The emergence of new bands introduced over the internet and various digital platforms are giving Filipinos an array of new local artists to watch for. This includes a new act from the band called X RAISED TO VII.
The band consists of Dan Iverson Gomez (vocals), Princess Gomez (bassist), Jaeman Loqueloque (lead guitarist), Jireh Galo (keyboardist), and Harold Jimenez (drummer).
“Ang band name namin ay may pagka-religious. Ang ‘X’ is kami or tayong lahat. Yung ‘Raised to VII’ kumbaga ay si Jesus ang nire-represent noon – na nagpapatawad sa mga ating mga kasalanan. Yung vocalist namin ang nakaisip nun, tyaka kay ganda din pakinggan”, says Harold.
The band members have not yet decided on their genre. “Kasi ang bawat member ay iba-iba ang pinapakinggan na music. At ang mga iyon din ang mga gusto naming tugtugin at doon kami nagkakasundo.”
But they agree on music influences such as Rico Blanco, IV of Spades, Eraserheads, and more.
Just like other aspiring bands, they started performing during school programs.
“Yung first gig namin ay sa school at maikli lang po yung oras na naibigay namin sa pagpapractice. Naputulan din yung lead guitarist at vocals namin ng string. Kaya ayun, sobrang na pagod kami sa paghahanap ng string dahil medyo may kalayuan pa po yung mall sa lugar namin. Pero worth it dahil sa mismong performance ay nakikisabay ang mga schoolmates namin. At tumugtog din ang mga alumni.”
But due to the pandemic lockdown, the band was creative enough to preserve the momentum by creating a cover video. This is now posted on their social media platforms.
“Nag-upload kami ng cover ng ‘Creep’ By Radiohead at minsan naman ng Eraserheads. Pero napag-usapan na din namin as a band na yung ‘Minsan’ ay ang pinakahuli sigurong cover namin para makapag-focus na kami sa original compositions. At para mas mailabas namin yung creativity at talent namin.”
They have this advice to their fellow aspiring artists: “Tuloy lang tayong lahat dahil ang pinaghihirapan natin ay magbubunga din pagdating ng panahon. Darating din ang tamang oras para sa atin.”
The band’s message for Mendira Media: “Maraming salamat po dahil binibigyan ninyo ng chance ang mga aspiring artists. Naalala pa po namin yung sinabi ninyo na “pantay pantay subalit special ang pagfeature ninyo sa bawat artist”. Kaya mas naganahan pa kami upang ipagpatuloy ang pinapangarap namin as a band. More power at God Bless sa buong pamilya ng Medira!”
Well, the circumstances in the world is a lot different now. Nevertheless, X RAISED TO VII band is encouraging enough and bursting with positivity – making us smile just hearing them belt out songs.
