Urbandub and Typecast come together in a show to celebrate friendship

Established Filipino bands Urbandub and Typecast are coming together for a tour to celebrate their music for these past 25 years.

The musical treat, titled “Urbandub x Typecast 25th Anniversary Tour 2025” commences on April 6 at the New Frontier Theater and concludes on April 12 at the Baguio Convention Center. Yes, these are just the first two dates. So, one may look forward to more.

Fans and music enthusiasts are expected to mark their calendars and troop to these venues.

In a brief chat with The STAR, lead vocalists of Urbandub and Typecast, Gabby Alipe and Steve Badiola, respectively, talked about the idea behind the showcase, such as the shared or twin billing.

“When we were both coming on (or entering) the scene, we would always share shows together and then sparked a friendship because our music is very similar, regardless of genre, I guess,” said Gabby. “And then, through the years, dahil sa laging nagkakasabay (since we would perform and share the stage together) even until now, we decided why not do a joint show together.”

According to them, they didn’t expect that their bands would last this long given the influx of new musical acts.

Just a quick look at their current members: Urbandub also features guitarist John Dinopol, bassist Lalay Lim, guitarist Russell Manaloto and drummer Sam Saldusong, while Typecast is composed of bassist Chi Ressurecion, guitarist Pakoy Fletchero and drummer Sep Rono.

Asked where the rock band Urbandub and the emo band Typecast attribute their longevity and success, Gabby had this to say: “Being truthful to your craft,” while Steve added, “and consistency din sa lahat ng bagay (in everything that one does, be it) personal and professional.”

Gabby, also Urbandub’s guitarist, further reflected by sharing that “we never did it for fame. I think I can speak for both bands, it was really the want and need, actually the need to be able to write music even without the stage, without the record deals, without the band. We’d still be writing music. It’s all about honesty when it comes to performing. Everything else is a bonus.”

The forthcoming event also allows the bands to look back on their growth, music- and theme-wise.

“I guess it’s a more evolved version of who we were when we were younger because as you progress also as an artist, hopefully, you’re also maturing in terms of the topics that you wanna discuss. The perspectives change as you age as well and also the life experiences now,” said Gabby. “It has to be honest to your current state of mind. Yung perspective mo sa buhay mo, yun dapat ang sinusulat mo (you should be writing about your life’s perspective).”

As for Steve, also Typecast’s songwriter and guitarist, he added, “When it comes to genre, hindi namin masyadong iniisip yun (we don’t think about it) because we could create and produce any type of music, pero ang mahalaga sa amin is yung kumbaga yung sound namin (but what matters to us is our sound).”

“Kumbaga yung pirma namin sa mga kanta namin (na) hindi mawawala (our signature music should remain intact), regardless if it’s pop, heavy or pop rock. For as long as our signature (sound) should be there, then, it’s OK,” continued Steve.

Essentially, the base music of Urbandub and Typecast is, “probably, you can say rock… but we’re two types of bands that we kinda try to draw from different influences and we incorporate (them) into the base of rock. We can bring in R&B, soul, jazz or metal. So, parang it depends on the song. If it serves the song, then we use it,” said Gabby.

Steve also emphasized what he called “the flavor of the collective as a band,” which becomes and speaks of its signature and distinct sound.

As bands, Urbandub is known for its releases such as Birth, Embrace, Influence and Under Southern Lights, while Typecast is famed for favorites like Another Minute Til Ten, The Boston Drama and Will You Ever Learn, according to a piece of information given to this paper.

What collection of hits can fans expect come showtime?

Gabby and Steve answered, “Surprise,” and shared that Paolo Valenciano directs the show. One can say that each tour is a product of their collaboration with Paolo and the latter’s vision for it.

As for the up-and-coming bands out there that aspire to enter the local music and recording scene and contribute to the evolving Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Gabby and Steve generously shared their tips and pieces of advice.

“Sa akin, siguro sa mga nag-sa-start, gawa lang kayo ng gawa ng music… and ‘wag mawawalan ng pag-asa (for those who are starting, keep on creating music and never lose hope),” said Steve, implying that a career in music has its own ups and downs.

“Honest ka sa craft mo (be honest to your craft) and be passionate,” added Gabby. “Think about songwriting and telling your story and then everything else is a bonus.”

Taking that to heart, a newbie Pinoy band is taking its baby steps and leading to become an emerging and resilient one.

(To secure tickets for the April 6 and 12 performances, visit Ticketnet and Ticketmelon.)