Local bands compete in Get Loud

MANILA, Philippines - After a nationwide search that involved scouring hundreds of performance venues, visiting thousands of band sites on YouTube channel and immersing into the alternative music scene, five bands have been chosen to battle it out for Converse Philippines’ Get Loud.

The Converse Get Loud campaign is a celebration of music, creativity and the talented Pinoy artists. Converse and music are inseparable. Converse, especially its iconic sneaker the Chuck Taylor All Star, has always been the sneaker of choice for many musicians as it is a badge of self-expression.

The five bands are Even from North Luzon; Brisom from the National Capital Region; Kissbone from South Luzon; Bethany from Visayas; and Jad Montenegro from Mindanao.

“These bands represent the best of the alternative scene,” says Eli Bonsol, Converse Philippines advertising and marketing manager. “Based on the strength of their original song submissions and performance, the semi-pro bands represent the best values of musicians in the industry.”

Composed of Dyanne Licudine (vocals), Jam Bumanlag (guitars), Coco Saupan (bass) and Dan Allan Acosta (drums), Even is a Baguio-based band that describes its music as “dark and melancholic.” The members take pride in their songs for their “well-thought-out lyrics woven into heavy chugs and bass, unisoned into drumlines.” Even will perform the original song Luminary.

Brisom is composed of Brian Sombero (vocals and guitar), Jeffrey Castro (drums and beats), Jason Rondero (bass), Tim Abbott (synthesizer and keys) and Terence Teves (guitar). Most of its songs are based on Brian’s “soul-changing travels and life-changing realizations,” capturing the sound of soulful indie rock with “straightforward clarity” and “lyrics from the heart.” Brisom will perform Waking Lives.

On the other hand, Kissbone is composed of  Armin Joseph Pepito (guitar and vocals), Justine Sioson (guitar and vocals), Renz Jerome Villanueva (drums), Parker Cataquian (bass) and Allan Paulo Luching (rhythm guitar). Beginning with punk-rock to emo-screamo genre during its days at Sienna College Taytay, Kissbone now regularly unleashes hardcore and rock metal music. The band will perform Distance and Motion.

Bethany is composed of Luis Quibranza III (lead vocals and  guitar), Angelo Quibranza (lead guitar and vocals), Paolo Miguel Quibranza (drums and vocals) and Kevin Borromeo (bass). The Quibranza siblings immersed themselves into songwriting in 2008 and began performing soon after Kevin’s addition. The band takes pride in its delivery of alternative rock music that has “a lot of curve balls, intense guitar work, smart lyrics and infectious melodies.” Bethany will perform Keep Moving On.

Jad Montenegro takes its name from its lead vocalist. Completing the band are Dave Ibao (guitar and  backing vocals), Eric Luzada (lead guitar), Pjoe Sabanpan (bass) and Carlo Garcia (drums, backing vocals). After performing as a solo acoustic act in Davao, Jad felt the need to expand her musical horizons by forming a band with friends. The band’s song entry is The Escapist.

Supporters of these bands can start voting by liking www.facebook./ConversePhilippines and clicking on the Get Loud tab. The finals will happen on Nov. 9. The grand prize winner will walk away with P150,000 worth of cash and Converse products. The first and second runner-ups and the two finalists will receive P100,000, P60,000 and P40,000 worth of cash and Converse products, respectively.