Train tells the stories behind their hits

Train, currently composed of trio Pat Monahan (vocals), Jimmy Stratford (guitar, vocals) and Scott Underwood (drums, percussion), was formed in 1994. Originally composed of Pat Monahan and former band member Rob Hotchkiss (guitar, vocals), the two performs at local clubs and coffee houses around San Francisco. They decided to expand their current duo to a full band by recruiting Jimmy Stratford, Charlie Colin (bass) and Scott Underwood. Believing that, if you write and perform great songs, people will listen, has been the cornerstone of the band’s rise to success.

Train’s straightforward approach to honest songwriting and compelling music led to numerous number of hit songs.  “Meet Virginia” the band’s second single from their self titled album “Train”, was received positively by critics and mainstream audiences. Its inspired melodic hooks and insightful lyrics set the groundwork for what would later be known as a “Train music”.

 “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” from their second album was on the Hot 100 chart for a year and won two Grammy awards in 2002 for Best Rock Song and Best Arrangement. Lead singer and songwriter Pat Monahan stated that the song was inspired by the death of his mother. The soulful words to the song tells the story of a man wondering if the lady making the journey to the unknown still thinks of the man she left behind. Drops of Jupiter has become so popular and has touched the hearts of millions everywhere.

Pat Monahan’s songwriting style was more of a collection of images he’s seen, felt and experience, and translate it into strings of words that best express the feelings those images conjure. This has worked well with Train’s music, as most of their songs are heartfelt and provocative.

Prior to writing “Hey Soul Sister” with a ukulele, the band tried an arrangement using a a electric guitar as accompaniment. However, Pat stated that it cannot capture the music imagery in his head, and tried various picking styles to no avail before one of the guys picked up a ukulele and played the song. “Hey Soul Sister” is a mid-tempo pop song, inspired from an imagination of beautiful women dancing around the fire. It was during the Burning Man, a week long annual event in Nevada, that he was able to conjure up this image and wrote it into what has now become one of the most played song in contemporary music.

There is a story behind each song: “If It’s Love” is a love song written by the band for their fans, to thank them for the unending support. “Marry Me” originally consists of short verses but was extended to a full song because of the beauty of its simplicity. It explains why Train songs has that irresistible pull for the listeners. It arouses emotions, unknown or explicit, for every listeners, making each note, each words truly unforgettable.

Treat your loved ones to the special Train Live in Manila show this December. Tickets are now available at all Ticketnet outlets and at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Box Office. Ticket Prices: Php4,500 for Patron VIP, Php 4,000 for Patron, Php 3,000 for Lower Box, Php 2,300 for Upper Box A, Php 1,200 for Upper Box B and 600 for General Admission. For more ticket information and reservations, please log on to http://www.ticketnet.com.ph or call TicketNet at 911-5555.

Train Live in Manila is presented by DAYLY Entertainment, Rockstar Touring and LAMC Productions in partnership with Smart, Mossimo Music, Coke, McDonald’s, ABS-CBN, Star World, Fox, Myx, The Manila Bulletin, Business World, Yahoo! Philippines, Philstar.com, ClickTheCity.com, RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, Easy Rock 96.3, YesFM 101.1, Ivory Music, Sony Music and Crown Plaza as the official residence.