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[nikfix]

Exploring the Alternate Universe with Ygo Ferraz of Ysanygo

Photo by: Miguel Herce

Ygo’s one of the coolest kids I know in the music scene. He started out making his own stuff at a really young age. He along with his sister Ysa has been making really good music for the last 2 years. Let’s know more about the duo, and the gear Ygo uses onstage.

How did you start making music and playing the guitar?

I started playing guitar when I was 10 years old. I learned classical guitar first, but I'd play electric from time to time. I started making the music last 2016. I began producing with GarageBand on an iPad 2.

Photo by: Andrea Genota

How did Ysanygo start out?

Ysanygo started out back in 2017 when Ysa joined a songwriting competition at her school. She had lyrics and a melody, but no musical accompaniment. I happened to have an electronic track which I produced a few months before the competition. We decided to use it for her song. 

Sadly, we didn't win the competition. A few days later, we thought about posting the song on major music streaming platforms just for fun. Everything else followed after we uploaded it, and we decided to take this musical endeavor seriously!

“Always play with emotion. It really changes the way you sound! It gives your riffs more life and feelings. As you play, it's like you're telling a story.”

Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?

I listen to Phony Ppl, Tom Misch, Daniel Caesar, Mura Masa, and Passion Pit, to name a few. Their chord choices and guitar riffs heavily inspire the way I produce music. I always look for that "oomph" in music that makes your face melt.

Photo by: Andrea Genota

Tell us more about your music.

Ysanygo is a duo composed of my sister and I. We don't really restrict our music to one genre, which is why we call ourselves a "no-genre" duo. Last March, we released our latest single entitled "Even in an Alternate Universe", which you can find on Spotify, Apple Music, and other music streaming platforms! We post our schedule every month on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?

My first ever guitar is a Suzuki classical guitar which was a Christmas gift from my parents. I probably learned almost everything with that guitar. I still use it till now, when I want to compose a song.

My second guitar is Steven Harris Les Paul. It was a birthday gift from my parents! I had it since I was in sixth grade. I used it for a while at gigs. 

My third guitar is a Manuel Rodriguez Caballero II classical guitar. I use it for guitar class and recitals.

My fourth guitar is a Squier (Standard) Telecaster. I still don't know the specific model, though. At the moment, this is my primary guitar for shows.

Photo by: Kae Antido

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard and other gear. What effects do you use live?

I use a Digitech RP55 Multi-FX pedal and a Line 6 Relay G30 wireless system. I use reverb, chorus, wah, and dirt (overdrive) for live performances. I also use a laptop with an Akai MPKMini Mk II (running on ), an iPad, a Focusrite Scarlett, and a mixer aside from the guitar gear I have. What amps do you use at home and live?

I use this really old Greg Bennett practice amp at home. I like using Twin Reverb amps for live performances.

What are you listening to right now?

You may be surprised! I'm listening to a lot of K-pop and K-R&B right now. There's something about their music that I really vibe with. Their songs are composed and produced really well since Korean artists really value musicality. I enjoy listening to artists such as Zion. T, Twice, and DEAN, to name a few.

Photo by: Miguel Herce What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do?

Always play with emotion. It really changes the way you sound! It gives your riffs more life and feelings. As you play, it's like you're telling a story.

[nikfix]

Tones from a Perfect World with Andy Timmons

Last year, I had the honor of meeting one of my biggest influences on music, particularly on guitar, Andy Timmons. He was kind enough some of his playing secrets and tips, as well as experiences he’s had in decades in the music industry.

I was a fan ever since I started getting into Ibanez guitars and listening to my other heroes like Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, and the likes.

He performed a few songs from his records, Resolution, Theme from A Perfect World, his recently remastered album, Ear X-Tacy, and more. 

Me (left), plus a few other Andy Timmons fans. Photo courtesy of Audiophile Components and Ibanez Philippines.

I also had a rare opportunity to take a photo of the legendary pedalboard he’s been using.  This guy’s been swapping and changing his gear very often, and lucky for me, this is a newly developed one. 

In his chain are:

JHS Modded Boss BD-2 Blues Driver - This souped up Blues Driver is one of many drives Andy's equipped in his rig.

GNI Octa Fuzz - A new favourite of his 

Xotic BB Preamp - One of two BBs loaded into his rig

Xotic BB Preamp AT - His signature variant of the modern classic

JHS AT+ Angry Charlie - One of the most sought after JHS products out there, for obvious, awesome reasons.

JHS Emperor - 

Strymon Timeline - The legendary Timeline.

Carl Martin Compressor - 

Sonic Research ST-300 Mini Stomp Box Strobe Tuner - The best sounding pedal in the chain.

GigRig G2 - The ultimate pedalboard switcher, crafted and set up by the legendary Dan Steinhardt of That Pedal Show

Dunlop Volume X Mini 

At the end of the day, I had one of my guitars and my Boss Blues Driver signed. It was a happy day. 

Check out this video by Audiophile Components.  Special thanks to Chislon “Cheese” Bolaños and Ibanez Philippines. 

[nikfix]

Circus Tricks with the Ringmaster, Francis Lorenzo

Photo by Alyza Abacan

I met Francis Lorenzo (or Fran, as many people call him) after my band Garage Morning played a set at Checkpoint Rock Bar in BF, Parañaque. We headed to Tas Roofdeck to have drinks with MOONWLK’s Nick Lazaro, Isa Romualdez, and a few other friends. He goes in the same gym as with my bandmate and close friend, Roy.  I began looking at Fran’s stuff after meeting him, and we even got to play with his former band Sleepwalk Circus, which makes really good music. I would see Fran again a few months after at the Fete dela Musique Post Rock/Math Rock Stage, playing with acts like AOUI, Tom’s Story, Twin Lobster, and others. I was amazed with his intricate arrangements and textural guitar work. I’ve been really curious with what he uses to create these awesome guitar tones.

How did you start making music and playing guitar?

I remember fragments - how I initially wanted to be a pianist but eventually got too defeated (I really suck at piano, one would think it’s just a simpler typing keyboard) that I moved to the guitar instead. Till this day I kind of regret it, the keyboard is the ultimate future proof instrument that can do everything (forgive me guitarists, if I could - i would gladly be labeled a stringed traitor).

Photo courtesy of Fran Lorenzo

How did your career, and your band/s start out?

I used to play solo gigs under my name I think? I really can’t remember - but eventually a lot of those songs got carried to Sleepwalk Circus which was formed with my friend Jm Quiblat (I was the sleepwalk chill guy / he was this energizer bunny circus guy). Cut to now, I went full circle and am sort of back alone.

Photo by Alyza Abacan

Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?

Can I answer this one guitar wise cos entire musical wise might be too long and boring for people? Not a lot of credit is given to Billy Corgan (Sorry, I meant William) when it comes to influencing a generation to pick up or play a guitar a certain way. Then we have Sigur Ros for that large orchestral guitar sound, Kevin Shields for the even noisier stuff and Phil Keaggy for all those minstrel stuff. But ultimately sound wise, I think I am more influenced by piano/keyboard players as a whole, I have evolved (devolved?) into a guitarist trying hard to sound like a keyboardist.

Tell us more about your music.

1st Band: Sleepwalk Circus - these guys are still active but without me around (Sorry we had no drama, but we can think of a nice move-like story/scenario if you ask us. It just won't be consistent). Back then tho we relied a lot on delays to fill out stuff - having a perfect bpm drummer really helps enhance this. They have a much heavier sound now but do check em out.

Current: TheRingmaster - In summary, we could say this was initially the spinoff series to SC - I am going to release a new album soon where I collaborated with a lot of cool musicians! I don’t really use much delay/reverb as before but I think at this point anything I make turns out dreamy for some reason. I guess it’s one of those natural inclined sort of things. I sadly can’t give a date yet on the release because I myself don’t know. I’m really bad when it comes to those kind of things.  

You can hear a lot of my stuff in commercials or tv shows. I tend to fool around with my last name but if you see Fran <insert dumbest last name you can think of>, usually that is my stuff. (Clearly we get bored in the credits section of these things)

Future: I have plans to have someone with me in the future - the equal partner. Some songs are semi done (I write a lot) - to be honest i’m more excited about this than my upcoming album release.

I’ve seen you play that awesome Shoreline Gold Suhr JM. Tell us more about it!

I was never really a fan of Strats or Jazzmasters (or a fan the Fender lineup in general - mostly because they look so normal and generally have a thin/bright sound). Strats were generally tinkly sounding (with addition to having the most generic guitar design) while Jazzmasters have this weird “look at me people” mid attack sound going on. And then along came this Suhr Strat, you can say I was “initially forced” to get it because a friend of mine (Carlos Tanada) at the time needed additional money to lessen the wedding whapam.

But wow, just from feel alone you could tell its difference from a regular fender and below tier Strat. The neck setup and plek make everything so comfortable. Also I don’t know what John Suhr does to make it sound so balanced. How one can best describe it is - it sounds like you don’t need to treat it in post anymore - kind of balanced. I also like how it is enough to be different but not so different enough that strat players won’t complain about it. Carlos bought the strat back eventually by the way.  

With that in mind I tried out the Suhr JM for the sake of seeing if Suhr was consistent for that model too - honestly I was hoping I wouldn’t enjoy it, but I did and ugh - poof went the $$$. This thing was meant to be played with an overdrive forever on. Also It didn’t help the only available one left was the rare Gold model either! Aside from unique red-ish guitars, i’m a sucker for white and gold guitars! I had to get it. Again I am sorry future sick me who won’t be able to pay his emergency medical bills.

What about your other guitars. Which is your favorite one, which ones do you use the most for gigs/recordings and why?

Like all musicians, I name all my important guitars. In general I like ‘clearly a gem but undesired anyway’ guitars. It would be like Lobster, everyone knows lobster is amazing but majority always name Sushi, Steak, Lechon or Spaghetti as their favorite dish:

Bijou, The Gretsch White Penguin - I don’t bring this one around too much because it requires too much care, that kind of care that doesn’t go well with alcohol. This is probably my prettiest guitar and I would say is an example of a 10/10 lookwise guitar. Even non-music instrument people would ask about it - like a work of art, there are so many pleasant details to appreciate from the pearl inlays to the efforted gold sparkle binding. Sound wise, it has this great acoustic sounding clean + overdriven tone which I did use on a few of the songs for my upcoming album! But honestly I only ever really desired one purely on looks. Much like not really caring if a supermodel I will marry has wonderful cooking skills or not. 

It was always a childhood dream to own one so when an opportunity came to get one at an attainable price - i had to do it. I’ve been contemplating on selling it (I had it low effort posted) because I honestly have no right owning one, in the same vein we should question the lifestyle of a homeless man driving around and living inside a Rolls Royce.

Bill Goldberg, The Suhr Jazzmaster - This is the current workhorse / live gigging guitar. It plays and sounds so consistently well no matter what amp I am use which is why it ended up becoming my current go to guitar. It has that Suhr comfortable PLEK neck playability and still has enough looks and symbol power to make people go “Awssshiiii” when they see it. I do want to change the pickguard to some custom art piece made of wood one day, perhaps when I look at my wallet and realize I haven’t made a terrible life decision in a while. Also I like how despite the price, there is something about Fender type design guitars where should a ding or a massive paint scratch accident occur - it's alright. Like an expensive dirt bike - it looks prettier should it take a beating.

Natasha Sashiminov, The GIbson BFG Les Paul - I remember when this model first came out, everyone kept dissing it because it looked so ‘bad’ in photos plus it wasn’t of tradition. C’mon oldies, it’s called BFG (actually stands for “Badass Fucking Guitar”) so you can tell the target market already. I saw one in person (It really does look nicer in person) and tried it out - so warm and loud + great sounding for the price tag. I think I got it for brand new 35k range (Considered cheap for a Gibson and my first REAL/of worth guitar) back then - a true unwanted gem. P90 and burstbucker combo + chambered body keeps it nice and warm. The non lacquer wood looks so raw that if a ding occurs, you would think it was part of the design - I love it, no guilt from accidental dings. The first gen ones then became sought after a while (they’re more expensive now) - people eventually realized they were actually great guitars. Recently I heard Gibson released a new BFG version but the configuration of this first gen one is still better! (Attached is a tripleplay to make it output midi notes)

MEH, the James Tyler Variax 89 (USA Version) - These things are apparently super expensive, like an absurd $3000+ range expensive because the USA versions are limited + built in James Tyler’s factory with his specs. That being said this is the ugliest guitar I have. The only reason I got it was I really wanted a Variax for recording purposes and finding a cheap one was near impossible (The Korean models go up to $1000), but then I found someone who was selling it to me for cheaper the price than the Korean model! (Don’t want to give exact amount I paid because people will get annoyed) And just so I can say I own an actual James Tyler. Feel wise though, this is sadly the comfiest of all guitars to play with. PLEK, Perfect smooth playability no matter how you set it, playing at higher frets still gives a center stable non jittery tune note on the tuner, graphtech nut and tuners make it super stable no matter how hard I strum, real humbuckers sound awesome and of course the HD modeling, etc. See, I always find myself justifying its existence. I remember asking Micsis if he would like to paint it white and then somehow make it all fancy but he gave me a “No, this coat is expensive. And there’s a cpu inside.” reasoning so cue ~ sadface and any form of hope. But in fairness I use this thing a lot for recording albums + works, I could say this is the most useful guitar in my collection - as much as possible I don’t want to be seen with it tho.  

Tinosexual, the Antigua Squier Baritone - This is how I usually do my bass lines when recording or if I need -5 down song writing inspiration. I only mention this here because apparently this certain model is sought after - and I got it at a really cheap price. Like below 10 cheap. Hee.

The First One / Art Guitars - I have guitars that I keep at weird tunings / for display. I currently have 2 DND’s being sanded right now before I can ask my go to artists to work on them so I can’t picture em at the moment. This picture is actually my first ever ‘guitar’ made with Indonesian artwork to give tribute to my homeland. It’s a piece of garbage sound wise - I used it on one song in an old Delusion of Reference album (Merry Frolics) where I needed an annoying cheap ‘sounds broken overdriven guitar sound. I was thinking of helping market some of these artists to do commissions in the future so i’ll mini tease that here.

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live?

Hoboy hoboy this is where my face actually lights up. I’m not so interested in drive / dirt pedals but I do keep myself updated with the stuff out there. I base my purchasing on ‘uniqueness’ and ‘featureness’. Sometimes I don’t understand why people would get X + Y pedal when pedal Z does em both for half the price at better/equal the sound. My pedalboard at home / recording is the same as my live so I don’t need to remove anything + I still sound the same live. If I could give pedalboard advice though, give yourself a size limit! And try not to exceed that size. It makes for easier gigging + controls the unnecessary gas.

1) Digitech Freqout - This is the only pedal out there that does this kind of sound. It sounds more natural than the boss feedbacker and you can adjust how fast it ramps / how loud it goes or even the pitch and when it activates. I lent my ebow to a friend after getting this as well because it can do that sound - ish.

2) Dwarfcraft Silver Rose v2 - The original one I believe was a BillyC commissioned pedal by Devi Ever that got discontinued because the two had a falling out. Dwarfcraft revived and improved the v2. After getting this fuzz, I immediately sold every other fuzz (except for one) I had - this was that tone I was looking for. Controlled messy fuzz. I can’t describe the tone so I suggest people look it up on youtube instead. It has so many modes! I also love that this fuzz has a clean through knob to help with the ‘control’ and layering.

3) Devi Ever Rocket - Of course I had to get this for that SP Muff tone. On one side it has a messier version of a MUFF and a crazy octaver fuzz on the other. This thing is amazing for thickening or for “notice me / stank face” fuzz leads. Yes, it does the siamese dream tone stuff really well.

4) EHX Pitch Fork - This pedal has amazing polyphonic tracking, add an exp and it can do whammy stuff. It also does pog stuff. Has a blend knob and has a chorus like effect in built as well. Why do people even bother with the other similar featured pedals then like the Pog / Digitech Drop / etc?

5) EHX Soul Food - I like the sound of Klon drives simply because they are really transparent. This Klon clone is the only drive I have tried that doesn’t affect the tone of the guitar or doesn’t cut the low end. I would like to get a tumnus one in the future just for real estate reasons but the Soul Food is priced too well.

6) Boss DC-2 Dimension C- I love this chorus, it’s so subtle in a way that if I am plugged into a stereo setup - it will sounds like I am double tracking but am on time a lot. Think the Cure type subtle chorus - so naturally great for coloring clean tones.

7) Boss SL-20 Slicer - This was a dismissed pedal by many because of its ‘one trick’ pony-ness but this really is useful for time based rhythm effects especially if the drummer is following a strict bpm. They come by really cheap here but in Japan I remember it being sought after because the synthers use it to spice their pads up. Sometimes if I can’t think of anything I place a basic loop and just have the slicer come up with riffs or pattern ideas for me.

8) Eventide H9 Max (2) - Owning a Max automatically turns up to 4 H9 cores into a max. (Hey you friends trying to take advantage of my remaining slots! I see your slithery intentions!)  I would really like to have gone back to multi effects - it makes things so much easier but there are so many unique effects in the H9 that I use a lot (from other pedals as well) that I can’t go back as of now.

9) Digitech Jamman solo XT - I only use this because I used to have 2, I wanted them to sync and I wanted my loopers to have a set bpm with savable banks. Usually I tend to play verse/chorus in advance so I can focus on singing more live, it goes well with the inbuilt loopers of the H9’s.

Sideboard - Optional RC202 or VE20 depending on gig : Voice effects only on long big sets or if I have a guest singer with me. I make her do dynamic effects on our signals + a few triggering.

10) Strymon Zuma. Before I had this thing - my board was such a hassle to power with adaptors everywhere that would get lost / broken etc. Not to mention the extension cord / wire nightmares. This is the only PSU out there I know that could provide my power needs. The H9’s are hungry. The Jamman, Freqout and Pitchfork also require their own hungry selfish slot. That’s 5 hungry slots down without the remaining others. But money well spent - it’s so quiet.

Also let me tell a story for people who can’t comprehend why one would spend so much on a proper PSU, I once played a gig where they was an outdoor fountain. I brought my Les Paul at the time and because of the gun metal hardware (suspected) and improper shielding, every time i touched the guitar and the mic I would become electrocuted. I had to stop the set because it was getting legit scary and painful - that even roadie who held it nearly dropped my guitar. Cut to future where I played similar gig but this time with this PSU (same guitar) and poor no more noise and electrocution! It could be that they fixed their power thing but I will give credit to the PSU.

What amps do you use at home and live? Oh noes - forgive me pure bloods, I don’t believe in real amps! (Except for live where I have no choice) I honestly think modeling amps are better. My priority has always been recording and to 100% of people who have told me “My recording of a mic’d amp” sounds better than an even basic line 6 - I am sorry, we just don’t have the heart to tell you it does not! Hell even your heroes don’t hide that they prefer modeling. It’s cool though, i get to level up my ‘nodding so hard + snickering sipping’ plastic look.

What are you listening to right now?

Olafur Arnalds has an album coming out soon that I can’t wait for - the releases so far have been amazing. Same goes for Halloween Alaska! A little Lambert here and there as well as stuff from my musician love - Alice Sarah Ott.  The new Jon Hopkins is so pleasant to the ears too so I occasionally go to that + Kiasmos old stuff which is in a similar venn diagram.

What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do?

Be lazy if you can, let your pedals do the work for you. Think of it as computer code that you can efficiently make use of so you can focus on doing other things.

Nice chords > blupluplubplupl headache solos.

Will your notes sound good on a keyboard? If so awesome!

Swells + OD + Delay + Reverb = whale sounds = boring. Don’t do it. That’s not ‘experimental’ anymore. Also why is it strymon people always make demo vids/clips of whale noises? What a waste of power.

In the same vein fast dotted delay sweet disposition style delays will make me like you less as a guitarist. Sorry, i meant as a person.

Play with looper pedals! Learn how to support yourself with a long bars. Don’t solo over yourself though, rhythm jam with yourself. Also any loop noise / accidental or ugly when in a pattern could potentially become great music if escorted with the right notes.

Reverb is not meant to hide your notes - it’s meant to accent, enhance or immerse.

Play the same chord 5 times in strong generic strum vs a 5 times crescendo strum. Which sounds better?

“You can coat a turd gold - but its still a turd” so make sure your source instrument is actually nice sounding.

BPM perfection is oddly a skill I find lacking in the general musician population. Play rhythm games guys. Parappa the rapper or Um Jammer Lammy guys! They’re less forgiving = training!

Find yourself an extremely skilled versatile guitarist and do the opposite of how that person plays.

Once you start playing to impress - you have failed.

Ignore all my advice and don’t listen to what anyone tells you to do. They don’t know you like you do.

Get to know The Ringmaster by checking out his stuff!

[nikfix]

The Search for Awesome Tones (and Ramona) with Ivan Castro of Where’s Ramona?

Photo by John Michael Timola

You probably know Ivan Castro as one of the four biggest meme boys in the local music scene (along with Timo Valientes, Jake Masigan of Banna Harbera, and of course, me), but behind all that, he’s a geek with guitar gear, and is one of the creative forces behind Where’s Ramona, an up-and-coming band that’s set to release some new music this Friday, click here to know more about their EP launch at Route 196. Meanwhile, let’s know what he’s collected over the years of playing.

Photo by Angel Agutaya & Josh Trinidad

How did you start making music and playing guitar?

I started playing guitar when I was 12, my mom saw me playing this broken acoustic guitar that was really just a display piece at home then she decided to buy me a proper acoustic guitar and take basic lessons and make music out of it.

Where’s Ramona?

How did your band start out?

Where’s Ramona? Started 3 years ago. We met in an org at UST called Musikang Sikat Ng Mga Tomasino (MUSIKAT), me and Mic were classmates then one time in the org room we were jamming and we met Moti and our attitudes clicked like we all had the same taste in music. From that point we decided to look for a bass player at first we asked Josh Tulagan (Modern Playground) if he wants to join the band unfortunately he declined because he was busy from jazz studies, then we remember that we have a mutual friend Stephen who was currently in a band (Oido) it was a long shot at first cause we thought that he was busy and all then surprisingly he accepted our invite. From that point we practiced our songs then down the line Coco joined and the band’s sound got bigger from that point on. Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?

I have a lot of influences but not it’s like I copy their way of playing, it’s more like a reference of sound. John Mayer, Mark Tremonti, Jason White, Guthrie Govan, Matt Bellamy, Troy Van Leewun and Rabea Masaad. 

Tell us about your music.

I had a couple of bands during high school and early college but none of those came through lol. Where’s Ramona? Is technically my first real family. We’re going to release our EP called “The Reckless Romantic” on October 19, 2018 at Route 196. 

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?

I own a couple of guitars, namely:

Epiphone Sheraton II – I’ve always wanted a semi-hollow guitar because of Jason White from Green Day and this one is my first electric guitar that I bought from saving lol. I use this heavily during the early days of Ramona it is all stock and has battle scars and oxidation all over.

1997 – 2001 Epiphone Dot (Korea) – This guitar is owned by Mong Alcaraz of Sandwich/ Chicosci it was really just an impulsive buy since I was really going for a Jazzmaster back then but what the hell it’s a red 335. This guitar has mojo in it, because it doesn’t sound like a typical Epiphone Dot. I don’t know if it’s the age or where it’s made or the pots but this guy saturates more and has a tighter low end. This is the main guitar in the record.     Mod/s: Emerson Pots Bacchus Jazzmaster – This is my introduction to single coils. I’ve always been fascinated by the snarly bark of soap bars/ p90s. Out of all my guitars this has the fattest sounding stock neck pickup ever and I was also surprised of the build quality with Bacchus, it’s an affordable guitar but it plays great.

D&D Dayglo – I sold my PRS SE for this guitar because it’s an offset-Tele hybrid. I love the bridge pickup of the telecaster the only problem is that I’m not comfy with the tele body and I love it cuz it’s blue lol. This is my main guitar I use live and it has tons of mods to it.

Mods: Max Rufo Custom mini p90 (neck) Bareknuckle Piledriver (bridge) Graphtech Locking Tuners Graphtech String Saver Saddles CTS Pots Tusq Nut

Epiphone EJ-200CE – This guitar was given to me by my parents for my 21st birthday. This is my dream guitar ever since high school I just love the sound, the pickup calibration, and the look of it. It’s the only acoustic guitar that’s fits me meaning it’s the only acoustic guitar that doesn’t look like a toy when I’m holding it lol. 

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live?

Line 6 POD HD 500X - I use this during the early years of Ramona, it’s a very versatile unit, it has everything my only concern is the set up time. It takes a lot of tone shaping to get everything right and it’s pretty beaten up that’s why I only use this as my interface for school and during rehearsals.

All my pedals are mounted on my Custom LDR Pedal Board check them out! I have an input and an output on both sides, a power out and an on / off switch. I wish I ordered it with wheels cuz it’s so heavy.   

TC Electronic Polytune 3 – First in the chain is always the best sounding effects pedal ever.

Electro Harmonix “Pumpkin” Big Muff RE – I was using a Russian Big Muff before but it was just too bloated and this one is just right. This was not used in the record, I mainly use this live for Empire and Universe.

Mooer Yellow Comp – I got this from Josh Villena and this pedal made playing easier. It’s the only compressor pedal that is small, cheap and sounds good ‘coz it is very transparent in a good way, you’ll only notice it when you turn it off, and it doesn’t squish your tone unlike other comps.

Ibanez TS808 – No need for a description.

MESA BOOGIE Flux Drive – I got this from Neil Tin. This is basically a Tube Screamer on steroids. It has this sweet sounding mid hump supported by 2 active tone controls, safe to say this is kinda like the Mark V in a box form.

Fulltone OCD – It’s been on countless boards, the “Marshall” in a box sound. This pedal instantly makes your guitar sound bigger. I use this as my primary lead boost depending on the song.

TC Electronic Spark – the most versatile boost pedal ever. I usually toggle between clean and fat mode depending on songs.

1981 BOSS CE-2 (Japan) – before this I was using an Arion Stereo Chorus but the plastic enclosure just gets to me I felt like I can break that damn thing in a couple of months so I sold it. I was eyeing a Providence Chorus back then but there was this guys who liked my Earthquaker Devices Disaster Transport, like he kept on offering different pedals for it. Then one time he posted the CE-2 for sale then that was my trade moment.

19** BOSS PH-1r Japan – this was lend/given? to me by my high school friend. I saw it lying around their music room together with a broken PH-1 and he said I can have it if I wanted it, so technically I’m just borrowing this from him? I love the tone sweep it gives it is very gritty especially when stacked with chorus and fuzz. 

BOSS DD500 - The Strymon killer lol. I’m not really a big delay guy, I’m more like of a guy who sets and forgets. My fave delays however are analog, standard, dual and tera echo.

TC Electronic Hall Of Fame 2 – Why two reverbs? Because I treat the HOF 2 as the always on basic reverb I cycle between hall, room, church and shimmer and the mash function is fun as well.

TC Electronic T2 – This is my favorite pedal of all because of its unique reverb types. The ambient space this pedal creates is just amazing. I usually stack this with the HOF 2 and I’m in heaven.

Audio Technica System 10 Wireless – I only use wireless on big stages and I got this one for quarter of the original price so it’s worth it.  

What amps do you use at home and live?

At home I use an Orange CR20 and for live I only rely on the amps on the venue but I do prefer any high head room amp that takes pedals well.

What are you listening to right now?

Right now I’m listening to Plini, Mark Lettieri, Muse, Mayday Parade, Neck Deep, Snarky Puppy and Toska.

What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do?

For guitars who want to play like me ummmmmmm I don’t know why anyone would want to play like me hahaha best advice is PRACTICE because I don’t practice that much. Catch Where’s Ramona! Meanwhile, here’s their song, Together Soon:

FOLLOW THE BAND: 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/WheresRamona 

SOUNDCLOUD: https://www.soundcloud.com/wheresramona 

TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/wheresramona 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wheresramona/

[nikfix]

Musical Romanticism with Ahmad of We Are Imaginary

Photo by JLE Music

Ahmad is one of those cool dudes who play awesome pink guitars, and of those people keep it simple with their music and gear. His band We Are Imaginary recently celebrated their ten years in the industry by releasing their newest single, Dekada. We look a bit into Ahmad’s gear and his humble beginnings.

Photo by Nestor Domingo Jr./The Slickmaster’s Files

How did you start making music and playing guitar?

Ahmad: Making music, it came first, even without an instrument. I was changing the lyrics of Andrew E’s songs, while in 4th grade. That dream was scrapped when I heard Guns N’ Roses’ “Use your Illusion II.” I think Khalid (WAI’s guitarist) was responsible for that borrowed cassette. Then I was introduced to the grunge movement and the genius of The Eraserheads courtesy of my older cousins from Manila. During those times, I was so inspired that I would fill up notebooks with songs I wrote with matching album covers.

Plus it was the 90s! Everyone was learning guitar. I was envious that my cousins can play and was determined to learn. My parents were persuaded to buy an acoustic guitar made by a local luthier. It was pretty heavy and has high action and big frets, but I didn’t care. They then enrolled me in this summer guitar tutorial class where I learned how to strum, pluck, then transpose chords (handy when I can’t play the bar chords version of my favorite songs). I attended more or less 8 hours’ worth of exercises. I would go home and teach Khalid what I’ve learned. That was the summer before high school. Also, Hothits played a big part in learning new songs.

Photo by Mary Whitney

How did your band start out?

Ahmad: Before I went to Manila in 2008, I already expressed to my brother and Eric Po (former drummer) that I wanted to form a band that focuses on “real” songwriting and is inspired by the sound of the British and Swedish indie-pop bands I love. I used to play for this rock/blues band in Legazpi (Albay), but they don’t want to leave for Manila and test the waters. I was having a quarter-life crisis then, so I just left. The move I guess was expected and needed for my growth since I was already writing differently. Luckily, my (new) bandmates all trusted my material, which eventually became our 1st EP.

Photo by JLE Music

Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?

Ahmad: I am very much into Weezer and Nirvana – bands from that era. But my timeless favorites are The Smiths and Death Cab for Cutie, which I discovered when I was already out from college. Just proves that your sound doesn’t stop evolving. So for me, it’s more about the songs than technical proficiency – and yes, that’s a good excuse to justify that I’m the most untechnical guitarist out there LOL.

I call my style “kanto guitar” because what I learned in Grade 6, I still use now. I can’t shred to save my life. I’m more of an open chords guy so if you hear some repetitive melodic riffs in our songs, that’s probably me as I got that from listening to a lot of 90s Britpop and new wave bands.

If I force myself to dissect my style, it’s more like marrying the dynamics and chordal elements of Kurt Cobain with a bit of Robert Smith and Billy Corgan. Just way sloppier I guess.

I enjoy making up chords and building the song from there. When it comes to words, I always ping-pong between Ben Gibbard and Rivers Cuomo (and apparently failing on both counts) so marrying those elements I think makes up my style.

Tell us about your music. 

Discussing how to define our sound with my friend, Jon (of The Strange Creatures), I realized that we are in that tiny grey area where we can’t decide to be purely indie (the genre!) or pop. I mean I don’t think about it when I am writing songs but I can relate to The Cure or The Smiths' repertoire, where you’ll hear some jangly happy tune then you get this morose sounding ditty on the next track. I guess that’s what defines the We Are Imaginary sound too.

My band is currently in the process of arranging songs for a new album. We have enough material to fill another release, but time constraints and invoking that right headspace can be quite a hassle.

Cover Art for the song, Dekada.

And oh, we have just released the music video of our latest single Dekada. A new single will be out probably this October.

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?

My main guitar has always been this 1984 Squier Telecaster (MIJ) which I had repainted to pastel pink (courtesy of Sir Max Rufo). I called this one “Areola” and was used to record our 2 EPs. I think Khalid got it from a trade and he let me use it ever since I moved here. It was also modified to house a DiMarzio pickup and double rail pickup (forgot the brand). Safe to say, it is not your usual Tele sound.

I then used a Peavey JF-1 Black Hollow Body. It was Khalid’s, and he used it for our 2 EPs too. I used it for recording Death to Romanticism along with a frankenstein Teisco EP2-L (which can’t seem to stay in tune out of old age). Sold both to get a 90’s yellow Danelectro ‘59 (MIK). I love this Dano guitar as it got this sick twang plus I am really biased towards pastel colors. I call her “Nana.” I miss the Peavey guitar though.

This Cort guitar is a favorite since I do acoustic sets from time to time. It just got that warmth that not most guitars have.

I still dream of owning a Guild Starfire IV and a Fender Mustang. Soon I guess.

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live?

I just assembled my first pedal board a year ago. I used to be contented with a Zoom G3 ‘cause it’s just neat and practical. Now I have a Caline Pure Sky for my main drive, Proco Rat II (a gift from good friend/bandmate Siopao Chua of Taken by Cars/Olympia Maru) for additional heavy boost, a Rowin mini tuner and the aforementioned Zoom G3 for modulation, pre-amp, and EQ. Khalid’s hibernating Boss DD3 will soon join the pile as well as an EHX Holy Stain – after it gets modded by Howard Luistro’s (of Oh, Flamingo!) dad. I am currently gas-ing over this local brand PedalBot’s Royal Grit. It may soon replace the Pure Sky, but let’s see.

What amps do you use at home and live?

I don’t own an amp at the moment. I used to have a 15-watt Vox and a Guyatone practice amp but sold them when bills were piling up. I guess I am one of the few guitarists who prefers a solid state than a tube amp.

Favorite amp? I dream of owning a Roland JC-120 though I am not sure if it will work with my sound yet.

Photo by JLE Music

What are you listening to right now?

In heavy rotation are Young Scum’s self-titled LP, Sobs’ Telltale Signs, Wild Nothing’s Indigo, as well as Vansire’s old LP Reflections and Reveries. I can’t wait to hear Death Cab for Cutie’s new album.

What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do?

Never stop discovering new music. Everyone has a favorite era, but when you stop appreciating new bands and keep insisting that there’s nothing new or exciting out there, you will realize soon enough that your learning is stalled. We belong to this weird ecosystem where we feed off from each other’s spark of creativity, so don’t be a dead end.

Check out We Are Imaginary’s newest single, Dekada.

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[nikfix]

Cranking Up the Gain with Neverdie’s Tani Cariño and Bren Pasamba

(Photo source: http://www.redhorsebeer.com/index.php/blogs/article/5-local-releases-to-watch-out-for)

NEVERDIE might be over, but hopefully, posting my gear feature about them isn’t too late. I’ve seen these guys around, and I’m really impressed with what they‘ve done as a unit. They brought the house down the moment they played the first set in their second to the last April 14 at Saguijo, Makati. They played their last gig the week after at Mow’s,  Matalino, Quezon City. The energy and power these guys shared onstage is something I strive to have with the gigs I play. In this gig, I made some new friends with guitarists Tani Cariño and Bren Pasamba.

(This interview was done last month, the week after Garage Morning’s gig with them)

Fun Fact: their bassist Lip Dalangin is my trusted luthier, as well as with my band Garage Morning. 

How did you start making music and playing guitar?

Tani: I started in the late 90’s after my older brother taught me how to play “Basket Case” by Green Day. I guess after that it’s never been the same.

Bren: Originally I wanted to play the drums, but a kit was too expensive and our house at the time wasn't big enough to have space for one... or handle the noise. So as a compromise my mom borrowed an old classical guitar for me instead. But my first real guitar was a Rockstar classical guitar where I learned and played Eraserheads songs.

How did your band start out?

Tani: Neverdie started out as a skate crew. After accumulating enough guys in the crew we decided to form a band. I guess after the last show, we’ll go back to being a skate crew.

Bren: I wasn't supposed to be part of Neverdie initially, just a seessionist. But since my schedule was more flexible, I got in haha.

Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?

Tani: I’m a huge Blink guy so my first primary influence would be Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus. I also took a bunch of ideas from Rufio, Mock Orange and Moneen. More recently, I’ve been influenced by bands like Title Fight, Transit, You Blew It! and The Menzingers.

All these bands are quite melodic in the midst of grit which is what I lean more into. I love the melodic stuff and I always try to listen to new bands so I can get new ideas from them. My foundation for riffs are the Tom DeLonge influenced ones then I just expand from there.

Bren: As a kid my main influences were Ely Buendia and Tom DeLonge haha. But as I grew older and started discovering more music (thanks to Myspace and Limewire) it introduced me to those who influence my music and playing now. From the top of my head: Taking Back Sunday's John Nolan, Brand New's Jesse Lacey, George Harrison, Nothing's Brandon Setta, Title Fight's Jamie Rhoden, Mong and Diego from andwich, Steve and Pakoy from Typecast, David Gilmour, and Kevin Shields, the guys from You Blew It!, The Flatliners, Joyce Manor, and lastly Beast Jesus' Francis Maria and Raphael Pulgar are my inspirations to play although I'm aware it doesn't show in my playing haha. Listening to the songs they've made just inspire me to play in general, nothing in the terms of technique or technicality, pero their playing gets me in the mood to play.

Tell us more about your music.

Tani: Aside from Neverdie, I also play in Irrevocable and Lindenwood. Unfortunately, both Neverdie and Lindenwood are currently calling it a day for different reasons. I personally felt that us in Neverdie just overstayed our welcome. We decided to just finish the band off and start a new band with a slightly different sound. It’ll be our last show / 2nd full length release on April 21 at Mow’s.

As for Lindenwood, our vocalist just decided he wanted to try different things outside of music. Maybe at some point we’ll be back but at the moment it’ll be good for us to take a break. We put out a full length last year.

I’m currently active in Irrevocable which is a band my girlfriend is also in. Featuring members of Nyctinasty (now 3/3), Behind Bears, Beast Jesus, Past Forward, The Oemons, Browse in Bridge and Disquiet Apartment. We have a Singapore show and an album release coming up. We’re planning more fly shows after that so I hope we pull through!

Bren: Neverdie has and always has been a pop punk band though we are and have been influenced by math rock, emo, post-hardcore, hardcore, etc. So whatever happens after, it will be in the same spectrum. As for my future plans, hopefully I get a job soon after my masters because I've been eyeing so many guitars and pedals online haha. GAS is too strong.

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?

Tani: I’ve been a Tele player for the longest time but I’ve recently started using Rickenbackers for many reasons. I like how not a lot of people use them and they sound different. I do have to work harder to make them sound amazing but it’s always a great pay off.  They’re durable as well because of the all maple build. Here’s my current lineup of guitars:

1) 2000 Rickenbacker Fireglo 330 – My first Rick. I was actually supposed to trade a bunch of guitars for a 60’s American Vintage Tele but when I saw this in the room of the guy I was trading with, I asked him I could grab this instead and he agreed. Rickenbacker stopped using Bubinga for their fretboards so I’m stoked I was able to grab one. I also got lucky with this one because it has the Toaster pickups.

2) 2014 Rickenbacker Blue Boy 330 – If you ask me, it looks more like a Seafoam Green 330. This one has the High Gain pickups and the newer Caribbean Rosewood fretboard. I like Bubinga but I actually prefer the color and feel of the Caribbean Rosewood more plus it’s sustainable.3) 2007 Rickenbacker Blue Burst 360 – I actually had to ask around for this guitar because I saw the dude from Oh Flamingo! use it. He borrowed it from a friend and I sent that dude a message. This one has the High Gain pickups and Bubinga fretboard. To me, if my 330s feels like a Gibson 335 then this one feels more like a Les Paul.  

3) 2007 Rickenbacker Blue Burst 360 – I actually had to ask around for this guitar because I saw the dude from Oh Flamingo! use it. He borrowed it from a friend and I sent that dude a message. This one has the High Gain pickups and Bubinga fretboard. To me, if my 330s feels like a Gibson 335 then this one feels more like a Les Paul.

4) 2008 Fender Custom Shop Custom Classic Telecaster – My first Custom Shop. I fitted a Miles Anodized Gold pickguard in it. It has the premium ash 1 pc body and the flamed maple neck. Serial number says it’s made in 2005 but the paperwork says it’s 2008. Easily the best Telecaster I’ve ever owned.

5) 2015 Fender Mexico Classic Series 72’ Telecaster Custom – A birthday gift from my folks. I got this in Tom Lee HK. It’s heavily modified at this point. I added Graphtech string trees, Graphtech 3 barrrel saddles, 1 meg pots on the neck, a Bareknuckle flat ’52 on the bridge. I might get a Wide Range neck pickup that’s spec’d more like the vintage ones down the road.

6) 2011 Fender Mexico Blacktop Telecaster – Another birthday gift from my folks. I got this in Tom Lee HK as well. Also, heavily modified at this point. I added Graphtech string trees, Graphtech 6 saddles, Graphtech Nut, Tesla PAF on the neck, Seymour Duncan Prails on the bridge, anodized black Miles pickguard, Ernie Ball knobs. I have a Bareknuckle humbucker sized P90 on the way and I’ll be fitting it on here. I’m also thinking of swapping out the tuners for the locking ones.

7) 2014 Miles Interloper – I have a guitar business called Miles (currently in hiatus) and this is the first prototype. It’s a Jazzmaster body with a telecaster neck. Fitted with a roller bridge, tune-o-matic stoptail, one volume knob and, Seymour Duncan Jazzmaster Antiquities. Pine body and a maple neck with a kamagong fretboard. I used this on the road so much. It’s pretty beat up so it’s retired at this point.  

As for favorites, at the moment it’s both 330s and the Custom Shop Tele. All guitars are fitted with DiMarzio Cliplocks and Elixir Nanoweb strings.

Bren: Initially I was a Les Paul guy until Tani forced everyone in Neverdie to get Telecasters. Prior to that I always dreamt of getting a Les Paul though my first guitar was a Strat copy (which I think is the most common starting point for beginners?). But I discovered and fell in love with Offset guitars, particularly Jazzmasters. I love how they look and feel being a bigger guy. I have a White and tort Squier VM Jaguar, a Red and Tort Squier VM Jazzmaster, a Black and tort Riverhead Jazzmaster, a Miles Guitars Interloper (Telemaster), a Black on Black MICSIS Custom Jazzblaster, and a Black and Gold Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster, my "Number 1", on my rotation. But my current favorites are my Stratocasters. I fell back into them a year ago thanks to Nothing. Whenever I feel like switching things up I use either my Black on Black MIM Fender Squier series Stratocaster or a Cream on tort MIJ Fender Stratocaster. I bought a white on mint SX Stratocaster on a whim because I loved the color haha though I've never used it. Still on the hunt for a Telecustom haha.

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live?

I used to run with a bigger pedalboard but after doing one fly show wherein I had to pay for my overweight baggage, I decided it wasn’t worth it anymore especially since I always bring my amps to non-fly shows anyway. Nowadays, I just run with a boost, a small reverb that’s maxed out to act both like a delay and a normal reverb depending on the situation, an amp based OD (or parametric EQ), a tuner and a wireless rig.

For this year, the mainstays on my board are the following:

Shure PGX14 Wireless Unit – My dad gave this to me as a birthday gift back in 2006 if I’m not mistaken. It’s the piece of gear that I’ve had the longest and still use to this day.

Korg Mini Tuner – I’ve been using regular sized Korg Pitchblacks for awhile now so going with the mini tuner just made sense especially since I downsized. I absolutely hate clip on tuners for live use so I just prefer pedal tuners as they react faster.

Vitoos ISO8 – I only got this last week. It’s my first time using an Isolated PSU since I recently got a pedal that requires it. Most PSU’s are made in China so I had no issue with getting a relatively unknown brand. It’s my second Vitoos PSU and I’ve always had a great experience with them. Also helpful when you need to play shows in other countries that don’t use the same power voltage you normally do since it’s rated internationally. Get one at Guitar Pusher. Highly recommended!

Orange Two Stroke – Another pedal I just got this year. I’ve been eyeing this one for awhile now but I couldn’t pull the trigger just yet because It was so confusing to use then one day I just decided to go for it and I’ve been using it ever since. It’s a great Parametric EQ / Clean Boost pedal which dials my tone better and makes use of my amp more. Orange amps are typically dark amps so I use this to raise a bit of the high mids. Probably the most versatile pedal I have because it can do so much it’s insane. You can place it anywhere on the board, you can use it for acoustic or bass, you can turn your single coil guitar into a humbucker or vice versa, you can use it as a regular OD or boost pedal, etc etc. Highly recommended!

For my boost, I switch between a bunch of Wamplers (Euphoria, Pinnacle, Plexi Drive), a 65 Pedals Colour Boost and, a JHS Superbolt. For future fly shows, I might use two Wamplers instead of the Two Stroke. One for boost and the other to act as my preamp since I can’t bring my amps with me. I also have an Orange Amp Detonator which is an ABY pedal. I haven’t used it live but I will if I’m suddenly lacking one guitar player in any band I am. I also use Lava cables.

I also have a separate board at home. I just plug in my live board beside it. For my home board I have a NUX JTC Looper on that for practicing and writing songs. I also have one of the ODs above on it as well so I can play with different tones at home.

Bren: From the guitar I go into my Devi Ever Hyperion to my Snark Tuner then to a Diamond J-Drive MK3, to a TC Electronic Flashback X4, to a TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb. This is where my board really ends, but I have 2 loopers at the end: a TC Electronic Ditto and a Boss RC-3. The Ditto I use at home when just playing around, and the RC-3 I use live as a sampler, for comic relief haha.

I’ve seen Tani bring this amazing Orange TH30 Head with a 4x12 cab. What amps do you use at home and live?

Tani: It’s actually a 4x10 cab and I love how it looks like a 4x12. I only started using 10”s last December 2017. I find that the 10” speakers have more detail compared to a 12” so that’s what I’ve been using recently.

I still use my TH30 head and 4x10 cab at home as well as an Orange CR120 head, Orange Dual Terror and an Orange 2x12 open back cabinet. My tube driven Orange heads are setup to have more head room. I placed a 12AT7 tube in the first gain stage rather than a 12AX7 to give the amps a bit more breathing room. All the Orange gear I have sound great both on stage and at low volumes. Tough as nails too.

Bren: I currently have an Ibanez TSA15H paired with a Miles 1x12 Cabinet with Eminence Red White and Blues and an Orange Tiny Terror with an Orange 1x12 Cabinet. I primarily use the Oranges, and mix it up with an Orange Micro Terror as a back-up when I'm feeling lazy. I also have an old Kustom 2x12 Cabinet but it is too bulky to bring to shows.

What are you listening to right now?

Tani: A new record by a band called Fiddlehead released last week called “Springtime and Blind” featuring members of Have Heart and Basement. Scott Sellers of Rufio also put out something new called “The Judge”.

Bren: I've been listening to The Wonder Years’ new album since it came out. Then on rotation I have Daniel Caesar, Citizen, Basement, Modern Baseball, Code Orange and Knuckle Puck when driving. Also Hop Along's new album is good too. I also discovered this new band yesterday called Any Name's Okay, they're good haha. Yeah so far they're who I listen to on a daily basis nowadays.

What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do?

Bren: My advice for other players and myself is stop comparing your playing to other people. It'll help you find your own "voice", but it'll help you relax as well as a person and as a musician. Just relax and be comfortable in your own skin... or fingers haha. Learn from those you watch and who's around you, don't compete because it really isn't a competition haha.

Tani: Never skimp out on tuners. Get a high quality pedal tuner because the cheaper ones just don’t react as fast. The more time you tune on stage, the less time you have to play so make sure to get one that tracks well. I’ve had a good experience with the Snark Tuner pedal. I think that’s the cheapest tuner pedal that can track almost as well as a Pitchblack.

Avoid displaying guitars in your room. Keep them in a case when not being used. Always check everything in your gear if it works before the show. Bring a back-up of a back-up because you never know if something will go wrong. Study your gear well to a point that you know if it’s making noise, you can instantly pinpoint the problem. Buy a can of contact cleaner. If it’s making noise, it’s most likely dirty. A quick spray of contact cleaner will usually do the trick.

Practicing regularly with the band is important but it’s also important to practice how to setup and tear down your rig the fastest way possible. I absolutely hate it when bands take so long to setup and tear down.

If you’re going to try and play like someone, don’t just pick one and try to keep an open mind so that you can find your own style in playing.

Most importantly, have fun. If you’re in a band that writes original songs, don’t focus on profit or even if people will like it. Write songs that YOU will like.

[nikfix]

Lunch Out with Rafael Baclayo and Toshi Villanueva of Luncheon

Rafael Baclayo (left) and Toshi Villanueva (center) of Luncheon. Photo by Timo Valientes.

I’ve been blown away by the new acts I’ve been playing on gigs with. I discovered Luncheon through my friends around the scene, and after watching their awesome performance at Myx’s Bandarito. Recently, my band Garage Morning has played the same gig with these guys and enjoyed their intricate, punk/hardcore/emo sound. Let’s find out more about the band’s string slingers Rafael Baclayo and Toshi Villanueva.

Photo by Andrew Son

How did you start making music and playing guitar?

Rafael: I was introduced to music by my mom, she didn’t play instruments but she listened to a lot of stuff. I remember singing to bands such as Sixpence None The Richer, M2M, The Cranberries, and Alanis Morrisette whenever she played those on cassette so I figured it would be kind of cool if I learned an instrument. One summer, I signed up for one of those church workshops where they teach you that kind of shit. I never took it seriously until high school. I never stopped playing after that.

Photo by Andi Tabinas

Toshi: It was around 2005-2006 when people were in their eMo PhAsE. My friends were listening to various bands (Fall Out Boy, Silverstein, etc.) and knowing these curious little boys, they eventually tried to learn their songs. I learned how to play guitar by looking at how they play and by imitating them whenever I am able to hold a guitar because I didn’t have one back then.

How did your band start out?

We all came from the same high school but we had different bands back then. It was only in college when we started jamming together. There we were, a couple of virgin nerds covering our favorite songs. It took some time before we started playing shows. Aside from the fact that we wanted our songs to be decent, we had no idea how to get in to shows. We had no connections whatsoever. Our first show was in Selda Dos. It was a disaster. It was only in UP Fair 2016 when Steve Badiola of Typecast came to us after our set and said “Nice Jamz”. He has been our mentor ever since.

Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?

Rafael: I went through several phases before I found my sound. I listened to a lot of Punk and a lot of Hardcore back then. I even took some inspiration from Taylor Swift. I had a short stint with Jazz only to find myself going back to Emo and Punk. Point is, you’ll learn a little something from everything. It’s up to you how you tie those things together. I never had any guitar heroes such as Slash, or whoever, I can’t even play the intro to Sweet Child. I just listened to a lot of stuff and tried to knit them together.  

Toshi: I have different influences which grew from few to many over the years. I think one of my first (and still a solid one) influences is Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus. His playing style (for me) is unique because most bassists do the normal groove stuff which is actually great but not for the music the we’re playing (or I just think Mark’s playing style is better. I really dont know haha). Aside from him, I am also a fan of Tim Feerick, bassist of Dance Gavin Dance. He’s like Mark Hoppus but stronger! Hahaha!

Tell us more about your music! Some would notice that our sound varies from song to song. It's just that we want to be so many things at once. There will always be that riffy element to our songs.

As for what’s up, we’ll continue to play in the Metro. We also have a tour coming up! To whoever’s reading this: Book us to shows! We would love to play for you!

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?

Rafael: I’m using a Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster as my main guitar right now. I replaced the old Duncan Designed humbucker in the bridge to a Lindy Fralin P90 in a humbucker cover because our setup requires a lot of mids since we’re only a three-piece. I also asked Bimbo Canayon of Guitar Harbour Custom Shop to make me a black pickguard for coherence. This guitar pretty much covers what we want to sound like right now. I still have the Ibanez ARZ300 that I used to record some of our heavier stuff as a backup, I rarely get use her now but she’ll always have a place in my heart.

Toshi: I have a Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass. I modified its electronics and replaced it with some stuff from a Bacchus bass, so it has a push and pull setting which boosts the neck pickups. It’s a short scale bass. Ever since I started playing bass, I usually went with short scales because of the playing comfort it gives since its its length is almost the same as a guitar’s. Its weight also makes it more convenient for long sets.

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live?

Rafael: Ibanez TS9 - Earthquaker Devices Spires - Strymon Bluesky - Boss DD7. I’m looking to buy a TC Electronics Mimiq Doubler and I have yet to buy a tuner(hehehe) but other than that, I’m fine with what I have now.

Toshi: I only have a Sansamp Bass Driver DI. So far it has all I need to achieve the tone that i want.  Looking forward to get a big muff pi and a tuner as well.

What amps do you use at home and live?

Rafael: I use my Orange CR60 at home. I usually bring it to gigs and cross my fingers that the venue has a Fender Twin Reverb or a Vox AC30 for my stereo setup.

What are you listening to right now?

Rafael: Aside from the usual stuff that I listen to such as Closure in Moscow, Dance Gavin Dance, Tiny Moving Parts, Misser, Transit, Modern Baseball, Balance and Composure, I have had a renewed love for The Fall of Troy. I also try to throw in some Julian Lage, Gilad Hekselman, Bad Suns, Blackbear, Hayley Kiyoko in the mix for variety.

Toshi: Mostly a mix of Tiny Moving Parts, Closure in Moscow, Dance Gavin Dance, Foxing, The Story So Far, Sound Architects, Joji, Burbank, and Hamilton The Musical.  Though these days, I never skip a day without listening to Hamilton.

What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do? Rafael: You have to be willing to put in the hours. Even if you’re naturally gifted, there’s probably a kid better than you because he or she dedicated time to the craft.

Toshi: All I can say for now is that make sure that what you do makes you happy. If you play out of passion for music and your love for it, and it makes you happy, you’d definitely get to how good you want to be at it.

[nikfix]

Overdriving with Steve Badiola of Typecast

Photo by Gio Villaverde

I grew up in a time where alternative rock was at it’s peak in the Philippines, and it’s one of the things I loved the most about the early 2000s. I’ve come to know bands like Paramore, My Chemical Romance, to local acts like Urbandub and Chicosci have set the bar for the really awesome, guitar-driven music we’ve come to love. I’m honored to be able to feature one of the acts that enjoyed a large following in the Philippine and the Southeast Asian music scene, Typecast frontman Steve Badiola.

How did you start making music and playing guitar?

I grew up in a musical family,  my parents used to play in a band together. So,  with the musical instruments lying around the house,  it's only natural to be interested in learning and playing them. My first instrument was the piano.  My father had this Yamaha organ where i used to play True by Spandau Ballet. :)

“Work with what you have, focus on getting better at playing and writing music because that's what's important.”

How did your band start out? I started the band in my senior year in highschool. The line up back then consisted of Ryan Ronquillo, Melvin Macatiag, and myself. I decided to form Typecast when we got exposed to the underground scene in Laguna. Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better? I listen to different genres of music and my influences change from time to time. As for my main influence, Kurt Cobain will always be at the top of my list.  As you probably know, I don't shred. But I do listen to awesome players from Hendrix to Abasi, but mainly for inspiration and arrangements, or songwriting references.

Photo by RJ Villanueva

Tell us more about your music. As for Typecast, we just finished the Crows and Vikings tour. Now, I’m working on Typecast’s new release for this year.

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?

I have 3 main guitars I use at shows: A D&D Dayglo, a D&D Carly and my Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster.   I've always been a fan of classic Fender guitars, the feel and sound, especially when you slap on humbuckers, I don't know why, but I just like them. I don't have a favorite guitar per se, as long as it does the job and has the sound I'm looking form, I'm cool. 

Right now, I'm working with D&D Custom on my signature guitar. When it's finished, maybe then I'll have my favorite.

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live? My board is pretty straightforward. I use a TC Electronic Polytune Mini, Zvex Fuzz Factory, a Weehbo Bastard Distortion, a TC Electronics Dreamscape Modulation, MXR Carbon Copy Delay, and a Line 6 Verbzilla Reverb. Sometimes I add in a Digitech Bad Monkey Overdrive to give those very clean amps a bit of a crunch. I've used a lot of pedals through the years and so far, this is the most stable setup. 

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?

I use a Kustom KG100HFX on a 4x12 cabinet. I've been using it since the Crows and Vikings tour. It's a loud amp and I love it!  It's a hundred-watt valve state so I don't have to worry about tubes breaking and all that jazz. It's a hassle for me sometimes but don't get me wrong, tube amps are still great. I have 30W Tube combo at home. It's much easier to carry a valve state in a tour setup.  

What are you listening to right now? I listen to all kinds of music. I’ve been listening to Reggae these past few months because i’m producing an album for a reggae band. I listen to everything. It keeps my songwriting ideas fresh.

What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do?

Listen to everything. Don't just stick to one genre. What if a Whitney Houston song can help you finish yours? You’ll never know.  It's great to own expensive, cool sounding pedals and nerd out. But if you're going to use it for just one part of this one song, to me, that's just a waste. Work with what you have, focus on getting better at playing and writing music because that's what's important.

Check out some of Typecast’s modern classics, plus a very awesome cover below: Will You Ever Learn

The Boston Drama

Holiday (The Get Up Kids Cover) - Live at Tower of Doom Studios

[nikfix]

The Low End with Isabelle Romualdez of Fools and Foes

Photo by Bel Certeza

Only few bass players can handle great work on the fretboard while perfectly nailing some good vocal chops (and most of them are men). Interestingly, Fools and Foes’ Isabelle Romualdez is one of them. Following the footsteps of other famous female bassists like Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth to Warpaint’s Jenny Lee Lindberg, she provides the low-end flair and punch an awesome, dynamic band needs.

Photo by Patricia Zeta

How did you start playing bass?

I was 9 years old. I had a crush on Mark Hoppus from Blink 182, so I wanted to play the bass too. It’s so shallow but I fell in love with the instrument. 

Who are your main influences and how did they inspire you to play better?

In terms of playing the bass, I used to listen to a lot of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Reel Big Fish when I was younger. I really respect Jenny Lee Lindberg from Warpaint and Walter Gervers from Foals!

Photo by Patricia Zeta

Tell us about your music!

Hmmm.. Well I’m currently in the process of songwriting right now. We (Fools and Foes) haven’t been as active as we used to be so we’re really inspired and excited to be writing new stuff. I think it’s going to be really different right now, sound-wise. It’s gonna be more angsty and have more dynamic melodies, maybe. 

Tell us about your instruments. Which is your favorite one and why? 

My Gretsch bass is my favourite instrument. No doubt. I’m most comfortable with it.

Isa also occasionally uses an Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat Bass. Photo by Laiza Castelo.

What pedals/effects do you use for gigs?

I really love my TC Helicon Mic Mechanic, too. It makes my voice sound whole live. I also use a Dwarfcraft Hair of the Dog fuzz pedal, and a Hartke Bass Attack for my bass.

What amps do you use at home and live?

I use a 15-Watt Laney amp at home. Live, I pretty much use whatever’s there. 

Follow and check out Fools and Foes’ social media accounts! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foolsandfoes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/foolsandfoes?lang=en

Instagram: @foolsandfoes

Youtube 

Check out Isa and the rest of Fools and Foes in action in this MYX Bandarito peformance of “Just You”.

[nikfix]

Sonic Adventures with Jason Caballa of Pedicab/Cheats

Photo by: Gerard Del Mundo

Jason Caballa is probably one of the coolest and creative guitar players in the Philippine music scene. No other band in the Philippines sounded like Pedicab when they started out in 2004, and took the nation by fire with their debut release, Tugish Takish and with singles like “Dito Tayo Sa Dilim” and “Konti Na Lang”.

He is also a member of the indie rock outfit Cheats, and recorded their most recent release, Before the Babies with the band upon joining which was produced by Pedicab bandmate and Eraserheads drummer, and Sandwich frontman, Raimund Marasigan. It is an honor to feature Jason in this simple blog of mine.

Jason with Pedicab bandmates.

How did you start making music and playing guitar?

I was always listening to music ever since I was a kid, but I didn’t bother learning an instrument; I couldn’t read notes in music class. And then I heard Metallica and Guns N’ Roses and decided to pick up a guitar. My parents kind of freaked out because there were no other musicians in our family so it was kind of out of nowhere. They probably thought it was just a phase, but 25 years later, I’m still at it.

“I don’t have many guitar heroes, because I hate the idea of guitar heroics—lengthy solos, theatrics, etc. I’m also more of a fan of bands and records than specific guitar players themselves.”

How did your band start out?

I was in a band called Twisted Halo from 2000-2006. We used to play a lot of the same venues as Sandwich, Cambio, and Diego Mapa’s band Monsterbot. At one show in 2004, Mike Dizon proposed the idea of putting up a new wave/postpunk-influenced band with Raymund Marasigan on synth bass. We jammed a few days later, wrote songs, asked to Diego to write lyrics and sing, and began playing shows and making records as Pedicab. Years later, Pedicab mentored a young band named Ernville at Nescafe Soundskool, and when Ernville disbanded, some ex-members formed Cheats, and I was invited to join them as well.

Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?

I don’t have many guitar heroes, because I hate the idea of guitar heroics—lengthy solos, theatrics, etc. I’m also more of a fan of bands and records than specific guitar players themselves. Punk was a major influence to me in the sense that anyone could do it, so I consider bands like Fugazi and Sonic Youth to be very important. But I do have a few guitar heroes, like the guys from Television, Johnny Marr from The Smiths, Graham Coxon from Blur, Nick Zinner from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and St. Vincent. I guess a common thread among them would be great rhythm playing, a propensity to serve the song, and an avoidance of the blues. I suppose they inspire me to come up with my own style and get good at it.

Jason with Cheats. Photo from their Facebook page.

Tell us about your music. 

Pedicab formed in ’04, and started out as essentially a dance-punk outfit, but our sound has gotten denser (dense-punk na kami haha) and weirder since then. We released our fourth record, Remuda Triangle, early last year. In 2015 I was asked to join Cheats as a stand-in for one of their guitarists who went on leave, and then I became a permanent member. Our second record (my first with them) Before the Babies was released last December.

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?

I’ve owned a total of about 15 guitars in my lifetime, but never all at once, as I would sell or trade them to get new ones. Currently I have four (plus a modded D&D Future Retro that I recently loaned to Diego), which is the most number of guitars I’ve ever had at any single point in time. I don’t have a favorite, and I try to rotate them as much as possible, depending on what matches my shoes.

1. Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar—Got this in July 2015 from a trade, and I gradually replaced everything on it: pots, switches, pickups, even the pickguard. Its latest upgrade is a set of Bare Knuckle-designed pickups from a Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar.

2. Fender MIJ ‘60s Reissue Stratocaster—From Siopao of Taken By Cars, who bought it brand new in Japan but hardly used it outside his bedroom. Rockstore Manila gave me an Emerson Custom prewired kit that turns the second tone knob into a blend knob for the neck pickup, which could make me play with all three pickups at once if I wanted to. I love the surf green color, but I had the pickguard changed to black because I didn’t want to be associated with Jeff Beck.

3. Fender CIJ ’62 Reissue Telecaster—I mainly played Teles at the start of Pedicab until I got tired of them. Last year I decided that I wanted to play one again, and found this gorgeous red one with nice binding on the sides. Also had all the electronics replaced, and it has Bareknuckle Pickups Flat ‘52s installed. It’s probably my best-sounding guitar, but it’s more biting than the average Tele because of the 500k pots.

4. ESP-Edwards E-LS-95LT/DC (Les Paul Special copy)—The late Johnny Thunders of the New York Dolls is another hero of mine, and he had a TV Yellow, double-cutaway Les Paul Junior with a single P90 pickup. So when Alvin Nuñez put this up on sale, I just had to have it. I didn’t mind that it had two pickups; it made the guitar more versatile. I gigged with it immediately after getting it, and it sounded and played great straightaway. It hasn’t had any upgrades done, and I don’t think it needs any.

“A lot of people won’t agree with me on this, but if you want to form a band, just do it. Don’t wait until you think you are good enough.” 

- Jason Caballa

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live?

Around 3-4 years ago I went completely effects-crazy, and until recently I owned a total of 17 pedals split across two boards—one for each band—just to justify my need to get more pedals. Now I’m down to a single board with eight pedals:

1. TC Electronic Polytune 2 Noir

Fast, sensitive, and reliable, like a good boyfriend.

2. Electro-Harmonix Tone Corset

My first compressor. Still figuring out to use one.

3. ZVEX Mastotron

My taste in fuzz leans more towards the gated, velcro-y side of the spectrum, a la St. Vincent. I’ve owned/tried a lot of fuzzes, and the Mastotron remains my #1.

4. DOD Looking Glass

Been wanting one since it came out in 2015. Excellent low gain drive.

5. Zvex Box of Rock

All-time favorite OD. The boost channel is indispensable. Would buy another one if it broke.

6. Chase Bliss Audio Wombtone

Can make any phaser sound you can imagine, and even some that you haven’t yet. Too many controls for my liking, but hey, it was a gift.

7. Dr. Scientist Tremolessence

I’m addicted to tremolo. I use it way too much, especially with Cheats.

8. Keeley Caverns V2

Independent delay and reverb circuits in one. Still exploring it. Got it primarily to save space, but it sounds great. Another thing about me is that I can live without tap tempo. I use delay more for texture than as a rhythmic echo.

What amps do you use at home and live?

I have a Laney LX-65R that I used to bring to Cheats shows when we still had three guitar players. Live, I’m happiest when I play through a Vox AC30 or a Fender Twin Reverb.

Pedicab promo shot for their most recent release, Remuda Triangle.

What are you listening to right now?

Right now I am listening to a lot of ’80s hardcore—Bad Brains and Minor Threat mostly.

What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do?

A lot of people won’t agree with me on this, but if you want to form a band, just do it. Don’t wait until you think you are good enough. Sure, skill and technique are important, but I learned a lot more by playing with other people, from locking in with the rhythm section to discovering how certain notes or sounds work together. And another one that’s pretty basic: listen to all sorts of music. I find myself getting inspired the most when I listen to bands that aren’t guitar-centric at all, like Gorillaz, Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, The National, or even hip-hop. You won’t hear any guitar heroics in their records, but there is a lot of ingenious stuff going on in them, guitar-wise or otherwise.

Check Jason’s work with Pedicab and Cheats below!

Pedicab - Deafening Silence (Tower of Doom Sessions)

Cheats - Crumble (Live)

Check out their pages below for gig scheds and releases: https://www.facebook.com/PedicabManila

https://www.facebook.com/cheatsph

[nikfix]

Garage Morning: A 10 Year Work in Progress

Garage Morning was formed almost 10 years ago as a simple cover band with high school friends. Now, the band is reformed with Francis del Rosario and Marj Rojas.

The Garage Morning Band was formed with two of my my high school best friends Roy Eriga and Leandro Fetalino in our freshman year at San Beda College Alabang. Our name was a direct influence from a band my cousin had formed earlier, The La Salle Morning Band (he says they used to play in LSGH early in the morning).  We used to play a lot of covers by our favorite artists, notably My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Blink-182, and so on. The ‘band‘ did not last long, because we couln’t find a drummer who would play for us (our pal Francis would later learn how to play). I soon formed another band with Leandro called TAPP (The Alternative Pop Project, a Paramore cover band). Another short lived project of Roy, Francis and Leandro formed for a while, while I focused on my newly formed band back then, Twin Fix.

I watched Liam Gallagher’s live concert at the MOA Arena with Roy last August. It was that moment in time that we decided to reform our dreams of playing together with our close friends. Soon after, Roy learned a bit about music production basics, and began writing his own lyrics, which would become the first set of songs we have been playing to this day.

We recruited Francis to play drums, and Roy got his officemate Marj to join our new lineup. We soon dropped the ‘band’ in our name and created what is now, Garage Morning. Watch out, as we do a rundown of our gear in the second part of this Garage Morning feature. ;)

- Nik

[nikfix]

Storytelling with Gabba Santiago of Tom’s Story

Photo by JC Montero

I’ve heard a lot of local guitar players, but I haven’t heard and seen one as creative as Gabba Santiago of the instrumental rock trio Tom’s Story. Along with bassist Tom Naval and Christer ”Degs” De Guia, they have made some of the coolest melodies and grooves the local music scene has witnessed. He is the newest addition to the Fender Philippines endorser line.

A lot of work's done by three man bands, and Gabba’s rig just proves how much musical space they can take up onstage to sound really big. Take a look at how he makes use of awesome guitar tones, as well as using and triggering samples too.

How did you start playing guitar?

My dad plays a little bit of guitar so there was always an acoustic guitar at our house lying around. I remember I’d play with it as a kid like it was on my lap and I’d play it like a bass and ill use my thumb to fret the board. I remember I’d try to play smoke on the water on one string. Haha.

Who are your main influences?

 And how did they inspire you to play better? Earlier, It had to be John Mayer. I think he was my bridge from Pop songs to like more guitar oriented songs growing up. But guitar wise, I was exposed to (The Ventures, The Shadows, and George Benson c/o my dad) then bands like Taking Back Sunday, Circa Survive, and Dance Gavin Dance. Then the more recent ones are TTNG, American Football, tide/edit, Plini, Julian Lage, Tom Misch, Mateus Asato, Enemies. It varies haha. I try not to restrict myself to a certain type of music.

Tell us about your music, how did you get into really playing and making it?  

My first instrument actually was the drums. I played drums in different bands in high school and different school events. Then towards the end of high school, I started taking the guitar more seriously. My interest kind of shifted but I’d still play the drums but not as much as I played the guitar. Around 3rd year high school, Tom, Degs, and I started jamming. We’d just jam in Tom’s living room or in a studio. We’d jam different covers and anything that we wanted to or we were listening to at that time. Eventually, we started listening to different post-rock and math-rock bands and we realized that that is the direction we wanted to take. I still play drums for Fools and Foes, and sometimes Reese (Lansangan). I don’t think I’ll ever stop playing the drums. It’s still my first love haha.

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why? I’ve noticed you’ve been using the Tele as your main axe, though I think I’ve seen your Strat once (through Lip’s IG photos, I think he told me about a wiring mod with that). 

2009 Fender Standard Telecaster (Made in Mexico)

This guitar is equipped with Dimarzio ClipLock Straps, a Graphtech TUSQ NUT and String trees, Gotoh Saddles, Fender Locking Tuners, and Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro II Pickups (bridge and neck).

1993 Stratocaster 57’ Reissue (Made in Japan)

This Strat has a Graphtech TUSQ NUT and String Tree, 

 - Seymour Duncan Lil 59’ Mini Humbucker 

- Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro II (bridge and neck) 

- Gold Vintage Style Locking Tuners - Push Pull for (Coil Split on the bridge pickup) 

- Push/Pull to activate neck pickup in any position

2008/2009 Telecaster Deluxe 72’ (MIM)

- Stock

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live? 

What amps do you use at home and live? - Not really picky with amps (Just needs to have a decent clean channel) but I’d prefer two Fender Twin Reverb amps for live use and a stereo setup.

What are you listening to right now? 

Tom Misch, Bon Iver, Novo Amor, Enemies, Asgair, Totorro.

What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do? 

I had a lot of guitar heroes growing up but I guess the most important thing is to take what you can get and find your own style and sound.

Check out Tom Story’s “Anchors” live in the Wish 107.5 Bus!

[nikfix]

Riding the Carousel with Emmie Villegas and Pau Villanueva of Carousel Casualties

Photo by: Eliesse Del Rosario So I’ve made some new friends recently, notably vocalists and guitarists Emmie Villegas and Pau Villanueva of the up and coming band Carousel Casualties. I first heard them live at 19 East in Parañaque last December for a year-ender gig. These guys have been playing really good, my band Garage Morning have played in the same gig with them earlier this month. I’d like to get to know their music more and how they do things with their instruments.

How did you start making music and playing your respective instruments?

Pau: I started out playing the piano when I was in 4th grade cause my parents enrolled me in piano lessons. A year later, I asked them to sign me up at classical guitar lessons. Ever since then I've been playing exploring my own way of making music through my tastes, etc

Emmie: I started out as a flutist when I was six. I learned the piano through my sisters at home and learned scaling and reading music sheet with it. In high school, I attended formal violin training in the UP College of Music to learn strings and train my ears. I then picked up the guitar shortly after because I realized my love for rock and roll is that strong.

Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?

Pau: I started out playing the piano when I was in 4th grade cause my parents enrolled me in piano lessons. A year later, I asked them to sign me up at classical guitar lessons. Ever since then I've been playing exploring my own way of making music through my tastes, etc.

Emmie: My main inspiration in guitar playing is Jimmy Page. I love his carefree style and the way he composes his parts; almost as if he’s composed an orchestra sheet. I also get bits and pieces of ideas from Hendrix, John Mayer, Frusciante, and Guthrie Govan. But when it comes to incorporating technique to our songs, I mainly got the general post-garage manner of playing from bands like Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, San Cisco and Last Dinosaurs. My fixation to Hippo Campus, Mac De Marco and Summer Salt explains the “shimmering" reverb sound that I generally incorporate in my effects. I also try to incorporate licks that come into mind by listening to a saturated amount of math rock and prog acts like Vasudeva, Totorro, and Zoo Strategies.

“Never rely on gear. The best investment you’ll ever do is to invest on your playing. Invest on time and conscious effort to learn new chords, learn scales and apply theory and play it by heart.” - Emmie Villegas

How did Carousel Casualties come together as a band? What have you guys been up to?

Carousel Casualties was formed in the last quarter of 2016. Emmie wrote a bunch of demos and recorded them at home. He then met Pau and Jot and searched for a drummer (Xavier) to record the EP with. We kicked off our presence with our first single on Soundcloud called “Safety”. That was pretty much the start of our journey as a gigging band. Right now our album is on the works as well as a bunch of music videos and merchandise we’ll be releasing this 2018.

Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why? 

Pau: I’m pretty much using Emmie’s Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster right now. 

I used to play his Fender Mexican Stratocaster until we decided to settle with the much warmer and silkier sound of the Jazzmaster that goes well with our songs.

Emmie: My current main gigging guitar is a Mexican Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster. I love how you can blend the single coil pickups with the humbies using the tone knob. The guitar just bites when you need it to but at the same time, it’s as calm as it gets.

Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live?

Pau: My pedalboard consists of a Mooer Yellow Comp, an MXR Classic Overdrive, TC Electronic Shaker, Zoom Multistomp CDR and a Mooer Reecho pro. I actively use the Shaker live to create vibrant vibratos when I play fills. It has a latch mode that allows me to choose which notes I just want to emphasize for certain parts. 

The compressor and the overdrive are almost always turned on. I use the multistomp pedal to add reverb, phase and chorus to my tone. I also use it as a tuner. Lastly, my Mooer Reecho Pro Delay almost acts as a live synthesizer as it can repeat modulated notes as well as normal clean notes to create a stunning soundscape when we’re abridging parts to our songs in live performances.  

Emmie:

I use a Kokko Tuner, an MXR Super Comp, an MXR CAE Boost/Overdrive (passed on to me by Francis Reyes of The Dawn as a gift), MXR Uni-Vibe, a BOSS CE-5, MXR Micro Flanger, Strymon Flint and lastly a Diamond Quantum Leap. My pedalboard system is quite simple. The most passive pedals go on the first layers of the chain since either I seldom use them or they’re always turned on. My compressor and overdrive are always turned on and occasionally I step on my boost for solos and heavier parts of songs. I only use the Uni-Vibe to add more modulation and achieve the vintage “Hendrix" tone in certain fills and solos. 

I put the chorus pedal (Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble) next in line since I turn it on and off from time to time depending on which songs we’re playing. It’s used to just add color to cleaner tones and achieve a vintage funky vibe to my playing. The flanger, I use to add more layers to soloing. Most guitarists would phase, but I don’t know how I arrived in flanging. Must be because of Blink 182. The Flint is a very versatile Reverb and Tremolo pedal that I often use for slower songs. The 80’s reverb setting is an excellent choice for making your guitar sound more spacious. I don’t go super crazy on the tremolo though. I just use it when some verses need more expression. I got my quantum leap placed at the very last section because I mainly use it for delay. It’s a multi-effects pedal that has most modulations available in it when you toggle it, but I mainly use the tap delay and pitch delay feature.

What amps do you use at home and live?

Pau: I recently gave back the Blackstar amp my friend lent me (hahaha).

Emmie: I still use a 12-year old Fender Frontman 25w amp my mother bought me. I sometimes use it live as well.

What are you listening to right now?

Pau: Hiatus Kaiyote, FKJ, Daniel Caesar and many other jazz-fusion artists.

Emmie: I am currently listening to Temples, Allah-las, Mild High Club and Summer Salt.

What advice can you give to your fellow (guitar players) and musicians who want to play like you do?

Pau: Just keep on playing and improving on your technique!

Emmie: Never rely on gear. Hahaha. The best investment you’ll ever do is to invest on your playing. Invest on time and conscious effort to learn new chords, learn scales and apply theory and play it by heart. Always remember that your gear contributes to only a small percentage of your sound. At the end of the day, it’s your playing technique and mastery that will save the day.

Here’s what’s next for the band!

• A new single release

• And a music/lyric video And last but not the least, they will be performing at this year’s Wanderland Music Festival 2018!

Visit their Facebook page and Twitter account below for gig schedules and contact details: https://www.facebook.com/carouselcasualtiesph/?ref=br_rs

Check out their Jam 88.3 Locals Only guesting here!

[nikfix]

Audrey, The Black Beauty Grassroots Les Paul Custom

Photo grabbed from my guitar’s seller, Alvin Nuñez.

Ever since I started playing guitar and taking it seriously, I’ve always wanted to have a Les Paul of my own. Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page heavily influenced me, learning songs like Stairway to Heaven, Black Dog, The Ocean, and more. My Chemical Romance also made me want one even more, especially when they dropped The Black Parade in 2007. I realized my dream of having one (at least a copy), last year when I bought this Grassrots Les Paul Custom from renowned private seller Alvin Nuñez.

I named the guitar Audrey as a reference to my Hollywood crush, the great Audrey Hepburn. Some of the best things in life really come in black.

So far, the only ‘upgrade’ I’ve made is to replace the stock knobs with Metallor top hat knobs I’ve bought from RJ Guitar Center.

This guitar is mainly used for recording songs like Twin Fix's "All This Time" and as a main guitar for my band, Garage Morning.

Take a listen to Twin Fix’s “All This Time” below: https://open.spotify.com/track/0dpdHIbvMFGkv9GxF2C6hn?si=7VP30_uiSHCH5WDQGX01kQ

[nikfix]

Rocking With The Dawn’s Francis Reyes and Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez

I've seen and heard many Filipino bands, but no other band (in my opinion at least) in the country stood as strong as The Dawn. This band celebrates 32 years of making and playing music. I had the pleasure of watching them perform live at the Philippine Digital Convention 2017, where I handled tech booth duties. I am honored to feature the band’s guitar players, Francis Reyes and Rommel "Sancho" Sanchez.

How did the band evolve ever since you guys got in the band and did your musical influences change along the way?

Francis: I think every guitar player who has been with the band—from Teddy Diaz to Atsushi Matsuura to myself to Kenneth Ilagan to Sancho, and some of the duo guitar times— changes the sound of the band, but it always manages to sound like the band. When I first joined in ‘89, I was heavily into Living Colour and injected a bit of that. Living Colour has hard rock and funk in equal footing, plus jazz, prog, pop, and every other element that can inject into their music, and The Dawn has always been like that as well. I mean, listen to the first The Dawn album and there’s a lot of things going on, even if the image and overall tone was supposedly “new wave.” I got into other things when the band went on hiatus and when we reconvened in late-99, I was into Drum ’n Bass and Trip-Hop in general— and JB was into house music— and injected a wee bit of that.

Sancho: I guess it was natural for me, growing up in Olongapo City where there were a lot of good bands, and I would see them play live during the then annual Mardi Gras festivities. My father also had a collection of vinyl LPs and then cassettes so inherited it assimilated his love for music. 

Francis: Sancho and I still haven’t really explored what we can do together, but the possibilities manifest whenever we jam or rehearse. Exciting times!

I try to keep an open ear with what’s current in music and if I like whatever it is, it does influence me to an extent and I bring it back to the band. The Dawn is like a lab and playground for me… well for all of us really.

The other stuff may inspire or motivate you sometimes, but the spark, that desire to express something should only come from you.

What got you guys into music? And into guitar playing in particular?

Francis: Queen was the first band that I absolutely fanboyed over; still do actually. However, Brian May didn’t inspire me to pick up the guitar. His stuff was beyond guitar—I mean he simulated horn sections and string sections with that Red Special of his— and therefore way beyond my teenage aspirations. Then I heard Ritchie Blackmore’s wild reckless intro to “Speed King,” and THAT got me hooked.

It’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve attempted to learn some Brian May licks. His tone has always been a reference point though, and The Edge too.

Sancho: As part of an extra-curricular activity in grade school, I joined the rondalla and a chose the guitar as my instrument, having seen my father play kundiman on the guitar. It was love at first strum.

Let's talk guitars. What do you guys usually bring live aside from the ones here?

Francis: The Tokai Les Paul Custom-type is the only one I use live. At home, I have another Tokai, a Strat-style and I used to bring it too but I snapped off the vibrato arm. I love Stratocasters, and I love using the vibrato so it’s at home until I can get the vibrato block replaced. I also have an MIJ 57/62 Reissue Fender Strat and sometimes I bring it as a backup and a beautiful Tele Thinline from Vinci Montaner of Parokya Ni Edgar. It’s on a long-term loan, and only because he’s a friend and a wonderfully generous person.

Sancho: My main axe is a yellow Yamaha Revstar. I have a Japan-made Barclay guitar as a backup in case I break a string mid-set.

I gotta say, your rigs are really cool. Tell us more about how they work, which ones you can never do a gig without, and how you use everything during the sets.

Francis: My pedalboard is basically three different distortions plus three delays. I used to have a multi-effects unit which has its own set of advantages but I like combining different pedals to get, hopefully, unique sounds or tones. I also have a Budda Wah and a Digitech Whammy Pedal.

I have a little Zoom Multistomp for ambient delays and synth-like washes, a Line 6 DL-4 for basic additional delays and looping, and the Tech 21 Fly Rig’s Delay section for an “always on, tweak on-the-fly”  delay. The Fly Rig’s Amp sim is always on; I set it flat so whether through an amp or straight to the board, I get a consistent signal. I also have a Tech 21 Liverpool which is my go-to distortion/overdrive; I can’t live without it! I also have a Z Vex Fuzz Factory to get Hendrix-y octave-up sounds when cascaded with either the Fly Rig’s Plexi distortion or the Liverpool.

Sancho: I have a simple rig. I have a Morley Bad Horsie 2 Wah Pedal going into a TC Electronic Polytune and the Xotic RC Booster, then to a Boss Overdrive, then into a Tech21 FlyRig which I use for its amp simulation, as a secondary drive, and for its nifty analog delay section. That goes into a TC Electronic Nova System for various modulation and pitch effects, then into a Boss DD-20 Giga Delay. I won't survive a gig without the Giga Delay.

What amps do you use at home?

Francis: A 3-Watt Blackstar Fly. It’s the best micro-amp, ever! Big tones on that. I have a little Hotone Ravo Multi-effects Unit if I want to explore textural ideas, plus a Pedal Pimps Nitro distortion made by Jay Padua. Pedal Pimps pedals are Philippine-made, and they rock!

Sancho: I use Blackstar amps at home.

What do your kids listen to?

Francis: My kids are into my songs and riffs and I hope they listen to each other and make sense together! LOL!

Sancho: No kids, only two cats and they listen to whatever I listen to. 

What is your advice to people who want to play their music out there and do their thing, as well as aspiring guitar players?

Sancho: If you don't love what you're doing, don't do it. You're out there to entertain and please the crowd but you should also be having fun doing it. If you're not happy with or don't believe in the music you're playing, your bandmates and the audience will feel it.

Francis: Love it for the music, and don’t let the other stuff —fame, vices, female fans etc. LOL— get in the way. The other stuff may inspire or motivate you sometimes, but the spark, that desire to express something should only come from you.

Learn how the industry works. And it will not always be a pleasant experience.

Keep your ears open.

Pray: for clarity of mind, spirit, and gratitude.  

And learning is forever… there will always be a challenge: technical, theoretical, tonsorial… LOL!

What did you learn for being in the OPM world for a long while?

Francis: Patience. LOL!

Sancho: OPM is far from dead, really.

Catch The Dawn on their Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/TheDawnRocks.PH/

And some of their coolest songs below:

Enveloped Ideas

Iisang Bangka

Salamat

Photos Courtesy of PLDT Enterprise.

Special thanks to Bernice Aspillaga for helping out.

[nikfix]

Guitar Playboy: Inside Eldric Arpilleda’s Guitar Stash

Photo by Jake Masigan. Check out Jake’s gear feature here.

I met Eldric through my Twin Fix bandmate Christela Marquez while we are looking for live members to jam with, and eventually play with on our future gigs, along with Aljon Perdon on bass. 

If you happen to be a member of the biggest music gear selling groups on Facebook (like Philmusic), you might stumble upon his beautifully shot guitars, basses and other awesome gear in his stash. I’ve been waiting to feature this guy for a long time, who’s fortunate to be able to get hold of some of the best gear in the country.

What got you into music? This is like asking what got you into this world. long story short, my mom forced me out into existence a long time ago.

Tell us more about bands you've played with, people you session for

I play drums in a dream pop band known as Space Onigiri. On guitar, I played few on some mishap bands with some mishap cover songs throughout my delicate youth. That was it. I haven't really gotten to play guitar for any legit band under any circumstances. That's why I'm so sad.  

What got you into playing guitar?

Lahat sa family musically inclined. Pero pag usapang guitar, my brother. Sobrang elibs ko sabi ko "Uy shet gusto ko mag gitara".

Who are your main influences?

My brother Stevie Ray Vaughan  John Mayer Jimi Hendrix Allen Hinds Andy Timmons

Let's see your collection. What guitars have been in your stash?

Playboy kasi ako sa gitara eh. I started out buying a guitar worth 21k tapos ibebenta ko pag nagkapera then bili naman ng mas mataas na value once mabenta ko yung past guitar. Hanggang sa palaki ng palaki yung pot money for sa gitara eh. I started out buying a guitar worth 21k tapos ibebenta ko pag nagkapera then bili naman ng mas mataas na value once mabenta ko yung past guitar. Hanggang sa palaki ng palaki yung pot money for ako sa gitara eh. I started out buying a guitar worth 21k tapos ibebenta ko pag nagkapera then bili naman ng mas mataas na value once mabenta ko yung past guitar. Hanggang sa palaki ng palaki yung pot money for guitar. Sakit na siya. 

Eto yung guitars ko almost in order:

Yamaha C40

Behringer Strat

Fender Precision Bass (Made in Korea)

Pulse Acoustic Guitar

Washburn Stratocaster HSS (Maple Neck)

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro

Squier Deluxe Stratocaster

Tokai ‘56 Love Rock Goldtop P90 Yamaha FG151  

Fender Standard Stratocaster (Made in Mexico)

Phoebus PG20

Riverhead Jazzmaster

2 mij and cij premium vintage '62 strats

PRS Custom 24 (USA)

Squier Vintage Modified ‘69 Thinline Telecaster

Epiphone faded SG

Yamaha FG 252

Suhr Modern Pro

Fender American Standard Stratocaster

Phoebus pg70

SX Jazz Bass

Fender American Pro Telecaster

Epiphone Riviera

Of all the guitars you've had, which ones are your all time favorites?

PRS custom 24 number 1. Iniiyakan ko pa rin siya.

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro kasi yung unang electric ko nung bumalik ako sa guitar.

Tom Anderson... kasi parang anghel gumawa.

'62 Strat Premium Vintage (Crafted in Japan) na pinakulayan ko ng Sonic Blue.

(Nik: Of all the guitars I’ve ever featured here, this is the one I wanted the most. huhu) :’((((

What amps have you used through the years?

My trusty Behringer Modeling amp (may free na electric guitar nung 2003)

Marshall MG50

VOX Night Train 15

Fender Deluxe Reverb

Supro Dual-Tone

I know you're not much of a pedal guy, but what do you use?

Sa ngayon, talagang grit ng Supro gamit ko for a drive. Pero sa mga delay and reverb, Digitech RP155, Zoom MG50G, Zoom G3. Meron din akong Digitech Bad Monkey.

What are you working on right now?

Right now I'm working on my skills sa drums and guitar. As in todo aral para gumaling. Papost post lang sa Instagram from time to time. wala munang banda banda kasi wala naman akong friends (sad). Sa tamang panahon, hopefully makabuo ako ng band na solid. one band na ako drummer, tapos another band na ako guitarist.

Know more about Space Onigiri below:

All photos are taken by Eldric Arpilleda.

[nikfix]

Tone Chasing with Banna Harbera’s Jake Masigan

Photo by: Iya Forbes

I consider Jake my guitar brother (from another guitar mother probably). I like the fact that we both own a white Strat and a Les Paul Custom. I was introduced to him back in college by my friends in my AB-Music Production circle of friends (I took up Multimedia Arts).

What started you into music? My dad was really into music. He’s a big reason why I’m where I am now. I always loved his music. When I was a kid, when all my friends were listening to fall out boy, I was listening to Earth Wind and Fire. It’s only til the 7th grade when I decided that I wanted to actually learn how to play. From there, it just came naturally that I wanted to make a career in music.

“
Don’t be afraid to try! Keep doing what makes you happy. You will never know where it will lead you.”

Tell us more about your musical background.

I started playing guitar when I was in the 7th grade. I knew a few chords and a few easy songs. When I was in high school, I took lessons for guitar and drums in the Yamaha School of Music. I was in the LSGH high school orchestra (my first taste of what it felt like to play with other fellow musicians) I was also in a band with my buddy Jay back then. We did a couple school gigs but never really shot off. I then went to DLS-CSB to take AB Music Production. That’s when I started to learn a lot when it comes to Music Theory, song writing, sound engineering, and playing. I played for a couple bands, that today, aren’t together anymore. Rebelle Fleur (Guitar), Dead Quiet (Bass), and the Anton Molina Project, which is sill quite active today. Then I decided to make my own band, Banna Harbera.

(Source:https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208313449580064&set=piaarp.1418842854.10208313449220055&type=3&theater)

Let's get to know more about Banna Harbera. How did the band come together?

We’re all course mates back in CSB. I wanted to build a band that I wanted to have fun with and jam with. Then part of thesis was to make a 3-track EP, so me and Yzay partnered up to make an EP for our Banna Harbera for our thesis. We release the EP for free and from there, we suddenly started getting some gigs. That’s when we decided that we should continue the band.

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlandfest/photos/a.1557202070975491.1073741958.597401693622205/1557204214308610/?type=3)

For you, what is the biggest achievement you guys have made so far? For me, the our biggest achievement is getting to play Wanderland 2017. It’s been a dream of ours to play for an event as big as that, and for it to happen is such a humbling experience for us. It truly was a blessing. It was fun since some of our friends from the OPM circle was playing there too. Apart from that, I’d say that an achievement of ours is bringing happiness to people with our music.

What got you into playing guitar in the first place? My dad was a great guitarist and pianist. I decided to try my hands on the guitar when I was in the 7th grade. I was so fascinated by the instrument and the people playing them that I just instantly wanted to learn how to play.

Who are your musical influences/Who are your favorite guitar players? And why? In terms of overall musicianship, my biggest idol is Dave Grohl. I think he’s such a great song writer and musician. I have so many favorite guitarists, but I’m a really big fan of Eric Johnson, Paul Gilbert, John Frusciante, and John Mayer. Eric Johnson with the way he voices his chords, Paul Gilbert with his virtuoso style of playing, Frusciante with the way he uses his guitar percussively, and John Mayer with his song writing and melodic leads.

What started you into music?


My dad was really into music. He’s a big reason why I’m where I am now. I always loved his music. When I was a kid, when all my friends were listening to fall out boy, I was listening to Earth Wind and Fire. It’s only til the 7th grade when I decided that I wanted to actually learn how to play. From there, it just came naturally that I wanted to make a career in music.

Let's talk axes. What guitars have you acquired and played over the years? 

My first ever guitar wasn’t even mine. It was my dad’s. It’s a 1980’s Yamaha CG-150 Classical guitar. It was the guitar that I learned the G Chord with. As silly as that sounds, at the time, I was so excited when I struck the chord for the first time.

My first electric guitar was a Fernando Strat HSS. At the time, I was a fan of the movie Crossroads. I saw a yellow Telecaster in the movie, (I even thought that the actor was really playing the guitar lol) so I got the Strat in that same pale yellow color. It played like ass, but back then, I didnt realize. I just wanted to play. When I got my second guitar, I made this into a project guitar. Unfortunately, I already sold this. I really loved this guitar though.

My second electric guitar was a white RJ Les Paul. This was what I used all throughout my High School days. This guitar taught me a lot about the anatomy of an electric guitar; all the parts needed for it, how to set it up, how to build one, tools needed to clean and maintain it, all that stuff. It was the guitar that brought the inner luthier out in me. It played really well. The neck was kinda crooked, but it still played perfectly.

Fernando Les Paul 

My mom got this for me for my 19th birthday. I fell in love with it’s gloss black finish and it’s gold hardware. This will always be my favorite for a lot of reasons. It sounds great, it playes well, it stays in tune. Most of all though, this is what I’ve been using ever since 2014. I kinda can’t live without it. It’s been to countless jams, gigs and recordings sessions. It also went throught heavy rain, dirt, and drops. I’m never parting with this.

SX Stratocaster

I got this last year. I always wanted to have a Strat again. And for P5,000, it was a steal! It was the same color as my first electric guitar, and it sounded and played better than it too. A week before I got this, I got a Tokai Strat. I wasnt feeling it, so I spotted the SX at a store and sold the Tokai to get the SX. No regrets. I am really happy with this guitar.

Recently, Jake’s gotten a hold of this awesome Phoebus PG-20C Acoustic guitar.   

Let's take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you have right now on your rig? What pedals can you not play without? 

Right now, my signal chain is: 

Guitar – Digitech Bad Monkey – EHX Soul Food – Joyo AC Tone – Line 6 M5 – NUX Time Force – Amp. I used to have a Vox Wah on the board, but It’s kinda faulty so I took it out. The Bad Monkey is my main drive. The Soul Food is my clean boost. I also use it as a fuzz or as a boost for my Bad Monkey. The AC Tone is my “always on” pedal. Basically, my pre amp. The Line 6 is more of when I have a couple of effects I wanna add to parts of songs. The Time Force is my main delay. It’s got 9 presets, which I have set for different songs. 

I can play without a pedal board, but some songs require delays, drives, and a couple modulation effects. I think it’s handy to have it at all times just in case. And it’s a great if you want a consistent tone each gig. What amps do you use?


I have a Peavey Vypyr 30 as a practice amp at home. But during gigs, I just use whatever they have on hand. What are you listening to right now?


It changes everyday, I still listen to my dad’s songs. Mostly smooth jazz and a couple veteran bands like Steely Dan. I’ve been listening to a lot of new OPM as well. It’s always nice to hear new local music. How do you see the scene five years from now?


Five years from now, I think the music community here in the Philippines will be much closer. There are a lot of great bands out there right now, and five years from now, I think they’ll keep coming out with great music that a lot of people will enojy. What's your advice to your fellow musicians and guitar players, as well as bands who are starting out?


Don’t be afraid to try! Keep doing what makes you happy. You will never know where it will lead you.

Get to know more about Banna Harbera below:

https://www.facebook.com/BannaHarbera/