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.

~ Raymond G.