Bicolano band Idlepitch steps out of its comfort zone with ‘Salamangkera’

MANILA, Philippines — Bicolano rock-funk band Idlepitch is stepping outside its comfort zone with its latest single, “Salamangkera,” a playful track about the mysterious experience of falling for someone who suddenly disappears.

The song takes inspiration from the classic 1980s band America and its hit “You Can Do Magic,” which guitarist Herbert Belbes heard repeatedly while growing up.

“The song is actually inspired by the 80s band America. My bro had a tape of their album, and it was playing on a loop daily as I was growing up,” Herbert told Philstar.com.

He explained that “Salamangkera” carries a similar theme, revolving around a love interest who seemingly vanishes after charming someone completely.

“There’s a saying, ‘Good artists copy, great artists steal,’ and that applies to this song,” Herbert said. “Well, not directly, since it only has the same theme: a love interest, or a Salamangkera, suddenly vanishing after she charmed you out of your mind.”

For vocalist Jude Serrano, the song immediately resonated with the members because they could relate to its story.

“When Herbert introduced us to the song Salamangkera, everyone found it to be relatable, having experienced the same dilemma. It has happened to me before,” Jude said.

Drummer Ryan Oñate described the track as a departure from the band’s usual sound.

“I think this is the first song that pushed us out of our comfort zone,” he said. “I also find the words interesting and playful, using metaphors about magic and gambling.”

“Salamangkera” went through several changes before reaching its final version.

According to bassist Jeff Ray Dy, the original demo lacked several elements, particularly keyboards.

“There were a lot of missing elements to it when I first heard the demo. So I suggested that the new songs needed keyboards,” Jeff recalled.

Christian eventually recruited keyboardist Jeremy Pronto, whose contribution helped give the song a different direction.

“The first demo was just a phone recording,” Herbert said. “I had no idea it would require keyboards to make it better. That horn-like riff on the intro was originally a guitar riff.”

He described the original version as having a heavier funk-rock sound before Jeremy joined the project.

“Then, Jeremy came, and it was magic!” Herbert added.

Jeremy admitted that working on the keyboard parts was challenging, particularly because he had to use the instrument to mimic brass sounds.

“Personally, I’m not a fan of keyboards as brass instruments. I am not used to doing it live, too; from timing to delivery, it’s all new to me,” he said.

The challenge, however, pushed him to quickly adjust his playing style.

“So the challenge is to learn the riff and the changes on the spot and elevate my playing style in a matter of hours. But it was really worth the struggle,” Jeremy said.

The band also credited producer Ahmad Tanji for helping shape “Salamangkera” into its final form.

Herbert said they went through several brainstorming sessions with Ahmad to make sure the story and arrangement worked.

“It took several brainstorming sessions with our producer (Ahmad) to deliver the story in the best way,” he said.

The band also had to revise some of the lyrics on the spot while working under a tight production schedule.

“Capturing the best flow in the bridge part also took time. But ideas were flowing nonstop; ‘Salamangkera’ is one of the most rewarding materials of our career so far,” Herbert said.

Jeff described Jeremy as a key ingredient in the track while also praising Ahmad for pushing the band beyond its usual approach.

“We are very much an independent band. He has to be the dominant 7th voice somehow,” Jeff said of their producer. “Luckily, the chemistry with him was so natural, so there were no long debates; that is why it was easy for us to get out of the box and trust his lead.”

For guitarist Christian Ragas, the challenge was making sure every part of the song complemented the overall arrangement.

“Each part needs to be carefully crafted so that it won't be overflowing with irrelevant fills,” he said.

Based in Naga City, Idlepitch has built its identity around its Bicolano roots and its rock-funk sound.

Jeff said the band remains proud of its Bicolano identity.

“We are a proud Bicolano band who will always wave the flag of our region,” he said.

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