It is music that makes Clint and Bob of the famed The Moffatts stick together, watch each other’s back and write a string of pop songs.
The Moffatts, rival of the Hanson brothers in the ’90s, gave us chart-topping hits like I Miss You Like Crazy. Their two other siblings, David and Scott, completed the pop/rock group. Local fans had a taste of The Moffatts’ music via the album Chapter One: A New Beginning.
So much has happened to the twins since they bounced back in the music scene after a protracted absence. The change doesn’t only consist of discarding their image as teenaged members of The Moffatts. It means a lot more, now that they go by the name Same Same.
"The last time we were here was in 2000 for a concert at the Folk Arts Theater," recalls Bob of their Manila visits and shows. "The first was in 1998 for a promotional tour. We made four trips to the Philippines."
"We had mall shows and a performance at the Hard Rock Café, which were filled with so many people," offers Clint. "The fans were enthusiastic and loud. Everytime we went out for a show, they were there supporting us."
In 2001, The Moffatts decided to take a break and do some soul-searching to find their own musical niche – and destiny. Clint and Bob broke away from other members of the group.
Later that year, they started the new band Pusch and created good music until 2002. One of the highlights of their performing career was gracing the Winter Olympics. That same year, they signed a record deal with Capitol Records in Canada and assumed the name Hidell. A year later, the twins released Up and Coming, an alternative album.
What happened to the other half of The Moffatts?
Clint replies, " David lived in Australia for a year and now has a record deal in Canada. Scott is in Los Angeles doing business and is still involved in music. They’re very supportive of us."
Barely 10 months ago, Clint and Bob went to Thailand to try their luck in a foreign land. They landed a BMG recording contract, this time under the name Same Same.
Bob and Clint, who formed Same Same seven months ago, has recorded songs for their debut album, The Meaning of Happy. Everything fell into place and at the right time at that.
"In Thailand, everyone calls us Same Same," the brothers say. " This is because we look the same. That’s how we came up with our name."
In the album, Clint and Bob’s vocals are featured. So, too are the songs and music they have collaborated on. The two say that their songs and music, like that of The Moffatts,’ are pop in nature. The themes center on love, friendship, family issues like leaving home and finding a place of one’s own.
"There’s still the influence of The Moffatts," says Bob. "But as we grow and learn more about what we are doing, things will change."
As musicians, they are also open to working with other artists like Rivermaya whom the brothers have met. Clint and Bob also performed Without You with upcoming artist Lovi in their album.
The brothers consider The Beatles, The Gorillaz, Coldplay and The Killers their musical influences to name a few. But they have become fans of Asian music for the past three months.
Fans can catch Same Same today, 4 p.m. at Gateway Cineplex 10 and tonight at 7 at Fuente Circle, Eastwood City for an acoustic show; and tomorrow, 4 p.m. at SM North Edsa; and on June 12 on Studio 23’s Breakfast.
If there’s one song in the album that the two would like to share with Pinoy fans, it would be Strange Lover. Why so? Get a copy of Same Same’s album and you’ll find the answer.