Philippine Radio Blog Club

In late 90s, Salungat was a “pinoy punk/reggae” type of band. Then, in the early 2k, Harry, the main vocals of Salungat left for China. Then, the drummer, Jeff who was already in the band, came up with new members. But this new members, who are RnB people, dominated. So the bands image was changed… until Harry returned from China in 2006. Harry began to continue his art as a solo acoustic, with reggae and classic songs. At this time, Salungat was in its difficult time… losing its members until the band was disbanded. When Harry found out, he then contacted Jeff to revive Salungat. Harry then pulled in Lloyd as the bassist, Tops as the guitarist, old Salungat members Marlon the keyboardist,, Jonie and Len as female vocals. They began playing with RnB songs again. Until Harry started composing his own Reggae/Alternative songs. At first, all members supports Harry’s plan of having our own songs. But because of this, since in Laguna, RnB dominates the band industry, bar sets become seldom. Because of financial needs, other members became busy with other job, leaving Salungat with Harry, Tops, Lloyd, and Jeff. They did not give up. They continued playing with non-RnB songs, and originals. Until in early 2008, they recorded their ten Alternative-Reggae original songs. Salungat is a well known successful band in some area in Laguna. And now they are trying to step on the lights of Manila. A new journey for Salungat has begun…Presently they have weekly regular gigs in CPBS and Tres Palmas in Sta. Cruz Laguna, and C2C Pagsanjan Laguna. They also played at 70s Bistro in Cubao as front-act of Spy. Performed and supported Green Peace Coastal Cleaning Day in Calamba Laguna. September 27, 2008. Played as the official band of ANILAG Starstruck, in ANILAG 2008. January 2008. Last September 13, 2008 they locally launched their album at CPBS Café Sta. Cruz Laguna.

Listen to their songs Derailed (too late) and Oi oi

K-JAY is the next thing to blow up across the country. The movement is serious!!! Check out the debut record that is killing the streets, clubs, and starting to infect the mixshows right now called “GET ON THE FLOOR” featuring ACE HOOD & J. MILLZ.

Much more than just a southern rapper, K-Jay is an all around hip-hop
sensation. His talents include songwriting, vocal choreography and potential movie stardom. K-Jay (Kenneth Joseph)was born on May 29th, 1985 in Miami, Florida. Born of Haitian decent, K-Jay learned early from his hardworking parents what it took to get ahead, in a struggling community in Carol City. At a young age, K-Jay was a true fanof rap music. His musical influences were Outcast, Jay-Z, Biggie, Nas and DMX. At the age of 14, he began reading, studying and writing music, specializing in rap lyrics and poetry.

Over the years, K-Jay battled between his 1st and 2nd loves, rap and basketball. A natural talent in basketball led him to a stellar high school career at American Senior High boasting great stats. However, the collaboration of high school musical mates, singer Joel (Aka Jigg), Rapper THB and K-Jay sparked the formation of his first group 1-UP, and forced his basketball career to take a back seat. K-Jay wrote many songs with his new group, and at 16 he had his first official taste of the stage with 1-UP opening up for Young Buck and Juvenile in Orlando. The group created a strong buzz and performed at local venues around Miami. Time passed and different attitudes and directions for the group’s future caused 1-UP to part ways, leaving K-Jay to fend for his self as a solo artist.

He soon met a super-talented producer named Diplomat that worked hard to mold the now 18 year old rapper into a polished professional. K-Jay’s new singles titled, “I’m a G’ and “Shorty I do”, caused heavy street attention and gained underground radio play. He began to sell his CDs in the streets reaching an amazing 700 units sold. Just as his rap career began to soar, there was a knock at the door, and a shot to play basketball at University of Florida answered. K-Jay packed his things and headed north, but a torn ACL during ½ of the first seasoncaused him to return home to Carol City distressed. K-Jay was truly convinced that his music was the only way to go. He partnered with producer “Money”, and created a hit titled “So For Real”. This caught the attention of another local producer, Twisted, who quickly put him to work in the studio cranking out street anthems, “I’m Ghetto” and “Put Her in My Video”. K-Jay released his second mixed tape called “Heat Wave” which sold 1000 copies locally, proving he had Miami’s attention. It was now timeto take his career to the next level.

With new musical genius producers, House of Bangers, on his side, all he needed was a manager to make it complete. A close friend eventually introduced him to investor/manager Rayan Azab from AzDef Production Group and the two quickly entered into a partnership, sparking the start of KJays professional career and an amazing future. He states, “There’s no better feeling in the world than when I am creating my music. When people listen to K-Jay, I want them to feel like they are taking off into another galaxy” . With his young street hustler attitude on “Dreamin of Millions”, his lyrical assassin vocals on “Takin Notes” and his debonair game with the ladies on “Get On the Floor” and “Obvious”, K-Jay is quickly on his way to be Florida’s favorite rapper and the nations new breed of talent.

ESR is a Laguna-based trio emerged from an unorganized group “Spoonful” and when the band broke up in Feb 15, 2006, Don Victoria decided to name their newest music as “Picnic of the Edible Smoke Recess”. After releasing a self-titled EP, they continued their effort in finding gigs and recording some more tunes for their satisfaction and comfort. Until “Go Get It” was born, a debut album from their own pockets, from their own knowledges. But spending money doesn’t stop there, it was just the beginning of the so-called Independent Sacrificial Life.
Music Review from Mega Magazine Nov. 07 Issue by Rome Jorge
Not a lot of people get what punk is. Not the young kids who worship Emo (meaning “emotive” punk) bands of today because they weren’t born yet when Talking Heads, the Ramones or the Clash defined the genre in the 70s or when Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and David Bowie prefigured the music in the 60s or even when Nirvana finally broke through the mainstream in 90s. But Edible Smoke Recess does. They even get Emo right.
Their song “Bus Ride” rocked the airwaves. The rest of their album doesn’t disappoint either. Heavily influenced by Nirvana local punk greats such as Philippine Violators and Wuds, their music bears the attitude of Sonic Youth and Helmet but with out the overbearing seriousness. This is music that a rocker can truly enjoy. “My Emo Song” combines catchy hooks, brawny guitars, drums and plaintive and pained vocals with ironic witticism.

On the first and second elimination of the Tunog Bangus Battle of the Bands most of the bands are heavy rockin’ kids showcasing thier great talents. Who could emagine that this young kids made the night of everyone feel like they are just in the heart of holliwood rock in roll wolrd.Dagupeños had proven that there’s a lot of local talents that should be given a chance to have some exposure and give an attention by talent holders that they can go out, kick and rockin’ and make some noise with a great music that everyone should hear.

Watch out for more shots we have taken, and see you on the grand final night on 28th of April at the Foodstrip Stage in Galvan Street, Dagupan City.

Here’s an archived video of the Tunog Bangus Battle of the Bands elimination night.

Port Mahadia - Epilogue (Beach Realization) from their album Echoes in Time

Port Mahadia’s “Echoes in Time” features guest artist “David Ragsdale” of the legendary rock band “Kansas”, “Hugh McDowell” of the world famous band “Electric Light Orchestra” and “Damian Wilson” of “Threshold” who also sang Rick Wakeman’s (of YES) “Out There”. 

Port Mahadia - I of the Storm from their album Echoes in Time.

Port Mahadia - Distant Shores from their album Echoes in Time

Port Mahadia brings together a group of true rock
heavy weights. Drawing from their inspirations in the
music world PM takes progressive rock in a new
direction. Influenced by bands and musicians such as
Dream Theater, ELP, Kansas, Rush, Yes and Mozart,
Port Mahadia has evolved into a style and sound of
their own. This is the next level of progressive rock.
Welcome to Port Mahadia! 

Port Mahadia - Riding the Wind from their album Echoes in Time.

Dave Gilbert has lead an interesting life both in and outside of
music. His musical endevores has included several
acomplished acts such as Echos Aim and Louisvillles Redline.
Dave worked well for Port Mahadia’s Echoes in Time project,
bringing a needed distinction in characters to the themed
composition.
 

Port Mahadia - Times Companion from their album Echoes in Time

Cameron Castle’s expertise as a guitarist is well know among
prog fans across the US as well as Europe. Having studied music
at the Denver Guitar Institute and the University of North Alabama,
Cameron has distinguished himself as a premier musician and
composer. Cameron draws his influence from Yngwie Malmsteen,
Eric Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Brent Mason, Shawn Lane,
Dream Theater, Symphony X, John Williams, Tommy Emmanuel,
Victor Wooten and John Myung. Cameron remains involved in
music projects with a local worship team and several solo
projects.
 

Port Mahadia - Requiem of the Mind from their album Echoes in Time