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Interview by Michelle Kaylie
Photos by Joseph Tutanes

Dax Balmeo (Vocals/Rhythm Guitars)
Butoy Lofranco (Lead Guitars)
Japo Anareta (Bass/Vocals)
Greg Lamanilao (Drums)

Are there other endeavors you go into aside from your band?
DAX: I’m an English Teacher. Currently I’m looking to be a Writer.
BUTOY: Lawschool.
JP: Events Coverage and the usual bumming around of course. Haha!
GREG: I work as a legal analyst for the Securities Exchange Commision of the Philippines.

How do you balance your time between regular work and gigs?
DAX: Coffee and energy drinks are my best friends.
BUTOY: I always provide time to play every weekend when there is no class or work.
JAPO: I'm always available.
GREG: With my work, it's almost impossible to have time for playing music, but Valetparking has been my refuge from the real world, so I always provide time and effort for the band.

Do you believe in seducing the crowd?
DAX: I believe in letting the music speak for itself.
BUTOY: Yes, especially the Yamites.
JAPO: Nope... Because I can’t even seduce a single person. Ha ha! Maybe Greg can do it. Unfortunately, he's always behind us.. (laughs)
GREG: Haha! Seducing the crowd? How do you do that? I think I need a little pointers on this one.

What's an effective song or music?
DAX: It depends on the listener. If the song can relate to a moment or an emotion in a person’s life, then the song has done its job.
BUTOY: Inspirational, influential, catchy and melodic.
JAPO: I think it's a combination of
substance and musicality.
GREG: Something unique which would open the imagination of the listeners.

What's the best thing about being in a rock band?
DAX: Self Expression, Making something out from nothing, free beer.
BUTOY: Fame and fortune. (laughs)
JAPO: It’s the feeling that you get when you’re performing onstage. It transcends everything.
GREG: Rock band, it makes you hard. (laughs)

Summarize your accomplishments as an artist.
DAX: Gaining respect from artists I look up to, sharing the stage with my idols, making great friends along the way.
BUTOY: Gigs at concerts and being able to play with big time bands.
JAPO: Being together for more than half-a-decade is already a huge accomplishment for us.
GREG: Nothing special, probably being able to fuse all my inspirations onto a solid song.

When you're performing, is there a conscious effort to inspire people?
DAX: Yup. I’d be a hypocrite to say no. Every artist wants to inspire. If not, then their in it for the fame and money which makes it pointless. If I wanted fame or money, I’d rather be an actor.
BUTOY: Yes, especially in playing the instrument and displaying confidence in all stage performances.
JAPO: I think there is... I think... No wait... Hmmm... Yup, I think there is... (laughs)
GREG: Definitely.

What do you think is the best song that best defines your life now?
DAX: Waiting for the 7:18 by Bloc Party or anything by The Smiths.
BUTOY: If 6 was 9 by Jimi Hendrix.
JAPO: I’m Only Sleeping by The Beatles.
GREG: We all die young by Steel Dragon

Live Musical Performance from The Sobrang Gudnite Show with Jojo A.
Comedia Live at QTV Channel 11