MYMP still on a roll

MANILA, Philippines — There is a strong chance that many of us are part of the millions who feel like falling in love over and over again while listening to senti (read: sentimental) tunes — hugot songs to millennials — of MYMP (Make Your Momma Proud). Proof positive to that is the number of views of the acoustic band’s music videos uploaded on social media platforms even while MYMP is believed to be off the music radar these days.

The last time MYMP hogged the entertainment headlines was when its lead vocalist Juris Fernandez went solo due to a reported “misunderstanding” with founder-band leader Chin Alcantara. Many were left to wonder about the cause of their “rift” as neither of the two aired their side of the story. But not until two Tuesday afternoons ago when Chin corrected false impression regarding MYMP and revealed why Juris bade MYMP goodbye.

First, Chin stressed that MYMP never disbanded. Just because no news or TV appearance doesn’t mean the band has disbanded. According to Chin, MYMP is still very much active in the live music scene. In fact, its schedule is packed full with in-and-out-of-the-country gigs. Among its well-applauded show just happened last April 28 in Indonesia.

“Perhaps, it’s a misconception na wala ka na when you are no longer visible on TV. But the truth is, we’re still very much active making music — doing shows here and abroad,” Chin told The STAR after inking a record deal with Ivory Music. “Before we had an album and before our album hit big, dun naman kami galing — playing in bars for special shows kumbaga di ‘yun mawawala kahit naman naging big kami meron pa rin kaming bar shows mainly because that’s our bread and butter.”

Although the last time MYMP made headlines was almost 10 years ago due to Juris’ decision to go solo, Chin said their fan base continues to grow with the addition of millennials who are into the band’s sound.

“Perhaps, you could say that’s the last time our fans from way back heard controversy about us but our fans now, the new ones are not aware that Juris was once part of the band. Nagtataka sila na ah si Juris pala MYMP dati. That only means MYMP is very much alive because we have young fans. We may not have a super big hit at present but still, we’re more than earning out of it, buhay kami.”

For those not in the know, MYMP is a tribute to Chin’s mom who succumbed to breast cancer. She saw him start playing the guitar but failed to see him perform in the music scene. Chin started the band as an all-male rock band but later on shifted to singing ballads and then acoustic. Its original singer is not Juris but Nina who stayed with the band for a year. Because of its experiences to singing different music genres, the group, (or should I say duo for MYMP is popular as a singing duo yet it seldom performs without a back-up band?) can also play rock, pop and lively tunes. MYMP does not only have local fans but has also gained admiration from Korean, Indonesian and Malaysian music aficionados.

At present, Jana Laraza is MYMP’s female vocalist who has been performing with Chin for five years now. Chin never denied the difficulty of maintaining five different personalities in the band. As founder-band leader, he makes sure each member lives up to being a performer.

“With the help of our manager, we were able talk things first if there is anything wrong. Sa tagal ko ng nagbabanda alam ko ‘yung hirap (makisama), sa iba inuuna yung samahan kaysa business but for me, I mind the business first before the friendship to achieve the longevity of the band. Everyone must do his obligation to the band first. Hindi ‘yung hindi matanggal kasi matagal na kayong magkasama kahit laging late o nag-kakamali lagi. We can become friends but their obligation must first be met. But so far, we are doing fine as a group.”

Asked how does he feel knowing the vocalist often gets the credit for the band’s success, Chin said it’s a reality, adding, “that’s why vocalist is called as the frontman and naturally it would look na siya ang nagpasikat which is definitely fine with me like when you say Guns ‘n Roses, people will automatically associate it with Axel Rose but the truth is every success of a band lies in the team work. It’s a combination of everyone’s talent in the group.”

When it comes to choosing a member, Chin initially looks for the talent and skills. Before Jana joined the group, MYMP had two other vocalists but, unfortunately, didn’t live up to the group’s expectations. “Jana exactly fits to the qualities that we are looking for so far okay naman kaya tumagal din s’ya.”

“Kuya Chin is hardworking. He is very professional and knows what he is doing,” said Jana. “At first, I thought being in a band is easy but slowly I realized it’s a tough job because there are so many things I need to learn. Thankfully, I was able to easily adapt to the style of working with a band and I’m enjoying it so much now.”

“She’s not hard-headed, just a bit,” Chin quipped. “What about Juris? We’ve worked for six years but we were together before MYMP so in total we’re together for eight years and she’s a professional because we never lasted that long if she had no discipline. In the band scene, every night, you will learn to rub elbows with all kinds of people so you can’t be a snob and that was Juris’ struggle because she was shy and when she was beginning to get recognized, she didn’t know how to handle the attention but later on, she was able to adjust. Hindi s’ya sakit sa ulo.”

So why did they separate?

“I cannot answer for her but for me, the reason was No.1, musical preference. If you listen to her solo album and to our music in MYMP, you’ll find the difference. I didn’t want to go to the direction she wanted to take but I’m not saying it’s not good. Let’s just say, it’s not my type.

“Second reason, probably she wanted to do her own thing because for the longest time and until now, I am the band leader of MYMP, I’m also the one who set the direction of the band. So, these, I think, were the reasons why we separated but I don’t know her side, probably she had her own reason.” Chin revealed that they never get to talk since the day they parted ways, adding, “marami siguro naging accumulation ng maliliit na bagay.”

Is he still hurting over what has happened to them?

“It’s been almost 10 years and I believe time can heal all wounds. ‘Yung sama ng loob nawawala ‘yun.”

Meanwhile, MYMP signed a contract with Ivory Music and Video for the second time. The recording company was MYMP’s recording label for six years beginning in 2003. The band transferred to three other recording outfits before it decided to return this year. Chin said there is no definite date yet on the release of MYMP’s new album since the members are still on the process of gathering materials.