Champ of Hale Band and me after a sensible chat(previously published in Panay News)
No other sensational bands in the country today plays genuine melodramatic songs with an impressive alternative genre influence like Hale known for their chart-topping singles "The Day You Said Goodbye", "Toll Gate" and "Kung Wala Ka".
Their presence in the music scene has captivated millions of younger audience, scored a 2x platinum selling debut album, hot music videos and prestigious recognitions from various award-giving bodies. With a new album entitled "Twilight", Hale tours around the country to promote their music. SM City Iloilo, the region's ultimate entertainment and shopping destination recently captivated Hale's loyal fans with a mini-concert-cum-album-promotion last November 19, 2006 at the mall's activity center.
As early as 3pm, the band's Ilonggo fans were already anticipating their presence to meet and greet them. By 5pm, the mall's activity center was filled with cheers and excitment as the band started to show up on stage and play their alternative-inspired music. Young girls were shouting and taking pictures of the band while playing on stage especially to the crowd favorite, Champ Lui Pio, Hale's talented lead vocals.
Prior to their awesome performance on stage, this writer was a give a chance to chat closely with Champ and his band members composed of Roll Martinez - guitars, Sheldon Gellada - bass, Omnie Saroca - drums. With angelic face and soft voice, Hale's frontman started to narrate the band's humble beginning in July 2004. Instead of playing indie and performing in various underground gigs, they focused on playing their original compositions. Less than half a year later, Hale signed a recording contract with EMI Philippines for a debut album which became a phenomenal success after their second single "The Day You Said Goodnight". Fans and music lovers were responsible in placing their songs at the top of the charts through massive text votes.
"Our musical influences ranges from Coldplay's melodramatic alternative music, The Corrs, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer and the rock icon Nirvana," reveals Champ who wears a white-fitted shirt at the backstage. For the band, they wanted to reach out to the sentiments and relate emotionally not only to their fans but for people who loves music. As much as possible, they make their music worth listening, the lyrics are honest and artistic. "Our second album 'Twilight' offers more songs that are worth listening which reflects our personal views and expressions that we ought to share with our fans and to other people who likes good alternative music," says Champ who's deeply optimistic for their 2007 US concert tour will kick off soon. The new album's title was taken from their idea of a 'space between lightand dark' that symbolizes life's choices. He's got a lot of favorite songs in their new studio album but "Shooting Star" is somehow close to his heart.
When asked to describe himself in three words, he vividly says: "By nature, I am a martyr (for love), honest and passionate". Since a lot of young ladies admire his charisma, the 24-year-old charming band vocalist describes his ideal girl as modest, loyal and passionate.
"For us, fame is just a state of mind and when it fades out someday, everything doesn't matter," Champ expresses his opinion about their growing popularity. For them, establishing freindship with other local bands and keeping their feet on the ground would lead them to success and contentment. The only thing that matters for them is to share and express their musical creativity.
"I know it's quite usual to say these, but we should think and try our best to contribute anything for the betterment of country. It is our conviction to help uplift and promote local alternative music," a member of the band uttered while preparing to face their screaming fans on stage. With a promising career in the music industry, Hale never gets tired of creating great music that exemplify their lifelong passion.
For comments and news about the band, fans can visit their website at hale_music@yahoogroups.com
Their presence in the music scene has captivated millions of younger audience, scored a 2x platinum selling debut album, hot music videos and prestigious recognitions from various award-giving bodies. With a new album entitled "Twilight", Hale tours around the country to promote their music. SM City Iloilo, the region's ultimate entertainment and shopping destination recently captivated Hale's loyal fans with a mini-concert-cum-album-promotion last November 19, 2006 at the mall's activity center.
As early as 3pm, the band's Ilonggo fans were already anticipating their presence to meet and greet them. By 5pm, the mall's activity center was filled with cheers and excitment as the band started to show up on stage and play their alternative-inspired music. Young girls were shouting and taking pictures of the band while playing on stage especially to the crowd favorite, Champ Lui Pio, Hale's talented lead vocals.
Prior to their awesome performance on stage, this writer was a give a chance to chat closely with Champ and his band members composed of Roll Martinez - guitars, Sheldon Gellada - bass, Omnie Saroca - drums. With angelic face and soft voice, Hale's frontman started to narrate the band's humble beginning in July 2004. Instead of playing indie and performing in various underground gigs, they focused on playing their original compositions. Less than half a year later, Hale signed a recording contract with EMI Philippines for a debut album which became a phenomenal success after their second single "The Day You Said Goodnight". Fans and music lovers were responsible in placing their songs at the top of the charts through massive text votes.
"Our musical influences ranges from Coldplay's melodramatic alternative music, The Corrs, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer and the rock icon Nirvana," reveals Champ who wears a white-fitted shirt at the backstage. For the band, they wanted to reach out to the sentiments and relate emotionally not only to their fans but for people who loves music. As much as possible, they make their music worth listening, the lyrics are honest and artistic. "Our second album 'Twilight' offers more songs that are worth listening which reflects our personal views and expressions that we ought to share with our fans and to other people who likes good alternative music," says Champ who's deeply optimistic for their 2007 US concert tour will kick off soon. The new album's title was taken from their idea of a 'space between lightand dark' that symbolizes life's choices. He's got a lot of favorite songs in their new studio album but "Shooting Star" is somehow close to his heart.
When asked to describe himself in three words, he vividly says: "By nature, I am a martyr (for love), honest and passionate". Since a lot of young ladies admire his charisma, the 24-year-old charming band vocalist describes his ideal girl as modest, loyal and passionate.
"For us, fame is just a state of mind and when it fades out someday, everything doesn't matter," Champ expresses his opinion about their growing popularity. For them, establishing freindship with other local bands and keeping their feet on the ground would lead them to success and contentment. The only thing that matters for them is to share and express their musical creativity.
"I know it's quite usual to say these, but we should think and try our best to contribute anything for the betterment of country. It is our conviction to help uplift and promote local alternative music," a member of the band uttered while preparing to face their screaming fans on stage. With a promising career in the music industry, Hale never gets tired of creating great music that exemplify their lifelong passion.
For comments and news about the band, fans can visit their website at hale_music@yahoogroups.com
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