The "perks" of being Callalily

For many artists, making their first album hit Gold record status and letting their songs reach the top of music charts in a matter of a few years could seem impossible. If breaking into the mainstream music industry is difficult, how much more producing such achievements?

Well, this fresh and young band, Callalily, made it possible. In just three years, their first album, Destination XYZ, received a Gold record; their songs enjoyed heavy airplay; their reputation in the industry has gone solid; and now, they’re promoting their second album.

Under Sony BMG Music Entertainment, their second album Fisheye contains 15 original tracks composed and written by band members Kean Cipriano (vocals), Aaron Ricafuente (bass), Alden Acosta (lead guitars), Lemuel Belaro (drums/percussion) and Tatsi Jamnague (rhythm guitars).

The band members themselves didn’t see any of these coming. Back then, they were just doing front act performances for concerts of 6Cyclemind. Now, they’re the main act.

The origins of the band can be traced to their early years in college. They recounted how Tatsi was able to secure a gig in Far Eastern University (FEU), consequently, inviting the other members to play with him in the concert.

From then on and little by little, the band gained exposure as they played in various events and gigs, until such time their manager Darwin Hernandez discovered them in a benefit concert. And as they always say, the rest is history.

When they were first launched as a band, however, criticisms met them. Their youth and inexperience were also taken against them.

“We were around 17-18 years old when we got launched. Kami ang pinakabata,” Kean explains to The FREEMAN during an exclusive interview with the band, adding that their weakness became their strength as being the youngest allowed them to explore their talents more.

Also, what made them stand out among the other bands was that they had concentration. Sometimes, after a band gets launched and the first album released, the band disintegrates. But not Callalily.

In fact, being able to produce two albums is the greatest achievement they have as band. “’Yung iba kasi nawawalan ng focus. Once you get a good album, others become cocky and arrogant about it. Kaya nawawala na ‘yung direction. We never lose focus,” Alden stresses.

Tatsi couldn’t agree more, adding, “We love each other. [We have] brotherhood. Importante ‘yun para din mag-jive personalities namin.”   

And for three years now, the band members have been enjoying the spotlight, getting what they deserve after all the hard work and patience. For them, the best thing about being tagged as “famous” are the perks they get to receive.

“Almost everything is free—from food and drinks, accommodations to clothes. We even have the freedom to express ourselves through our songs,” Kean smiles.

Lemuel adds, “Dahil sa banda, nakakapunta kami sa mga lugar na hindi naming maisip puntahan. Parang buong Pilipinas naikot na namin. Sulu at Tawi-Tawi nalang siguro ang hindi pa.”

Despite the praises the band receives, there are still some people who question their song writing and composition abilities.

“It’s subjective actually. Hindi naman lahat ng tao pareho ng perception. Unless kung expert siya,” Alden points out.

But remarks like this never let the band down as they count on a strong fan base that believes in them.

“Ang fanbase namin, sobrang lakas. Wala pa kaming album, andiyan na sila. Hanggang ngayon, andiyan pa rin sila. Kaya mas madali ‘yung pag-akyat naming dahil sa kanila,” Kean says.

Plus, they have a great power behind them.

“Si God. Bago kami nagpe-perform, we always pray. It has become a part of us,” says Tatsi.

With the music industry saturated with bands and other artists, it can be hard to maintain one’s standing. Thus, Callalily tries to reinvent every now and then.

“The band has so much to improve. When the band stops improving, it becomes mortal. More music would mean more learning, more skills and more techniques. We get inspiration from the people around us,” Alden stresses.

Three years alone cannot define their music career. Five years from now, they see the band as going stronger in the music industry, but with newer techniques to keep up with changing times and musical tastes.

“For sure, tapos na kami sa college nun,” Aaron laughs. “But we’ll be more mature. We’ll still be playing and hopefully, our supporters will still be there.”

Asked about what their music direction is going to be in five years, the band members refused to give an answer.

“Ayaw naming planuhin e. Ginagawa naming ang mga bagay one step at a time. We take one day at a time. Para naman ma-excite kami,” answers Kean.

But if there’s one thing they want to do in the future, that would be to “tour Asia”.

Well, let future take care of itself. Right now, the band is just enjoying what they have and managing their schedules for the things they have to do for the time being—like going to school, finishing their college courses, and promoting their second album and second carrier single, “Ako’y Magbabalik.”

Yes, Callalily may still have a long way to go and more shall be expected from them. They may still be young, but with the right attitude and mindset, Callalily can go as far and big a band as they want to be.