Five bands reach finals of ‘Get Loud’ contest
JAD MONTENEGRO
With so many talented, but unheralded artists consistently producing original material, the local music scene was never likely to have a creativity crisis, said musician and Peso Movement guitarist Francis “Brew” Reyes.
The challenge, he said, was how to give aspiring artists the chance to showcase their work.
The opportunity has come with Converse’s band competition “Get Loud,” which is part of its campaign to support Filipino artists.
After a thorough nationwide search, five rock bands representing different key regions in the country would be vying for the top spot.
The finals will be held on Nov. 9, with the first prize winner getting P150,000 and Converse products.
Good platforms
EVEN
“Talent-wise, the local music scene is very healthy. But it needs support; it needs a vehicle to go places. And I think contests are good platforms,” Reyes, one of the contest judges, told the Inquirer.
Baguio-based Even (Northern Luzon) described its music as “dark and melancholic.” It is composed of Dyanne Licudine (vocals), Jam Bumanlag (guitars), Coco Saupan (bass) and Dan Allan Acosta (drums).
The indie rock group Brisom (National Capital Region)—composed of Brian Sombero (vocals, guitar), Jeffrey Castro (drums), Jason Rondero (bass), Tim Abbott (keyboards) and Terence Teves (guitar)—creates music based on “soul-changing travels and life-changing realizations.”
Comprising the rock metal band Kissbone (Southern Luzon) are Armin Joseph Pepito (vocals, guitar), Justine Sioson (guitar, vocals), Parker Cataquian (bass), Renz Jerome Villanueva (drums) and Allan Paulo Luching (rhythm guitar).
BETHANY
Luis Quibranza III (lead vocals, guitar), Angelo Quibranza (vocals, lead guitar), Paolo Miguel Quibranza (vocals, drums)and Kevin Borromeo (bass) make up Bethany (Visayas), an alternative rock group with “intense guitar work, smart lyrics and infectious melodies.”
Jad Montenegro, who started as a solo act in Davao, formed the band named after him with friends Eric Luzada (lead guitar), Dave Ibao (guitar, vocals), Carlo Garcia (vocals, drums), and Pjoe Sabanpan (bass).
Musical country
Noting that the Philippines was a “very musical country,” Reyes said he was pleased at the diversity of the band roster. “They all play rock music, but they’re very different. Some are more aggressive, some are not, and it’s all good,” he said. “I’m sure there are many different styles or music genres from other regions and we hope to tap them should this contest expand in the future.”
BRISOM
Second and third placers will receive P100,000 and P60,000, respectively. The remaining two other finalists will each get P40,000.
Supporters can improve their favorite bands’ chances of winning by voting online through www.facebook./ConversePhilippines.
Asked what advice he would give neophyte bands that wanted to make it in the music business, Reyes said they would have to prepare in terms of songwriting and instrument playing.
“They will have to be absolutely ready with every syllable, every pound of drums and guitar lick,” he said.
Reyes added that a band should be able to balance polished technical skills and a passion for the craft. “A band can be technically precise, but sound uninspiring. And then there are those na medyo tabingi tumugtog but can really rouse your emotions,” he explained.
The former The Dawn member stressed the importance of establishing social media presence. “It helps if you’re active in sites like Facebook, Sound Cloud and Twitter… It’s easier to get noticed. But, of course, you’ll have to be able to (play) good music,” he said.
KISSBONE
He warned against sacrificing musicality for gimmicks in the hope of producing something that would go viral.
Reyes said the bottom line was love for music. “If you love playing, you wouldn’t have to worry about anything. The fame, money, girls—those are just bonuses,” Reyes said.
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