. I really loved the reason behind the name Lila, it may not be unique for I am sure others have in one way or another been inspired by lost loves and the like but it showed the character and sincerity of the members. Indeed they are good guys reaching out to us all through their heartfelt music and honest songs. A true band if I may call them. Come the release of their EP they deserve all the support we can give.
Here's how the interview went.
Entity: Good Evening. Let me start by asking who are the members of your band?
Lila: Band Members are: Melvin Feliciano (rhythm guitar / vocals), Jason Rondero (bass / b. vocals), Lester Hernandez (drums), Bryan Sebastian (lead guitar)
Entity: Out of curiousity, why Lila?
Lila: yung lila based sa favorite color ng ex-girlfriend ni Melvin. Yung first few songs ng Lila para dun sa girl. Nagawa na yun even before mabuo kami. Siya yung inspiration kaya nabuo din yung banda so yung name parang tribute sa kanya yun. Though ngayon nag-evolve na mga songs.
Entity: Like the concept behind the name, galing – ok siya.
Entity: Kailan nabuo yung Lila?
Lila: 3 years na ang Lila, pero 2 years with the current members.
Entity: Sino ang masasabi ang mga influences ninyo? Simula tayo sa local
Lila: Sugar Free talaga, kasama na rin yung eraserheads at rivermaya
Entity: Foreign?
Lila: Weezer, Beatles, Silverchair, No Doubt, Smashing Pumpkins
Entity: Before we conclude this interview, do you have any album or ep that you wish to plug?
Lila: meron kaming EP, still working on it abangan ninyo, malapit na matapos.
Entity: Bago natin makalimutan, sa mga interesado sa Lila, how may we reach you?
~ Raymond G.
BEANSBAXTER
They say you can't have everything. Among the things I was looking forward to the whole day was seeing Beansbaxter perform and the opportunity to interview them. Imagine my disappointment when I learned that they couldn't play that night. They are one of my favorite acts. I'd easily place them at the top of my to see list and recommendable EP's to buy list.
Fortunately there was still the interview and I would like to thank the heavens for introducing me to the wonderful members of Beansbaxter. They were a joy to talk to and very easy to get along with. Their passion for their music is infectious – they live it. Believe me, if you aren't a fan now, you'd end up one by talking to them.
Entity: Good Evening. Let me start by asking who are the members of your band?
Beansbaxter: members of the band are Joan Lopez – vocals, David Beredico – drums, Andrew Namis – guitars, Musselli Cruz – Bass, John Lomtong – synthesizer
Entity: How or where did you meet?
Beansbaxer: We were schoolmates at PLM (pamantasan ng lungsod ng maynila)
Entity: I'm sure you've been asked this a good many times. Why Beansbaxter?
Beansbaxter: Joan originally took the name from a show called Beans Baxter, we wanted it to be something different. Later on after a deliberate research we learned that Baxter in old English means Female Baker. In that sense beans or seeds represents a start and baxter represents molding something new.
Entity: actually like the vision behind the name – making new music, something original and unique.
Entity: How would you classify or call your music?
Beansbaxter: originally we thought of alternative metal but most people have a preconceived idea for the term metal so we would like to call our music “Melodic Fusion”
Entity: Any approach or inspiration in making your songs?
Beansbaxter: We just let everything fall into place. We don't start a song with any set criteria to meet. We just let if form naturally. For us the soul of our music is the human psyche – parang inner struggle sa isang tao habang nabubuhay may pinagdadaanan pero don't give up – there is always hope palaging may langit.
Entity: Where there any instances when you felt out of place?
Beansbaxter: yes, we feel out of place whenever we find our selves in a venue or events where listeners do not want to let the music come into their minds – they reject the music because of they are boxed in by the presupposed definitions of the “genres” they are in.
Entity: Let's go to your album, what was your main motivation behind the album?
Beansbaxter: Birth and Life, that's the reason behind our album cover. For us the album represents giving birth and giving life to a new form of music.
Entity: Before we end this interview i'd like to ask who are your local influences or bands you like?
Beansbaxter: Eraserheads, Asin, Yano, The Youth, Fuseboxx
Entity: Foreign?
Beansbaxter: White Lion, Nirvana, Metallica, Muse, Bjork, Dream Theater, A Perfect Circle, Tori Amos, Tom Morello.
Entity: Thank you for the interview.
SCARLET TEARS
Intriguing, yes, an understatement that best sums up what it felt like when I first saw them. That is why it was a very pleasant surprise to learn that I was to interview them that night. Ever since I started to roam about the scene once more, I've longed for bands that leaned towards the darker side of the musical spectrum. There was this undeniable craving for the haunted melodies of the gothic bands of yore that I couldn't find among those I've seen so far. Upon seeing them I felt that my still unfulfilled wish would soon be realized. And so I approached the interview with much anticipation and suffice it to say that at the interview's conclusion, Scarlet Tears brought a smile to my face.
Read on, and with me, let us get acquainted with the band known as Scarlet Tears.
Entity: Good Evening. May I start by asking who are the members of your band?
Scarlet Tears: band members are Sam Vigilia – keyboards, Marvin Abordo – guitars, Aldwin Santos – bass, Roel Sotto – drums and Katrina Pallon – vocals and as sessionists we have Ayn tolentino – bass, Jeff Azarcon / Meryl Bernardo – drums
Scarlet Tears: Most of the members are working, so in case there is a conflict with the band's schedule we perform with the sessionist/s. We learned that one of the most important things for indie bands like us are the gigs. It would be a waste if we can't play.
Entity: That's good, I agree with what you stated, the gigs are the best avenues for unsigned bands to let themselves be heard.
Entity: Who would you say are your musical influences? Let's start with local influences.
Scarlet Tears: The Dawn (80's Teddy Diaz Days), Grace Nono
Entity: Foreign?
Scarlet Tears: The Doors, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Church, Blue Zoo
Entity: When and how did the band start?
Scarlet Tears: The band was conceived sometime in November 2003. Sam Vigilia worked on several songs from November 2003 to March 2004. He then invited Marvin Abordo to join the band as guitarist. The first informal line up was: Marvin on guitars, Sam on keyboard and temporary vox, Jon Canda (also the Five Wounds' bassist) on bass/occasional drummer, and Karl as the session drummer. After some time, Jon Canda begged off because of other priorities. Aldwin Santos then became the band's bassist upon Marvin Abordo's strong recommendation. The band then looked for a female vocalist who. First to be invited was Katrina Pallon, an art student whom Sam befriended in one of his crazy Internet escapades. Sometime in May 2004, the band settled with Roel Sotto as the permanent drummer. Scarlet Tears was finally born on October 30, 2004 in Saguijo Bar, Makati in one of the local scene's production outfits called An Elysium.
Entity: How would you classify your music?
Scarlet Tears: sometimes we are classified as goth rock, flamenco rock, etc. we'd classify ourselves as Dark Rock
Entity: What are your usual inspiration/s when writing and making your songs?
Scarlet Tears: mostly from personal experience, romance, lust and love.
Entity: Do you have an album or anything else that you'd like to promote?
Scarlet Tears: We have an EP entitled “Beneath a Crescent Moon” and we would also like to plug our website – http://www.scarlettears.tk/ ***
Entity: Thank's for the interview, before we end I'd like to ask what's the inspiration behind the name Scarlet Tears?
Scarlet Tears: Scarlet Tears was derived from the lyrics of a song called Midnight Mood by 5 Wounds to Enter (Sam and Roel's former band). We chose the name because the lyrics of the song Scarlet Tears perfectly captured the band’s concept.
Entity: Thank you for your time. But before you go one final question. Where may we purchase copies of your EP “Beneath a Crescent Moon” and how may we reach you?
Scarlet Tears: You may reach us at scar_let_tears@yahoo.com or call us at contact numbers - 09157833624 (Sam) and 09282279483 (Aldwin)
~ Raymond G.
25 April 2007
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