On the road
MANILA, Philippines - This year was arguably great for live music in the Philippines. From the head-banging, foot-stomping music of The Drums to electrifying sound of indie pop band Architecture in Helsinki, Manila is slowly becoming a hot spot for cool touring music acts from all over the world.
And 2015 is already looking to be another great one for the local concert scene. To kick it off, Karpos Multimedia is bringing award-winning British rock band Bastille to Manila on Jan. 5. The band is best known for their hit Pompeii and their album “Bad Blood” which reached the No. 11 spot on the Billboard Top 200. But the Brit band just seems to be making more musical magic. They experimented and collaborated with other musical acts like MNKE and Haim for their new mixtape “VS. (Other People’s Heartache, Pt. III).”
This week at Young STAR, we chatted with Bastille drummer Chris “Woody” Wood on the phone about their collaboration with Haim, British domination and their upcoming concert in Manila.
YOUNG STAR: What is it like traveling the world with your bandmates?
CHRIS WOOD: It’s actually the best job in the world. It’s something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was like 12 or 13 years old. It took me a while getting here but it’s fun doing what I’m doing. I absolutely love it.
You’re coming to Manila on Jan. 5 for your concert at the World Trade Center. Any surprises in store?
Hopefully get to play a couple of new songs, if they’re ready.
Your band is called Bastille. Do any of you know how to speak French?
We know very, very basic French. We all learned it. But I’d say that Dan’s the best one.
Is it true that the “I’m in a band” card always works with women?
I’ve never had the chance to actually use it ’cause I met my wife before the band started. I’ve never heard anyone say that line. Most of the boys, they’re all quite well behaved. There’s not much debauchery going on.
If you guys were The Beatles, who would be George, Ringo, John and Paul?
Well, I play drums so I’d be Ringo. I guess Will (Farquarson) would have to be Paul cause he plays bass. Kyle (Simmons) would definitely be George because he’s kind of the quiet, broody one. Dan (Smith) would be John Lennon.
Do you think British domination of pop music is coming back?
I think music kind of comes in waves. A band could be out of fashion for a few years but they might go back in again. Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith are getting big in America. I’d say that we’re kind of friends with as many American bands as we are with English bands. Everyone’s working hard. It’s not a contest, but who knows? Obviously, it’s really great to have more British acts out there because I think we do it very well. In fact, I’m gonna say “yes.” (Laughs)
Bastille recently released a mixtape called “VS.” that includes Bite Down featuring Haim. What was it like working with them?
They’re really good girls. We’ve known them for a couple of years now. They were very easy to work with. It was a lot of fun.
What would you say to your 13-year-old self?
I would say start playing in a band in school right now. A lot of people wait a few years. Any mistake you ever make, make it during school or when you’re kind of breaking through. Just start playing to people as soon as possible ’cause that’s the most fun part of it.
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Regular tickets to Bastille are priced at P4,800 (+ ticket charge). They are available at SM Tickets outlets and website. For more info, check visit http://facebook.com/karposmultimedia.
