The prodigies of Cebu

The prodigies of Cebu

“Hoy buang!” shouted Gabby Alipe (vocalist/guitarist), when asked to describe a typical rehearsal for the Cebu-based rock band, Urbandub.

“We argue a lot,” chimed Lalay Lim (bassist). “But usually band practice is flowing. The hardest part is to finish the song. The start is usually okay eh.”

Impish grin aside, Gabby added, “Yeah, there are times when we have songwriting sessions that end on just one day. Meron ding times when we don’t know what to put in. It depends on the song.”

And he has to know. After all, Gabby is the main songwriter in the band. “I start with the basic arrangement sa studio. Then, they listen to what I did, and yun, they add na or edit it. It’s a collaborative band effort to make it a whole,” he said.

Their third album “Embrace”, released last year, Gabby said, “It’s more moody; more personal. We’d like to think na deeper ang content, lyric-wise and message-wise.”Other members of the band are John “Janjan” Mendoza (drummer) and John Dinopol (lead guitarist).

According to their website, www.urban-dub.tk, Urbandub has proven that there is hope for the struggling artist. “Forced to be independent due to the lack of support coming from major record companies, Urbandub released their debut album called “Birth”. Unique, timely and yet experimental, it was something that entertainment scenes around the Philippines needed: a kick start into the future of original music.”

Their second album “Influence” held the track “Soul Searching” which later won the Best Song of the Year Award in the 2003 NU107 Rock Awards. The album later won the Album of the Year Award in the 2004 NU107 Rock Awards.

“How has it changed from the time when we had to pay for our fares to Manila, and stayed in one hotel room to save on bills? Well, we still eat in the same carinderia. We’d like to think that nothing has changed,” said Gabby.

He added, “I think that’s the main reason why we never wanted to be based in Manila. Whenever we have a long break there, we make it a point to come back to Cebu para grounded ba. Our family and our real friends are there.”

So is there always pressure?

“Every time naman,” said Lalay.

“We’ve been a band for six years; we’ve been playing for six years, and we still get nervous. Every time we play kasi we always want to play the best that we can. Especially in Manila. For us, we’re not just playing as Urbandub eh. We’re carrying the scene back home in Cebu,” Gabby said.“Before it was always Manila, Manila, Manila. At least now there are bands making a name for themselves outside Manila, like from Mindoro or Cebu and hopefully soon from Dumaguete,” he shared.

Lalay said, “But there is no discrimination against Bisayan bands, at least not for us.”

“We’re very lucky and blessed that when we got to Manila, the bands there were very accepting, really showing their support by going to the bars we played in. Almost all of the bands that we looked up to were there, and they had only nice comments to say to us,” shared Gabby. “I still get starstruck when we actually get to play or hang out with them.”

Have you always wanted to be musicians?

Lalay: It started out as a hobby when I was 14.
John: I always wanted to make music.

What do you do on your free time?

Lalay: Sleep.
Gabby: In manila, we just stay home and watch TV. We’re always tired eh so we usually spend the day sleeping.

Biggest realization?

Gabby: That we can actually play music and earn a living. Looking back now, we always surprised. It’s a job that’s fun.

Descriptions from other bandmates.

Lalay- party girl.
Gabby- beer.
John- cigarettes
John John- mysterious drummer

Best thing about being in a band?

Gabby: Travel. We like nature trips like Boracay and Baguio.

Advice to Dumaguete bands?

Gabby: Just keep playing music. Just be original. Never box yourself into one genre. Try expanding your musical tastes.

What to expect?

John: Hopefully more good music.
Gabby: For sure, even if Urbandub will be long gone already, all four of us will still be playing. But for our immediate plans, we go back to the studio and write new material.

First thing that comes to mind when we say—

Dumaguete? Relaxed.
Silliman? [Gabby:] That’s where my sister goes to school.
Anything else? Hayahay pizza rules.

(Written by Michelle de Guzman with interview by Rodrigo Bolivar II and Luz)