RocKoLehiyo

7/28/2019 RocKoLehiyo

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ROCKoLEHIYOMANO DE LA CRUZ

/fOR THOSE aBOUT TO ROCk

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How often could you listen to rock and roll in aCatholic institution? Answer: once a year.

Despite the consecutive rains, the crowdswarmed the Immaculate Heart Gym on thelast day of the University Days. Ten bandsshowcased their talent for the Battle of theBands organized by the University Student

Council.

With an eager ear, a camera in one hand, anda rock and roll heart, I prepared myselffor an all-night rocking experience. These

days, its hard to come by free entrance togigs unless theyre for promotion and mostof the bands that play are show bands. I washyped up because my friends band (SmokeFree) was part of the competition and finally, Ican listen to real music!

Made my way in at 6:00PM. Luckily, people

were still setting up. The sound of overdrivenguitars came to me as a nostalgia. It remind-ed me of my band days when all I wantedwas to become a rock star. Although mypriorities have now changed, rock and roll will


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still be a part of me.

Having said that, let me share you some tips on playing live, for you who are about to rock.

1. Skill Vs. Equipment?

What good is your expensive equipmentif you dont have enough skills to maximizeits use? Then, how good are your skills if youdont have the right equipment? Music playsin the principle of balance and harmony. Tryto balance between skill and equipment. Saveup for quality equipment, like this Ibanez GIOguitar of Smoke Frees Yihman. Cheaper thanthe major brands in US, this guitar will providethe same crisp, bright sound.

2. Stray away fromconventions

Isnt this what rock and roll is all about? Todeviate from what is usual, what we see daily.This was exemplified by the band JNote whogot the second place. They infused overdriv-en guitars with a melodic keyboard that hintedof their influence with Jazz. How often do youhear Jazz and Rock music combined?



3. Keep the Vibe up

If youre given 15 minutes to play, be sure to amp up the crowd instead of making themlisten to a depressing song. A diversion from lively music would be welcome if youre going

to play more than a set. Cinco, the first band to play during the night started with a fast-paced sound check and ended their set with Guns n Roses, Paradise City

The champions Hint of Lime started with a bluesy tune that became the theme of theirperformance.

I noticed that some of the younger bands werent able to keep up the energy that theystarted with. They would have a really good sound check material but then they would sud-

denly drop down during the middle of their performance.


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4. Come prepared

In war, (or at least anything that requireseffort) the team who has scarce planning andresource usually loses. So is it with music

competitions. Thats why they call it Battleof the Bands. Have ample practice weeksbefore the contest, not days before.

Be sure to bring your own equipment. Dontrely on borrowing from other bands, evenwith cables. Bringing your own equipment not

only helps you feel confident with the soundbut also makes you look professional.

Taw Batu the 3rd placers, had a quicksound check and were ready to go in a few

minutes. They lessened their prep time justby bringing their own cables.

5. play what youknow

Play what you know, not what other peopleknow. Dont dwell on what is popular unlessthat is part of what is who you are as a band.Most people would appreciate it if you intro-

duce them to a new, catchy but still unpopu-lar. Others would also appreciate it if you goback in time and do a rendition of a classic

song. In short, dont be a sell out.

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Ageo left a mark that night by playing unconventional music. Not only unconventional, theyplayed their own composition. Its not what you normally hear on the radio but it surelymade them contenders that night.



6. Keep ya head up!

This is the most important thing to remember.Joining a competition and playing in front ofa huge crowd can be very stressful and onegets easily tense. Attract positive vibrations bystarting with your body language. This couldboost up the morale among your bandmates

and is a precursor to a great performance.Have you ever seen any performer who looksat the floor while performing?

Michelle Moral of Three Days Tomorrowrelieved her tension by moving around thestage and letting the audience participate withtheir performance. They easily became crowdfavorites and left the audience wanting more.

Ultimately, being a rockstar is not dependenton the range of your vocals, the clothes youwear, or how long your hair is. Its not at allabout defying authorithy or breaking the rules.

Rock and roll seeks the beauty out of noiseand disarray. Rock and roll is a lifestyle and inour own little ways we are rockstars. Peace!

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