New group making its own mark

MANILA, Philippines - The music industry’s big show bands have long secured their position in the local pop scene, with most of them now either disbanded, retired, or just waiting to launch a comeback. There’s a void that needs to be filled, and so upcoming acts are now jostling their way to secure their spot.

Among those launching a credible stake is a new band called Aerial Heights. Composed of musicians from different backgrounds, they are working on original songs and a unique sound that they can claim as their own, by exploring such genres as rock, alternative, R&B and soul.

Lead vocalist Anthony Carlo Macaraeg is the lead singer and the spokesperson of the band. A Fil-Am from Hollister, California, he has the looks, talent and charisma fashioned from Filipino sensibilities combined with influences gained from abroad. He cites Luther Vandross, Nickelback, Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera as his musical influences.

Prior to launching a musical career in the Philippines, Anthony considered music as more of a hobby than a passion. For the last three years, he has been busy with bodybuilding and working as a nutrition consultant in California, but his love for music has always been there. Aside from his day job, he maintained a solo acoustic gig in a coffeehouse. But after seeing such Fil-Ams Jay-R and Kris Lawrence launch successful careers as recording artists, Anthony was convinced to try his luck in his home country as well. Before heading back home to the Philippines, Anthony took up tutorials in speech level singing to further improve his vocal range.

Upon arriving in Manila, they held auditions for band members who can join him, and four artists passed the rigorous process: Andy Basilio on lead guitars, Eric William on drums, Edward Cawili on bass and Jeremy Samonte on keyboards. Anthony’s band mates are definitely no rookies; they are all seasoned musicians, some of whom are lead members of their former bands.  Back-up singers include Debbie K. Takakuwa and Bong Trono.

It took them just a month to sound tight and click together, another neat accomplishment for the rising act whose jamming sessions doubled as bonding moments for the members.

For details, call 0917-5105252, 0927-6440898 or e-mail at aerial.[email protected].