Rhea & Miggy are getting Married!

Hi Guys!

Were getting Married!

Check out our little video that we made just for you guys!

Hi-C and Playboy!

I really am quite lucky that i get to go to all these random events with VIP passes that let me frolic anywhere i choose to.

Last wednesday, Hi-C released her first solo album and celebrated it with her cover appearance on Playboy. Though i haven't heard the album, the songs are catchy and she's fun to watch!

Feel free to have a look at these photo albums.

Thats me in the middle :)

http://www.odysseylive.net/..miggy/albums/3950/

http://www.odysseylive.net/..miggy/albums/3949/

Blues Night at Brewsco

Brewsco celebrated a night of blues last night and we were booked to play along with DRT, Southern Grass and one more band who i dont quite know...

It was a wicked night! We had a couple of beers before going onstage, had a smoke as well with some of the guys of southern grass and decided to take the stage before SG as we were good to go and they weren't.

We weren't told how many songs to play or how long our set could be so we mustve played about 8 songs, typically that aint that much but our songs are quite long so what is sometimes a half hour 8 song set for us was more likely an hour or more! Good fun though, i think we all jived well with each other and were tight all throughout! We all enjoyed and the audience seemed to dig us as well with their screams and applauses.

I have to say that southern grass and drt played really good too! We kept drinking as the night progressed and finished the smokes that remained. When that band who's name i cant remember sound checked to fuckin' careless whisper i got the hell out of there!

Thanks to Joseph Araneta for hooking us up! We love playing for your productions man!

Junkies play Magnet and have a party!

We played last tuesday at Magnet in Katipunan and though there weren't all too many people there, we had a blast being onstage together and in front of some of our friends who hadn't seen us in quite awhile. Special thanks to Aussy for hooking us up with the gig the drinks and the food, we loved it all! Also a special thank you to Gasulina who not only played a great set before us, but went on to lending us one of their guitar amps! Awesome stuff man!

After the gig, we headed out to Route 196 for a few beers. I was happy to see that Gaijin was on the bill and even happier when we entered and found them already onstage! It was too bad that we were being charged and chose not to pay the entrance cuz we didn't even know if Gaijin was already the last band and maybe even playing their last song...so, instead, we went back to my place.

All in all it was Nino and Niko of the Junkies, Carla Laus who is an old friend from many years ago, Rupert Oldham who was the man in charge of booking us a fantastic 3 night series of shows in Saigon in Vietnam, as well as LC De Leon the guitar player of the year who plays and fronts Reklamo. Gabby Alipe of Urbandub and I are housemates and he came downstairs to join us too when he heard the noise we were making downstairs and soon followed Paul Velasco, drummer for Cosmic Love most notably but has played with many other bands already.

It was a great little crowd and in no time there were all sorts of conversations going on and was really good fun! We sound tripped, had shots of beers that came out of Red Horse Grande bottles, and of course...smoked our lungs out! It was crazy in its own ways and the laughter throughout was energetic. We spoke of the progress of Urbandub's Recordings, we made suggestions to Rupert of who else he should see while he's in the country, we made other plans as to other things we can do to show him a good time, i got to hang with Carla for a bit too but since i could tell she was tired, i shut up and let her take a nap. It was a cool night and though our place can get pretty hot even at night, this was a particularly cool night and everyone was comfortable.

I hope for more unplanned great nights like these to come in the near future! But thank God that it was only been we were drinking cuz i aint on holiday and its virtually impossible to get to work the next day had i been drinking harder stuff. Til the next time!

To Blog or Not To Blog

To Blog or Not To Blog
Current mood: curious
Category: Blogging

For those that dont know, i work in the music industry, under a few hats.

Im currently working full time for a music based website as its content manager and A&R. As part of that job im in touch with the different record labels as well as band managers, band members, production group heads, as well as a whole lot of the independent groups and it is part of my job description to feature them on www.odysseylive.net with their different endeavors and happenings.

I also work part time for a local production house / management firm called Sonic Boom and though the description is not exactly clear, a part of my responsibilities include being up to date with whats going on with the bands under our roster.

Beyond all that, i play bass for two bands, both of which have their share of friends and supporters and keeps me in touch with some of the other people i wouldn't see otherwise.

All in all, i've got quite a bit of friends and acquaintances in the music industry and am now thinking of starting a blog that speaks of what its like to be in this world. Now i know that alot of other people are in this world as well but somehow it is thought that my connection into this world is a complete connection and not just bits of pieces here and there...for example, i live with the Singer of Urbandub (a hugely popular rock band in Manila, Philippines), our neighbors include other bassists such as Nathan Azarcon and Nino Avenido, both of whom are established musicians with numerous prestigious awards under their belts, sometimes we hang out...i also attend presscon's and video shoots and sometimes even get invited to listening parties wherein we listen to an album prior to its release...by some of the most in demand bands in the Philippines.

So, what do you guys think? Will writing about these encounters be something entertaining enough for you to want to check out?

Eraserheads! Gary V! Playgirls! Sonic Boom! Kerplunk! Sunshine! and Boyce Avenue!

February 11, 2009

Greetings from OdysseyLive.Net!

NEWS OF THE WEEK!!!

The Eraserheads!

Peace-ing It All Together!

Jazz recounts his close encounters during last year's Eraserheads Reunion Show!

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/997/

The Truth about Ely and Dianne

There is so much talk about the state of their relationship, read the truth here:

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/1000/

GIGS THIS WEEK!!

Sonic Boom's The Horror Show!!!

http://www.odysseylive.net/events_info.php?id=1994

Kerplunk Night at Saguijo!

http://www.odysseylive.net/events_info.php?id=2003

Junkies in Saigon Part 2wo

Part 2:

I don’t know what time we woke up but I remember screaming off our balcony “Gooooood Mooorning Vietnam!!!!” after which I was told to shut up and reminded that we were in a socialist communist country. But I was in a great mood and we’d had a great first night of the shows and we were well appreciated and the spirit that exists in you when that happens is really just a monster of energy! Rupert came over and asked how our night was to which I think he saw in our eyes the answer without our needing to actually say anything. We chilled out for a bit then decided to head out and take care of a few things. One of them was the idea of selling CD’s of some of our unreleased tracks that had already been mixed and mastered. As part of walking around a bit the day before, Niko and I had already found a great spot to burn a bunch of CD’s for a price that was waaay better than the other places we’d inquired. So, we took care of that and hung around while the CD’s were burning. We made 15 copies and hoped that we’d sell enough to at least pay for the cost of making them. Anyway, after making the discs we headed back home for much needed rest cuz we knew that the Vasco’s gig was going to be huge and that rest was going to pay off later in the night.

We each napped and woke up in time for sound check. We must’ve played 2 to 3 songs to get our sound the way we wanted to with the amplifiers and vocal tones, niko had the problem of a revolving drum kit but was able to deal with it by simply moving his stool a bit to the right after each song. I had a quick beer with Rupert while packing up then it was time to head out. Deciding that we needed a bite to eat I suggested Lily’s Café down the street where the love is strong and the police are nowhere to be found! We got settled, ordered a bite to eat, waited for the food, ate, then went home, all in under an hour. Meanwhile, Rupert was out looking for CD cases. We were all hell bent on selling some CD’s and making some money since we didn’t really have a lot to begin with.

I can no longer remember what time we had to be ready for Rupert to pick us up but as usual, we weren’t quite ready when he arrived but we were awake and slowly moving. The next thing I do remember is arriving at Vasco’s and loving that there were already a number of people there having some cocktails and that I started feeling the energy of the night. It was good energy. Hot! Exciting! Comfortable and almost spiritual in its ethereal presence. Niko and I sat at the bar while Nino talked to some old friends from Manila. We met Niko’s cousin, Dose, who was set to spin before, inbetween and after our sets. His wife Lori was there as well, and Rupert’s girlfriend too! While chatting with these people we ended up meeting more people and before I knew it I could no longer remember the names of everyone that we were there with. We met Melanie through Lori and were warned to stay away from her, which we did not and im glad we didn’t because she turned out to be one of the best people we’d gotten to know while we were there! Anyway, drinks start pouring, we ask what their strongest beer is and get served a couple of 333’s ( or in Vietnamese, bababa ). We learn that we have a bottle of scotch but decide to hit that later on instead and just pay for a few beers ourselves in the meantime. Shots of tequila’s were quite abundant as well and by that I knew that tonight was going to be pure madness! I ask about our timeline, how long before were set to play and was told at least an hour more before we begin, “What?!” I said, “Oh man, were gonna be so drunk tonight” I resigned. Maybe 20 minutes later people were asking me what time were starting to which I say at least an hour more but then they argue to start sooner. I said its not up to me but im ready to go. Another 20 minutes pass and were told to hurry up and begin but this time its by Rupert so there’s no messing about. We ask for 5 minutes more for the band to sort of put together a set list and have our time alone before hitting the stage of the already packed Vasco’s. Rupert agrees and we step outside with pen and paper in hand. We shared a guiness glass and made a set list which im not sure we followed. Then we were rushed to begin and with that we ditch the list, take the beer and head to the stage.

Read the whole story here:

http://odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/991/

Febuary 4 Newsletter (This one's good!)

I send out weekly newsletter for www.odysseylive.net, this is this weeks newsletter :)

Feel free to comment and please do check out the links!

Febuary 4, 2009

Greetings From OdysseyLive.Net!!!

Check out this weeks newsletter! There's just so much going on!!!

NEWS OF THE WEEK!!!

Kjwan Launches brand spanking new album 13 Seconds To Love!

Click below and find out how to win FREE TICKETS to the concert!

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/989/

Chubibo Offers a FREE DOWNLOAD of their latest single!

Catch it now before you have to buy it!

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/988/

Chillitees Launches New Video over a bar tour of 3 nights!

Loads of giveaways, free booze, and skateboards to be raffled off!

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/987/

Tough Jeans Offers indie artists a chance to get their music out!

Read more about this once in a lifetime opportunity!

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/982/

IN OTHER HOT NEWS!

Eraserheads Rehearsals for the "Final Set"

Check out these photos and get an idea of the feel of the upcoming concert of the year!

Thank you to Ma'am Day for sharing these photos with us!

http://www.odysseylive.net/eraserheads/albums/3028/

Wolfgang Concert Tickets for sale!

More information has been brought to our attention now regarding their March Concert in Manila!

Check it out here!

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/932/

ALSO!

SonyBMG Signs up OdysseyLive's Letter Day Story!!!

Congratulations Boys! You guys really deserve this!

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/983/

Side A, MYMP and Freestyle Back For "Love 2 Love 2 Love"

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/blog/984/

See you all on Friday at Kjwan's Launch!

Dont forget to participate in our online promo and win free tickets!!!

WWW.ODYSSEYLIVE.NET

Live The Music!

Junkies in Saigon Part 1

I think it all began the week before New Years Eve. Carla Laus, a close friend of mine was visiting for the holidays and wanted to hook up. Being that I don’t entire go out that much unless its work related, I simply invited her to our pre-Give A Damn gig at Capones where we were played a few songs. She liked what she saw and had pretty much right then and there decided that she wanted us to play in Saigon, Vietnam. She said, “Send me a video of you guys playing a song so I can show it to my good friend who’s a concert producer/promoter”! I was a bit drunk and couldn’t quite believe it to be realistic so I shrugged it off, although produced the video via facebook. Rupert, the producer, saw the video and gave the go signal! I couldn’t believe it! New Years had just passed and it was 2009 and we were going to Vietnam!

There’s a long story with how we got off work for 7 days and how our drummer who also plays in another band had to explain that he was leaving the country on such short notice and problems with passports and it being Chinese new years but lets skip all that and just say that we got what we needed to get done, done!

And so on January 21, the Blue Jean Junkies were at the Ninoy Aquino Airport Terminal 3 waiting for our midnight flight to Saigon! First time for each of us, and none of us knew a damn thing about the place except that it was in Vietnam!

We got there at about 130am, Carla and Rupert were there to pick us up and though we were invited to a French Party we opted to get a bite to eat instead and chill for the long week ahead. We each had some Pho and was shown how to eat it and how this leaf does that and that leaf does this and tasted chili sauce Vietnamese style! After eating our Pho over a few beers we decide “Alright lets head out and check into our hotel and put our guitars down”. We checked in and were shown a few nearby bars where we could easily get to without needing to be shown around. We said our goodbye’s to Carla and Rupert and minutes later decide to drink some beer at Go To Bar which was a minutes walk away from our hotel.

Getting Started

It was fun sitting in that bar, loads of people but everyone taking it slow, I sat at the bar and ordered us 3 beers. In no time a Vietnamese local was sitting next to me asking me if she could crash at our hotel for the night, hooker. I shooed her off and carried on with the band. Nino ended up convincing the bar to let him use facebook while Niko and I decide to have a look upstairs! HOLY FUCK! Go To Bar’s upstairs was happening!!! For lack of a better word that is. It was pumping with white guys and girls, dancing to fucking Eminem while everyone sang along but it was fun to see everyone being so into it and in a great mood! We stayed awhile, maybe 2 to 3 rounds. I spilt some guys beer all over the floor by accident and he didn’t like it much. After a few Eminem tracks I couldn’t take it and asked Niko if he was ready to head out. Down we went, Nino was just about done, and we called it a night.

Rupert and I

The following day was Thursday the 22^nd, first day of our series of gigs. We woke up a bit early and took to the streets! The 3 of us got ourselves together and made our way out for a Vietnamese lunch. We went up the street and took a left, saw a series of shops and café’s and made our way into this one place that didn’t have too many tourists. We had a look at the menu and ordered beef and chicken. After eating another delicious meal, Niko and I thought to go for a walk just to see what was around while Nino went ahead to the room. Being a bit off our heads and tired plus having a long day ahead, we went back to the hotel. Rupert had come to get us at about 4pm for sound check. He decided to walk to the venue since it wasn’t too far away. 20+ minutes later I wished we had taken a cab because my bass is not light and walking around wasn’t that easy, especially in fucking Saigon traffic! But we got to Sheridan’s and met the owner Mike. He had a word with us, said our hello’s and got the deal for the night explained to us. We were to play 2 sets of about an hour each, acoustic, and with percussions. Bass straight to the mixer controlled by a cool sound engineer who doesn’t speak much English. It was Rock and Roll. Sound check was ok, we got a bite to eat, and made our way back in time for our sets.

Carla Nino me and Niko

First set was good. Nothing explosive and very unusual for the Blue Jean Junkies but it was good fun all the same. We played mostly covers and the set felt longer than I thought it was. I’d asked Rupert how we were doing with time and he said that we’d been playing for about 35 minutes when we’d finished our set list of 8 songs so we needed to come up with a list on the spot to fill in the remaining 25 minutes. We did, then took a break, had more beer, and met some people. Mike told us that he felt we were holding back and to just do our thing and not worry about making too much noise, even though we were in this fairly small pub. We say ok, drink more beer, meet more people, say hi to some people we’d already met, and had a few laughs. Suddenly it was time to start the 2^nd set, we were ready. Tanked up we hit the stage without a set list and began. It must have taken about a song or two for us to start getting really into it. Without warning we were rocking and feeling the heat! Carla sang a song or 2 with us, the audience requested songs by singing song lyrics’ in between songs, and people were now standing directly in front of us giving us less room than from what we already hardly had, but we loved it! The connection we reached with them was beautiful and we were all on the same boat, a bunch of people out having a good time while getting tanked up! Only difference was that we had instruments with us, but we were all rocking! It was a great night and in the end Mike even gave us Sheridan’s T-Shirts as well as asked us to sign his posters because he wanted to put it up with his other posters in the pub which consisted of some great musicians known worldwide, it was an honor for us to be amongst some jazz greats!

The Blue Jean Junkies Tanking Up!

Anyway, we got paid a bit extra in Dong (Vietnamese currency) and made our way out. Nino wanted to check out Vasco’s which is where we were scheduled to play the following night, Carla took him. I don’t know what happened to Rupert but Niko and I had only one thing on our minds: we weren’t looking to pick up any women, we didn’t need to see the clubs that people had been talking about, nor were we itching to check out more fucking Eminem music at Go To. So, were told that you can smoke ganja at this bar if you buy it there, plus they sell beer too! Without needing any more info we grabbed our stuff and hailed a cab! I think we must’ve put our stuff in the hotel before going cuz I don’t remember having my bass with me there. Anyway, we found our way and were there! Its on the same street as our hotel, Vui Diem, and just a 10 minute walk down the road. We were greeted by these 2 local girls wearing simple clothing and took a seat on some bar stools by a high table. Since we’d drank nothing but Saigon Bia (beer) the first night, we decided to drink Tiger Bia’s this night. Beers are served and just as I’d hoped was true, 3 joints were handed to us. It was like being in heaven! I had to ask the waitress twice if I could really just light up and they said “yes of course go ahead”! WOW! I love Saigon! I don’t know how long we stayed there but it was pretty long as many rounds and repeated orders were placed and by the time we walked home I told Niko “Fuck dude I think were lost” to which he replied “But were just on the same street as where we live”. I guess I was high! He even wanted to check out Go To but I begged off and crashed. He did the same. Nino shows up I don’t know how much longer and next thing I know it’s the next day.

Us with Mike Rupert and Carla

To view the full photo album, follow the link below:

http://odysseylive.net/miggy/albums/2975/