Apl.de.ap ushers Slapshock into the world stage

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the rap-metal band Slapshock are inching closer to their dream of becoming international artists as they left for the United States to record an album that will be produced by apl.de.ap of the world-renowned hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas.

 Early this year, the Fil-Am Apl signed up Slapshock as the first artist of his start-up label, Jeepney Music, saying he believes in the band’s potential to shine in the international arena.

“I want to showcase Slapshock’s talent to the world. I’d like to give them a chance to record in the US. I will connect them to some of my producers in Los Angeles,” Apl said during a joint interview with the band in Quezon City recently.

Slapshock, composed of frontman Jamir Garcia, bassist Lee Nadela, guitarists Lean Ansing and Jerry Basco, and drummer Chi Evora, will stay in the US for a month to complete their album.

 Apl, or Allan Pineda in real life, said he was impressed with the band the first time he met them a few years back.

“I’m a big fan of their music. The first time I heard them, I was blown away, I’ve never heard anything like them coming from the Philippines. I’ve been hanging out with them for a while and I really think it’s about time, it’s the ripe moment for them to go international,” Apl said.

 Jamir, for his part, said the band is forever grateful to Apl for helping them get a break in the US.

He said Slapshock is excited to work with new people and record their songs at Paramount Studios where Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin Aerosmith and Bob Dylan as well as Fall Out Boy and Linkin Park recorded their albums. But what makes Slapshock more proud is the opportunity to work with Apl full-time on the album.

“It’s an honor to be working with Apl. We are excited and happy that Apl will lend his expertise, his time, link his connections to us. He is one of the most grounded Filipino artists we’ve known. We look forward to collaborate and hang out with him in the US. We truly feel fortunate,” Jamir added.

For the band’s eight album, Slapshock will record a total of  six songs and collaborate with the music group of Rihanna and Beyoncé.

Although Jamir could not disclose certain names yet, he’s excited that they might collaborate with an American rock star. “All I can say is that we’re gonna work with someone who has been my musical influence, I grew up admiring this musical rock figure,” he said. 

In a previous interview, he said they hoped to collaborate with Shavo Odadjian of American metal band System of a Down.

Asked if there’s a specific theme for the album, Jamir said there’s none but the EP will delve on the Pinoy sentiment, about things that affect their daily life like love, struggle and anger. All the songs will be written in English.

“We also have songs that touches on current issues but they’re not politically motivated,” Jamir said.

Apl, on the other hand, disclosed that Slapshock’s album would be a little different from their previous ones.

“The band will focus on different musical  genres, not just rock. The sound of Slapshock will still be there, of course, but  it will have dubstep, hip-hop and rock. I will be with them during recording sessions and yes, I will work with them the songs,” Apl said.

The album will be tentatively released in the first quarter of 2014 and in Asia first since Slapshock has a loyal and massive fanbase in Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore.

After the album’s release, Jamir said they would embark on a world tour.

“Definitely, we will tour some parts of Asia and even the US,” he said.

Jamir said they will give their best to the album and will try to serve as an inspiration to their fellow Pinoy artists.

“We want to dedicate this to our fellow musicians. Like other bands, we’ve been through a lot, we’ve had struggles during the past few years but we never gave up. We hope that artists will be given a break. I know it’s just a matter of time before they get their break too. Nauna lang kami.”

He acknowledged that Apl remains their greatest inspiration, admiring his work ethics, his being humble and hardworking, especially his genuine concern and sincerity to help his fellow musicians in the Philippines get a shot at international stardom.

“We admire Kuya Ap for helping the local music scene. Even when he’s already so successful, he does not forget his fellow Pinoy artists,” Jamir said.

He and Apl first crossed paths in 2006, when Slapshock opened for the Black Eyed Peas’ first Manila concert. Since them, Slapshock and Apl have become good friends and constantly kept in touch with each other.

Last year, they sang the official theme song of the movie El Presidente.

 â€œI think one of the reasons why we clicked is because Apl and I are both Kapangpangan and we hang out a lot. Not once did he made us feel that he was a superstar. He really cares about what we do and what we want to accomplish,” he said.

Unknown to many, Slapshock has been one  of the most durable and well-loved rock bands in the country for the past 17 years. Since Day One when the band was formed, there has been no line-up changes. Slapshock has released seven albums under PolyEast Records (formerly EMI), with Kinse Kalibre (2011) as the latest.

They were nominated for Band of the Year at the NU107 Rock Awards in 2001 and 2002, and in 2003, the band was nominated for Best Artist by MTV Asia. Lee was also named Bassist of the Year at the 2001 NU107 Rock Awards.

“If there’s one thing that I’m proud of is our strong bond through the years. No one really left the band to go solo. I think it’s because we never compromised on our style of music. We are dead serious about our craft because it’s our bread and butter. When most of our contemporary bands have disbanded, we are still here standing and we credit this to our commitment to the band,” Jamir said.

He said they see themselves performing in the next five or 10 years — or for as long as their fans still want to hear their music.

“The Philippines is a rock country, I know that rock is here is to stay,” he said.