When the Techy Romantics start playing, the beats begin breathing, guitars come a-stirring, vocals creep in, and then the songs, they just come alive. There’s just this powerful surge of energy that nobody can resist. That cosmic force is exactly what greeted Ryan Villena, Dondi Virrey, and Camyl Besinga that Sunday afternoon in mid-2008, when the three, for the heck of it, decided to jam. In less than a month, the Techy Romantics had written enough songs to fill the usual gig sets. The trio from the Philippines spills the beans on making music.

Continue reading BAYBEATS 2010: TECHY ROMANTICS →

ChicoSci (often spelled as Chicosci) is a 5-piece Filipino rock band based in Manila. The highly-successful debut record established Chico Science as one of the forerunners of the new generation of rock. The album “Revenge of the Giant Robot” spawned hits such as Amen, Soopafly, and the MTV hit, Sink or Swim. This album was also nominated to the prestigious Awit Awards for Best Rock Recording. Their first-ever music video Sink or Swim, directed by Lyle Sacris, also won as the Best Directed Video for the 2001 MTV Pilipinas Awards. Later on, they decided to change the name Chico Science to ChicoSci, in order not to be confused with the Brazilian singer. Miggy Chavez gives us the lowdown on music making.

Why make music?

Music has always been a part of our lives. My father was also in a band so I grew up surrounded by music. He’s my main influence actually. I can’t imagine my life without it.

When did you start making music?

Chicosci started out when we were in high school. I guess that was when we “officially” started making music.

What is the most important thing about making music?

Music should be an extension of who you are. The songs you write are representations of your being. Sometimes people lose track of that.

Where is your favorite place to make music?

No specific place really. Ideas can come anywhere, anytime. It’s the documenting part that’s difficult. I’ve forgotten so many song ideas coz I wasn’t able to write it down or record it right away.

How do you keep making music?

We try to listen to all types of music – rock, pop, hiphop, oldies, etc. And as much as possible, keep updated with the new stuff out there. We in the band like to keep things fresh. =)

Singer-songwriter Carlos Castaño draws influences from names such as John Mayer and Ray LaMontagne. He has just completed his first solo album “City Light Soundtrack” at Kerplunk! Studios in Makati with production of the album headed by Kelvin Uy of Angulo and Pat Jalbuena. Prior to this full album, he previously released a six-song CD. Carlos shares his thoughts about making music.

Why make music?

To fill in the spaces. To pass the time. To mean something. To matter. To be obviously vague. To be more than.

When did you start making music?

My dad’s always been in a band (up till now), so I think as soon as I could speak and move my hands he made sure I’d make music. That would be, I’m guessing, 4 or 5 years old. But if by making music you mean WRITING music, I’d say high school when I first felt the pull of the opposite sex.

What is the most important thing about making music?

Honesty. No matter what. I find it impossible to sing about things I’ve never experienced or at least felt so for me, honesty is the most important thing about making music. Besides, when you think about it, a song that you make will represent you, like a photograph, at that moment in time. You don’t really wanna look back at old photos and know most of them weren’t real right? Same idea.

And if it were a tie, I’d say love. But that’s another story.

Where is your favorite place to make music?

My apartment. It’s tiny and full of useless junk but it’s a mess I love and live with. It’s like a physical representation of my thoughts, unruly but home.

How do you keep making music?

Life. Living walks you through experiences and so long as that’s a constant force then there’s no way that to stop anything we do. For me it’s music, for others acting, dancing, painting, politics, religion, so on and so forth. As long as we live I think the most obvious thing we do as people is move, in our own personal directions.

Check out Carlos Castano at Baybeats 2010: Chillout Stage (Concourse), 20th August at 7.15pm & 9.45pm.

The Camerawalls is an indie pop band based in Manila, Philippines formed by Clementine (Clem Castro) of the defunct band Orange and Lemons. A continuation of his songwriting prowess that manifested in his earlier works, Clementine (guitars/vocals) now collaborates with Law Santiago (bass). The Camerawalls is a fine example the true indie spirit in The Philippines. Clementine shares his thoughts with us.

Why make music?

I make music to build a legacy and a career with an effort to make a difference in the musical landscape in the country.

When did you start making music?

As early as the age of 16 or 17 I discovered a penchant for making up tunes and lyric writing/composition being exposed and inspired by a lot of local and Western music, developing a unique drive to likewise become a songwriter.

What is the most important thing about making music?

It’s knowing why you do it. The deepest why.

Where is your favorite place to make music?

It could be anywhere and inspired by a number of different things, people and events. But preferably a place with a guitar handy and with very few distractions like the comfort and solitude of my room.

How do you keep making music?

Music has the greatest impact on my life. It a means for me to channel my emotions and creative desires. Nothing beats the idea of creating something that will help define oneself in terms of character and ambition at the same time appreciating the connection the music make with strangers around the world even without the conscious effort to please other people.