Music + Events: Bandwagon Music Market: Sharing Some Region Love

Music has always been universal and while Paul and I have been avid supporters of the local music scene, it is also nice to see what talent our neighboring countries have to offer and Bandwagon Music Market has promised to feature not only the most in-demand local acts but some promising acts from Singapore as well. Bandwagon, which is based in Singapore has long been bringing pinoy acts to perform in Singapore and it was just about time that they returned the favor right? 

Of course, we have always been fans of Japanese music (must be from growing up watching Anime and no, sorry K-Pop has never been our thing) and recently, we've always been at a tricot show , whenever the Japanese Math Rock trio are in town. But of course, the thirst for music has always been insatiable and we are always on the look out for new artists to fangirl over and of course, new music to enjoy. 

Now the thing about Bandwagon Music Market is that it does not only bring good music to a hungry audience but it also brings a whole new unique experience. 

As we stepped into the Power Mac Spotlight in Circuit Makati, my first thought was: 

"Wow. This is different."   unlike most music events which was either outdoor or indoor, Bandwagon Music Market was different as there were bean bags (Yes! Colorful Bean Bags on the floor!). The "market" essence came from the different booths which were at the venue. The booths varied from music, art, photography, food and drinks different kinds of artists really and it was fun to go around during breaks in the show. 

The venue, though small was actually very snug and cozy, with ambient lights giving it that soft feel and I really appreciated this look and feel that Bandwagon Music Market gave its guests. 

First up was Shadow Moses for the eleven line up event who we were finally able to catch live and we just loved their beats and the rhymes that they dropped, you know being geeks ourselves we could relate to the lyrics and we experienced first hand what nerd core was all about. Will definitely get a copy of their album and feature it on the blog. 

('Coz we're living as nerds, in the third world) -so true! 

Can I just say that I absolutely fell in love with Singaporean singer-songwriter iNCH Chua, whose well written songs and performance just absolutely gave me the chills.  Her song "Dust that moves" climaxes into a powerful crescendo that just gives you goosebumps. I really enjoyed her set and I'm just so relieved that she's on Spotify so that I can enjoy her songs-until the next time I see her perform live again (here's to hoping) and I would also love to have physical copies of her records! 

Singaporean Singer-songwriter iNCH Chua.

Some of our local favorites, Oh, Flamingo! and Toy Story also played and Paul said that he noticed that it was the entire crowd who was singing (well in the case of Oh, Flamingo's set of course) but the crowd was still reacting to the post-rock trio, even if it means "humming" parts in their instrumental songs. 

Electro-pop whiz and crowd favorite B.P. Valenzuela also played, including some new tracks and teased fans at a new album coming out next year. 

Of course the party would not be complete without some awesome prizes which of course Bandwagon was not without and boy did they deliver. From awesome JBL bluetooth speakers, powerbanks from Power Mac Center to subscriptions on iFlix and even one of those bean bags! The first 50 guests who registered also got an awesome loot bag. 

So it was a cozy night of music and art and it was nice to run into friends from the scene and of course discover new artists. From the way things turned out I can tell that this is not the last of Bandwagon Music Market and if you missed it, make sure to like and follow their social media pages for news and updates on upcoming events. These cats know how to throw a party! 

I would often use the #SupportOPM in our posts and photos but I think things are just getting bigger and better in the local scene and with Asian acts just around the corner waiting to be discovered #RegionLove is a real possibility as well. 

Click HERE for more photos! 

Events: Satchmi Vinyl Day

I can't believe it's already been a year- since Satchmi's Vinyl Day - (which we absolutely had a blast in by the way) and here we are looking forward to this year's Vinyl Day! :D 

Click HERE to check out what went down during last year's Vinyl Day. 

You can expect awesome live music from these amazing artists :) 

If you've been following the blog then you probably already know that we're big fans of Reese Lansangan, B.P. Valenzuela, Jensen and the Flips and Moonwlk. Of course, we're also looking forward to seeing  Taken By Cars, Ciudad, She's Only Sixteen and The Ransom Collective. Bonus points when we get to know other amazing acts. :) 

You can check out Satchmi's Vinyl Day playlist on Spotify so you're more than ready for Saturday. 

Click HERE for the playlist. 

We're really looking forward to the Shawarma Bros. food truck - especially Paul :P 

Looks like Paul is going to have more than Shawarma to look forward to with this pomade collaboration of Satchmi with Felipe and Sons and Eight Wolves, rightfully dubbed "The Groove". 

Paul is a big fan of Pomade and he will surely love this-more so its in his favorite color. Yes, Orange is his favorite color. I'm also loving the Vinyl look :)   

Something new this year is the LIVE ART from different artists, like Kara Pangilinan of Details Ink and Raine Sarmiento. These talented artists will be having booths, make sure to drop by and check them out! 

Kara Pangilinan 

(c) Rian Sarmiento 

Inviting everyone to come and drop by Vinyl Day 2016- admission is F R E E!!! See you there! 

Vinyl Day is happening at UP Town Center. Record selling will begin at 12 NN. Live Performances will be from 4:00 PM - 12 MN. :) 

#Satchmi #VinylDay2016 

The Neon Hour Album Review

After the successful album launch of The Neon Hour - I really wanted to publish this album review at an earlier date but surprise, surprise, we had work even during the Holy Week break and to top it off we were also working on a Corporate Shoot project at the same time. As I said in a Facebook post it was like working twice (or working two jobs) during the Holy Week. Plus the heat of summer had me just going to sleep right after work.

I hated myself for not getting this album review out sooner - just because it's such an awesome album I want to share it with you guys! :)

I wrote in my be/ep review that I felt that the EP left me wanting for more well - The Neon Hour album satisfied that craving for more of B.P.'s music.

When you play the CD, the album opens with Early/Late which is reminiscent of the tracks from her be/ep EP, like having dialogue (which Paul loves conversing with). In my opinion this is a great way to start the album so that fans are eased into the more upbeat and diverse tracks which the rest of the album offers. 

Pretty Car is a great song to describe B.P's music (as of the moment) and is radio ready. B.P. describes the album taking a more "electro-pop" direction and 'Pretty Car' fits the electro-pop bill. 
I think that this is my favorite track in the album - it sticks to your head and you find yourself singing and dancing to it. 

As we were playing the album Paul commented "the quality of the music is really good- OPM has come a long way - put that in the review" he added. I already mentioned it before but I just have to say it again - Paul rarely gives his compliments to anything; so giving his 'thumbs up' to B.P. really says a lot. 

During the album launch - B.P. talks about how Nick Lazaro was a big part of the album and I just have to say that we love MOONWLK - Lazaro is 1/2 of the electro-pop duo. It's really great that B.P. is working with other artists to create music, it allows for more creative output and I just love that talented local artists are getting together to collaborate on awesome music! You can hear Nick Lozado on "The Fury and Sound"  while Curtismith collaborates with our electro-pop genius in "Veneers". I wrote before that the indication of a good album if there are collaborations with other artists and The Neon Hour is such an album. 

B.P. Valenzuela: A Bright Light in a Dark Time: The Neon Hour AlbumLaunch

Don't be fooled - people go all the way back - just couldn't see it in the photo :P

Driving along Katipunan on a Saturday night we arrived at CS Place Katipunan with Neon Lights on top of the building lighting up the dark night sky. I really didn't think too much of what I saw for a couple of seconds but I didn't think that I would look back at it now as I am writing this.

You see a 19 year old B.P Valenzuela is that bright neon light, shining bright and strong against the dark night which is everything that is working against her. The darker the night the more she shines bright in her own palette of neon colors.

Arriving at the venue of her album launch, we were early and had good seats or spots since well there were no chairs in the venue which was on top of the CS Place Katipunan Building, it was an open space which allowed the cold air to kiss the guests. There was an an enclosed area for the performances and this is where the audience gathered. I loved that the food and drinks were affordable, God bless B.P.'s mom who suggested to have food served and it must be said that it was affordable and delicious food. Pizza, quesadilla and sandwiches for only P80.00! Beer was for P50.00 and juice was served for P20.00! God bless you B.P.'s mom indeed! I thought we had to starve or would have to cross to McDonalds' for an affordable meal. :) It must be said that Paul was very happy with the affordable beer.

A young fan looks on as local artists make magic through their music. 

It was a pretty good crowd, it seems that the 400+ people who said that they were going on the Facebook event page for the event, actually went - if not more! It was the kind of crowd turn out where in you'd loose your spot if you went out- thank you to Francine for saving our seats so we could stuff our face with pizza and quesadillas outside. :)

Fresh from a show in Cebu, B.P says: "I wanted to make an album before I was 20 and it's happening now, it's so surreal." With a sweet smile underneath a cap, sans make up and wearing as shirt, shorts and a jacket around her waist, she is simple, unassuming and repeatedly thanked her parents through the night. Before the launch of her music video 'Steady' she tells the crowd -"there's a scene in the video where I have a cigarette in my hand, Mom if you see that don't get mad." I mean how adorable is that?! I wouldn't mind my younger siblings or pamangkins looking up to her. She still goes to school and works part time as a barista at Satchmi while making music in between.

"It's an electronic pop album which deals with a sh*t ton of grey areas." B.P. says of her album The Neon Hour. It took her over a year to come up with the 11 track album (album review on the blog soon-review on her EP be/ep here) and now everyone at the venue will be able to bring home a copy of her music and for someone who listens to music a lot I can tell you that you will be awed and amazed at to what this 19 year old can come up with. Her music should be on airwaves (she actually has a single on Jam 88.3-but we need more!) her music videos should be on TV. You should see her perform and I'm telling you, you too will see the light that I see, the light that all the people who came to that event has seen, heard and felt. Ladies and Gentlemen- The Neon Hour has come and missing it would be such a shame.

Click HERE for MORE PHOTOS 

be/ep EP Review

When I was 19 years old, I was in Second Year College (Nursing), Paul and I had just become a couple. I was engrossed in what any ordinary 19 year old was during my day. School, Family, Boyfriend and friend, we were in the School Publication though so that too. There wasn't even Facebook during those days (Friendster became a thing when I was I my 3rd to 4th year of college.

So just imagine my admiration of B.P. Valenzuela who at 19 years old is taking the Indie scene by storm. Her name has been on the lips of industry giants and greats, she has been featured in a number of magazines and articles, fans gush at her during shows, she recently played for <S>andwich's vinyl album launch and she was also a part of the recent Malasimbo Music and Lights Festival in Puerto Galera. 

I already mentioned in our Satchmi Feels blog post we won a copy of her EP be/ep by guessing her favorite local fruit lansones so thanks to lansones we got to bring home a copy of her EP and thus this review!

B.P Valenzuela during Satchmi's Feels Valentines Event

When Paul and I first played B.P.'s EP we thought that her music had an ambient feel to it. Like a soft and subtle music in the background that's very relaxing to listen to.

Not your conventional radio songs that consist of traditional instruments, your typical singing, stanzas and a chorus. B.P. takes everything to a whole new different level with the use of synthesizers, sound effects and even recorded dialogue. Yet, despite the mix and match of these unlikely ingredients B.P.'s music comes out in unison and harmony and are surprisingly catchy and addictive that we found ourselves wanting more of her music.

As if her EP was a delicious appetizer making our mouths water for the main course (pardon the use of food as comparisson - really hungry as I am writing this :P)

Consisting of 5 tracks, the EP will give you a new sense of hope at the talent of our young musicians. There is also beautiful lyrics in the songs in building she says:

You said 

Time flies, love dies, people walk away 

Memories are ghosts of moments you can't

have again 

Let go of inhibitions keeping you from loving me 

but don't fall in love with me 

please don't fall in love with me 

It is indeed a good thing that our craving for B/P's music will be satisfied (more food similies) with the release of her album The Neon Hour this coming March 28 at the Twelth House in Cubao Expo.
You can click on the event page here for more details :)

The CD sleeves come with beautiful photos, I'm guessing the coffee is also because of B.P.'s love for coffee. She also works part time as a barista in Satchmi :) We used the cereal bowl photo (which is also ingeniously the design on the CD) for the concept around the shoot.

We'll definitely be hearing more from this talented musician! Check back on the blog soon - we'll be dropping by her album launch :) Excited to get my hands on The Neon Hour :) 

Music, Coffee, Beer and Feels @ Satchmi Valentines Event

Despite being in a scheduled team building in near by Linden Suites, Paul and I were able to sneak away to check out the #Feels @ Satchmi Valentines event and even if we just had about two hours of sleep there was an abundance of coffee and awesome local music to wake us up.

Can I just say that I love their Iced mocha :)

When we arrived at the cafe vinyl store Satchmi it was already jam packed with young music lovers spending hearts day enjoying live performances from up and coming local acts. The great thing about music is that even if it's Valentines Day it doesn't matter whether you come with a date, with friends or even by your lonesome self -you still get to enjoy!

There was definitely a lot of Feels going on in the Satchmi store amplified by the young talented musicians lined up to play that night. Since we came in late though we missed a lot of great acts :((

Hopefully we'll have a better schedule for the next Satchmi event- speaking of which make sure to mark your calendars for April 11 for Vinyl day - wait what Vinyl day?! 

The Sun Manager 

Yup you read that right folks Vinyl day is coming up and if the Feels event was any indication of how amazing and awesome the event is going to be well let's just say that I got a gut feeling it will be an event every music lover should not miss. 

Speaking of vinyls there were also some vinyls at P500 only! They were ingeniously arranged as blind dates since they were wrapped in gorgeous brown paper but had descriptions of the artist and genre as clues :P Unfortunately we weren't able to check out the vinyls since as I said the venue was jam-packed! It would be hard to get up to the blind date vinyl section without giving up our spot. 

Did I mention that there was free beer too? It just ran out by the time we got there :p 

Despite of missing on things there was a lot of amazing things that we did catch such as awesome performances from The Sun Manager, Fools and Foes of course Reese Lansangan (who has been on the blog a lot -> did an EP review on Reese and Vica's EP "Those Who Wander" here) I just have to say she is such a cute and amazing performer she literally shushed the crowd with her rendition of Imogen Heap's Hide and Seek with her harmonizer. Her original song Creeper has been recently uploaded on YouTube I had the privilege to hear the song live a couple of times already. Click here to hear her super cute stalker (not autobiographical) song.