No death for Death Threat

Like I said in my Independence Day post, I met an original member of the rap group Death Threat – responsible for the cult favorite “Gusto kong bumaet,” and, all together now, “Pero ‘di ko magawa!” We got to talking with me mostly asking questions about the local hip-hop scene. First and foremost, Death Threat is set to release a new album this year. My friend, by the way, is no longer with the group.

Realizations on new artists and the scene

So I was draining whatever knowledge of hip-hop I had just to muster up a good conversation. I dropped some names, mostly of new rap artists I hear from friends and various sources. I kept remembering Gagong Rapper. Apparently, Gagong Rapper is the equivalent of a 6 Cycle Mind in the band scene. If you don’t get what I mean, I envy you. Salbakuta, probably comparable to Cueshe.

In the world of rap, Francis M is still God. There’s no denying how much respect each and every artist after him has. Andrew E is a different story. Remember that both of them are producers and most of Death Threat dude’s point of view were in those terms (producing).

Masta Plann, Sun Valley Crew, Seven Shots of Wisdom, all of those are respectable. Then I remembered someone after hearing Seven Shots – Artstrong. He claims that Artstrong is the epitome of hip-hop here in the Philippines, that he has the four elements of hip-hop. Of course I didn’t what those were, I just found out now – MCing, DJing, Grafitti Art, Breaking. Beat-boxing is considered the fifth. Then another great talent he mentioned – Pikasso.

Then there was that incident during Black Eyed Peas’ concert. He claims that they got into a small tussle with the group because when they were looking for a front act for their concert, they wanted the act to rap in English. Of course, being a fellow Filipino, they thought Apl de Ap would understand how they insisted the rappers perform in Filipino. Something like that, I don’t really know what happened.

Just to add though, I am not really aware of the local hip-hop scene but I listen to hip-hop just like anything else. In fact, if not rock, the direction of my taste in music would go that way. I feel though that today, the local scene is as underground as it could get. In my lyrics site, all I see are Mike Kosa stuff, then to top it off, the commenters act all “gangsta” and shit and bash away like they’re from opposite ends of the coast.

The last of Rico Blanco

In Rivermaya, or, “Rico Blanco leaves Rivermaya”

Shocking. Common sense tells us that Rivermaya cannot and will not exist without Rico Blanco. Information came from The Dawn’s mailing list. Francis Brew (The Dawn’s guitarist) sent a text message to JB Leonor (The Dawn’s drummer) – which he posted to the mailing list, that said: “Confirmed! It’s Rivermaya’s last gig!!! They’re breaking up!” Here’s the link, but you must be registered. Then we can see that it has been confirmed because of this article from Indie Culture Online.

At least two things will surely happen – Rico Blanco will go solo and, Rivermaya will launch a reality-tv search for the next Rivermaya frontman, and main composer, and guitarist, and keyboardist, and band leader.

Saguijo has set the standard

By which all gig bars should be judged. Saguijo Cafe + Bar, located sa Guijo street, Makati, is an institution for musicians, artists, bands, and fans. The place is surprisingly small – standing room at 200, and remniscient of a well-decorated house. The place in fact, is in a sort of residential area. What makes this bar special is it added class to what the likes of Mayric’s, Freedom Bar, 70’s Bistro, etcetera started. The place has it’s own regulars, and people will come whoever it is scheduled to play.

For the fans

Cover charge ranges from 100-150 depending on the bands and/or the production – usually consumable for 1 drink. San Mig Light at Php 50, Red Horse at Php 40. Food/pulutan from 150 up. Band schedule always updated and available online here. If you are planning to watch the likes of Up Dharma Down and Urbandub, make sure to go really early and have a high tolerance for heat.

For the musicians

I’m sure you already know what’s in store. Drums are fairly well taken care of, Marshall Valvestate and Peavey Bandit Transtube for guitars (I miss the tube Fender), Ampeg bass amplifier. Sound tech always present. Gate-sharing for in-house productions with free drink stubs (at least).

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Inihaw Republic is now Route 196

Inihaw Republic, that cool gig place slash restaurant slash bar along Katipunan Avenue is now called Route 196. Their slogan: “All roads lead to Route 196.” And in their logo: Route 196: music, art, resto, bar. I’m not really sure if the ownership changed but I can’t seem to find anything wrong with the old management. They have a Multiply site, check it out. Check out my photos of the place as well. And, if you haven’t already done so, visit the place. It’s nice. I should get paid for this.

Pulp Summer Slam 2007

Seven Deadly Sins

April 28, 2007, Saturday at the Amoranto Stadium. Gates open at 1 p.m., tickets available at all Odyssey & Ticketnet outlets for only Php 220. Comes with a free Red Horse beer, Smart Buddy Php 30 load, Pizza Hut pizza, a bottle of Pepsi, one piece Ohm product and a Php 50 discount on Summer Slam 7 shirts by Tribal Gear.

Featuring

Death Angel. 10th year anniversary of Queso, Greyhoundz and Slapshock. And Hilera, Angula, Spoon, Rocksteddy, Spaceflower, Stonefree, Moonstar 88, Hardboiledeggz, Switch, Salamin, Bloodshed, Faspitch, Death by Stereo, Pedicab, Bamboo, 6 Cyclemind, Sandwich, Itchyworms, Chicosci, Cog, Callalily, Sin, Plane Divides the Sky, Kamikazee, Love Me Butch, Typecast and Orange and Lemons.

Apparently, Wolfgang did not disband

And they are currently recording a studio album, and, four demo tracks entitled “Deathsquad,” “Diaspora,” “Enemy,” and “John of the Cross” are available for download at Php 50 each from Yahoo Philippines’ mobile music portal. Now that’s a wap site so no use linking that here and man, those song titles really sound Wolfgangish. PhilMusic.com claims that some of those songs were already played in their “Alive 2007” reunion concert last January. Basti, Manuel Legarda and Mon Legaspi are recording from three different countries by exchanging files over the internet; Wolf however, still busy with Lokomotiv, is out. In other words, my dream Wolfgang – one without Wolf.

Wolfang never did break up.” “It was not something where we were like, ‘alright guys that’s it – we’ve done all we can, it’s time to shut the door and move on.’ It was just circumstances that worked out in such a way that we went our diferent paths. But we always left the door open that if ever the opportunity arose that we could get some work together, then sure why not?” – Basti Artadi in his downloadable audio interview.

6 Underground goes down

Inevitable demise 

6 Underground is finally giving up. On April 13, Friday, they will hold their last gig. Read more of it here. I’m actually surprised it took this long. For the longest time, 6 Underground has been unable to pack a loyal crowd. Weekends, big-named bands, events, and still, unnoccupied seats. The place is nice, the location is good, the prices are reasonable, the equipment is ok, I find it really hard to comprehend. We’ve been playing there regularly, and I never stopped thinking when I’m there that it would close soon. I even posted this photo linked to a text that said 6 Underground is really, really going down. What’s more surprising is that in the same street, Gweilo’s and Bistro 110 is always full to the brim; and both bars offer live music. Heck, even Mini Stop has more people; although I guess we’re partly responsible for that because that’s where we buy the cheaper beer.

Well that’s one less bar na “malapit” for bands to play. Just sad. Gig bars can’t seem to match Saguijo’s success and loyal followers. They were hot when they started, especially in the time of Binx Figueroa as booker, but it didn’t last long. At one time they even had a rehersal studio up front; and who could forget the time when the band was only televised from the studio to a big screen on stage.

Personal memories

Played, went home, only to find out I left my guitar in the band room. Good thing it was still there when I called a friend who lives nearby. One of my guitar pedals was stolen, Boss Super Chorus; left my pedal board in the band room and when I returned it was already opened and missing a pedal. My first daily-radio-announced gig for NU 107’s In The Raw, In The Flesh gig with Chubibo and Pedicab. Our supposedly “last gig,” and finally, my first picture with Judy Ann Santos (will upload picture soon).

NOFX visits the Philippines

April 19, 2007 update

I just came from the concert. It started really late at around 9:30, it was scheduled for 8:00. The Amoranto theater was more than adequate for the event. There weren’t too many people in my opinion. The size of the place reminds me of the Le Pavillion tent where P.O.D. played some 5 years ago. Urbandub opened with four songs followed by Faspitch and The Ambassadors, which I was told was lacking their original vocalist. King Ly Chee followed the Cebu bands. Apparently, King Ly Chee has a female vocalist who sports a mohawk; she looked really tough, and probably the best female growler I’ve heard. The guitarist, who was obviously the band leader, was sort of Indian-Pakistaniish. NOFX, of course, closed the show with around 8-10 songs. I guess their songs were ok; other than that, Fat Mike who is already 40 years old loves vodka and preach atheism.

What else. Well there were two free cups of Red Horse Beer, there were free posters of Urbandub and NOFX as well as a free cd sampler from Lighter Records which had all the 5 bands (I’ve yet to listen to it). And now for the celebrity sightings. First and foremost, Yasmien Kurdi. Have to admit though, we were really starstruck (no pun intended). I think she was there to support PETA. “Malakas pala dating ni Yasmien.” Surprisingly a bit chubby though (but that worked well for her upper body if you know what I mean). Later on we found out that she was with Menaya’s vocalist; reaction 1 – oh my!, reaction 2 – lucky guy! (you choose). NU DJ and Jack TV host, Dylan, with her newfound celebrity status, MTV VJ’s Victor Basa and Maggie Wilson (with the nice legs), Tado and of course, the rockstars - Typecast, Mark Escueta, Hilera brothers, Skarlet, J-hoon and Francis Reyes (Francis Brew) among others. I will try to steal some pictures soon. 

All possible keywords

NOFX. NOFX members, Fat Mike, El Hefe, Eric Melvin, Erik Sandin. King Ly Chee, Hong Kong Hardcore band. Cebu bands, Urbandub, Faspitch, The Ambassadors. Sonic Boom, Lighter Records, Organizers. Location, Amoranto Theater, Quezon City, Q.C., Manila, Date, April 18, 2007, 8 p.m., Ticket price 500.00, 2 red horse beers.

Thoughts In Binary

Is the Amoranto Theater the same as the Amoranto Stadium? I don’t know. Why is this not publicized? Because NOFX stands by their uber-undergroundedness. In line with that, they rarely do interviews and they do not allow their songs to be played on the radio. Who is King Ly Chee? Apparently, a Hong Kong hardcore band. Why are there Cebu bands? Because the event is brought to you by Lighter Records, a.k.a. Urbandub’s label. Am I going? Most definitely.

Sugar Hiccup

Where are they now?

I’m not sure, but last night they were at 6 Underground. And, wow. Up to now I’m still on a sugar high and still experiencing hiccups.

History

I have been a fan since their first album “Oracle” was released in 1995. Remember 5 years? That enticing chant-of-a-song that never fails to give me goose bumps. Also, in 1998 they released “Womb” but that was their last. Melody del Mundo left the band to go to the U.S.

My Sugar history

I remember around 2-3 years ago I saw an ad posted in Mayrics looking for a Sugar Hiccup replacement vocalist. I thought, man it’s good that they still want to continue the band but how in hell are they gonna find a replacement that can top Melody? I’ve heard bands cover 5 years before, some were actually quite good, but there was always something lacking. In 2005, Ann Shy, manager extraordinaire, gave me a demo of Melody’s new material. I believe it was done in the States. I still have and listen to it, although I have no news if it has ever been released.

Currently

Their new vocalist. Her name is Beatriz Alcala. For me, a more sensual Melody del Mundo. What she fails to match in Melody’s vocal strength, she makes up in her sweet and sensual delivery; the range is there no doubt. Last year they released a new album entitled “Of Tongues and Thoughts.” Last night, it was my first time to watch them again; they played Bleed, Moden de and Summertime by The Sundays. Other members include Czandro Pollack on guitars, Russell Dacasin on bass and Mervin Panganiban on drums.

Just to add

Champagne Morales has a band called Champagne, Julianne is already famous, Irene of Chubibo still rocks and is still with Ricci Gurango and, 6 Underground is really, really going down.