It won’t hurt if you are a new band and someone seasoned is vouching for you.
This is exactly the case for Ivory Music and Video’s new recruit Sandiwa which released in digital form its debut original song “Gunita” last March. A few weeks ago, the band was launched to the press at Historia Boutique and Bar in Quezon City, with guest artists Joey Ayala and Cooky Chua on board.
The appearance of both 90s stalwarts surely caught attention. Yet, the realization that the band is under the management of Thea Pollisco is worth-noting and further serves the plot. Wife to rapper Gloc 9, Thea is nevertheless the woman behind the beloved man’s meteoric success. And even to the triumph of his protege Shanti Dope.
No less than the acknowledged living king of rap in the land affirmed that whatever push being accorded the new group does not match the high level of talent it can actually offer the public.
“Napaka-fresh ng tunog nila. Mararamdaman mong pinaglalaanan talaga nila ang songwriting,” said the hitmaker prior to jamming with Sandiwa live on stage. “Yung song nila parang isang kanta na matagal mo nang hindi naririnig tapos narinig mo na ulit.”
“Gunita,” no doubt the driving force that currently provides the band with more than 40 thousand listeners less than two months after its release, is described similarly in reference material for the press, informing that it “will have you head-bobbing while reminiscing yesterday’s love.”
The track has already been featured on Spotify’s multiple playlists, including Philippines Viral 50, Chillax sa Gabi, Pinoy Rakrakan! and Pinoy Alt Rock. Its music video noted for emphatic storyline premiered on MYX last April 17 to rousing acclaim.
The band’s frontman, referring to the career-ushering single, told spectators at the Historia gig, “Nagising na lang ako ng malungkot na wala na ‘yung taong ‘yun. Hanggang sa gunita ko na lang siya mararanasan.” It’s the type of lyrical poetry the band intends to showcase in their songs.
Sandiwa is composed of Samuel Mopal, Yeoj Rivera, Jeremiah Torda, Harold Tabuno, and Alex Rale. Collectively they echoed, “Yung una, another outlet lang namin ito. Two years ago we were formed out of ‘friends of friends.’ Hindi kami makapaniwala na umabot na sa ganito. But we do understand that it’s a new chapter for us.”
They added, “Marami pa kaming baong kanta. Tulad ng sinabi sa amin ni sir Gloc 9, gawa lang kami ng gawa ng kanta.”
This band, citing as influences the likes of Rico Blanco and Ely Buendia, is out for a mission. In a prepared statement, it echoed, “Ang Sandiwa ay nakikiisa sa pagsulong ng makabagong musikang Pilipino. Musikang orihinal at mapagpalaya.”
It is almost a given that Sandiwa will soon collaborate with Gloc 9 on a record. Brace yourself for a set of lyrics sincerely deep, sung or spoken.