From the moment it first appeared on the Manila gig circuit in 2007 with its danceable brand of intelligent and elaborate indie rock, Taken By Cars has released two acclaimed albums (Endings Of A New Kind in 2008 and Dualist last June), performed in Singapore and Malaysia (including a slot at Singapore’s prestigious Baybeats Festival in 2009), and was hailed by TIME magazine as one of the Asian bands to watch in 2011. Here, JASON CABALLA talks to them about music and everything else that drives their creativity.
How did your recognition in TIME magazine alter the band’s profile?
Sarah: I guess it gave us some street credibility. You don’t find Filipino bands appearing on TIME that often. It also makes me think that maybe we really are cut for an international market and not just here.
Isa: It was a timely release leading up to the launch of our album. It helped us land a deal with Levi’s and even an invitation to South by Southwest (an annual music festival in Austin, Texas).
Your band is often described as “modern and edgy.” What’s up with your video for “This Is Our City,” in which the band is dressed in traditional Filipino attire?
Kong: Our director Quark Henares had this vision of showcasing the Philippines. He told one of us that it was one of his dreams to shoot a music video in Intramuros. Call it modern patriotism, perhaps? I think that video is edgy because it is something you won’t expect from a Taken by Cars music video.
As a tight-knit group of longtime friends, you’ve been on travels to watch your favorite foreign acts. Which shows influenced your music as a whole?
Bryce: The Laneway Festival (in Singapore), The Cure (in Hong Kong), and Broken Social Scene.
Siopao: The Cure concert in Hong Kong definitely tops the list. It was an awesome experience to see one of our favorite artists together, not just as musicians, but also as friends just having a good time. It reminded us of the main reason we do what we do—to have fun with our music.
What was it like performing in international festivals like Baybeats in Singapore?
Bryce: It was very flattering to have been invited and we are humbled by the experience. You just want to play your best and let people hear what the Philippines has to offer, and hopefully it gets them interested in other talented Filipino bands.
Siopao: It’s definitely a challenge to play your music in front of a foreign crowd. You don’t have “homecourt advantage,” so I feel you have to work extra hard to get the audience into the set.
In the TIME Magazine feature “Eastern Promise,” Taken By Cars was highlighted along with Asian bands from Jakarta, Hong Kong, Singapore and Beijing.
How important is the Internet to today’s practicing musician?
Sarah: It’s necessary. For research about your craft, about bands you like and knowing how they operate, for direction on how to use your effects, for marketing your music… so many things.
Bryce: Despite the drawbacks of piracy, we still think that it’s a great way to get the music out there, especially to people who otherwise would never have heard us. It also allows for interaction with people who enjoy the music, like on Facebook or Twitter.
Siopao: You have to know how to roll with it. A lot of bands live and die on the Internet. Free downloads are part of everyday reality.
Where do you often go for rest and relaxation?
Bryce: Chill at home. Watch movies. Get a massage/spa. Hang out with the guys. Watch other bands. It’s not where you go; it’s who you’re with.
Siopao: When the opportunity arises, there’s no better vacation in the Philippines than a trip to the beach!
Kong: I guess you can call the gigs rest and relaxation even though we don’t get to rest and relax. Every gig to us is both a party and an experience.
Isa: Relative to our demanding day jobs, Taken by Cars is still considered a hobby, albeit a serious one, which makes playing in it still fun.
Which venues would you recommend for checking out your band and the best of the Filipino music scene?
Sarah: SaGuijo Cafe in Makati. Capones, Izakaya, and Casa Nami are good places to check out, too. For clubs, Opus, Republiq and Time are always good choices.
Bryce: Route 196, Craft (Bar & Grill), and Amber Ultralounge
Siopao: B-Side in Makati
