New band gets support of peers

MANILA, Philippines - Alternative rock band She’s Only Sixteen is composed of four young, restless and musically-inclined college students — Roberto Seña (lead vocals and guitar), Anjo Silvoza (bass), Andrew Panopio (guitar) and King Puentespina (drums). But with the recent release of its debut EP, the band proves that it should not be taken lightly.

Their first single Dying To Meet You has been enjoying good support from MYX viewers. It debuted at the 20th spot of the Pinoy MYX Countdown and is continuously climbing up the charts week after week. It is now the 15th most voted Filipino music video.

With its distinct sound, apparent musicality and youthful and energetic live performances, She’s Only Sixteen has been named by Status Magazine as one of the most promising local bands of today.

Roberto, Anjo, King and Andrew are schoolmates and friends during their high school days at the Ateneo, where She’s Only Sixteen was born. Roberto and King are now enrolled at De La Salle University while Anjo and Andrew stay at the Ateneo de Manila University. 

When asked about the band, the members quip, “She’s Only Sixteen is a mix of rock, pop, dance, folk, ear-grabbing hooks, good taste, bad jokes, alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, debauchery, kalandian, deep commentary on love and life, and a load of class.”

Roberto adds, “We base our roots and influences from musicians like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Phoenix, The Black Keys, Radiohead, among others. ”

When asked about local bands whom they admire, Anjo quips, “Definitely Sponge Cola, Rico Blanco and Up Dharma Down.”

King shares that these musicians continue to be their inspiration, while Andrew is thankful for the support of Sponge Cola, also an Ateneo band. In fact, Sponge Cola frontman Yael Yuzon attended the launch of the band’s EP, which gathered one of the biggest crowds at Route 196 bar in recent history, to show brotherly love to the younger Ateneo band.

She’s Only Sixteen’s EP has been getting favorable reviews from critics. A music reviewer noted that the four songs (Amygdala, Dying To Meet You, Mr. Schemer, Roll The Dice) included in the EP are four of the most refreshing power pop tunes released in recent years.

Another critic noted that the band’s EP sums up what makes She’s Only Sixteen tick. He also noted that indeed the band is among the most promising acts in the class of 2012.

She’s Only Sixteen  has been getting a lot of support from its peers, too. Somedaydream, in his tweets, proclaimed that She’s Only Sixteen is his favorite “local, but not-so-local sounding band.”

 Orion Entertainment and Universal Records managing director Kathleen Dy-Go agreed to the observation of Somedaydream saying: “She’s Only Sixteen offers something new to the local fans of music. They are young, but not raw. Their sound is different, but it does not alienate. The band proves that there’s a bright future for the local music industry.”

 She’s Only Sixteen is being managed by Orion Entertainment, alongside Noel Cabangon, Kimpoy Feliciano, Malay, Jordan Bautista, Jason Fernandez, Six Part Invention, Jensen Gomez, Runmanila and Aspen Way. It is also the International Agent of Sam Concepcion, Karylle and Sponge Cola.

 For details, call 0916-4140358 or e-mail [email protected].