Category Archives: Local

Dailies Local Music

DJ mishaps

November 16, 2006 – 7:54 AM

So I did my usual Thursday 6-10 shift today at the station and guess who I got to talk to?

Sandwich.

And I was so friggin nervous! I thought that the interview was way before my shift. But then they were late so they bumped off the interview slot to MY shift. Why me? Not an interview with the guys whose music I totally dig. I ended up saying really dumb things like, “Oh, I love your music,” yada yada and something tactless like, “How is the new Sandwich like sans Marc Abaya?”

To which they cleverly replied, “So much cuter and better.”

And I said to myself in my head… Oh. My. God.

We’re bashing Marc Abaya on air.

And they did like a reverse interview thing, I was asking about their favorite color and they started asking ME about my favorite color and what I was wearing (cyber sex daw). Ano ba yan! If I’m not starstrucked enough, as soon as I got home, here comes Edward telling me how he talks ever so casually with Mong. Casually put. Yeah. I think I like being the quiet listener and all until I muster enough guts to act rockstar-ish enough when dealing with scene idols…

And just when that was over, I had to do my shift’s second hour interviewing a local band, Plastic Butter. Pretty tight music, and they actually have a gig this upcoming Saturday at Music Fear (in front Orange Grove, me thinks). Lovely part about being a DJ I guess and meeting all these people is getting free CDs and stuff. Yey! I’m totally aimless with the post and the words are just gushing out my fingers recklessly. So without further ado, let me end this entry right. About. Now.

Permalink | Comments (4)
Davao Events Local Music

Davao Independent Muzik Fest 2006

October 24, 2006 – 7:15 AM

[photopress:indiefest_1.jpg,full,centered]

Success.

And we’ll have another an encore this Friday at Paseo de Roxas. On Saturday, it’ll be at Fountain place, Agdao. You can’t miss the part 2. See y’all!

Permalink | Comments (13)
Dailies Indie Local Music

My list of priorities

October 8, 2006 – 5:42 AM

I’ve poured out a lot of work for my new band Tramonto especially since we’re organizing this big gig on October 13-14 at The Madrazo compound (that’s between Quirino and Jacinto ext. – landmark, The Venue). It’s an event we call Davao Independent Muzik fest 2006. Sounds and reads tacky in itself, but our goal really is to get some really great Davao bands (who make their own stuff) to play out there. And get their rightful compensation for it. We’ll be playing on the 13th at Madrazo on the early part of the event. On the latter part of the night, we’ll be driving to Jack’s Ridge to play a gig there.

On the other hand, I will have yet another gig on the 14th at Myx-a-Tune (Juan Luna St.) and it starts at 7:00 PM.

It’s Jay’s going away gig.

Phew.

Now, all I have to do is finish my Philosophy term papers and I’m done with this stupid semester.

Permalink | Comment (1)
Adventures Davao Local Music

The underground

October 3, 2006 – 6:47 PM

Over the week I’ve sat in conversations with my bandmates on stuff like how the Davao underground music scene is doing. Sad to say, the shape sounds pretty bad. It isn’t like last summer, when there were prime spots as to where underground bands could play, i.e. the now d’funked G Rock bar and Mastul. Seeing as both establishments closed down already, with Moonstomp as the only place condusive to the kind of music indie bands play (consider how the place can’t sufficiently accomodate the whole lot of a local indie crowd – which is pretty immense, mind you), then problems still pose itself for bands who want to come up with a successful gig. And by successful, the pre-requisites are pretty simple: We invest time and money over band practices just to get exposure and if possible enough money to buy booze to last the rest of the night.

Going along the vision to come up with a successful gig in spite of scarce incentives as well as problems on actually finding a venue, Davao indie productions Don’t Record Records and Red hat are teaming up for an Octoberfest gig. I say kudos to that, realizing how it’s hard enough to keep indie bands from staying together because of the lack of avenues and more so, making sure that the integrity of the kind of music they play do not sway to the masses or for venues that require underground bands to turn a leaf for the showbandish just so they can get a gig (i.e. Taboan or even San Miguel).

Reality tells us that Davao may have all the musical talent it requires to warm up a mature music scene, but there isn’t enough production force to keep the scene intact.

***

Listening to a lot of Jeff Buckley lately. Personally, my take on Jamie Cullum‘s jazz cover of Buckley’s Lover, you should have come over is more on the no no. Nothing can beat Buckley when he makes the most heartbreaking ballads I’ve ever heard. If you can call it a ballad.

Narda‘s out in Davao by the way. CDs are available in the nearest Oddysey record stores near you.

***

More announcements! I have gig with my band Tramonto at Myx-a-tune (Juan Luna St.) 7-ish up this October 14. Please support!

Permalink | Comments (2)
Dailies Foreign Local Music

Party punk

September 23, 2006 – 3:03 AM

I’ve never heard of Party Punk before I joined my new band. So there really is such a thing. I had my first gig with them last night at Frissan’s, which really isn’t saying much because I think I suck. Heh. Self-ridicule is the best promotion ever. I hope Davao hears more from Gravity 404.

So they say that stuff from The Strokes can count as party pank. What about The Breeders and Le Tigre? Isn’t that party-ish enough? I mean one thing I learned though, Party punk is really about simple sounding riffs (note the use of the word sounding), thick bass lines and crazy, crazy sonic guitars, perky, perky beats and definitely non-sappy lyrics at best. How do you qualify that? God knows. Musical classification has always been a fluid theory. You just can’t put your finger on it but it makes sense as soon as you hear the material and you know a little bit of context.

By the way, I ought to plug my friend’s band Narda. They just released their newest album Discotillion which will shortly be going out through the record stores near you. Maybe not too far from now, I’ll be selling some copies myself, if consignment issues push through hahaha. Anyway, they’re this cool retrosoundingpostpunkishgodknowswhat band, but seriously I’m not a reliable source of critique as of yet because 1.) I’ve only heard two songs from their entire album and 2.) one of the dudes from the band’s my friend and I owe him too many backhanded compliments to even have the gall to plug them here. Do correct me if I’ve misinterpreted anything. Tuggishk, for effect.

Will talk more later.

Permalink | Comments (2)
Adventures Dailies Davao Indie Local Music The "South"

Extra-planetary life action

September 10, 2006 – 10:05 PM

I almost forgot to mention about this new bar that opened up at McArthur Highway (right next to the old Petron gas station and in front of Ateneo high). It’s called Moonstomp and the place is very Mayrics-ish. I swear, I have found my Ibiza! It’s owned by one of the coolest people you notice around Davao city, if you get out enough.

Last night, they had party punk acts and some electronica. The only band whose name I caught was the one my friend Pink was with, Gravity 404. Loved their set (or at least half of it, because that was all I caught up with). In any case, it’s actually peculiar that I suddenly had the urge to text Jaenor (this guy who has been asking me to session for their band, who I’ve never met in my life) to ask if the offer was still up. And the next day he replied and told me that it was still open. The weirder part is, he was actually in Moonstomp the night I was there and he was with the band I just mentioned. Whoohoo. So at least I know I’m with the right people. (Smiles.) Can’t wait for Wednesday’s jam session.

I really want to start a shoegazer band, but I don’t think anyone’s in to that here. Which reminds me, I miss my bandmates! One’s in Cebu, another’s in US, and then another’s in Manila. Come on, give me a break kids. Davao’s the place to be at this point. We ought to warm up on the scene here.

Permalink | Comments (3)
Dailies Davao Local Music

Local scenery: Music Geek-Speak

August 30, 2006 – 9:05 AM

My apologies, my apologies! I haven’t updated in the longest time but you have to forgive me if I have to attend to the little people who amuse me outside this blogosphere. I was in Kadayawan last week having fun and was very, very busy getting – shall we say – intoxicated by the festival high. Of course, I watched Up Dharma Down up at Jack’s ridge, as if seeing them once wasn’t enough to make me happy. But I do say kudos to the opening acts, especially The Chicha Rones. They’re a bunch of kids from Ateneo de Davao. And hey, I’m plugging for the sake of plugging because they are pretty good. At this point though, I can only say that I’d love to see more originals from them.

And while I’m on that note, what is up with Go Larry Go lately? I haven’t seen them around, at least not as frequent as before. (PLUS, they ditched the UDD gig!) Way back, they did an opening act for Urbandub at Orange Grove which I felt was one of the best underground gigs that had ever taken place in Davao. I miss False Alarm, too. (Nax and his career, sheesh.) And where are you Nadine si Ate? To the vocalist: Bryan, is law school really sucking you in to that vortex of the serious?

I can’t put my finger on it but the rock scene in Davao is pretty immense if we give them enough credit. I’m reluctant to admit that Manila music is a valid subgenre given as to how it does have a distinct sound that just screams Manilacentricism. Because it makes me think: what about Davao music? Do we have a distinct voice to begin with? I just think Cynthia Alexander or Joey Ayala when I hear the word Davao and attach it to the whole music + geography idea. Inasmuch as there was an appreciable attempt from Eric Gancio to establish a community of Davao musical artists, I haven’t felt its waves yet. Show us some love people! Support the natives.

Kids, any gigs lately?

***

I’m re-appreciating the Cardigans.

If you want me, I’m your country. (From their 2003 album, Long Gone Before Daylight – You’re the storm)

Inter-racial much?

***

I’ll be leaving for Butuan this weekend, and I believe that’ll close the entire deal about my being busy. Afterwhich, perhaps I can shift my priorities to…say that band I was yapping about. I’m not sure if I still have his contact number.

But damn, my fingers are itchy.

Permalink | Comments (3)
Dailies Local Music Music Videos

Daring videos

August 11, 2006 – 10:41 PM

New stuff. Some Daring Vids I noticed: One by Sarah McLachlan. This $150,000 budget video, which incidentally cost $15 only. (Whereas the rest of the money went to charity.) Another by Alanis Morissette, a music video of her single “Crazy”, illustrating the neurotic nature of female same-sex relationships. (Ahem. Wow, I can only say kudos to what Brokeback Mountain did for the world.) Daring vids for today’s kids.

For the OPM scene, on the other hand, you have Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal on the same screen singing together. This could mean either a boost or a desication of their careers, my darlings. I used to be a big fan of the two and now that they’ve gone mainstream (not that there’s anything wrong with it, as long as you don’t purposefully alter what’s already good about your music), I think I’m slowly but surely losing my musical respect for them. Yes, I know they still have water tight arrangements but it all seems so contrived. You’ll see what I’m talking about if you’ll compare their songs back then and now. When Barbie was still with Hungry Young Poets and the earlier years of Barbie’s Cradle, she composed superb songs like Firewoman, Deep, Goodnight, Money for food, Dark and I’m lonely, Sleep…ack! So much more. Now what do you have? You have that smile, smile thing and that other song for Nescafe. See! I don’t even remember their friggin titles. As for Kitchie, she was so much better with Mojofly. Memorable tracks like Another day will never come out on another day seeing as how she runs the shows. Kitchie, can you make more songs like Run, pretty please? Please?

If you ask me what I think, I don’t like how the 2000 mainstream music scene is going. But we have got to mark this decade with something distinct aside from the dawn of such daring videos. One may have noticed that each decade had its own innovation. 70′s for funk and retro, 80′s for New wave, and then 90′s for pop as we know it, to name a few. Now we ought to ask: What is so different about the musical age of 2000? Is it a hodgepodge of musical genres evolved? Or is it a deconstruction of all of it? Worse: Could it be a desication of these genres? The way I see it, I’m more inclined to indie and older tunes since they’re more loyal to making music out of integrity not for popularity. As Gabriel Marcel would put it, we have to fear the day when opinions (especially those concerning the “palace of art”, and music in this sense) are easily swayed by popular vote.

I don’t know with you, reader. Do you ever see this happening?

Permalink | Comments (2)
Dailies Foreign Local Music

Goosefrabah.

July 20, 2006 – 9:55 AM

[photopress:byegallagher.jpg,full,alignleft]

I shouldn’t be lamenting over inanimate objects, but I do miss my guitar terribly. Gallagher, as I so fondly called it, was sold to a friend of mine in Manila last summer for reasons that are beggining to sound unreasonable. Now, I really can’t believe I actually let go of a black single-cutaway, ivory inlaid, Epiphone acoustic-electric guitar! Grr. Some musicians can be really stupid. (And yes, I’m basing my hasty generalization over what I just did, heh.) In fact, some musicians can’t play gigs without mindless intoxication (okay, this isn’t that bad) – and boy, do I digress. The point is, I’m one of those stupid musicians. Case closed. read more »

Permalink | Comments (10)
Dailies Local Movies Music

Sequestering what you deserve

July 16, 2006 – 7:32 PM

Two weeks ago, my friend Nate and I were bitching about the fact that Up Dharma Down didn’t get to play here in Davao. What’s the real story there, eh? Imagine two really excited music geeks, all dressed up for the occassion only to find a deserted autoshop. It doesn’t seem fair. Sure we didn’t pay for the tickets yet, but the point is, we actually went there. Some friends were complaining about it come Monday. One of them said that the sponsors back out on them. I don’t know how authentic that story is but if so, why the heck would the sponsors back out on them? It didn’t seem fair for a lot of us, and mind you, there were a lot of us.

Okay, I did get to see them when I was in Manila but like what I keep saying to people, there’s nothing like having it live. It’s like playing sports. You get all sweaty and energized that you come out of the gig jumpy or drained. Either way, it’s a good feeling.

So last week, I wallowed in self-pity by finally buying their album. I’m a bit partial to the tracks written in English, but songs like Pag-agos are too “involved” in my life to ignore. Heh. Next topic…

Disclaimer – Superman Spoilers: If Bryan Singer is as gay as they say he is, he probably worked too well with Brandon Routh. For me, Brandon plays Superman as an eye candy because that aside, we tend to raise some crucial questions about his heroic characterization, especially on this whole concept of being “man of steel” – which I incidentally, don’t get. Does it mean that if you’re a man of steal, so is your spandex costume? (You’ll realize that one of the most notable scenes from that movie is when Superman was being fired at by a gattling gun.) Why are there no holes on his costume after that? And why was it so easy to take it off when Superman was in the hospital? (The theory goes, there’s probably a zipper at the back.)

Singer hints to a sequel by introducing Superman’s son. To this, I can only say two things: 1.) He’s not too cute, and 2.) How did he happen? Let’s dwell on the second notion more since it calls for more immediate attention. Again, fans ask: How did Superman do it with Louis Lane? When I was in Manila, a friend posed a similar question: If Superman and Louis Lane made love, would it rip Louis Lane apart? It sounds plausible. To be a bit more imaginative about it, by the time Louis Lane’s “done”, Super’s probably looking back at her with a relaxed look. Then again, you’d have to consider the possibility that it takes a great amount of control for Superman to do his “normal” tasks, i.e. putting on his coat, hugging his mom or even, opening beer bottles. Perhaps, when they were making love he had taken the same conscious effort to keep that control. Ladies and gentlemen, this is where I insert my opinion that: if Superman can be as “normal” as he wants to be, and human beings transform into “monsters” when they make love; therefore, Superman tends to become a monster when he makes love. Yes, Louis Lane would have to be left in pieces by then.

Hands up, I loved that movie nontheless. How couldn’t you? Heroes were heroes, and villains were villains. It may not have Kevin Spacey’s oscar-winning performance in American Beauty but I still love the way he’s bratty in that movie. Parker Posey is read: snark shark. I love her. I really, really do. Kate Bosworth portrays a seemingly more pragmatic and more jaded Louis Lane. A lot of critics think it’s bad acting, I on the other hand say, in this case, bad acting works. She’s lousy and not too inclined to shrieking – isn’t that more realistic? (If I were Louis Lane at that stage, I’d probably think Superman was a jerk and would therefore start smoking.) And what about Routh? Brandon, Brandon Routh. I’ll burn our house down and slaughter an elephant just so he would save me. Whoops, Calamity.

I deserve entertainment, people.

Permalink | Comments (16)

« Previous Page

« Previous Page