Brian Velasco's girlfriend issues statement about rocker's death

MANILA – Portia Carlos finally broke her silence on Sunday to address “speculations, gossip, malicious rumors and lies” surrounding the death of her late boyfriend, Razorback drummer Brian Velasco.

Velasco passed away last January 16 in an apparent suicide.

In a lengthy statement sent to entertainment site Push, Carlos explained that Velasco had bipolar disorder “that causes extreme mood swings that include mania or hypomania (emotional highs) or depression (lows).”

Because of his condition, Carlos said doctors put Velasco on medication and he agreed to take it religiously.

However, they learned from the helper who regularly cleaned Velasco’s condominium unit that the musician had not asked her to buy his meds.

“After his death, they also saw some meds in the condo when his supply should have been used up by then. The helper knew when she was supposed to buy the meds if Brian had been taking it regularly,” she said.

“His manic episodes were VERY SIMILAR to his bad drunk episodes. And we all thought he was taking his meds, specifically because he has not had a manic episode since he started taking them. SO, NO. HE WAS NOT ALONE NOR ISOLATED IN HIS LAST FEW DAYS. WE HAVE SEEN WORSE AND WE JUST ASSUMED THAT IT WAS ALCOHOL AND THAT HE WOULD BE SOBER IN A FEW DAYS,” she said.

Categorically denying that Velasco was depressed, Carlos said her late boyfriend was actually making plans prior to January 16.

“On Jan 12 and 13, we spent hours training my always angry shih tzu Jack and Panchito to co-exist because we planned to live together this May so we won’t have to pay for 2 broadband accounts, 2 Meralco bills, 2 assoc dues, and decide each night which unit we were gonna sleep at, only because we needed 2 units in the same building to separate my dog from his Alfie (his recently departed dog). We thought a puppy would be easier for my dog to learn to co-exist with,” she said.

“On Jan. 13, he messaged another drum teacher-friend and asked her when their drum recital was. On Jan 13, over dinner, we were talking about the color of his suits for two upcoming weddings in my family. On Jan 15, OR A DAY BEFORE THE INCIDENT, he spoke to the mom of a student and asked if they had plans to go on a trip because he is scheduling a recital soon,” she added.

According to a psychiatrist she talked to on Saturday, Carlos said Velasco certainly had a manic-depressive episode based on the events and activities she narrated to the expert.

Meanwhile, Carlos also denied that Velasco was beating her up and that their worst fights were all shouting matches.

Carlos said Velasco was not sad his band was on its way down.

“In fact they’re in the last stages of an extremely major project that he had been so happy and excited about. Something so big that, if I'm not mistaken, has never been done in the PH music industry,” she said.

She said Velasco’s family also did not waive the autopsy to supposedly cover up drugs in his system.

“Not true. Brian did not do any drugs, not even weed. He just liked alcohol. Drugs was never a consideration in the 'waiving' of the autopsy. To us, we just lost someone we loved in the most tragic way,” she said.

Velasco joined Razorback in 1996, replacing original drummer Miguel Ortigas, and helped the band become a household name after the release of their second album, "Beggar's Moon."

Razorback's last album, "Acoustic ng Ina Mo," a compilation of acoustic versions of their hits, was released in 2015.

Last year marked their 28th anniversary as a group and saw them drop a new single, "Stargazer," featuring Wolfgang's Basti Atardi.

Velasco's death came more than a week after Razorback headlined a benefit gig for OPM legend Wally Gonzalez, a founding member of the influential rock act Juan Dela Cruz Band.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'Our hearts are broken': Razorback confirms death of drummer Brian Velasco

MANILA - Brian Velasco, drummer of iconic Filipino rock band Razorback, has died in an apparent suicide. 

His death this Wednesday morning was confirmed by his group on Facebook with a message that read: "Today we lost our brother and our hearts are broken. We love you and we will always miss you Bri." 


Velasco joined Razorback in 1996, replacing original drummer Miguel Ortigas, and helped the band become a household name after the release of their second album, "Beggar's Moon." 

Tributes were quick to arrive from fellow musicians and his fans on social media following the news. 

Razorback's last album, "Acoustic ng Ina Mo," a compilation of acoustic versions of their hits, was released in 2015.

Last year marked their 28th anniversary as a group and saw them drop a new single, "Stargazer," featuring Wolfgang's Basti Atardi. 

Velasco's death came more than a week after Razorback headlined a benefit gig for OPM legend Wally Gonzalez, a founding member of the influential rock act Juan Dela Cruz Band. 

Editor's note:

A group in the Philippines is dedicated to addressing those who have suicidal tendencies.

The crisis hotlines of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation aim to make these individuals feel that someone is ready to listen to them.

These are their hotline numbers:

(02) 804-HOPE (4673)
0917 558 HOPE (4673)
2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

RAZORBACK PARTS WAYS WITH VOCALIST KEVIN ROY!

Veteran local rock and roll band Razorback issued an official statement on the departure of their lead vocalist Kevin Roy - a founding member since since its inception in 1990.

On the band’s official Twitter account, Razorback made a clear declaration about the news to part ways with Kevin, and their plans for the future:

“We regret to announce that, due to circumstances beyond our control, we have parted ways with our singer and brother, Kevin Roy. We wish him luck in his future endeavors.”, the band stated.

"Razorback will forge ahead and give you Boars the Rakenrol you deserve. See you in the shows to come.", they assured their fans. Check out their official statement.

At this time, Kevin Roy is yet to announce a statement regarding his departure. He is the formidable voice behind the band’s hits, “Giyang”, “Payaso”, “Wakasan”, and a lot more.

source: myx.abs-cbn.com

BOAR TO BE WILD: RAZORBACK’S EARLIEST YEARS

by Radio Republic

(Razorback XXV series Part 2, click here for Part 1)

By Aleck Pulido

OCTOBER 31, 2015. Every Halloween, Pinoy rockdom celebrates the “appointed” anniversary date of seminal Pinoy rock band RAZORBACK (like a majority of bands, no one can point out formal beginnings – all just fell into place one day). But this year is extra special – the Boars mark their Silver Anniversary. Concert cum parties  for Razorback XXV are done and well-acclaimed in the 3 big islands – MINDANAO (Limketkai CDO, Oct 3), LUZON (Quantum Space Makati, Oct 17) and just recently, VISAYAS (Cafer Racer, Cebu, Oct. 24).

The Razorback history book is still adding chapters. But whenever I meet the “old school” fans, I always love to hear about the 90’s.

“I would like them to be remembered as the early, exciting good time years. That is how I remember them, anyway,” said Miguel “Migs” Ortigas, founding member and former drummer.

“Migs Ortigas and I were very unhappy with the state of Pinoy rock at the time and we decided to form a band to change this,” Tirso Ripoll, founding member and the only remaining member of the first nucleus, mused.

Former guitarist David Aguirre was only 10 years old when his step brother Migs and his brother’s friend Tirso started jamming in 1990. David, who happened to be taking Classical guitar lessons from legendary guitar mentor Benj Zialcita that time, started tagging along with them. With them is their first vocalist, Isabel Lozano (note: wait for my next article featuring her years with Razorback- author) and first bassist, Tirso’s brother, Junus Ripoll (Louie Talan came in not long after). The rest is history.

 

David sums it up perfectly:

“The early years were the most exciting time any kid could hope for. There was no other agenda on the table except to keep making the best rock n’ roll we could. Fame, wealth, and what-have-you were the furthest ideas from our collective minds. Everything happened naturally and organically, and I’m so so grateful to have been involved in “laying down the groundwork” for what has become a powerhouse institution-one of the country’s most important rock bands.

There WAS a lot of blood sweat and tears (literally) but what couldn’t kill us only made us stronger. When you have 5 energized humans putting all of their hearts and souls into the same goal and vision, there’s just NO WAY it can fail. That sort of energy is just unstoppable.”

The band’s next vocalist, Josemari “Mari” Cuervo first sang for Razorback when his batchmate Migs asked him to fill-in for Isabel who could not make it at the scheduled gig: The 1991 De La Salle High School Alumni Homecoming.

1991 LSGH REUNION




(credit: Miguel Ortigas You Tube page)

“We played “Born to be wild”, Mari reminisced. “Honestly never thought I’d be a vocalist back then. I always wanted to try drumming or the guitars but unfortunately they (the instruments) didn’t like me.” 
“My time with the band was very brief. It was a time when the band was discovering its sound. We played covers of the many rock icons which I believe influenced the Razorback sound today,” recalled Mari. 
“However brief my time with the band was, I have absolutely no regrets and I have Miguel, Tirso, Louie and David to thank for those awesome times. Once a Boar always a Boar!”  

The gig spawned other gigs, one of which was caught by Arnold Guyjoco (present editor at MYX Music Channel and active Pinoy rock axe man):

“I was a typical “preppy” guy that listens to jazz and pop. Then, I saw them  at the De la Salle University Taft’s William Shaw Theatre. That day, everybody was rushing kasi may tugtog daw. I also rushed and was able to stand near the stage.  Saw muna Karl Roy with Advent Call, reminded me of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Color It Red, knowing Cooky Chua was from school, too. 

Then the Boars went to set up. All were wearing a black shirt with “RAZORBACK” on the chest. Mestizos with goaties and long hair. Kinilabutan ako when they played Juan de la Cruz songs. Sabi nila, mga mukhang Jesukristo na nagtatagalog! After the set, it made me daydream til I went home. Changed my clothes from preppy clothes to jeans, black shirts, tie dyes, chucks and boots; listened to classic rock and all.”

Then came their first regular gig – Saturdays at the fabled Kalye Bar. Initially, their audience were composed of friends, schoolmates and family. But eventually, word of mouth brought other fans. My age group admitted they were brought by their Titos (kudos!) and their “music re-education” began.

 

Long-time fan Max Mahinay acknowledged that, “Kalye is where I found deeper appreciation for Pinoy Rock, hearing “Laki sa Layaw”, “Beep Beep”, “Kagatan”, “Pagbabalik ng Kuwago”, “Project”, “Nadapa sa Arina”, “Palengke” and lots more. Hearing these songs live blew me away. At first I didn’t even believe my friend when he told me those songs were’nt Razorback originals, not until he lent me a cassette of Juan De La Cruz “Live” album and I heard the original versions for the first time.” 

Max continues, “During the time when most teens were heavily into grunge or punk, Razorback and Kalye somehow steered me away from all that and literally made me look up bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, Foghat, Lenny Kravitz, AC/DC, Burning Tree, The Cult (Mari also recalled singing classics from the Rolling Stones, Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and his favourite: Metallica’s
“Enter Sandman” – author). Kalye was where I heard these band’s songs live through Razorback and it’s what kept me coming back.”

“Each and every one of those KALYE bar gigs in the beginning were nothing short of EPIC!!! That’s where we got our feet wet (among other things), cut our teeth, and learned what and what not to do onstage,” David recollects.

“The Kalye days….most memorable times with the band. After watching Coco Jam and doing some front acts, Razorback had its own Saturday night at Kalye. We had the place packed each and every time. The booze flowed and the funny smokes burned as we rocked 3 SETS into the early morning. Each and every time I went home with my voice gone! “ reminisced Mari.

 Always had my ginger juice (salabat) to try and keep whatever voice I had left. I will never forget one Saturday I had absolutely No Voice and we had no choice but continue the gig. The crowd knew each and every song so the gig went on with guest vocalists and the crowd singing along….nothing but really great times at Kalye.” 
 
During Mari’s time, they made an attempt to write and record. “I was never a song writer so the guys had to get together to put some lyrics and music. The song was called ‘Victims of Circumstance’ and I remember going to the studio of Stephen Lu in BF Homes to record it. The song never made the cut. There were no more attempts to make another original song until Kevin came in.” Mari revealed.

Aside from the Kalye, the Boars appeared on TV shows Music Bureau and RSVP. (Video credits: Miguel Ortigas You Tube Page)


BURNING TREE RSVP



They open-heartedly agreed to play for gigs for a cause (and they still do today).  But those days were also the days where they were still seeking respect from the Pinoy rock community as they were a complete departure from the typical “Pinoy rock band” prototype. They proved them wrong… always. That’s why they are still rockin’ after 25 years!

“There is one gig that comes to mind. It was a free concert organized against the Nuclear Power Plant in Bataan. The venue was at the Quezon memorial circle and the crowd was roudy and loud. We came on after Francis M and I remember stepping on stage and the crowd was shouting all kinds of obscenities at this ‘Mestizo’ band. I turned back to MIguel it was decided to do Mike Hanopols ‘Jeproks’…the crowd went crazy in the mosh pit. I guess they didn’t think this ‘Azkal’ could sing Tagalog!”, enthused Mari.

Then Mari went separate ways with the band. Kevin Roy passed the frontman audition in 1992 ushered another Razorback age: The Hebigats Sounds period, which also started at Kalye Bar. We shall tackle that in the next chapter.

Though I didn’t get to witness these early years, I am blessed to have witnessed the Razorback reunion gigs in the new millennia. I was thrilled to be given a kind of “second chance”. When asked about the reunion jamming, these 3 agreed on one word… “FUN!” (video credit: Aleck Pulido’s You Tube page)


REUNION GIG 2009



“Absolutely awesome feeling. Brings back so many memories and just for that moment feels like just yesterday. Everything kicks-in and you just let the energy go. Enjoyed it each and every time,” enthused Mari.

“Every time I hop onstage with the Razor boyz, I feel like we’re just picking up from where we left off… without missing a single beat. It’s like coming home to your folks for the holidays… it’s comfortable insanity,” added David.

“Always the best jams. Those guys are so much fun to play with,” said Miguel


ONCE A BOAR, FOREVER A BOAR. And let me end this piece with the Razorback alumni’s best wishes for RAZORBACK on their Silver Anniversary


“Congratulations, guys! Whatta ride! I am so proud of you on reaching 25 years as a band. I still love the music! Keep it coming, please. Rock on, brothers!” 

– Miguel Ortigas


“I can’t express enough how truly proud I am of them boyz. For a band to stick together for a quarter of a century through thick and thin, highs and lows, and in sickness and health, is no simple feat… not to mention keep on making awesome honest rock’n'roll. Razorback is a prime example of what separates the men from the boys. No artistic compromise was ever made… Everything done Razorback’s way, and the solid quality of the band’s loyal following is a testament to that. Thanks for continuing to inspire. Love you guys!” 

– David Aguirre


“ROCK ON BOARS! \m/ You guys have influenced so many to pick-up and follow for 25 years….25 years is huge! The respect you have from so many people in the industry is immeasurable. The fans that have followed and continue to follow you guys just shows how much you have been a part of their lives. Continue the craft and ROCK ON! Congratulations on the Silver, on to the Gold! Cheers!”

– Jose Mari Cuervo

Videos: Miguel Ortigas (youtube)

Photos: Jose Mari Cuervo and Razorback official facebook page


Aleck Pulido is a practicing pharmacist by day and music geek and fangirl by night. She is part of the social entrepreneurial online shop Jeepneyrockstop whose goal is to support Pinoy artists by helping promote and sell official licensed merchandise and serve as a bridge between fans and their music heroes thru photos, videos and articles.

source: radiorepublic.ph

Silverback: Razorback Celebrates 25 years of Chest Pounding Rock’n'Roll

Words and photos by Francis Reyes



I first met Tirso Ripoll when he was in his mid-teens. His brother Junus, then an aspiring musician and model on the side, was a friend in college. A classmate knew I played guitar and Junus was doing some recordings; maybe I could work with him? While nothing came off the two songs he recorded, we did become good friends and jamming buddies, plugging our guitars on a little amp bought in Quiapo. We’d plug in upon waking up and at one point were joined by their dad who brought out a trumpet, humorously played screaming off-key wolf tones and told us, “Guys, why’d you stop? We’re jamming. Ahhh! You guys suck!”



We listened to records and there I was agog at the Iron Maiden double LP “Live After Death” which was not available locally. Tirso said, “It’s galeng no? You wanna borrow it? Check out Ozzy’s ‘Mr. Crowley’ EP, Randy Rhoads, pare! Borrow anything you want, man.” This was probably the first time I hung out in their house. When I gave back the records maybe a month later, he reminded me to borrow anything I liked. There was no deadline, no “well, yeah but you better not scratch them and you better give them back” reminder. He didn’t play guitar then; mostly he was in front of a PC playing Ultima II or III running on DOS. Occasionally, he would pick up his brother’s by-then neglected untuned acoustic guitar, slowly and randomly hitting the low E string.

A few years later, I was in The Dawn in Makati, ready to play in a bar called Kalye. Fifteen feet away, I see a long-haired bearded Tisoy walking briskly towards me, arms spread out. Uh-oh, who is this dude, is he like gonna punch me or something? He does look familiar. “Hey man! Long time no see, pare!” and gives a swirling hug. Oh, it’s Junus! “No man, it’s Tirso!” Whoa! We catch up and chat about his brother who by then had moved to Australia. “Hey check out my band Razorback. Yeah, I play guitar now. We have this kid guitar player, he’s like 11 or something, but pare, he’s so galeng!” That kid was of course David Aguirre; that night was 25 years ago. And yes, Ripoll had plenty to be proud about even then with the classic five-man two guitar lineup playing riffy hard rock that was not exactly in fashion at the time… and they were tight. He also knew how to navigate all 6 strings. Since then they’ve recorded many albums  and songs that have since become part of Pinoy Rock canon, had line-up changes, and weathered the occasional internal issues… par for the course for any band worth its salt, really.

Razorback celebrated their silver anniversary in Quantum and it was a no-frills affair in contrast to last year when they dressed up as security guards. There really is no need for any production gimmickry anyway: the revelrie is in the riffery  and Kevin Roy’s numerous and lengthy anecdotes and spiels (“I haven’t told the guys yet… well, now they’ll know. I’m sick, I have a disease… HIV, Hair Is Vanishing.”) The audience generally were well-behaved, populated by fans who still could not believe that the band has been around for a quarter of a century. To call the evening “mellow” is inaccurate however, not with Legarda and Ripoll’s brute force guitars, Bryan Velasco’s forceful drumming, and Louie Talan’s driving basslines challenging the acoustics of the venue, and the cheers that greeted every warhorse they played. The set was split in two; during the break, Talan admitted “Pinulikat ako. My arms were cramping up.” A silver anniversary is a milestone and the band carefully chose songs from their catalog, but their irreverence outweighed any sense of preciousness. Velasco kept telling the road manager he needed to pee and found the time to do so before playing “Payaso” since Roy was engaged in banter that allowed a quick run to the dressing room.

 
Some hairlines have gone higher and mid-sections wider, sure, but what do you expect after twenty five years? Razorback continues to be one of the hardest rocking ensembles in the country. Ripoll himself may now look like a seasoned daytime businessman that he is (he runs his family’s cigar business) far and away from the rock guitar hero mien of yore, but he’s still, somehow, that kid who found his voice through a bent string.

 source: radiorepublic.ph

RAZORBACK: THE SECRETS OF ROCKIN’ 25 YEARS

By: Aleck Pulido

October 2015 is Razorback XXV month! As we celebrate the Boars’ 25th anniversary with  concerts in Luzon (Quantum Space Makati today, Oct 17th), Visayas (Racer Café, Cebu on Oct 24th) and Mindanao (the successful comeback to Cagayan de Oro last Oct 3rd at Limketkai), we ask the silver question, “What must a band or artist do to stay rockin’ for 25 years or more?”

LOVE YOUR SONGS.  Whenever I ask the Boars this question, “What Razorback song is your favourite?” I always get this answer: “Very difficult question. Like asking which of my kids are my favourite. I love them all.”

As Tirso Ripoll (founder and guitarist) puts it, “I want Razorback to be remembered as a band that was honest to our craft and made music that WE wanted to hear.”



DON’T DWELL ON COMPARISONS. As fans, we admit to the sin of comparing our local bands with international ones, calling such bands the “ of the Philippines. Or ask the perennial question, “How do you differ from ”.

Razorback, also my fellow fans of Juan de la Cruz, Sampaguita, Cocojam, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, to name a few, were influenced by their idols. They started in the scene by doing covers, but they eventually made their “own sound”.

As Guitarist Manuel Legarda replied (on comparisons between the 2 bands he’s currently in), “Comparing the two would be apples to oranges. Both are citrus but different in dynamics. Musically, I react and play accordingly to what I’m hearing on stage.”



CONTINUE MAKING NEW MUSIC. “The incredible shot of life that I get when we write a song…,” was Tirso’s reply when I asked what inspired the Boars to continue making music. Not resting on their legacy, Razorback released a single digitally this year, “Leads Me Home” and are about to revisit their old songs in the upcoming album, “Acoustic ng Ina Mo”.

“Stories inspire me. Real stories that get turned into verse,” Kevin Roy, Boars vocalist, added.

We are excited to hear the new stories, Kevin.



ADJUST TO CHANGES. The Boars are adapting well to the “digital music age”.  They plan to continue releasing songs as soon as it is mixed to digital music websites.

Tirso shared their experience so far. “The ability to release our music at any time to the entire world is brilliant. Not too long ago, this was only afforded to a select few. These few were selected by a couple of record company executives who, more often than not, had no idea or appreciation for what they were doing. It was just a job, and if they were having a bad day when your tape landed on their desk, then you were out of luck. That has changed, for the better.”

Another positive aspect is to be able to speak directly with the audience in practically real time.  But just the same, they acknowledge that dealing with illegal duplication and downloading of their work is an uphill battle.

And as 2 and a half decades passed by, the band has to cope to other responsibilities outside music as well. The secret, according to Bassist Louie Talan is, “To drink. A lot. Also, I also make time to step back, get a good bird’s eye view of what lies ahead and plan accordingly. This makes it easier for me to remain in the zone for any particular task because I’m free from panic and worry; knowing that everything else has already been mentally sorted out.”



PLAY MAXIMUM ROCK N’ ROLL—LIVE! The best way to explain this is to go the Razorback gigs. From small bars to stadiums – they give their 200% every time. Give it a try!



TREAT YOUR BAND MATES LIKE FAMILY. “At this stage, Razorback has gone beyond the music… simply a band of brothers,” attested Jose Mari Cuervo, a former front man of the band.

“They are great friends. They are friends before being band mates,” shared former drummer Miguel Ortigas.

Drummer Brian Velasco admits being with a band is roller coaster ride. “So much has happened throughout the years. It’s not the sex, drugs and rock & roll we all love reading about; a lot of music and booze, yes. What I can say is that it’s growing up with a long-term barkada with common interests. Eventually from these interests and experiences, the barkada evolved into a family – a family I am truly honoured to be a part of and hope would endure another 25 years into the future. More music and laughter despite the blood, sweat and tears. Bring it on!”



GRATITUDE ROCKS! Razorback always acknowledges that 25 years of rock wouldn’t have been possible with the contribution of former band mates, family, friends and fans.

Tirso: Thank you for making this ride awesome! We couldn’t have done it without ya!

Kevin: To those who’ve listened to us, come to our shows, bought merchandise and made us feel loved, 25 years of thanks! What we do, we do for you, guys.

Brian: The fans? Just stay as wild and crazy as you are. By doing so, we all win. Thank you for being with us all these years. We couldn’t have been in this place without you! Peace, love and orgasm!



MAKE FANS AND LISTENERS FEEL EMPOWERED AND  PART OF THE JOURNEY

On behalf of my fellow fans, I want to thank you, Boars for saving my life with your music! For articulating what we wanted to say, for accompanying us as our soundtrack and catharsis for every milestone and crucible in our 25 years together. Thank you for the music… Boars for life!

The secrets are out. Go out and form a band!



HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY, RAZORBACK!!!   

(Aleck Pulido is a freelance writer and photographer, an avid music fan from Pinoy rock to classical crossover. She also is practicing hospital pharmacist and “better late than never” musician wannabe. And 100% Boar. Support her cause for music social entrepreneurship at  http://facebook.com/Jeepneyrockstop, http://facebook.com/Jeepneyrockstop or visit her Pinoy rock archives at http://www.facebook.com/pinoysrock and http://www.facebook.com/pinoysrock.

source: radiorepublic.ph

Razorback with Jacq Yu On Their Upcoming Album

In celebration of Razorback’s upcoming anniversary and album, we invited Jacq Yu to talk to the band to find out more about what can be expected of it. She found out that it will have 8 songs, is all acoustic, will be released online, has some guest artists in it, and a bunch of other things too!

This interview also features Batman’s nipples and Bazinger Z! Needless to say, the interview was a riot!

Check it out yourselves!

For more on Razorback, please click here.

source: radiorepublic.ph

Razorback Ultimate Rockstar Night

This October 17, 2015, in celebration of Razorback’s 25th year anniversary, Razorback and Radio Republic are giving away a chance for you to party like a rock star with the band at their anniversary concert!

Did you ever want to see what it’s like to hang out with the band backstage before a show? What about have an open bar where you can drink as much as you can? Even better, not worry about how you’re going to get home after a night like this?

Well, the time has come!



One lucky person is going to get the chance to win all of this for one night only!

This is what you have to do to join the contest:

- In the comments section below, tell us your favorite Razorback experience.

On Thursday, October 15, we announce the winner who will get all of this for 2 people!

* You must be 18 years old or above to join the contest



Ultimate Rockstar Night



Free Entrance for (2)

Drink all the beer you can for the Razorback 25th Concert

Backstage Access

Grab Car/Uber Ride Home

Free 12 Hour Stay at Victoria Court



Good luck to everyone!

source: radiorepublic.ph

Rocking the silents

As winged demons and tortured souls squirmed quietly onscreen, Filipino rock band Razorback had a raucous, rocking time providing live music scoring to the 1911 Italian film “L’Inferno” (based on the classic “Dante’s Inferno”) at the 5th International Silent Film Festival held at the Shangri-La Plaza mall recently.

During rehearsals, lead singer Kevin Roy would intermittently jump from his seat and dash to the screen for a better view. “I had to constantly check the moving pictures and check with my band mates, too.”

On the night of the actual performance on August 27, however, Roy had to remain seated throughout the screening. “We couldn’t distract the audience,” he told the Inquirer.

Semblance of structure

In scoring a silent film, the band realized, the movie and the music are the stars—unlike in concerts, where their larger-than-life personalities inevitably hog the spotlight.

Roy related that they got sections of songs from their past six albums and composed a few new tunes, too, “along with transition jam riffs.”

To tell the story of Dante’s journey to the nine circles of hell, they raided the “hellish” tunes in their catalogue, like “Teacher,” “Diwata” and, for the closing credits, “Mana,” according to bassist Louie Talan. “We had to come up with some semblance of a structure,” Talan said.

“At the same time, there was plenty of room to improvise,” said guitarist Manuel Legarda. “It wasn’t exacting.”

They played it by ear, literally. It helped that they tackled some of the film’s karmic motifs in their latest CD, “Three Minutes of Glory,” which will be released later this month.

“We got recurring themes and lyrics that echo the story. We followed the movie’s rhythm,” said Roy, who confessed to the jitters a few hours before show time. “I felt drained,” he said. “Tense.”

Except for Talan (who jammed with Noli Aurillo, Spy and Garlic in past editions of the silent film fest), the band members were newbies in the scoring biz, said drummer Brian Velasco.

“It was a new experience for us,” guitarist Tirso Ripoll agreed. “We learned to be more subtle in our performance and to be more attentive to each other.”

Plus, Velasco said, they had to remain totally alert during the performance, “to make sure that we were in sync with what was happening onscreen.”

“I had to give up alcohol,” Roy joked. “I couldn’t afford to space out.”

Talan confessed that this gig gave him a crash course on the Italian epic poem. “I must’ve cut classes when we tackled ‘Dante’s Inferno’ in high school.”

“We ventured out of our comfort zone,” said Ripoll. “It’s good to try new things. It’ll help us grow.” He found it sweetly ironic that “a 100-year-old film took them to another artistic level.”

Booked solid

Would they do other “scoring” projects in the future? Already, there is talk of an encore, especially since “L’Inferno” was a certified hit and was booked solid days before the fest, according to Emanuela Adesini, cultural attaché of the Italian embassy.

“There are plans to bring it to Cebu or Davao,” said manager Patrick Pulumbarit.

Roy quipped: “It opened doors to other forms of art. I’d gladly do it again.”

Source: http://entertainment.inquirer.net/12239/rocking-the-silents