Paco Arespacochaga

Paco Arespacochaga

 

One of the forefronts of the epitome of a 90’s band is Introvoys. ‘Just A Dream', ‘Lullabye', ‘Kailanman', ‘Hindi Nako Aasa Pa' & the band's  hit tune ‘Line To Heaven' are some of the iconic tunes in the 90’s by Introvoys.

Introvoys was formed in Manila, Philippines in 1986 by 3rd-G Cristobal, Paco, Jonathan Buencamino. 3rd-G and Paco were classmates in high school, but have known each other since elementary. The first incarnation of INTRoVOYS had Jonathan Buencamino, Paco Arespacochaga and 3rd-G Cristobal in a small rehearsal space on the corner of Katipunan and Santolan in Quezon City, Philippines. During their first rehearsal, 3rd-G taught Paco how to play the drums. Later, they added Jonathan Buencamino's younger brother Jj to play keyboards, Ira Cruz, lead guitars, and Jobert Buencamino for bass guitar. They recorded the song Just a Dream which was released in the 10 of Another Kind compilation album in 1989.

Due to other priorities, 3rd-G had to give up his position as the band’s rhythm guitar player. The band released their debut album, Back to the Roots in 1990. Their first two singles received a lukewarm response and the band's label, Dyna Records, was ready to drop them. In spite of this, their third single However Which Way, went to No. 1 in Metro Manila in just two weeks. It became the No. 1 song in the country after a month, paving the way for a national tour. Culled from the same album are certified No. 1 singles such as, Calling All Nations, Maynila and Lullabye among many others. Ira Cruz left the band in 1991.

When Cruz left INTRoVOYS, Vic Carpio replaced him as their new guitarist. The band's second album, Breaking New Grounds, was released in 1992. Included in this album were the hits Will I Survive, Di Na Ako Aasa Pa, Stay and Are You Happy. The album achieved quadruple platinum status, earning INTRoVOYS the tag "The No. 1 Band in the Land". In 1993, the band released their third album, Line to Heaven, wherein the carrier single was written after Arespacochaga suffered the tragic loss of his parents. This album also included another hit song, "Kailanman".

Jobert Buencamino left the band in 1994 for health and personal reasons. The band invited Paku Herrera of Neocolours to take on Jobert’s chores. They released their first greatest hits concert Greatest Hits...Live followed by their carrier single Living My Life in 1995. The band's fourth album One released in 1996, included hits Tell Me Why, More Than A Friend and Magkaisa Tayong Lahat. This was Arespacochaga's last album and he left the band in 1996 and was replaced by Toto Villanueva as the new drummer. They released their fifth album Eroplano features the hits "Fool", "My Child", "Eroplano", "The Big Ride" and a cover of Mr. Rey Valera’s hit Kung Kailangan Mo Ako. A year later, Jonathan Buencamino was forced to leave due to an illness that caused him to lose his voice indefinitely. Introvoys, thus far, recorded seven studio albums, one live album and one compilation album.

Introvoys is one of many band from the 90’s era that carved a lasting memory on a teenager's life. It wasn’t until 1990 when they launch their debut album ‘Back To The Roots'.  Their 1992 seminal Album ‘Breaking New Ground' from MCA earned quadruple platinum status. And in 1993, the band’s ‘Line To Heaven' album cemented their place in Philippine music scene as the #1 band in the land that time. One of the most prominent and influential drummer of his generation, Paco Arespacochaga is now based in California, USA since 2001. “That time, new acts were the big thing, like Paolo Santos, Nyoy Volante, Nina and the like, and I feel that it was time to move on to a new place“, laments Enrico Luis Victor Santos Arespacochaga in private. He liberated himself from Introvoys in 1996 and after a short sabbatical, he formed MYSTERY in 1997 and SKIN in 2000. Paco even had a solo album in 2000 entitled ‘Rebirth’. In a short-lived reunion in 2001, some members came and go, but they still remained friends and jam here and there. In 2004, Jonathan Buencamino also migrated in the U.S. “Tinuloy namin yun banda, had a few materials and compiled it and conceptualized a new album ‘A BRIGHTER DAY'”, recalls Paco. This was exactly 7 years after their last album, Eroplano, and significantly marks the exodus of the band from the Philippines to the United States.
“I am very fortunate to have this opportunity to migrate here in U.S., because anytime I wanted to, I can visit the Philippines, Australia, UK, Dubai and appear on TV, book a gig or two, and come back here with my wife and kids”, says Paco.

In 2009, Introvoys saw another revamp in some of its members and , surprisingly, Paco relinquished the drumming chores to Tim De Ramos and Paco assumed the duties of the newest lead guitarist.  In 2014 Introvoys released a new single and an MTV to support the album ‘WHERE WE LEFT OFF’ and the single ‘Nasaan Ka’. The current line up are Vic Carpio, JJ Buencamino, Jonathan Buencamino and Paco. “Jobert is expected to reunite with us here in the U.S. anytime soon”, marvels Paco.

Paco's YouTube Channel ‘PACO IN THE HOUSE'  talks about music, life and family. In a video interview, Paco gamely answers this writers query and offer some more. “My Vlog in YT comes from my everyday grind, my life mostly”, attested Paco.  “Dami ko na napagdaanan, dami ko failed relationships, I have this broad spectrum of first-hand experience and the inspiration comes with the humility of having my feet on the ground again and lived to tell about it. And this vlog is my way of giving back to many musicians, fans and friends”, asserts Paco. “When not  recording or touring I busy myself with this Marketing Company, that I myself put up, that does marketing for other companies, like, social media marketing, website development, produce concerts and develop the the career of artists”, explains Paco when asked what does he do nowadays.
When asked how are today’s generation taking Introvoys music? “That’s a good question”, chuckles Paco. “I thought we were done for. But just last year, AMFM a FilAm Boy Band covered our song ‘Line To Heaven', which is good. And a lovely lady called Sabrina covered our song ‘Di Na Ko Aasa Pa'. Both songs have extensive plays in Spotify and in YT as well. Fans are very receptive, especially with our new album. When fans come by our concerts, they would have in tow their teenage kids, and they would like our kind of music. Akala ko eh lipas na, pero hindi pa pala”, says Paco. “Heaven, my son, has an album called ‘MISTER POOL THE PROPHET' which is also his moniker. He writes his own songs with a Rap-Hiphop genre. Of course, when Heaven asks for advise I would, but I don’t micromanage him”, says Paco.
Introvoys produces their own shows. Paco encourages other acts to do the same. They give advises, tips, and self-taught method to last in the business.