Ex-Slapshock members form Chelsea Alley band, releases 1st single
Chelsea Alley band
Slapshock, the 1990s heavy-metal band, had already been disbanded even prior to the death of its front-man Jamir Garcia, according to its drummer Chi Evora.
“We have long wanted to form a new band that would no longer include Jamir, but then the tragedy happened,” recalled Chi as he and remaining Slapshock member, guitarist Lean Ansing, faced the media for the first time since Jamir’s suicide in November 2020.
Chi said they decided to push through with the plan after they met John Borja, who eventually became their vocalist. “We weren’t looking when we found John. We were just hanging out at a warehouse in Bulacan when Lean asked me if I already saw the YouTube video that he sent me. It was John’s cover of the Linkin Park song ‘Numb.’ After I watched it, I told Lean to contact John on that same day. John replied shortly after,” Chi said, looking back.
This, in a nutshell, was how Chelsea Alley was formed.
John said he didn’t know how to react to the news at first. He had a full-time US-based job at that time. “I had to do some soul-searching first. Since my work was home-based, I said I could do it. I just couldn’t pass on the opportunity, although, to be honest, I was already considering selling all my music stuff, my microphones for example, when Lean sent me a chat message saying he wanted to form a new band,” John recalled.
Music is my first love. I’ve been doing this for the longest time. I used to play in bars for three sets, 40 songs a night, seven days a week. Through it, I was able to take care of my family. I feel that I deserve to be with them,” John said.
‘Inspired’
Guitarist Ariel Lumanlan, formerly of Chicosci and currently guitarist for two underground hardcore bands, namely Arcadia and Til Kingdom Come, eventually joined Chelsea Alley.
“The followers of Slapshock are awesome,” Ariel said. “They’re loyal to the band from Day 1 to its last run. We’ve been blessed because when we formed Chelsea Alley, 90 percent of them followed. We’re happy that we didn’t have to start from scratch. We already have a fan base, and we hope for it to grow bigger with the launch of our single.”
He was referring to the song “Heneral,” a collaboration of all four members. Lean said it’s their tribute to Jamir. “Everyone was inspired. That’s what made the songwriting process exciting. It all started with John working on the lyrics right after he heard the story of Chi’s friendship with Jamir. John said the story made a huge impact on him. Ariel thought of the title,” Lean shared with reporters.
“We feel kind of emotional about this song, but we’re happy. It was created in a magical sort of way. We knew early on that it was a perfect first single, no doubt about it. Everything fell into place for that song. It’s as if the universe decided on it,” Lean added.
Jamir’s presence
He claimed that the band would often feel Jamir’s presence. “I guess it’s because we would always think of him, too. We’d ask ourselves, ‘What would Jamir do?’ Even while we were working on the pre-production of the show. Memories of when we were doing shows with Jamir came rushing,” Lean said.
Asked why they chose to name the new group as such, Chi explained that there was really no “deep” reason for it. “Chelsea was the name of the street I grew up in Fairview, Quezon City. Alley is where Lean lives in Project 6. That’s it. We just find it catchy. Its vibe is different. It sorts of tells the listeners that the band’s music is wide and far-reaching, that you can’t pinpoint what kind of music its members are really into.”
“The band isn’t just metal, it can also be pop or alternative,” Lean interjected.
“It’s actually a cool name,” added Chi. “We have no rules when it comes to the kind of music we listen to and make. Kung ano lang ang lumabas talaga. Of course, we have influences and we try to make them come out with our music, but ever since, even back when we were still Slapshock, this has always been our formula. We’re also a fan of new music, meaning we don’t just keep on listening to the songs we love from the past. We check out new songs, too.”
They hope to come up with an album before the year ends, Lean said. “We’re not in a rush. What’s important is that we have a single. We’re so thrilled for tonight. This is our first gig, our first public appearance. We feel pressured but we are proud of our product,” he stressed.
The gig on Saturday night, titled “Macbeth Presents: Chelsea Alley—1st Strike” was held at the Elements at Eton Centris in Diliman, Quezon City, It was produced by local apparel and footwear brand Macbeth Philippines.
Also part of the show were some of the newest and most impressive slew of artists in the current local music scene: Carissa, Snakefight and Divina. Marinel Cruz
