Tarsius and TeamManila Present Baluga 2000

The rain was pouring but the usual busy alleys of Cubao seemed calm that afternoon. It was just a perfect time to hang-out and have a cup of hot chocolate as people outside settled slowly in the damp and moody weather.

But instead of warm drinks, in front of us was a serving of corned beef pandesal and a bowl of dinuguan ordered from a local eatery by Diego Mapa and Jay Gapasin of Tarsius. Coming from a photo shoot, the synth and drum duo were conversing like good old chums you’ve met and shared a beer with before. The vibe was light and the weather was right as we talked about their music’s beginnings, the band’s progress, and a handful of jeepney stories to match their new release, Baluga 2000.

TARSIUS BALUGA 2000

Inspired by the Philippine jeepney, Baluga 2000 is composed of three tracks composed and arranged by the band exclusive for TeamManila’s Jeepney Collection. A mix of demos and a spurt of collective ideas, Baluga 2000 is a follow-up to Tarsius’ full-length album “Primate” along with a handful of music videos. It’s a record we’re proud to release as we put the Hari ng Kalsada on spotlight. Over corned beef pandesal and dinuguan, we got to know more about Tarsius in our interview below. Also get your first taste of Baluga 2000 for a couple of bucks at our online store.

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TARSIUS x TEAMMANILA PRESENT BALUGA 2000

Preview the EP here

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Please tell us something about Tarsius … How did it start and what was the idea behind it?

Diego: First of all, nag-hang out muna kami noong magkasabay ang tour ng Radioactive Sago Project (Jay’s other band) and Pedicab sa isang NGO sponsored gig sa Switzerland. Dati nagkikita na kami dito dahil parehas kaming nagbabanda at every time, electronic music at inom ang jamming namin.

One day gumawa ako ng remixes under the name Tarsius. Tarsier sana e, pero fan kami ng Daedelus kaya naging Tarsius. Tapos ininvite ako ng Number Line Records na mag-live kasi ginawan ko ng remix ang Outerhope. From there nagustuhan nila so naisama ang Tarsius sa collective of Number Line artists.

Naisip ko na parang ang boring kung magla-laptop lang ako live so tinawagan ko si Jay to cover the tracks. Nag-jamming kami at successful naman kaya sineryoso na namin. Maganda ‘yung may element na live drums na tinawid namin sa recording kasama ‘yung electronic inputs ni Jay.

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How is it working and performing as a duo? Can you say that it’s harder or easier?

Jay: Mas madali siya compared sa band na merong bass, vocals, guitars … Sa case namin dalawa lang kami so isa lang ang titignan ko, isa lang ang papakinggan ko unlke sa [Radioactive] Sago na maraming nangyayari.

Diego: Although kahit dalawa lang kami, pinakamatagal yata kaming magset-up kasi kailangan naming i-test ang sound lagi.

Jay: Sa case ko, che-check ko muna ‘yung monitoring dahil kung pangit ang monitors, sasablay kami.

Diego: Masaya rin ang dalawa lalo na sa concept namin na pwedeng iba-iba ang mangyari. Alam kasi ni Jay ‘yung tracks so pwede siya magpasok ng kahit anong drum format na gusto niya. Tina-try din namin ibahin ‘yung sets parati para laging may bagong napapanuod.

Who are Tarsius’ influences and inspiration when it comes to creating music?

Diego: Influence namin ‘yung mga demo namin at saka ‘yung mga napagu-usapan naming na-dig na plaka or napanuod na pelikula. Lagi kaming may trade ng movies and music.

Baluga 2000 was mainly inspired by the jeepney… Please tell us more about this.

Diego: Actually dito sa Baluga 2000, demo-ing siya. May demos si Jay at may demo rin ako tapos inincorporate namin ‘yung dalawa. Astig nga kasi minsan meron siyang isang kanta, meron akong isang kanta, at kapag pinatong na naming, literal ‘yun na ‘yun. Minsan kasi nagsta-start ‘yung music namin na walang notes e, clicks lang or percussions. Wala siyang instructions, kung okay lalagyan naming ng drums over it until mabuo.

Jay: Hindi namin alam ‘yung mangyayari dun sa process. Meron lang kaming konting tweaking na gagawin.

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Why the title Baluga 2000?

Diego: Ang Baluga 2000 kasi, parang Sarao ‘yan noong 80s and 90s na byaheng Antipolo. May myth dati na kung gusto mong maka-uwi kaagad, kung nasa Cubao ka, sumakay ka ng Baluga. Astig ‘yung pangalan niya, parang futuristic na bakya.

Jay: At saka nung panahon na ‘yon, hindi pa naman kami magkakilala, pero legend na ang Baluga. Kung gusto mo cool ‘yung sasakyan mo dapat Baluga. Parang “Uy sinakyan ko kahapon Baluga 2000!” Ganon.

Please tell us something about the three tracks in the EP – Baluga 2000, Crossing United, and Azucena.

Diego: Yung Crossing United, classic 80s to 90s jeepney route siya. Azucena is noong namatay yung mother ni Ge (Diego’s wife) na Azucena ang pangalan. And Baluga, ‘yung title track.

What should we look forward to with Tarsius? Any upcoming releases or collaborations?

Diego: Magsco-score kami for Polecats and this EP is ‘yung next stop namin. And kaka-launch lang namin ng new music videos.

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Tarsius’ TeamManila Three on Three

Top Three Filipino Street Food

Diego: Isaw, pares na may sabaw at noodles, kwek kwek

Jay: Isaw, tenga, balut

Top Three Things to Do on a Sunday

Diego: Soundtrip, spend time with family, watch movies

Jay: Matulog. Kapag ginanahan, pupuntang Sunken Garden para tumakbo. Magluto.

Top Three Filipino Movies

Diego: Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag, On the Job, Rizal by Marilou Diaz Abaya

Jay: Scorpio Nights, Working Boys, Ang Panday

Categories Art + Design, Music