You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘bread and circuses’ tag.
“Being an artist means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn’t force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterwards summer may not come.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
There was a lull in terms of recording and releasing new materials for The Camerawalls in 2011. It was a tough year, and with the ever-changing musical landscape and distribution, we felt it’s better to postpone any plans. Bread and Circuses EP was more like a “chop suey” served during a lengthy cocoon stage of the band. As times changes so do we. The year that passed has tested our adaptability to changes.
2011 was spent on promoting the new EP, gigging, collecting ideas and opportunities. We met a lot of new friends online and offline, played and sang our hearts out, covered more songs than we ever did. We were able to release two music videos lovingly produced by photographer friends; celebrated our fourth year as a band; welcomed a fourth member named George Carillo to fill in on electric guitar duties; returned to Singapore for gigs. We performed over 60 listed gigs averaging five to six per month.
It was also during 2011 that we had a taste of a little prestige through songwriting competitions we courageously entered. I became a semi-finalist in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) in the folk/singer-songwriter category for the song “Bread and Circuses“. This consequently led me to try my luck with the John Lennon Songwriting Contest with the song “Birthday Wishes“, bagging the grand prize in the mini contest for songs of peace and love in honor of Lennon’s 71st birthday.
The highlights that I tried to recall and enumerate above is indicative of another growth chapter for The Camerawalls. Each single day is enough to make us a little larger, growing into more and retreating into less. We are resolute in producing more songs this year, more gigs to plays, more books to read, more new things to experience and more socially relevant projects.
We are inviting you all to join us in our journey. To those who already did, you have given us a dear privilege to be part of your lives through our music.
A fabulous and legendary New Year to us all!
This post has been lying on our WordPress draft section since Oct 7. Completely forgot about it. Last month was pretty tight with lots of gigs and activities. So here goes…
…continued from Rich In Love At Timbre (Part 2)
Our Final Set at The Substation
Right after chilling out for a bit at Timbre @ Old School we headed straight to The Substation for the usual soundcheck. A few minutes before our set a queue was forming outside. We played to what seemed like a full house bar for that evening. Many guests who came to see us the previous night were also present to witness our last gig in SG.
We were far more relaxed, like we’re in a familiar place. It felt like home.
All black and white photos by Deo Virtucio of Requiem Rising Singapore. To see more, click HERE>>>
Canto De Maria Clara – The Camerawalls (Live at Timbre @ The Substation)
My Life’s Arithmetic Means – The Camerawalls (Live at Timbre @ The Substation)
Bread and Circuses – The Camerawalls (Live at Timbre @ The Substation)
Last week, preliminary to an internet radio performance at UR Faceradio, we posted an open invitation to all who might be interested to join us and become our guests during the show and receive a free copy of our new EP Bread and Circuses. See A Radio Invitation…
The involvement entails an easy task of e-mailing an answer to the question “Why do you like The Camerawalls?” The responses we received were more than heartwarming, enkindling us to the core, enough to inspire an immediate follow-up with new recordings.
“The exceptionally written words in every song catch my attention. Some songs are based in real life situation in which we can learn something good based on the message of a particular song. Another thing is their feel-good music allows me to see the day in an optimistic way.” – Kevin
“Because listening to The Camerawalls is like a perfect book, you bring me to a different world.” – Lori
The Camerawalls live at UR Faceradio with sessionist Carlo Gaa on keys.
“Dahil napakaganda ng inyong musika. Araw-araw kong pinapakinggan ang inyong magagandang kanta at minsan sinasabayan ko rin ng gitara habang kinakanta. Bawat lyrics, melody, instruments ay napakahusay. Nagpapasalamat ako dahil may natitira pang mga musikero na katulad nyo na talagang napakahusay. Salamat din sa mga cover songs nyo dahil nakakatuklas ako ng magagandang kanta kumpara ngayon na parang wala na yung quality ng musika.” – Mark
“I like It so much, because the sound is better than the others, looking back at your debut album ‘Pocket Guide To The Otherworld’, I find all the songs in that album so beautiful and amazing! I’ve never heard any band use rondalla before in a modern song. Then your song “Canto de Maria Clara” was derived from one the books that our National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal wrote. You leave me amazed, where in heaven did you get your songwriting techniques? In your EP Album “Bread and Circuses”, the most I like are “Longevity”,”My Life’s Arithmetic Means” and your single “Bread and Circuses”, I play it always in youtube.com and I always enjoy your songs, dreaming I was in heaven and flying in the clouds. What beautiful music you have!” – Bobby
Law Santiago
“I like the Camerawalls’ music because I am into indiepop and 80′s music (The Smiths, Stone Roses & Pale Fountains). I love the popish guitar sound of the band plus the soothing voice of Clem.Their rondalla/banduria approach when they performed in Club 8 in Manila was superb, eclectic and unique.” – Erick
“This is quite low but I like your music because of its very soothing melody. I am also amazed by the lyrics of your songs, but I cannot fully say that it is really the message that made me like your music because I am not sure if I truly got your message. There are also some songs which I find vague because, I don’t know, maybe I should improve my vocabulary. I salute you for keeping your music as non-commercial one. Sometimes I wonder how people could not know about your beautiful songs and listen to it just like the mainstream ones but I stayed selfish about it… your music’s like a treasure.” – Nicole
Joseph "Bachie" Rudica
“I like the sincerity and truthfulness in your lyrics and I like the creativity in your music! More power!” – JM
“I’m a metal fan pero I matured into your kind of music. I think your music is classy and very mature. It easily connects to my soul. Your music talks to me. Simple yet so much better than all those fast complicated metal. When I’m sad, stressed and hopeless, your music always cheers me up.” – Allen
“It’s different… kumbaga yung recipe ng masarap na pagkain. A masterpiece of lyrics.” – Tessa
Clementine
“Music has played an integral part in the lives of every Filipino and in the lives of every individual in general. It has served as a catalyst in the hustle bustle of daily living whether among the affluent, the middle class nor the less fortunate. It is indeed a powerful medium which can induce multiple response which can either be physiological, emotional, cognitive and behavioral.
Music can influence behavior in ways which are beyond one’s conscious awareness. Further, it promotes relaxation, alleviates anxiety and pain, facilitates communication which goes beyond words and explanation, inspire and soothe the spirit and the troubled mind. It is an essential foundation of our existence and the rhythm of our souls, consequently a few couldn’t live without it.
Never before in the history of humanity that an abundance of different genre of music has been made and so easily available in the world today, not to mention it’s accessibility through the advancement of modern technology. The development of electronic media has paved the way to make music more enjoyable. The question as to who and what is worth listening is a vital factor which will define what are we made of and what we value in life.
I have always been a music enthusiast and a lover of which that is good, lovely, virtuous and praiseworthy. Though I am not musically gifted I have a penchant of what is simply unique and extraordinary. Ironically, I have never been exposed to live bands not until recently, nevertheless, I knew one is worthy of my time and attention when I see one. The adventurous side of me made me discover zones I should pay attention to – The CAMERAWALLS .
Their music captured and awakened my heart in deep slumber and created a deep impact in me. It has the effect I had previously mentioned above. Never have I heard an all-Filipino band sounded so exquisitely beautiful. Their lyrics were so rich – intelligently, intricately and delicately woven together to create a perfect melody so relaxing and soothing to the human soul. All the three-man-band were equality gifted and oozing with talent and perfectly blend. Keep creating and making good music together. I’ll be tirelessly listening and loving your music ’til eternity passes away! More power and Godbless.” – Cathy
With friends and guests who took home free CDs with stickers and badges.
Many thanks to all participants. We thank you all for taking time and effort to be with us. Let’s do this again when the opportunity presents itself. In the meantime, see you in gigs!
Photo credits: Erick Dantoc and Jeff Saw
We’d like to further share the results of our performance (originally blogged at Lilystars Records) in that dark pub where we always like to play called Route 196 during The POP Shoppe! tribute to Burt Bacharach on March 3. We are lucky to have Kate Torralba as part of the line-up of artists performing and even luckier to have her on stage with us the whole time.
She recently recorded piano for one of our songs in Bread And Circuses EP called “My Life’s Arithmetic Means” and we were able to jam it together for the first time live that night. It was the first song and she never left our side, jamming with all our Bacharach covers, a couple more original songs, and sang a lady version of “Girlfriend In A Coma” by The Smiths. Fun night! We ended up closing the bar at 3:30am.
My Life’s Arithmetic Means – The Camerawalls with Kate Torralba
This Guys In Love With You / Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head / Walk On By – The Camerawalls
To those who already have a copy of Bread and Circuses EP we are grateful for your support. But you might like to know, there’s a bonus hidden track after the last song — an instrumental version of track two — “My Life’s Arithmetic Means“. Listen to the original track below:
My Life’s Arithmetic Means – The Camerawalls
Kate Torralba, our guest musician on the record, made impromptu contributions to the song. She was very kind enough to appear in the studio even on a very short notice without the benefit of a song study, and record piano and keyboard sections on the spot. She was amazing!
Kate Torralba at home with her piano. Photo by Aldwin Aspillera.
Before actual takes we sat down to review her on the chord progressions and sections of the song while catching up and exchanging talks about love and relationship failures. A conversation that somehow led us to a conclusion that we would both fare better with a foreign prospect. Kate even funnily suggested to hook me up with her friends. “I am a good matchmaker!” she quips. To which I just plainly shrugged.
Robert Javier was the one on board the console at Sonicstate Audio, recording and guiding her as our producer. The clip below is the exact recording of a portion of the short bonus track which you can hear after a two-minute silence preceded by the last track “Bread and Circuses” in the EP.
Kate Torralba is a singer-songwriter-pianist and a fashion designer. She is currently working on her solo debut album.
We had an amazing Saturday night! Opening act for the popular 80s icon China Crisis plus backstage access and front row seats to their show. If you missed the gig at The Venice Piazza, the series of videos below is the closest you can get to the experience.
We only played three songs. We were actually required to do two covers but opted to play just one to promote our records. I’m sure the management of Megaworld wouldn’t mind since whatever we play will sound close to the songs we cover. But we are mighty glad and thankful for this opportunity.
Carlo Gaa jammed with us on keyboards. Incidentally, he’s also the keyboard sessionist for entire leg of China Crisis’ shows in Manila.
Girlfriend In A Coma
Clinically Dead For 16 Hours
Bread and Circuses
Earlier during sound check, the acoustic guitar of Eddie Lundon acted up, prompting the band to borrow and use my cheap (but nice sounding) Ibanez acoustic guitar for their entire show. And of course, the idea of having it signed automatically sprung into mind!
My acoustic guitar signed by Eddie Lundon and Gary Daly of China Crisis after using it for their last gig in Manila.
African and White – China Crisis
The Highest High – China Crisis
Reposted from http://dragonflycollector.com
Another leaf has turned as I spent my birthday week preparing and hosting a musical event. The traditional get together at Lilystars Records’ HQ on the 9th culminated with the launch of The Camerawalls EP “Bread and Circuses” at the Ayala Museum on the 11th.
I bought a whole crispy chicken for the potluck party only to become easily ignored by the wealth of food and alcohol brought along by each one who came. Some were homemade like the dishes prepared by Antonette, our wonder dinner-party hostess. Everyone from the label was present with some surprise guests – good friends who are helping us with our artists and events.
Sharing my chocolate cake.
When they brought in the cakes (there were two, one for Eric Po of Your Imaginary Friends whose birthday falls on the 12th), it’s when I realized it’s official — I’m thirty four! And loving it.
Last year, we had the same party at the exact same date. The following day when I tried to blog about it, I ended up writing a very insightful tune about my birthday wishes. Indulgent with the momentum, I readily posted a song demo for everyone to hear. You can listen/read about it HERE>>>
The song was realized and published on a proper record a year after and is included in “Bread and Circuses” EP as the only acoustic track in the collection. A simple one with a haunting melody over a root Am chord. To make the song extra special, I tied up with a couple musicians from Australia. Dan Shepherd (a slide guitarist), whom I met during his visit in the Manila, together with his friend Perrin Walker (a violinist), wrote and performed string sections and eventually bounced the recordings to me via email. You can hear their contribution beginning at 1:45 in the player below.
Robert Javier recorded my acoustic guitar and vocal takes, while the rest of the orchestrations that you will hear from beginning to end is produced and performed by Jonathan Ong of Sonicstate Audio, who is also responsible for mixing and mastering the track.
Birthday Wishes – The Camerawalls
click on the gray bar to leave a timed comment
“…a lovely haunting tune, powerful in its Lennon-like lyricism. It has the gravitas of a prayer and the bittersweet insights of a songwriter on the eve of his birthday, reflecting on his life and then-current events (he refers to a female President).” Johanna Poblete, BusinessWorld
Birthday Wishes
Words and Music by Clementine
I call upon the Universe
To never take the shine off common people
Whose eyes are still gleaming with hope
I call upon the President
To limit her ambitions
There are far more greater things in life than power
I wish for peace and love
A better country and a happy coexistence
Longevity of the people I love
All these years I think of nothing, no one but myself
In birthday wishes
Now I think of you.
Now I think of you
I pray to you my sweetest Lord
Paint us a portrait of your Love
I sing to you my dearest friends
Never cease believing
Dreams do come true
I wish for peace and love
A better country and a happy coexistence
Longevity of the people I love
All these years I think of nothing, no one but myself
In birthday wishes
Now I think of you.
Now I think of you
Oh, grant me these wishes
Oh, grant me these wishes
Something good ends, something better will begin
Something good ends, something better will begin
And in this fog i use my heart as a compass
And in the darkness, my faith is my lamp
And in depression I learn the real value of living
Here’s a live clip taken during the EP launch, with Carlo Gaa sessioning on keyboards.
Birthday Wishes – The Camerawalls (Live at Ayala Museum)
All in all it has been a great week. Stressful and tiring, but for the most part fulfilling. (And) I’m grateful to all who contributed and made all these things happen. I leave you with my eternal, yearly birthday wishes. As eternal as I am an optimist, something better will always begin.
Order our new EP “Bread and Circuses” or send it as a gift this holiday and receive free Button Pins and Stickers. Add $2 and we will include a personalized bag tag with your name or the name of the person you are sending the package as a gift. Valid till December 15 only.
For orders in the Philippines send your inquiries to shop@lilystars-records.com for pricing in pesos and other payment options. If sending as a gift e-mail us complete name and shipping address of recipient.
BUY NOW (with free button pin + sticker) $8.00
BUY NOW (with personalized bag tag and free button pin + sticker) $10.00
PREVIEW THE TRACKS!
FREEBIES
Button Pin
Stickers
ADDITIONS
Personalized Bagtags
I did a little math. It’s been 226 days since our last release (The Sight Of Love Digital Single), 794 days since our last album (Pocket Guide To The Otherworld CD Album), and 389 days since we last recorded in a studio. Last September 10, The Camerawalls turned 3 years old and we really think it’s about time to come out with a new record. This time in an EP format. A collection of 5 songs to close the year.
Tuesday of last week we diligently and officially begun recording new songs, some of them not quite new and has been waiting to be handpicked from a modest collection of materials I wrote over the past year. Things are on a roll with my record label this year and I’m guilty of neglecting my own progress in song-writing. Nevertheless we feel these new batch of songs will not disappoint (ourselves and our current listeners).
Law and I were joined in the studio by our current live session player from label mate The Gentle Isolation. His name is Bachie Rudica, a drummer, whom we believe has adeptly forged a bond with the music of The Camerawalls after five months of gigging together. Also in the studio are award-winning producers and engineers, Jonathan Ong and Robert Javier, to assist us once more in molding our new release. I’ve been personally working with them for over five years and they never fail to produce amazing recordings each time. The two of them are the main figures behind Sonic State Audio situated in Mandaluyong City. The best in the land if I may say so judging on the quality of releases Lilystars have so far.
Below are some hazy pics during the first day of recording our title track Bread & Circuses.
Inside the drum room.
Law's turn on the bass.
Trying out my old Telecaster.
The recording team. The Camerawalls + Sonic State. From L-R: Jonathan Ong, Bachie Rudica, Clementine, Robert Javier, and Law Santiago.
