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

Weeknights to Remember: SlickMaster’s Memorable Gigs of 2015 (Part 3)

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.

EDGES (21 February 2015 / Route 196 / Docdef Productions, FRINGE MNL)

Music and arts converged at the time of celebrating another holiday known as the Chinese New Year as photograph exhibitions were slated at Route 196’s Jack Room. Plus selected art pieces were also for sale, and live digital art was made during the sets of Tom’s Story and Autotelic. Truly a night to remember from a collaborative effort from Docdef Productions and FRINGE MNL.

Coeli San Luis

Elements Jam Night (4 May 2015 / Route 196 / Elements)

Two members of Alasmedya invited me to attend the jam night of the country’s leading songwriting camp. Explored the likes of The Benjamins, Coeli San Luis and Mic Llave right there. It might be an almost-stripped-down vibe Monday, but we all need this sometimes. Where you hear musicians jammed the night away with their peers. Thus saying, OPM is really alive in the process -- as artists showed their camaraderie to each other in terms of craft-making and having fun.

Mind Money Circuit

A Not-So-Silent Night: Mind Money Circuit EP Launch (19 December 2015 / Mow’s Bar / Docdef Productions)

Second time I have encountered this band. Perhaps that’s courtesy of Gab Palanca, whom once I crossed paths at SaGuijo, Route 196, and even SM City Marikina. And their EP launch proved they can offer more, and Math Rock is a genre rarely people would know.

Fools and Foes

Underneath The Roots: Fools and Foes EP Launch (4 December 2015 / SaGuijo / Docdef Productions, Revolver, The Rest is Noise)

I admit: I only knew two three songs right before their EP launch. Turns out they got five. And what makes it an evening to remember for me is that I was one of the people who manned their EP sales during the evening. Yes, I did so after attending iBlog11 up north and right before attending its second day. Totally busy, right? 

John Ray Reodique of Alasmedya

Stripped (2 December 2015 / Route 196 / Route 196, Docdef Productions)

The first time I hit an all feel-good vibe gig at Route 196, with no hosts around, just organizers, musicians, and friends around. Stripped showcased the “other side” of each performer where they performed some of their band hits, personally-made covers, originals, or even seasonal tracks.

And since it happened on Christmas month, it’s quite obivous: each musician performed Christmas song. Now that’s a chillax way to greet everyone a “Merry Christmas!”

Kai Honasan w/ Josh Villena

Coffee Barn Session 2 (10 October 2015 / Coffee Barn / Gabi Na Naman Productions)

The first Coffee Barn Session happened on July was very successful. So, why not have a second coming, right? With popular guys like Kai Honasan, Aia De Leon, and Glaiza Castro headlining the all-acoustic night while you sip a coffee or bear on a full-house Coffee Barn at South Triangle, it was another notable Saturday night for your truly.

PART 2 | PART 4

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

Weeknights to Remember: SlickMaster's Memorable Gigs of 2015 (Part 2)

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. 

Farewell Fair Weather: Beyond gig poster by Angelo Manalo. Photo credit: Docdef Productions

Farewell Fair Weather: Beyond (18 June 2015 / Route 196 / Docdef Productions)

Just three years young in the industry, Farewell Fair Weather seemed they had a comeback gig like a veteran. Well, fresh from winning the Jack Daniel’s Chosen One and being part of Music Matters in Singapore, FFW was indeed back with emphasis!

The crowd inside during the set of The Ransom Collective

Kaleidoscope (12 September 2015 / Mow’s Bar / Mika Ordonez)

Held a week before Art Beat, and just in time after having a great Saturday afternoon (I watched Heneral Luna before heading to Mow’s). Hearing the likes of Anj Florendo, Jensen and the Flips, The Ransom Collective and Cheats are somewhat good enough to make my evening. Plus I also heard Kombo Kombo for the first time right there; and I heard Kaleidoscope was the highest grossing gig set at the bar located just at the basement floor of Kowloon House. With its proceeds went to the operation of a certain kid named Jillian.

Damn nice!

Oh, Flamingo

Oh, Flamingo! EP launch (14 October 2015 / Route 196 / Oh, Flamingo)

Barely joining the “Sa Tamang Panahon” bandwagon, Oh, Flamingo! first launched their event on Facebook page. And it appeared like almost half-a-thousand clicked GOING with barely a month left.

It may not reached the exact number, but certainly it topped the gate attendance at Route 196. Plus the stage was elevated, with a kiddie birthday theme as the peg. All that with Sandwich’s Raimund Marasigan doing a crowd surf doing their set.

Kinda impressive, considering this band was-then poised to win the Wanderband contest two weeks later!

Maya's Anklet

Light Settling [Prev. Title: When The Light Settles] (18 August 2015 / Route 196 / Docdef Productions, UP Underground Music Society)

An evening where subtle music ruled Route 196 as Maya’s Anklet, TheSunManager, and Autotelic launched their music videos as part of a Ballet Philippines’ short film project. 

Not just that, the last band who performed during that evening shed light as they turned their set into a wild, crazy moshpit session.

MilesExperience

MilesExperience Thanksgiving Gig (19 August 2015 / Mow’s Bar / MilesExperience)

Fresh from a successful music video launch a month ago, the boys from MilesExperience gave thanks to everyone by setting up a thanksgiving gig, with more louder bands performing right beforehand; a bit of shying away from the slow and sexy drive.

Ebe Dancel

Amplifiied (11 July 2015 / Route 196 / Amplify.PH)

Amplify.PH’s second anniversary as a start-up, with executives baring their new motives of going beyond; more than just a sound which tackles news, interviews and features about the local music scene. An evening where different genres of music converged. It was the first time I heard Cog, and A Problem Like Maria.

Anj Florendo

You Are Here: Anj Florendo Album Launch (31 July 2015 / Route 196 / Anj Florendo)

Two months after encountering her and her music, Anj Florendo launched another record after three years -- this time, an album with more #hugot tracks. It was a Friday evening where it was all slow flow with the likes of Conscious and the Goodness, Matteo Escueta and MilesExperience sharing the stage.

Pastilan, Dong!

Seismos: A Post-Rock and Math Rock Appreciation Night (2 May 2015 / SaGuijo / Seismos)

Very first event for Imee Malabonga’s crew who advocates post-rock and math-rock tracks. Also, a very successful crowd-funded gig as Glen Macadaeg reiterates; with spoken word artists from Words Anonymous taking the stage in-between setup and soundcheck spots.

PART 1 | PART 3  

Author: slickmaster | © 2015, 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

Thank You, 2015. Hello, 2016!

12/31/2015 11:57:01 PM

So another year is now recorded at the history books. We all have our own share of stories. Some of us said 2015 was a good one for them, while others have stated otherwise.

If you asked me though, I had lots of ups and downs to the extreme level. There were times when I felt totally devastated or depressed; where I thought I suck in life big time; or maybe for a second I was a disappointment, or a failure.

Some people may actually point you to that direction with concern in their minds that you can do better. And that is something I am really thankful for.

It’s no secret that 2015 fled me to another place, and it’s a very interesting one: music. For almost the entire year, the country’s independent music scene became my venue. I ended up writing more blog posts about what’s happening on the side of nightlife where bands were the recognizable figures.

And through this, my eyes became wide open as opportunities arose the same as criticism. And there’s nothing wrong on the latter. I guess it paved way for me to take another path in my blogging and writing career as soon as 2016.

With that being said, I am dedicating this article to people whom I met for this year. Big “Thank you” shoutouts for these folks who appreciated my craft, nit-picked on it, helped me realized my mistakes and moreover, believed that I can do it more and better. Or at least, my personality.

First, to JB of Docdef Productions. This guy took me under his wing despite me having an inner reluctance on my soul. He made me realized I can do a lot. The group Docdef Productions became my home by night, whenever I want to listen to good music, socialize with other people, and everything in between.

Lihterature, the bonnet-wearing guy who has his camera and taking motion pictures on his SLR for most of the time. I never even thought he would notice a novice like me who also dwells in videography. Thanks, man!

Glen. I remember him as the first guy who I personally met at the indie scene. Yes, my college friend Ridge introduced me to him. I admit, at first I thought this guy was quite hard to deal with. But good thing the next few encounters proved me otherwise. I saw a very passionate entrepreneur. A smart guy who told me a variety of things, including his dream project called Groundswell. Brother, let’s make it happen soon.

Ian. The head curator of Vandals on the Wall. The man whose also responsible for The Rest is Noise. I didn’t expect this guy will know I have a huge heart for music, too (as a supporter). Thank you, brother!

Rarely would I introduce myself to a musician, or the other way around. With that being said, I’m quite thankful these people made me feel like I belonged in this setting: Guido, EJ, Gino, Jack, Mic, Deng, and their bandmates from MilesExperience, Autotelic, Ube, Alasmedya, Farewell Fair Weather, and Flying Ipis. It’s been a privilege that even for a short while, I managed to be with these people. And that goes to the other bands I haave met later on.

Also, shoutouts to the people of Docdef Productions, Gabi Na Naman Productions, Mr. Cris Ramos of Pulp Magazine, Mika, Janina, MaskeRider Kenneth, Imee, Jermaine, Gabba, and every single person (though I failed to mention here) I have met at the indie scene.

In addition, to Kerstin of Para Sa Sining Productions, Gerard, Boco, Myrel, and Abby. Well, I just remembered you guys while I’m writing this! As well as to my blogkada Cristal, Ivan, Ron, Axl, Guia, and MJ.

Shoutouts to Martin Andanar and the team of Podcast.PH, Mr. Andre Urbina, Ms. Janette Toral, Alphonse, Anthea, Herald, Justin, and Gab.

It’s been a very great run so far! As we gear up for next year (which is technically in a few minutes as of writing time) we are about to create another chapter called 2016 in our personal biographies. Let’s make the most out of it!

So, with that being said, HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! May we all hope to have a very prosperous year ahead of us. Meantime, CHEERS!

Author: slickmaster | © 2015 september twenty-eight productions

Playback: Riverbanks Fireworks Display 2014

12/30/2015 12:11:43 PM

Every December 30, Marikina Riverbanks celebrated their yearend party at the center’s amphitheater, with thousands of Marikeños and people from the nearby cities witnessing a night of music and the grand fireworks display every year and setting a fitting end to everyone with the very lively vibe even though it’s already past midnight.

And for the nth time, it will happen once again tonight.

In case you want to have a glimpse of what they had been offering, here’s a video from last year’s edition of Riverbanks Yearend Party.

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions