My Thing For Music: The Local Band Junkie In Me

For more reasons than one, I'm glad I grew up here in Davao City. The environment here is relaxed, reflecting the city's every facet. So, surprise! The local music scene is exactly how the city is.

Despite Davao City not being targeted for international bands to rock out, local big bands have come to the stage. Here are some that I've attended:

accidental posing with Chicosci's vocalist, Miggy Chavez, at the CAP Auditorium

*12.18.09*

This Gathering: Franco band at Jickong's Bar, Torres

*10.23.10*

Attack of the South: Urbandub at Matina Town Square

*03.26.11*

(credits to Maritoni Nanini)

5x5 Artwork event featuring Up Dharma Down at Abreeza-Ayala Mall

*9.16.11*

Barbie Almalbis back-to-back with Franco at Abreeza-Ayala Mall

*11.19.11*

Through attending those concerts, my ears have been graced by the music of homegrown and emerging talents. To name a few, there's Jad Montenegro (who has already released two teasers of her EP, check it out!), To The Tune of Lilies (listen and download *for free!* their EP on their Facebook page) and Lost Tribe. There are three fellow Davaoeño bands/artists who etched their names in the Philippine music scene as a whole--eevee, Nescafe 3-in-1 Soundskool 2009 winner; Skeights, Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 finalist; and Julie "Juris" Fernandez, acoustic group MYMP's  former vocalist.

For those who desire to have their music heard in events, there are Battle of the Bands held in almost every school; the Mix Sikat contest, sponsored by Mix FM Davao 105.9; and Killerbee FM Davao 89.1's Indie Night held every Monday. As for venues which cater jam sessions and walk-ins, Davao has Sa'Less Diner and Moozika, Lion's Reggae Bar and Plates, Durian Bar, and Matina Town Square (Taboan and Kanto Bar) with locations ranging from downtown to the south of the city. (Note: These are only some of the events, venues, and bands which Davao offers and not the complete list.)

For the listeners ('cos it's considered ~*hip*~ to support the local music scene and that includes me!), those gigs give out a most "chillax" mood. I find myself just sitting down and feeling all the tension go out of my body. I observe others, who are doing the same and who lazily chug a beer from time to time. Gigs in malls are comparable, minus the alcohol of course. But wherever the venue is, the vibe is more or less the same.

So if you're a Davaoeño searching for more justifications to love the city even more, drown yourself in the local music culture. And if you're a traveler who has just set your foot here, do just the same. Life is here, people!