Radio shall never die...

With the closing of the most prominent rock station in the Philippines, NU107 (107.5 on the FM dial) , which carried the torch of promoting new and cutting edge rock music for the last 23 years, a lot of messages and topics flared the message boards and social network sites, but there was this message that hit me, flared me up if you will. It said that we are at an era where radio is reduced to a community of DJs sharing and listening to each other, in this age of digital music players and music on demand sites and streamers.

I say nay...

Not a lot of people has access to these kinds of music distribution. The upper and middle upper elite who are in the know or who has access to these sort of things cannot discount the masses and their preference. Radio has been a media which has been around for almost 2 centuries and has been overcoming boarders. And new songs that you load to these digital music players has to get introduced first in those stations. The internet has done a good job of introducing new acts but the delivery to the masses still depends on radio airplay.

Everytime you ride a public transport, enter a local eatery, a small scale shop...its is the humble radio who provides ambient music, entertainment and information to the masses. Only those shops with pirated MP3s and audio CDs are blaring out those digital music format from their worn out, over pumped speakers. Blasting R&B or Techno music on a 30 watt speaker with no subwoofer at full volume? ...please... There should be a city ordinance to wipe off that kind of noise pollution that puts even the loudest horn on an EDSA bus to shame.

And with cheaper and cheaper portable MP3 flooding in from China, the lowly transistor reciever is still the most accessible tool with the less fuzz and less requirement to work.

Now I'm not bashing on new formats of electronic music distribution. I welcome it. My band does the same. But we never undermine the far reaching arm of radio. We still think its an integral part of the music reaching a wider audience. Of spreading the message to a wider spectrum that you shall ever know.

(screen capture by JP Reyes)

HedgeZero at Headstock Bar

(I accidentally posted this at a different blog...so I re-posted)

A few days ago,we were invited by Sir Ferdie to play at a place called Headstock Bar. He used to get us for Club Dread before, but I heard he moved on to manage band events for this particular place.

Although its the first time I came to know about this place, I heard they've been around for quite some time.

What I like about this bar is the spaciousness. The stage is spacious. The band can really move around, with enough space for a 7-piece band. The round shaped stage is so placed that the intersection of Araneta Ave. and Quezon Ave. is set as the background. Aside for the billiard table the entrance, there are two spaces for the patrons. There's the main hall, in front of the stage, and a balcony facing the road. Its the same area setup as Mag:net at Global City, but Headstock has greater accessibility to these areas since there are sliding glass partitions to the balcony...which can also convert the setting to an open air event.

I love their sound equipment...amps, monitors and all. Its here that I was able to recreate the bass sound that I really wanted without buying an active bass. Mad props also to Sir Ferdie's mixing. The stage lighting would need a little work though. I was blinded by the LED spotlight the whole gig.

With reasonably priced beer and pica picas, I like hanging around that place even after our slot, its a shame we arrived late because of our work. The first band was nice enough to stay around for our set.

If you get the change to drop by, you got to try the Mojos. Its thinly sliced with a nice salty breading and a hint of spiciness (I ended up buying 2 plates which I consumed by myself). It goes well with the beer that they serve ice cold.

I hope to go there again sometime.

Japanimation: Store for 2nd hand Goods from Japan

I heard through a friend that there's this magical place where there are second hand books, manga, magazines and toys from Japan being sold on the cheap, in fact, he got his picture books of some idols for a measy price of Php100 each. My friend said this place is called Japanimation, a second hand goods store in Quezon City.

I searched the web and found the one and only viable link through a blog. The place is beside the Sto.Kristo Chapel at Road 20, past Congressional road, in Quezon City. It was described as a warehouse with the goods bundled together in boxes or shelves according to their type. Like in other warehouse outlets, its up to you to look for the goods you need. They are not arranged in any order except for their type. So you have to spend some time shifting through the boxes and shelves while looking for that special item that strikes your fancy. And thanks to that post, we were able to prepare the things we need after looking through dusty containers.

The place is reminiscent of various recycle shops that sprouted around Tokyo during the slow decline in the economy. As various electronics are discarded for the new ones, the old ones are collected, or sold, to these recycle shops, a bit reconditioned, and sold at a lower price...much lower. Let's put it this way, I was able to purchase a portable CD player for Php200, MD player for Php100 and Japan release CDs of various Japanese and US artists for Php50.

(racks of J-pop CD's...one day is not enough to sift through all of them)

There are a lot of shoes and clothes on the store front. Just behind them are shelves of second hand audio and video electronics as well as those LD's from the early 90's ( so all you equipment freaks out there who still have their LD players, this is one of the few places where you can get good titles). There are also game console controllers and some old hand held games. The inner warehouse contains the old and recent vinyl records (a nice collection at that), along with music instruments (I saw a Japanese koto there too) and some of the more larger electrical equipment. most of the toys you see sold at conventions are located on the store front connected to the inner warehouse. It has shelves and shelves of figurines, toys, costumes and more.

My son was excited about the boxes of up-to-scale replicas of automatic firearms and hand guns. These air-soft pellet guns are so realistic, up to the magazine release, the cocking mechanisms, and you can put the small plastic bullet replicas on the revolvers. Those were soooo neat. The AR-15 and M4 Carbine replicas goes for Php1800 and Php1300 respectively. Don't think about using them on playing in air-soft courses since they are single pump action type...not those automatic types.

I, on the other hand, was excited with shelves upon shelves of J-pop cds and magazines. I think one day is not enough to look though all the stuff they have in there. Remember that all of these are not arranged in any particular order, so its hard to find what you want specifically. You have to dig though bins and bins of CDs and books.

(volumes of "EVA Slot" are available...)

Looking though their printed material, they have a large collection of Japanese style and culture publications, notably the 'kogaryu' and 'sentaa guy' magazines...along with a few music and car magazines, concert picture books, movie production notes and manuals. For the fans of the Evangelion series, I saw a lot of EVA SLOT mags. Sorry for the legion of Gundam followers, but I got all the GUNDAM DATA FILE mags I could find. If you're looking for some R18 or hentai comics, there are a few. I myself got a fan comic for Gunslinger Girl...featuring Claes.

(just a few of the items I was able to get)

But amidst all the excitement, there is one thing that I was disappointed in. I was told that the items sold here are sold at really low prices, specially the toys and the figurines. But it seems that the owners have wised up and raised the prices...a lot...that they are now at par with shops in malls. I even got to talk with some of the patrons who frequented this place for a long time. Even they noticed the sudden rise in the prices of the figurines. From Php15, it was raised to Php50 each. And the polaroid camera the blogger was talking about which was bought for Php150 is not at least Php250. The main selling point lEft, for me, is that you get Japan quality goods, rather than the 'Divisoria' items sold at a much higher price. And it holds a lot of unique Japan items.

I'm not as excited as before but I still plan to return next month in anticipation for their next batch of goods.

Akira Jimbo: A Hell of a Drummer

My boss gave me a link almost a year ago about a great drummer named Akira Jimbo. I only got to follow up on the link today and I must say, he kicks ass.

The Youtube link, taken from an NHK program, shows the video where he explains about his equipment that enables him to be a one man band...using only his drum set..

signal pick-ups placed in various parts of his monsterous drum kit enables him to play various synth music instruments as he plays the drums.  You got to marvel at his presence of mind and focus as he plays.

And such a pleasant and funney personality he has.

Party with the Penguin: Tagging Along with Penguin 627

I was able to party twice this week thanks to Penguin 627.

the G.A.S. Day gig at Mag:Net High Street

For those who don't know, Penguin 627 is one of the up-and-coming bands that are fast gathering rock and punk fans everywhere. They have graced the music program 'Banda Rito' in Studio 23, featured in UR105.9 and, only recently, bagged a 'Stand Out Track of the Week' from NU107. They describe their music as 'pop punk influenced rock'...well, i think that's what 'power pop' is.

EP Launch at Saguijo

If you want to go to a party where you can just let it all hang out and have fun, I recommend you attend one of their gigs. Kat's bubbly and fun personality mixed with the rock attitude persona she brings onstage along with her bass lines and rock vox skills is a delight to watch.

Nong and Paulo are like the Ying-Yang of the group; one is playful and energetic, the other is almost stoic but intense. Their combination brings balance as their playing styles augment each other.

And Marco, his skills on the skins are a match to Blink's Travis...or even more cause he does all that twirly twirly exhibition thingy on the sticks while maintaining his intensity and tempo.

I saw them before at 6UG so I knew what to expect. But he people I went with, at the G.A.S. day at Mag:Net High Street and on their EP launch last night at Saguijo were blown away by their performance. And as for me, they performed better in every gig.

In the end, its all about having fun. And as I look at the crowd, they do deliver.

Well, enough about the band...let's talk about the music.

In their EP launch, Penguin performed the songs included in their EP and then some. Their stand out track of the week "Make Me Come Back"  and "Saturday" is like a cross between Green Day and Moonpools and Caterpillars. A combination of light themes and upbeat rythyms. The lone Tagalog song "Opis Crush", which is an instant hit within my circle of acquaintances, is a fine example of Pinoy alternative mixed with contemporary punk arrangements and has underlying themes of any yuppie can relate to.  The emotional "Save Me" is more of as alternative rock song, with its different approach in arrangement. The last, and my favorite, "When Will This End" is a hard knocking punk song oozing with 'Blink', 'Chaos UK' and 'Ramones' influence, with the same theme approach as 'Opis Crush' but on a different....uhhhh...perspective.

Check them out on Multiply or their site www.Penguin627.com

HedgeZero at 6Underground Radio on NU107

Last night was a fun night of talk and music as HedgeZero guests in 6UGRadio of NU107. Even before the program started, we were so caught up in our chatting that the music suddenly stopped...Bel grabbed the headphones and with his usual cheerful, bubbly voice, he saved the opening... mired only by the tons of laughter being heard in the background.

We wished would have interacted more, but we didn't want to de-rail the flow of the program. Plus, the next guest was already waiting.

Maybe next time, Sir Bel will ask us again.

Thanks again, Sir Bel,  for the chance. And we hope to drop in again soon.

Muziklaban Night

Friday the 13th...dang...

I got off work around 2 pm to meet the 4pm call-time at 6 Underground in Pearl Drive, Pasig. Too damn hot and humid. Looks like its gonna rain. The strong 'alimoog' drove my stomach crazy so I seeked refuge inside 6UG. Its my first time to see the inside of 6UG in the afternoon light.

Since we were the first band, we were to do our sound check first. AJ was already cursing on the phone since he could get any taxi anywhere. He arrived, tired, after our soundcheck. And while tuning our guitars, some a-hole from the dorms up in Pearl Plaze threw an egg at us. Splattering its contents on the guitars, the cases, and us. This enraged me...prompting me to scream out "Kung gusto nyo ng gulo bumaba lang kayo!!!" (If you want some trouble just come on down).

Friday the 13th...dang...

Fast forward...we were the first band to play. We did an ok set. I was surprised at this year's elimination format. After the set, we had like, an American Idol session. Where we stand in front of the judges while they discuss with us what they thought of our performance. Fortunately they liked our original songs and our performance.

I didn't get to see the other bands as space was precious and the paying patrons were the priority. What toppped the day was the smashing performance of the guest band, Kjwan. They drove me tired and hoarse (yet again...as what always happens to me when I attend their gigs).

Marc  on the guitar (He was wearing the jacket our friend, Yok, won that night)

My warm shot of Kelly was ruined when someone flashed the same time I took this

A glimpse of Boogie

happened to see Kelly at Pearl Drive

After that, the results were in. We lost by 0.3% and ended up taking 2nd place.

Friday the 13th...dang...

Ride and Roll Bar

One of the two new night spots we got to play in this past week.

Ride and Roll Bar. A resto-bar with a gallery at the second floor reminiscent of Big Sky Mind in Quezon City.

It also has an enclosed space enough to be used as a intimate area for band gigs. First time I went there, there were a pair of bleachers on the side as seats for the audience and a standing area in front of the band.

It's located in Xavierville in Quezon City.

Hear ye, The News

On a slow Tuesday evening last Sept.15 at Cuerdas bar, an alternative band stood out from the drones of emo bands who played that night. With their playful rhythmic arrangements, powerful rock progressions and lyrics one can easily relate to, they made that night worth remembering.

They call themselves The News. They formed in 2004 with the aim to compete at Red Horse's 2005 Muziklaban. And with each one's desire to express themselves and project their personalities through music, they continued on until now, and with their album 'Musikero' in the mixing stages to boot.

At the core of the band is vocalist/ rhythm guitarist Ricky. He called upon his former classmate, Carl, to man the lead guitars and second vocals.The stoic Lennon, Ricky's former bandmate, was then asked to play the bass. Completing the line-up is the power drummer, Brian, who used to be Ricky's colleague.

What caught my attention that night were their first two songs which sounded like a Foo Fighters-Offspring hybrid, despite being influenced with the likes of The Beatles, The Police, Rivermaya and Oasis to name a few. The first song,'Paano Kaya', is a song Ricky made for his GF, pondering on the idea of what would happen if he's gone. Not to worry, they're still going strong and slated to be married (congrats, dude). The second song, which I really love, is entitled 'Lies'. This one tells of their discontent with liars, and telling them to change their ways as nothing good will come out of it.

When asked why they called themselves The News, they implied that their music is like the news; straightforward and a direct message to the audience.

They plan to release 'Musikero' (coincidentally was the title of the last song of their set) before the end of the year. For noew you can check them out at their myspace page or at their video on YouTube.

Cuerdas Bar

Cuerdas is a resto-bar which is fast becoming popular with indie, emo and punk productions.

Located near the Shaw Blvd.-C5 intersection, its just past the first intersection going to Eastwood, under the flyover.

Cuerdas, whose name implies the strings on a guitar, has a warm, musically inclined atmosphere akin to Mayrics in Manila.

Tales From the Old Photo Bin: Once Upon a Time at 6UG

6 Underground has always been a comfortable place to play in. Not only is the place intimate and cozy, the service and management staff are very nice and accomodating to both the artists and the patrons.

Before, when 6 Underground was still in the basement of a building in Makati, we frequent that bar because we used to play a lot there... and also some of our friends who are in bands plays in that venue. When they had the recording studio before, we recorded our demos through live recordings.

Back then we were in the punk-ska band 'Green Leafy Veggie'. From there, Me and guitarist Paulo formed HedgeZero. Guitarist Richard co-formed an emo-punk band. And my brother, Jonathan, becomes the drummer for I-ray. We have no news of our vocalist Brex.

We still treasure those memories, time and energy spent in that cozy basement bar in Makati.

HedgeZero in Pulp Magazine

Last month, the Rubber Duckie Family was featured at last month's PULP magazine (one of the Philippine's premiere music mag) with regards to the 'Ultimate Abduction' bar tour which concluded last May at Puerto Galera.

We were very happy about the picture of our band, HedgeZero, being included in the article...although I was the only one not included in the picture. 

(sour bannana!!! sour banana!!)

The write-up is not about the bands but the event in general, mostly about the first leg at Will's Attic. Nevertheless, we we're still happy.

J-POP Singing Competition at Market!Market!

'Sakura Beat' rockin the event

The J-pop/Anime singing competition was recently concluded last Saturday, July 25, at the Market!Market! activity center in Taguig City. This activity was part of the Philippine-Japan friendship month, held every July. This celebration usually entails cultural exchange between the two countries in a series of contests, lectures, exhibits and more.

Being a J-pop enthusiast, I was excited since the day I found out about it. I formed a band to ener this contest but was discouraged after seeing the contest guidelines for a 4 to 5 member vocal group. Little did I know that they also accepted bands...zannen datta...

'Morning Star'

The program started amidst exhibits from sponsors and partners like HeroTV (the country's premiere Tagalog dubbed anime channel), Japan Foundation Manga Library (located in Pacific Star Building in Makati), TOEI Animation and more.

There were good bands and the not so good, but there were bands that raised the bar for the performers in that event.

I marveled at the J-pop attitude and lively energy of 'What Is', the vocal clarity and diversity of Zamboanga's 'Morning Star' (dude, di sila Zambo...Davao City sila, men -editor), and the rock band flair and glam-like intensity of 'Sakura Beat'. Not surprisingly, 'Sakura Beat' bagged the third place while 'What Is' took the top spot and won the competition.

Da Winnah!!!! 'What Is'

I was excited the whole event but it was also kind of disappointing. I was irritated with the less than astounding sound system. The set-up was not appropriate for a band competition and what came out was garbled vocals, almost inaudible ambient instruments and total dulling down of the intensity of the performers.

I hope next year they still do this competition and come up with a better sound system provider to make the event a total knock out.

Under The Starry Skies of Ursaminor

There are a lot of rock bands today but a few are able to combine their grunge roots with contemporary song writing like Ursaminor. 

Their name is derived from the little bear constellation which, as frontman Ced told, he saw while looking up at the night sky, while in a car, in one of his moments in drunken daze.

They started after guitarist/vocalist Ced came back from the US in 2005 and shared some song ideas with their neighbor Jambs, who would eventually become their bassist. Ced's sister, Yam, was later added as the permanent drummer after their previous one left. Ursaminor friend and Mayonnaise frontman Monty later replaced their former guitarist.

Ced writes the songs for the band and describes their music to be guitar and lyrically driven with sad, melancholic overtones... staying true to his main influence, the late Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Some may brand their music to be 'Nirvana'-like, but a close look at their arrangements reveals various harmony and progressions usually attributed to Pinoy alternative bands.

They released their EP 'A.S.C.E.T.I.C.' last 2007. I recommend listening to their songs 'Taciturn' and 'Lucky Son'. But, like all artists, nothing beats seeing the energy of their live performances. Like in their outstanding performance at the BandaFest event held last July 4 at Hard Rock Cafe, Makati. Its only in these times when you could hear the intensity of Ced's guitar playing and vocal delivery. Supported by Monty's technical ingeniuity on the guitar and Jambs' almost stoic but full bodied bass. And watching Yam get in the 'zone' by transforming into, what I call, her 'Sadako mode'.

There is their one song, which Ced tells me that is entitled 'MySQL', takes the prize as my fave Ursaminor song. There's something about it that takes me back to my late highschool-early college days. I dunno, maybe because how Ced's crooning is very similar to his late idol's, which I was heavily into that time.

Launch of Flippish.com at Fiama Bar

Along the dead stretch of Jupiter street, just past Paseo de Roxas, lies the upscale bar of Fiama (not to be confused with Fiamma of New York). This trendy nightspot is the venue for the official launch of the first Filipino webtv called Flippish last July 2. The name is derived from the 'flip' moniker usually heard in the US about anything Filipino.

The evening's program was opened with the performance by The Indios, one of the first band to be featured in LSS. Free booze sponsored by The Bar was flowing amidst the introduction of the people and hosts behind Flippish and features about their present and future programs.

me and my wife enjoying a tasty mix of The Bar Lemon and Lime Gin with Sprite

The people of Creative Minds, Inc. brought about this concept of a Filipino internet based TV channel to cater to the need to provide quality Filipino media content in the web.

At the forefront of this new form of media, Flippish.com has a wide range of cutting edge progams. From comedy (Direk...my fave program), reality shows (Social Experiment), lifestyle shows (Girl Next Door, Weekend Warriors) and a whole lot more. It also has its own music video program called LSS (Last Song Syndrome) where the bands of the Rubber Duckie family are featured (even my very own HedgeZero).

Rubber Duckie senior partners Dean and Jamil

This webtv channel comes at a time when Filipinos across the world still want to keep in touch with the current pulse of the people, without restrictions and boundaries.

I-Ray bassist Mastey and Free Fish drummer Tops horsing around

Me and Ryan's cousin, Edward. Ryan's here somewhere...

HedgeZero's "Far Beyond" Video in 6UG

I got an email yesterday that our latest song 'Far Beyond' has a video on 6 Underground's YouTube site. 

In leiu with their goal to help promote and support various indie and underground bands, 6 Underground produces video recordings of the artists that performs at their bar at Pearl Drive in Pasig City. I think this video was shot during the 2nd anniversary gig of I-Ray last June 12.

This is the first clear recording made of that song, which is a hit among our fans (by 'fans' I meant our close friends and relatives who attends our gigs :-)).

The song was first performed at 6UG during our EP launch and was finished just in time for that event.

'Far Beyond' is primarily a tribute to all the people who passed away that year who were close to us. Especially to a former officemate of mine who, despite the hardships imposed by his illness, never fails to lighten up, care, and offer friendship to those around him.

As one song by Pennywise goes,"...Jayson, my brother, this one's for you..."

Tales from the Old Photo Bin: Jan and the HedgeZeros

I found this old pic from 2008. It was one of earlier gigs with Rubber Duckie Music at Al's Bar in Paranaque.

Our vocalist, AJ, was sick that week and Jan, one of the senior partners of Rubber Duckie, volunteered to temporarily accept the vocal responsibilities.

After a single practice session the day before, Jan nervously took the mic and began to perform.

Because he didn't had enough time to familiarize himself with our original songs, we stuck to playing our 'Live' covers.

He did his vox duties well as we later found out he was trained in Ryan Cayabyab's music school (surprise, surprise... I wonder why he didn't pursue singing).

For the final 2 songs of the set, AJ got enough strength to close the act.

Thanks Jan, we owe you one.

HedgeZero Interview at UR105.9

Me, AJ and Pau at the session booth

Underground Radio DJ Black Sarah was kind enough to invite us for an interview last June 17 eventhough we played badly at the Club Dredd gig where, we think, she first saw us perform. Before the interview, while waiting for AJ downstairs, I was so nervous I threw up. Nothing beats the release of tension like regurgitating that morning's breakfast.

After loosening up a bit few minutes into the interview, we had a few laughs while discussing the band's history, the meaning of our songs, and some inside information about HedgeZero. Some of our friends were texting us that we were too serious, straying our attention away from the interviewer.

The "Main Girl" UR DJ Black Sarah

In the modest studio of UR, Black Sarah was able to make the interview smooth with her wit, candidness and spunk. Thats why I listen to most of her morning shows.

There were a lot of things we thought of doing at the interview that we didn't get to do or say. That's why I set up a few pointers on how to go through your first radio interview with flying colors.

BRING A CHEAT SHEET. Make a checklist of things you'd want to promote (like upcoming songs, events or gigs), list of people to thank and/ or greet (we left out a lot of people and organizations) and other promotional materials (like band sites, online profiles and the like). This is to make sure nothing is left out during this once in a lifetime opportunity.

GET THE MEANS TO CONTACT THE STATION. Today's radio stations are armed with tools to interact with its listeners through the internet. You should get any or all means for your friends to contact the station if you've invited them to listen in. We were distracted throughout the interview because people are inquiring and greeting us through our cellphones. These matters should be directed to the interviewing DJ so the show would be enhanced with listener participation.

USE A LANGUAGE YOU'RE COMFORTABLE WITH. I tried to stay with the English format of the program but I kept messing up because I was a bit tense, despite sounding mellow in the interview. I ended up with a lot of grammatical blunders that would enrage my college English professor. If its a casual discourse, you could use a mix of Tagalog and English...unless its a debate, in that case keep it professional.

These pointers should help you breeze through your radio interview without any regrets since its a good opportunity for the people to get to know you and your music.

Kicking It Old-School with "Antigo"

Aptly playing songs of unity and national pride, with the 'red, white, blue and yellow' banner of Freedom Bar on the background, are the young lads of Antigo. Their repertoire includes a range of 70's rock, 80's Pinoy rock and 90's Pinoy alternative covers. Along with their old school Pinoy rock inspired originals, they earned a slot in NU107's U-Rock with their song 'Tigang' and 'Liwanag' rotating in the airwaves. With such songs and influences under their belt, its no wonder they chose the name Antigo, the tagalog word for items which are old and classical in nature.

I got to see them in their Freedom bar gig last June 13 supporting the album bar tour of Bok76. In that event, one has to marvel on their technical prowess despite the band's young age. Job's glam-heavy rock vocal range is supported by Mark and Bogs' Paul Gilbert-esque guitar licks, further solidified by Drix's bass lines, all under the powerful tempo of Patrick's drums. Although I liked their originals, what grabbed my attention was their intense rendition of Sampaguita's "Nosi Balasi", Job's audition piece for the band.

It all began when Drix looked for musicians with the same musical preferences in Philmusic. In what followed as a number of auditions and referrals, they narrowed down the members to their current line-up and formally set-off on June 3, 2008.

When asked what their aim as musicians were, they said they wanted to move people with their music. To unite and instill nationalism in their listeners. In my opinion, there's no better way to convey that message than playing some good old fashioned pinoy rock with a contemporary vigor to it. 

Check em out at their multiply site for gigs and other news about Antigo.

The Right Mix in Making Music

There are a lot of work involved in making a band. Having skills with their respective musical instruments are a given. Creating a certain vibe within their original songs are a bit tough. Having to choose what genre to best represent your style is a bit harder. But having the perfect mix of music and content is the toughest. Its a rigorous task, but the most important.

The message you get from watching bands differ from genre to genre. Some are bent on entertaining the crowd, to dazzle. Some may even project their emotions, whether it be anger, rage, melancholy, happiness, or love, to the audience. Instilling their personal rapport on life through various experiences. But at the end of the day, after all that sparkle of showmanship, after almost two hours in the spotlight, what's left in your subconscious is their message to the world. A certain hook that makes a band, or more importantly, a song, create a lasting impression on the psyche.

That's what makes songwriting an arduous task. If your message is easily forgotten, that would defeat the purpose of your hard work. You would end up with nothing more than a riff laden babble stuck in the back of the audience's mind.

Different things works for various types of music. You can't say that there's a general formula in songwriting. The rules of harmonies and chord progressions doesn't necessarily apply to the content of your song. A gifted few makes it seem so easy, spouting it out almost instantanouesly. But for the normal lot, it would either make or break their plunge into the music scene. 

One lucky hook and they're in. But it would be hard to sustain once they're in. Labelling also gives undue pressure to the band to make more of the same. Trying to balance out the same formula that worked with the various styles the band wants to divulge or progress in.

There are also external influences to consider. Trends, fads and world events play a major role in deciding if the song is ripe and if the audience will take it.

The most easiest way is by direct disclosure of intent or story. Since almost all humans go through the same general experiences, by telling the story as it is, its easy for the audience to understand and remember. Add a catchy riff and the song will be remebered since the people could related to its theme and there's a tune they can easily sing along with. Like Yano's "Esem", or any earlier works by the Eraserheads.

A more adventurous approach is by projecting mental images in the listener's mind to convey the story or emotion of the song. Its a little more work involved since you would need words that instill images that are applicable to the theme you want to convey. Some fine examples are "Darkness Fell" and "Arise" by Wolfgang or Pearl Jam's "Betterman".

The harder way, which applies mostly to the heavier genres, is by allegories and associations. Words that express emotions more than the actual intent of the word. But you don't want to confuse the audience by using phrases that are "too deep" or derived from an insider's point of view. This kind of songwriting is also prone to misinterpretations which can lead to the deterioration of the original message. Some examples are various songs by Wolfgang, Coheed and Cambria, Backdraft and Type O Negative.

Whatever style or method you choose, the most important thing is the content. It's hard work to balance the "hook" with the "word" but it would show your skill and expertise as a songwriter.

(special thanks to Jamil Antolino, Dean Francisco and Paulo Rodriguez for their insight on the matter)