Smokey Mountain is back

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the 1990s band Smokey Mountain are set to regroup for their 25th anniversary — not for a reunion concert or anything like that, but to seek out the next batch of 12-to-15-year-olds who will carry on with the music.

Originally composed of James Coronel, Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Tony Lambino, the new group they seek to form is an all-boys, all-Muslim band — the latter qualification being due to the little and practically non-existent representation of Muslims in the industry. When asked about the many hopefuls who may feel excluded by this priority, Lambino enthuses that it’s actually about inclusion. “We seek to include a traditionally marginalized group in the mainstream public perception; an identity that’s been a vital part of who we are as Filipinos, but has been given the short shrift for the longest time.”

The only-boys qualification is mainly due to the current tendency for boy groups to be quite popular. Lambino also personally feels that this would be more sensitive. “Part of the mainstreaming  of cultural groups is being sensitive to those cultural groups.” And when asked how some people have considered Islam to be sexist, Lambino replies, “I think Christians can be just as sexist. It’s not about one’s religion. It’s about one’s values and personal openness to the world.”

For Lambino, the legacy of the original Smokey Mountain group was how it was able to prove a point that there is space in popular music and media to talk about issues that matter, such as poverty reduction, the difficulties experienced by OFWs, those who grew up on the streets, marginalized groups, and finding the balance between stewardship of the environment and economic development. And when we mention how 25 years later we’re still plagued with the very same issues, he answers optimistically, “The fact that these issues still exist means we definitely need to keep singing and discussing them.”

As for the group that they are about to form, Lambino currently has no idea how it will be different. “We’ll see,” he says excitedly. “Art evolves, and it matters just as much what your material is as who is performing. It’s a chemistry between the performers, the arranger, the producers, and all the people involved, so let’s just wait and see.”

All former members of Smokey Mountain will be involved in the addition and mentoring of the new talents. “Magic and chemistry” is what they’re looking for. “It doesn’t have to be polished. We’re looking for raw talent.”

Those who wish and are qualified to audition may visit audition.ph for the complete details and requirements. The deadline for video entries is April 30. In closing, Lambino warmly advises auditioners, “Enjoy the process and love the music. That will show.”

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