Kamikazee’s Jay Contreras urges fans: ‘OPM first’
Jay Contreras, the charismatic frontman of rock band Kamikazee, finds no problem in Filipinos becoming ardent fans of foreign music.
But if he has the power to “cure” that somewhat colonial mentality pervading in Philippine culture, he would.
Besides, Filipino musical artists, regardless of genres, have real positive stuff to offer. So, in his mind, it wouldn’t hurt if listeners and concertgoers prioritize supporting our own more than spending money and time embracing music coming from somewhere else.
“Hindi masamang sumuporta sa ibang lahi. Pero sana suportahan muna natin ang Pinoy,” said the Kamikazee frontman, whose stage antics and husky vocals helped turn the band into instant legends with a fan base that’s remained strong ever since they hit the big time with their signature hit “Narda” almost a decade back.
FUSION frontrunner
Jay shared his sentiments during a gathering to promote the FUSION music festival set on January 30 at the MOA Concert Grounds.
The star-studded show, which includes everyone from Sarah Geronimo to, yes, Kamikazee, begins early Friday afternoon until the wee hours of the following day.
“Sobrang saya namin na kasama kami dito sa first-ever FUSION,” he noted, “Dito magkakasama lahat ng mga artists mula sa iba’t ibang genres. Hindi lang mga rock bands ang mapapanood ninyo.”
He added: “Ito ay para ipakita sa mundo na ang OPM ay buhay na buhay.”
Gigs galore
In fact, OPM is so alive, Kamikazee hasn’t been compelled to come out with new material—ironic as that may sound.
“Hindi namin talaga maramdaman na patay ang OPM kasi kaya nga kami nagpahinga sa paggawa ng album ay (partly) dahil sa dami ng gigs,” he explained.
And the upcoming FUSION concert is still another gig for Kamikazee, where they’ll also be joined by Bamboo, Rico Blanco, Noel Cabangon, Joey Ayala, Gloc9, Ebe Dancel, Tres Marias, Kitchie Nadal, Barbie Almalbis, The Dawn, Parokya ni Edgar, Wolfgang, Sandwich, and 6Cyclemind, among many others.
More than an event
Carat Philippines Inc. is spearheading the event with the theme, “Play As One.” As CEO Gladys Rondina-Basinillo said, “We are not just launching an event, but a movement for the next generation to keep supporting and loving OPM.”
Andrew E., the iconic rapper also invited to perform, said in a separate chat, “We were given few songs to deliver in our respective time on stage. This is challenging because I’m sure each artist is preparing to give fans something worth remembering.”
The organizer even got a message from President Noynoy Aquino which said in part, “May this program be an opportunity to empower our singers, composers, and musicians to continue nurturing their gift of song, and enjoin them to serve as banner men of our multifaceted, melting pot culture.”
New album
On that note, Kamikazee is happily announcing it is coming out with a new album this year, their fifth following “Romantico” in 2012.
Jay assured fans that they have given their all in producing this latest package, details of which he chose to withhold in the meantime.
He related, “Pinaghirapan namin ito at excited kaming ilabas ito kasi masaya kami sa naging resulta. Same line up at kami pa ring lima, tumanda lang.”
FUSION tickets are available at Ticket World, SM Tickets and Ticketnet, at P1000 for the VIP section and P350 for general admission. For updates, follow the FUSION event on Facebook.
