The Filipino theory of the Big Band
Members of the Big Band Theory
Performing live is among the few pleasures that a musician wouldn’t mind indulging in. The results and creativity are displayed for all to experience. So when Big Band Theory, a band from the Philippines, was first asked by the Q’BA Bar and Restaurant in New Delhi to sign a one-year contract to play in its bar, it was an opportunity they found hard to refuse.
“Despite the Philippines having the highest number of live bands in the world, we did not have a single Filipino band playing in Delhi. We wanted to give our people a new and unique kind of experience. Music lovers can hear the Big Band on any day of the week…I am very happy to have a Filipino band play in my bar,” says Sunil Tickoo, CEO of Q’ba and @Live.
The Big Band Theory comprises seven artistes — Joe is the lead guitarist and band leader, Junnix is the guitarist and vocalist, Leo is on the keyboards, Romer the bassist, JC is the drummer; the other two band members are singers Kristine and Carmi.
From being given the opportunity to move out of their own home country, to playing for an Indian audience, the journey has been quite an exciting one for the band.
However, the band members never fell short of challenges. “The Philippines is very competitive in terms of music and live bands. But we still find it difficult to satisfy our audience in India,” says Junnix, adding, “While the crowd here is very responsive, it is also extremely demanding. We are on a contract, so we have to cater to different genres to keep our listeners happy. Although, we sometimes sing songs that are little known in this part of the world, we try to stick to the popular western numbers.”
Joe, the lead guitarist, wouldn’t agree less, but considers this as part and parcel of the learning process. “We are very happy to be here and play for @Live,” he says.
Some of the genres popular with the band are rock and pop. The band also mixes a lot of musical styles to give its audience a diverse experience. “I was trained on the piano…but after hearing a lot of classical pop, I got inclined to the guitar. This has helped me a lot now, as I mix several old and new pop songs during my performance,” says Joe.
The band is also equally in love with Bollywood music and is very keen on recording at least one song for a Bollywood film. “So far, we have not received any invitation from Bollywood. But if allowed and invited, we would love to play for a Bollywood film,” says Junnix.
Given the several number of concerts and open-air performances being hosted in India, Junnix and the other band members want to explore further and tread new paths. However, due to the tight schedule (the band plays from 8.30 pm to 1 am everyday) and contract, the band has only managed two open-air performances — the first in the US Embassy on July 4 and the latest in the Octoberfest. “It was a great experience to perform for the US embassy and the Octoberfest. The response of the crowd was also very good. We have been dying to do more open-air concerts. We even have several offers; but because of the contract, we cannot take part right now,” says Jinnix.
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