Sense Visual and Sound with Earthmover
Earthmover is very hard to miss especially when one is familiar of the local music scene. With regular gigs at various bars around the metro, this three-piece instrumental band has created quite a buzz for the eyes and ears of music followers everywhere. Eyes because their sound, which is reminiscent of a quiet yet poignant stroll at night, lets its listeners create an artistic visual in mind; and ears because with their intuitive guitar riffs, distinctive bass lines, and heart-pounding drums layered in one sweeping composition, one just can’t help but pay attention to their music.
Composed of Daniel Garcia on guitars, Gerald Guerrero on bass, and Dru Ubaldo on drums, TeamManila took the time to know more about this band in an interview that introduces us to the their set-up, writing style, and several candid picks.
Tell us about the basics; how and when did Earthmover start?
We started out as an electronic ambient side project around four years ago. It was basically rooted more on samples, keys, beats, and acoustic guitar. When we got booked at our first show, we really didn’t have the means to present the music in that format so we translated most of what we did on electric guitar, bass, and drums. Since then we combined both of what we did from the start and with what we did with the raw instruments.
You’ve been around for quite a while, creating a buzz in the Manila music scene. But with tons of local bands out there, how do you set yourself apart?
No one sings so that probably sets us apart from most of the local bands. During the formative years when we were writing the first draft of the songs, we thought of it as an advantage so we can push the theatrical angle of the sound — experiment more on song structures, soundscapes, and make it more open to interpretation.
Is Earthmover really just a three-piece band? Do you think that this minimalist set-up is an advantage or disadvantage? Why?
So far, yes, we’re still a three-piece band.
It’s both an advantage and disadvantage at the same time. Since there are only three of us, writing certain parts for a song can be challenging because we try to fill in every hole in the sound if necessary. But then it’s also an opportunity for us because we get pushed a little further in terms of the composition process and with our playing. We can get a little more creative.
How does Earthmover make music? Do you create guitar riffs first? Drum parts? Bass lines?
We just try to place the vibe and the theme first. Most of the time the guitar is used basically just to pass around an idea, then the layers of instruments along with the arrangements follow. Sometimes a song starts with a piano line then we’ll translate it on the guitar and bass. Sometimes we just play over a sample and sometimes, something just gets written out of jamming around. As long as something clicks and we know we’re doing it naturally, we can work [it out.] On the other hand we also have to expect that composing will always be an evolving process. A band is a sentient organism and change is inevitable. Sometimes things won’t go as planned or a challenge just might present itself along the way and that’s alright. It’s more refreshing that way.
Who are your main influences when it comes to creating music?
Back when we were starting to write the first songs, we just thought we wanted to make something that our friends could enjoy, something that they’d really listen to, something we can bring home to them. So naturally it felt like we were doing a soundtrack. We always had them in mind while we were doing the songs. Of course individually, we have musical influences from grunge to grindcore to drum and bass and more. But influence and inspiration could come in different forms like art, literature, film and so on. It’s just how the perceptions get channeled in a medium.
We noticed that you’re a very collaborative band – producing shows or projects with other groups. Please tell us more about this.
We just wanted to do something with the people we really admire; playing with the bands that we love watching, setting up mini bar tours or whatever. So far we have pending projects with a few local acts and visual artists but everyone’s busy right now with their own thing including us so it’ll just have to wait.
If you were to collaborate with one local artist (could be a musician/director etc.) in the future, who would it be and why?
There’s an abundance of talented artists in our country and it’s hard to choose just one, but whoever’s doing a science fiction film, or anyone who’s interested in getting us to score their reel for that matter, just give us a holler!
What should we look forward to from the band? Kindly share them to us.
Right now we’re already deep into writing and recording demos and sound clips for the new album to be released early next year.
We asked Earthmover to pick from these Manila lifestyle inspired choices (in which amusingly they have chosen a “ka-ibigan”.) See them below, maybe you prefer the same ones, too!
Earthmover Picks
Fishball or squidball? Fishball
Jeepney o pedicab? Jeepney
Balot o penoy? Balot
Coffee o milk? Coffee
Laptop o desktop? Desktop
Headphones o earphones? Headphones
Shirt o sando? Shirt
Dagat o bundok? Dagat
Mug o baso? Mug
Kutsara o tinidor? Kutsara
Twitter o Facebook? Facebook
Ateneo o La Salle? Ateneo
Kaibigan o ka-ibigan? Ka-ibigan
Hany o Chocnut? Chocnut
Long o short? Long
For gigs and band updates, visit their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
(Photos c/o Earthmover)
Categories Music