The Scene Around: DOCDEFY III

1/10/2016 8:26:54 PM

Docdef Productions celebrated their 3rd anniversary with a gig that is quite a fitting one to cap 2015. Most of the best and up-and-coming musicians performed at Docdefy III happened 29 December 2015 at Route 196 in Quezon City.

Alasmedya kicked off the party; while others in the ten-band lineup followed suit. Namely, Austin, Banna Harbera, SUD, Jensen and the Flips, Autotelic, MilesExperience and Maya’s Anklet. And UBE was the last band to cap Docdefy III, while also claiming that it will also be their last outing before they go on hiatus.

With that being said, it was a heck-of-a-year for the Jack Daniel’s Prod of the Year awardee. Since its inception on December 2012, Docdef Productions produced more than 100 gigs in total; with this year includes a variety of happenings such as the following:

• EDGES (18 February, Route 196 with Fringe MNL)
• Farewell Fair Weather’s anniversary and home-returning gig (29 January and 18 June, respectively at Route 196) 
• Days 1-4 of the Satchmi Record Store Week (13-16 April, SM Megamall)
• Magnify (23 May, UP Town Center)
• #FeteIndie2015 (20 June, 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub with Vandals on the Wall and NDFY.ME)
• Light Settling (18 August, Route 196 with UP Underground Music Society; previous title: When The Light Settles)
• Tagaytay Art Beat (19 September, Museo Orlina)
• In D’ Flow (28 November, Flow House Manila)

So here’s to more good music and happenings, Docdef Productions!

Author: slickmaster | © 2016 september twenty-eight productions

The Scene Around: Fools and Foes EP Launch

1/10/2016 4:07:39 PM

Long night ahead. After crossing cities like a coast-to-coast play on basketball, I finally arrived down south. 

Indie folk band Fools and Foes had a milestone night in their career when they formally launched their EP called Underneath the Roots. The five-track record contained their previous hit Blindfolded and one of this year’s notable tracks Undesired.

Along with that, bands such as Ourselves the Elves, Austin, Autotelic, Run Dorothy and The Ransom Collective joined the band in celebrating their night, with the gig made possible by The Rest is Noise, Revolver and Docdef Productions.

And lucky enough, yours truly managed to get a copy of the EP, which were sold hot like pancakes especially after their set (or technically, when the night is over). How did I knew that? I was then-in charge in selling their merch alongside my new-friend John Marcelo, also the guy know for establishing Infinity Blues Photography.

And as I said earlier, it was a very long night. Nah, let me correct that, a long-but-memorable weekend approaching since I barely have few hours to rest before I storm by UP again for the 11th Philippine Blogging Summit.

Author: slickmaster | © 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Weeknights to Remember: SlickMaster's Memorable Gigs of 2015 (Part 1)

12/31/2015 3:00:36 PM

The post was supposed to be named Fridays and Saturday Nights to Remember only to realized a few things: first, gigs are happening every single weeknight; second, most of them aren’t even planned by yours truly to attend; and third, I have been to almost 70 gigs for 2015.

2015 has been a heck of a good year for me as I discovered Philippine music anew -- and it broods at the place where minority of people knows -- the independent scene. Over the course of time, I attended about 50 events starting from a random night out that happened 24 January 2015 at Route 196. I was then supposed to watch my college friend whose already a musician.

And since then, the Philippine independent music scene became another world conquered by yours truly. I became part of a production group; I was posting anything about gigs for most of the time; and indie music also served as a venue for me to grow as opportunities came from out of nowhere -- be it writing or anything else like photography and videography.

Fast-forward to the year-end, despite attending the last one or two music events of this year from small-time gigs to the big or concert-level ones, I can say I had a lot of memorable evenings. 

Jensen and the Flips from the far-away angle

Tagaytay Art Beat (19 September 2015 / Museo Orlina / Docdef Productions)

Tagaytay Art Beat was perhaps the first of two lifestyle events I’ve been with. With all the preparation hype (plus I was also the contributing videographer), Art Beat turned out to be very successful as 1,200+ people occupied the garden/amphitheater of Ramon Orlina’s prized masterpiece venue for almost 11 hours of musical extravaganza. Plus the art exhibition galleries were worth the ticket, too!

What makes it more memorable is that it also became part of the Philippine trends on Twitter the following morning. Perhaps that makes it up for not-so-good signal around the area as most people arrived in Manila witnessing a Woodstock-like gathering. 

And you’re part of the hardworking men and women who made Tagaytay Art Beat possible. Now, isn’t that worth reminiscing?

Tandems 91

Dusk Til Dawn (17 July 2015 / Route 196 / Vandals on the Wall)

Music web portal Vandals on the Wall celebrated their second year of existence by putting up a special evening that seemed more than just one with the combined effort of Gabi Na Naman Productions and VOTW’s very own The Rest is Noise.

Giniling Festival

SaGuijo’s 11th Anniversary (3 October 2015 / Saguijo / Saguijo)

I rarely go to SaGuijo. But then, I have to be familiarized with the place considering the fact that SaGujo was the place-to-be at the South. And true enough for few reasons.

First, when I arrived by 5:30 in the afternoon, the place was already jam-packed.

Second, 16 bands performed during the evening, with Up Dharma Down billed at the middle of the event? It’s like a main event at the primetime hours.

And third: because SaGuijo will not be 11 years stronger if not for the strong fanbase.

Autotelic

Autotelic Birthday Bash (15 October 2015 / Route 196 / Otelik, Docdef Productions)

I admit: I have been a huge fan of this band since hearing them for the first time. Watching them live for like 1321464178461 times was never a tiring experience.

And celebrating their birthday with Docdef Productions, as well as hearing the duo of Gabby Alipe and John Dinopol on acoustics? Totally refreshing for me.

The Purplechickens

#FeteIndie2015 a.k.a. The 2015 Fete de la Musique Independent Music Stage (21 June 2015 / 12 Monkeys Music Pub and Hall / Docdef Productions, NDFY.me, Vandals on the Wall)

What makes it memorable? Simple answer: First time. 

Yes, it was the first time for me to attend a Fete De La Musique Philippines event (after a decade of dying to do so). Plus, it’s more memorable to think I got a break in music photography. 

And to think there are 19 musicians that rocked the indie stage for FDLM from 3:15 PM ‘til 2:45 AM of Sunday? Total package!

Farewell Fair Weather

JD On Stage Indie Music Awards (17 April 2015 / Whitespace Makati / Jack Daniel’s Philippines, Teamworks)

First time to hear the likes of Cynthia Alexander, Urbandub, and Flying Ipis on Stage. Plus seeing your favorite band Autotelic make it to the Top 3, and your friends Farewell Fair Weather winning the most-coveted distinction of being “The Chosen One.”

MilesExperience

MilesExperience Love Supreme Music Video Launch (16 July 2015 / Route 196 / Docdef Productions, 9 Roots)

MilesExperience, a boy-band from UST whom their music and sex appeal seemed to rock those kolehiyalas out there, launched their music video for their single Love Supreme in a holiday Thursday at Route 196.

And it’s no surprise this band were a bunch of badass mutherfuckers as the crowd reached its fire hazard level during their set; prompting yours truly to secure a breather by doing a back-door exit (laughs).

But seriously, MSex (as they call themselves) was one of the bands out there who can make sexy music and have a massive cult of followers in the process.

Mr. Bones and the Boneyard Circus

Docdef 100: In D’ Flow (28 November 2015 / Flow House Manila / Docdef Productions, Flow House Manila)

In D’ Flow is not just an ordinary concert as Flow House Manila also had a series of events on the side: DJ sets, live art painting, skateboard painting contest, and even offered their specialty called Flow Rider to VIP ticketholders.

I think it’s this time when Docdef goes all out, not just offering their signature of all-feel good music lineup. Yes, how about going a bit higher with Mr. Bones and the Boneyard Circus and Mayonnaise at the lineup?

PART 2

Author: slickmaster | ©2015, 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Playback: Autotelic – Gising

12/13/2015 10:59:24 AM
It seems for every single song that Autotelic performed on stage, there’s always this kind of vibe that made me either document them or just sing-along and dance to the tune, or do both.

But differing from their typical sound check en route to their first song, this version is quite different; perhaps a livelier one. And it draws closer to their signature sound.

Misteryoso may talk about literally spotting a mysterious lady which for instance gave a strange kind of affection. But Gising, is quite even stranger (though in some good sort). Like the quarreling worlds of dreams and reality (okay, I’m sounding not-so-poetic here).

Their early version actually sounds good, though when they did it as their buena mano on their usual sets, it just got better.



I actually recorded several versions of Gising during their gigs only to ended up hearing them on my road trips.

Now I can’t wait for their upcoming record soon. But I swear to anyone else: Gising is a heck-livelier when heard LIVE!

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions

The Scene Around: Autotelic Birthday Bash

11/1/2015 2:18:59 PM

This is the event I’d like to personally called OCTO-Telic.
And why not: four of the members of this band called Autotelic have celebrated their birthdays on the month of October; while the synth player EJ is on November 1 (ironically as of this writing), and their bassist Pabs is on March.

But as Neil, Kai, Gep and Josh had their huge blowout party; so were the other performers during the evening as Jensen and the Flips, Urbandub (in acoustic), Tom’s Story, Oh, Flamingo!, tide/edit, and Lions and Acrobats also joined the party. At least, that’s another Thursday night to remember with the uprisers and heavyweight shits coming together for a birthday bash.

And before the night is over, JB of Docdef Productions gave the band a cake; signifying that indeed it was a wild, epic night.

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions

The Scene Around: Jack Daniel's Future Legends Trade and Media Launch

11/7/2015 4:57:17 PM

It was a rainy Tuesday evening (13 October 2015) in Buddha Bar as Jack Daniels Philippines formally launched their program for the independent music scene called Future Legends. 

For the span of two years, several bands will be playing for events organized and sponsored by the whisky label. Also, for the said time-span, there will be Indiefest and as the culmination, the Jack Daniels Indie Music Awards will be held once again on 2017 where from hundreds of bands of variety of genres, only one will be called as the Jack’s Chosen One.

Performers during the evening were the best three bands from the recent Jack Daniels’ Indie Music Awards: Flying Ipis, Autotelic, and this edition’s “Chosen One” Farewell Fair Weather.

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions

Playback: Autotelic – We Are Autotelic (album)

10/08/15 11:37:38 AM

Photo credits: Pinoytuner

There are times where all I wanna do is to shut up and listen to a variety of music. And in case I liked them, I do put my several takes on it.

And rarely—if not none—I made some words of appreciation on albums. But for now, since Autotelic is celebrating its success for over three years in the independent music scene, might as well have do a review on their album.

Just over a year ago, Josh Villena and company released their 8-tracked album at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub in Makati City. Though it was only past April when I grabbed a copy of their record (their second, after an EP that was launched in 2013/early 2014).

So, first things first. I am a huge fan of 'track number 1.' Meaning, the very first song that will play on my disk—in chronological order—should better be attractive to my ears as fuck. It's like a simple sales transaction where you have to grab the prospect customer's attention by presenting the part of your product that has awesomeness. Parang pag una mong napakinggan, “Shet! Love ko na 'to!”

And that is something Kung Sa Bagay had been good for. From that introductory mix of synth, guitars, and the sudden drubbing of drums, to the rest of the way.

This time though, the album version of Misteryoso sounded a bit differently. Perhaps more polished. I admit, I'd prefer the old one (yes, the extended length). This one, though running for only five and a half minutes, was still not a bad thing to deal with. The difference is quite obvious, Kai's vocals were injected. Plus the keyboard-mix was more hearable that before.

Unstable is quite a melodical-paced one. Setting aside the music video Ballet Philippines had done, the rhythm shows the story in accompaniment to the lyrical forms. It never went to the fast lane; but still danceable, especially when heard live.

Balik, as I said on my song review, talks about nostalgia. This one, though, was a mere polished version (just like Misteryoso). But hearing this version—on a personal note—gave me goosebumps. Quite strange. I quite thought they have the same pace as Unstable.

The difference is that Balik—another Filipino language-written track—was more related to the goers. Could it be the lyrics? Perhaps. Plus the fact it changes power from slow to much-a-bit-faster-than-medium. Gep's drumming prowess during the instrumental struck me the most; along with the guitar effects from Villena, Neil Tin, and the bass from Timothy Vargas. But hearing the last chorus gave me that total lookback vibe. It's like you wanna see some rundown-travel clips and that part on your audio accompaniment.

Dalhin is something I considered one of the under-rated tracks for the album (three, in fact). Strong message in a simpler-sounding blend—and short lyrics. But the message was so strong that I had my hand picked on this as my personal favorite.

Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot was another. Talk about waiting for “answers,” eh? More dramatic than Unstable; and more melodic either.

Dahilan was still definitely (and still) an instant attraction to the music lovers. You try to hear them on canned recording (either by the album or just on that lyric video on YouTube alone), and it will give you total satisfaction on how Villena's song-writing prowess works; especially at chorus where he and Honasan's vocals blend well. Plus, EJ Edralin's exposure on synth was more evident here.

It's like one of the tracks where you will realized this should have been a sad song; and yet it's still danceable as fuck. Yes it is even if it's not as fast paced as whatever you may have think.

All Night. Where things went from a deeper-bass level. I heard more of Pab's stuff right there. And the powerful strum of the guitarists and drubbing of Macadaeg's as well. Also, the longest recording in this album.

The closure was so dimmed-sounding as fuck; it's telling a story like there's more in this band that will come out soon, as the night goes cooler (as if a gig reached its end and chill-down vibe is peaking).

Perhaps I should not be surprised anymore why Autotelic's self-titled album was an instant gem in the recent era. To think of it, even mainstream news portals had their own share of raves for this record, and the music magazine blog Vandals on the Wall even tagged them as part of its 20 Essential Albums of 2014. 

Well, I guess blame it on the process. These tracks were presented in various forms, crafted in different ways, and telling wordplay in whatever means possible. And even on the down-tempo like beat, there's no way you can never dance to any of their tunes.

And that is the main reason why Autotelic was one of the present standouts of the Philippine independent music scene—and perhaps the future of the Filipino pop music too!

The Verdict: 9.5/10

 Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions