Indie Showcase: The Jeffrey Zulueta Experience

The Jeffrey Zulueta Experience, shown above, from left: Brass section; Dino Santos on trumpet, Francis Reyes on trombone, Migi Soriano on alto sax, Ken Lumbao on alto sax, Bea Fabros on lead vox and guitar, Lea Celestial on bass, Rea Martinez on back-up vox and keys. Not in photo: Maya Apeles on drums and Jae Bustilla on percussions. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Miko Galvez

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 The Jeffrey Zulueta Experience:

INQ:  What is the origin of your band ? Please give a brief history on how you came together to form your band.

Rea:  The girls were all drawn together in high school because of our interest in the arts and going against unreasonable policies and standards (adolescent hormone-driven rebellion). In our last year, we joined a music club that encouraged us to form a band. Eventually, we got invited to play in small bars so we decided to spruce things up by adding a horns section. We never stopped playing since but we’re only starting to take things seriously now.

INQ:  What are the band’s musical influences ?

Rea:  We listen mostly to Reggae, Ska, Soul, Jazz, and Classic Rock acts like No Doubt, Katchafire, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Save Ferris, Sublime, Blue King Brown, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix.

INQ:  Can you describe your style of music to the unfamiliar ?

Rea:  Reggae with an identity crisis/Hormonal Reggae. You could also say Reggae, with a lot of soul.

INQ:  What do you think of the current local scene ?

Rea:  It’s mostly DIY now. There’s always been an independent scene in every period in music history but it has now come to a point where the number of major record labels is close to zero and the independent scene is flourishing and taking over and somehow becoming the popular music. That’s a good thing because the music in the local scene is so diverse, you’re bound to find something that will strike your fancy.

INQ:  Any upcoming gigs you would like to promote ?

Rea:  Folks can catch us this month at Purgatory Bar in Makati (October 16) if they’re up for some swaying and dancing. They can also check out our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/jzemusic for our gig schedule.