3 more bands vie for spot in ‘Dwelo’ semfinals

THE battle for the best band of the country continued on Saturday, as three groups vied for a spot in the semifinals in “Dwelo,” the music competition co-produced by The Manila Times with Tag Media Group at the Infinitiv Events Place in Makati City.

Audio Sundae, a Makati-based band, which thrives on alternative pop rock, opened the event.

‘DWELO’ ROCKS Eric Advincula (right) of the band Audio Sundae rocks the stage as auditions for the music competition ‘Dwelo’ resumes on Saturday, December 7. Dwelo is co-produced by The Manila Times and Tag Media Group. PHOTO BY ORVEN VERDOTE

With its influence of ‘90s songs and exposure in songs by the band Paramore, obssession in Japanese rock bands and modern music, Audio Sundae pulled off multiple compositions that would rock our world.

The band calls its music as “Hokage Rock” because of the normally “smooth” nature of its sound, combined with a certain aggressiveness in certain parts of its compositions.

Eric Advincula plays the group’s vocals and rhythm guitarist, Jake Pengson the lead guitarist, Sim Potot on bass guitar and Rico Conchijo on drums.

They have guested in MOR 101.9, Monster Radio, Energy FM and Pinas FM. They also performed before a big crowd at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan and at a concert at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Meanwhile, Tonkatsuki, an alternative punk core band originated in Manila, came next.

Its name was derived from a combination of tonkatsu, a Japanese dish of fried pork coated in breadcrumbs and the ninja group “Akatsuki” from the anime “Naruto.”

The band started as a simple four-piece group that only wanted to join a battle of the bands at an office, but ended up bagging first place in the event.

The last performance was by JAM Side, an alternative pop band based in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

JAM Side is on its second year as it seeks to make a name in the music industry.

During audition, the band performed “Split,” a song about a lover who reminisces about his past relationship, and “Batang Hilaw,” a song that delivers a strong message on the current situation of the youth.

Judges Adonis Tabanda, a well-renowned musical director, and Grace Nicolas, Tag Media Group chief operations officer, were stunned by the performances of the last three bands to conclude the second set of auditions.

Together with the other competitors, those who passed the selection process would compete in the semifinals on December 19 at Antipolo, Rizal.

Only the Top 6 contenders will perform in the Dwelo grand finals on Jan. 30, 2020.

Awaiting the winning band is a cash prize, a recording contract and exposure in concerts and events.