A-list bands record songs for Yolanda victims

MANILA, Philippines - Side A, South Border, Freestyle and metalcore act Slapshock recently did separate recordings inspired by the typhoon disaster that hit Visayas. The first three converged for a song called Pag-Asa Sa Paggising, written by South Border’s ace figure Jay Durias, while Slapshock teamed up with apl.de.ap to produce a track called Unshakeable.

The Durias composition which he also arranged and produced precipitated a rare mix of talents for a particular record and led to the staging of a benefit concert carrying its title and featuring the said three bands. The show, which will feature Side A, South Border and Freestyle on one stage, takes place at the Solaire Resort and Casino Grand Ballroom tomorrow, Jan. 3 at 8 p.m.

“It’s a heartfelt message that I know everyone including the bands and the audience feel deeply about,” said Durias who originally wrote the song for a movie soundtrack. “This is our bayanihan spirit in action, all for Visayas.”

Pag-Asa Sa Paggising the concert (tickets are available at Ticketworld) will also have Durias as overall musical director. The promoter Wing Inductivo is the sister of his wife Helene; South Border’s manager Sharon Inductivo is also a sibling to both women.

As for Slapshock, much assistance from the apl.de.ap Foundation and BMBX Entertainment (which produces and markets South East Asian entertainment artists) made the recording of Unshakeable possible. Frontman Jamir Garcia stated, “We’re all devastated. We couldn’t believe what we were seeing and we had to do something.”

The track, which features JD of Pop Shuvit, is described as “a tribute to the resilience and strength of the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan.”

To download the song, one may log in to http://Spinnr.ph or to iTunes (http://bit.ly/1aSF6Vp ) for those outside the Philippines. It is said that “all proceeds received from the retailers” will find their way to the survivors.

Meanwhile, three upstart band acts shared their respective stories equally worth-sharing. Read on. 

Baguio band Even beat four other groups vying for the bragging rights to be called the first-ever winner of the brand’s Get Loud songwriting competition and musical showdown. They pocketed P150,000 worth of prizes for the composition Luminary.

Pop rock icon and judge Ebe Dancel expressed his admiration for them, saying, “It’s my first time to see them live and I’m blown away!” 

Lady vocalist Dyanne Licudine shared, “It’s been a wild ride and we enjoyed the company of the other bands.” 

On the other hand, sellouts are the targets of an ensemble called Jack Versus Crab when asked about its name. The group’s publicist says that “it shouts out their cry against crab mentality in music, which to them is harbored by songwriters gearing their compositions to what is marketable,” which means putting out radio-friendly songs even if it compromises quality. 

Led by singer Waxie Joaquin, the group put out a seven-track debut album led by instant gig-crowd favorite I’m In Love Again. Its music is described as a fusion of jazz, blues, funk and country. 

“Musicians should really upgrade their style,” advised Waxie who himself is a trained audio mixing and mastering engineer. He gathered highly-experienced musicians to form the group, believing that such line-up would ensure a sound “not manipulated for money.” 

Last but not least is JCAB, formed by entrepreneur Jano Catalina, a songwriter in his own right who had found the quartet fit to interpret his songs. The band launched its 10-track debut CD at Freedom Bar in Anonas, Q.C., months ago. Jano’s patriotic composition Manang and the carrier single, Open Your Mind proved likable.

“This band has a sound that can be accepted internationally,” Jano enthused. 

Led by singing guitarist Red dela Peña, JCAB does produce a sound brought by its myriad of influences, including Led Zeppelin and Eraserheads. The group has already performed at key venues in the metropolis and provinces, often surprising curious audiences with sheer stage charm. 

Red’s support cast includes lead guitarist Nardz Bereber, his brother Rey on bass and drummer Rayman Malaluan.