Itchyworms releases Self-Titled album

To break into the band scene is already like looking for a needle in a haystack. Lucky if newbies pass that phase but the next step would prove to be a challenge — keeping the momentum, establishing credibility and longevity.

Only a few bands experience such kind of popularity yet still gaining the respect of both critics and colleagues at the same time. Itchyworms fits the description.

Starting off as an independent band in 1996, Itchyworms has come a long way to being a signed artist and one of the most respected in the industry today. Formed by Ateneo college orgmates Jazz Nicolas (drums/vocals), Kelvin Yu (bass/vocals) and Jugs Jugueta, the trio added Chino Singson to fill the second guitar position in 1997.

The band counts The Beatles, Sting, The Police, Dada, Superdrag, Matthew Sweet, Weezer, The Zombies, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Paul McCartney, Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorious, Eric Clapton, Metallica, Weezer, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Guns ‘n Roses, Extreme, Van Halen, and The Eraserheads as its musical influences.

The band’s music, guitar-driven pop rock embellished with two or three-part vocal harmony conquered the airwaves, most notable of which are Akin Ka Na Lang and Beer.

The band members have likewise received awards and nominations from prestigious award-giving bodies like the MYX Music Awards and NU Rock Awards.

Nothing can stop Itchyworms from further rising as it is now on its new home, Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

“We are happy to be part of a new family and we are grateful they welcome us with open arms,” Jugs said.

The band just came out with its major label called Self-Titled.

The album features the carrier single Penge Naman Ako Nyan which lorded over the charts of NU 107’s Stairway To Seven for weeks and garnered heavy rotation on the airwaves of top radio stations.

Like in the past albums, Jugs and Jazz took the songwriting chores which were inspired by personal experiences. It can be heard on the 15 remaining originals like Freak-out Baby, Bugbog Sarado, Awitin Para Sa Mga Nagmumuni-muni and Gusto Ko Lang Sa Buhay.

Self-Titled is out in CDs at leading record stores nationwide.