Home is where the music is

MANILA, Philippines - For Ebe Dancel, the home is a big part of what his music has become. In fact, most singles in Ebe’s latest album Dalawang Mukha ng Pag-ibig, from Warner Music Philippines, were either made by the pool or in his makeshift studio by the confines of his abode at Dansalan Gardens Condominium, a DMCI Homes project.

Not a few people know this but Ebe, who lives with wife Nikita in a one-bedroom condo at Sycamore Tower inside the gated community of Dansalan Gardens in Mandaluyong, has bowed out as lead vocalist of his 11-year-old rock group. But Pinoys wouldn’t miss his Hari ng Sablay and Mariposa hits because he will continue making songs as a solo artist.

When asked what makes this new album different from his previous projects with his former band Sugarfree, Ebe declares, “More careful, the sound is a lot bigger, and you can hear trumpets, and mishmash of other instruments.” The Creative Writing graduate from University of the Philippines Diliman adds that the two-disc album is also a reflection of his journey being around in the music industry for about 12 years.

How does he make music? Ebe talks about his home. “The resort-style ambience of Dansalan is conducive to making music,” he answers. According to Ebe, the ambience and general makeup of Dansalan Gardens make for a good place to do music. Dansalan’s free Internet Wi-Fi that runs 24/7 by the pool is heaven-sent. He’s big on gadgets — he’s a Mac person, by the way. 

Growing up, he says, he listened to the likes of the Carpenters and Kenny Rogers. His high school years, meanwhile, saw him become drawn to a mishmash of The Beatles and local act, Color it Redd. He then learned later and fell in love with the music of Yano, Rivermaya and the Eraserheads.

Ebe’s new album, Dalawang Mukha ng Pag-ibig, is released under Warner Music Philippines, and is available in record stores nationwide. For details, log on to www.ebedancel.com and call 0928-5030305.