What's Yellowcard's winning credo?

MANILA, Philippines - Many musical artists would tell interviewers that all they want is to be heard and that fame and recognition do not matter much. That’s a pageant answer.

Braver acts rather face the truth, clearly see what they’re aiming for, and will stop at nothing to achieve that.

American rock band Yellowcard has gone to accomplish so much that they needed to take a break from it all to recharge. Frontman, singer-guitarist Ryan Key believes that their triumph stemmed from their determination to really make it. “We were completely determined. We didn’t have a plan B,” he said.

Less-determined groups would care for a fallback if things don’t work out. For Yellowcard, it was just between fame and failed.

Key emphasized the power of going out to perform live in front of music fans and not depend heavily on Internet exposure. “Real fans,” he said, “want to see you in person. So my advice for band enthusiasts is to really get out there, play everywhere, anywhere and anytime.”

The Jacksonville, Florida-based Yellowcard, the gang behind the big hits Ocean Avenue and Light Up The Sky, is scheduled to perform tonight at the A-Venue Hall in Makati.  

Key expressed excitement of landing in the Philippines and meet fans here. He promised to give young Pinoys an all-out performance with a repertoire that should include their hits and new songs off their latest album When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes. Prior to the recording of the “comeback” album, a two-year hiatus from performing and studio work gave the band some breathing space and the opportunity to go back to their grounded lives.

“The new album is an important chapter in our career. It’s really our current focus,” stressed the lead singer who wants to collaborate with other artists, including Filipinos.

Yellowcard’s brush with fame made them prone to becoming victims of its spoils. Thus, the necessity of cooling off which for Ryan was a great decision that allowed him to refuel as an artist and confront his demons in a positive way.

Formed in 1997, the group released its indie debut the same year but only reached mainstream recognition when they released their fourth compilation of recordings. That was after Capitol Records signed them up in 2002, or around the time when they progressed from hardcore punk to pop punk empowered by alternative rock vibe. The hits started to flow from thereon.  

The breakthrough album Ocean Avenue reached the platinum mark in the US alone, with its title track peaking at No. 37 on Billboard Hot 100. The next album Lights And Sounds peaked at No. 4 and sold 90,000 copies, before the next, Paperwalls, debuted at No. 13 on US Billboard 200 with 74,000 copies already sold within the first month of release.

Key, discussing about the recess his band took off from celebrity life, shared, “We all felt we needed a time away from touring. That’s the best thing we did because we were able to refocus, put our feet back on the ground, and be reminded of the really important things in life like family and home.”

Yellowcard Live in Manila, made possible by Dayly Entertainment, is one of love month’s most anticipated shows featuring international performers. For the avid fans, tour edition package with CD is available in selected Astroplus stores. 

Other Yellowcard members are violinist Sean Mackin, guitarist Ryan Mendez, bass player Sean O Donell, and drummer Longineau Parsons.