GET TO KNOW: Japsuki

Photo by Niña Sandejas

I think I played Japsuki's Monologue Whispers five times while thinking of a nice intro for this feature. Instead of coming up with something to write about, I let it spin three times more and just stare blankly on the monitor. I was in a Japsuki coma. So I had to stop it for a while so I could finish this post and introduce an exceptionally talented musician that is Japs Sergio aka Japsuki.

I asked him some questions about his solo album, Daydream Cycle's comeback album and his least favorite Rivermaya song ;p

I can hear a perfect marriage of Rivermaya and Daydream Cycle on your solo album Monologue Whispers, was this intentional or more a reflection of your sounds overall?

It's a reflection of myself without any compromise.

Why Monologue Whispers?

I thought it was an apt title for a solo project with a low key approach... and it sounded cool at the time too... so yeah...

Have you tried pitching the the track Bitter, Sweeter to the coffee brands? (If you haven't, please do! I'd rather hear this every minute than that coffee jingle! BTW, Bitter, Sweeter is one of my fav tracks) 

Unfortunately, I don't have a team to take care of the business stuff. This project is pretty much open to whatever opportunity that may arise. I'd love for any of the songs to be used for anything actually. By the way, that song is included in a Filipino indiepop compilation that is available for free download here

What's the best part in being a solo artist? 

Everything's at your own pace. The thing with this project is, I literally did everything myself. I'd like to think that I'm an artist with a solo album and not a "solo artist" (if that makes any sense at all). Last summer, the idea/goal was just to do an album from scratch (no old, recycled riffs, etc.) using GarageBand with at least 10 songs and just upload it online for everyone to listen to. It was just for self gratification purposes, being inactive from the music world for months. I got so into it that I finished writing, recording everything in a little over 3 weeks. I wanted to literally capture the moment as it came to me, so most of the stuff you hear in there are fluke moments caught on "tape" so to speak. I let a few people listen to it and they gave me the idea to release the album. Now, I have a so-low key album. 

Are we expecting a Daydream Cycle album soon? Like this year? 

There is a 3rd album that is roughly mixed. It's turning 4 years old this year. In those 4 years, I've recorded music for DDC that can fill a double album. The thing is, I want to finish it as a band. I do very much understand of course, that the four of us have our own thing going on at the moment. So, until we find the time again to be together in one room and finish it, there will be no new album coming out.      

I know you're straight but what's the gayest song on your album? ;)

I don't think there is one. I could be wrong though.

If Japsuki is a food, what would it be? 

It would be f*n delicious ;)

What's your latest status update? ;)

Hmm... lemme check. It's a video link of The Bangles' "Manic Monday", today being... a Monday.

If you're going to be a tourism ambassador of your hometown Paranaque,  what are your 3 favorite things about it (I'm from Paranaque too!), any recommendations?   
Nothing specific but....

-  Despite being overly commercialized nowadays, it's still steady south.

-  It has pretty much everything a city slicker needs.

-  We don't have number coding.

     

Album art by Niña Sandejas

WHATS...

...are you listening right now?

As I'm answering this, Autolux's "Future Perfect" album is blasting away.

...your favorite website?

None really. But lately, I frequent happyplace.com and bandcamp.com

...your least favorite Rivermaya song?

 I'd rather not start World War III. Readers, I'm kidding a.k.a. that was a joke. I honestly can't think of any.

...a track everyone should hear?

All the tracks in my album ;) http://japsuki.bandcamp.com

...plans for 2012?

There is another project happening and it's like the complete opposite of the Japsuki project. To be continued.

You can stream the entire Monologue Whispers below. And if you want to buy an actual copy of the album, just shoot Japs an email via japs@steadylang.com

GET TO KNOW: Modulogeek

Photo by Bobby Benedicto

I am so excited to introduce to you guys this amazing musician! He is Joon Guillen aka Modulogeek. He just came out with an amazing new EP this year called Transition (Number Line Records) and it might just be THE best local release of 2011. I bugged him with some silly questions which he gamely answers below...

When did you start as Modulogeek?

It was mostly an act of desperation. When I moved to hk I found it increasingly frustrating to not being in a band (as was the norm in Manila). Eventually I decided to go solo and what better way to start by trying electronic music? 

How would you describe your music?

It's pop music that has had quite a few drinks in a bar, hooks up with a nice cute girl, then wakes up the next morning in a tub of ice with its kidney removed.  

What’s the story behind your name?

I took a class in cryptography and learned that modular arithmetic (where modulo is always used) plays a major role in modern encryption (as in, how we keep our Internets secure and such.)  At the same time I associated modulo operations with how my interests wax and wane periodically, as if in a cyclical manner - it could be film one moment, then books the next, then taxidermy, then back to film etc etc. Geek is kinda obvious ;)

How would you describe Transition in one sentence?

Kidney removal trial runs!

You played Mandolin in the track The Tail of Mr.Fox? Can you tell us what other musical instruments you play?

I didn't play them. A handful of the tracks in Transition are results of remix projects by the monome.org community.  The idea is to create a song out of only a handful of participant-submitted samples and nothing else. So The Tail of Mr. Fox is 100% samples, as are Spectre and No Laughing Matter. I *can* play instruments (to some degree).  Just the usual rock band components - guitar, bass, drums, keyboard. 

Were you in Hong Kong when you made Transition? If yes, would you say that the culture/vibe in HK inspired you to make this EP and in what sense? 

Yes I made the tracks in HK.  I guess there is some influence, but I can't tell exactly how.

Photo by Camilla Pante

 WHAT'S...

...your worst vice?

gaming marathons!

...your favorite website?

rockpapershotgun.com, xkcd.com and slashdot.org 

 ...are you listening right now?

Deerhoof

 ...your secret talent?

none worth telling :D

 ...your worst fashion advice? ;)

i have no fashion sense so anything i say is bad fashion advice.

 ...song/band/artist you'd never admit you listen to?

i dunno.. i have no shame in music. i just listened to "Tomorrow" from Annie several times in a row, does that count?  

So there! Now it's time for you to listen to his music. Download it. Love it.Share it.

DOWNLOAD HERE

GET TO KNOW: Larry g(EE)

Here's another Pinoy Pride! US-based Fil-Am musician Laurence Gayao II aka Larry g(EE) joins the retro-soul movement with his funky sound and an amazing EP waiting to croon its way to everyone's playlist. I got an advance listen to his debut EP Weekends and loved it so much. I'm a big fan of nostalgic-pop or soul revivalism or whatever you call it. I like how Larry gives a little modern twist to the soul, Motown sound instead of recreating it. His first single, Yo Mama, is a perfect example of that ingenuity. 

I also love this track called I'm Your Fool...

I did a short interview with Larry and found out about his Filipino roots, musical influences and his love for Amy Winehouse...

BON: Can you tell us something about your Filipino roots?  

Larry g(EE): Both of my parents are from Mindanao.  They moved to America in the early 70's and have been in America ever since.  I was born in America and have only been to visit the Philippines once way back in the early 80's. I barely remember anything from that visit except for the chicken adobo and the beautiful beaches there.  I was really young (like 9 or 10).  

BON: Is your family musical?  

Larry g(EE): Definitely.  My mother and her brother (my uncle) use to perform as a gospel duo back in the late 70's/ early 80's and my father owned a recording studio around that time as well. I used to sit in during those sessions and just soak it all up.  My siblings and I (I am 2nd oldest of 4 (2 sisters and 1 brother)) were always around music growing up (church choir, piano lessons, and guitar lessons).    

BON: Who are your musical influences? 

Larry g(EE): Here's my top 5 --->1)  My uncle was a big influence growing up.  He taught me a lot about music growing up.  2)  Elvis 2) The Beatles 3) Michael Jackson 4) Stevie Wonder 5) Hall & Oates

BON: You were part of a band called Odis. What has been your biggest challenge as a solo artist in writing/making your solo debut EP Weekends? 

Larry g(EE): During my time with Odis I really learned a lot about pursing a career in music (both good and bad).  We had some local and regional success and toured independently for 5 years. I think the challenges we faced earlier on and towards the end of our run made it a lot easier this time around.  When I started writing this album it was only me I had to deal with and not 4 other members.  The transition as a solo artist has been really positive primarily because because I really took my time and didn't rush right back into music after the break-up of the band. 

BON: Speaking of Weekends, what's the usual weekend for you? 
Larry g(EE): I'm either playing a show, hanging with the family, out with friends, or just staying in and writing music.  I prefer the low-key weekend writing music however sometimes that isn't necessarily the case (just depends on who I'm hanging out with). 

BON: Your real name is Laurence Gayao II. What's the story behind your screen name Larry g(EE)?  

Larry g(EE): Having gone through experiences in school and during my time with the band, my name would consistently get butchered when announced, I wanted to do something different yet easy to say.  Now the g(EE) part?  Well there's 2 reasons for that:   1)  the simple 'G'  was already taken (Kenny G) and 2) I wanted to do something that would visually catch the eye.  Call it a form of 'branding' if you will.

BON: Are there any Filipino bands/artists you look up to that somehow inspired you to to become a musician?  

Larry g(EE): Honestly I would have to go back to my uncle Jun (pronounced as June) and my parents.  They really taught and nurtured my growth in music.   I'm also inspired by the Fil-Am (full or half) artist's of today paving the way for aspiring artist's such as myself.  They reflect the changing face in entertainment and music and how it is more excepting in regards to race and culture.

BON: What's the most played song on your iPod?  

Larry g(EE): "Love is A Losing Game" - Amy Winehouse.  Its beautiful sad love song.  I hate the fact that she passed away though.  I really loved her voice and her music. 

     
BON: Do you have any plans in performing here in the Philippines?  

Larry g(EE): It's definitely a goal and dream of mine to play a show in the Philippines.  I'm really motivated and encouraged about that possibility especially with the release of this EP.  While it's only 4 songs deep, I feel like it is a great introduction to who I am as a solo artist and where I'm going.  Only time will tell at this point but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try my best to get there.  Cross your fingers.

Larry g(EE)'s debut EP Weekends drops 12.9.11. Visit www.larry-gee.com for more info