Belonging to a politically active family would make one think that all the offspring would follow suit. Not really. Al Rashid Mohammad or Al, grew up in Alabang, Muntinlupa to a family that is involved in politics. His father is a former Vice Governor, worked at Customs and DTI among others. His sister ran alongside Isko Moreno in Manila. “My parents urged me to stop doing music and go the traditional business or politician way”, recalls Al.
His band “IHAWAL” has been making waves locally and are being praised by prominent bands in the music circuit. Their songs has captured audiences by surprise with their melodic and at times comedic lyrics. “I have a food business that involves grilling, IHAW, then dinugtong ko yun name ko AL, kaya naging IHAWAL. My drummer thought it was funny, but we all decided that it would be a great band name. My college band was ‘Burning Ember’, may konek pa din sa IHAW”, muses Al.
Being the 5th kid of 6 sibling, Al was always in the back seat of the car, and forced to listen to his elder brothers and sisters playlist. “I dominantly listen to alternative pop. Pero I listen to all types of music. Not to be biased. Basta maganda sa pandinig ko, ayus na. Our genre? I would probably say a mix of Alternative Pop and Rock Ballad pero Indie OPM na New Wave”, declares Al.
One won’t find similarities, music-wise or genre-wise, in their songs. Besides rock, there are dance beat, New Wave and ‘Kundiman’ style infused in our songs. Still working on their debut album with 8 new original tracks. “I present my band mates a new song. Kumpleto na with lyrics, arrangement and chords. i let them play with it according to their musical style. This way nag kakaroon ng depth ang kanta, kahit sobrang simple lang. All my bandmates are rooted in the New Wave genre. And you’d be able to hear this sa mga originals namin”, says Al. He adds, “I create inspirational songs. We wrap it neatly in our musical style and If you listen very carefully, hindi ka masusuya, hindi sya isang tunog lang”. Songs like ‘Giniling Sa Dilim’, Isang Guhit, Panatang Landian, Ang Tema, Kapit, Panandaliang Sandali, are some of the group’s tunes that are true-blue Pinoy.
Although IHAWAL is only over a year old, the members have been in the music scene way back. Current members of IHAWAL are Al Rashid Mohammad on guitars and vocals, Lawrence Manansala on lead guitar, Ken Randall dela Cruz on bass and Gabrillo IsidroI on drums. IHAWAL’s chief lyricist is Al, points out that he creates music for people to listen and enjoy. And they never ever cover a song. “Sa dami ng kanta, we never cover any song sa lahat nang natugtugan namin. Sayang ang oras na ilalaan mo para sa kanta na likha ng ibang tao. Mas maige gumawa ng bago at pausbungin ang OPM. Hindi pagalingan kumanta, hindi pagalingan ng effect o lead. PAGANDAHAN NG KANTA AS A WHOLE”, reveals Al.
And I agree with him, totally.
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