Draybers speeding off to live gig stardom

Live gigs, unlike in recording where artists usually have to define their type of songs for proper public identity, can be the perfect stage for versatility and experimentation. Rising show band act Draybers is definitely cashing on such opportunity, with its odd mix of repertoire serving as room for surprises the audience finds admirable. 

Watching a full set of the all-male band, led by its vocally flexible frontman Mitoy Yonting, is like having Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates. You simply cannot predict the pattern of tracks Draybers sets to play. You can hear the band sing a set of Queen classics, then almost without warning find it serenading with a series of Tagalog gems, before climaxing to its rendition of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You. In between, they can squeeze in a couple of funny numbers, particularly their take on the familiar Voltes V themes. 

The effect is not confusing as you might expect, but rather amusing. Thanks to their skillful showcase of tight-playing, sweet harmonies and searing lead vocals that can hit high notes at any given moment. “Hindi ako takot pumiyok o masintunado. Yun siguro ang secret ko,” reveals Mitoy of his ability to belt out without a bit of muscle strain. 

Draybers, comprising of mostly middle-aged fellows with long experiences of being in a band, is fast-developing its fan base as regular performers at Resorts World Manila where they currently perform on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. The three-night per week gig is helping the buzz about this real good live band that can play a variety of popular tunes covering periods from the ’60s to the ’90s. 

Interestingly, Mitoy is himself a character with strong charisma that he gets to penetrate even TV. He had stints with shows on GMA 7 and then QTV, having played as sidekick comedian to Vic Sotto in then Full House sitcom. He believes that a future TV exposure is a big plus for his band, though he seems contented in showing what he does best on live stage. 

Mitoy explains, “Kami yung banda na marunong makuntento. Naglabas kami ng indie CD noon and we didn’t expect it to be a hit kasi alam namin na mahirap mag-promote. Magiging masaya kami if may maging interesadong label sa amin pero sa takbo ng career namin as a show band, kuntento naman kami. Ganun ang labanan ngayon. Dapat matuto kang makuntento.”

People seeing them perform must be more than contented. Word is getting around that customers come to see them over and over since they can’t get enough of the group. The circular stage of 360 Bar where they play likewise creates a sense of glamour on their part, with them in the middle of a packed of diners grooving and singing along to their set list. 

Draybers was gathered and officially formed in 2008, its name picked out of nowhere upon pressure during a Battle of the Bands stint. Mitoy’s sidemen are Mylo Yonting (rhythm guitar), Edwin Garcia (keyboards), Jerome “Lucky” Reformano (bass), Jude Santos (drums) and Cesar Uy Salazar (lead guitars). 

The members could have named themselves Transformers, being Mitoy’s word for describing their penchant for exploring a peculiar mix of numbers. Draybers as name seems perfect, though, as its members are now in the frontseat of the live band show circuit.