Signed and on the rise

MANILA, Philippines - We have heard of that rise-to-stardom story that catapulted would-be celebrities into instant fame. Many talented individuals get lucky with a good melody or an entertaining performance, but there are very few with the skills and effective network to keep rocking the music scene.

Fortunately, it is a different story for two bands whose initial motivations were to catch a cool gig and get a free trip through the country’s biggest, most-anticipated Battle of the Bands. Nescafé 3in1 Soundskool grand winners Letter Day Story (2008) and Eevee (2009) signed up for the competition and emerged as some of the country’s hottest young talents today. Little did they know Nescafé 3in1 Soundskool was just the beginning of a whirlwind of opportunities that allowed them to form their own careers in the music industry.

Having played as a band for nine years before joining the competition, Letter Day Story was no stranger to coming up with new songs and circling the metro for gigs. However, earning the title of grand winner allowed them to explode into the music scene.

 The change was a bit more radical for Davao-based band Eevee composed of Enzo Miguel Villegas (vocals, guitars), Paolo Segura (lead guitars, back-up vocals), Jerrick Sy (bass) and Craig John Neniel (drums). “Everything happened so fast,” shares Enzo. “After the competition, we went home to Davao to celebrate with our families and friends. Next thing we knew, we were back in Manila to make our debut album and our first ever music video. We played bigger gigs, met fellow musicians, and even got to talk to our own music idols. We were so excited about everything and it was a huge rush.”

With the adjustment they had to make, Letter Day Story and Eevee share the same enthusiasm and gratitude towards Nescafé 3in1 Soundskool and Sony Music Entertainment for the support.

Letter Day Story was fortunate enough to collaborate with Gloc9, Yeng Constantino and Jaq Dionisio of Kiss Jane. With their full-length album recently released, Letter Day Story has even more to sing about. As Oli says, “We’ve improved a lot from our first EP Sulat, Araw, Kwento going to our full length album Sama Sama in terms of songwriting, arrangements and our musicality. It was like a trophy and we are very happy to see how we have grown as a band.”

Nescafé 3in1 Soundskool is sponsored by Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, Inc., Sony Philippines and La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel.