Philippine Music bits on Pinoy bands and singers

Karaoke lovers rejoice. This is your turn to step out of the house (to the relief of your house mates) and into the world (haha)!
Why, there is a search for two karaoke singing masters (1 male, 1 female) who will compete and represent the Philippines in the Karaoke World Championships in Lahti, Finland this coming October 23 to October 26, 2008.

The search for Philippine representative to Karaoke World Championships will conduct its elimination rounds on September 20 (SM Southmall) and September 21 (Shangrila Mall), and then the grand finals on September 25 (SM Mall of Asia).

The Philippine Madrigal Singers may have talents (who are not professional recording artists), who might want to participate in the competition, and perhaps you could share this invitation with them.

For more information about the Karaoke World Championships at http://www.kwc.fi or at http://kwcph.blogspot.com/

Shop Karaoke music products at Song Parade.

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Many Filipino artists doing well in the international scene serve as encouragement and good example for many aspiring Pinoy performers. One of them is the former child star Billy Crawford.

His fame and fortune in Europe did not, of course, happened in a blink of an eye. The ex �That�s Entertainment�s member worked hard to break through in his chosen field.

�We�re not the most popular race in the world pero when you penetrate it, it�s a relief and it adds that you have to work harder.�

Billy shared that he didn�t initially plan to enter in overseas� entertainment industry. He left his promising career in the Philippines just to be with his family when he was 11 years old.

�Umalis ako to see my Dad kasama si Mommy, hindi ko naisip na papasok ulit ako sa showbiz kasi nung nawala ako nahirapan din ako. Maiiwan ko ang mga kaibigan ko sa showbiz and I�ll miss performing.�

Boredom was what pushed the young performer to join in a big competition held in Dallas, Texas. Battling with various individuals ranging from six to 40 years old, Billy didn�t only win the overall champion title but also the heart of a judge who was actually a talent manager in New York.

�I joined to be on stage not to have a record deal, hindi naman ako naghahanap ng manager or anything.�

Since then the 25 year-old-lad’s singing career was reactivated. He had many famous singles but his key hit in Europe was the song �Trackin.� It sold 750,000 copies and was certified platinum. The song was a chart-topper in France, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany. His other popular danceable ditties are �Bright Lights� and �Steamy Nights�.

�It (Trackin) was surprising because it wasn�t my favorite. The first time kong narinig sa Europe na nasa radio, wow! Okay I�m performing, it was a great experience.�

In 2003, Billy hailed as International Male Artist of the Year of NRJ Music Awards in Cannes France, beating Robbie Williams, Eminem and Will Smith.

Currently, Billy is back in the country to stage his concert at the Big dome on October 6. He is also hosting M.O.V.E, a reality based dancers search show on GMA 7.

�Ginagawa naming iyong TV Show para isama naming iyong six na mananalo sa concert.�

On the other hand, the singer who starred in �Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist� doesn�t want to give details yet of his upcoming concert as the things is still in progress and to surprise his fans as well.

�I hope you�ll enjoy it. It�s gonna be a lot of fun, that�s one thing.�

Billy is concentrating on his next album �STATUS,� where he collaborated with a new promising artist in America, R&B musician INOJ and Philippines R&B prince Jay-R.

�The album has new songs, more urban with R & B feel and there�s also pop and funk. It�s a high energy album pa rin na full of danceable songs.�

Billy humbly impart that the best trainings he learned came from the Philippines, meaning his excellent dance prowess and singing style.

�If you�re really smart to pursue a career, you�ll take it from the best. Growing up seeing Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, Pops Fernandez, Regine (Velasquez), Jaya and all other performers, you�ll start to learn from them and doon ka matututo.�

�Everybody is on their own in this business so you have to work hard.�

Ecstatic to the his countrymen�s continuous support, Billy feels that despite his long absence the reception of his local audience is getting better and better.

�Every time na bumabalik ako dito, there�s still energy na hindi ko talaga maintindihan pero they�re always there to support me and I really thank God for that.�

With all his success, Billy Crawform never fails to fondly look back at his first home. The former child star who became an international artist is really proud being a Filipino and wants to inspire his kababayan to dream big.

Tags: Billy Crawford, Philippine Music News

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Not many people are aware of her name but think Moonstar88 and you come up with the name of Acel Bisa Van Ommen, who, together with her band, immortalized the sounds of �Panalangin�, �Sulat,� �Sa Langit,� and of course, �Torete.�

These times, Moonstar88 had ceased to be in the music scene but Acel�s comeback is just getting off the ground. After a long hiatus from the sound stage, Acel is back with a different tune, a different sound and a different melody to her music.

From the edgy and rock music of Moonstar88, Acel has evolved to the type of songs which would soothe and comfort anyone�s heart, owing it to her angelic and soothing voice.

And this time the package is entirely different. The songs, available through Star Records, are individually available in digital format within the year and this is a first for any artist of any kind. Each song is also downloadable and is available for 12 pesos each! Among Acel�s favorite songs in the album are �Pakiusap� and �Laugh and Cry.�

The journey to this stage of her life hasn�t been rosy for Acel. After stepping off the limelight in 2004, Acel has been anxious about several things in her life such as her impending marriage. She was also trying to seek for direction and guidance in her life.

After working temporarily as an administrator at LMP Music, a production company headed by a close friend, the passion in music still fires up within her. She was still able to make songs in those six months she had worked there and whenever she had the time, she would perform for special occasions in front of a live audience.

The heart of music, she claims, is in her audience that cheers for her, and she truly misses performing in front of them. When she realized that she wanted to continue the dream that she left behind, she resigned as administrator and concentrated again on her music.

It was in 2006 when the same recording company brought her back, and immediately placed her on the public interest�s eye again. But this time, her sense and style in music became different. She became keen on giving her crowd the music of her life � the mellow and soothing sounds that was a far cry from the Acel everyone used to know.

After everything that has happened to her life, Acel devotes her music to something close to her heart. The lyrics talk about hope, love and the inner fire that keeps on burning despite certain obstacles and fears.

For more information on Acel Bisa Van Ommen and her music, you can check out her website. You can also check out her songs and download them for free via her built-in player to the website, dutifully designed by her husband Danny van Ommen.

Tags: Moonstar 88, Acel Bisa

By Love Dela Cruz

For all you rock aficionados out there, you very well know that rock has no limits, boundaries or social class. Brace yourself and meet the band that�s been unifying the rich and the poor with their tasteful music and original style– Subscapular.

This Indie band has been together since 2001. �We started way back in high school,� lead guitarist Randy Gatbontonshares. This former Christian band got their name from the scapular, which is a religious necklace. �Pag sinuot mo kasi yung scapular nire-represent mo yung paniniwala mo, ganoon din yung gusto naming mangyari.”

Like other bands, the guys of Subscapular wanted to share their amazing music to the rest of the world and like any other band they weren�t able to retain their original lineup, �Nawalan kami ng drummer kinuha namin si Sam,� who also happens to be the brother of their bassist Elias Saludsong.

The band started out in the underground scene, playing in Saguijo, Mayricks and Freedom Bar. According to their band manager Aspen Sanez, the band�s turning point was when they performed in a gig at Music Museum two years ago, �That was the point where we realized that we could make something out of this, period!�

It was also that same night the band met their manager, �Nung nandoon na si Aspen, doon naming naisip na magseryoso na talaga, saka nagging tight kami dahil kay Aspen,� adds Elias who plays bass.

The Subscapular Sound

Their musical style is defined as experimental but their lyrics is emo, and their manager affirms this, �When you listen to their music it�s not really emo. The lyrics is emo pero yung music is experimental.� With influences like pop, metal and progressive rock Rod Tolentino, the bands vocalist, injects they also admire–�Sa guitar, Lenny Kravitz.�

Despite their diverse influences the band managed to cook up a musical style they all agree on. Randy explains that they value each other and tries to help one another, whether it is the technical or lyrical aspect of a song, �Parang anung bang maganda dito (lyrics), tapos mag add na kaming lahat.�

On a different perspective Aspen notes that, �They have their influences and it really shows how these influences all adds up to the rhythm and the credibility of the band.�

The band is releasing their first album called Telefiction under Kerplunk records, �Ok lahat ng kanta namin, magiging ok sila makaka relate sila sa buhay namin.� Elias also adds that through this album, their fans can really see who they really are, no inhibitions or pretensions just pure raw emotions served with great music.

Be sure to watch out for these guys, for more information about Subscapular visit their my space account.

Tags: Subscapular, Filipino Bands, Philippine Music Industry, Philippine Music News

By: Love Dela Cruz

It was a rainy Saturday on June 23, 2007 as one hundred and fifty plus bands played simultaneously for the Fete-De la-Musique event in Malate, Manila. This collision of music genre is an event sponsored by the French consulate.

The Fete-De la-Musique originated from the luscious scenery of France, it started out with bands playing concurrently in different stages and giving the fans the ultimate night of their lives. Soon more and more countries joined in the craze and now the Fete-De la-Musique is the most anticipated music extravaganza that can rock an entire nation.

The roads were blocked, as four separate stages took over the small gimikan place of Malate in Manila. Despite the bad weather that took upon the participants, it was astounding to see that everyone was still having fun.

My first stop was the reggae stage; I caught people dancing with and without any umbrellas proving Mother Nature that the youth of today are even more rebellious than before.

To make it more visual here�s the list of performers who were rocking the stages that night, In Nakpil Cor. Ma. Orosa St, we had the World, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Reggae & Ska slash Electronica Stage which was graced by bands like Peryodiko, Taken By Cars, Daydream Cycle, Drip, Makatha, Cosmic Love, Switch, Salindiwa, Milagros Dancehall Collective, The Chongkeys, The Rinka Collective, Bagetsafonik, Paramita, 4mh, Jeepney Joyride, Blue Rats, The Spaceflower Show, Jerome Rico, Sound, Wahijuara, Brass Munky, Bembol Rockers, Coffee Break Island, Swissy, Outerhope, Ang Bandang Shirley, Blazing Bulalakaw, Juan Pablo Dream, Musical Orgasm, Pinikpikan, Spy, Skabeche, Johnny Alegre Affinity and the now making a noise band Sino Sikat?

On the other side of the street where Adriatico St. Cor. Nakpil we find the Hip-Hop and R&B Stage, now this is where I saw how the pinoy hip-hop community was afraid of some rain and wasn�t able to show the fellas on stage the lovin the deserve. The hip-hop artist performing that nigh were Sinag and God�s Will, Nimbusnine, Krazykyle, Slick n Sly Kane with Mista Blaze, Corporate Lo-Fi, Audible, Syke, Pamilia Dimagiba, Chilitees, Out of Body Special, Mobbstarr, Jay Flava, Hi-C, Miscellaneous, Stick Figgaz, The Expansion Team, Urban Outlaws, Artstrong, Dash and Esp, Monique with Metagrove, Ill-J, 2tay, People�s Future, Flipballaz, Aero, Ampon, Los Indios Bravoz, Diwata, Mike�s Apartment, Dcoy+The Franchize and Sunny Blaze, Nathan J, Circulo Pugantes, Mhcrew and Audible.

After moving and grooving to the beat of some gangsta music leds head over to the wet streets of Plaza Rajah Sulayman, Roxas Boulevard where the Universal or the Main Stage is located. Here we saw mainstream acts such as Orange and Lemons, Stonefree, Salamin, Cynthia Alexander, Radioactive Sago Project, Up Dharma Down, Mayonnaise, The Dawn, Alibata, Mojolfy, Wake Up Your Seatmate, Snakecharmer, Lala, Kadangyan, Slapshock, The Bloomfields and Erskin. Talk about big shot names, this stage was THE stage.

But let�s not forget what most of these kids were here for. If you like wearing black shirts, Chuck Taylors, skinny jeans (and you�re a guy) and you love the sound the banging and slamming of the drums, well this stage was meant for you.

Located at the Remedios Circle, Remedios St. Cor. Adriatico, is the Rock Stage. This was the box-office stage in the event, here bands like hicosci, Sin, Badburn, Moyg, Intolerant, Hampaslupa, Boy Elroy, Hilera, Greyhoundz, Cog, Valley of Chrome, Kapatid, Join the Club, Resurrected, Typecast, The Ambassadors, Check, Analog, End of Man, Mortal Fear, El Mercurio, Pin Up Girls, Ducks Entertainment, The Wuds, Vox de Murk, Redd Boy, Eternal Now, Severo, Effinboiche, Reklamo, Dirty Stone Yard, Giniling Festival, April Morning Skies, Subscapular and the band formerly known as Cheese now Queso, was playing like there was no rain and tomorrow.

The fans were bumping and maiking their own small moshpits, awaiting the jump of the lead singers.

Despite the harsh weather the Fete-De La-Musique was a success. This sentiment can be shared by those die hard music lovers out there who would endure anything just to listen to great and free music, let�s not forget cheap booze.

Tags: Manila Fete de la Musique, Philippine Music News, Pinoy Bands

by Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

After two years of absence in from the music scene, reigning Pop Sweetheart Yasmien Kurdi comes back with her latest album under GMA Records. Titled Love Is All I Need, Yasmien not only showcased her powerful vocals but her songwriting skills as well.

Her composition, �Love Is All I Need� is the carrier single of the album. She shared that inspiration for the song came during the taping of her fantasy series �Encantadia�, where she spent her free time mostly daydreaming under the trees.

Yasmien is very proud of her new album because she was really involved in the production.

�Ipinagmamalaki ko po talaga ang album na ito. �Di ba may demo song pa iyan, doon pa lang humihirit na ako na, “Kuya hindi iyan.”

The young singer-actress said that she even debated for the songs that would be included in the album. There were even spilled over tracks meant for her debut album but because of her age at that time, the songs didn�t fit to her image.

�Iyong ibang songs ko ngayon ay mga tracks sa first album na hindi ko makanta noong time na iyon. Kasi hindi ko pa kaya at hindi pa ako maka-relate.�

The track �Hayaan Mo Na� is a creation of Sandwich band members � Mong Alcaraz and Mike Dizon. The two men also joined Alwyn Cruz and Rene Salta in producing the album.

Yasmien revived �Kisapmata� of Rivermaya, which is already penetrating the airwaves. Her version is not so far from Bamboo�s interpretation except of course, she has own singing style. Her another remake is the song �Goodbye.�

�Medyo naiiba siya, I mean ibang sound naman for Yasmien, it’s technologically advanced,� Yasmien now describing her song, �Candlelight Romance.�

The song is a danceable tune powered by electronical tricks that made the song more enchanting, just like what foreign artists like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguillera like to dish out.

�Give Me A Sign,� �Wishing Well�, and �One Day� are songs that revealed this star’s deepest thoughts and aspirations.

The sweet and youthful Yasmien is noticeable in the two cuts �Even If� and �Take Or Leave It.� The latter is similar to her signature ditty, �I Know.� �I Know� was the theme song of Korean series �Sweet 18� aired by GMA 7 before.

�Gusto kong ma-spread out iyong music ko. Sana iyong essence noong mga songs sa album ay ma-enjoy ng mga listeners.�

Yasmien is the lead star of afternoon soap opera, �Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso,� opposite new actor JC de Vera. Apart from it, she�s a regular performer on the Sunday musical program SOP. She was able to record her album in between these regular gigs and other TV guestings.

�Kunwari kapag taping pull �out. Kapag break time, aalis muna ako to record. Alis-balik ganoon.�

�Love Is All I Need �, Yasmien Kurdi’s second album is released by GMA Records and distributed by Paragon Music Corporation and Universal Records.

Tags: Yasmien Kurdi, Starstruck, GMA Artists, Philippine Entertainment News

By Valerie Tort

From a hopeful musician to a successful recording artist�stepping out of the Pinoy Dream Academy opened a new door for Chad Peralta in the Philippine music industry.

After several weeks of romping each day and night inside the academy, Nugen Music decided to record and release an album for Chad Peralta.

Pop alternative and pop rock patrons will surely enjoy Chad Peralta�s new songs that will touch your heart while feeling a little bit reflective and at the same time reminiscent of their �puppy love� or �one true love.� The 21-year-old singer and songwriter brought back our memories of romantic love songs that touched even our soul with an upbeat rhythm of the pop alternative genre full of emotions.

Chad Peralta graduated from the reality-based music academy armed with the cultivated talent and the enhanced voice brought by the training and the experience inside the televised school. Pinoy Dream Academy trained numerous scholars from around the globe to fulfill their dream of becoming one of the most sought-after singers in the Philippine music scene. Chad is one of the dreamers who finally made it to the top six scholars with Panky Trinidad, Irish Fullerton, Jay-R Siaboc, Ronnie Liang, and the Grand Star Dreamer Yeng Constantino.

Chad�s self-titled debut album was released this month under Nugen Music. His inclination for pop alternative genre helped him to release this debut album featuring 11 songs: Promise, Song For You, Time Machine, My Eyes Adored You, Kasalanan, Where Do I Begin?, Realist, I�ll Do Anything For You, Kung Pwede Lang Sana, I Don�t Know, and the acoustic version of Song For You.

The Australian-born Chad was able to showcase his pop rock and pop alternative genre while preserving the mood of the songs. Hearing his songs made me remind of Evanescence�the gothic rock style that kept haunting your emotions each time and the beat and the sorrow, nostalgic feeling in every word sung.

Fans of Chad can hear his unexpected performance and outstanding talent that can compete with other established and long-time performers. The energetic and powerful voice will drown devout fans with emotions.

The carrier single �Song For You� is dedicated for heartbroken people who still loved his special someone even if they ended up separated. The love will still remain just like before, with the longing and sadness endured through time.

�My Eyes Adored You� reminisced the times he spent with his special someone. The kindergarten romance continued to creep in his mind even if the endless years passed. No matter what their distance is, his only love will remain in his heart�so near yet so far.

His tremendous efforts and hard work inside the academy paid off when his debut album was released. A true blue romantic Pinoy at heart, Chad Peralta is a world-class performer that will serenade us in a peculiar way as the contemporary pop music sets in his songs.

Tags: Chad Peralta, Pinoy Dream Academy, Philippine Music News