Kat Darling

KAT DARLING

By: Ronnie Reyes

Not even the pandemic we are experiencing nowadays can stop the pure talent of the Pinoys. One such talent, which is already ripe for the picking, is an artist called KAT DARLING. Successfully launching her single right in the nick of time before COVID-19 hits last March 20, 2020. The single timbers with raw and powerful blend of blues-rooted soul with funk and hip-hop.

Her single – SUFFERIN’ is up on all major music platforms. This single has been played 16,000 times already. “That’s not even the best part, I got to be part of some international playlist like VZN Radio in the Carribean, another in London and one also in the US”, exclaims Kat. In this single, she expresses her feelings of self-doubt and anxiety: a common denominator in today’s youth. She says in this day and age, young people are more subjected to seeing “the perfect life” all over social media. In the song, she communicates that one should never hesitate to be transparent about their problems, because there will always, always be someone who is ready to listen and to help ease their suffering.

This independent singer-songwriter was born and raised in Manila. “I grew up listening and singing pop music. I was also part of our church choir and I was a Psalmist during Holy Week”, confesses Kat. She also sang at weddings during those days. Her influences manifests in many musical genres like - reggae, ska, rockabilly, rock n roll, blues, soul, drum n bass, hip-hop, and pop, to name a few. “When I was young, I was so impressed by Skarlet Brown. She influenced and helped enlighten me about female singers’, admits Kat. This idea, that, she don’t have to fit the mold, made her realize that being a pop star is not what matters. She reckons not being one, is the true grit in local music. “I have been singing/gigging on and off since I was 15 years old”, says Kat. Performing isn't new to her, before she used to front bands like RSVP Acoustic band. Irie-I. Escolta 3:AM (with Jun Lazo, Brutus Lazcano, Niki Cabardo); Lucha Loka (with Rod Mijares, Jun Nogoy, Ronn Sana). “I was doing it as a side job to earn extra. Now, I feel like I really want to create my own kind of music because if I don't, I'll regret it. Life is too short to not be doing what you love.”, explains Kat.

During the quarantine period, she rendered a live performance on Facebook, with some of her friends in the music induatry for a fund-raising parlay. Other big artists that she performed with before includes; Wally Gonzalez of Juan Dela Cruz Band fame, Cooky Chua, Noli Aurillo, Joey Ayala, to name a few. But her most prized gig came at a Cafe in Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia. “I performed by myself and played my first international gig, by myself! It was surreal”, finishes Kat. A pre-school teacher by profession and a cat-lover since her teen days, Kat Darling (as she is fondly called) expresses optimism and exuberance about life’s calling, “Wrestling with anxiety and self-doubt, I chose not to do so in silence, but in style”.

Following the successful release of her first single “Sufferin” last year at the height of the global pandemic, Kat Darling has released a new track to kick start 2021. The new single was launched on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, Instagram/Facebook Music, Amazon, Deezer, Pandora, Napster, iHeart Radio, Tiktok, Tidal, ClaroMusica, Saavn, Anghami, KKBox, Medianet and Shazam last Jan.15, 2021. Entitled “Don’t Tire Out”, the track is a delightful exercise in retro soul vibes with a punchy drum sound, that firmly placed it in the genre of modern soul. The track is best listened to at night, as you wind down from a long day at work, glass of whiskey or wine in hand. Guest guitarist, Coco Coo takes the lead guitars to a whole new level. Coo adds a round Motown flavor and brings the piece to higher ground while complimenting Kat Darling’s lyrical stylings and emotional outpouring.

An avid follower was quoted as saying, “If I had not known who the artist was when I listened to this music, I would have thought, the tune came out of the Motown records and interpreted by a foreign artist. The trumpet-thing, the arrangement, the staccato-like rendition of the song, the phrasing and diction was astounding as it is. I want to hear her perform live!”. The well-produced and well-thought tune is in contrast to the bubbly, hippity-hop style of her initial single ‘Sufferin’. Well, both tunes takes you back to a different time frame. That is how enigmatic and robust Kat’s style is in rendering songs.

Produced by veteran musician and composer Dan Gil, “Don’t Tire Out” takes the listener on a journey through a toxic relationship where one is at fault – for loving too deeply and too intensely, calling to mind ballads and heartaches of Janis Joplin, Blood, Sweat and Tears and Sharon Jones with the Dap-Kings. The track also features Joel Mondonedo (Reklamo, Tons of Others) on bass guitar, Thor Salvador (animation/film music composer) on keyboard, and Charles Blanco (Tons of Others, Basilica) on drums. As her previous release was embraced internationally and has been featured in the UK’s Spotify Playlists “Music to Shake A Hoof,” “The Stock Exchange” and got radio airplay in the “Caribbean Broadcast Network”, this new single is poised to be a hit among the blues and psychedelic rock-loving set. Also,  the release of the Don’t Tire Out music video will be available soon. “It's a collaborative effort with the band and shot with no crew. The video is co-directed by LC De Leon, front man of the band Reklamo and is a director for advertising/short films.”, prides Kat. April 2021 is the target month for the video’s release.

Taking things one step at a time, appears to be the pace Kat has been employing in, as far her musical career is concerned. For the past two years, she has recorded, rather independently, only two songs. “But quality ones!”, quipped Kat with a sheepish smile. “Sponsors are hard to come by nowadays, I guess they have different priorities than mine”, admits Kat with a chuckle. Kat has remained an independent and self-managed artist and don’t have plans to be managed by anyone else in the near future. “That’s the beauty of being one (independent/self-managed artist), I get to choose, when to perform, where to perform and whom to perform to. I am not duty-bound by any contract where I have to be with against my will, on the wee hours of the morning in a god-forsaken place just to fulfill my obligation as an artist.”, declares Kat. With that being said, Kat has kept her schedule busy this year, by recording a further three more songs with a collaborative effort with another artists.

To get updates with her singing career and gigs and other updates, kindly visit ‘Kat Darling PH’ on Facebook.

Blind Side

Ever since the inception of music, the senses are and will be an essential part of any genre; sense of touch, hearing and sight. Wrong.  There are many musicians, both locally and otherwise, that are physically handicapped but still realized their passion in music. Jose Feliciano, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Rick Allen (the one-armed drummer of Def Leppard), Ludwig Van Beethoven was deaf, Toni Iommi of Black Sabbath had lost the tip of his fingers in a freak accident, Fred Panopio is a Polio victim, Willy Garte is clinically blind and countless more to mention. Locally, a band with its lead guitarist and singer have sight impairment since he was 15 yeasr old.
Meet Riane Foronda of the band Blind Side. “I was born with a disease that leads to my blindness. When i was 5 years old, I lost my left eye, and then when I was 15 years old,I  underwent a cataract surgery but it had complications with my inborn eye disease. I got a lot of eye surgeries afterwards. But eventually my right eye couldn’t take it anymore. That’s when my doctors told me that they did everything they could to save my remaining eye”, laments Riane. After that catastrophic episode in his life, Riane almost went into depression and could not do anything without his sight. Or so he thought. Riane, like a storyline out of a movie, refused to be hit with a cudgel of reality that he forever will be inane and useless, learn the rudiments of guitar-playing.
“I figured, many guitarist does not even look at their guitar while playing it, I assumed that, playing this instrument needs heart and feel, which I have plenty of. I learned the basics and philosophy of guitar-playing, and to top it off, my family enrolled me in School of Rock Music School”, continues Riane.  As a student, he met fellow music enthusiast and form a band. “We are part of School of Rock House Band then our current music director and other instructors encouraged me to compose original songs and start a band. Then last Feb. 1, 2017 Blind Side was formed as a three-piece rock band”. The original line up consisted of Riane Foronda on guitar and vocals, Dani Dimaano on bass and Gel Lucañas on drums.
“Then came April of 2019 our original drummer had to leave the band. At first it was hard for us to adjust, but luckily we had a lot of drummer friends in the scene who we asked to session for us. In June 2019 Wakin Ramos the 10 -yo wonder boy drummer accepted our invite to become our permanent drummer. It works for us because we’ve known him for years in the School of Rock house band”, admits Riane. Matthew Dooma soon became part of the new lineup as a bassist. After the lineup change, they found themselves motivated to play even better than before and kept their pursuit in passion for music. “Last August 2019 on a whim, I suggested to my band mates that we should audition for the first ever VivaCon at World Trade Center. We weren’t really expecting anything that day we just wanted share our music to as many people as possible. But after we played our song they asked us to sign on the spot for a recording deal with Viva. We were really surprised and very grateful that they gave us a chance. We’ve already released our first song under Viva Records last Jan 17, 2020. Its title is ‘D’wata’ our own take at a hugot song with a twist and soon hopefully we’ll be making a music video for it”, boasts Riane. ‘Paraiso ng Kadiliman’ is another of their songs, that deals with harsh reality of drug addiction. Riane composed all of Blind Side’s music.
Whenever Blind Side performs, the audience doesn’t realize that Riane is clinically blind. They thought, he was just acting cool in wearing those shades on stage. “I would want to keep it that way, Pinoys have a tendency to look down on you when you are physically challenged or they would take pity on you. I would like to be treated as a normal being not withstanding my handicap. Music is my language to reach out to the masses”, admits Riane. Thus far, they have performed for Fete de la Musique’ 2019 Alternative Stage. Shared the stage with Kevin Roy , Typecast, Hilera, Datus Tribe, Agaw Agimat, Join the Club, The Youth, Philippine Violators, Loquy, Bita and the Botflies, Razorback with Ms. Kat Agarrado just to name a few.
What are they busy with nowadays? Matt is a freshman in UST taking up Legal Management. Wakin is a grade 5 student. Riane is learning Nipponggo.

Pinoy Classic Rock @ 18

While living in Guam, Ben Yanto came up with the idea of reaching out to fellow musicians from the 60’s and 70’s via egroup and a website, he had no idea that the reunion/jam would last up to its current undertaking at 18 years now. “My dream was just to get in touch with fellow musicians around the globe and eventually jam with them”, admits Ben who formed the egroup and website last 2002.

In a recent interview, Ben has revealed the next reunion/jam would be on January 23, 2020 at Valle Verde 1 in Pasig. “The theme this year is ‘Clean Sounds of the 60’s and 70’s. More likely like mellow tunes or sounds or what others call Soft Rock”, explains Ben.  With the help of 2020 PCR Organizing Committee Cindy Caberte-Rufo, Bessy Velez, Ellen Velez, Vambi Tolentino & Renato Babes Tolentino and PCR  Manila Core Group Jing Warren, Lito Zabat, Atek Jacinto, Jesse Jocson, Jun Lopez and Ben Yanto himself – the group organized an ensemble of great guest performers who have shaped our music reverence early on. Boy Camara of the 70’s and 80’s band Afterbirth and Dinosaur will grace the event. Atek Jacinto of Circus band will also perform. Lito Toribio of The Electromaniacs will pound some skin as well. Emil Caballero and Jun Raymundo will also perform.

Many artists have graced the reunion/jam before and there is no telling if they might drop by to perform a tune or two. Artists that have performed before includes: Maria Cafra, Noli Aurillo(2-time Aliw awardee), Cezar Manalili with his world-famous instrumental ‘Faithful Love’. Throughout the years, many members have passed away but many are still active and able to perform with much gusto. During the past years, PCR has invited bands and was invited to perform. One such band is BNK 1 (Banda Ni Kap) of Imus, Cavite who is expected to perform 'Manila Sounds' in the said event. Marnie Racela, BNK 1’s bassist said, “We are very grateful, it is a humbling experience to be part of this event”.

This yearly event attracts a number of Pinoys living abroad, and goes out of their to attend this event. “Every Pinoy Classic Rock aficionados out there are invited to sing and dance with us. A night of music, food and camaraderie will overflow”, finishes Ben Yanto.

Veintidos RestoBarekan & Music Hub

Veintidos RestoBarekan & Music Hub
Only Caviteños could understand each other whenever blues and rock tunes are brought up.  A new hub and watering hole in the heart of the province of Cavite just took it a notch higher.

The proprietor of this establishment, Katherine Vinson explained that, the idea was borne out of her being a one-time benefactor of the band Groundstage PH. “The area where this is located is actually a rehearsal studio for the band’, explains Katherine. Things did not pan out with the band and she is stuck with the place full of musical instruments. Then, her business and life partner, Jad Alipar, spark plugged the idea and one thing led to another.

Katherine, a known philantropist and humanitarian in Cavite, admits that she is not a Caviteña by birth. "My hometown is actually in Bacolod...but i also lived in Taysan, Batangas...and also ILO-ILO. The resiliency and upfront attitude of a Caviteña has grown into me and has adopted it ever since I moved here a decade ago”, says Katherine. The place, located at the 2nd floor 9083B, Gen. Tirona Highway, Dulong Bayan, Bacoor, Cavite, will open its door on Dec.18, 2019. With no less than ‘Grin Department’ to spearhead the opening of the said place. To join the fray are Anthony Romasanta with his band Trankill, Katoliko Band, Kid, Papel, Kyah, Dwayne PH, Kemisthree. The event will be the hosted by YouTube phenomenon ‘Batanguena’, Kimberly Dianne Vinson Ilag, which happens to be Katherine’s daughter.

Of the countless number of bars and music hubs in and around Cavite, what makes her place different? “First is the ambiance. Veintidos, will serve homecooked meals and then a few of my own recipes which my family has been savoring as a matriarch. Second is the hospitality, I can actually call it a ‘community bar’ due to its coziness and accessibility to nearby villages within the area”, musters Katherine. The 150 plus-seater establishment boasts of its top of the line sound system and mini stage for the guest performers. “It’s all systems go now! I have been through much more difficult situations in my life before and having jitters in this new venture of mine is nothing compared where I have been through”, opined Katherine. And the name Veintidos (22) has signifcant meaning in her personal life. 'Barek' in Batangas lingo means to drink.

“We are inviting everyone from all walks of life to experience the Caviteña hospitality and the Batangueña charm in me. And we will make sure the music will sooth and ease your mind with the right kind of Rock and Blues. We will play host to up and coming bands in this part of Cavite. Ala Eh Mag Barekan Na Tayo Dineh!” finishes Katherine.

Cavite Rock Mob

Cavite Rock Mob of  2019

At the turn of the millennium, a number of milestones have churned the Pinoys with many first. On Dec.29, 2019, another Rock Mob aptly called “Cavite Rock Mob” will grace the presence of Imuseno. “Rock mob was spearheaded in Moscow in Russia, a few years back, when a group of musicians, gathered and play a popular rock tune. Then China followed suit and holds the record for the most participants at 950”, explains Anthony Romasanta, the Cavite Rock Mob head honcho. The term might have been adopted from the term ‘Flash Mob’, a popular dance routine that would converged on a particular place or establishment and is participated by more than an adequate number of designated dancers.

“The Calamba Laguna Rock Mob inspired me to assimilate this event, big thanks sa Laguna Rock Mob for starting this”, admits Anthony. Last Nov.30, 2019 the Philippines witnessed the very first Rock Mob in Calamba, Laguna. “The musicians numbered to 165”, attested Paulina Calimbayan - one of the musicians who participated in Calamba. That event was organized by Liz Duque and Ren Cana of Musika Laguna Production.

Early information revealed that 800 participants have expressed interests plus a number of volunteers have offered to assists in this non-profit event. A number of Pinoy Rock luminaries have been invited in this event. Anthony’s aim is to unite all musicians, with a band or doing solo, young old, professional or amateur. “Making them feel important and at perform at the same time in the name of music”, musters Anthony. The Cavite Rock Mob, might consider a foreign song to entice international participation. The suggested set list of songs is: Laki Sa Layaw by Mike Hanopol, Beep Beep by Juan Dela Cruz, Nosi Ba Lasi by Sampaguita and Laklak by Teeth. “We wanted to promote camaraderie in music and at the same time, help timid musicians, band or solo, to be exposed thru this event”, admits Anthony, who happens to be a member of a Rock band Trankill. The Cavite Rock Mob will take place inside the Polytechnic Institute Of Imus n Cavite.

Are only musicians allowed to participate? “Not exactly, non-musicians are welcome to be part of the event. They can assist us technically and logistically. As for food, we are beseeching kind-hearted fans and followers of Pinoy rock to pitch in any food or beverage for the musicians. Since this will be an all-day event, it is imperative that sustenance for our musicians are looked after”, says Anthony. There is an online registration on FB. A group was created for this event alone: Cavite Rock Mob Musicians Unite.

“The online registration was created to monitor the number of musicians and plan ahead for the layout of the area and to determine the capacity of the electricity to be used”, Kevin Regalado-one of the organizers, explains. No less than the mayor of Imus Cavite Hon. Emmanuel Maliksi endorsed this event for camaraderie and unity among musicians. The ONGS Productions of Anthony, MIM STUDIOS of Jovie Garcia plays sponsors this event. Arvin Kadiboy will direct this event and allan Trece will do the hosting chores.

“We wish to surpass the 950 plus participants set by China, but no pressure. Siguro bonus na lang yun. Hopefully The Guiness Book of World Record recognizes our effort. Should this succeed without a hitch, we want more and for sure mag-grow pa to sana nationwide naman”, finished Anthony.

On photo: Kevin Regalado, Mayor Maliksi's staff, Honorable Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi and Anthony Romasanta. (Anthony Romasanta-photo owner)

Wally@70

Wally Gonzalez’s name is synonymous to  guitar-playing. Being a  member of Juan Dela Cruz and pioneering act in Pinoy Rock, Wally have many reasons to thank his friends, fans and family.
That is why, a fete scheduled on Dec.27, 2019 was conceived by Dudee Alfonso and Nel Gonzalez (wife of Wally) at 19East with an all-star ensemble entitled “WALLY GONZALEZ THANKSGIVING GIG – UP IN ARMS”.
“ I will be 70 years old, can you imagine that? God willing, bonus na ito to reach 70 diba. Kaya it’s something to celebrate talaga”, exclaimed Wally on a recent interview. And to help celebrate this soiree, Wally hand-picked his chosen artist to celebrate the night with him. Kat Agarado, Basti Artadi, Ado Bantula, Rommel Dela Cruz, Dave Deaño, Wendell Garcia, Pigdog, Wowee Posadas, Bea Lao, Kowboy Santos, Jay Ortega, Joko Reantaso, Louie Talan, Charlie Ysmael, Peter Lambengco, Martin de Leon, Doc Ted Nicoloff, Janno Quayquep, Evy and Erwin Rodriguez, Relli De Vera, Calle Victoria, Khristine Virtucio and John Zuñiga. Plus other surprise guests.
It also noteworthy to notice that Pepe Smith’s birthday is 2 days shy of Wally’s birthday. “Oo nga December 25 si Pyaps, sayang nga, sabay sana kame mag celebrate. Anyway, kasama naman natin sya parati in spirits. Nakaka miss din si Pyaps”, admits Wally.
His friends Louie Talan and Bea Lao hinted to Wally that it has been 42 years ago since he last came out with an album. “It’s time na daw gumawa ng new recording. My last album was ‘On The Road’ 1977 pa, grabe iba na panahon ngayon nag daan na tayo sa mga iba't ibang klaseng royalty issues and piracy na charge it to experience and work of love parin .. at least ngayon may indie na. Hawak mo yun recording nyo, may mga gusto pa kame invite na mag session musician kaya dpa talaga tapos yun album relax lang take time lang walang pressure hopefully by December 2019 may mailabas kame 1 or 2 songs from the album”, reveals Wally.
Wally won’t reveal yet the musicians behind this project, citing that, it might pre-empt the hype. The album is being recorded at Southbay Studio of Bea Lao and Wombworks of Louie Talan. “The album art was designed by my son John Gonzalez”, says Wally. Yes, Wally is planning to release it by vinyl. “Ganun na nga, vinyl ang plan in releasing the album. Medyo mas mahirap i-pirate ang vinyl. Syempre wala ka naman lusot sa downloading pag lumabas na yan digitally”, admits Wally with a sneer.
Asked if the album launching will coincide with the Thanksgiving Gig on Dec.27. “We’ll see. That would be a blast if aabot sa date na yan. Walang kaseng pressing plant for vinyl sa Pinipinas, kaya medyo mahal. We still have a few recording sessions scheduled. The album’s genre is Blues Rock. And hopefully, people would like it”, hopes Wally.
“I hope to see all of you out there on Dec.27 at 19East and let’s celebrate my birthday with a bang! Mabuhay ang Pinoy Rock”, finishes Wally.

Rhany Torres

Rhanny Torres - The Lost Boy From Ocean Zoo
“Ang tatay mong kalbo!” This old Pinoy moniker was actually a part a song that stuck to my mind when I was a teenager; GOLDEN BOY by The  Ethnic Faces. The era of richness in musical material that spoke to one in a personal level made it difficult for most to pick which they would consider as their ‘90s anthem. But for some, there are songs that are more long-lasting than others.
“I was born in Sampaloc, Manila  in a household where music was always played through my father's Zenith stereo. He would play albums of Henry Mancini, Herb  Alpert, Ray Conniff, Neil Sedaka, Elvis  Presley  The Cascades, The Beatles”, remembers Rhany.
After forming Lost Boys during the early years of Punk and New Wave in 1982, they had a couple of original songs recorded, sponsored by DZRJ and received airplay. After that, Ocean Zoo was formed and Ethnic Faces eventually evolved in 1984.
“We formed Ethnic Faces to join a 'Punk' band  contest on a noontime show. We were basically a New Wave band but at that time when the music was just being introduced here, Punk and New Wave music was labeled 'Punk' by the entertainment & recording industry”, recalls Rhany.
Lead singer Jack Sikat is the perfect front man - painting his face, bringing a gong on stage , crooning with a sheepish sneer on stage and wearing his trademark 'Salakot'. The band’s essence was a heavy mix of new wave, which at that time was unheard of. Their contemporaries include Ironic Trauma (founded by Teddy Diaz before forming The Dawn), College, led by Arnold Morales (who later formed Put3Ska), identity Crisis and Dean’s December (with Binky Lampano).
 “I was the bassist & co-arranger for Ethnic Faces until 1997”, marvels Rhany.  The group was part of several underground compilations before they recorded ‘Golden Boy’ and  ‘Balikbayan’ for the ‘10 of Another Kind’ album. A few years later they wrote ‘Parang Bowling’ for the LA Rock album. Their solo album, ‘Dekada’ was recorded later. Indie producer Ed Formoso asked them to record a full length album.
Ethnic Faces contribution to the music scene was substantial, but, unfortunately leaving them out of any historical accounts of Pinoy Music. Still, Ethnic Faces' songs are featured in various compilation album. Ethnic faces was gone as soon as they had come back, they've paid for stubbornly refusing to give in to the pressures of mainstream appeal and for always being way ahead of their time.
Rhany, known for his fretless base guitar  also sings and play lead guitar. His influence includes  Jimi Hendrix then there's sax player Earl Bostic and pianist Bobby Enriquez. “ My playing style? A mixture of all kinds of music i listen to. I like improvising so you won't hear me play the exact same notes on performances. As far Bass influences, the first guy that caught my attention was Hendrix's bassist, Billy Cox on the Rainbow Bridge and Cry of Love albums”, reveals Rhany.
EF released an indie single in 1984, Within Tribes (their winning song in PTV 4's Ito Yun). “ I believe it's a much sought-after single amongst collectors. Golden Boy, was covered by Sheila and the Insects, no idea though if they have a recording, punk band Bad Omen and River Maya as carrier single of their  Isang Ugat,  Isang Dugo album”, recalls Rhany.
Original guitarist BOYET MIGUEL played for ‘Tame The Tikballang’ and is a partner in a graphic design and recording studio business; drummer JAYVEE TORRES and guitarist ARIEL POLICARPIO (who replaced Boyet) are now with Color it Red. Keyboardist ED RAMOS has quietly pursued the less complicated life of a musical arranger. Original Drummer BHOJIE GABRIE who said to be either a PE instructor in his alma matter or either running his dad’s security agency. His brother Jayvee, who has been Color It Red's drummer since '97, has been teaching drums at Yamaha School music since 1990.
And vocalist JACK SIKAT? Known to be a recluse, no one’s heard from him since 2010 in a pseudo reunion with Jayvee and Rhany.
“I have been active in the music scene for 38 years though in recent years i work more in recording studios either as record producer or session player. After EF, I joined The Brownbeat  Allstars led by former Put3Ska vocalist Myra Ruara (aka Skarlet)”, says Rhany.
Not bad for a band, that, made the future Eraserheads members dance to their music in UP in 1989.