Category: Interviews

  • LANY talks about the writing process on upcoming third album ‘Mama’s Boy’

    LANY talks about the writing process on upcoming third album ‘Mama’s Boy’

    Philippine Concerts recently had the opportunity to interview LANY’S Paul Klein, on a quick zoom conference call. The trio are set to release their third album this year, following the success of their Malibu Nights album in 2018. Here’s an upcoming album that will tide us over through these trying and uncertain times.

    LANY frontman, Paul shares the inspiration, concept, and the writing process on their upcoming and third album “Mama’s Boy” which will be released this year. Hailing from Los Angeles, LANY is an indie band consisting of Paul Klein (vocalist), Les Priest (guitar), and Jake Goss (drums).
    LANY had released their first self-titled album in 2017, “Malibu Nights” in 2018 with chart-topping hits including “ILYSB”, “Super Far”, and “Made in Hollywood” which made them the Most Streamed Artist of 2018 in the Philippines on Spotify.

    They’ve toured the country for countless times now – during the 2017 Ayala Mall shows, Wanderland Festival, two-night sold out shows at Araneta Coliseum, a three-night sold out concerts at Mall of Asia Arena, and their recent Plus 63 Music and Arts Festival in Cebu City last February.

    Album 3

    On May 13, Wednesday, LANY dropped their first single off their studio record ‘good guys,’ and have amassed 4 million views and great reviews online. The single, per se, have revved up a lot of fans, from its steady backbeat and evocative lyrics. Klein even started posting some teasers to give some fan a piece of excitement of what they’re about to drop.

    Tweet link here
    “damn i wrote some cute ass love songs for album 3”

    “This is the first song by us that has an acoustic guitar in it, and it’s something that Jake has looked forward to, and it just made sense to introduce that – and the next song also has an acoustic guitar but with a cello in it, and there’s so many instruments and elements that we’re working in. There will be love songs, the typical LANY songs – Mama’s Boy is basically us, growing, trying things, learning new things, and experiencing,” Paul shares when asked about what to expect on their third album.

    On June 11, Thursday, PST, our team got to talk with LANY and asked more facts about the release of their Album 3. Klein shares that the album has a Southern roots and they were joined by a host of songwriting collaborators including Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay, and songwriting power couple Sasha Sloan and King Henry.

    “We shot that video at Joshua Tree and it was right around the time COVID -19 was ramping up, so we had to operate under strict rules. It (Good Guys) took two days to shoot that, wake up at 5 in the morning and catch the sunrise, then sleep at the middle of the day, and then wake at 4:30 pm to catch the sunset, so there’s a lot of sunset and sunrise on the video” he shares.

    “The creative process for us usually, it’s basically writing the song first, going to the studio, and deciding what instruments would accompany the lyrics and the melody,” he added.

    Klein also shares that their second verse of ‘Good Guys’ was written by a woman to get a female perspective as well.
    When asked whether he’s open for a collaboration with KPOP juggernauts’ BTS and BLACKPINK, Paul said that he’s open to collaborating with them, sharing that they’ve already met the girls, that they were the sweetest.

    An Ode to Her Mom

    “I owe pretty much of my success to my mom which is why the album title is an ode to her. There wasn’t a day that I missed practice, there wasn’t a week I missed a lesson. I would spend my weekends going on roadtrips to compete in piano competitions, and it was at the time, so frustration, but now, I am beyond thankful that she never let me quit.” – PJK

    We may still be waiting for the ‘Mama’s Boy’ to drop really soon, but expect an emotional windfall and ornately recorded tracks which would definitely stir your heart. Thank you, LANY, for being such efficient craftsmen of music, creating songs about love, desire, and basically songs meant for reverie.

    Special thanks to MCA Music

  • Q & A with Before You Exit’s Toby McDonough

    Q & A with Before You Exit’s Toby McDonough


    Orlando-based pop band, Before You Exit is coming back to Manila to kick-off their Asia tour. Although their line-up has changed quite a bit over the years, the band has been doing good music and touring all over the world since 2007. The McDonough brothers are set to do their fourth show in Manila and with the release of their new EP, All the Lights, we are excited to see a brand new concert on February 24, 2017 at the KIA Theatre. Toby, the youngest of the three, graced us with a phone interview yesterday.

    PhConcerts: What’s your favorite song on your new EP, All the Lights?
    Toby: Umm… Are you asking for my favorite song?

    PhConcerts: Yup!
    Toby: That’s a really hard question like asking who your favorite child is because they are like personal and close to us. But if I were to choose favorite, I think “Suit Case”. I think I will choose “Suit Case” for now, I’m really digging for “Suit Case” for now.
    PhConcerts: Thank you, can we jump to our second question?
    Toby: Yes

    PhConcerts: How was starting a band at such a young age and do you have any advice for other young people wanting to start a band?
    Toby: Yeah, my advice to those who want to start a band, starting like doing music and some sort of what I’ll just say like you never really give up with your project and you’ll never know the next day, like the next day you’ll break a record the next week or anything, you’ll never know, you just need to keep going, practice your craft and try harder because you’ll never know what will happen its unpredictable.

    PhConcerts: What is the most asked question you were asked by a fan?
    Toby: The most question? Would probably be “Will you follow me?” Everybody wants to be followed so, I think that’s the most asked question.

    PhConcerts: but, have you followed them?
    Toby: Yeah, I probably follow some because it takes time. But we do follow Street Team and try to follow some rest of the fan.

    PhConcerts: What is it for you guys doing music together and what do you like about it like doing it with your brothers?
    Toby: Doing music with my brothers is like very cool to be able to work together, since we live together, we can always walked to each other through rooms, share each other’s ideas and start a work right there. You don’t need to find and work with somebody, we can just be working and always come with ideas and that cool kind written there.
    PhConcerts: You have been touring with your brother, was there any time that you miss them?
    Toby: We work together a lot of the time like 99% all the time so there is only 1%. There is no time were really apart, I don’t know if there is a possible miss.

    PhConcerts: We have one question about Christina, you know how Philippines loved her, how we all loved her, and we just want to know what was the biggest thing that you learned from her?
    Toby: She really taught positivity and she really showed everyone how to be a good friend, she set an example in the world.
    PhConcerts: And you write your song “Cloud” for her right
    Toby: Yes, that song is for her.
    PhConcerts: What do you miss about Philippines?
    Toby: I miss all the people there, there’s a lot of people we miss; the fans, the people behind the scene and we miss seeing everybody.
    PhConcerts: Any message to your Filipino Fans who’s so excited to meet you this month?
    Toby: Yeah, we love you guys and we can’t wait to see you. It will be a fun show and hope you guys come out there and so we can meet you and see your faces

    We are thrilled that Toby, Riley and Connor McDonough will be here again for their first stop in Asia. Don’t miss your chance to see them live in Manila performing for one night only at the KIA Theatre. Tickets are available at ticketnet.com.ph and Ticketnet outlets.

    By: Jo Tagudin

    Brought to you by MMI Live

     

  • Chat with James Bay

    Chat with James Bay

    James Bay Interview

    A day before the In the Mix concert where he will be performing, James Bay arrived in Manila. As he walked in the room with a smile, he had a confident and relaxed aura. He sat on a long, black leather couch facing Philippine media ready for their questions.

    Welcome to Manila, James!
    Thanks!

    How’s touring been? I bet it’s challenging having to change time zones every now and then. How do you keep yourself sane while on tour?
    The people around me who I travel with. They’re not just people I work with. They’re my friends. That’s the best way. Otherwise, it’s just about keeping an open mind about traveling and exploring. Even though this is everything I’ve always wanted to do, you don’t know what it’s like when you’re really in the middle of it. I was a kid who didn’t really like leaving home. I liked hanging out near where I lived, but music helped me change my mind to enjoy traveling and exploring the world.
    (more…)

  • Beauty and the Beast Enchants Manila with Extended Season

    Beauty and the Beast Enchants Manila with Extended Season

    Beauty and the Beast Musical

    It’s a tale not quite literally as old as time, but one could ask just about anyone about Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and get a reminiscent smile in return.

    The traditional fairytale from the pen of French novelist Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont may be better known these days for its 1991 cartoon adaptation, but noone could dispute the fact that it’s a story deeply ingrained in the hearts of a generation.

    With this in mind, it came as no surprise that Manila instantly began buzzing when news broke that Ovation Productions would be bringing the stage adaptation of the classic to the Cultural Center of the Philippines. On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, Philippine Concerts got to sit down with some of the play’s principal cast for a chat with Hilary Maiberger (Belle), Darick Pead (Beast), James May (Cogsworth), Hassan Nazari-Robati (Lumiere), Adam Dietlein (Gaston), and Jordan Aragon (Lefou).

    PHILIPPINE CONCERTS: We’re so excited to have you here in Manila! You must be a long way from home. How are you liking your visit so far?

    HILARY:
    We’re like a 16 hour flight away from home. It’s crazy but it’s exciting.

    DARICK:
    We’re basically from the opposite side of the world which is awesome, I love it. We saw the Pope pass by and we -well, I- experienced my first earthquake here!
    (more…)

  • PhilConcerts Q&A: The Maine

    PhilConcerts Q&A: The Maine

    8123 Interview Series Part 3 – Philippine Concerts Interviews: The Maine

    The Maine at SM Skydome
    The Maine at SM Skydome

     

    The Maine is no stranger to Philippine shores. It comes as no surprise either what with their strong fan base and the talent that they have. The Maine is constantly pushing creative boundaries with what they can achieve as a band and it never disappoints. Philippine Concerts was able to chat with John O’Callaghan and delve deeper into the band’s artistic process.

    Philippine Concerts: What did you enjoy the most while recording Forever Halloween?
    John: Having the pleasure of working with Brendan Benson is something I’m rather thankful for. He opened our eyes to not only a new approach with the recording process, but tons of good tunes as well. It’s pretty neat being able to rap with someone you greatly respect!

    PC: How was the song writing and recording process like for Forever Halloween? How was it different from previous records apart from the fact that it was recorded live?
    J: The writing process remained relatively consistent with that of the past. I had handfuls of ideas and brought them to the table once we knew it was time to make an album. The recording process varied from previous albums we’d done in many ways one being we did it in Nashville, TN and had never before recorded music there. Having a producer who also creates rock music himself was a different approach from a few of the people we’ve worked with in the past. I really believe being a fan of Brendan’s music instilled a mutual trust in the five of us that allowed for a healthy environment to create expressive tunes.
    (more…)

  • PhilConcerts Q&A: This Century’s Joel Kanitz

    PhilConcerts Q&A: This Century’s Joel Kanitz

    8123 Interview Series Part 2 – Philippine Concerts Interviews This Century’s Joel Kanitz

    circuit-fest-this-century
    Joel greets the Manila crowd at Circuit Fest. Photo by Carla Barretto

     

    8123 is more than just a management company; to some, it’s the epitome of home. The Philippine leg of the 8123 Tour wouldn’t have been complete without This Century. Next in line to the The Maine, they have been one of the bands that have performed in the country the most. Philippine Concerts spoke with Joel Kanitz about their latest album and the process behind it:

    Philippine Concerts: What makes a song a This Century song? Is there a signature sound that you guys are trying to achieve so much so that when people hear it they know it’s your music?

    Joel: I’d like to believe we have a signature sound, but I’m not really sure. We try to keep our songs melody driven and uplifting, so I suppose that could be it.
    (more…)

  • PhilConcerts Q&A: Nick Santino

    PhilConcerts Q&A: Nick Santino

    8123 Interview Series Part 1 – Philippine Concerts Interviews: Nick Santino & The Northern Wind

    a-rocket-to-the-moon-at-bazooka-rocks-2013
    Nick at Bazooka Rocks Fest II

     

    There are no pauses and breaks for Nick Santino’s musical career. It hasn’t even been six months since A Rocket to the Moon’s final show, and Nick’s been busy at work. He has toured in his home base, opened for the Philippine leg of the 8123 tour, and has already released new material. Philippine Concerts had the opportunity to ask him about life as a solo artist, his future plans and what sets his Filipino fans apart:

    PhilippineConcerts: What’s the biggest difference about going solo apart from releasing music at your own pace and time?

    Nick: It was very freeing and relaxing; a little stressful at times during the writing and recording since I was the only one doing it all. But I liked that.

    (more…)

  • PhilConcerts Q&A: A Rocket To The Moon

    PhilConcerts Q&A: A Rocket To The Moon

    a-rocket-to-the-moon

    Manila fans had their hearts broken by the news of A Rocket To The Moon calling it quits several months ago. As a final hurrah, Pulp Live World brought them to Manila for a farewell set at one of the biggest music fests of the year, Bazooka Rocks II. PhilippineConcerts.com got a chance to have a little Q&A with the band’s drummer, Andrew Cook on BRF, the breakup, and the next big adventure:

    1. It’s been a few years since you were first here for LIV5 at the Ayala Malls. How do you guys feel about returning for Bazooka Rocks II and sharing the stage with so many of your fellow bands?

    We are thrilled. It’s always fun to play with friends like All Time Low. The fans here are the best so we’re happy to be back.

    2. Pulp has strung together an amazing lineup of bands for tonight’s music fest. Which band’s set are you most excited for?

    Probably Anberlin. Their drummer is really fun to watch.

    3. It’s quite a bittersweet experience for your Manila fans, mixing the excitement of seeing you again at Bazooka Rocks and the sadness of it being a farewell set. What is your message to all the fans who are coming to see you today?

    Our message is quite simply thank you. Having a fanbase like the one we have here is something we’ve never dreamed of having. We are still in awe of the support here.

    ON THE END OF AN ERA

    1. Fans everywhere were heartbroken by the news of ARTTM wrapping up a solid seven years of music together. What would you say is the main reason you decided it was time to bring this chapter of your lives to a close?

    We just needed a chance to step away and clear our heads. Things didn’t go so well with this last record and it basically took the wind out of our sails.

    2. Over the years, you’ve seen the world and played countless shows. Looking back, if you each had to pick one moment that was the most memorable or meaningful to you, what would it be?

    Last night when we walked onstage for the meet and great at Mall of Asia. I still have goosebumps from it.

    ON THE NEXT ADVENTURE (more…)

  • Bloc Party’s Matt Tong Speaks

    Bloc Party’s Matt Tong Speaks

    bloc-party-live-in-manila

    “Raw. Aggressive. Heartfelt. Uninhibited.”

    When asked to describe “Four” in four words, Matt Tong, drummer of Bloc Party, blurted out, with a bit of snigger and momentary hesitation. “Four”, the band’s latest album, is a surprise to the world of music. When the band decided to go on a hiatus in 2009, the fans weren’t sure they were getting back together. The truth was the four members of the band weren’t even sure either. Two years after, Bloc Party came back to the studio with grittier riffs and hard-hitting beats. Indeed, it is just as Matt said: “Four” is raw, aggressive, heartfelt and uninhibited.
    Matt Tong, who was in Dublin, Ireland with the band for their show in Olympia Theatre, graced the Filipino media with a phone interview on February 13. It was about 12 noon there (8pm in Manila) when we got to talk to him. Apparently, he was having his breakfast. In good spirits, he took us, bit by bit, through “Four”, the band’s future and some of his personal quirks. Read on for the interesting conversation that transpired that evening.

    Hiatus after “Intimacy” – how has this break contributed into building “Four”?
    “…The break was instrumental in its ensuring we can get back and be decent human beings to one another. I think we grew up during that time. Having a couple of years away from the band made us realize that we valued being in the band and we valued playing music for each other as well.”
    (more…)