Indie Showcase: Autotelic

Gab Pili Photography

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 Autotelic:

What is the origin of your band?

JOSH VILLENA : Lahat kami nanggaling sa kanya-kanyang banda. Nagkaroon lang siguro ng “break” o pahinga ang bawat member kaya nagpasiya kaming bumuo ng bagong grupo. May tugtog ang banda kong “Maya’s Anklet” sa 70’s Bistro, kasama ang banda ni Neil na “The Naked Lights.” Dito ko unang nakilala si Neil. Si Ted naman ay dating kabanda rin ni Neil noong nagaaral pa sila sa UST. Si Gep naman ay na sa bandang “Lip Service” at minsang nag-session sa The Naked Lights.

Kinausap ako ni Neil via Facebook kung gusto ko bang magtayo ng bagong grupo kasama siya at si Gep. Nag-alangan ako dahil natatakot pa akong bumuo ng banda uli from scratch. Pero sabi ko nalang sa sarili ko, “sige na nga! try lang!” Nag-alangan din kaming kunin si Ted noon dahil hindi ko pa siya kilala at hindi ko alam kung saang grupo siya galing. Ang nasa isip ko lang noon ay “bahala na!”

Nagkita-kita kaming lahat sa isang fast food resto sa may Cubao at doon kami nagsimulang magplano kung ano ba ang gusto naming gawin at mapuntahan. Nahirapan kami kung ano ba ang gusto naming maging genre at kung ano ba ang magiging tunog namin. Pero noong isa samin ay humirit ng “Japanese pop-rock/dance”, nanlaki lahat ng mga mata namin. Naging instant “YES” lahat ng sagot namin at lalo kaming kinilig. Doon din kami nagpasiya na maghanap ng synth/keyboard player. Eventually, We met Fuseboxx’s(prog rock) synth/lead keyboard virtuoso Eric Tubon and soon, joined the band. Hiyang-hiya pa kami na tanungin kung pwede siyang sumali, haha!

Due to unforseen circumstances, Eric had to leave the band and was eventually replaced by singer/songwriter, Kai Honasan. The band had made a few adjustments, but we are pretty much sure she’s fit for the role.

Dan Events Photography

What are the band’s musical influences?

JOSH VILLENA :  Iba-iba ang influences ng bawat miyembro. From 80’s to modern music. May Punk, Metal, pop, ballad, dance, pop-rock alternative, at kung anu-ano pa. Pero ang nagdugtong saaming lahat ay ang Pop-Rock alternative. Nabansagan kaming Pop-rock-dance/electronica dahil sa kinalabasan ng mga kanta namin.

We love listening to Pop music. Especially Japanese based pop-rock bands with dance/electronic/synth elements. May kakaibang epekto sa amin ang melody at pamamaraan ng pagtugtog nila. They sound digital yet raw at the same time.

Can you describe your style of music to the unfamiliar?

JOSH VILLENA : We are a technical but sincere band. Technical in terms of instrumentation, sincere in terms of melody and lyrics. (well at least yun ang sabi ng mga nakarinig sa amin hehe)

In other words, “Parang robot na may puso.”

What do you think of the current local scene?

JOSH VILLENA : Paangat lang ng paangat. Lalo na ang independent scene, ramdam ang puso. Napaka-“diverse” ng local scene natin. Kailangan lang ng mas malaking exposure. Malaking tulong ang nagagawa ng music festivals at sana dumami lang ng dumami ito sa mga darating na panahon. Marami na ring production groups at independent online media ang kumikilos ngayon para ihatid sa karamihan ang musikang Pinoy, mapa-label man o mapa-independent.

Any upcoming gigs you would like to promote?

JOSH VILLENA : We have an upcoming gig for the Launch of Scout Magazine, July 12 at Samsung Hall SM Aura. On July 22, we’ll be at Route 196, located at Katipunan extension, Q.C., July 25, at the De La Salle Araneta.

Hold on to your underpants, for our September launch. We don’t know what we’re launching exactly,  but it will be good. We will keep you posted, just visit Facebook.com/autotelicmusic.com for gig updates.

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Current line-up of Autotelic: 

Josh Villena – vocals & guitar

Kai Honasan – keys/synth & vocals

Gep Macadaeg – drums

Neil Tin – lead guitar

Ted Vargas – bass