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 Farewell Fair Weather:
What is the origin of your band?
MIC MANALO: Farewell Fair Weather was formed through friendship. We started the band as an avenue for our thoughts outside school, like a stress reliever, and thoughts that we can’t even enunciate.
What are the band’s musical influences?
MIC MANALO: We’re influenced by different and contrasting genres. I personally love listening to indigenous music and modern guitar compositions, Esperanza Spalding, Cynthia Alexander, Imogen Heap, Toe and a lot more! I can only mention a few of my bandmates’ listening materials or influences. Gani Palabyab, our keyboardist, listens to a wide range of comtemporary music from several composers, he also loves Robert Glasper, Yellow Jackets and Erykah Badu. Our guitarist, Kim Hue Jin listens to a lot of classical music and some modern orchestral compositions by Steve Vai (actually Steve Vai really is his favourite), T-Square, Four Play and some other melodic guitar driven groups or artists. And lastly, Ethan Muriel, our bassist who is highly influenced by folk music listens to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jaco Pastorious.
Although, above all the listening materials, the greatest influence to us is the philosophy of our professors from the UST Conservatory of Music and Ethan’s wide appreciation of the Arts since he came from the College of Fine Arts. We do not only treat our music aurally but visually as well.
Can you describe your style of music to the unfamiliar?
MIC MANALO: We call our style of music, Soul-Fusion. Soul is our very core, as a genre and soul as in our spirits. Fusion because we are influenced by different musical backgrounds in terms of genre and style of playing. We’re also a “fusion” of different personalities which greatly affects how we sound. This answer might sound weird but for us, playing in a band means more than just playing or making music.
What do you think of the current local scene?
MIC MANALO: From an artist’s point of view, the current local independent scene is growing and brewing more great talents. From a far, the scene may look small maybe because there are different groups or pockets through independent productions but are still connected and support each other. Although, I would love to see the scene really grow big as one.
Any upcoming gigs you would like to promote?
MIC MANALO: On December 19, we have 2 gigs, 1st
is at Mow’s Bar, Matalino St. for Mind Money Circuit’s EP Launch and 2nd is at 70’s Bistro with Joey Ayala and Kalayo.
Dec. 31 at BGC for the OPM New Year’s Countdown
January 2016, we’ll be hitting Cebu and Tacloban.
For more gig schedule update, people can visit our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/farewellfairweather
We also have an Instagram and Twitter, it’s @ffwPH
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Band current line-up:
Mic Manalo – Vocals and Guitars
Gani Palabyab – Keys
Kim Hue Jin – Lead Guitars
Ethan Muriel – Bass