Local band Kjwan lets #PinoyPride shine on first day of 7107 International Music Festival
(UPDATED WITH VIDEO) Clark, Pampanga—The moment Kjwan set foot on stage vocalist Marc Abaya told everyone, “We made it! We’re all at 7107 International Music festival!”
He thanked everyone who chose to watch the bands on the local stage, one of the two elaborate stage setups at the event, with artists performing simultaneously on each end of the festival grounds.
Prior to the concert, Marc started to post video snippets on Instagram showing him performing Kjwan songs. He said it was in tribute to the band’s heroes Red Hot Chili Peppers.
French kissing Red Hot Chili Peppers
At the 7107 local stage, he showed just how much a fan he is of RHCP by telling the crowd, “If I see Red Hot Chili Peppers, I’m gonna French kiss those m****f****!” Rock fans screamed in agreement, all just as excited to see the American group headline the festival’s second and last day.
Kjwan played 15 minutes earlier than their assigned set time. Before they started playing, Marc told the crowd that bands weren’t allowed to drink alcohol onstage and begged the crowd to cheer loud enough to that the promoters would allow him even just a swig.
He only had water bottles onstage, which he shared with one thirsty audience member.
Turning water into, er, beer
Immediately after, someone from the crowd threw him a can of beer.
Quipped Yahoo writer Carlo Pamintuan, “It’s like Marc Abaya turned water into wine—or rather, beer—that evening."
The whole crowd raised their drinks, a reminder that the festival was a celebration of music and Kjwan made sure they performed for those who chose to pack the local stage last night.
More than 10 years in music
Formed in 2003 and celebrating their 10-year anniversary last year, Kjwan is known for hit songs like “Daliri” and “Pintura.”
The band won an international music competition in 2007, bringing them recognition throughout Asia.
They would later churn out more hits like “One Look” and “Lifeline” and they are currently recording the next volume of their three-part EP as follow up for their current one “Kjwan IV Volume 1,” released in 2012.
Waving the literal flag
They started off their set with "Invitation," a song the band says won them the international competition.
During those years they were known for waving a Philippine flag onstage during their performances.
It was a strong reminder of how the band are the perfect ambassadors of Pinoy music, bringing nationalistic pride to an all-time high for the packed local stage last night.
Stalwart of the scene
The band owned the stage by making their gig extra special that evening with special guests Audry Dionisio of General Luna and Lio Valiao of Angulo performing additional guitars.
Kjwan’s drummer Eo Marcos’s brother Enzo of Severo also sang alongside Marc during a Beastie Boys “Sabotage” mash-up.
Marc did his signature water spit during “Pintura” and “Daliri” and covered guitarist Boogie Romero’s eyes while he did a very complex guitar solo.
Mighty, mighty local rock
Somehow, amidst the eclectic mix of music electronic, hip-hop and indie rock during the festival’s Day 1, capping the fest off with a band that’s a stalwart of the local rock scene was more than enough warm up for Day 2 of the festival.
Kjwan drew the crowds to the local stage right before international headliner Kaskade’s set and packed the area solid, showing that our local Pinoy music is mighty.
It reminded us that the weekend fun will remain consistently high, not just because of the international acts we’re all dying to see, but because the local acts are just as awesome.
