Weeknights to Remember: SlickMaster’s Memorable Gigs of 2015 (Part 4)

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. 

Between Archery and Olympics

Between Archery and Olympics Album Launch (24 June 2015 / Route 196 / Project Collab Manila)

My buddy Lih sent me to this gig to cover on his behalf. Yes, for an evening, all I did was taking videos of the event. Specifically, band shots. But moreover, I discovered more artists I shouldhave been listening right now. And BAO was one of them. It’s not surprising that their album launch proved their success at the scene so well.

Franco

Jacktember (5 September 2015 / Buddha Bar / Jack Daniel’s Philippines)

So, it was Jack Daniel’s birthday, and the top three bands from the recent JD On Stage stormed the stage as we joined the entire world in celebrating the success of the popular whiskey brand. Plus Franco also rocked the night away. It was the first I heard them live; and frankly that blew my mind away. 

SUD, on screen and on stage.

Tagaytay Art Beat Hangover (1 October 2015 / Brewery at the Palace / Docdef Productions, Museo Orlina, Brewery at the Palace) 

Fresh from the overwhelming success of Tagaytay Art Beat, Docdef Productions followed it up for everyone who still can’t get over from what has been the indie music’s outside-the-metro show of the year for 2015.

Nico and Vinz

Jack TV Mad Fest 2015 (7 November 2015 / Globe Circuit Events Center / SOLAR Entertainment)

Too bad, I missed the indie music part. But nevertheless, watching MAD FEST was another piece of memorable. Looks like they covered almost all sides from indie to mainstream, plus DJs setting the party vibe for the rest of the evening, especially after the main act Nico and Vinz graced the stage for an hour-long concert,

Paranoid City w/ their manager and Revolver Productions head Cris Ramos

The Last Revolver Gig (29 August 2015 / Saguijo /Revolver Productions)

I once attended a Revolver gig, and it was a tie-up with Docdef Productions last May. And upon researching I found out they are calling it an evening at SaGuijo last 29 August 2015. Never would I thought that after 11 years, Revolver will call it right there. Though I managed to catch few performers during the night, Paranoid City formally gave its curtain call. And for few minutes of my life, I was stunned with musicians from different bands joining the stage one motherfucking last time to make some noise. Perhaps, a farewell one.

The Rest is Noise Year-end (19 December 2015 / Route 196 / Vandals on the Wall)

Ian and MC’s success from Vandals on the Wall proved they are capable of organizing gigs too. They’re not just a media doing lots of reviews and interviews. And true enough, their ninth The Rest is Noise installment left me a mark on the nearend of 2015. Like from 7pm -4am they got 14 artists on the lineup. And despite a not-so-good weather, almost 300 people flocked Route 196. Damn.

| PART 3

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

The Scene Around: The Rest is Noise Yearend

12/20/2015 4:26:48 AM

Well, after hitting the EP launch og Mind Money Circuit, yours truly hit up Route 196 (well, for the second time, actually) that evening for another heavyweight night from Vandals on the Wall.

Two-ish in the morning, and I still managed to catch some awesome live music with Cheats, Assembly Generals, SUD, Lions and Acrobats and Tom’s Story rocking the night -- and the approaching holiday rush. And come to think Vandals on the Wall’s premier event had a 16-band lineup at helm, including Bullet Dumas, Autotelic, Ang Bandang Shirley, BP Valenzuela, and Oh, Flamingo!

I quite overhead the crowd for this event on Route 196 was numbered by around 308, perhaps one of the highly-attended events for 2015 aside from the Love Supreme music video launch and Oh, Flamingo! EP launch.Talk about a packed evening to cap the year, eh?

Kudos, Vandals on the Wall for pulling off such feat. Looking forward for more The Rest is Noise by next year!

Author: slickmaster | © 2015 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

The Scene Around: The Rest is Noise 8

12/8/2015 8:21:51 PM

I wasn’t supposed to head on to Route 196 during that Saturday evening due to massive stress I have been with in life (and also, a sudden financial constraint), but I have to talk to PULP Managing Editor Cris Ramos and return the albums of WOMB and GENERATION. We agreed on the same date.

But with a stress that I had on my corporate side recently? I could’ve say “Man, can I return this to you on another day?” but I have to be man enough just the same way I passed my album reviews for their November issue (well, actually I sent them late but anyway).

Luckily, I managed to take a brief layoff from the harhs reality courtesy of my friends from Vandals On The Wall as they organized their 8th installment of The Rest Is Noise.

At least, that saved me from a potential insanity as I hang out to the music of Sud, Jensen and the Flips, Run Dorothy, andwich and Pedicab. Well, I was supposed to stay for the rest of the evening with Tandems ’91, and Yurei but circumstances are already slapping me back to reality. And I missed the first act, too—Tom’s Story. Damn it!

Perhaps I’ll be watching by from start to finish again on the next The Rest Is Nois gig (hopefully, on December!).

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions

The Scene Around: Coffee Barn Sessions 2

12/8/2015 7:58:34 PM

Two months ago, The Coffee Barn celebrated their second anniversary with a bang as Gabi Na Naman Productions and Vandals On The Wall teamed up to set their second installment of Coffee Barn Sessions.

The show was an instant star-packed by paper; and for barely five hours of live music, Coffee Barn Session delivered as promised with Kai Honasan gracing the evening with her share of tunes—both cover and original.

This was actually the first time I hear Honasan live on her solo project. All that despite having Autotelic bandmate Josh Villena as her session guitarist. Hey, their rendition for Mapa was something verya dorable, aside from her original Liwanag and cover of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream.

April Hernandez a.ka. TheSunManager also performed as well as Aia De Leon (with her brother), Glaiza De Castro and Alasmedya. Indeed, the finest musicians during the evening, with De castro emerging as one of the instant favorites with tons of her fans flocked the venue. Wow, instant sold-out success, eh?

In all fairness, when I heard Glaiza for the first time, it’s no surprise that she has that huge edge over the showbiz artists who made a crossover leap to the music scene. Forget the lesser hype and numbers. This actress indeed has the prowess of being one.

Apart from hearing good sets from Hernandez, De Leon, and Alasmedya, it was a night of first times for me to hear some notable names familiar to many.

I think GNNP and VOTW should establish more of Coffee Barn Sesssions since not all people are inclined to hear live (and loud) music at the bars and instead, prefer buying in to some chillax ‘coffee shop’ music.

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions

The Scene Around: The Rest is Noise 7

11/30/2015 8:17:29 PM

In three weeks, Vandals on the Wal will have a yearender edition of their bimonthly gig called The Rest is Noise.

This time, though, will be a one-time showing in December at Route 196. But before anything else, let’s take a lookback… to the seventh installment.

It was a crazy rainy night, and I just came off a workshop at Alabang. While some bars were forced to close due to inclement weather, Route 196 and Vandals stay put; maybe because people still wanted to hear live music as if it’s a cure to their chillin’ state of soul.

Well, I think despite the ravage of the storm, the venue stood stall as a lot of goers stormed by to hear the likes of Bullet Dumas, Autotelic, Rusty Machines, Ang Bandang Shirley, We Are Imaginary, and Oh, Flamingo!

Yeah, the gig may be over by 2 AM but I managed to go home by 7:00 AM the following day. Perhaps, saved the best gig on a rainy day.

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions

The Scene Around: KINK Mixtape Launch

10/3/2015 4:01:56 PM
Sometimes all we want in life is not just a nighttime to spend nor even a partner to be with us for the rest of our lives (that’s why the word “forever” is the root of argument in the eyes of the cult I’d like to call love); there are instances where all we want is some music which will not just touch our heart, mind, and soul; but also, will ignite a spark for something sensual.

Not really some kind of sexual aspect or something, but intimacy is rather a fitting term (sorry Micah Romey, I digressed for using ‘baby-making’ right there).

Recently, Vandals on the Wall in cooperation with Gabi Na Naman Productions created another set of tracks suitable for your lingering needs at the wee hours where you and your partner can deal with—of course, aside from the “our” deed or so-called sexy time.

KINK Mixtape is a 20-tracked album comprised of various anthems from different names in the Philippine independent music scene, from Sud to ASCH; to MilesExperience and even Farewell Fair Weather.

And just over the last Friday night of September, amidst the heavy rainfall which almost reminded you of what happened six years ago, the curators slated an event at Route 196 in Katipunan, Quezon City for its formal launch, where the first 75 people will have a physical copy of the mixtape—and that includes yours truly.

Along the way, sets of performances came along, from electronic slow jam-makers to the bands who delivered emotions, angsts, and the drive throughout the evening.

Another great event made by Vandals on the Wall. Keep supporting this music portal, and all the bands who shared the stage as well!

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions