Rico Blanco rocks neither backward nor forward

source: mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines — Singer-songwriter Rico Blanco did not make a reference to it but he might as well have been elaborating about that Chris Daughtry song when talking about OPM: “What about now?”

At the press conference for the 2011 Rhum Rockfest held at Century Plaza Hotel last Sept. 28, Blanco said that people tend to either reminisce how good the OPM scene was a few years ago or worry where it’s heading. He thinks people should instead celebrate what’s good in the scene these days, such as the technological advances in recording that have enabled local artists to come up with great sounding albums; as well as the rich diversity of subgenres in rock that has proliferated here more than ever.

Blanco added that many of those who complain about what’s going on in the industry are ones who are no longer “active” or are, shall we say, missing in action.

“So, what kind of conclusion would you expect from them?” was Blanco’s rhetorical question.

He acknowledges that OPM was at a high point some years back, but he insists on living in the now; pointing out that the live performance scene is booming and teeming with talents of every kind as proven by the continued success of the Tanduay Rhum Rockfest already on its fifth year.

Blanco’s sentiments over OPM are partly heard in his new song, “Ngayon,” that’s used as anthem of the 2011 Rhum Rockfest. The song will be released first in a compilation album under Warner Music Philippines that also features tracks by The Dawn (“Tibay Ng Pinas”), Wolfgang (“Tibay Ng Pinas”), Siakol (“P.I.”), Chicosci’s “Seven Black Roses,” Kamikazee’s “Chinelas,” Franco’s “This Gathering,” Typecast’s “This Kind Of Silence,” Gloc-9’s “Upuan,” 6Cyclemind’s “Sandalan,” Urbandub’s “Gravity” and Ebe Dancel’s “Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Mundo.”

The album titled “Ngayon: Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 5 Commemorative CD” will be available only at the Tanduay Rock Rhumfest on Oct. 14 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. The tour is headlined by the so-called “The First Five” comprised by the bands Kamikazee, Sandwich, Chicosci, Wolfgang and Parokya ni Edgar.

At the event, Tanduay will formally pledge its support for Filipino music and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) in a special number. This year’s Tanduay Rhum Rockfest will tour in 30 cities nationwide.By JOJO P. PANALIGAN

source: mb.com.ph