Now is an exciting time to be the music industry. Some artists are just getting started… and then we have a rising band called IN BETWEEN.
In January 2020, the band organized the “Busking For A Cause” at Indang, Cavite to help raise funds to help victims affected by the Taal eruption. But that’s going ahead of their story.
CvSU Musikeros with its former President Reyan Daño wanted to form an all-girl-band. It was initially composed of Patricia Marie Lacuarin (vocalist), Quiane Shane Fidel (rhythm guitarist), Maikee Joyce Legaspi (bassist), and Grazielle Anne Villa (drummer). Prince Carlos Umali (lead guitarist), despite being a boy, later joined the band.
Their common music influences solidified their bond – from ‘Eraserheads’ classics to the heartbreaking songs of ‘This Band’. “We love playing Paramore hits, too! And also got hooked with CHNDTR. We perform all kinds of genres”, says Quiane.
After their first meeting and a few jamming sessions, the band started to perform in gigs. This boosted their confidence and honed their skills.
But they were met by challenges. “Nauubusan kami ng pera pang practice dahil wala pa kaming talent fee. Minsan ay malayo yung event venue and we came from different parts of Cavite. Maikee is from GMA, Quiane is from Indang, Grazielle is from Trece Martires, Patricia is from Alfonso, while Prince is from Las Piñas.”
Their first gig in 2019 was at Wawu’s RestoBar, and eventually in other different venues such as Musikapihan, Viajeros Foodpark, and some Christmas events.
In 2020, they extended help for those affected by the Taal eruption. Their “Busking For A Cause” was successfully organized with performances by The Creedentials, Dran Parnala, Martin Riggs, and members of the CvSU Musikeros.
“After that ay inulan kami ng madaming blessings. Dalawa hanggang tatlong beses sa isang linggo kaming nagpa-practice dahil may mga gigs na nag-hihintay sa amin.”
“It was very tiring pero pinapawi ng musika ang lahat ng hirap namin sa academics, personal problems, at sa pag papapractice ng kanta. Ang mahalaga ay maka-inspire kami ng mga manonood.”
Participating in benefit gigs humbled them even more . “Masarap sa pakiramdam. Nakakatugtog kami at nakakapag-bigay saya ng mga tao. At nakakatulong pa sa iba “
But their road to fame did not come easy. “Hindi lahat ng tao ay magugustuhan kami. Parte ng industriya ang kritisismo. Tutugtog kami kahit ano pa ang sabihin nila at wala kaming pakialam sa mga humihila sa amin pababa. Nandirito kami dahil ito ang sinasabi ng aming puso at hindi para sumikat lamang.”
“Saan man kami makarating ay walang magbabago. Kung paano kami nagsimula ay ganoon pa rin hanggang sa dulo.”
In Between takes the opportunity to thank all those supporting them. “Salamat sa mga magulang at kaibigan namin. Sa aming Manager – Kuya Reyan Daño na hindi kami pinabayaan at naniwala sa amin. Kila Ate Shiela at Kuya Denmark na tumulong para mabuo ang banda. Kina Ate Fenelle at Kuya Efraim na palaging nakasuporta, kay Lucky na hindi kami tinanggihan pag kailangan namin siya. At maraming salamat, Lord!”
Right now, the band is working on their original songs. Several are ready for release but were delayed due to the pandemic lockdown. In Between will soon be back on track as soon as the situation normalizes.
They have this advice for fellow artists in the industry. “Sa mga aspiring bands na katulad namin, matuto kayong makinig sa bawat isa. Magtulungan sa lahat ng bagay lalo na kung sino yung mas nahihirapan. Gamitin ang mga criticisms para mas mag-improve pa. Grow together. Huwag kayong titigil sa pagtugtog kahit maraming pagsubok na nangyayari.”
“Kahit wala pa masyadong nakakakilala sa inyo at hindi pa magagaling ay ipagpatuloy nyo lang. Everything is worth the wait and the pain. Huwag makakalimot sa mga taong naging parte ng buhay banda ninyo. Mata sa langit, paa sa lupa.”
And their message for Mendira Media. “Maraming salamat po sa opportunity na binigay ninyo sa amin. Malaking bagay yung mafeature sa ganitong klaseng platform. God bless! Sana marami pa kayong matulungang mga artists! More power!”
The challenges they hurdled made In Between Band stronger and musically better. They have a long way to go, but their support for one another is the secret behind their success.
