July 17, 2011

Fherrond

Kadz Belarmino - Vox / Guitarist
Duane Bautista Camaisa
– Guitarist
Charles Edlor Reposar -
Bass
Ivan Diolola –
Drums

Q: What's the name of your band and the story behind the name?
A: marami nang napalitan pero buhay parin hangang ngayon, nabuo dahil isang inuman na kala namin eh usapang lasing lang . pero natuloy pala... hehe...
sinilang sa Dasmariñas Cavite : May 2009

bakit fherrond ? - galing sa kwento ng isang tropa namin, napa ungol daw yung gf nya ng ferond nung nag sesex sila.. , tapos tinanung samin kung anu daw ibig sabihin nun, hindi rin namin alam.. since wwala pa kaming name ng band, hiniram lang namin yung come-up name niya.. iniba nalang namin yung spelling... ayos...

Q: What genre of music do you consider your music to be? Who are your major influences in making music?
A: Alternative Music / Rock ....
jesus, deftones, my bloody valentine, team sleep, a perfect circle & chevelle

Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
A: May 2009, dating side-project na ginawa ng main-band ng isa't isa

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Why?
A: Fave = lahat ng venue sa Dasma & Manila, ok samin
Least = wala, basta makatugtog lang kahit saan, kahit walang tao ayos lang, goodvibes...

Q: What’s your take on the scene today? Your thoughts on bands walling themselves up in their “groups” with zero to minimal interaction with others?
A: masaya ang eksena ngayon.. dumadami ang nagiging tropa.. lalo na dun sa mga malalayo pa yung pinanggalingan... para dun sa mga supladong banda, bahala sila sa buhay nila.......

Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
A: Lyrically, Fherrond has songs that feature Positive Ideology about teenage life from dark times.
More specifically, Fherrond was inspired by bands that raised questions about drugs, violence, feminism, personal responsibility and artistic freedom

Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
A: naging malawak ang pagtingin namin sa kultura ng musika at sa ipinag lalaban ng bawat kanta

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: sa members dati maraming naging problema, hindi masyadong naging open sa isat isa...
pero kelangang sagipin yung mga kanta kaya kelangang mabuo ulit, sayang eh....
yung bagong line up ngayon, mag trotropa muna , bago naging magkakabanda... para mas kumportable..

Q: Colt 45 or Red Horse?
A: BOTH pero ang fherrond talaga .. powered by GSM blue... hehe

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: Tropahin muna ang bawat myembro bago gawing banda... para alam ang gagawin pag nagka problema

Q: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting your band?
A: INDIEMAND, OuterLimits, Tigasouth Empire, 1898 Freedom Club, Jamstreet Angels & Makinarya Collective

Q: Last thoughts?
A: tugtog, inom, suka, repeat

Interview by Axel Vito Cruz

June 27, 2011

Escape to Nevada

Name: Dan Tapia
Instrument/Role: Guitars / Vocals

Name: Jun Morelo
Instrument/Role: Guitars

Name:
Toto Reveldez
Instrument/Role: Bass

Name: Allison Ballon / Aldwin Alberto
Instrument/Role: Session Drummers





Q: What's the name of your band and the story behind the name?
A: We are once known as "CRASHKILL" for i think 2 years we are originally a 5 piece band and we want to pursue a METALCORE sounds that time, then after that we felt that the name itself symbolize negative vibes malas ata samin yung name because of so many distractions and problems that the band deal with in that certain year a lot of line up change Dan and Jun is the only original members that still intact in the band vision, then Escape to Nevada came from an email account of our friend Rogel Africa of Valley of Chrome, maganda kasi ang meaning ng ETN, everybody knows that Las Vegas Nevada is the biggest gambling arena in the world also sometimes it deals with drugs, lust or whatever lahat ata ng illegal andun na eh that's one aspect in our life that we want escape with... ayaw namin sa ganung diskarte or pamumuhay we want a clean living environment tsaka catchy din yung name niya kasi.

Q: What genre of music do you consider your music to be? Who are your major influences in making music?
A: Post-Hardcore / Rock, we listen to all genre like Metal, Rock, Alternative, Pop and New Wave. Me balak din kami mag buo ng side project a metalcore band hopefully ma push yun we really love metal sounds! although ganito sounds namin.

Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
A: We started mid March 2006 as Escape to Nevada that time we are a cover band mga tugtugan sa kanto sa birthday ng tropa dun kami nahasa as a band so we felt in that year that it's time for us to push for something more up level to challenge ourselves by making our own songs and hopefully to make an EP album malaking accomplshment yun samin

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Why?
A: Sazis Bar off course! this is our venue when we launch our debut EP album "Sounds of Our Existence".
Checkpoint Bar Paranaque, dito marami kaming nakilala mga banda sa industriya ng indie kaya memorable samin tong venue na to hopefully ma renovate na siya.

Q: What’s your take on the scene today? Your thoughts on bands walling themselves up in their “groups” with zero to minimal interaction with others?
A: Sobrang ganda ng scene today... especially now madali ka nag makapag patugtog ng kanta mo sa radio not like before also there is a lot of group/productions support the indie scenes especially sa mga social networks the music scene is very much alive today sana ganito lagi.

Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
A: Basically it's about family, friends, loved-ones, hope also future, that's the main core of our music that's inspired us to write songs.

Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
A: It change a lot i think like in the past we don't hear some compliment while we finished our set when we get off in the stage, but now we hear good comments from some fellow music peers in indie scene and it's a big boost for us to continue making more music.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: I think that time when we re-organized the band, because we don't know if everybody that still in that line up hold s a common vision for the band and that year is so dark for us... we dont know if we could easily find a replacement dun sa mga umalis na merong same attitude like us sa pag babanda but as of now i think we overcome that, it shows because we are still here strong as will be, and we will continue make music and share it with all the people who loves good music.

Q: Colt 45 or Red Horse?
A: Red Horse

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: Know your goal first in forming a band, then be responsible on what sounds or music you want to share with malaks na medium yang music madali ka maka implwensiya lalo na sa mga kantang gagawin niyo just share good vibes sa mga music niyo always think to inspire your listeners, put respect to each member of the band you must open minded on what other member's ideas and suggestions... put GOD in the center he will guide you along the way and lastly love your craft/music do what ever you want as long that you don't hurt or offend anybody respect your peers and be humble.

Q: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting your band?
A: We would like to acknowledge God Almighty thank you sa kanya we owe all to him, Our families and friends for supporting us in this journey please continue support us... to our fellow band friends, productions that we played with, organizers, radio stations that plays our music, people who bought our EP Album... and lastly to the people who believe in our sounds thank you very much and please continue support indie band scenes.

Q: Last thoughts?
A: Thank You Indiemands for giving this oppurtunity kalaking bagay tong para samin at sa lahat ng Indie Bandssa Pilipinas to Sir Karl Vito Cruz and Sir Axl Vito Cruz maraming salamat and please do catch us on our gigs always check our page in FB for gig updates and we have new materials do be recorded hopefully we can release an LP this year hope you support us! Mabuhay ang Indie Scene!

Interview by: Axel Vito Cruz

May 30, 2011

Voice of Tranquility



Name: Rny Jane Ortega
Instrument/Role: Vox
Name: Carl Justine Morales
Instrument/Role: Shreddhead
Name: Janjan Molina
Instrument/Role: Thread Fatality
Name: Miguel Fontiveros
Instrument/Role: Basstroyer
Name: Val Parco
Instrument/Role: Roadie / Jackhammer









Q: What's the name of your band and the story behind the name?
A: VOICE OF TRANQUILITY, dahil sa drummer namin, he ripped the name from Gregorian's Album nakita niya sa cassette tape ng ermat niya.


Q: What genre of music do you consider your music to be? Who are your major influences in making music?
A: Voice Of Tranquility is a melodic death / thrash metal band, but we listen to all types of music, as possible. There are so many great bands, artists... who makes a "really really really good music". "Major major" influences? SATAN! (just kidding! hehe)


Rny Jane: Kittie, Drowning Pool, Lamb of God, Arch Enemy, Evanescence, Pantera
CJ: Exodus, Megadeth, Anthrax, Death, Pantera, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dream Theater, Cannibal Corpse
Meg: Therion, Cradle of Filth, Nightwish, Epica
Janjan: Obscura, Necrophagist, Spastic Ink, Typecast
Val: Pantera, Megadeth, Exodus, Arsis, Beyond The Flesh, Paramore, The Reign of Kindo, Stiches


Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
A: In 2004, formerly known as "Skit" comprised of (original members): Rny Jane Ortega, Val Parco, CJ Morales. It is all about passion for the music and to express their angst through music.


Q: What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Why?
A: Actually lahat e masarap tugtugan. basta may tao, isa man o dalawa or isang stadium man yan. Bibigay parin namin sa kanila ang 101% rak :D


Q: What’s your take on the scene today? Your thoughts on bands walling themselves up in their “groups” with zero to minimal interaction with others?
A: Ok ang scene ngayon, maraming bagong banda, daming sumusuporta / “nagke-cater” na sites para sa mga banda. From the bands, productions to listeners halos lahat “tropa-tropa” na e. Kaya sana mas dumami pa. Atsaka wala na yung paghahati ng mga genre, halos ngayon makikita mo ng magkasabay ang metal, pop, etc.. kumbaga wala ng discrimination na nagaganap.


Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
A: War, Mythology, Religion pero isinasalin namin sa “reyalidad” lahat. Lalo na kapag tungkol sa relihiyon. You know what we’re talkin’ about (pero takot kami kay bro at lalo na sa islam. Haha, kaya di naming sila tinitira hehe)


Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
A: we first came out as a cover band then couple of years later we wrote our original compositions, naging experimental death metal. Bree bree type of vocals (actually yun talaga style ng pagkanta ni rny, pig squeals. Kung alam niyo waking the cadaver, ayun yon.), no guitar solos, etc. Then 5 years later... our music evolved, nagging matured.


Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: Time | Schedule. Mahirap mag banda kapag may ginagawa ka pang ibang bagay. Lalo na kapag nasasagasaan yung isa sa mga gigs namin. Pero ok lang naman, kahit papano nagagawan ng paraan.


Q: Colt 45 or Red Horse?
A: Red 45 pero masarap ang Tanduay Ice :D


Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: (Quote from “Rockstar” Movie) You know, I'm just a regular guy who grew up with the posters of these guys on my wall... and now I'm one of them! That's right, I'm standing here, living proof that if you work hard enough, and you want it bad enough... dreams do come true. So follow your dreams... – Chris.


Q: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting your band?
A: We would like to thank Indiemand, sa pag-ampon samin. Kay Ricky Belo sa aming cheetah looks at sa lahat.


Q: Last thoughts?
A: Support the scene. support local bands (buy their albums / merch) at sa mga prods na tiwali – “wag na wag niyong sasabihing SUPPORT THE SCENE kung nagpapa-ticket selling kayo. Wag pagka-kitaan ang mga banda. Mag-TRABAHO KAYO!”. suportahan ang INDIEMAND at ang ibang productions na hindi nagpapa-ticket selling. DAHIL YUN ANG TUNAY NA SUMUSUPORTA SA EKSENA.
(at sa totoo mababait kami, at maka-diyos. hehe)

Interview by: Axel Vito Cruz

May 14, 2011

Sonnet2Ezra


 
Name: Voltaire Llarenas
Instrument/Role: Vocals
Name: Carlo Palomera
Instrument/Role: Guitars
Name: Frank Paladan
Instrument/Role: Bass
Name: Arnel Culala
Instrument/Role: Drums


Q: What's the name of your band and the story behind the name?
A: sonnet2Ezra… We just wrote lots of names in small pieces of paper, then “bunutan”, and wala pang umaamin hanggang ngaun kung sino nagsulat ng sonnet2Ezra. It’s a tribute to Ezra who led the exiles back to their homeland… and the abbreviation is cool also, S2E.

Q: What genre of music do you consider your music to be? Who are your major influences in making music?
A: Pinoy funk rock… We listen to lots of genre of music, iba iba kami ng trips. Pero for sonnet2Ezra we listen to lots of Peppers, 311, Infectious Grooves, POT, Francis M and Incubus.

Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
A: We were used to be members of different bands, formed sonnet2Ezra in December 2007 as a project band to relieve ourselves of the “suya”, instead, we ended up quitting our old bands. Our original drummer went abroad last year and Arnel took drum duties.

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Why?
A: All venues are great, basta okei ang crowd. The amps are not that important for us, basta working. The important thing is malinis ang confort rooms. Hehehe. Damn, we miss OBSIDIAN!!!

Q: What’s your take on the scene today? Your thoughts on bands walling themselves up in their “groups” with zero to minimal interaction with others?
A: Seryoso, we used to be like that, and that’s not the way to go. We realize that gigs are not about performing your music, its a God-given-chance-and-excuse to hang out with friends and fellow musicians and drink the night away.

Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
A: I remember sir Luis of Hapijoey saying na lagi kaming sawi sa chicks sa mga songs naming during our recording sessions. Damn, we need to score!!!

Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
A: Well, we feel we gelled better than before or mas masarap ang tugtugan… We really hope we had developed our very own unique sound through the years.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: Biggest challenge for us is getting heard or getting our music across. Slowly but surely, Tugtug-dito-tugtug-dun, it seems were getting a good response naman.

Q: Colt 45 or Red Horse?
A: Since Ice Tea isn’t in the choices, we go for Red Horse… etoh ang Tama.

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: Open your ears and mind to different genre and style of music… And look for band members you can live with their “Topak” and “Trips”.

Q: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting your band?
A: Mga peeps from Indiemand Events, Indiepinoy, Radiopilipinas, Indie Band News, and event organizers na nakasama and mga musikerong nakasabay and lastly ung mga walang sawang manuod samin.

Q: Last thoughts?
A: Please support the local Indie Scene… Keep your ears open, madaming magaling at masarap ang tugtugan sa Indie scene. And Thanks to Indiemand Events for being here.

interview by: Axel Vito Cruz

April 26, 2011

LAGIM

LAGIM
Name: Bjan "Kuya Lagim" Bernabe
Instrument/Role:  Shrieks & Grunts

Name:  Janvic "Mr. Break My Heart & I'll Break Your Face, BITCH!" Magante
Instrument/Role:  Guitarers

Name:  Jek "Baby Lagim" Dela Rosa
Instrument/Role: Bass

Name:  Regie "El Lagarista" Ibanez
Instrument/Role:  Drums, Sirkero



Q: What's the name of your band and the story behind the name?

Bjan: LAGIM! We were actually playing under the name of The Great Descent for some time but realized it was too long and too hard too remember.So we thought of something simple and catchy and Lagim sure was catchy as hell. In english it translates as dread, it means something that strikes fear in your heart. YUN ANG LAGIM! (pero sa totoo lang mga kuting lang ang kaya naming takutin, haha)


Q: What genre of music do you consider your music to be? Who are your major influences in making music?

We used to think that we were BLACK METAL but we recently found out that our sound closely resembles a genre called MELODIC DEATH METAL, a mix of Trash Metal, Black Metal and Death Metal so I think we'll stick with that for awhile Enhanced by Smiley Central

Bjan: Cradle of Filth, Behemoth, The Black Dahlia Murder, White Chapel, Dimmu Borgir, Enfold Darkness

Regie: Shannon Lucas (The Black Dahlia Murder), The Faceless, Adam Gray (Texas in July) & Travis Barker baby!

Jek: Protest the Hero

Janvic: Dan Severn (dahil sa bigote), Chuck Liddel (dahil din sa bigote at pati na rin sa abs) I listen to anything, so deciding a main influence would be a bitch to me!


Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?

Bjan: It all started on November 2009 when Janvic and I planned on forming a new group, with the intent of being known in the underground scene. We had the same goal since highschool so we guessed it was time to put things into motion.

It was a very rough start especially in finding a drummer, but luckily we met Regie. At first we played as a threesome without bass! Haha! We sucked ass man! Then April 2010, Jur came in and played bass for awhile. This was also the time when we started playing under the banner of Lagim. Months later Jeric "THE WONDER CHILD" came in place of Jur. This kid can play bass man, SICK!! Then there were also a few guitarists who came in and out the door; Miguel, Alec and Nonie. And the rest is history. Enhanced by Smiley Central

At present the four of us are standing strong and steady With a new mission in mind; to play our hearts out in every gig with passion and love for our craft.


Q: What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Why?

Regie: Obsidian Bar where moshpits are legal!

Janvic: Favorite... bars where people listen to metal... least favorite hmmmmm... any bars that don't make you play metal...


Q: What’s your take on the scene today? Your thoughts on bands walling themselves up in their “groups” with zero to minimal interaction with others?

Bjan: Artists today seems to be getting more attention! Exciting! For bands who wall themselves up, LIGHTEN UP AND ENJOY THE RIDE MAN!


Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

Bjan: Concepts are derived from the band name. It's about fear and written in beautiful tagalog poetry. We make up fictional stories that would shake your bones. Tales of evil tyrants, great creatures of horror, immortals and events that would rip a hole on this earth. My favorite stanza to date is a part in our song entitled Sakuna. It goes:

Sa mga huling araw na nalalabi sa buong sanlibutan
Nakasakay sa hangin darating ang ika-apat na espada
Taglay ang watawat na magsisilbing hudyat ng kanyang muling pagbalik

Our topics won't be changing anytime soon, well not unless we change our name, haha!

Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?

Bjan: Our music started out as aimless noises to what it has become now. Every song is based on intent. We decide first on how the song should be and how it should affect the listeners then we work our way through that. We push everything beyond our capacities.

Janvic: From Dashboard but then I found out their frontman is gay then Malmsteen but then I found out I'm not that great. So right now it's Melodic Death/Fantasy Wonderland.


Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Janvic: Finding my everlong partner, the 2nd guitarist, it seems that everytime I find a wingman something wrong happens, it's starting to become a bitch! (as you may see I love saying the word bitch, because I have a girl dog)


Q: Colt 45 or Red Horse?

Regie: Red-fuckin-Horse!!!


Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

Bjan: Rakenrol lang habambuhay! Pag-ibig at pag-ibig lang!

Janvic: Eat your vagi... i mean veggies!

Regie: Make sure na gusto niyo ginagawa niyo kasi hindi basta basta yung pagbabanda parang pamilya mo na din yan.


Q: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting your band?

Everyone! To our family, friends, loved ones. Sa lahat! Maraming maraming sa salamat sa suporta!


Q: Last thoughts?

Bjan: Gusto ko ng sinkamas!

Regie: INDIEMAND RULES! 

Interview by: Axel vito Cruz

April 13, 2011

TORCH!

Band: TORCH!
ADD on facebook: click here!


Name/Instrument/Role
-IPE RODRIGUEZ /BASS/
-JON ARAMBULO /GUITAR/
-JOEY LEE /SKINS/
-DIAN TRAMPE /VOX/

Q: What's the name of your band and the story behind the name?
IPE: parang youth on fire yung tema nung name ng "torch"
JOEY: Passion/Love for the music we play, and for God who gave us the gift of music.
DIAN: I like the idea that TORCH is both a noun and a verb...source of warmth and light...but could also burn the hell outta u...if contained and sealed, it will die..so far, I think, these are the concepts that we'd like to incorporate in our songs... And yeah...Wife pala ni Kuya Jon ang nakaisip ng TORCH...we all just agreed....besides, fire has always been my favorite element.
JON: a Torch symbolizes light in the middle of darkness. it serves as a guide to the path of enlightenment. this band was formed primarily to use music as a avenue to charter the lost and the weak through the dark valleys experienced in our youth. We are making music to serve as mirrors to help us realize what struggles we go through and help those who are able to listen find themselves in the stories encrypted in our noise.

Q: What genre of music do you consider your music to be? Who are your major influences in making music?
JOEY: Unifying influences are Blues,Classic Rock,Funk, POT, Razorback, Wolfgang, and GOD.
IPE: rock and roll, ACDC, etc
DIAN: Our genre is...nothing extraordinary...just simple rock...influenced by any band that I was listening to before we jammed.........and of course GOD.

Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
JON: GOD
JOEY: Jon posted "wanted band members" mid 2008 in Philmusic.com, many replied but the three were chosen to fill the Spiritually motivated project.
DIAN: JUNE 5TH YEAR 2008. Together?...we (TORCH members) were total strangers...we individually got inspired on our own..as for me...i just knew that I MUST do something related to words and notes. And of course.......GOD.

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Why?
IPE: mga venue na sira ang monitor
DIAN: anywhere...coz at the end of the gig kahit pa ganong kabulok or kaganda ung venue...basta buo kami..ok na..(MUSHY!)
JOEY: We love playing anywhere, as long as the audience can hear our music.

Q: What's your take on the scene today? Your thoughts on bands walling themselves up in their “groups” with zero to minimal interaction with others?
JOEY: I hope more and more bands develop respect, open mindedness, and camaraderie for each other.
DIAN: I think the scene today is more diverse. Ang daming bagong genre and sub-genres..and the best part is, you could actually combine all these bands under one roof without riot...(or maybe it also depends on the event...)
About the “groups”..Let them be. Maybe they're just shy or maybe too full of themselves...but whatever their reasons are...well..what a waste! Walls are constraints.

Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
JON & JOEY: day to day experiences and struggles.
DIAN: about dreams...passion..frustrations..angst..doubts..disappointments...hope...faith...and yes..I think it will change...

Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
JON & JOEY: it became more natural.
DIAN: More natural...but a bit structured. Before...we had 2 verses, then chorus..then 1 line..then adlib...then chorus...then free jam..then chorus...& we don't usually know how to end a song......but now..we TRY to have a song structure. The structure is a “bookmark” of where we left off on our previous natural jam.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
JON: time.
JOEY: time time time.
DIAN: SCHEDULE! I think it's every band's challenge.....How to overcome it? Just take one gig at a time.....have a clear communication with bandmates and prods..when u commit to a gig, be there..

Q: Colt 45 or Red Horse?
IPE: red horse for the win
JON: none. - San Miguel Beer or Super dry only.
JOEY: Haven't drank colt for a long time.
DIAN: ...............too tough for me to answer.....but I guess RH has ALWAYS been around...so....

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
JOEY: Stay true to your music/expression, try your best to be creative w/o sacrificing being natural, practice your craft, and be open to constructive criticisms.
DIAN: it's a teamwork...if u wanna outshine others...then you're doomed...go solo instead....

Q: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting your band?
JON: our perseverance.
JOEY: Our friends in Indiemand.
DIAN: God (S/He has always been around), then Calyn of RAHAB (coz she gave me balls when I was about to chicken out finding bandmates...), family and of course.....do I have to say it???...INDIEMAND!..and all the prods out there who religiously support pinoy music scene...they're definitely heroes of our time...If I gave u a bottle of beer...that means, “thank you!”

Q: Last thoughts?
JOEY: Pinoy Rock rules.
JON: keep rocking!


Interview by: Axel Vito Cruz

April 1, 2011

SLASH n' BURN

Band: SLASH N' BURN
Slash n Burn facebook

Instrument/Role: 
AGIE - Vocals
BURN - Drums
MARTIN - Guitar
CLYDE - Guitar
AARON - Bass

Q: What's the name of your band and the story behind the name?
A: The name of our band is "SLASH N' BURN".
This was found by Agie and Burn's brother in a dictionary. It means, "kaingin." But it has another definition refers to "unnecessarily destructive or extreme." Thanks to our "Dicktionary" and to Mr. Gibson Martinez! \,,/

Q: What genre of music do you consider your music to be? Who are your major influences in making music?
A: We play heavy metal, But we do have different influences. Clyde prefers Neo-classical, Martin prefers new metal/metalcore, Aaron's main influence is progressive-metal, Burn and Agie likes to Glam Rock and Hard Rock. But there's one genre that keeps us united and that's 80's Metal. Like Ronnie James Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, Poison, Motley Crue, Extreme, Racer X, Metallica, etc.

Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
A: The band was formed June of 2003. There were a lot of struggle and changes especially with the members. But when the "Trio Los Panchos" (Martin, Aaron and Clyde), things fell into the right place and is ready to spread the "Metal" fever. Yeah!

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Why?
A: Well, we really don't have any favorite nor least venues. It's a privilege to play even on a small venue. As long as we play music, we just want to share our music.

Q: What’s your take on the scene today? Your thoughts on bands walling themselves up in their “groups” with zero to minimal interaction with others?
A: Well, we really don't want to enclose ourselves to a specific group of listeners or people. Music is for everyone but it depends on the person's preference for music. We just want to spread our music and hopefully everybody can appreciate.

Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
A: We really can't tell. Mainly, our songs are inspired by true events, experiences, inspirational and love of course. Themes or topics can change depending on future events.

Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
A: Well, our music was shaped due to different influences of the members and with the change of members.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: None so far, because we treat each other like brothers and the problems that we encounter are being talked out and solved.

Q: Colt 45 or Red Horse?
A: Colt 45.

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: Just continue to play and spread music. Music joins people together, no matter what race, color, etc. It unites people and soothes the soul.

Q: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting your band?
A: Thank you Indiemand for letting us play and share our music and to all heavy metal friends! Thank you

Q: Last thoughts?
A: May the force of metal be with you! \m/

Interview by Axel Vito Cruz

March 16, 2011

PAINSCALE



Band: PainScale
www.facebook.com/painscale
 
Vocals: Gil Ryan Alcantara
Guitar 1: Eymard Guerrero
Guitar 2: Jim Roy Villanueva
Guitar 3: Cyrus Cruz
Bass: Victor Inocentes
Drums: Klienne Ecos



Q: What genre of music do you consider your music to be? Who are your major influences in making music?
A: Most supporters would say Metalcore. Well we really can't deny that most of our songs has elements from Metalcore like breakdowns and melodic riffs but recently at the start of the year, we did try to incorporate some stuff from other genres of metal, but the main influence is still metalcore. You could say that we are starting to experiment a bit with our sound this year. Just watch out for the new songs!

About influences, we really are a mixed bunch. We have different preferences in metal and I guess it’s just about gathering everyone’s ideas and blending it into our own music.

Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together? 
A: We were formed in 2008 when Gil and Eymard were the only ones left in their previous band Grave Marks The Hero. Grave Marks went on hiatus for 2 months wherein the two remaining members played with the thought of renaming the group. Klienne Eco stepped in the band in December 2008 to replace the former drummer and thus marked our first jam as a band carrying the name PainScale. After a few more weeks, 2 more members left and were replaced by Jim Villanueva and Victor Inocentes on guitar and bass duties respectively. The core line up was completed on February 2009. Sometime in 2010, the theory laden playing of Cyrus Cruz became part of the lineup.

In beginning it was really pure passion for the genre that inspired us to make music together, now the people who support us is a big inspiration for us to become better and to be always in our best form whenever we can.

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Why? 
A: Our most favourite venues would be Sazi’s Bar, Obsidian Bar and Guerilla Radio Bar. The people at Sazi’s are just so supportive of the band who is playing up in front. We also experienced people moshing to us at Obsidian Bar so it would always be memorable for us. Sadly, Guerilla Radio Bar is now closed but we always liked that bar because of the good sound we get whenever we play in that bar.

Least favourite, so far none… ;)

Q: What’s your take on the scene today? Your thoughts on bands walling themselves up in their “groups” with zero to minimal interaction with others?A: In our opinion, the scene is back with a vengeance. The people are always there at every bar gig, they support and enjoy or even mosh themselves to death. The scene is getting healthier and that makes us very happy.

On the bands walling themselves up, we think it’s unhealthy or even destructive for a band to be walled up having almost no interaction with others. But hey, to each their own, if they get their inspiration from their isolation from others then we are happy for them.

Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time? 
A: Ever since Eymard and Gil thought of the name PainScale, Gil was only writing pieces about the pain that we experience in this life. The songs are kind of dark but there’s always a dash of “light” or “hope” to it. We like to give the listeners something to relate to and at the same time give them something to pull their spirits up. It's about everything so for now, there's really nothing to change.

Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?A: We can say that it has evolved a bit. The song structure has changed and the style has also changed. It still is a learning process for us and I guess we learned from our frustrations in the older songs that we wrote.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how? 
A: Well, we do fight verbally. Some members are really tactless lol. The worst fight led to one member to quit, but eventually all was good and thankfully, he came back to us. We are happy to say that we enjoy a stronger bond with everyone ever since that incident and we are proud to have come out of that in one piece. As with every band, there is the ever present challenge of conflicting schedules. Three members were students and the rest are working, I guess we are able to work it out even with that kind of setup.

Q: Colt 45 or Red Horse?

A: Red Horse. Ito ang Tama!

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
 A: Well, as with everything, passion and dedication is always a must. It is what will fuel you to practice and work hard on your craft. You have to endure endless practice sessions, long commutes just to play gigs and sometimes you even have to pay just to play at gigs. In the end it just comes down to how passionate and dedicated you are to your music.

On a more practical note, try to invest in good instruments. You can never go wrong investing in one.

Q: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting your band?
 A: First of all, we want to thank God. Thanks to our parents, families, special someones and friends for their warm support. Also, Thanks to all the artists who have been inspiring us to become like them and as well as our brother bands here in Indiemand and to our fellow musicians scattered everywhere. Thanks also to our supporters on facebook. Thanks to the moshpitmen who keep on giving us energy during our gigs, also to all the people who have been coming to our gigs from the beginning. Thank you also Indiemand, for giving us this opportunity to be featured on your magazine. More power and God Bless!

Q: Last thoughts?
A: We hope we'd really make it to this year's Pulp Summer Slam. Pray with us people! Again, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Love and Respect! Ciao!

 Painscale interview by Axel Vito Cruz

March 5, 2011

MARYZARK

MARYZARK -  On to the 11th year!!!
And it’s been THAT long.

Months away from their 11th year anniversary, Maryzark is still alive and kicking. They released their five-tracked EP (Return to Sender) at Café Saguijo October of last year and has garnered respectable reviews from their peers in the industry and, more importantly, their loyal following.  The band, four years removed from visibility in the scene, is making a strong comeback with their single “Andromeda”, currently maintaining its spot on UR 105.9’s Pinoy Countdown.
So what happened to the Maryzark? Personally, I’d say “Life” happened—as is what will happen to everyone else. There were many speculations that came out regarding the band’s status after laying low for a few years—the silliest being that the band disbanded, but I’m telling you that if they have any plans of calling it quits soon, they would at least leave with a bang, that I promise you.
The band is currently busy creating new songs for their upcoming album to be released this year, and has making rounds in the scene playing for different productions. They are also one of the main core bands of INDIEMANDEVENTS.com.

To contact Maryzark, you could coordinate with their manager, Pongie, at: 09162197157.
Add their Facebook page also at: www.facebook.com/Maryzarkmusic.
And since I’m writing this while listening to Maryzark’s FIRST EVER EP (recorded 9 years ago!),
I’m feeling charitable today so I’m letting you download it FOR FREE only here at Indiemandevents.com!

March 1, 2011

SLHIT


Band: SLhit
Link: www.facebook.com/slhit

 
Instrument/Role: 

Flhip Tabal - Vocals
Joseph Leano - Guitar
Rowe Macalinao - Bass
Jeffrey Sabado - Drums
 





Q: What's the name of your band and the story behind the name?
A: SLhit is the name of our band. The story with the band name was that when we were starting out, our first practice was in a studio around Project 6. We called up the studio and asked if we could reserve some studio time for practice. We reserved it under the name "Flhip" which is the name of our vocalist. When we got to the studio, it turns out they wrote "Slhit" insted of Flhip. We thought it sounded pretty cool so we pretty much went along with it. haha


Q: What genre of music do you consider your music to be? Who are your major influences in making music?
A: Some people refer to us as "BOXER METAL" due to the style of our performances but we pretty much play Hardcore / Metal. We dont really know how we would categorize our sound into a sub-genre but we just know that what we play is heavy. For us, making music is mostly random. I guess we also write about how we feel during the day. But yes, mostly random.


Q: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?

A: We formed the band around February 2010. We really just got together because we felt that we had some sort of bond and we all had a common goal of making music for other people to enjoy.


Q: What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Why?

A: Hahahaha well, I guess for me (seph), I would say I have a draw for my favorite. It comes between Sazis Bar and Obsidian Bar. Sazis is really where I got into the Manila Underground Music Scene. On the other hand, Obsidian Bar is where SLhit started off playing and where we had most of our gigs. So I would pretty much say it's a draw. As for least favorite, id rather not say (dont wanna burn any bridges haha)


Q: What’s your take on the scene today? Your thoughts on bands walling themselves up in their “groups” with zero to minimal interaction with others?
A: We would say that the scene is pretty much the same as how it was wen we started getting into it. Other bands should really go out and interact with other musicians. I would say that music is something that you share with others. And ofcourse, it wouldn't hurt making more friends.

Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
A: Mostly our songs would be pretty dark. We write about what our outlook on current event really are weather it be about politics, religion, or whatever comes to mind.

Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
A: We wouldn't really say that our music "evolved" at all for now since we have only been together for around a year so far. But for us individually, I guess we could say that we have all really evolved as musicians / songwriters over the time we have been playing.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: Biggest challenge? Well, we never really had one of those. We are more of the kind of band that just goes with the flow of things. We really just enjoy what we do and have fun with what we have so even if we had some kind of challenge, we wouldn't really notice it.

Q: Colt 45 or Red Horse?

A: RED motha fu*kn' HORSE!

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

A: Best advice we could give them is just enjoy what you do. Be sure to know your bandmates well and treat eachother with respect, like a brother or sister. Also, dont be afraid to say what you want. Your music should be an expression of your own self so there shouldn't be anyone out there to try to shut you up.

Q: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting your band?
A: we would like to thank our families (Leano family, Tabal Family, Sabado Family, and Macalinao Family) because they are really supportive of what we do. Also to our girlfriends for their support and love. We would also like to thank everyone that has supported us ever since we were starting out. Sir Ridz and everyone from Rakista.com (including staff, clans, and all the moshers!). We would also like to personally thank Karl Vito cruz, Axel Vito Cruz, and the ENTIRE INDIEMAND FAMILY for accepting us and having faith in us. You guys ROCK! Thank you to ALL the PRODUCTIONS we have played in for letting us play in your events and appreciating our music. We would also like to thank ALL OUR BROTHER BANDS out there and all the people who actually go out to watch us play and to show support for us! (you know who you are)

Q: Last thoughts?

A: Dont do drugs (unless completely necessary) hahaha OH and please continue to support SLhit and the rest of the Indiemand Family in future events. ROCK ON! 



Interview by Axel Vito Cruz