Overjoyed with Overdrive

For a band that does not have a regular gig, Overdrive has managed to keep a very loyal following. The group, in fact, has its own set of groupies who endure a late night-out just to watch it play.

The original Overdrive was made up of five Ateneans and two La Sallites. The Ateneans credit the La Sallites for introducing them to New Wave music that was sweeping the airwaves in the ’80s.

"There was a time when British rock bands were gaining popularity," says Anton Periquet, lead guitarist and original Overdrive member.

The band capitalized on this new trend and played music by The Police, Modern English, Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, and U2. Many of Manila’s 30- and 40-somethings still recall the band’s packed performances at the old Tavern on the Square and Rumours, then Manila’s hottest music bar.

What was a simple college band became a force to contend with in the local band circuit. At first, they played during the off-peak days of Mondays and Tuesdays, but were soon given the top slot on weekends. In the ’80s, the most popular bands were given the Friday and Saturday spots. Nowadays, bands with stronger drawing power are given weekday gigs to lure crowds more accustomed to weekend partying.

With their wide repertoire and passion for music, the original all-male Overdrive developed a devoted following but enjoyed a short-lived existence as its members, then fresh out of college, pursued different careers.

When Periquet returned from England in 1999, the idea of reuniting the band crossed his mind. However, it had been 12 years since the group got together and, with busy schedules, it was difficult to find a common time and place for that much-needed jam session. However, as fate would have it, the perfect opportunity came when architect Andy Locsin, son of the late National Artist Leandro Locsin, invited them to play on his 40th birthday. Andy Locsin’s party paved the way for the band’s eventual revival.

Overdrive reunited in 2002 with a group bolstered by two female vocalists. The new band members considerably broadened their repertoire and gave the band the flexibility to reinvent their original line-up of ’70s and ’80s songs.

Such is the band’s appeal that they have been offered regular stints by Dish and the new Tavern on the Square, two of the most popular live music joints in Manila’s night scene. Occasionally, the band plays at the Craic along Jupiter St. or at Sanctum in Intramuros, but they cannot commit to a regular gig.

The biggest hindrance to foregoing regular gigs such as those offered by Dish and Tavern on the Square is that all the band members are just as passionate about their day jobs as they are about music making. Some of them, in fact, even head their own companies. Nevertheless, because of their love of music and the growing number of fans they have, they still find time to practice if they are invited to do a gig.

Lead vocalist Louis Ramirez, manager of the Subic International Raceway by day, is credited largely for Overdrive’s success. Sanctum bar owner Aslie Aslanian says, "They enjoy popularity because aside from the members being excellent musicians, Louis Ramirez, their lead singer, has such a powerful voice and sounds exactly like Sting!"

Keyboard player Mari Cancio is connected with Prudential Insurance, while saxophonist Raul Banzon is a banker, entrepreneur and owner of a soon-to-open sports training camp in Fort Bonifacio. Sheila Ramirez, one of the female vocalists, is associated with PhilamLife. Periquet, guitarist, is managing director of Deutsche Regis, the equities arm of Deutsche Bank and one of the country’s largest stockbrokers.

Stargate Media Corporation president Ramon "Choy" Cojuangco Jr. is impressed with Overdrive. "I know not all of them are professional musicians and have their own jobs to attend to and yet their skill level is higher than some bands. These people play a lot better. Maybe it comes with maturity and age," he says.

This skill level could also be attributed to the talents of the new Overdrive members. Current drummer Jim Ayson knows his music well. Aside from being the founder of the web site Philmusic.com, he is also music editor of Reviewer Magazine. Then, there is also second guitarist Kedy Sanchez, full-time musician and manager of the recording studio Pink Noise. As a musical arranger, he has won an impressive 12 Awit awards.

Bassist Mike Chan is no stranger to the music industry either. Son of the well-known Jose Mari Chan, this band member is about to release his second jazz album soon. Aside from being an artist, he is also purchasing manager of Biscom sugar mill and sales executive for A. Chan Sugar Corporation. However, he will soon be pursuing a solo career and will be replaced by Johnny Besa, former bassist of Blue Rats band.

Iwi Laurel, the other female vocalist, boasts of an enviable music lineage. Her father, former vice-president Salvador "Doy" Laurel, sings and plays the violin, while mom Celia is a well-known stage actress, pianist and singer. Her brother Cocoy is another popular name in the entertainment field. When not practicing or performing with the group, she works as business development manager for Dorel development and helps in the Laurel law office.

These people do not need a second job since they are all accomplished in their chosen professions. However, Overdrive’s passion for music and exceptional performances are such that they really have a crowd when they play. "When people find out they are playing, they go and watch. The likes of Rene and Chiqui Banzon, Noel and Liaa Bautista, Mikey and Lizette Cojuangco and Energy Secretary Vince Perez watch them play," says Dish’s EJ Litton.

For Overdrive, public performances are not only an opportunity to play but also a chance to party with friends. And when they get together, they play as hard as they work. Trade and Industry Secretary Mar Roxas sums up the band’s performance by saying, "They are the bomb!"

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