By Romina Tobias
 There’s probably some unspoken code between musicians in the Pinoy music industry, perhaps some magnetic force or frequency emission that draws them together. Before we know it, they’ve formed a new band. We’ve heard it before –a group of schoolmates, jamming in a garage, forming a band name, dreaming of being the next big thing in Pinoy music, and the next thing you know, they are the next big thing in Pinoy music.
The Pinoy band Hastang is no exception to this formula, but with a few more components. With unrestrained passion for music, genius lyricists, sheer talent, and maybe some bottles of beer on the side, Hastang’s homegrown Pinoy music is a pronounced hard rock edge with a tint of melodic sound.
Band History
In 2005, Mark, Guile and Jayson decided to form a female-fronted Pinoy band with a hard rock sound. To complete their ensemble, they recruited newcomer singer Tessa Manto and lead guitarist Roy Tutor (both college mates of Mark and Guile) and started jamming on some lyrics written by Julie Ann “YanYan” Redoble. Since then, this Pinoy band has undergone several line-up changes. Currently, this proudly Pinoy band is composed of Tessa Manto (vocals), Raul “Gaw” Luche, Jr. (lead guitars), Guile Canencia (bass) and Mark Austin Ladanan (drums). They also regularly play with a rhythm guitar sessionist, Murray Suson, in their live gigs. But it was the core group (Tessa, Gaw, Guile, and Mark) who recorded the debut album.
 Why the name "Hastang?"
Hastang is a Cebuano colloquial term that loosely means “extremely” or “excessively”. It’s a superlative word meant to express overly strong emotions or opinions. The members chose Hastang as the name of their new Pinoy band because they wanted something that reflects their Cebuano roots.
What the members are hard-pressed to define is their own music.
Guile admits, “We play hard rock, but our vocalist is female; hence the discrepancy. The closest we can come up with is modern rock.”
Tessa joins in, “Although the instrumentation is heavy, our songs are melodic.”
The lyrics of their songs is an integral part of their music. They explore subjects that range from melancholic themes to empowering concepts to musings based on this Pinoy band members’ personal experiences. Tessa and YanYan write the lyrics while the whole band collectively does the song arrangements.
Gaw stresses, “Don't forget the lyrics. I think a huge part of experiencing our music is learning the lyrics. We have a brilliant lyricist to thank for that.”
Unforgettable moments
 In one bar the group played in 2007, drummer Mark nearly fell off the drum throne in the middle of the set. One of the stool’s legs slipped, and this Pinoy band’s not-so-little drummer almost lost his composure. But the show did go on.
But of course, nothing can beat the group’s December 2006 gig in 6Underground in Makati. That was their very first time to play in front of a Manila crowd, and they loved every minute of it. Nothing could compare to the enthusiasm of the Manila audience, prompting this Pinoy band to say that they could not wait for another return engagement.
Another dream gig was the Centennial UP Fair last February 16, as the crowd was receptive and enthusiastic in their love for original Pinoy music.
One place that they would really like to perform in is New York City. All members agree that it would really be “something” if this Pinoy band ever get to perform in the Big Apple.
Gig rituals
Ultimately, being in this particular Pinoy band means having a lot of fun. Their little rituals before each show help them get into the spirit.
Gaw and Mark order beer to warm them up for the performance. They always bring a bottle of beer up on stage, and steal sips in between songs.
Guile says, “I cracks a corny joke to ease the tension.”
Meanwhile, Tessa says, “I say a silent prayer.
And Mark never ceases in reminding his buddies, “Relax! No pressure lang!”
Wise words that any Pinoy band should hear and follow.
For more information about this Pinoy band, go to Hastang Band’s profile here in 88DB.com. |
