Recently, Cunejo keeps giving teaser on their facebook page about what's cooking this 2021. They are very specific that they will release their new single 'Restart' this June. And they did not disappoint fans because they just release the new single today. The band's comeback does not end there, there's even talk of a full-length album later this year!

Saving Shonie must be the most aptly-named indie band you haven't heard yet. I caught up with Saving Shonie to learn more about them, their origin, their influences, and a whole lot more!



First, how did you come up with your band name? Was it hard to think of the name that you could agree on?

Novs: Noong mga panahong broken-hearted ako, silang mga kabanda ko ang nasandalan ko. Sinalba nila ako. And nickname ko dati is Shonie so there, Saving Shonie.

When was your band formed? What's your hometown?

Vernard: We're all from Laguna. Our band was formed last 2017.

Describe each band member in 3 words each.

Novs: Nover (vocals) - kind, warm-hearted, passionate. Vernard (lead guitar) - sweet, loyal, loverboy. Leichelle (bass) - independent, strong, funny. Kim (drums) - work in progress. Berto (rhythm) - blessed beyond measure.

What inspired you to make music like you do?

Novs: Music is our passion talaga. High school palang nag-babanda na kami, sumasali na kami sa mga Battle of the Bands. Saka dahil na din sa mga artists na influences namin.

Which artist is your biggest influence?

Novs: Rico Blanco talaga ever since.
Kim: Eraserheads.

How would you describe your original music?

Vernard: Actually si Novs ang nagsusulat ng mga kanta namin. Mostly our songs are all about heartache.

What do you hope for the listener to take away from your songs?

Vernard: Masaya na kami kapag na-appreciate nila yung kanta namin.

Where do you see your music going? Where would you like to be in the near future? Goals, dreams?

Novs: Syempre, yung makapasok sa record label
Vernard: Hopefully, marinig kami sa iba't ibang parte ng Pilipinas. Yung may maiwan ka lang na pangalan sa music industry, bonus na yun. Sana may mga albums na mailabas.

Any "strange tales" or things that may have happened during a show that seemed too weird to be true?

Vernard: One time, tumugtog kami sa isang school, kasabayan namin Typecast and December Avenue. Akala ng mga estudyante sikat din kami, paglabas namin ng backstage nagpapa-picture sila, hindi naman kami sikat. Weird lang ng feeling.

What musicians would you love to work with in the future? Dream collab?

Novs: Rico Blanco, of course.
Vernard: Urbandub and Franco.

Where do you think you are all happiest- in the studio recording a new song, or stage performing or elsewhere?

Vernard: For me lahat naman. Pero iba talaga yung stage performing.

Do you find that all of social media and keeping up with listeners has gotten so overwhelming? Which platform do you say that you enjoy engaging with the most? 

Vernard: Sa panahon kasi ngayon mas madali na makipag-ugnayan sa mga tao. Madami ng platform hindi katulad dati radyo lang.



The members of Saving Shonie are not joking around, each artist brings such thoughtful proficiency, instantly proving themselves to be a force in the scene. Visit their facebook page for their latest gig updates!

Here is the official music video of their song "Pag-alis".

Soapdish frontman Jeff Bolivar talks about their newest single “Totoo”. After “Kung Pwede Lang” which was released last 2017, the band has a new song for us to listen again. According to Jeff, someone very closed to him inspired him to write the song. “Medyo personal siya, someone real closed sakin yung inspiration ng song. It's about yung relationship nila going bad and nadidinig  ko lahat ng away nila kaya ko nagawa yung song.”





“Sa mga nagagawa kong kanta kapag may mga tao na nakakarelate mas gusto ko yung feeling na ganun…"


With regards to songwriting, Jeff shares his thought about how his songwriting changes since they first began,”Medyo nag-iba ako magsulat noong nakipag-collab ako kay Steve at Biboy. Marami akong natutunan sa kanila.” Recently the three releases new song that they have been making for quite sometime now. “Maraming Makikinig” is also out now on spotify.

It's staggering how this band who came from a scratch is now performing on different music festivals here in Manila! In this interview, Written By The Stars talks about 10 things fans didn't know about them.

1. Bath time ideas.

Robert Calingo (vocals) who writes all of the band's songs told that most of the melody and lyrics comes in the surface when he's taking his shower. "Usually melody nauuna sakin, habang nag-shoshower ako biglang may magpopop-up na magandang melody," he shared.

2. Written by the STARS.

According to drummer Cromwell the real story behind the band's name is its five rays which represent each of them. "Stars was used to navigate directions back then so I believe destiny navigated for us para mabuo kami as a band," he added.



3. Collaboration.

The band all agrees that they would love to have a collaboration with actress Sue Ramirez. They all admired Sue's talent in singing and hoping to have a project with her in the future.

4. Mall Shenanigans.

Cromwell also shared his best fan moment so far,"I was walking at the mall, kasi normally sa isang band ang kilala talaga dyan ay yung vocalist pero na-recognize niya ko. Nakakatuwa."

5. Aron discoverd Robert on Facebook doing a cover.

Lead guitarist Aron talks about how he met Robert. "Nagstart ang WBTS nung nakita ko yung cover ni Robert sa facebook. Ang galing nya eh. Then I asked him to be a vocalist of a band."

6. Total Strangers

Unlike the other bands that starts as friends before forming a band, WBTS members are total strangers with each other. They were only friends on facebook and they first met each other on their first ever jam session and immediately felt a connections.



7. "I think I can do this"

WBTS drummer shared a story about how he ended up playing drums. "I was in college in PUP may isang banda na nagpapractice and everytime matatapos sila magpractice, tinatry ko magdrums tapos sabi ko I think I can do this. Nahiligan ko. Kumbaga don't be afraid to try out things kasi hindi mo malalaman yung mga bagay na gusto mong gawin kung hindi ka gagawa ng bagay na hindi mo pa nagagawa."

8. Robert got involved to music when he was in high school.

Robert explained that music became a way to express himself, "noong high school ako sobrang mahiyain ako, yung tipong ako lang nakakarinig ng kanta ko. Na-exposed lang ako nung college na. Kailangan ng isang magpe-perform sa org namin, ako yung napili nila. So ayun yung first time na na-overcome ko yung pagiging mahiyain ko."

9. From fan to performer.




Frontman Robert is also ecstatic about the fact that they are now performing at some big music events. "Dati nanonood lang ako at pumipila para mapanood mga favorite bands ko. Come to think ngayon kasama na kami sa line-up. Dati pinapangarap lang namin ito pero ngayon nagpeperform na kami," he shared happily.

10. Runaway.

The song Runaway which is in Spotify now and now in Top 18 at Pinoy Myx Countdown is written based from Robert's personal experience according to him. It was a first hand experience way back in his high school days. You can watch it's official music video on their Facebook page and you can still vote for it on Myx.

The band is in mixed emotions seeing how their fans reacted to their songs. They were all very thankful for never-ending love and support.

Its been a long road here, and no overnight success story. From Dalton (frontman) and Kutoy (bass) who became friends after their previous bands disbanded, the two persevered, soon recruiting Edlord (lead guitar) and Lance (drummer), the final pieces of Tanakuta puzzle. They knew it would take hard work, there would be lows along the way, but together they will not stop and continue to make music.


Where did the band name came from? What does it mean?

Dalton: Yung song namin na "Tanga na kung Tanga", it was originally titled Tanakuta. Until nag-usap si Edlord at Lance na parang kakaiba yung title parang maganda gawing pangalan ng banda.

Describe your music-making process. Who writes your songs?

Dalton: Sa lahat ng nilalabas namin ngayon puro ako pa. Pero nag-usap kami ni Kutoy na sa second album, siya naman. Pero open kami sa lahat ng possibilities.



What has been your biggest challenge as a band?

Edlord: Pinaka challenge sa amin is clashing. Haha minsan talaga hindi maiiwasan yun. But at the end of the day, we realized na we're brothers no matter what happen.

Dalton: Different kinds of attitude. We need to learn to accept everyone para sa ikagaganda ng samahan.


Do you still get nervous when performing? How do you handle mistakes during performances?

Edlord: Nasanay na lang pero dati madalas ako kabahan. Smile lang, the show must go on so try to project na lahat is part of the show.

Dalton: Every gig sinisikap namin na play like a pro. Para maiwasan ang mali.


Are you after the fortune and fame?

Dalton: Music is our passion. If you love it, everything will follow.

Edlord: Ang hinahabol namin is to contribute in music scene.



Let's talk about your newest single "Tamis ng Pulang Labi".

Dalton: This song is written not just a love story. The reason I wrote this song is to give a message that it's not easy when someone you expected to be there for you at the end of the road, they were the one who will turn their back on you and left you hanging.

How does it feel to be in this platform for years?

Dalton: Four years na ang Tanakuta, it's been a great year for us. And for four years, we were able to achieve what we have right now. Masaya - to the extent na hindi ito madali makuha. And journey is still going.


What's coming up from you guys?

Dalton: Currently we have upcoming radio tour but they are still fixing the sched. We are doing a music video. May lalabas din na lyric video ng "Tamis ng Pulang Labi". New song next year na.

How fans to be gain access to your music?

Dalton: We are on spotify, amazon, iTunes and youtube also.




Disclaimer:
Photos are not mine.
Photos from their facebook page.

Though Cunejo is in hiatus, the band assure fans who were waiting for their comeback that it will be worth the wait. Cunejo's Frontman Julius Tan says that good things comes to those who wait. But before the band returns to the platform, let's find out how the band was formed and what inspired them to make music together.

Formed during college days, Julius inspired to make music because of his music idols like Kurt Cobain and Guns & Roses. Akmar and Julius were friends since high school while Anthony was from other band. Julius became friends with Kurt during college. Frontman Julius explains why the name Cunejo. According to him, he really wanted a one-word name for his band. He got the name from his college bestfriend. The father of his bestfriend used to teased his son "cunejo" and he finds it unique and decided to make it his band's name.



With regards of songwriting, Julius give credits to all the pain and heartaches he experienced. It helps him writes song. He also added that writing songs became his output of his feelings. "Hindi ako naglalabas ng emosyon sa social media so sa kanta ko na lang dinadaan."

When asked if they were after the fortune and fame, Julius answered,"Bonus na lang yun eh. Sa totoo lang, kung pwede lang ito na lang trabaho ko. Kung gusto namin sumikat, hindi dapat kami nag-banda. Maraming ibang paraan."


Cunejo's frontman is thankful that many of us is waiting for their comeback. Whilst waiting, you can listen to their songs on spotify. You can also visit their facebook page for gig updates!

After releasing their new song a month ago, Tanya Markova launched it's music video last September 1. The said event was a success and aside from Iglap's music video, fans were all satisfied for the band's long set that night. "Iglap" is our first look at what to expect from Tanya Markova this year, and it's certainly looking good.


Director Julius Tan talks about the idea of the music video. The brand new video begins with a guy (portrays by Janus del Prado) who never had a girlfriend. Until one day, something magical happened to him. Everytime he draws something, this drawing became a real one. Just like what happened when he draw a girl, the drawing became a real girl (portrays by Roxy Barcelo) and later on became his girlfriend. Well, if you want to know the whole story, we need to wait for the band to officially upload it on their youtube and facebook page. Also, the music video will be on Myx and MTV very soon!

The director also shared that he never had a hard time working with Tanya Markova. He also added that he's very proud that the band trusted him to do this music video. "Saka unang music video ko ito ng Tanya Markova eh kaya sobrang proud ako dito", he added.



"Iglap" is now available on Spotify. And for band's updated gigs, you may visit their facebook page.





Disclaimer:
Photos are not mine.
Photos by Jen David & Sharlene Dela Paz

It might be hard to believe, but Tanya Markova have been a band for 8 years now. If you're someone that was in middle school when they were first coming onto the music scene, then you might be feeling old right now. Throughout the 8 years, the band continued to make music. On 2010, they released their self-titled album Tanya Markova. And on 2016, they released Mr. Tililing. All these albums was a success and you will notice that their songs was filled with sarcasm and scary lyrics. But this time, they broke that consistent cycle. I was able to talked to Tanya Markova's Iwa Motors (Angel Del Pilar) and he's more than excited to brag about their newest single "Iglap" which will be released very soon!

Angel shared that Iglap was written by Harlon Agsaoay and him. "Iglap is personal experience namin. Noong hindi pa kami nagsisimula sa Tanya, ang kasama lang namin ay kanal, apoy, lamok, nature. Yun lang yun. Kasi wala naman kaming girlfriend noong time na yun. Ngayon, noong na-inlove na kami, na-realize namin yung environment ng love", he added.

Unlike the two previous albums that was based on outside forces, Iglap was based on inner forces. Angel also explains, "Ibang Tanya Markova maririnig nila ngayon. Tao lang kami. Nakakaramdam din kami ng sakit, ng kilig, ng kirot, nai-inlove din kami."


"Lahat naman ng kanta nakakapanibago kay Tanya. Isipin na lang nila na this is a concept album. Tulad ng ginawa namin kay Mr. Tililing at sa unang album. So, ito yung concept namin ngayon - Siryoso."


With regards of songwriting, Angel shares that Harlon is a big help,"Sobrang tulong ni Harlon sa melody lalo na sa lyrics. Hindi ko magagawa ang isang kanta ng sobrang solid kung wala si Harlon."



When talking specifically about Iglap, Angel mentioned that they are proud of it,"Bago man lang kami mamatay, may maibigay kaming galing sa amin mismo. Hindi doon sa kapaligiran."

The cliche of splitting the fans based between people who think the sound and lyrics are too different to previous releases is very much so something the band has seen. Angel acknowledges that you simply can't please everyone,"Kung sino ang mag-stick, salamat. Sa mga bago na makaka-appreciate, salamat." Angel wraps up his thoughts on fans being odd on this change by saying,"Expect din namin na baka yung dating fan hindi na nila magustuhan, pero magkakaroon kami ng bagong fan which is masaya. Pero kung die-hard sila magugustuhan pa din nila ito."

There will be something for you on this record if you have been a fan of Tanya Markova at any point in their career. And the good news is Iglap will be released this August!

With their newest single "Nakatira sa Puso" which is one of my favorite now, the group took things up another notch entirely. This band from Malolos continues to be impressive in local music scene.

I sat down with them to talk about their music, while discussing some of it's inner workings along the way.


NOSTALGIA

Front man Terence reflects on how the band first started way back in 2009 where Chi (their drummer until now) with Terence and his brother (the lead guitarist at that time) were the original members of the band. But his brother decided to leave the band to settle down in US and Chi also decided to quit to focus on photography. Terence being left alone never gave up on music. Despite of the struggle on looking for new members to join him in the band, he still continued to write songs and tried to convinced Chi to return.

In 2016, he met their bassist LJ and convinced him to join the band. Terence felt it was a stroke of luck when LJ agreed. Next, he met Hana who became their lead guitarist. The four started making new music.

If you are wondering what's the meaning behind their band name White Sunday, Terence explains,"Dati noong kami palang ni Chi ang lagi namin nagagawang kanta ay parang christian song, inspirational and hope. So white kasi parang pag-asa at tinernohan ko na lang ng Sunday na para sa akin Sunday symbolizes family and home."

PEN AND NOTES

Terence discussed their music making process. "Kadalasan nauuna sa amin melody. Maswerte ako na yung bassist ko nagsusulat, ang lead guitarist ko nagsusulat, si Chi din may sinulat na yang kanta," he explained. They call their music as ambient and describe most of the topics are "medyo bigo" so expect plenty of hugot on their songs.


The four also shares that rehearsals and song-writings becomes their bonding moment also.

MOMENT IN TIME

Being in the music scene for quite some time now, I asked them what has been their biggest challenge as a band. "Pagtagpo-tagpuin ang schedule kasi syempre madami din kami pinagkakaabalahan bukod sa banda", Terence explained. "Iba-iba din ng ugali isa sa challenge. Hindi naman porket nakita mo yung banda masayang tumutugtog, syempre sa kabila noon may challenges. Hindi pwedeng smooth lang. Hindi naman kasi pwedeng puro Terence ang ugali, puro Hana, puro LJ or puro Chi", he added.

"Communication is the key to every relationship," Hana said. Chi also opens up,"challenge din yung pagsulat at paggawa ng magandang kanta." With regards on handling mistakes during performace, Hana said that each and everyone are prone to commit mistakes. "Pero if you know how to listen and do something on that concern magiging okay din naman," he added. "Parang boxing lang, kapag nasuntok ka, bawi lang," Terence said.

SINCERITY

Hana goes on to explain how they want fans to remember them. "As a band, gusto namin hindi lang alam nila yung music namin. Gusto namin yung music namin could speak to their lives, maka-connect sila samin."


Like any other band, White Sunday sometimes also felt tired and down but LJ explains how they handle those times,"Iniisip namin madaming nakikinig sa amin. Minsan akala namin wala nakaka-appreciate sa amin, pero kapag nakausap namin sasabihin nila - Uy ang ganda ng music ninyo. Yung yung nagpapalakas samin."


The band is very over-whelmed and very much thankful of all the people who supports them. They promise to continue making music to reciprocate all the love they were receiving from fans and family.


You can listen to their songs through spotify, Deezer, Google Play, Amazon and iTunes. They also have facebook page, instagram, and youtube page for more updates!

Paranoid City recently signed under MCA Music which was just two days before their 8th year anniversary! Woohoo! That was something need to celebrate. Paranoid City is so amiable that they gave me some of their time to interview them.

Formed in 2009, during hiatus of Dax and Japo's band, Paranoid City was born. With influences of the 80s and 90s music, their sound is startlingly impressive. "Actually nagkasundo kami ni Dax dahil sa Rivermaya, nung college days namin madalas namin tugtugin noon puro Rivermaya", said Japo. Rommel also added, "nagustuhan ko talaga mag-banda nung napakinggan ko yung Eraserheads."

According to the vocalist of the band, there is no deep meaning why he named the band Paranoid City besides the fact that it was from FRIENDS. It was when he's watching Friends and he heard the word Paranoid City.



Being in a music scene for 8 years, I asked them what does it feel to play in public. "Noong early days namin mas kabado pero ngayon walong taon ko na sila kasama, kahit hindi ka sure dun sa tutugtugin ninyo na cover or something, parang hindi na kabado kasi ramdam na namin ang isa't-isa eh", Japo explained. "Depende sayo kung aasa ka kasi dun sa number of the people in crowd to say it was a good gig or not, most of the time you'll be disappointed", said Dax. "For me, personally may tao o wala masarap tumugtog. Period." With regards to handling mistakes during the performance, Eric said that all human are prone to commit mistakes and it's normal but you have to learn from your mistakes. "Sometimes, mayroon talagang pagkakamali pero smile lang, move on. Because if you just dwell on those mistakes, hindi mo ma-e-enjoy yung moment", he added.

Dax discussed about Paranoid City's music-making process. "Walang strict guidelines. Sometimes, it happens out of nowhere. The normal problem is sa sobrang dami ng kanta ang hirap umiwas eh. But that's not a bad thing, pero that's not what we're after right now. May instances din na may mga kanta ako na hindi ako confident about parang bitin with something binibigay ko kay Japo tapos nagagawan ng paraan ni Japo. We tried to balance with business ethics and arts with regards of song writing."




The band already performed in Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand (Wow! Southeast Asia invasion), but this band is looking forward to more out of the country tours. Lots of crazy things happened to them during those tours. Back when in Thailand (band's first ever tour), when smartphones were not yet existing, Rommel and Eric got bored so they went for a walk. After two and a half hours of waiting, there was no sign of Rommel and Eric so Dax got worried because there's no facebook to message them and they only bought one sim card for that tour. Dax and Japo decided to look for the two missing band members haha. Thankfully, after three hours, Rommel and Eric appeared like happy kids from a candy store. Haha. According to Eric, they went to a bar which was as wide as a warehouse that doesn't have an entrance fee, people are partying like there's no tomorrow, it was like a heaven to them. I couldn't stop laughing while they're telling me this story haha.

To get along with each other is their biggest challenge as a band according to Dax. "Ang layo ng ugali namin noong nagsimula kami hanggang ngayon. Acceptance. Yun yun eh. You can't change it. At the end of the day, intindihan and compromise. Because of the fact na tumatanda kami, the biggest challenge is to stick together."



Japo goes on to explain how he feels they've changed since their first album released. "Lalo sa music scene ngayon, sobrang lawak ng music vocabulary ng mga banda. Masasabi ko lumawak din ang range ng musicality namin." Metropolitan is very different from their first album Viewfinders Dream which they describe as what they wanted to portray and the second album is how they represent themselves. The latest album Metropolitan is a homie and most sincere one.



For the past 8 years, like other bands, members of Paranoid City also got tired and thought of quitting. "May mga times na titingala ka na lang sa gabi bakit mo ginagawa ito sa halaga ng softdrinks pero okay lang", Japo said. "It's a matter of  enjoying what we have right now."

To end with, Dax also has an advice for anyone who wants to form a band or anyone who wants to do something, "my life has been driven by passion. Passion ko sa laruan, passion ko sa music at passion ko sa family ko, that's the common factor - passion." He also added that he believes in the saying "kapag gusto may paraan". "Example is if your passion walang pera dun, magtatrabaho ka para masustentuhan mo yung passion mo. Yun ang philosophy ko kasi sobrang totoo siya eh, kaya mo gawan ng paraan yan. Don't let your insecurities stop yourself. Yourself is your worst enemy. Most times I fail, sa sampung beses ako nag-try 9.5 palpak but that 0.5 success ang sarap! It makes life worth living."

You can listen to their songs through spotify, deezer, amazons, and iTunes. Or buy their physical album on their gigs. They also have a facebook page, twitter, and instagram!

Born and raised from a family that really loves music, this handsome guy learned to play songs at an early age. I asked Jose Gaspar himself why did he named it SVNR (Souvenir). Jose told me that he have three reasons why. I'm pretty sure you guys are very curious right now about it haha okay let's know more about the man behind SVNR music and why he came up with that unique name!

There are lots of amazing talents on local scene. It's a crime asking me my favorite among them. But today, I feel like sharing you one of my favorite band from the province of Malolos, Mistress Wurmalde. I was lucky to have a chance to ask them some questions and I will share it to you guys (cause I'm not madamot haha).



Band Members:
Marga Hoffman - Vocals
Ma-U Viray - Lead Guitars
Ed Magkasi - Drums
Markus Tanig - Bass
Ambo Concepcion - Pads & Effects
Paul Figueroa - Rythm Guitars/Bass
June Eight Yabut - Keyboard


When did you form your band? What inspired you to get music together?
Ma-U: "We met each other at gigs. Got the chance to hangout, learned each other's preferences, and from there, we told each other, "Huwag naman tayong manood, tumugtog naman tayo.". We started July 2014."

I'm curious about your band name. Where did it came from? What does it mean?
Ed: "It came from a book. Marga (vocalist) loves to read book. The name shows independence strengths, and power ng mga kababaihan."

Who writes your songs? What are the main topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Ma-U: "Marga writes all the songs. It's the other member's job to arrange it. We usually focuses about real life experiences, feelings, and emotions. Since the topic is general and broad, I believe it covers all topics."

What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week?
Marga: "Well, we go through our songs, tweak it a little more, have fun with other songs. We just set the best schedule with each other without compromising each other's personal time. We see to it that at least once a week, we have time for the band."

Which songs do you perform more frequently? Do you ever play any covers?
Marga: "We play some unreleased songs and some from the album. We cover songs from Pvris, and arrange some hits from the charts."

Any musical icons or influences.
Ma-U: "Each of us has our own musical influences. But as a group, we look up at Pvris, Skrillex, The Chainsmokers, Yellowcard, Tonight Alive. More on techno, a lot of trap songs, some pop rock, of course alternative rock, a little post hardcore."

What new music you like?
Ambo: "We look forward from the indie scene, but we still look from renowned production companies for new hits."

What do you like to do outside of music? In essence, a hobby?
Marga: "Half of us are students so being a student outside of music. The other half has day jobs, so we focus on that."

What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Ed: "The biggest challenge is to have a "mental block", there's no new ideas, stuck at a certain point. But, you know, there's nothing alcohol can't fix. Oh, of course, financial problem."

How do you handle mistakes during performance?
Marga: " We just laugh it off, bully each other out of it and promised to never make the same mistake again."

How fans to be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs? Or CD?
Ambo: " We're in spotify, itunes, deezer, and amazon music. Facebook page /mwofficial. Instagram /mwofficialph. And youtube for our unreleased songs and videos."