Over October, photo by Nicole Sarmiento and Josh Tan
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 Over October.
1. What is the origin of your band?
Josh Buizon – It all began in second-year college. We never saw ourselves being part of a band back then but then we all loved music and we loved to perform individually. We were all part of this school organization in Ateneo called the Ateneo Musicians’ Pool and that’s where we all met. One day, after the year-end concert of the organization, we were on our way to an after party and while we were in the car Josh Lua and I were talking. He just asked me “Uy, gawa tayong banda.” That’s how it all started. We started out as a duo with Josh Lua on lead guitar and backup vocals and me on rhythm guitar and lead vocals. We played some acoustic gigs here and there, and after some time we added Janessa Geronimo as our drummer, Anton Rodriguez as another rhythm guitarist and Andrew de Pano as our bassist.
The next challenge that we faced was the name of the band. It took us a lot of time thinking about what the name of our band should be because we wanted it to be one that would be easily remembered and that was interesting. Finally, we decided on naming the band Over October because October of 2014 was a hell month for our academics and we just wanted it to be over. Another reason would be because of the fact that Josh Lua and I, the starting members of the band, were both born in October and also because we officially completed the members of the band in October.
After a month or two of gigging around the metro, we came across some bumps along the road. Our bassist, Andrew de Pano had to let go of the band because he wanted to pursue music at the University of the Philippines and the transition from Ateneo to UP was quite difficult so he needed more time to focus. We replaced Andrew with my friend from the University of Sto. Tomas, Joric Canlas. I knew him because we both played together in our church. Another problem would be when our other rhythm guitarist, Anton Rodriguez, needed to leave because he graduated Ateneo and was entering law school in UP and the workload was really heavy. So we were left with four members, but we adjusted and we’re still the four members of the band now.
Over October, photo by Nicole Sarmiento and Josh Tan
Today we continue to play around the metro and we’re slowly making a name for ourselves in the local music scene.
2. What are the band’s musical influences?
Josh Buizon – We all like listening to different music genres. Individually, we’re into rock, blues, jazz, fusion, pop, and others. Each member brings his or her own influences into the band’s music as a whole. Some of the common pop artists that the band likes are John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and Coldplay. Another major influence we have would be gospel and worship songs because of the fact that we all play in our own churches. We listen to a lot of Hillsong, Planetshakers, and the like. Since we’re exposed to gospel and worship songs a lot of people get this vibe when they listen to our music.
3. Can you describe your style of music to the unfamiliar?
Josh Buizon – We play alternative pop rock. Our music also feels a bit “churchy” sometimes because of our gospel and worship song influences. We’re really a mix of everything right now, but I guess that’s what makes us unique. I guess you could say we sound “fresh” because of the fact that we aren’t much into the electronic sound that has become quite a trend.
4. What do you think of the current local scene?
Josh Buizon – I think that the music scene in the Philippines today is doing great. It’s highly diverse in terms of genres. Before, not that many genres flourished but nowadays, bands and solo artists who play folk, instrumental, electronic, hip-hop, and many other genres are making it in the scene. These artists come from all around the Philippines and not just Metro Manila. You really get a taste of everything because there are so many great artists and bands in the local scene releasing fresh tracks, EPs, and even albums every year so you never run out of good music to listen to. Some of these artists and bands even break into the international scene and that’s really great. Hopefully, we could see more of that happening in the coming years.
5. Any upcoming gigs you would like to promote?
Josh Buizon – We post our monthly gig schedules on our social media pages so it would be nice if you could follow us on Twitter, and Instagram and also like us on Facebook to stay updated with our upcoming gigs. We’re releasing a single soon and an EP following that so watch out! We also have music on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and other online platforms so you could check us out if you want. All other announcements will be made on our social media pages so follow us!
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The current line-up of Over October:
Josh Buizon – Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Josh Lua – Lead Guitarist and Back-Up Vocals
Joric Canlas – Bassist
Janessa Geronimo – Drummer