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)
