Loving Boyce Avenue as only Pinoys can
How big a phenomenon is Boyce Avenue among Pinoy fans? Well, quite a bit, if you go by the American acoustic trio’s Wiki page.
"In early 2009, the band performed for an estimated total of 25,000 fans over four headline shows in the Philippines. And on the heels of its whirlwind success in the Philippines, the band launched headline tours in the USA, Canada, and Europe," it says.
In fact, it's said that Boyce Avenue has become the country’s most streamed international act on Spotify.
Fresh take on hot hits
Gian Carlo Vizcarra, an established entertainment industry publicist, shared his observation of why they’re a hit among Pinoy music lovers.
"Through the years, Boyce Avenue has made a solid Filipino following because first, they usually give their own fresh take on some of the hottest hits of the season,” he said.
“Their renditions are usually new, straightforward and distinct. They look and sound good. Good, ‘familiar’ music, great looks make them a hit for Filipinos."
Karaoke country
Indiepinoy president Nolit Abanilla has another take.
"Sentimental kasi ang mga Pinoy, fond of singing songs of other people. Kaya nga dami tayo revivals e," he noted.
"We are one karaoke country," he added.
Beginnings
So there’s no denying the sway of the three Puerto Rican-American brothers who first came together as a band in October 2004 in Sarasota, Florida.
That was when Alejandro Manzano (lead vocals, guitar, piano) and Fabian (guitar, vocals) reconnected with their elder brother Daniel (bass, percussion, vocals), who had moved back to Florida after graduating from Harvard University Law School in Massachusetts.
The siblings named their group after a combination of two streets where the brothers grew up.
YouTube star
The band blew up on YouTube, beginning in 2007.
They showcased their emotive, radio-friendly alt rock in a series of videos showing them perform acoustic versions of their own songs, as well as covers of their favorite songs by other artists.
To date, Boyce Avenue has had over 1 billion views on YouTube and over 5.5 million subscribers– making it one of the top artists of all time on the site.
First arena show in PH
And it’s earned them their first arena show in the Philippines.
The boys of Boyce Avenue are returning to perform at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Valentine’s Day, after more than a year.
It will be the group’s fourth local appearance in six years, following its sold-out concert at Resorts World Manila last Dec. 30, 2013 and its headlining tour with American Idol winner Kris Allen and the dance troupe Jabbawockeez on Feb. 5-6, 2010, one year after its local debut on Feb. 16, 2009.
Mastery of song choice
Katherine Choy-Ranoa, a former record label officer now a host for live events, observed: "Boyce Avenue has mastered song choice, renditions that hit the heart, and not to mention, the modern Prince Charming vibe to match.”
She even emphasized, “The Filipino audience is a huge supporter of everything sentimental and their music serves as a perfect musical score for their fans' memories and experiences."
And what could be more sentimental than having their favorite international cover band perform heart-tugging versions of well-loved hits right on Valentine’s Day.
Boyce Avenue Live In Manila 2015! is presented by Ovation Productions. Tickets at P4852, 4224, 3168, 2112 and 782 are available at all TicketNet outlets nationwide and online. For ticket inquiries, call TicketNet at +632 911 5555.
