Dance floor anthem
MANILA, Philippines - What started out as a blip on the SoundCloud radar eventually became one of the most engaging live acts of the electronic music scene. Tandems ’91 is the solo project of Aaron David Cruz, aided by JR Jader and Ignacio Cuyegkeng during live performances. You might’ve seen this trio amping up the crowd during the last Satchmi Vinyl Day.
It’s about 10 in the evening and the YS Prom pajama party, despite its prescribed attire, is only gaining more energy. We caught up with Tandems pre-set to ask them a few questions.
Young STAR: How did Tandems begin?
Aaron David Cruz: Gumawa ako ng project, pero recording pa lang siya. Pero since kailangan siyang i-live, tinawagan kong dalawang ‘to.
JR Jader: Si Aaron yung brainchild ng Tandems ’91. It started as a solo project. And then eventually his tracks got traction and he got invited to gigs.
Aaron: Hindi ko alam kung paano mag-isa ‘yun.
JR: And he called us.
Ignacio Cuyegkeng: Technically “Tandems and Friends.”
JR: The songs of Tandems that you hear on SoundCloud, that’s Aaron, purely Aaron. The Tandems that you see and hear performing live, that’s the three of us.
How did you decide on the name?
Aaron: ’91 kasi ’91 ako ipinanganak. Tandems, one of the reasons I chose Tandems, idol ko Daft Punk, “Justice.” Eh mag-isa lang ako. So frustrated duo ang Tandems. (Laughs)
What are your thoughts on the electronic music scene, generally?
JR: Well, wala kaming collective thought about it, because we don’t really focus on others when it comes to music. I mean, we just have fun. Whatever music is there, that’s music. You can’t do anything about it, just appreciate it. So whatever music is coming out now, be it electronic, rock or pop, we just try to appreciate it talaga. For what it is. Nothing more, nothing less.
What has been your favorite experience so far, as Tandems?
Aaron: Siguro nung nag-open kami sa ANORAAK gig, sa Black Market.
Ignacio: Pinaghalo namin yung DJ set within the live set. Ibang experience din siya, pero masaya. Parang, ang daming pwedeng i-explore with that kind of format.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Ignacio: ‘Yung advice ni Shia. Do it. Just do it!
JR: Don’t mistake performing or being famous or anything else with music. Don’t mix that up. The music is just you. If you really love music, for what music is, listen to what you hear.
