Children of the icons
AT THE album launch (from left): Kowboy Santos, Joe Chan, Mike Chan and Ige Gallardo
Members of the four-man rock band Generation insist that it is a mere coincidence that they are children of local music legends. Keyboardist Mike and bassist Joe are sons of singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan; lead guitarist Kowboy Santos’ mother is 1970s rock star Sampaguita; rhythm guitarist Ige Gallardo’s parents are singer-actress Celeste Legaspi and composer Nonoy Gallardo.
“Had we wanted a group composed of children of OPM icons, we’d have found a drummer who’s the son of someone famous as well!” Mike told the Inquirer at the launch of the band’s self-titled debut album. “As it is, we have five session drummers alternating, depending on the gig or the song.”
They have been friends for a long time and, Mike and Kowboy agree, their musical pedigrees are both a boon and a burden.
Just a fan
“Our parents sort of paved the way for us,” said Kowboy, whose recollections of early childhood include all sorts of musical instruments lying around the house; his dad, Nilo Santos, sporting long hair and his mom in crazy garb. “I don’t think I can live up to what my mom has done; nor am I sure I want to,” he said. “She’s a legend and I’m a fan.”
Added the former member of two bands, The Blue Rats and Tempestuous Jones, “I’m just here to have fun and make music with my friends.”
Mike said it was good to have found a group, which meant he would no longer pursue a solo career. “Otherwise, the comparisons would be more direct; and the pressure, greater.” He started playing the piano at age 8 and, in 1999, released a solo album, “Five
Corners.”
“My father is very supportive and proud that we’re writing songs,” Mike said.
Day jobs
Formed in 2008, Generation started playing covers of songs by such bands and artists as The Beatles, David Bowie, Men at Work and Cars in various bars around Makati and Quezon City, as well as in private parties. But they were soon making their own music.
The boys started work on the album in 2010 and finished it in 2013. Asked why it took a while, Mike said it was because of scheduling conflicts arising from their day jobs.
“Joe and I have to work in the family’s sugar business. It would be nice to have all the time in the world just to make music,” said Mike, who has the most writing credits in the album.
No frontman
Kowboy related that they had a tough time finding a label receptive to the idea of signing up a band without a clear frontman. The boys take turns at the lead vocals, each one drawing 
inspiration from different artists. Thus, their music is “eclectic,” Kowboy said. He was “just grateful,” he added, that Star Records came into the picture.
Mike pointed out that rotating the vocal chores creates an “interesting” sound. “Something similar to The Eagles,” he said, “whom we also admire.”
Kowboy has a ’70s Southern rock vibe; Mike is partial to the melodic ’60s rock; Joe prefers what he calls a “clean” rock sound; and Ige leans towards ’80s glam rock. Kowboy specified: “I’m into The Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, and Mike and Joe are influenced by The Beatles and Rolling Stones. Ige draws from David Bowie and Mötley Crüe. We have something for everyone.”
Originals
The album—recorded in four different studios—has 12 original tracks, including “Shine Your Light on Me,” “Walking a Fine Line,” “Star” and “Can’t Be Wrong.” Songs like “Make It Right” and “He’s Gone” have an unmistakable Beatles flavor, while the carrier single, “Love Is Killing Me” is evocative of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water.”
“My father always reminds me to not write songs that people want to hear, but songs that I want to hear,” said Mike. “I think we did that in this album.”
Kowboy acknowledged that their brand of music is not exactly popular with today’s listeners, who mostly gravitate toward hip-hop. But while he wants the album to do well, mainstream success isn’t the main goal. “What we want is to bring back classic rock, great guitar solos and melodies,” he said.
Mike added, “Our target audience would be old listeners nostalgic for their music, plus young ones who want to learn about the music of the past.”
For now, not one of the guys is thinking of quitting his day job. Said Mike, “We’re not ready to go full time. For now, we’re just thankful that we can share our music.”
