By Valerie Tort
Philippine indie bands—the buzzword for teens, music lovers, and local artists. Independent bands (a.k.a. indie bands) gained its popularity from contests like Redhorse Muziklaban, college battle of the bands, and so on.
The rise of Philippine indie bands became a major trend last year due to continuous advertisements of contests and major gigs nationwide. Its popularity soaring until this year, more and more music lovers teamed-up to produce their own music suited for their teen-and-yuppy audiences. The love and appreciation for music together with their unending passion gave birth to the so-called indie bands of the Philippines.
Some of the Philippine indie bands hitting the bars and gimmick places were Collieherb, Rubadub, Reggae Mistress, Starfish Freedom, Coffeebreak Island, Maple Syrup, Hampaslupa, Bahaghari, Hemp Republic, Milagros Dancehal Collective, Pancakes and many others.
The band members produced their own music by composing the lyrics and strummed their guitars and hit their drums over and over to create the perfect rhythm they ought to jive with their local audiences. They must create interest to the audiences to promote their own music.
Jeepney Joyride rocked the music scene in 1999 when they won the Redhorse Muziklaban. They continued joining contests like the Yamaha Band Alert in 2000, and the Global Battle of the Bands in 2005. Much recognition was given to them by NU 107 when the indie band Jeepney Joyride was nominated for the Best Album Cover in 2004 NU Rock Awards.
They received much airtime for playing their songs in NU107 titled Kape, Lihim, and Jeepney Joyride. Inspirations for their songs were acquired from Tom Jones, The Dawn, The Beatles, and Sharon Cuneta according to the band members Norman Bernardo (vocals), Ruel Maderazo (drums), Christian Salunga (guitar), Botchok Almoquera (bass), and Daboy Valerio (percussion).
Themes of their songs ranged from the universal friendship, love and even reform. This alternative band compared their songs to a jeepney—anyone rode to this vehicle to bring them to a loud and merry atmosphere ahead of the passengers. The jeepney illustrated all walks of life speaking from their hearts while they cherished every moment another person became a part of their life through the jeepney. Their songs convey the Filipino traits and characteristics based on experiences in real life. All in all, anyone can relate to their piece of music.
Another indie band that hit the music industry was Hemp Republic. Their band name was inspired by our very own Manila Hemp or Abaca. The qualities of abaca can best describe the relationship of the band members to each other and to their audiences—strong bonding, flexibility, and durability. These were the traits they wanted to inscribe to the hearts of the Filipinos and tourists as well. The nationalism can be seen by using abaca as their band name, therefore promoting the beauty of the Philippines as well.
Tonton Hatol (lead of the band), Bunny Liwanag (vocals), Mabs Tolentino (bass), Al Sese (drums), and Mags Gahol (rhythm) formed the band in the year 2000 while studying in UP Los Baños. Brought together by their deep passion and love for music, they survived all the hardships and trials and became one of the sought-after reggae bands to date. Al Sese lately became a part of Milagros Dancehall Collective.
Famous for their songs Sabihin Mo and Fireflies, the upbeat music became steady in the local music arena. They were booked at Xaymaca and Mayrics every Fridays and Saturdays since 2001.
Their songs’ theme varied from social issues to political issues. Upbeat music mixed with funky attitude and fused with enthusiasm in playing their music, Hemp Republic will stay in the music scene rock steady.
Rubadub became a part of the reggae music industry since October 2005. Jerick Rason, the bass player of the band, narrated the band’s influences in their music. Bob Marley, Eraserheads, VST and CO., Cypress Hill, No Doubt, and Sublime were some of their inspirations for their indie band. Other band members were Perts (vocals), Borge (drums), Bennie (percussions), Eurie (guitar), Topas (keyboards), and Gory (sound technician).
Sleepyheads started in Trinity College way back 2000. Members Jayvee del Rosario (drums/vocals), Erick Encinares (bass), BJ Esber (guitar), and Marvin (guitar) made its way to the local music scene with the help of Velvet Underground and The Modern Lovers as their influences. Because of hardworking members and honing their talents daily, they got a regular gig at Mayric’s every third Saturday of the month.
The band members confessed that when they started recording, the album is up for grabs for only 30PHP. Original compositions such as I’m Not Good Enough and Stuck Permanently In My Head were included in their album.
Bad boys of dancehall as they called themselves, Milagros Dancehall Collective belonged to the reggae indie bands proliferated back in 2003. Some of them were members of the original Brownman Revival (Mike, Vince, Sappy, Caloy, and Robbie). The remaining two band members Caio and Al were a part of Hemp Republic before joining Milagros Dancehall Collective. Tracks to be included in their soon to be released album are called Sunscreen and Milagros Dance. They made the lyrics of their music based on urban living—how people get through the city life. Their hiphop and guitar style of music can still be classified as reggae because of the Jamaican island mood it made.
“We chose to play reggae music to spread love and peace since we believe that songs are the easiest way to spread the message,” the band, meanwhile, Collieherb expressed. In 2001, Collieherb started like the other bands but shook off the stereotype “another band making money.” Members Martin Alvarez, Kim Castillo, Noli Arbolleda, Mckie Alvarez, Aaron Acay, Jr Ibañez, Emer Sulit, and Buboy Hadlocon crossed each other’s life and became the official band associates. They came from different universities and environment but they have the same ideals—love and peace. That mixture made Colliherb a hit in the reggae industry.
Every music lover has their own inspiration. These rising Philippine indie bands created their own history with the help of their hunger for music. For sure, they would be the next influences in the music industry.
About Gerry D: .
May 15th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I need to hire a reggae music band in my bar in China. Please contact me . qsl35@163.com
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:38 pm
this article is a big help for my thesis regarding indie bands!! i hope there are more articles like this!
September 26th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
hi…..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
can I ride?????