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
15 March 2007
The Republik
I know. I know. Bamboo on the cover for a magazine that was conceptualized to support the indie music scene.
well. you see, it was the first issue and we thought which band would sell the magazine. it was a long (and kinda bloody) debate. since we commemorated the great lokal 90s bands - i wanted to another band to be on the cover.
logic dictated we put a band that had a sure following and would entice readers to buy. hence bamboo. maybe just putting them on the cover was enough and all we had to do after is wait for the buyers to flock to our doorstep.
well. i guess you could just imagine where we are now a year after.
whatever revolution the Republik wanted to instigate never happened. and i am a year older. wiser (perhaps) and way poooooooooorer.
and of course, i lost some friends in the process. friends i've known for like most of my growing years.
aherm. so all good things must come to an end i think. and maybe if i look far enough - ignoring the debris, the casualties and all the mess i've created to create this wilted, dead Republik; maybe i'll come to see the light and realise that all bad things must come to an end as well.
31 October 2006
SUBKULTURE
Behind almost every gothic event in the Philippines you will find the name Subkulture. In existence for at least a decade they arguably may be considered the progenitors, the propagators, the root of it all. Their name has become synonymous to the local Gothic movement and we can even go so far as to say that the people behind the production outfit are the movers and shakers of today's Philippine Gothic Scene.
With what has become a tradition, Subkulture will again hold their annual Halloween event called “The Eternal Death Wake 3 :All Hollows Goth Ball 2006” at Absinth Greenbelt Makati. Through all the years, all the events and activities organized, Subkulture seems to be getting stronger, always invigorated by the new eras and generations that pass by. It even seems oblivious to the ever changing trends that come with time. It has become an imposing presence through the years and will definitely remain so for the foreseeable future.
What is the inspiration behind the movement? What keeps them going? What sets them apart from the rest? We take this interview with Doi Porras as an opportunity to give you a peek into Subkulture.
Entity: Subkulture will have The Eternal Death Wake 3 at Absinth this coming hallows eve. How many other Halloween events had you organized prior to this?
Doi Porras: First off, hi guys! Hmmm, under the Subkulture banner we've done a massive amount of events since beginning around 94-95 (*prior to the Subkulture name), to the best of my knowledge our head dj and partner in darkness: DJ Runeshadow had been involved with events since the eighties. But i think the best way to answer your question would be to remember the most memorable one's and a lot of them had to do with a Bar called Absinth in Makati (*which in we will be again working with for the upcoming: eternal death wake 3) in relation to this we also have had hosted a couple of Subkulture gatherings in New york's Lower East side, when i used to live there, but due to the fact that the laws in that part of the area has incredibly choked the nightlife and clubs, & Even though a notable size of good people there got drawn to it, i personally felt that it wasn't as fun as how it's done in Manila. My memory really fails me on peculiar dates, but the upcoming website (www.subkulture.net) will include a lot of fun pictures of the past events both locally and internationally.
Entity: Halloween has always been special for us, more so this year with the release of your album Paralyzia, but with all the other costume parties, how do you make your event standout or should I say different from the rest?
Doi Porras: Good question, i do agree that Halloween is a big and special night, more so for the darkhearted, in my opinion the average person celebrates Halloween with costumes and what not, with silly looking skulls and everything associated with a shallow and unaware point of view similar to that of modern day clichés as illustrated by Hollywood movies such as the Munsters, Dracula, and the Addams Family, which isn’t a bad thing at all, but just for a clearer definition, the darkhearted folk always lives day to day as it were Halloween (so goes the saying "everyday is Halloween") just that we take it a notch higher with the music, the TYPE of people, and the atmosphere. In my opinion Halloween just validates us to have more people "experience" the world of Goth without having to be judged too brutally by their average contemporaries .
Doi Porras: I do invite everyone to join us on October 31 at Absinth bar. We will be celebrating: The Eternal Death Wake 3: Hollows Goth ball with bands and djs fit for the day.
Doi Porras: The event is FREE and everyone is invited and welcome, absinth is in greenbelt mall Makati, you can also log on at www.subkulture.net and subscribe to our email list or email us at: info@subkulture.net
Entity: The Eternal Death Wake 3, the countless number of events in the past, you've really been around for what seems like an ETERNITY. That being said you may be looked upon as the PURVEYORS of the Gothic Scene in the Philippines. Now, what keeps you going, what inspires you to keep organizing these dark gatherings?
Doi Porras: Well you see, we ourselves are big fans of GOTH music and it's common atmospheric denominations . And that we have devoted our lives to it, yes it does seem like an eternity but its an eternity well spent, one of our missions is to lift the standards and support independent bands as well as to provide and grow a positive haven for fans, supporters & musicians, we also work with an international network on the underground goth scene and have contacts over in Europe, South America, Japan and the US. Hopefully one day we may see a lot of Filipino independent bands on the international level.
Entity: Let’s take a peek into the future, what are your future plans, what can we expect from Subkulture?
Doi Porras: The future looks exciting for Subkulture and it's affiliates, were already hammering down a lot of projects within a 3-year period. A lot of these plans I cant disclose yet, but it will begin after the release of Dominion's long overdue record "Paralyzia" which will be hopefully seen this year.
Entity: With that we end the interview by going back to the beginning. What was it like at its inception? How did it get started? Could we dare say that Subkulture is more than just a production outfit but a carry over from what was once a small gathering of like-minded friends sharing common passions and dreams? Is it a tribute to all those who existed then and all those who walk the path now?
Doi Porras: I would say deeply Subkulture is more than just about throwing events and trying to look dark or going through a phase. But as you put it i do agree it is an extension of all those tight knit gatherings, and informal hang outs of close friends and definitely a tribute to a lot of the bands, people, supporters and media (existent and non existent) that have been essential in the growth of the present day Gothic scene.
Doi Porras: Subkulture is here for the music first and foremost and is a tribute to all that have made it existent.
Doi Porras: There are so many people we would like to thank but perhaps they already know who they are and maybe one day we can include that in the website if not sooner
Entity Porras: Thank you for your time, it has always been a pleasure and we all look forward to the Eternal Death Wake 3, the Online Radio and the many events to come.
Doi Porras: The pleasure is mine, thank you very much and it's always a joy to talk to you guys, I urge everyone to feel free to join our email list by emailing: info@subkulture.net, hope to see you guys on Subkulture's Eternal Death Wake 3, It's FREE to everyone so just come along , bring your friends and have a GOTH n ROLL time! Cheers!
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