Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Rivermaya revs up for the 2009 Singtel Singapore F1 Grand Prix
Rivermaya as a band started in 1994. The pioneering band members were Bamboo Mañalac, Nathan Azarcon, Rico Blanco, Perfecto de Castro and Mark Escueta.Mark, being the sole remaining pioneer member candidly narrates, “This will sound a bit funny but back in 1993 the group was originally slated to be a manufactured-commercial-rock-showband that would play cover songs in bars and clubs, our former agent’s idea. Musicians would come and go but it was Nathan Azarcon, who felt strongly about taking in this keyboard player from Laguna named Rico Blanco. Nates was really impressed, and amused, by Rico’s rendition of Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy” on the portable keyboard. Nathan’s a pretty persuasive guy, especially when it comes to music. He got his way right away, and Rico became part of the group. He also took the initiative to invite me to jam with his “new band”. We had been bandmates in “Bazurak” all throughout high school and he really wanted me to join him. Upon Nathan’s recommendation, I eventually replaced the first drummer (Rome Velayo) when he left the group for undisclosed reasons. Later on, after the first vocalist (Jesse Gonzales) was asked to leave the band, he would offer the same to his good friend Bamboo Mañalac because Nathan noticed he was fond of singing. Perfecto de Castro, who was already known for his skillful guitar playing, became our most logical option to replace the first guitar player (Kenneth Ilagan), since he owned the rehearsal studio where we used to jam and already knew most of our songs just from hearing us rehearse. Kenneth left the group for personal reasons, moved on and joined numerous bands including Violent Playground, Mulatto and True Faith. He is now playing guitar for The Dawn.”
“For a few weeks we would go by the name “Xaga” and perform at the now ‘classic’ Faces Disco in Makati. Please don’t ask me the why’s and how’s behind the name because, again, it was our former agents’ idea. After trying the rock-showband set-up for a short while, we we’re very sure that that was NOT what we wanted to do. Rico already had some original songs written prior to his joining the band, I believe Perf had some too, and we all knew we could write more. Eventually we eagerly dumped the whole ‘rock-showband’ idea, we disbanded Xaga (thank God!) and we went nameless for a while as we started to compose more songs. Then, in Cecile’s (a restaurant across an empty lot in Las Piñas where we we’re set to go onstage as front act for would-be-legendary Eraserheads), we knew we had to decide on a name because we had to be introduced by the host right? Haha! Bamboo, Nathan, Rico, Perf and I really liked the word ‘River’ and had grown attached to it and, according to Bamboo, it was Perf who suggested adding the word ‘Maya’ to complete our name. It served our purpose well enough because we wanted a name that had “pinoy flavor” but not too much. We played our first gig as Rivermaya and went on to release our first album under BMG Records. So there you have it, Nathan Azarcon practically formed the band and from the minds of 5 musicians from the south, the name Rivermaya was borne,” Mark explains.
In November 2004, the band released their self-titled debut album. The years 1995-1997 started testing the band when guitarist Perfecto de Castro left the band due to artistic and musical differences. Rico Blanco switched from keyboard to guitar duties and the band was still able to release several albums entitled “Trip”, “Atomic Bomb”, and “Rivermaya Remixed”.
The band went on its first US Tour in 1998. However, the then vocalist Bamboo, decided to leave the band to pursue his studies and return to his family in the United States. Rico Blanco assumed the vocalist position.
Rivermaya was left as a trio but was still able to release the album “It’s Not Easy Being Green”.
Year 2000 saw Rivermaya going ‘indie’ and shocking the Philippine music scene by giving away their music for free over the internet and at their gigs. Their album, entitled “Free” won the Album of the Year award at the NU Rock Awards.
Then bassist Nathan Azarcon left the band in 2001 so the remaining Mark Escueta and Rico Blanco had to discreetly search for new members all over the Metro. The simple jam sessions they held at Mark’s house then were actually disguised auditions that finally led them to invite Mike Elgar (guitar), Kakoi Legaspi (guitar) & Japs Sergio (bass) to join the band. Then Rivermaya signed a contract with Viva Records and the album “Tuloy Ang Ligaya” was released soon after.
In 2003 the band released the album “Between the Stars & Waves” and went on its second US Tour in Long Beach, San Jose, Vallejo, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. But in 2004,guitar player Kakoi Legaspi left the band which went on as a foursome. Yet the band’s success continued the following year winning the MTV Asia Awards Philippines’ Favorite Artist 2005, Pattaya Music Festival 2005 in Thailand and creating the Athletes’ Anthem, “Posible” (”Possible”) for the South East Asian Games 2005. They even performed at the Grand Finale of the SEA Games Opening Ceremonies in 2005 that was simulcast to eleven ASEAN countries. They were also able to make the United Nations Millennium Development Goals Anthem; title track of UN anthem called “Tayo-Tayo Rin” (”No One Else But Us”) and was nominated Best Album and Best Music Video at the Catholic Mass Media Awards 2006.
They won the Best Music Video in 2006. But it seemed to be only the start of much bigger successes outside the country. With the help of Viva Records and Warner Asia-Pacific, they released their first Asian album entitled “You’ll Be Safe Here.” They also performed at Channel V’s “The [V] Party” in Zouk, Singapore, the Fat Festival 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand, the Esplanade Mosaic Music Festival 2006 in Singapore, the Grand Pattaya International Music Festival 2006 in Thailand and won the MTV Asia Awards Philippines’ Favorite Artist 2006 and became MTV Philippines’ Favorite Group: Record-breaking 4-time winner (2002-2006).
Then the theme music for The First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition in July 2006 adopted Rivermaya’s “Alab ngPuso” (”Brave Hearts”) as theme. Continuing the assent of their career, they won the First MYX Music Awards 2006 – Top Prize of Favorite Music Video 2006; Favorite Media Soundtrack 2006 (”You’ll Be Safe Here”), the 19th Awit Awards 2006 – Music Video of the Year for the Best Song Written for Movie/TV/Stage Play (”You’ll Be Safe Here”).
Then 2007 saw the band’s resilience being tested again. Bagong Liwanag televised auditions were held after the unexpected departure of former vocalist.
Mike, Mark & Japs were left to release the Bagong Liwanag EP and their song entitled “Sumigaw” became the new station ID for Studio23. Rivermaya also became the endorser of Nike, HUMAN & JB Music. It was on that year that Jayson Fernandez became the newest member of Rivermaya which then won front act rights for the world famous foreign band Vertical Horizons at the Araneta Coliseum. Rivermaya was also asked to do a special performance at Asian Idol in Jakarta, Indonesia that year.
Rivermaya Singapore F1 Grand Prix
Since last year, Rivermaya has been a four-man band composed of Jayson Fernandez as vocalist and guitarist, Mike Elgar as lead guitarist, Japs Sergio on bass and Mark Escueta on drums. They all do backup vocals as well as “self-manage” the band. They released the all-new, all-original, 16-track album entitled “Buhay” (Life) under Warner Music Philippines and became the newest endorsers of San Miguel Pale Pilsen releasing the new arrangement of the 2004 SMB Oktoberfest Jingle. They were also commissioned to do a Special show for Filipino OFW’s in Taoyuan, Taiwan. They also represented the country in the 2008 Asian Song Festival in Seoul, Korea.This year, a new benchmark falls yet again under the belt of the rather patriotically inclined ban as they become the only Filipino band to represent the musical artistry from the country in the Singapore Grand Prix.
Each of the members are very excited to perform in the world’s much awaited race.
“It’s still pretty unbelievable to be included in the lineup. It’s a lovely honor and I’m pretty nervous and excited at the same time,” says Japs.
Mike shares the same sentiment saying, “We’re honored to perform alongside major artists like Chaka Khan, The Backstreet Boys, Travis, and many more. We’re definitely excited.”
Meanwhile, Mark candidly admits, “It’s a great honor, and there’s no other way to say that. We’re the first to represent our country in this sort of event and we will do our best to give everyone a hefty serving of rock and roll, Pinoy style.” “I’m still hoping I can get to test drive one of the cars…. sige na nga… kahit pa-picture lang. Haha!”, he jokes.
“Performing during the Singapore GP is great but we’re also excited to watch the race!!! Hehe. And of course, we’re all looking forward to watch different bands that will perform there. This is one of the best gigs we have this year!”, says Jayson.
Coincidentally, the band’s elation about performing the event is described in their soon to be released new album, “Closest thing to heaven”.
Despite the many successes their band has achieved, Rivermaya remains true to their nationalism and still very flexible to roll with the tides, knowing that they are continuing to help the Philippine Music Industry that they had help to propagate in the new generation.
As Mark says, “I’d like to think that our biggest “achievement” is in our small contribution to building on the momentum started by internationally acclaimed Filipino artists such as Cecile Licad, Freddie Aguilar, Lea Salonga, just to name a few. Now even Indie-Filipino bands have an expanding doorway into the Asia and the rest of the world because of the quality of work done by these people.”
As for this website that is also helping the industry, Rivermaya says, “Thank you so much! Rivermaya wishes you the best of everything and we hope to work with you in the very near future.”
*Credits to: http://eventphilippines.com/articles/rivermaya-2009-singapore-f1.php
Rivermaya to release new CD under same name despite legal row
Despite a continuing legal row with erstwhile manager Lizza G. Nakpil over the use of the name “Rivermaya,” the drummer of the band, Mark Escueta, said they will release next week an album using that name.
“We are moving forward,” Escueta told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online.
The band -- composed of Escueta, guitarist Mike Elgar, bassist Japs Sergio, and singer Jayson Fernandez -- fired Nakpil October 2008 allegedly over “trust issues,” among others.
They have since disassociated themselves from (Nakpil’s) RANA Entertainment & CIRCE Communications, and have been managing themselves.
Escueta refuses to comment on the legal battle over the use of the name “Rivermaya,” saying he’d rather “move on” and let the group’s lawyer “deal with (the matter).”
“What our lawyer told me is that we have a strong case—and that’s all I’m going to say about it,” says he.
The last Rivermaya album that was released while they were still under Nakpil was 2008’s “Buhay,” which yielded the singles “Maskara,” “Sleep,” and “Sugal Ng Kapalaran.”
In a separate interview, Nakpil was nonchalant on the struggle for “Rivermaya.”
“It’s all sub-judicial so I really can’t discuss (the issue). All I can say is that the whole thing is pretty boring and counterproductive. Sure, I was disappointed (about the ongoing legal dispute with the band) but look beyond your navel and there is a whole universe ahead. Why waste time on negative vibes?”
Escueta describes the Warner Music Philippines release “Closest Thing To Heaven” as hard-sounding and guitar-oriented. Its first single is titled “Dangal.”
When asked regarding the legal dispute between the band and Nakpil, a Warner Music Philippines representative could only state the obvious.
“It’s between them (the band and Nakpil).”
Other tracks in the album to be released are “Mulat,” “Ms. Ecstatic,” "Ongano,” “Remenis,” “Locomoco,” “Ambotsa,” “Save Your Soul,” “Here We Are Again,” and “The Sight Of You
Rivermaya files TRO against Lizza Nakpil
Rock band Rivermaya, led by its original member Mark Escueta, announced on “Startalk” that they have filed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against their ex-manager, Lizza Nakpil.“Nag-file po kami ng TRO against our ex-manager, Lizza Nakpil, to refrain from claiming that she is the registered owner of ‘Rivermaya,’” said Mark.The TRO, which will run for 20 days, is the band’s answer to Lizza’s alleged unceasing attempts to claim ownership of their band name, which Mark said he originally created 15 years ago along with Rivermaya’s original members Bamboo Manalac, Rico Blanco, Perfecto de Castro and Nathan Azarcon.Mark added that negotiations with Nakpil seem improbable because “sinasabi niya her doors are open but [then] she [had] intentionally misled people.”Amid all the issues, Rivermaya’s drummer said he finds strength in the support his girlfriend, Jolina Magdangal, lends.“Alam nila [Jolina, her family, and Mark’s family] ‘yung bigat ng pinagdadaaanan namin.Her family and my family plus ‘yung fans ng Rivermaya… sila ‘yung foundation namin,” said Mark.Mariah Carey mulls having a baby soonIn an interview by Ricky Lo for “Startalk,” American singer Mariah Carey revealed that she and husband Nick Cannon have plans of having a child.“We plan to do it soon,” she said. “Right now [though], I have to do this [singing and acting].”With her 12th studio album, “Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel,” reaping success, Mariah admitted that she wants to take on more acting jobs.“I like to do more acting, do independent films and go places,” said she. Cristalle Henares, Hayden Kho on a ‘mission’Dr. Vicky Belo’s ex-boyfriend, Hayden Kho, and her only daughter, Cristalle Henares, have finally smoked the peace pipe.The two recently joined forces for a medical and relief mission for the benefit of typhoon victims.“‘Yung personal naming conflict, ‘yung di namin pagkakatindihan, sinet aside namin para sa mga biktima ni Ondoy,” Cristalle revealed on “Startalk.”She added that she patched things up with Hayden both for her and her mother’s sake.“Minsan [kasi] pag meron tayong galit na tinatanim, ang pangit nung feeling,” she said. No BF yet for Ynah Asistio Ynah Assistio said she understands her father, former Caloocan City mayor Macario “Boy Asistio,” for hesitating to allow her to have a boyfriend.“Naintindihan ko si Daddy, kasi 24 kaming magkakapatid, apat lang ‘yung lalake.“[Feeling ko dahil sa] experience niya sa iba kong mga half-sisters [kaya baka] takot lang siya. Kasi 18 na ko so feeling niya, baka mag-boyfriend ako [at biglang] mabuntis,” she related.Ynah said she wants to keep her potential romance with Mark Herras at bay.“Malalim talaga ‘yung friendship namin ni Mark, eversince talaga. Mas maganda po na i-maintain na lang muna po namin na ganun,” said she. Megastar cooks for PioloUltimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual admitted that he is now closer with KC Concepcion’s mother, Sharon Cuneta, whom, he said, personally cooks for him whenever he visits KC.“Nagluluto talaga siya… nakakatuwa. Malaking karangalan that she would cook for us,” Piolo beamed.
OPM band Rivermaya reborn with album "Buhay"
Bouncing back after a seeming ‘knock-out punch' is nothing new to battle-scarred rock group Rivermaya.For years, the group weathered the worst, including the departure of key members and being dropped by their label. Yet, time and again, they have shown incomparable resilience, growing even bigger and stronger.
Last year, pundits thought the band over and done with when main songwriter Rico Blanco left the fold. Rivermaya once again proved them wrong.
The remaining members Mike Elgar, Japs Sergio and founding member Mark Escueta chose not to quit and instead continued fighting, not for themselves, but mainly for the fans who have been with them through all these years.
"This band have grown into something [whole that's greater than the sum of its parts]. Rivermaya is not defined by the members who make it up, but by the music it creates. And we are continuing on that premise—for the love of the music and for the love of those who keep on believing in the group," Mark once declared.
And so, here they are, back in the circuit with a new album dubbed Buhay, which features new member Jayson Fernandez.
"We feel invigorated. We feel like a new group again. Jayson brings in a great amount of enthusiasm that is truly contagious," Mark said during the February 28 launch held at the new 6underground in Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center.
Jayson, who came on board through a tight audition that involved over 500 aspiring vocalists, is still seemingly swamped, especially since he admits that he is still in the "adjustment phase."
"I still get star struck sometimes; these guys are, after all, my idols. I used to just listen to their songs over the radio, and now here I am, a part of the group. We are all adjusting, in fairness to the other guys. But I think we are on the right track."
Buhay contains 16 amazing tracks that belie the band's recent troubles, being as upbeat and tuneful as the group could muster. The album contains the songs "Nice To," "All For You," "Ligawan Stage (Nerbyoso Part 2)," "I Want You," "Checkmate," "A.M.," "Maskara," "Closer," "Sugal ng Kapalaran," "Restless," "Piping Tom," "Pure," "Hindi Ako Susuko," "Alone," "Kemikal Reaction," and "Sleep."
Says Japs Sergio, "I don't know. Nothing has changed much, I think. Song-writing wise, Rivermaya is Rivermaya. The trademark sound would always be there. Maybe with each member contributing more to the songwriting, and with Jayson coming in to add a new dimension, it exudes the ‘feel' of being fresh."
When asked if everything is okay with Rico already, the group did not have a definite answer.
"I saw him once in Saguijo. We said 'hi', but we didn't talk much. I think it would be too showbiz, after all what transpired," admits Japs.
Mark Escueta adds: "We don't dwell on that anymore actually. Everything is going as planned, including our Asian sojourn so...I think it'd be best if we stick to the music at hand."
Judging from the excitement of the fans during the live performance, the band is well on its way to notching another stellar achievement in its colorful history.
Is Jayson ready for the fans?
"I know there'd be comparisons. But I am not coming in to replace anyone or filling in somebody's shoes. I could only be me. And I hope people would appreciate that."
Aside from releasing its new album Buhay, Rivermaya has recently been chosen endorse the clothing line, Human.
Indeed, the prolific OPM band is alive and kicking!
Rivermaya – Asia’s Rock Revolution
You don’t need to go very far to find a band brimming with talent and energy – that’s exactly what lies in Filipino band, Rivermaya.
Since the release of their first internationally-marketed album, You’ll Be Safe Here, Rivermaya has stepped up a notch, becoming a household name in many parts of Asia and gaining popularity in the rest of the world. “The most exciting part [of being in Rivermaya] is right now!,” says Mark, referring to the many more opportunities the band gets to perform with their new English album.
If you haven’t heard all that much of Rivermaya’s new album, you’ll at least have heard their hit single, also titled “You’ll Be Safe Here”, which has received generous airplay from many local radio stations. But while many would be quick to generalise them into the rock genre, Rivermaya begs to differ. “Our genre is free music,” explains Mark. “It’s rock in different forms that comes out in our songs.” He goes on to explain that the form of music has to come naturally. “It’s our own music, and we don’t consciously try to be different. We’re just warming up, and we’re really excited about the future!”
As with many others, inspiration comes from musicians who have already paved the way. Japs declares himself a great fan of legendary British pop act, The Beatles . “They have very good songs. I love how they write, and how they work,” he says. And he isn’t alone in his love for artistes of that era, as Mark looks up to famous female drummer, Karen Carpenter of The Carpenters, as one of his idols.
When it comes to real-life experiences, these boys have seen shows that would make any alternative kid envious. “I caught Aerosmith in New York in 1998,” Mark shares. “We were only Asians in the crowd! It was surreal – parents and kids were there together. [Aerosmith's] music spans generations,” Mark says of the rock band which has been producing hits for decades.
For Japs, though, the best gig he has even been to comes in the form of MTV’s Alternative Nation tour, where three rock giants, Foo Fighters, Beastie Boysand Sonic Youth got together for a joint concert.
As one of the biggest bands in Asia, Rivermaya has some advice on how to strengthen the Asian music scene. “We have to work together,” Mark says. “Music all over the world is doing so well through the internet. It’s so easy to share music, so people can download your songs [legally]. If everyone makes a conscious effort to share, Asian music can be appreciated.”
After recently collaborating with local band Electrico to record “All the World”, which won the Best Local Song on the Power 98 Singapore Music Awards 2006, the guys of Rivermaya have been won over as fans, and have been promoting the rock band to their friends at home. “A lot of my friends like Electrico now,” Mark says, setting a prime example of how all Asian artistes should help each other out.
Looking back on how far they’ve coming since starting out in 2003, Japs credits a lot of their success to their supporters. “Our family, friends and fans have been giving more that we asked for,” he says.
And if you want to hear more of Rivermaya, showing your support is the best way to keep them around. “Thanks to those who came to the show or bought our album. And for those who are new to Rivermaya, check out our music. Support!” says Mark.
*Credits to:http://theurbanwire.com/2007/01/09/rivermaya-asias-rock-revolution/
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