At the Bandwagon Conversation at the Nook Coworking Studio, Alabang

Was invited to be a part of the Bandwagon Conversations at the Nook Coworking Studio at Molito in Alabang.

The topic was about music writing and various concerns.

Diego Castillo (left) and Julien Avondo (far right) moderated the panel of which I was a part of. And that included from my right -- Kara Bodegon, Paolo Abad, and Weng Cahiles.

The second group of panelists included Jason Caballa, Isa Almazan, and PJ Cana!

Playing the Tribute to Warsore album

Finally got my copy of Tribute to Warsore. A compilation album of 39 bands from all over the world interpreting Australian band Warsore's crust classics.  Filipino-Indian band, Maticrust, based in the United Arab Emirates appears on the album performing "Industrial Suicide."

It's on 10-inch vinyl and comes with a 16-page booklet, a poster, and a flyer! Not bad. Not bad.

Excited for the music writing class at the Music Nook on Saturday!

Immolation live in Manila!

With the swell guys of Immolation: Ross Dolan (vocals and bass), Robert Vigna (guitars), Alex Bouks (guitars), and Steve Shalaty (drums). Awesome show that pummelled right from the start.

The band signed my two Immolation records -- Majesty and Decay and Atonement. Awesome!

With some of the fans who I regularly see at gigs.

Playing Versus new album, Ex Voto.

The sixth album by one of my favorite bands in the world... Versus. 

Red-I and Cebu’s King Spade collab on new Japanese pressed EP

Red-I and Cebu’s King Spade collab on new Japanese pressed EP

by rick olivares

                                                                     

This 2019 is turning out to be a busy one for dub and soundsystem artist Red-I. In addition to the release of his Mystic Revolution EP by Japanese label, Oto Records last March, Red-I is set to have two more releases before the year ends.

This October will see the release of another EP titled, Kings Music, that includes a song with Cebu-based musician, King Spade, and the second will be a double LP; both manufactured by Japanese label Oto Records that previously issued Red-I’s Natty Dread I Beat EP and Mystic Revelation.

“I didn’t really know King Spade,” explained Red-I of the story about this collaboration. “One day, he sent me his acoustic version of his song, ‘Babylon Fall,” and I really liked the vibe. So we decided to make that a collaboration tune.”

Both musicians began trading files this past February with each adding parts until they formed a whole. The result is the Kings Music EP. 

“When we did the Irie Sunday event in Cebu earlier this year, Kings Spade picked me up at the airport.,” related Red-I. “I played him the riddim instrumental and he began singing, ‘soundsystem upon the soundsystem.’ I was like, ‘That’s it! Let’s call the song, ‘Soundsystem.’”

“I like working with King Spade because he writes his lyrics on the spot and I like creating with an artist on the spot because the energy and vibe is different,” added Red-I of this instant collaboration. 

Offered King Spade, “I am very honored to be a part of this collaboration. Ang galeng ni Red-I. Kings Music is like a child… naghihintay lang lumabas. Hindi namin minadali kasi pang soundsystem kasi yung tune.”

The repaired to Back Yard Studio in Cebu to record King Spade’s vocal tracks the next day.

The two repeated the same method with the second track, “Light” when Red-I flew into Cebu last May for the Cebu Reggae Festival.

The four-track EP, Kings Music (with cover art by Chico Zapotilla who also provided the art for Red-I’s Mystic Revelation EP) will be available on 12-inch vinyl from Oto Records this October.

My updated 7-inch collection of Filipino shoegaze, reggae, punk & metal records

Part of my prized collection of Filipino records. There's a pride I feel in collecting the works of my fellow Filipinos. And I love the music as only a kid can.

The Vans Warped Tour No Room For Rockstars film

A powerful documentary.

I got to go on this tour for a few years and this is a revealing behind the scenes look. I would have wanted a feature on the real punk bands that were a part of this tour instead of the more pop ones.It's still is revealing.

Playing Slipknot's We Are Not Your Kind

Haven't enjoyed an album by Slipknot in a long time but this one I truly did. Made me a fan again.

I stopped following them after Vol.3 The Subliminal Verses. I guess I outgrew the sound. Although I did play their debut every now and then. When I heard about this album, We Are Not Your Kind, about to be released, for the first time since Iowa, I got genuinely excited and placed my order for the record.

And boy, am I not regretting it. Tighter sound but no less brutal.

Fil-American indie artist Jay Som releases new album, Anak Ko.

Fil-American indie artist Jay Som releases new album, Anak Ko.

by rick olivares

Filipino-American indie pop artist Jay Som (or Melina Duterte which is her real name) is back with her second album, Anak Ko.

Fans who availed of Anak Ko via Illinois-based Polyvinyl Records before August 14 received the early bird package that included a booklet. The first pressing of the record in red orange color is limited to 750 copies and will be released on August 23.

The album title, Anak Ko, was inspired by a text message from Duterte’s mother that read: “Hi, anak ko. I love you, anak ko.” Anak Ko is her third effort in the last three years following 2016’s surprise EP hit, Turn Into, and 2017’s follow-up debut full-length album, Everybody Works. 

What further makes this even more cool is that in the last two weeks, three albums were released by Fil-American artists. Versus just released their sixth full-length album, Ex Voto. Versus’ fellow new Yorkers, Plus Minus, also came out with their digital only release, Summer 2019: Extended Play.

What further makes this even more cool is that in the last two weeks, three albums were released by Fil-American artists. Versus just released their sixth full-length album, Ex Voto. Versus’ fellow new Yorkers, Plus Minus, also came out with their digital only release, Summer 2019: Extended Play.

However, the Tagalog title is as far as any Filipino reference there is as the album was recorded when Duterte moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The songs were inspired by the Joshua Tree (the national park; not the U2 album), Nirvana, Portishead, and life.

“I feel like I’ve always written about giving so much of yourself and being sad/okay with it,” reflected Duterte. “But this record seems to deal with the same topic with the acceptance and resolution of this is who I am.”

Making the album, Melina added, “I was a caffeinated neurotic mess yet again. On some nights I would stay up all the way to 7am to finish the fine details of a song.”

True to the home recording nature of her music, Duterte cheerfully admitted that “you can hear the dryer or thee washer next to my room in some of the songs.”

Nevertheless, it is a wonderful new record that Jay Som has put together in Anak Ko. The new album is a mélange of lo-fi pop in intimate and mournful tones that straddle the lines of shoegaze and indie rock that make for a delectable listen. 

The album kicks off with the immensely hummable “If You Want It” with its discordant guitars that beg for your attention.

“Superbike” has that “Champagne Supernova” feel and is one of the best tracks on the album. 

“Peace Out” is like a slow PJ Harvey song that within the lo-fi range tears off towards the end. 

“Devotion” is a welcome change of pace with a quirky beat.

“Nighttime Drive” ends Side A with a song that reminds me of why I loved 1990s Sacramento lo-fi act Holiday Flyer and Los Angeles-duo, Best Coast. 

“Tenderness” which leads off Side B reminds me of why I love indie music. Jay Som shows that she can dabble in a poppier sound that will remind one of either Prefab Sprout or even the Pearlfishers with a jazzier melody.

The title track is next with its Portishead swells; a poignant reflection of what is to come in her life. 

The last two tracks “Crown” and “Get Well” have this melancholic country-esque feel to them. 

Summing up her latest effort, Jay Som reasoned, “I hope that people listen to the album whenever it feels right for themselves. It can be happy, sad, lazy, fun, or in the background experience.”

A notebook on rap battle event, Unibersikulo 7.

A notebook on rap battle event, Unibersikulo 7.

by rick olivares photo by nina sandejas

Last Saturday, August 10, I attended my first ever Fliptop Filipino Rap Battle League event, titled Unibersikulo 7, at the Tiu Theater at the Makati Central Square. I had previously seen a lot of the videos from previous events on YouTube and have been enthralled, shocked, and even amused with these battle raps.

This isn’t my first time to see something like this. Having lived abroad, especially in the United States, I’ve seen this before, but it brings me pride to see a local rap battle league thriving.

How so? 

Fliptop has close to an astounding four million subscribers on its YouTube channel. And the events play to packed audiences. Unibersikulo 7 was no different. 

Over four hundred paying fans packed the Tiu Theater. Before the show started, I counted 30 ladies in the audience (two who came by themselves). By the time the show got underway, there were more than double. Fascinating when you try to consider their strata depending on how they dress and the company they keep.

Conversely, Fliptop’s brother company, indie hip hop label, Uprising Records, is doing well. To date, the label has released 17 albums in a six-year span and are doing well. 

I wondered if there is a correlation between those who go to the Fliptop events or subscribe to the videos and those who buys the Uprising albums. Uprising/Fliptop’s big boss Alaric Yuson already told me there isn’t. It doesn’t necessarily follow that a fan of hip hop means that he will buy the cd or those who watch the battle raps are fans of the music.

Nevertheless, I did some asking around before the show started around 10:20pm. The 20 fans I asked are more likely to buy an event shirt than a compact disc of the music. Some reasoned there is Spotify or YouTube. And get this -- not everyone is a diehard fan of rap or hip hop. Some view the event as a form of entertainment. 

And tickets to Unibersikulo aren’t exactly cheap -- Php500 if you buy the ticket before the event and Php750 at the gate. 

However, every one of the 20 folks I asked knew who the rappers were. When Tipsy D stood at the back, he was literally swamped by fans asking for a photo. It was the same with the other MCs, DJs, and rappers. 

The various subcultures that make up this rich and diverse local music scene have its differences and similarities. It has its own look, feel, a certain style of clothing (though not necessary because there are crossover fans. Quite a few came to Unibersikulo wearing shirts that sported metal bands. Despite missing two duels, Unibersikulo 7 finished past 1pm. And no one left despite the time. 

I got to speak to one of the duelists that evening, Romano, who won his battle with Papew, with the judges scoring it, 5-0, in the former’s favor. Describing the strategy in winning these battle raps, Romano, who hails from Cabanatuan City, offered his take, “Hindi sapat na malakas yung delivery mo. Sabayan mo dapat ng may laman sa sasabihin mo. At pangatlo, kung kaya mo ibalik yung mga sinasabi ng kalaban mo, ay malaking bagay yun.”

I asked Numerhus (who lost his battle rap against CripLi) about participating in these battle raps, and he said, “Dapat handa ka makarinig ng hindi mo gusto. Kung hindi mo kaya, eh, hindi ito para sa ‘yo. Kasi kung anu ano sasabihin at fair game ang lahat pati histura mo at pamilya mo. Matapang ka rin dapat sa harapan ng mga tao. More or less, alam mon a dapat ang gusto mo sabihin. Kapag hindi baka mag-choke.”

It’s just a battle though and it shouldn’t be personal. But if you look at the people watching, they all had a good time. They know what a good zinger is and an even better comebacker. 

It’s one thing to see the battle raps on video and quite another to watch it live. I prefer the latter though because there is so much to see – the reaction of the opponent that is oft not captured on camera (unless the videographer pulls back), the reaction of the judges, and that of the crowd. The body language of everyone. Am not sure how much of YoungOne drinking vinegar (at least it seemed like vinegar) during his battle with K-Ram, but it was something. 

And for this first-timer to a live Pinoy battle rap league contest, it was truly memorable.

With Tipsy D

With Romano

Filipino dub musician Red-I to perform in One Love Festival in UK this August

Filipino dub musician Red-I to perform in One Love Festival in UK this August

by rick olivares

DJ and Filipino dub musician Red-I is headed to England to perform in the One Love Festival at The Hop Farm in Kent from August 30 to September1. 

Red-I will be on the same roster of popular reggae, dub, and electronic artists such as the legendary Symarip; Eek A Mouse; Jerry Dammers who founded and played keyboards for the influential Two-Tone ska band, The Specials; as well as dub artist and recent Manila visitor Vibronics among many others.

The Manila-based Red-I is also a founding member of Irie Sunday Manila which provides exposure for reggae, dub, and rock steady Filipino artists, and has performed with other artists such as Ziggy Marley, Nas, and Johnny Osbourne among many others.

Dub music which is essentially remixes of stripped down mostly instrumental versions of songs, grew out of reggae in the 1960s and influenced other styles such as house, techno, and trip hop music among many others.

“I started out in hip hop then shifted to electronic. But when I was doing my research about electronic music, I discovered reggae and dub music,” shared Red-I of his musical origins in the vernacular. “When I discovered reggae and dub there was no looking back for me.”

Red-I’s debut album, Jahdgement day, released independently on vinyl in 2012, quietly kicked off a revolution of sorts among Filipino artists. At a time when digital and streaming formats were supposedly rendering physical music formats obsolete, Red-I looked the other way and went ahead with vinyl.

“I grew up a fan of vinyl,” explained Red-I. “Not only does it sound better on vinyl, but it is a great way to preserve the music.”

Now there are less than five copies of the album on sale. 

Natty Dread I Beat on 7-inch vinyl

Incredibly, Red-I seems to have found a bigger audience abroad.  He has performed on board cruise ships and on multiple occasions in Europe, Southeast Asia, and in Japan.  In fact, it was during one of his performances in the Land of the Rising Sun where the owners of indie label Oto Records discovered his music. The result was a seven-inch single on vinyl, “Natty Dread I Beat”, that was released on April 2018, and a 12-inch extended play album, Mystic Revelation, just this past March, 2019. 

The four-track Mystic Revelation is a collaboration with fellow MC Brother Culture from the United Kingdom and African dub producer, Jacin.

Despite finding more success abroad, Red-I isn’t upset that dub music hasn’t taken off in the Philippines. “Dub has never been a mainstream sort of music,” he acknowledges. “It’s what – underground? Niche? But it is more popular abroad and I am just happy that people from Europe and Jamaican acknowledge that even in the Philippines, there is a small but growing reggae, ska, and dub scene. If I am an ambassador for the music so more people will look at the local reggae and dub scene, then that is good. I am glad to be of help.”

Red-I will cap 2019 with a double LP release of new music. 

“I just got back from Japan where I mixed the tracks. It just needs to be pressed and it’s out,” beamed Red-I. “I am just happy to be given all these opportunities and to live out my music dreams. And I am really excited to be a part of the upcoming One Love Festival.”

Mystic Revelation

Invited to take part in a music writ9ing seminar for Bandwagon Philippines

Cool, huh?

Our Abbey Road moment

On August 8, 1969, 11:38am to be precise… John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr had their picture taken on the Abbey Road crossing just outside Abbey Road Studios.

Iain MacMillan had a window of 10-minutes to do the photo shoot of which six photographs were taken while atop a step-ladder.

McCartney was eventually the one who selected the photo that was used for the album cover. And that photo has been not only iconic but one of the most imitated shots in human history.

Thirty-five years after that photo was taken in 2014, Craig Burrows and I capped a long day of our rock and roll tour of London. We had our photos taken at the exact spot where McCartney, his wife, Linda, and Denny MacLain had the band photo taken for Wings’ London Town. We hunted down the location for David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust album, went to Rough Trade East and checked out some of Banksy’s graffiti, dropped by Berwick Street in SoHo where we attempted to do our version of Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory. We had lunch at Foyles along Charring Cross Road and we were going to end our day at former Rolling Stone bassist Bill Wyman’s Sticky Fingers restaurant at Kensington.

But Abbey Road….

It is the 11^thstudio album by The Beatles and one of my personal favorites along with Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Let It Be.

Me: Hey, Craig! You want to go to Abbey Road?

Craig: Sure. Why not? And who isn’t a fan of The Beatles?

We took a bus that was about a 10-minute ride from Oxford Piccadilly and when we arrived there were about 20 people there trying to recreate their shot. It was a busy time and there were lots of cars about making it difficult. So we bided our time.

We first wrote our names on the wall of Abbey Road Studios where fans sign their names and leave messages. If I am not mistaken, the wall is given a fresh coat of paint every two weeks or so (I could be wrong but it is what I heard) and the process is repeated.

Me: Why do you think Abbey Road is one of the best albums ever?

Craig: Because…

Me (cutting Craig short): Exactly!

Craig: Wot?

Me: Because it’s got “Because”… you know… Because the world is round, it turns me on…

Craig: That’s a good one. (scanning the crowd) I guess that is why everyone here has… “Come Together.”

Me: “Something” tells me you’re on to something, Craig.

Craig: What’s your favorite song on the album?

Me: Here Comes the Sun. I think George wrote some beautiful songs.

Craig: While my Guitar Gently Weeps. Something.

Me: Imagine that! Something and Here Comes the Sun were on this album!

We paused for a moment lost in our thoughts.

Me: What a damn fine song Here Comes the Sun is.

Then we took turns crossing the road and snapping pictures (in spite of some angry motorists). 

We looked at the Abbey Road Studios building.

“Man, so much great music was recorded in there,” I remarked. 

“Yeah,” nodded Craig. “Pink Floyd. Syd Barrett. Alan Parsons Project.

Me: Kate Bush. Rush.

We chatted a bit more. Talked to some of the folks around then made our way to the Tube at St. John’s Wood Station where there was a Beatles Coffee Shop. We were on our way to Bill Wyman’s restaurant.

Listening to Saint Etienne's Tiger Bay

I got this record a long time ago -- my first ever Saint Etienne album, Tiger Bay. Fell in love with the song "Marble Lions" that turned me into a fan for life.

Bicol-based band 5:48 on the magic of Uragon Night & playing in Manila

Bicol-based band 5:48 on the magic of Uragon Night & playing in Manila

by rick olivares

Sometimes… one needs to make take that leap of faith.

For folk rock band 5:48 out of Bicol (Tabaco City and Tiwi in Albay province to be exact), Paggimata: Uragon Night 3 on August 17, 2019 at Saguijo in Makati City is like that first date, that first ever gig. It will be 5:48’s first ever show outside their native Bicol region. And what a way to make that leap… in one of the more famous gigging joints in the bustling Metro Manila music scene.

This will be the third year Uragon Night is hosted in Manila and this coming August 17 and slated to perform are Manila-based Bicolano bands We Are Imaginary, Guira, Ashfall, St. Cockpit and rising pop act, This Band. First time Manila performers include blues outfit Mang Groove, ska crew Skalibers, alt rockers Idlepitch, folk-pop rock band 5:48, and emo band Anesthesia.

Paggimata means “awakening” in English and while the goal of the evening is to generate awareness of the Bicolano talent, it is also to give that baptism of fire local bands. 

For 5:48 vocalist and guitarist Jhasmine Villanueva – and the rest of her band mates that include drummer David Joshua Casquejo, bassist Prosper James Casquejo, violinist Paul John Cope, percussionist Alfie Mikko Contante, guitarist Ravenly Llunar, and keyboardist Japhet Keen Chavez – Uragon Night qualifies as a first and they have butterflies in their stomach.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Uragon Night,” gushed Villanueva. “This is our first time to play outside Bicol and we are nervous. This is a huge blessing for Bicolano artists to be given the opportunity to showcase our music.”

“The Manila music scene is amazing,” Villanueva segued about the vibrant music scene in Metro Manila. “Small artists are given a chance to perform in clubs, bars, and coffee shops; busking is starting to get appreciated and is becoming normalized in the metro.”

There are over three dozen clubs and performance venues in the Metro Manila area that regularly feature performances by a host of performers. Saguijo, located in San Antonio Village in Makati is one of the more popular venues that is home to some of the big bands such as Sandwich and Imago to name a few.

5:48 is looking forward to not only make their mark on the venue but to also present their songs that tackle relevant social issues. “Our song ‘Kumilos’ wants to send a message to the youth that they have this traditional and historical role in playing a part in the future of our country. It also sends a message that during times when voices of dissent are being repressed, the masses are all the more motivated to carry on the fight.”

The band doesn’t have any album out, however, one of their songs will be featured in the album, Songs from the Camp of the Dawani Project, Inc.  

“We hope that Manila music fans take the time to check out the diverse talent that we have,” said Uragon Night 3 co-organizer Ahmad Tanji of the band We Are Imaginary. “They will see the talent and hear some really good songs and terrific performances.”

Uragon Night at Saguijo showcases Bicol’s music talents

Uragon Night at Saguijo showcases Bicol’s music talents

by rick olivares

Paggimata: Uragon Night 3, an evening that showcases the musical talents of Bicolanos is slated this coming August 17 at Saguijo in Makati. 

Paggimata ("awaken" in English) features Manila-based Bicolano bands, We Are Imaginary, Guira, Ashfall, St. Cockpit and rising pop act, This Band. Artists making the trip from Bicol to perform include blues outfit Mang Groove, ska crew Skalibers, alt rockers Idlepitch, pop rock band 5:48, and emo band Anesthesia.

“We want to show to the Philippines that there is more to Bicol than the Mayon Volcano, whale shark watching, the Naga Cathedral, and Cam Sur among others,” said event organizer Ahmad Tanji who is also the lead singer for indie rock band We Are Imaginary. “The group aims to start a movement wherein there will be awareness outside the region about the diverse musicality of our local talents. We do this by organizing pocket events around the metro.”

The Uragon Night project is the brainchild of friends that once owned the well-liked Wharf Galley Rock Café in Naga City. It called for bringing over Bicolano bands to Manila in order for them to showcase their celebrated talents in the nation’s capital being the nexus of entertainment and media.

“Wharf Galley Rock Café was our Club Dredd,” described Tanji whose band, We Are Imaginary has made a name for itself in the Manila music scene for their catchy songs. “It was where musicians of all types of the sub-genres of rock music went to perform.”

The previous stagings have been successful and have drawn big crowds to the previous two Uragon Nights that were held at 70s Bistro in Quezon City.

Last July 19, a pre-event show titled Kampay Isang Gabi Para Kay Wowie was held at the World’s End Pub at Matalino St., Quezon City. Kampay was a benefit gig for Bicolano reggae legend, Wowie Nabua, who recently passed away. The gig featured his hometown artists Fourkeeps, Talata ni Tala, Urduja, Guira, and Dirtyknobz.

“Our scene in Bicol is diverse too,” said Urduja vocalist Maria Ortua. “Hindi lang rock, meron folk, reggae, at iba pa. Very rich din yung eksena doon.”

“Bicol has long been sending its sons and daughters to the Philippine music scene,” clarified Tanji. “Bicolanos who have made a name for themselves include Nora Aunor, Andrew E., Ely Buendia, and Jayson Fernandez of Rivermaya.”

Other famous Bicolano artists include OPM legend Imelda Papin, Victor Wood, Gary Valenciano, Lou Bonnevie, and hip hop beat-maker, KMG. 

Playing Gojira's L'Enfant Sauvage

Fan of this French band.

Jay Ortega is back with a new band, Holmes, and a new LP

Jay Ortega is back with a new band, Holmes, and a new LP

by rick olivares

Talk about a second go-around. 

After a shocking exit from Apartel within weeks of that band’s release of its debut album, Inner Play, in 2017, Jay Ortega is on the rebound with his new soul/funk band, Holmes. 

The band (vocalist Ortega, bassist Louie Talan, guitarists Marco de Leon and Joko Reantaso, drummer Ciro de Leon, keyboardist Ken Carandang, and saxophonist Ronald Tomas) recently dropped their independently-released debut album on vinyl, Ray Dee Oh, and the record has done pretty well in terms of sales.

Ortega, along with frequent collaborator, Talan, worked on the album for the better part of the last two years and the former describes the album as close to a labor of love. “Your proverbial blood, sweat, tears, and hard-earned money were put into Ray Dee Oh,” revealed Ortega. “We painstakingly paid a lot of attention to detail and instrumentation. It took us almost an entire year to mix before we shipped it to Nashville, Tennessee for mastering. Even then, we still had to re-master three tracks.”

While the record is pricey at Php 2,500, it is good to see that Ortega and Holmes did not scrimp on quality.

“It costs more to produce and record and album with international quality,” Ortega made sure to emphasize with regards to the cost. “That includes the fees to the musicians including several sessionists, studio time, and others. Furthermore, it comes on pink vinyl with a six-page booklet inside. These are the realities of creating something that isn’t half-assed.”

Holmes is one of the few bands to get it right. It has been frustrating to see many a local artist re-release or put out new albums on vinyl but to omit inserts. Some have done so with gatefold jackets that include the lyrics, photos, and other related information, but most do not. They have gone for the format (which is expensive) and yet, still don’t go all the way. That is what you call fan service. 

While Holmes’ music is a mix of funk and soul, the influences are diverse. On the second track, “Lost & Found”, the R&B of Bell Biv DeVoe influence kicks in. The eighth song, “69BPM” has New Wave band Depeche Mode all over it. There are hints of Daft Punk, Jamiroquai, Hall & Oates, Lenny Kravitz, and Maroon 5 as well.

And the band name is as close to what Ortega, Talan, and company wanted to achieve. 

“Groove-based and sexy stuff,” cooed Ortega albeit rather mischievously. Undoubtedly, also paeans to Sherlock Holmes and John Holmes. In the vernacular, “medyo maginoo at medyo bastos.”

And Ray Dee Oh through 10 tracks achieves just that; innuendos and all. It is a solid debut for Holmes. And it adds to a soul, funk, and R&B scene that is buzzing with artists like the Chillitees, Flippin’ Soul Stompers, and Apartel to name a few that are carrying the torch.

Playing the Pretty in Pink soundtrack

I was a freshman in college when this film came out. Love the New Wave soundtrack.

Prolific rapper KJah, Juss Rye to release new album, Pamantayan

Prolific rapper KJah, Juss Rye to release new album, Pamantayan

by rick olivares

Rapper KJah and beat-maker Juss Rye, from pioneering Filipino hip hop group Sun Valley Crew, are releasing a new album titled, Pamantayan.

We’re meeting up with the duo in Katipunan Avenue and KJah’s running slightly late. 

He entered the coffee shop and he apologized for his tardiness. If you aren’t in the music scene or you don’t follow it, you’d think that KJah, dressed in a black track suit, is either a boxer or a point guard for a college basketball team. 

His musical partner, beat master, Juss Rye, chuckled. “Gusto niya sa basketball pero ang basketball ayaw sa kanya.”

KJah doesn’t mind being outed. “Totoo naman,” he cheerfully admitted. Nevertheless, he loves the game; follows it. “Ako na lang sa amin yata ang PBA fan.” A recent single “Pasa Pasa” – featuring Kemikal Ali and Mike Kosa – had this basketball vibe. 

More than being a basketball junkie, KJah is one of the most prolific musicians in the local scene today having released an album every two years. KJah and Juss Rye laugh. They weren’t even aware that the rapper puts out new music in such intervals. 

When talking to KJah, there are two overt things – one, he speaks in the vernacular, and two, the music, hip hop and rap, courses through his veins.

He isn’t tied down yet so his devotion is to the music, basketball, and his girlfriend (am not sure in what order though).

His last album (under Uprising Records) was titled, Kamao ng Kankaloo; the latter which is slang for Caloocan. KJah is proud of his roots. His experiences on its streets and that of his friends find themselves as topics for his verse. And he can only write them in Filipino. “Hindi ko kaya magsulat ng mga kanta sa wikang banyaga,” he bared. 

KJah studiously studies the language, “Pati diksyonaryo binabasa ko para lumawak ang aking bokabularyo. Pinakikinggan ko lahat ng klaseng hip hop kesyo maganda or hindi pasa sa aking panlasa. Estudyante akong musika at pinag-aaralan ko lahat ng ginagawa. Mahalaga iyon para sa growth ko. Ano yung tama. Ano yung mali. Bakit naisulat ‘to at bakit ganito ang areglo.”

Hence, Pamantayan. Or “standard” in English.

“Nagsimula sa title, Pamantayan,” explained Juss Rye. “Bago kami mag-collaborate ni KJah, nagusap heto yung gusto ko na title. Nag-agree siya. The idea of keeping to a standard. We are not saying that what we created is the standard. For us, we want to say that this is our best work and if we do more then we have to top this album. It’s all about making good music.’

“Kahit love song or hindi cool sa hip hop, may standard pa rin,” threw in KJah. “And we’ve happy sa tunog.

“Si KJah mabilis magsulat,” noted the bespectacled beat-maker. “Within a day or two babalikan na ako with several verses to go with the beats. Nag-rub off sa akin yung kabilisan sa pagawa ng kanta.”

The song “Hindi Susuko” (recorded with Kean cipriano of Callalily) was supposed to be on Pamantayan but instead, it was left out for other songs.

“Nakuha naming yung gusto naming ilabas,” summed up Juss Rye. “Nung marinig ko yung mga nasulat niya. Wala na akong gusto ilapat dito na iba. Confident kami sa mga kanta that it is only right na bigyan ng magandang video, publicity, and marketing.”

“At sane magustuhan ng music fans,” concluded KJah.

Pamantayan from KJah and Juss Rye will drop this late August or early September.