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 EVEN:
What is the origin of your band?
Jam Bumanlag: EVEN was formed May 2007 in Baguio City, Philippines. We were high school friends and we’re all into the Baguio underground music scene. Dyanne and I used to be in a same band. We met Coco during gigs and an infamous music studio called “Feedback”. We were friends ever since. Dan became our drummer since 2011. Drei Paliza now is our enlisted vocalist as Dyanne will be on indefinite leave (family migrating to Europe). But we’re all in good terms. We always post a lot of updates on our Facebook page! www.facebook.com/evenphilippines.
What are the band’s musical influences?
Bumanlag: Originally we tried to pattern our music to Tool and Zero7. It’s like metal meets electronica. That was our goal. All of us we’re huge fans of Tool when we all started. Through the years our influences and personalities of course changed and our outlook in life and in music as well. Currently we like and listen to bands like: Karnivool, A Perfect Circle. I am personally into Incubus and Drum and Bass, Coco like Mudvayne and POD, Dan likes Taking back Sunday and Sevendust. OPM wise our generation of rock were all into Slapshock, Greyhoundz and Queso, We are still huge fans and have the utmost respect to them.
Can you describe your style of music to the unfamiliar?
Bumanlag: It is as we like to call it Electronica Metal. Think Tool or A Perfect Circle meets Zero7. Many critics and fans have said we sound a lot like Incubus or A Perfect Circle with a female vocalist. Some purists may argue about our metal or Electronica genre but it’s definitely our roots. Some may call us just Alternative Metal or Rock but it’s all good to us. The music will speak no matter what genre. We are sorta “known” for our excessive use of effects pedals live so that may be a visual and sound signature of the band. We’re all gear heads and FX geeks so yeah. Every gig you’ll be seeing a lot of our pedal boards on stage, and we really use them a lot and to our advantage.
What do you think of the current local scene?
Bumanlag: It’s really good. A lot of young bands are really fortunate for the technology today. Back when we started it used to be much harder for a starting band to be noticed. It has pros and cons but we are really positive to what’s really happening right now. Pinoy Rock music and OPM in general is alive and well! And we’re proud to be a part of it!
Any upcoming gigs you would like to promote?
Bumanlag: All of our gig skeds and updates are posted regularly on our Facebook official fan page! We always update! So check it out! We have finished shooting for our 3rd music video for our soon to be released single “Aurora” so watch out for that! Third CD is also soon to be released!
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Current line-up of EVEN:
Drei Paliza – Vocals / FX Jam Bumanlag – Guitars / FX Coco Saupan – Bass / FX Dan Allan Acosta – Drums