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Date Posted: 22:17:37 10/07/04 Thu
Author: By JOJO P. PANALIGAN
Subject: Life in a Show Band

Life in a show band
By JOJO P. PANALIGAN

Ever wondered how life is in a show band?

We got an idea recently when we spoke with Hannche Bobis, the keyboard player for one of the hottest show bands in town, Elements. Formed in 2000, the six-man act won in the acoustic open competition of WRR last year, has a contribution (duet version of “How Do You Heal A Broken Heart?”) in Star Records’ “Gig Sound” compilation album, and plays mostly R&B/pop covers at Ratsky (Morato on Wednesdays, Malate, Saturdays).

Like any other job, making music your bread and butter has its ups and downs. According to Hannche, schedule is erratic. You can be super busy for a week, with gigs and corporate shows every night, then zero booking the next. In between are times marked for rehearsals (in their case, twice a week) that last between three to five hours.

“Researching music is a must when you’re into the band scene,” says Hannche. “You have to be always in the know when it comes to what people want to hear. This way, you develop a following that, in turn, ensures regular gigs.”

A typical day for most band members can be routine, too. After finishing with the last set at around 2 a.m., most bands stay in the venue to unwind or establish rapport with their audience. At 6 or 7, everyone’s off to bed then up again at 3 or 3:30 p.m. In some days, sleep is even shorter as they attend to rehearsals, pictorials, and sound checks.

“That’s why it’s important that a band has a manager,” Hannche explains. “A manager lessens the load by doing the business side of your career. He does the long-term planning, scheduling, representation and solicitation for sponsors. In our case, it was our manager who secured our deal with MYX that helps a lot in easing expenses for clothes. A manager also anchors you by pointing out if you need to improve in your performance, your fashion sense, etc.”

Currently, show bands are paid anywhere between 10,000 up to 30,000 pesos (divided equally among members in Elements’ case) per gig depending on how big the venue is and what clientele it caters to. For Hannche, this has enabled him to live independently and to indulge in some lifestyle whims.

Still, the big bucks do not delude him into a false sense of security. “As opposed to having a regular job, our earning power depends on youth and luck. Unlike if you work, say, in a call center, you are assured of increases every year. Sa amin, hindi sure kung may kukuha pa sa amin pag tumanda na or kung tataas ang rate ng banda five years from now. Kailangan mo talagang mag-ipon,” tells he.
A contingency then would be performing abroad which can be quite lucrative. In Singapore or Japan, for example, a show band member can earn as much as 70,000 pesos every month on top of tips. They also get to live in plush hotels with food allowance thrown in.

“But there are also disadvantages. One is being away from family and friends and living in a country alien to ways you’ve gotten used to. Another is the toll your absence from the scene exacts. Sa pagbabanda kasi, mawala ka lang sa Pilipinas ng anim na buwan, para ka ding back to zero pagbalik mo. Balik audition ka na naman as you build up your name to bar owners all over again,” discloses Hannche.

To prolong the need to go abroad, Elements is aiming to go into recording. So far they’ve written 10 originals and are currently shopping their demos to recording companies. “An album takes you to the next level. Securing a record deal adds to your value as a showband in that you can use as leverage when negotiating for gigs. Personally, I also think it’s nice to have an album for posterity,” says he.
What differentiates a good show band from mediocre ones?

“Kailangan may chemistry. If one has two vocalists, kailangan may kiliti ang tandem nila sa tao. Kailangan maganda ang timing nila at hindi nagsasapawan; tipong love team sa pelikula,” elaborates Hannche.

Taking everything in consideration, life in a show band (at least, as far as Hannche is concerned) still is A-ok.

“Masarap tumugtog. Masarap ang palakpak,” he ends.

(Other members of Elements are drummer Reggie Santos, bass player Richard Diamse, guitarist Elmer Fortuna, and vocalists Charlotte Salandana and Jeffrey Sanchez)

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