itchyworms

To break in to the band scene is already like looking for a needle in a haystack. Lucky if they pass that phase but the next steps would prove to be a challenge - keeping the momentum, establishing credibility and longevity.

Only a few bands experience such kind of popularity yet still gaining the respect of both critics and colleagues at the same, continue to bring good music to the audiences. Itchyworms is one band that fits to the description.

Starting off as an independent band in 1996, this band has come a long way to being a signed artist and one of the most respected in the industry today. Formed by Ateneo college orgmates Jazz Nicolas (drums/ vocals), Kelvin Yu (bass/ vocals) and Jugs Jugueta, this former trio added Chino Singson to fill the second guitar position in 1997.

The band counts The Beatles, Sting, the Police, Dada, Superdrag, Matthew Sweet, Weezer, the Zombies, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Paul McCartney, Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius, Eric Clapton, Metallica, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Extreme, Van Halen, and the Eraserheads among others as musical influences.

Their music, guitar-driven pop rock embellished with two or three-part vocal harmony conquered the airwaves, most notable of which are “Akin Ka Na Lang” and the number one single “Beer.” With their flair for writing witty and cohesive lyrics, Itchyworms became more of a household name with their contributions for commercial jingles and television show theme songs. They have likewise received awards and nominations from prestigious award-giving bodies like the MYX Music Awards and NU Rock Awards.

Nothing can stop Itchyworms from further rising as they are now on their new home - Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

“We are happy to be part of a new family and we are grateful they welcomed us with open arms,” Jugs said.The band just came out with their major-label release called “Self-Titled.”

“This is the first time we produced our own album,” Jugs said when asked with the album title. The album features the hit carrier single “Penge Naman Ako Nyan” which lorded over the charts of NU 107’s “Stairway To Seven” for weeks and garnered heavy rotation on the airwaves of top radio stations in the country.

Like in their past albums, Jugs and Jazz took the songwriting chores which were inspired by personal experiences. It can be heard on the 15 remaining originals like “Freak-out Baby,” “Bugbog Sarado,” “Awitin Para Sa Mga Nagmumuni-muni” and “Gusto Ko Lang Sa Buhay.”

“Our sound right now is more representative of what is currently in our heads but the strengths and pop sensibilities in our past albums are still there,” Chino said. “Self-Titled” is now out in CDs at leading record stores nationwide under Sony BMG Music Entertainment

source:http://www.myxph.com