Who would think that a band named after a manga character in a video game can command serious attention in the music industry?
Sony Music’s newest recording act, Eevee, has proved yet again that you don’t judge a book by its cover---let alone its Pokemon-inspired name.
Composed of Enzo Miguel Villegas (vocals, guitars), Paolo Segura (lead guitars, back up vocals), Jerrick Sy (bass) and Craig John Neniel (drums), this Davao-based group is yet to mark a year together, but they have already achieved things more seasoned bands can only dream of.
Formed in April last year after a series of referrals from common friends, Eevee were able to best 13 college bands from all over the country just months later at the prestigious Nescafe 3-in-1 Soundskool 2009.
“We learned about the contest when Nescafe gave away free coffee at school. We saw the poster and thought, ‘Why not?’” said Enzo.
Although no one was as gobsmacked with the victory than the band members themselves, what’s more mind-blowing --- especially to those who tried harder than they did but failed nonetheless --- is Eevee’s motivation.
“We wanted to go to Boracay,” Enzo said sheepishly, referring to one of the prizes in the contest.
Well, they got that, the title, the P250,000 cash prize, music equipment for the school they represent and soon, a debut album out on record shelves. How lucky can you get!
Dubbed “Paramdam,” it is composed of 11 tracks all of which the band describes as “love songs with a beat and some special sauce.” Eevee is all set to level up their presence on the scene via the carrier single, “Gusto Ko Lang Ng Girlfriend.”
“It’s not ballad, it’s not outright alternative, it’s like anti-stress songs, feel-good...like Michael Bublè learns to rock,” said they.
Right. Or, to use other adjectives, their music is “catchy,” “impressive” and “refreshing.” Indeed, the quartet is bound to win over music aficionados by not pandering to anyone, yet offering music that’s innately irresistible to everyone.
Sony Music is rolling out the big guns in ensuring Eevee’s triumph. The label has tapped the services of Buddy Zabala (member of legendary group Eraserheads) and Sancho Sanchez (bandmate of Cynthia Alexander) to produce “Paramdam.”
“Recording with Buddy and Sancho is one of the best experiences we’ve had. They were so laidback during the process that it didn’t feel like work at all. You just realize that they know exactly what they’re doing because of the meticulous way they captured on record how we hear the song in our heads. Iba yung tenga nila---they hear everything!” said Paolo.
Other songs in “Paramdam” are “Larawan,” “Waiter, “ “Photographer,” “Eroplano,” “Become A Fan,” “Leading Man,” “Master Baby,” “Saturday Night” and “BNSB.”
Enzo wrote most of the lyrics and the other band members pitched in when it came to the musical arrangement. Judging by the songs’ upbeat sound, it seems everyone in Eevee is having fun.
And to think they almost named the band Puppy. Well, that would’ve worked, too.
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