Paranoid City is composed of (from left) Eric Strange, 4-Track, Dax, and 8-Bit. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ Japo Araneta
It is high time the spotlight be focused also on our indie bands and acts. They form a deep well of diverse and amazing talents in the local scene. I will be showcasing once in a while an indie band or act that to my mind deserves a look and more attention. So below, let’s get to know Paranoid City:
INQ: What is the origin of your band ? Please give a brief history on how you came together to form your band.
Dax: In 2009 8bit and I (Dax) were of a new wave band that went on hiatus, not wanting to stop playing gigs I called up Eric Strange and proposed we do a side project. I knew that we needed a bassist and I called up 8-bit but he declined saying he didn’t want to play bass because it would be too familiar. I was listening to Yeah Yeah Yeah’s album “It’s Blitz” and proposed that he play the Synthesizer instead. The 3 of us went into the studio and managed to write 3 songs and cover Bloc Party’s “Sunday” over the course of a month or so. I got the name “Paranoid City” from a Seinfeld episode and it stuck. We eventually got a string of gigs and got a gig with Sandwich where in Raimund Marasigan inspired us to write more songs and take the band seriously. While performing gigs and writing songs we met 4-Track and invited him to session for us as a back up synth player. As time progressed we came up with our debut album “Viewfinder Dreams” and 4-Track became a permanent member.
INQ: What is the band’s musical influences ?
Dax: Our collective influences are mostly from the 80s New Wave era and the 90s OPM bands but it’s not limited to only that. We also listen to current music from pop, math rock, indie, hip hop to classical and the like. Individually we try not to limit ourselves to any specific genre when listening to music.
INQ: Can you describe your style of music to the unfamiliar?
Dax: Paranoid City in my opinion is divided into two dimensions. We have our music and we have our shows. From a music standpoint, we try to create music that is artistic but not too alienating. Most of our songs go through a complex writing process wherein every one gets a say. We basically write about anything and try really hard to not go overboard and stick to what’s right for a song. Our shows however are a whole different animal. We basically play our hearts out and just party.
INQ: What do you think of the current local scene ?
Dax: I believe that we are undergoing a transition with the all the new things happening with the music industry when it comes to technology and how to make money off it. The old formula of selling music is on the decline and with this transition a new formula will be discovered but as of now we are still in the “middle” of it. With the emergence and convenience of the internet, music is easily accessible and with that getting your music out there is easy too. The downside however is–with how easy it is to get music–people are valuing music a little less than before. I can name 10 great local indie acts that deserve a lot of attention and support but aren’t getting it because Mainstream Labels aren’t willing to invest and take risks anymore.
INQ: Any upcoming gigs you would like to promote ?
Dax: October 3 – Saguijo, Makati October 9 – Route 196, Katipunan, QC October 10 – Saguijo, Makati October 29 – Saguijo, Makati.