She sings significant, soul-stirring songs. She tells sensible, satirical stories. She makes music meaningful and relevant. Her name is Sofy Aldeguer and with her band, Bita and the Botflies, she is making a noise in the music industry.
The 24-year-old started singing when she was 14. Inspired by her dad Rebel Aldeguer, Sofy formed her band which includes her dad on bass guitar. Originally named Adobo Toothpaste, their name was later on changed to The Botflies (which are parasites that grow inside human flesh). Bita, Sofy’s childhood nickname, was added as an alliteration.
Bita and the Botflies sound “groovy, trippy, and kind of creepy; blues rock with poppy melodies,” as Sofy describes it herself. They take inspiration from local icons Up Dharma Down and IV of Spades. Personally, Sofy idolizes Amy Winehouse, Lorde, Laura Marling, and Alabama Shakes.
When Sofy sings or creates songs, she tries to tell stories. So what truly sets the band apart from the rest is the sad, sometimes painful and ugly truths that their songs convey. Sofy says these truths are not yet fully accepted by the society.
“We’re exploring the roles of women in society. ‘Sisikat Ka Iha’ exposes the sad reality of women objectification in showbiz and the music industry. We are in the process of writing our next songs: one about women taking control of her sexuality and another tackling domestic abuse,” shares Sofy.
Aside from their originals, BATB also covers songs from artists they love, to relate more to their listeners. The band members are from different age brackets, so they all have different influences that contribute to the way the band’s layers sound together.
“We’re basically a group of misfits who decided to make music together, and that shows in the output,” adds Sofy. Band members are Sofy on vocals, Rhey Concepcion on bass, Rebel Aldeguer on guitar, Kevin Novenario-Navea on guitar, and Mark Lincallo on drums.
Right now, the band is focused on releasing its EP.
“We’re trying to be meticulous with the last few songs we’re working on. Hopefully, our listeners will love them. After that, we’ll do more bar tours and keep meeting new people,” says Sofy, who also likes to try reggae, jazz, and even hip hop with BATB.
Bita and the Botflies regularly plays in Saguijo. They have also played in 70s Bistro, The Minokaua, 19 East, UP Los Baños, Craft BGC, and Pablo’s BGC.
