PHOTO COURTESY OF Gorgy Rula
Local rock band Slapshock is embarking on an exciting new venture abroad.
Collaborating with apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas, the group will be recording a new album in Los Angeles. All five members will be staying in Burbank, California, as they craft new songs for international release.
This project has the group excited, hopeful that it will open the door for other Filipino bands.
There would definitely be collaborations in the album, the members said during a recent press conference at Consulado Bar in Quezon City.
Lead vocalist Jamir Garcia is not at liberty to identify the collaborating band yet, but he is looking forward to working with the mystery group. He counts it among his childhood heroes and was influential in Slapshock’s formation.
On the six to seven songs they were set to record, Garcia said this would involve experimentation.
“We’re trying to infuse a new sound for Slapshock and we’re looking forward to making it sound good,” he revealed.
While the band’s distinctly “heavy” sound will remain, the members will embrace evolution. Bass guitarist Lee Nadela said the fans would appreciate the progression of the band.
Slapshock would not play it safe. “You have to take the risk,” Nadela explained.
There is no title for the album yet but the songs will have distinct Filipino themes. The new tracks will have English lyrics, but there may be Filipino words in the background.
Proud Pinoy
Slapshock has been around for 16 years, a testament to its hard work and dedication.
A COLLABORATION with other musicians—Jamir’s childhood heroes who influenced Slapshock’s formation—is in the works. Photo courtesy of Gorgy Rula
“I’m proud to be a Filipino,” Garcia declared. “I want to celebrate it. I want to talk about my heroes… what we’re made of … tough, progressive.”
Apl.de.ap helps a lot. “He knows our music well and he trusts us on what stuff we want to do. [Most importantly], he’s actually helping bands, like us, to go there (US) and promote and record,” he added.
The opportunity would not be wasted, Garcia said. “We’re going to the United States to give you the best-sounding Slapshock album and to make you proud… We’re a band with a lot of charisma so we’ll [bring] Filipino traditions and culture to America… It’s a new beginning for us.”
Slapshock will live in the United States for about a month to work on its music. But the members plan to keep four days free to celebrate Halloween in Las Vegas.
They will return to the Philippines to handle their other commitments for the rest of the year. The first single will be released before the end of 2013 and the complete album will be available within the first quarter of 2014.