MANILA, Philippines - An interesting recording collaboration gets underway when premier Filipino rock act Slapshock sits down and records its next album with international sensation apl.de.ap.
Apart from the star-power attraction of the team-up, the still-untitled set of new material is scheduled to be created inside the confines of a Los Angeles-based recording studio.
Slapshock frontman Jamir Garcia expresses elation over the latest development in their continuing successful run, “It’s our dream to record in the US.â€
The five-piece ensemble is headed to fly to California, come August, with foreign record producers expected to help craft tracks for what will be their next collection after the highly praised eighth album Kinse Kalibre released in 2011.
“apl will be definitely involved as producer,†Jamir confirms as he acknowledges the friendship between his band and the Black Eyed Peas member as crucial to making the ground-breaking recording break happen.
Slapshock fronted for BEP during the latter’s first Manila concert a few years back. Jamir himself hangs out with apl (whose real name is Allan Pineda) here and abroad while the whole band serves as back-up band to apl’s solo shows in the country.
apl is currently back in spotlight as he sits as judge for the well-followed singing contest The Voice of the Philippines being aired on ABS-CBN.
Incidentally, both Jamir and apl are Kapampangan.
When asked if Slapshock will consider staying in the US to explore its chances of penetrating the American rock scene, Nadela argues, “We’ll be back after recording in L.A. because we cannot abandon our fan base here. Doon lang namin gagawin ang album at dadalhin namin dito ang produkto.â€
The band has always been busy attending to local gigs provided by long-time corporate sponsors like Dickies which is an endorsement partner for almost 15 years now.
The group choruses that the return of guitarist Jerry Basco tightens up their sound more than ever and should make them more ready for an international-caliber recording. Completing the line-up are mainstays Lean Ansing and Chi Evora who play lead guitar and drums, respectively.
Some of Slapshock fan favorite numbers are Agent Orange, Anino Mo, Numb, Cariño Brutal, Langit and Queen Paranoia.