“Kumapit Ka Lang”, a debut single by Sync-O is simply “para sa lahat ng mga magpartner na laging nagkakatampuhan at nag-aaway.” And this song is available on streaming platforms.
Sync-O comprises of Dean Earol Cuizon (vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriter), Ryuu Ballaran (drums, lead guitar, keyboard), Jarek Taloza (lead guitar), Gideon Gopez (lead guitar, keyboards), Craig Paredes (drums), Jhusthine Bajar (bass guitar), and Reggie Meneses (rhythm guitar).
Their name Sync-O or “Sinko” (5), is synonymous to a failed grade. “Engineering students kaming lahat kaya iyan ang naisip namin ipangalan sa banda”, says Dean. This serves as a reminder that even if they pursue their passion, they must not fail in academics.
The band members’ influences are mostly OPM artists, particularly December Avenue and Callalily. And they are also into indie pop and alternative rock.
Sync-O is new to the scene, having started in 2019. “Noon ay kulang pa kami sa banda kaya nagpa-audition kami. Luckily, may mga gustong ipakita yung talento nila at naging part sila ng band. Nagsisimula pa lang kami at humuhugot kami ng lakas ng loob sa mga naniniwala sa amin at nagsasabi na – ‘you deserve to be heard’.”
Eventually, their bond became stronger. “Hindi magkakabanda or magkakaibigan ang turingan namin, kundi pamilya na. Kapag may problem ang isa, nakakapag-open sila sa amin.”
But they are also not exempted from life’s challenges. “Noong nagsisimula pa lang kami ay kulang kami sa speakers, sa bass, and other instruments. Pero nairaraos namin kasi nanghihiram kami sa mga kaklase namin.”
“Tsaka yung takot na baka walang gustong makinig sa amin. Nagsimula kami na dalawa o tatlo lang yung gustong making. May stage fright din kami noong umpisa kasi baka may pumiyok o maputulan ng strings.”
The band also imparts the importance of time management and prioritizing their studies. “Minsan sumasabay yung Battle of the Bands sa examinations namin. May need na i-sacrifice just to balance our passion and career. Naniniwala kami na someday, aanihin namin ang lahat ng hirap na pinagdaanan namin.”
Meanwhile, they remain positive amidst trying times. “This pandemic lang kami nagrelease ng first single namin. Currently, it’s a quarantine version pero maraming salamat at umabot na siya ng almost 4,000 streams within 2 weeks. Please stream ‘Kumapit Ka Lang’ by Sync-O.”
While four more songs remain unreleased – Bahaghari, Takipsilim, Oras, and Panaginip. “Madalas na rin kami tumutugtog ng aming original songs. Yung second single namin is coming out soon.”
Now let’s hear it from the other band members:
Gid: “First week ng klase at naghahanap lang ako ng matotropa. Tapos nagka-usap kami ni Dean dahil magkaklase kami. Nalaman ko kumakanta pala siya at biglang nagyaya magbuo ng banda. G naman ako tapos… ayun na hahaha.”
Reggie: ”Nakilala ko sila Dean, Jarek at Gid noong first year college. Tapos nalaman ko na bubuo si Dean ng banda kaya sumali kami nila Jarek at Gid. Nung unang Battle of the Bands na sinalihan namin, hindi kami pinalad. Pero nung huling Musikulayan, ayun champion na hahaha!”
Jarek: Noong una ay jamming lang ang ginagawa namin. Tapos sinubukan namin sumali sa Battle of the Bands. Hindi kami nanalo sa MK3 pero naging 1st runner up sa Acoustic night.”
Their advice to fellow young artists is to dream high. “Wala naman masamang mangarap. Lahat nagsisimula sa umpisa. Huwag kalimutan lagyan ng puso ang bawat obra at sining na gagawin para maganda ang outcome. Continue doing your passion kahit pandemic.”
They are also extending gratitude to their supporters. “We would like to thank our fans, classmates, yung mga kaibigan na walang sawang sumusuporta sa amin. To Yssa Rockwell na number one na nag-uuplift at naniniwala sa band namin. And also to our supportive parents na palaging nasa likod namin kapag may events. Taga-punas ng pawis hahahaha!”
Their message for Mendira Media. “Sobrang salamat sa mga bumubuo ng Mendira. Sobrang sarap sa feeling maging inspirasyon sa mga aspiring artists and bands. Sobrang nakaka-boost po yung ginagawa ninyo sa mga artists. Salamat po.”
Channeling their full energy into creativity, Sync-O is just getting started to unleash their own original content.
