The P.I. posse
[http://www.pi-music.com]
P.I. -
'Losing My Head'
Listen to a full song sample of a P.I. original. --> |   |
|
|
| | P.I. - The Definitive Interview |
| P.I. | RiR was recently given the privilege to interview one of North America's premier pinoy rock band 'P.I.'. Members of P.I. hail from Baltimore, Maryland USA.
P.I. are ... | | Gerry Avila: guitars/vox | | Jojo Valenzuela: guitars/backup vox | | Richmond Ubalde: guitars/backup vox | | Rex Villarivera: bass | | Jhesar Dalones: drums |
 Describe how P.I. started ?
Gerry Avila (vocalist/songwriter) and Jo-Jo Valenzuela (guitarist/back-up vocals/songwriter) started out in 2003 mainly as a coverband, and only had 2 original songs. They disbanded because the guitarist had to go overseas for personal reasons. After 8 months they decided to hook back up again and realized they'd be better appreciated with their own songs, rather than playing somebody else's. Reinforced by Jhessar Dalonos on drums, Rex Villarivera on bass, and Richmond Ubalde on guitars and back-up vocals. This present line up has only been together for 2 months, and as the 2 founding members would say, "we finally got the true sound of P.I."
 How would you describe your music ?
Hard rock meets alternative meets heavy metal meets glam.
 Who are your influences ?
Gerry (vocals) was influenced by alternative music, Jo-Jo (guitars) loved the hair bands and progressive rock, Jhessar (drums) also a product of progressive rock, Rex (bass) listened to punk rock, and Richmond (guitars) is a death metaller.
 As individuals were any of you pursuing music prior to joining P.I.?
Not really, we're just a bunch of guys who loved to play music... and meet girls while we're at it. <joke>
 Did you grow up in a household where music was plentiful ?
Yes, in the Philippines (where we were all born and raised), music is a part of life. I dare you to find one household in the Philippines who doesn't have a karaoke at home. <laughs>
 When you compose your music, how does it start as ? ... Does it start with a beat, a melody, an accidental chord progression ? How ?
We've done it in different ways... it all works out just fine. If we start it out with the riffs or drum beat, we still make sure that the lyrics are still deep.
 What is your background in music? did you have any formal training ? or are you self taught ?
99.99% self taught. except for Jhessar who took 2 years of drum lessons.
 As there are many independent musicians here in Toronto (Canada), what do you think is the most important advise you can give them ?
Do your own thing, play what you feel and connect with other people through it. Support and RESPECT other musicians.
 As musicians, what are your future plans at this point ?
record an album, and spread p.i. music around the world.
 Is there anything else you would like to add ?
We accept cash :) and Rex would like cheese on his burger and with onion rings instead of fries. =)
Thank you very much P.I. for taking the time to do this interview. You can also visit P.I.'s official website at http://www.pi-music.com. |
|
|
