Joshua Bulot | PHOTO: Alex Brosas
Lily frontman Joshua Bulot was initially fidgety when he performed for the first time with his new band in a back-to-back concert recently.
“Actually, kanina ay medyo kinakabahan ako pero, kumbaga, kung ano ang ipinapakita ng crowd, kung maganda ang energy ng crowd ay kuha namin. Thank you sa mga nanood dahil sila rin ang nagbigay ng confidence at energy sa amin,” he said after their ”Magbalik” concert at the Music Museum last December 3.
(Actually, a while ago I was nervous but we just fed off the energy of the crowd. Thank you to those who watched because it was them who gave us confidence and energy).
The back-to-back concert also featured Idol Philippines’ contestant Kier King and “Tawag ng Tanghalan” singer Rachel Gabreza in “Take Off”.
After a months-long search, Bulot was unanimously selected to be the frontman of Lily, formerly known as Callalily, which was then helmed by Kean Cipriano.
“Ang galing niyang magdala ng tao. Natuwa kami kasi hindi mo na kailangang i-command ’yung tao. Kusa silang sumusunod,” Lem Belaro, the band’s composer, commented. (He’s good in leading the crowd. We were happy because you no longer have to command the people. They voluntarily followed).
Bulot recalled that his friend Yuri told him about the audition for Lily.
“Naalala ko nu’ng tumawag sa akin si Yuri noon. Papunta akong La Union kasi mahilig akong mag-isa mag-trip. Na-excite ako na parang gusto kong sumali doon. Gusto ko nang magbanda,” he shared. (I remember when Yuri called me then. I was going to La Union because I love to do solo trips. I got excited that I want to join it. I want to do band performances again).
Prior to joining Lily, Bulot was a member of JBK band before it disbanded during the pandemic.
“Back to my roots din kasi kasi noong grade school ako ay nagbabanda din ako,” he added. (It’s back to my roots also because during grade school I was in a band).
For Bulot and Belaro, “Tulak” was easily their most favorite from their concert repertoire. It was their opening number. The song talks about a guy who’s pushing a woman away because he’s already taken, thus the title.
“Ito ang pinakamatagal naming sa studio. Inabot siya ng two weeks kasi ayaw naming masyadong malayo sa Callalily pero ayaw naman naming sobrang lapit. So, talagang pinag-isipan namin ang technicalities ng song,”Belaro explained.
“Actually, kanina lang nag-sink in sa akin na ako na ang lead vocalist talaga ng Lily. I’m excited na makakuha pa ng shows internationally at dito,” Bulot said. (Actually, it’sjust now that I sinked into me that I am now the lead vocalist of Lily. I’m excited to get shows internationally and here).
The other members of the band are Aaron Ricafrente, Alden Acosta and Nathan Reyes. EDV