A big step forward for Freshmen Band

With the influx of boy bands and other pop acts not only in the international scene but also in the local arena, what chance does a group of young men have in earning the attention of the public?

More than good looks, vocal prowess and dancing skills, any star maker would tell you that there should be something more to these basics for any boy act to thrive in the music biz. And undoubtedly, Freshmen Band has that "something" to win the pleasure of the listening public.

Composed of Edward dela Cruz (lead guitars), Roel Aldana (vocals), Walton Zerrudo (vocals), Trician Andres (keyboards), Jerome Raymundo (bass) and Daziel Ledda (percussions), Freshmen is not your ordinary boy band. True, they’ve got the boy-band looks. However, there’s more to their charming appearance. These guys play their own instruments, pen their own songs and put melody into them, making them not just another boy act but one fresh, distinct pop band.

Trip Mo Ba?, a catchy ditty about a young’s journey into adulthood, launched the group into the mainstream. The song enjoyed a wide airplay in several radio stations not only in Manila but also in provincial stations. Backed by the box-office success of a movie of the same title, the band won the Best Original Theme Song in the recent Star Awards for Movies. After the award, what followed was a series of out-of-town shows, TV guestings and radio tours.

Having what seems like a "magic touch" in movie theme songs, the boys were again tapped to sing I’ve Fallin’ For You, a revival of Jamie Rivera’s song, which was included in the soundtrack of the hit movie Got 2 Believe. And who wouldn’t know the catchy Okatokat theme song? Well, these guys are responsible for that.

Now, having earned its niche in the music arena, the Freshmen Band is all set to take the biggest step with the release of its self-titled debut album this month.

Produced by Star Records, the album will highlight the songwriting skills of the members. Its carrier single, Pokpok (Reyna ng Kagandahan), penned by lead guitarist Edward and drummer Daziel. Other compositions are Drifted, Alas Onse, Kita Kirs Sa Baso, Silverline, Heaven With You, Ikaw Lang Talaga, If You Only Knew and Baka Sakali. The album will also be a treat for the fans who have followed the Freshmen boys’ career from day one as it includes the group’s first hits like Walang Hanggang Ligaya, I’ve Fallen For You, Okatokat, Kulang Pa Ba and Trip Mo Ba?

The band’s record company, Star Records, has high hopes for the future of the group. In fact, it is building up Freshmen as a pop band, at par with the likes of Westlife, N Sync and A1. It wouldn’t be that hard, especially now that the group has gained the following of the local A1 maniacs.

The fans pledged their support for Freshmen when the band performed during A1’s grand fans day in Manila. Since then, A1 fans have become their fans, too, following them in their bar tours. Freshmen has been a favorite in bars like Padi’s Point Araneta, JoeKher Concert Hall, Soundstage Marikina, Southern Bulls Timog and even out-of-town venues like Padi’s Point Baguio, El Camino Blanco in Dumaguete City and Basky in Angeles City.