The end of Admit One

Last Nov. 24, one of the local music scene’s mainstays threw its last gig, after going strong for 10 years. I’m talking about Admit One, the production night that has given audiences performances by the likes of Sandwich, Imago, Sugarfree, Peryodiko, Pedicab, and countless other bands on a regular basis. Some of my most memorable nights out have been Admit One nights  who could forget Prom Night in 2004, with everyone from Death by Tampon to Drip all decked out in formal wear (more or less), and that endless jam at the end? And it won’t just be the fans that will miss the prod, as musicians appreciated Admit One’s respect and consideration for their needs as well.

We talked with one of the founders, Vin Dancel (of Peryodiko and Twisted Halo fame), just before Admit One’s Final Party.

YOUNG STAR: Why end Admit One?

VIN DANCEL: We’re ending Admit One because it’s been a good run and we feel we’ve done what we set out to do  to create a monthly party for our bands and friends and showcase original songs. The goal was to provide a venue for bands that can’t get gigs where they can play their original songs. Eh andami na gumagawa ngayon so it’s time for us to move on and let the next generation of prods do their thing.

How and when and why did Admit One start?

Back in 2000-2001, Fatal Posporos, Twisted Halo and Dicta License couldn’t get gigs. So Ene Lagunzad (then manager of Sandwich and Dicta License) decided to put up our own prod. kaunti pa kasi prods noon eh  Sunday Grabe Sunday, Buzz Night, All Starugo Night, No Starugo Night, etc... Di gaya ngayon na sobra na dami. The idea was to have a party once a month to bring bands and friends together and play original songs. Di ko na ma-estimate kung ilan shows na (laughs), but we started in Freedom Bar once a month, then did two shows a month na after the first anniv ata (at) Freedom Bar and Rock Radio. Then Rock Radio closed and saGuijo opened. Then we left Freedom Bar kasi nakakapagod na mag-two prods a month. Magastos pati kasi we weren’t earning anything naman talaga (laughs).

Can you recall some of the more memorable moments during the lifespan of the prod?

Wow, andaming memorable na Admit One gigs! (Laughs) The anniversaries were always epic. The prom night was amazing kasi akala namin kami lang magbibihis na naka-prom, pero everyone who watched the gig came well dressed! (Laughs) Hmmm... Wow, andami pa... gah!

Are you encouraging people who want to start up similar prods now? What advice would you give them?

Yes, we want to encourage more people to come up with prods to support local talent. I think one of the reasons we’re closing din is for other prods to step up. So, rule no. 1 is it should be fun, heh, heh. Tsaka wag naman sana na prods take advantage of bands who need a venue to play. Hating kapatid man lang sa gate, at sana enough drinks or food man lang. Look into sponsorship din. Mas maganda kung maging financially sustainable ang prods for both the bands and the prods. Hmmm…

How would you like Admit One to be remembered? How was it different from other prods?

Admit One was among the prods that started it all. We insisted on original material being played (unless may theme night), and made them more accessible to music fans. The concept nights, the posters. different genres playing in one night etc, and the fans who came out to watch. Ang gara lang kasi they knew that original songs were gonna be played and they listened and supported the bands talaga. It was fun!

What about the future? Are you and the other people behind Admit One planning to embark on anything guided by the same principles/purposes?

We’re taking a break muna, heh, heh. We have no plans so far... dunno, baka bigla na lang kami sumulpot ulit! (Laughs)