Saturday, December 15, 2007

THE 14TH NU ROCK AWARDS: BAMBOO BAGS 6 OF THE 15 AWARDS

(taken from Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP))
Colorful confetti rained down on the quartet of Bamboo Manalac, Ira Cruz, Nathan Azarcon and Vic Mercado—collectively known as Bamboo—last November 30 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, officially concluding the 14th NU 107 Rock Awards.

The climactic ending was a fitting salute to a band that has achieved commercial success while staying loyal to their artistic vision. Gathering six out of the 15 awards, Bamboo proved that they are this year's best among the lot of diverse acts that rocked the scene in 2007.

SINOSIKAT IS NOW SIKAT. But while Bamboo's triumph was an expected scenario, this year's edition of the rock awards was also full of surprises, particularly in the Vocalist of the Year category. Sinosikat's soulful front woman Kat Agarrado bagged the coveted individual award, affirming her reputation as one of the most promising vocalists to emerge from the local underground to mainstream consciousness.

Winning the title was certainly far from easy. This year, Kat was pitted against the likes of Marc Abaya of Kjwan, Sugarfree's Ebe Dancel, Miggy Chavez of Chicosci, Steve Badiola of emo darlings Typecast and Bamboo Mañalac. Most people inside the venue and fellow artists agreed with the outcome and applauded Kat louldy as she went up the stage to accept the plum.

Best New Artist aptly went to the punk trio of Hilera. Typecast also pulled off their own surprise by notching the Song of the Year award through the single, "Will You Ever Learn," beating other favorites like Bamboo's "Tatsulok," "Sundo" by Imago and Sinosikat's "Turning My Safety Off."

The Hall of Fame Award for 2007 goes to brothers Angelo and Mike Villegas of the ‘90s pop-rock duo, Rizal Underground. Although they disbanded a long time ago, the duo remains active in the music scene by composing songs or doing guitar sessions for other artists.

SIDE DRAMA. Despite their status as a non-functioning unit, Orange & Lemons still managed to hoist a last hurrah as the band clinched the prestigious Album of the Year award for the psychedelic-pop infused record, Moonlane Gardens. Animosity between the members, however, was still evident as only guitarist-vocalist Clem de Castro claimed the award in behalf of his estranged band mates. Mcoy Fundales, the band's former vocalist, was there at the venue but did not join Clem in accepting the award. It will remembered that Mcoy had just gotten out of the Pinoy Big Brother house where he stayed as one of the celebrity housemates.

The award for Best Album Packaging was also bestowed to Moonlane Gardens, with Clem and graphic artist Sarah Gaugler sharing the credits.

As usual, action and drama in this year's event went beyond the stage. The NU Rock Awards paved the way for the four members of the legendary Eraserheads to stay under one roof, although Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro, and Buddy Zabala never shared a table that night.

"That is big news," exclaimed Rivermaya manager Lizza Nakpil, citing the fact that the four ex-Eheads are rarely seen gathered in one venue after their controversial split up in 2002.

Who knows? Maybe a reunion will finally take place on the 15th anniversary of the rock awards.

HERE'S THE COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS:

Best New Artist: Hilera

Vocalist of the Year: Kat Agarrado of Sinosikat

Guitarist of the Year: Ira Cruz of Bamboo

Bassist of the Year: Nathan Azarcon of Bamboo

Drummer of the Year: Vic Mercado of Bamboo and Mark Escueta of Rivermaya

Best Live Act: Bamboo

In the Raw Award: Reklamo

Song of the Year: "Will You Ever Learn" by Typecast

Album of the Year: Moonlane Gardens by Orange & Lemons

Artist of the Year: Bamboo

Best Music Video: "DVD-X" of Sandwich (Directed by Marie Jamora)

Best Album Packaging: Sarah Gaugler and Clementine for Moonlane Gardens of Orange & Lemons

Producer of the Year: Lourd and Francis de Veyra for Tangina Mo Ang Daming Nagugutom sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Pa Rin of Radioactive Sago Project

Listeners Choice Award: Bamboo

Hall of Fame: Mike and Angelo Villegas

Friday, November 30, 2007

SANDWICH: 5TH ALBUM



I guess this will be the last update we will be hearing from the band regarding their coming album. Just read on to know what to expect from it. (Courtesy of Subsandwich, posted 10/29/07)

"hey kids

the album is finally done! 15 songs. no zaido is not included. but emi might include it as abonus for early copies. thats MIGHT INCLUDE ok. in any case well find a way to realease that song so dont fret.

well try to get it released early next year. now we have to finish the album cover, make thevideo, rehearse the songs and whatnot. still a lot of work but were pretty pleased with the cd. ive been playing the 2nd master this morning. were just waitng for the rest ofthe band's finalchanges or comments. well keep you posted.

raims"

Monday, November 19, 2007

THE 14TH NU ROCK AWARDS

The 14th NU107 Rock Awards
November 30, 2007 • World Trade Center, Pasay City
Gates open: 5PM • Pre-show: 7PM • Award show: 9PM

BEST NEW ARTIST:
1. Hilera
2. Sinosikat?
3. Giniling Festival
4. Hardboiledeggz
5. Salamin
6. Wake Up Your Seatmate

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
1. Bamboo Mañalac of Bamboo
2. Miggy Chavez of Chicosci
3. Steve Badiola of Typecast
4. Ebe Dancel of Sugarfree
5. Kat Agarrado of Sinosikat?
6. Marc Abaya of Kjwan

GUITARIST OF THE YEAR:
1. Mong Alcaraz of Chicosci
2. Ira Cruz of Bamboo
3. Mike Elgar of Rivermaya
4. Boogie Romero of Kjwan
5. Steve Badiola of Typecast
6. Junji Lerma of Radioactive Sago Project

BASSIST OF THE YEAR:
1. Nathan Azarcon of Bamboo
2. Carlos Calderon of Chicosci
3. Japs Sergio of Rivermaya
4. Francis De Veyra of Radioactive Sago Project
5. Ivan Garcia of Hilera

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR:
1. Vic Mercado of Bamboo
2. Melvin Macatiag of Typecast
3. Joel Salvador of Chicosci
4. Mark Escueta of Rivermaya
5. Chris Cantada of Spongcola

BEST LIVE ACT:
1. Bamboo
2. Chicosci
3. Typecast
4. Kjwan
5. Radioactive Sago Project
6. Jeepney Joyride
7. Hilera

IN THE RAW AWARD:
1. Subsscapular
2. Teenage Hero
3. Kastigo
4. Sutil
5. Reklamo

SONG OF THE YEAR:
1. "WILL YOU EVER LEARN" by Typecast
2. "CHICOSCI VAMPIRE SOCIAL CLUB" by Chicosci
3. "TATSULOK" by Bamboo
4. "SALA" by Pupil
5. "TURNING MY SAFETY OFF" by Sinosikat?
6. "SUNDO" by Imago
7. "DVD X" by Sandwich

ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
1. Bamboo
2. Chicosci
3. Typecast
4. Kjwan
5. Sugarfree
6. Radioactive Sago Project

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
1. "WE STAND ALONE TOGETHER" by Bamboo
2. "EVERY MOSS AND COBWEB" by Typecast
3. "TANGINA MO ANG DAMING NAGUGUTOM SA MUNDO FASHIONISTA KA PA RIN" by Radioactive Sago Project
4. "TALA-ARAWAN" by Sugarfree
5. "MOONLANE GARDENS" by Orange & Lemons
6. "2STEPMARV" by Kjwan

BEST ALBUM PACKAGING:
1. Inksurge.com for Twilight of Hale
2. Paolo Lim for Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo of Rivermaya
3. Sarah Gaugler and Clementine for Moonlane Gardens of Orange & Lemons
4. Inksurge.com for Tala-arawan of Sugarfree

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
1. Bamboo and Angee Rozul for We Stand Alone Together of Bamboo
2. Typecast for Every Moss And Cobweb by Typecast
3. Lourd and Francis De Veyra for Tangina Mo Ang Dami Nagugutom Sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Pa Rin by Radioactive Sago Project
4. Robert Javier and Jonathan Ong for Moonlane Gardens by Orange & Lemons
5. Robin Rivera for Tala-arawan by Sugarfree
6. Angee Rozul and Kjwan for 2step Marv of Kjwan


BEST MUSIC VIDEO
1. "DVD-X" of Sandwich (Directed by Marie Jamora)
2. "FRAILTY'' of Urbandub (Directed by Pancho Esguerra and Bluerain Media)
3. "KUNG AYAW MO NA SA AKIN" by Sugarfree (Directed by Marie Jamora)
4. "LOVETEAM" of Itchyworms (Directed by Marie Jamora)
5. "PROBINSYANA" of Bamboo (Directed by Pancho Esguerra)
6. "SUNDO" of Imago (Directed by Marie Jamora)
7. "WILL YOU EVER LEARN" of Typecast (Directed by Pedring Lopez)

Saturday, November 10, 2007

RIVERMAYA: BAGONG LIWANAG

There's a lot of truth to the latest EP released by Rivermaya. And with the recently concluded auditions, they have indeed found a new light in the shape of Jayson Fernandez. Hailing all the way from Manguisoc, Camarines Norte, this 18year old teen has impressed the judges enough to fill in the spot voided by Rico Blanco. I never really got to follow the events in studio 23 but from the glimpses I saw, I was rooting for Michelle. I haven't really heard her voice or compositions but judging from her pictures I think she's pretty enough to charm the public in voting her. hehehe! (c'mon.. everybody loves a rock chick! :P) But seriously, going back I believe that they have assembled noteworthy judges for this competition which really singled out the best person to complement the kind of direction Rivermaya is headed to. So congratulations to Jayson Fernandez for being part of the rich history of Rivermaya!

With the lack of knowledge in the events of competition, I dug out some information to figure out what really transpired on the monumental day. According to the band's website, it did not go uncontested as arch-rival Hans Dimayuga, 19, a senior from Dela Salle University garnered the most number of text votes and got the judges approval for best original song.

Jayson dropped to the floor when Rivermaya co-manager, Lizza G. Nakpil, exclaimed, I'm going for a leap of faith --- so, Jayson, we love you! Welcome to Rivermaya!

It has only been a couple weeks since Jayson and over 500 other hopefuls gathered at UP for the initial stage of the audition. But now, he joins the Banda ng Bayan that he only used to see in pictures, hear from the radio, and see from their music videos. His message to others who want to make it big, "Ang gusto ko lang paratingin sa lahat ay wag mag-give-up sa iyong dream. May nag-text sa akin na kaibigan na naniniwala siya na kaya kong maging part ng Rivermaya, so naglakas-loob akong sumali. Ang sinabi ko sa sarili ko, walang mawawala naman sa akin at kung matalo, at least may picture ako na kasama sila."

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

THE ROCKSTAR NATION US TOUR 2008


"Coming this first quarter of 2008, witness a rare glimpse of Pinoy rock history unfold before you!

"The Rockstar Nation US Tour 2008" features two of the Philippines' hottest indie rockers, PUPIL and SANDWICH, which are fronted by ex-Eraserheads Ely Buendia and Raimund Marasigan, respectively. The fun doesn't end here! This tour also presents a very special "grand
reunion" of 90's band, TEETH, featuring an all-original line-up: Glenn Jacinto, Jerome Velasco, Dok Sergio, Peding Narvaja & Mike Dizon. This US tour will make its stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago and New York.

For more info, contact: GJ Media (provide contact infos, etc)
So kids, start saving up and spread the word!

-Glenn Jacinto (www.myspace.com/glennj420)

NOTE: Wala pa po itong kumpirmasyon sa mga taong nabanggit sa taas!"

URBANDUB: 4TH ALBUM


Last time I watched a gig was when I saw these guys, it was in RJ Bar and it was a couple of months back. They sampled two fresh cuts from the fourth album and three from Embrace. Out of the two tracks, i enjoyed "when the fight is over". not sure about the title but it's something like that.

Echoing the words of gabby from that night:

THIS NEXT SONG IS ABOUT A BREAK-UP
PARA SA MGA INIWANAN NG BOYFRIEND O GIRLFRIEND NILA
SA MGA SINABIHAN NG "I NEED SPACE",
"ITS NOT YOU, ITS ME"
BITCH!

Here's the latest from the those guys: (Courtesy of the band's yahoogroups, posted 11/1/07)

"Udub's 4th album... 90% done and it's now in printing process! =) The other 10% left is just finalizing details on the album inlay, printing the final design, packing it inside those jewel cases and it will be ready to go. November is the target month of release. I'm so happy to announce that we have survived the hardest part on making this album. =)

Our 1st single, "GUILLOTINE", is recently on NU107's Stairway to Seven. Hope you'll all help in making it stay on the chart by texting NUVOTE GUILLOTINE and send it to 29107. We're done shooting the video for this and the premiere will be shown anytime this month.

Currently, we're back in Cebu for All Soul's Day. We asked for an extended stay to relax; calm down a bit 'coz last month has been so exhausting. We will start practicing our new songs next week so that when we get back there in Manila, we can promote it ALL THE WAY. ;p

Again, thank you so much for being patient with us. We have worked hard to finish this album; It will be all worthwhile if we see you buying the original copy as soon as it's out in the market.

Save OPM! Support Local Music!


L A L A Y L I M
bassist/urbandub"

So what else is new?
It seems every album they release, a new tat springs out of Gabby Alipe.

SANDWICH: LAST DAY OF RECORDING



I was with my 12 year old cousin a few days ago when he asked why there are no more bands as much as before. He was expressing his disappointment that bands such as Sandwich have already faded, or in tagalog, "laos na raw". I think he felt this way because he followed the inception of the most recent band breakout here in the Philippines. It came to a point that almost every band released full length albums at the same time -that was the positive effect. Although one negative effect is that time will come were there will be no new materials coming out from our music heroes, which is what we're experiencing now. It has been a how many months now since a hit single spawned our local radio stations. The public is thirsty for more and thankfully Sandwich has heeded their call.

Here's a message from Raimund Marasigan talking about the last day of recording. (Courtesy of Subsandwich, posted 10/29/07)

"dear kids

im happy to announce that we have finished recording the album! today we recorded electric piano, some vocals and nylon acoustic guitars. diego cas who just got back from new york sang a lot of falsettos and mong as a tribute to the blood brothers (breaking up) screamed a lot. myrene did a lot of picture taking while i took a nap.

buddy presided over much of the proceedings and shinji engineered and pro tooled.

mike asked to be left behind in mindanao to visit his wife Kathy in gensan. he will join us in a few days.


meanwhile everybody takes a well deserved break and shinji will mix the album.

now we drink some beers to celebrate. cheers!

raims"

FIRST BLOOD

HEY YOU!!! Here's a blog for all the music lovers out there. I made this blog to create a space for those who want to hear about the latest news about their favorite local acts. Be it an indie band or mainstream act, I will try to update this as much as I can with all the facts that I can gather. I am not a part of the local industry here in the Philippines, I am just a fan. As the name of this blog suggests, this will primarily deliver intriguing scoops around the music scene here in the Philippines. As Pepe Smith would say, RAK EN ROOWL!!