Some cool things about R&B

Rhythm and Blues (R&B) is currently taken as one of the hippest things the music scene has to offer. It has become the vibe most teenagers go crazy about.

In the Philippines, there is a steady rise of recognized acts making their way to stardom. Their brand of music, often described as slick, electronic record with drum-machine-backed rhythms, has transformed into the soundtrack of young people tired of crashing their ears with loud, heavy rock music or some form of unearthly sounds.

The present generation embraces R&B as sound combining elements of soul, funk, dance and hip-hop. Apart from the music, R&B acts breathe a lifestyle that brings out the vibe so cool it gets you pump up having the time of your life. The way they dress up, their gestures and expressions, their definition of hanging out and their very routine are in many ways rooted to their affection for this type of music.

A recent interview with some industry-recognized R&B acts produced extracts on the genre and revealed how exciting they are. The formidable cast included, among others, some of the leading artists in town, namely, Nathan J, awarded Best R&B Hip-Hop Artist in the 2005 edition of Philippine Hip-Hop Awards; record producer and rapper Jimmy Muna who is also known for his collaborations with Jay-R and Kyla; Marcus Adams who penned the lovable Filipina Girl; pretty babe Manila girl Amber; and Rye who is juggling his time as a DJ for Wave 89.1 and as band vocalist.

Good thing there is now the Internet and the music from these people can be heard by just browsing the web. Access to PLDT MyDSL’s unlimited broadband starts at P990 and that even includes a landline. It is cheap and cool that even teens going gaga over R&B can afford.

Here are some of their points on R&B, their love for it and their lifestyle.

On what’s with R&B that they love the most

Rye: “I like how it is soulful and at the same time banging.”

Amber: “I’ve always been into soul music and R&B challenges me vocally. I’ve enjoyed the soulfulness and its lyrical content, the stories it tells.”

Nathan J: “For me it’s the lyrics or the way R&B artists say it with feelings. It has affected me that much and now it’s my life.”

On the importance of Internet in promoting their music

Marcus: “Internet is important for it is a tool to get your music to so many people. You get to have access to everybody and do a cross-reference of your work. For the same reason it’s important for companies in marketing their product. That’s how important R&B for us is.”

Rye: “It made life easier for us, from the recording and writing stuff. Everybody has a chance to make his  own music right now, no restrictions.”

On how R&B came into their lives

Jimmy: “Years ago I started playing instruments like trombone. Then we boys found out that girls like R&B and so we decided to go where the girls are!”

Rye: “It wasn’t because of MC Hammer. But it all started when I saw Francis M. rapping on Loveli-ness (the Alma Moreno show back in the ‘80s). It’s how he delivered his lines which to me was so unconventional.”

On how they differentiate R&B with other genres

Amber: “I think it has its own vibes. It’s not the typical pop sound that a lot of people think is easy.”

Marcus:  “This is soul music that’s in touch with the average person.”

On being original

Marcus: “A lot of us do everything ourselves; we play instruments on our own. We don’t copy sounds.”

Amber: “There are so many people trying to be somebody else. I like to see more of us trying to find our own selves by incorporating Filipino culture to our music .Some of us are forced to do cover records even if Filipinos are too talented not to be given the chance to sing their own songs.

On where to hang out and who to go with

Nathan J: “Anywhere for as long as there is good music. Ang ganda ng music scene ngayon. We hang out even with people from the rock scene.”