Slapshock’s key to 16 years of success: Commitment and courage

MANILA, Philippines - Sixteen years ago, a bunch of unknown but aggressive young rock enthusiasts went on stage at the annual University of the Philippines Fair. They performed simply for posterity, not knowing they were bound for destiny.

Last Thursday, that same group gathered at its favorite restaurant to recall that Valentine night when the band’s career as a live act began. So much have happened in between the six years and a decade span. But one word capsulized it: Slapshock.

By now, that name is already a byword among Filipino rock fans, as Slapshock has established itself as a premier showstopper with multiple hit albums to boot. Even beyond Philippine shores, the group is making some waves, sharing the stage with globally renowned acts and equally-acclaimed Asian rock stalwarts.

The key to Slapshock’s success: Commitment and courage. These two positive attributes have guided its members since Day One, allowing them to defy current conventions and make do with what they believe must be put properly into action.

“What we can be proud of is our commitment sa pagbabanda. Hindi namin siya ginagawa o gagawing sideline. From the time we decided na itutuloy namin ito, we’ve looked at this as a lifelong career,” expressed Slapshock bass player Lee Nadela in an exclusive interview with The STAR.

Such view makes sense as far as his band’s longstanding run is concerned, as well as draws a line between popular thinking and a true artist’s mindset. Lots of people with musical inclination and special interest in putting up a band end up short because from the onset, the idea is to make playing music just a pastime, not a regular profession where cash is expected to flow from.

It’s different with Slapshock members who are one in believing that being in a band can be a rocker’s bread and butter. In fact, them being adorned with tattoos is kind of a brave statement about how aware they were that there’s no turning back.

Lead vocalist Jamir Garcia, by now one of Pinoy Rock scene’s most admired frontmen, made sure he has enough ink on his skin, convinced there’s no way he would be able to go to work in the corporate world again. He was once a mechanic in a household car company.

He shared, “I had no plan B. Nung nag-banda kami wala kaming fallback at never ako nagka-option to do other things. Kaya nagpa-tattoo ako ng husto.”

That conviction was a testament to the character of the band, one carved by courage, not stepping back from challenges commonly bugging a combo and not giving in to rules set by people somewhat scared of going past the boundaries set by traditional establishment.

Whereas others will bow their heads to record label demands that ultimately restructure their artistic foundation, Slapshock stands by its cause, plays to its heartbeat and looks for one that understand its language. EMI, now Polyeast, obviously learned how to effectively deal with the members and that has resulted to a long, continuing partnership that began in 1998 when Slapshock’s debut album 4th Degree Burn came out.

Whereas other rock artists welcome the idea of forming side groups to showcase their supposed versatility or whatever their reasons are, Jamir and the rest of the gang choose to be fiercely loyal to the Slapshock brand, confident they can all satisfy their individual creative cravings without compromising the group’s identity as a hard rock/metal act. Even with sponsors they show their care for loyalty, with Dickies being instrumental for their clothing style for the longest time.

Lee stressed, “It will definitely give a negative impression kapag nakita ka performing in this band and then you will again appear in another band. And of course, whatever you say, mahahati ang focus mo when you have at least two bands. Why can’t one be enough?”

The Slapshock crew has been relatively intact ever since, with Lean Ansing on lead guitar and Chi Evora on drums, plus the comeback kid Jerry Basco on rhythm guitar, completing the cast. Jerry returned from a four-year hiatus due to personal reasons. But definitely not because he played for another band. Jamir noted that the spot Jerry left for abroad had always been open solely for him. He officially re-joined during the finals night of Muziklaban held last Feb. 2.

The multi-awarded rock group, which received the 2010 Rock Artist of the Year trophy from the PMPC Star Awards for Music, is valued for the respect it has earned from both fans and critics. Thus, when international acts Deftones, Korn, and Avenged Sevenfold came by Manila to stage concerts, the group deservingly got tapped to front.

The good reputation has reached the international scene, too, as Slapshock became in 2008 the first Filipino act to play at the prestigious Dubai Desert Rock Festival. The band members recalled how amazed they were seeing foreigners head bang to their music.

The band echoed, “We take pride in the fact we’re not too mainstream and yet we’re not too underground. That gives us probably some mystery.” 

Slapshock toured the USA and Canada in the middle of 2009 as well and became one of the founding members of an Asian supergroup called Project E.A.R (East Asian Revolution) where they collaborated with artists from neighboring Asian countries.

Last year, Slapshock released an album called Kinse Kalibre, which became a gold record, a rare feat for a band these days. The previous albums were mostly platinums.

“Don’t be afraid to be different. And don’t overexposed yourselves so fans will still be thrilled to see you live,” advised Jamir who has musically guided the band with his clear understanding of pop sensibilities flavored with heavy rock arrangements.

It’s been a long time since Slapschock came out with Agent Orange and became a live act favorite. The band is still a major crowd draw to this day. More importantly, they’re still committed to their craft, and ready to face the changing times, always ahead of the pack. For a band best heard on high volume speaker, having Feb. 14 for an anniversary date may be quite ironic. But there goes the twist, the band members fell in love, or call it “Cariño Brutal,” to the musician’s profession on love day. That love is what they remember each year.