By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle
One solid teamwork and sure-fire aspiration geared Zamboanga’s pride, Frio band. From small campus gigs to joining various competitions, the league of eight men (and a gal) enters Pinoy mainstream music with their self-titled album under Alpha Music.
Band members Alain Echem (vocals), Christopher Sison (vocals), Sheila Taup (vocals), Archie Lim (lead guitar), Christian Quiambao (rhythm guitar), Tristan Climaco (keyboards), Raz Itum (bass) and Marvin Salazar (drums) disclosed to Tugtog.com all about their band and album in this exclusive interview.
What’s the story behind the name, Frio?
FRIO is a Chavacano word, which means “cold”. Though the band is never cold in its approach, the word FRIO is easy to recall and tells the people where the band came from.
What is the advantage of having three vocalists?
Alain renders more ballad and love songs; Shiela can do the high pitch; and Christopher is more on alternative and rock music. We fuse these three talents into a single rendition, thereby having a unique approach in our repertoire. Having three vocalists means having more opportunity to “play” different songs and the repertoire. We even released a duet-single entitled “Hiling”, which is included in ABS CBN’s “Sana Maulit Muli” Soundtrack Compilation.
What do you think was the turning point of your career?
Aside from the warm welcome by the people, we were also nominated as a breakthrough artist for 2006 in SOP Music Awards, and (our song) “Alive” landed on top spots of radio and TV countdowns. This means a lot to us, not just for taking it to a higher level, but by realizing that we’re beginning to have significant responsibilities as artists. This is what motivates us to become better artists, as well as individuals.
Any singing regimen, principles or rules you follow as a band?
We follow a “Band First Policy”, in which all matters that concern the band must be prioritized. The vocalists, as well as the rhythm section must always be fit to perform, thus, always having vocalization exercises and three times a week rehearsals No one smokes in the band and drinking, too, is occasional.
We live together in a condo unit and each one is assigned with specific roles. All itineraries must be reported to the band leader. We don’t believe in sheer luck. We always pray as a group before every performance. We perform for the people more than for ourselves.
Tell us about your debut album. What were your expectations while recording the album?
It is our first time to record an album, and also a “first” from a Zamboangueño band. It is just overwhelming for us because we received a very warm reaction from the listeners and those who believe in our music. We have always created a working atmosphere on-and-off studio, and we didn’t expect a lot, we just made sure that we give out our best during recording sessions.
“Alive” is a hit in numerous charts, why do you think it did very well? .
In our opinion, Alive was a hit song because it was really done by the heart, and it struck those who believe in its message.
Any other song special to you from you album?
Other songs in the album that are special to us are Breathe (our first-ever composed single), Himig (composed in just 30 minutes) and E (a melancholic alternative song with a very unusual arrangement – and title).
Who are your most admired artists and why?
We have always admired Filipino artists more than the foreign ones. Bands like Eraserheads, Rivermaya and a whole lot more. Single artists like Gary V, Mike Hanopol and those who endured and made a mark in the music industry also motivated us to aim the same. In the international scene, we admire The Beatles for their sheer creativity, and U2 for their lasting friendship.
What do you think is the status of the Philippine Music Industry?
In our opinion, the Philippine Music Industry is not as “rich and prominent” as it was before, mainly because of piracy. But we’re very much happy to be part of the music scene not because of gold and glory, but because we are able to contribute music to the industry.
What is your message to all your supporters?
We are now about to release more singles, and also produce songs for the second album. We hope and pray for them to always keep the faith. We would like to thank our supporters for believing in us and our music - without them, it would have been very hard to be where we are right now.
Listen and be enthralled with the music of Frio as they sing songs from the album such as “Nasan Ka Na,” “E,” “Himig,” “Breathe,” “Parapa,” “Baby,” “Could Have Been,” “Let Him Go” and “Why.”
Photo courtesy of Ms. Dearly S. Ganaden of Alpha Music
Tags: Frio Band, Filipino Pinoy Bands, Philippine Music Industry, Philippine Music News
Romawac broods, Chavi and Hannah, are the pioneers of the band. At first they worked separately as solo artists but later on found themselves collaborating with each other and with their younger brother and friends.
