Cosmic Love, the self-proclaimed “rude boys of funk” have been making music together for nearly a decade. Their style of music has often been described as groovy, trippy and infectious. These guys have been “blazing a trail” in popular venues and have performed even in off-key sites for years. But beyond that, Cosmic Love is one of the main reasons there was a Pinoy-soul movement in the early to late 2000’s.
They were and are still part of that movement that they proudly represent to this day. That only further proves how deep their commitment is to making music regardless if they have mainstream support or whether they are signed or not to a major label. Cosmic Love has continued on, made ways and kept the “funk” alive. The presence of bands like Cosmic Love proves how varied and wide the musical influences there are in the country.
Going back a couple of years ago, I recall hearing a lot about this band and reading about their performances in numerous write-ups in music publications. There was a growing hype that surrounded them and they have had a sizable following ever since. On an added note, Cosmic Love is one of the favorites from the south area also.
My curiosity to learn more about this band was renewed a couple of months back–it was just a matter of time before I would finally find a way to watch these guys perform. Plus, Bong”cosmic”Luib does look like Lenny Kravitz or Slash depending on his hair and get up he chooses. Hehe..
Lead vocalist Anton Saldana reminds me of a mix of Anthony Kiedies of the RHCP, Perry Farrell of Janes Addiction and a bit of the legendary Karl Roy. The lead vocalist– Anton Saldana has loads of CHARISMA!!! You can’t manufacture or fake that.
Even with the band undergoing several line-up changes, current members along with the likes of original members Lead vocalist Anton Saldana and Guitarist Bong “cosmic” Luib have continued on to make their own brand of music that they can distinctly call their own and they do this following a mantra/singular message of spreading the message of love, tolerance and peace. But if anyone thinks that this band is dull or cheesy because of it, think again!
They have a magnetic presence on stage (and even as you casually talk to them) and exhibit superb musical craftmanship making them a solid act. Even though the band is sometimes categorized as a funk-rock band, there are enough numerous musical influences that show up in their songs. They are certainly not one-dimensional and the best way to know what kind of music Cosmic Love offers. Is to simply attend one of their gigs. I highly recommend it. Now, to learn more about the band and a bit of their history, here is my interview with original member and guitarist Bong “cosmic” Luib:
INQ: When was Cosmic Love formed?
Bong: The schoolyear of 2003
INQ: Who thought of the name of the band?
Bong: Me, from a qoute used by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
INQ: Define your style as musicians and as a genre?
Bong: We have lots of genres actually.. people call us eclectic, or solar funk but we prefer to call it ROCK N ROLL
INQ: How many line -up changes has the band gone through?
Bong: A lot!!!! Cosmic Love keeps on evolving.
INQ: Musical influences?
Bong: A lot! all of the members have different musical backgrounds.. mix it hence Cosmic Love..
INQ: What motivates you to to perform on stage?
Bong: Music, the chicks, rocking out!
INQ: Would you rather perform in a small venues or a large venue?both!
Bong: Locally who inspires the band?a lot! from Kapatid, Spy to Queso to Radioactive Sago Project to Hijo to Wilderness from Red I to Kalayo.. a lot
INQ: Internationally, who inspires the band?
Bong: A lot !!!! 50’s, 60’s, 70′,s 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s era a lot
INQ: Who do you wish to collaborate or perform with on stage?
Bong: Mick Jagger
INQ: If you could choose to perform with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Bong: : ) Karl Roy
INQ: What are the future plans of Cosmic Love?
Bong: Release an album, tour the world nd be rich!
INQ: What can you say about the current state of the local scene?
Bong: Sucks s***!
INQ: What changes do you wish to happen in the local scene?
Bong: Just support more ..
INQ: What is your message to the supporters and fans of Cosmic Love?
Bong: Keep the positive vibe going & lez fak et up!
INQ: Has the band experienced any funny/embarassing moment on stage?
Bong: All the time! Anton n’ I got electrocuted, other members fall asleep, too drunk to rock, a lot…
INQ: Who is the funniest/most annoying in the band?
Bong: All the members are extreme, funny & annoying!!!
INQ: Favorite food to eat?
Bong: Tut’s & Pao’s cooking!
INQ: Favorite movie star?
Bong: Rommy Diaz
INQ: Who is the best singer in the band?
Bong: Anton the mic commander
INQ: Favorite hang out place after a gig?
Bong: HOME
INQ: Favorite hang out place before a gig?
Bong: HOME
INQ: Who drinks the most in the band?
Bong: Hmmmmm depends..
INQ: Who doesnt drink in the band?
Bong: No one
INQ: Who would you want to date in Hollywood?
Bong: All of them fine ladies..
INQ: Who has the most “chicks”?
Bong: Anton Saldana!!!
INQ: Has anybody wrecked their equipment/instrument on stage?
Bong: Yes.. Bong n Anjo
INQ: Who has a curfew in the band?
Bong: Hehe Tuts..
INQ: What makes the band happy and perform at their best?
Bong: Rock n’ Roll
INQ: If you were an animal what would you be?
Bong: We are already animals!!!!
INQ: What is your Christmas wish?
Bong: To record & release this damn album!!!!!
INQ: Best experience ever since becoming a band?
Bong: The high or performing creating music & rocking out!!!
INQ: Any upcoming gigs you want to promote?
Bong: Dec.12 at B-side
COSMIC LOVE is composed of:
Anton Saldana- Mic commander
Anjones Elemos- Guitarz
Bong “cosmic” Luib- Guitarz
Tuts Calinawan- Bass
Pao Rosal- Drums
Major Labels, please take notice of these guys. Cosmic Love is worth checking out. They are already seasoned and established in the indie scene. They just need that extra “push” to be taken to the next level. These guys are long overdue for a shot at fame and to garner more mainstream attention. In my opinion, there is a lot of potential for the band to be great and commercially successful because there is a target demographic for them they can appeal to and represent. Plus, they already have a sizable following and only need the proper support.