Fête expectations
MANILA, Philippines - To be held at The Fort Strip in Taguig this Saturday, June 25, this year’s Fête de la Musique concert, dubbed La Vielle x La Nouvelle (“Old School meets New School” for the non-Parisians), rolls out another lineup that pools together every genre imaginable, heedless of era. From your hole-in-the-wall jazz bar’s secret weapon to that new Myx sensation, expect to see over 100 artists, DJs, bands, ensembles — yes, the groups exponentially increase in size by the comma — and a sundown parade all across eight stages to get things up and grooving.
But while you’re nodding, dancing, and fist-bumping old friends, Young Star hands you a five-fold reason to swing by: the underdogs. Despite claims that the local music scene has gone from cool to cooled-down, these five acts stand for more than the novelty of having something new to look at and listen to.
Bee Eyes
Personnel: Diego Abad, 26 (bass); Julius Valledor, 26 (vocals); Idris Vicuña, 21 (lead guitar); Iann Villamor, 28 (drums)
Sounds Like: Think lo-fi pop the likes of Wavves, Girls, and Ariel Pink would all approve of. “We listen to a lot of bedroom bands so that kind of inspired our sound, I guess,” says Valledor. “We couldn’t really afford awesome equipment but we sound like shit. It’s not really a choice. It’s more of what we have.”
Origins & Beyond: Bee Eyes was formed in 2008 but they’ve been playing since 2006 under the name Love Team. They built their earliest live sets around a heavier sound, something they eventually tired of. “We were noisy, rock ‘n’ roll, garage whatever, and we didn’t give a f**k,” adds Valledor. “And everyone liked us for that but we got sick of it because we were always out of tune. (Laughs) We used to look like this drunk-ass band that people didn’t appreciate for the music, but for us being rowdy and crazy. I guess we were listening to a lot of Black Lips at that time and we saw how their live show was. We wanted to have that much fun and be drunk a-holes onstage but it wasn’t really working for us musically. So we decided to tighten up and be a little more melodic.” Abad seems to agree: “In a way, we wanted to challenge ourselves. We tried recording a few songs. That was hard.” “I guess the main motivation for all this was we wanted to make some money,” admits Valledor, to which his whole band laughs for at least the next six seconds of the interview.
Fête Expectations: “We expect to have a lot of fun, meet a lot of new friends, get all the girls kilig,” says Valledor. “And get them wet,” adds Vicuña. “With rain,” punctuates Abad.
Standout Tracks: Black Saabath and Morning Face 
Online: http://beeeyes.bandcamp.com
The Executives
Personnel: Cara Manglapus, 23 (vocals); Francis Manglapus, 55 (drums); and over a dozen other jazz musicians
Sounds Like: A Dixie-swing soundtrack to a stylish ‘40s Marlon Brando flick with the modern touch of Amy Winehouse.
Origins & Beyond: Little do most of us know that the father-daughter tandem of Francis and Cara Manglapus personify two generations of Manglapus-made jazz music — by way of The Executives. Founded by Cara’s grandfather, the late Senator Raul Manglapus, The Executives came about due to a pressing need for some smooth recreation. “What made the band unique then was that they were not professional musicians,” details Francis. “They were all middle-aged executives in their respective professions. And as a form of relaxation, they started jamming. After awhile they started getting invited to parties and one thing led to another.” The ‘60s then saw them playing alongside jazz heavyweights such as Duke Ellington, Gary Burton, and Lionel Hampton. Later on, lineup changes had to be made, the most recent one being Cara Manglapus, who had just flown in from abroad, after quitting her corporate job. She now takes on the role of vocalist. “It’s been a long time coming, I guess,” says Cara. “My dad kept (insisting for me) to come sing with the band but I was shy. But now, it’s cool that I’m coming in as the third generation — and the only female member at that. It feels nice. It feels like I have so many people protecting me.” “So many old people protecting you,” corrects her dad. “They just might all drop dead in the middle of the performance,” jokes back Cara. Sky’s the jazzy limit for these two, both of whom see it as a valid excuse to further bond — and do what it is that bands do: whip up some great music. “Only a few big bands are out there right now, so we have a little niche. If ever there’s a great demand for golden wedding anniversaries, we’ll play.”
Fête Expectations: “We expect a lot of rain,” half-jokes Cara. “I only joined last month so this will be my first performance with them. But it’s fun knowing my dad will be there and I’m sure my mom will be there with her video camera.”
Standout Tracks: I’m In Love With A Dream and Valerie (Amy Winehouse cover)
Online: No website but you can contact Cara Manglapus for CDs
Good Morning High Fives
Personnel: Luis Gutierrez, 21 (drums); June Marie Jumao-As, 19 (vocals); and Joseph Wu, 24 (guitars and back-up vocals)
Sounds like: Imogen Heap’s innovative sound with a dash of Erykah Badu’s soul vibe
Origins & Beyond: Good Morning High Fives was formed in 2008 when they decided to join a battle of the bands in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. “The band was supposed to be together just for the battle but we had a lot of fun and decided to stick together,” shares Gutierrez. “We are all in agreement that the Philippine music industry is in need of rebirth. It seems that with all the money and big business flying around, not too many people make music from the heart anymore. We believe in making honest, fearless music, and along with our friends in the band scene, we try our best to promote this,” the band shares. As advice to aspiring musicians, Gutierrez says, “Write your music honestly and passionately [because] no matter what, people will listen.”
Fête Expectations: “We’re excited to play (Fête)… I think it’s great how they do this annually,” Joseph Wu, the guitarist, stated. “I really hope it doesn’t rain but even if it does, we’re going to get on that stage, play our music and have fun,” Gutierrez added.
Standout Tracks: Inertia and Sound
Online: http://www.facebook.com/goodmorninghighfives
The Strangeness
Personnel: Jayme Ancla, 21 (guitars); Francis Cabal, 23 (vocals, guitars); Bijan Gorospe, 26 (bass); Erwin Hilao, 25 (drums); and Shinji Manlangit, 22 (tambourine and back-up vocals)
Sounds Like: Sonic Youth’s guitar riffs
Origins and Beyond: The Strangeness formed just last year. The members met through Tumblr, Geek Fight, and Mogwai at Cubao X. “We play at Meiday, usually,” says Manlangit. “We got lucky that we became part of this industry,” he adds. Shares Hilao, “It’s growing because of the Internet. We were known because of Tumblr.” When asked about the local music industry, Ancla says, “Those who say that music is dead are those who don’t watch gigs.”
Fête Expectations: “It’s our first time at Fête. We used to watch it back in 2005-2006. It’s a privilege, and we’re excited,” Manlangit shares.
Standout Tracks: Drugs and Being Sober’s Such a Drag
Online: http://thestrangeness.tumblr.com
Diego Mapa
One-Man Army: Diego Mapa, 30 (DJ and 1/2 of The Diegos, the spinning duo)
Sounds Like: Friendly Fires’ dance undertones and Metronony’s smooth rhythms
Origins & Beyond: Diego Mapa started DJ-ing at Fluxxe back in 2005. “I was mainly in bands since 1997. I started with Monsterbot, then Cambio, and then Pedicab,” says Mapa. “I also have side projects with Dayuhan and Tarsius,” adds Mapa, as if he wasn’t busy enough. Mapa then continues, “(I’d then play) every Thursday at the Manila DJs Club at The Fort. It featured great DJs who don’t know how to DJ. It was more of a playlist type…but I enjoyed it.”
“The least I play are Top 40 (songs) to separate myself (from other Djs). That’s not wrong but that’s what you always hear on the radio,” Mapa continued. “Mainstream will always be there, (because a lot of people still) depend on the radio,” comments Mapa after being asked about the local music industry.
Fête Expectations: “I hope it doesn’t rain, and I am excited since I haven’t played at Fête for some time. (It’s also my) first time spinning at Fête,” Mapa shares.
Standout Tracks: The Source and Eleven
Online: http://www.wix.com/diegomapa/home
