Tag: art

  • SHRED Drumsticks: Forged for the Beat, Born for the Brave

    SHRED Drumsticks: Forged for the Beat, Born for the Brave

    It all starts with a strike. A crack of wood on brass, a thunderous slam on the snare, a roll that surges like adrenaline through your spine. Whether you’re playing your first bar gig in Cebu or destroying a main stage in Manila, there’s one thing every drummer needs—trustworthy sticks that keep up with your rhythm, rage, and resolve.

    And that’s where SHRED Drumsticks comes in.

    Born in 2024 right in the heart of Cebu, SHRED isn’t just another name slapped on a pair of drumsticks—it’s a movement. A brand forged in the raw heat of local gigs, sweaty garage rehearsals, and passionate drum clinics across the country. In a market where serious drum gear is either imported at insane prices or simply unavailable, SHRED made noise—loud, proud, and local.

    “We saw the gap,” says SHRED founder and CEO Jom, a drummer and gear head himself. “There were barely any affordable, quality drumsticks in the Philippines. Either you had to settle for subpar sticks or pay a premium just to get something durable. We thought—why not make our own?”

    But SHRED didn’t just make their own. They redefined what a Filipino drumstick could be.

    Why SHRED?

    Let’s talk wood.

    SHRED Drumsticks are crafted from premium hickory, the gold standard for drummers worldwide. Known for its strength, resilience, and shock absorption, hickory provides that sweet spot between control and power. Whether you’re jazzing on a ride or laying blast beats in a metal pit, SHRED sticks are balanced to deliver consistent performance every single time.

    They’re tough too—made to take a beating without giving up. And that’s actually where the name “SHRED” comes from.

    “It’s the image of drumsticks constantly smashing against cymbals and heads,” Jom shares. “They chip, they splinter—they shred. It’s destructive, but beautiful. That’s the kind of energy we wanted our brand to carry.”

    And it shows. From the first moment you hold a pair of SHREDs, you’ll feel it—the weight, the texture, the confidence.

    Built By Drummers, For Drummers

    One of SHRED’s greatest strengths isn’t just the material. It’s the heart behind the brand.

    This isn’t some faceless corporation. SHRED is powered by real musicians—people who know the pain of a cracked stick mid-gig, who’ve played cramped clubs and outdoor festivals in the same weekend. They’ve been there. And because of that, every decision made at SHRED comes from a drummer’s perspective.

    “We weren’t interested in building a hype brand with overpriced gear,” Jom insists. “We wanted something real. Something you’d recommend to your bandmates because you trust it.”

    SHRED’s models come in classic sizes—2B, 5A, 5B, 7A—all built to international specs. But unlike international price tags, SHRED keeps things accessible. You won’t need to pawn your pedals just to buy a good pair of sticks.

    Making Noise Nationwide

    In just over a year since its founding, SHRED Drumsticks has grown from a local Cebu venture into a nationwide force, currently available through four certified sellers:

    📍 SHRED Drumsticks Rizal
    📍 SHRED Drumsticks Cavite
    📍 SHRED Drumsticks Bulacan
    📍 SHRED Drumsticks Davao

    This growing presence is no accident—it’s a testament to the trust SHRED has built within the drumming community. These aren’t just resellers—they’re drummers, instructors, and gear specialists who believe in the brand’s mission: affordable quality for every Filipino drummer.

    And the plan is to keep growing. SHRED aims to expand to more provinces, partner with music schools, and sponsor drummers and events that align with their vision.

    “We’re not here to sell sticks,” Jom says. “We’re here to support drummers. That’s why we price the way we do. That’s why we’re careful with quality. That’s why we’re everywhere we can be.”

    More Than a Brand—A Community

    What separates SHRED from other drumstick brands is its vibe.

    Scroll through their socials and you won’t just see product shots—you’ll see clips of live shows, rehearsal videos, young drummers unboxing their first pair of SHREDs. It’s not curated—it’s communal.

    There’s a shared pride when a drummer says, “Gamit ko SHRED.” It’s like being part of a club that actually listens to its members. They repost drummers’ stories. They answer DMs. They watch your gig videos. They care.

    And that community-first mindset is the fuel behind SHRED’s mission.

    Built to Outlast the Trends

    Let’s face it—gear brands come and go. But SHRED isn’t just hopping on a trend. It’s built to outlast.

    Because it’s rooted in the real grind. In the soundcheck chaos. In the broken stick during a breakdown. In the after-gig kwentuhan. In the bruises and blisters of Filipino drummers everywhere.

    “We’ll keep making sticks as long as people are playing,” Jom says, with zero hesitation. “As long as there are kids building drum kits out of tin cans, or dads showing their kids how to do a double stroke roll on a pillow—we’ll be here.”

    Play Harder. Play Longer.

    That’s not just a hashtag. It’s the SHRED promise.

    #PlayHarderPlayLonger isn’t about reckless smashing—it’s about pushing yourself without worrying if your gear can keep up. It’s about durability that empowers and accessibility that includes. It’s about Filipino drummers finally having a brand that represents their hunger, grit, and groove.

    So if you’re a drummer looking for sticks that won’t quit on you—whether you’re playing blast beats in your bedroom or riding grooves on stage with your band—it’s time to join the SHRED movement.

    Because sticks may break.
    But the beat?
    The beat never dies.

    🛒 Want to get your hands on a pair?
    Find SHRED Drumsticks at any of their official certified outlets in Rizal, Cavite, Bulacan, and Davao.

    📱 Follow SHRED Drumsticks on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest drops, artist features, and exclusive promos.

    🛠️ Need help choosing a size? DM them for recommendations or to ask about upcoming restocks.

    SHRED Drumsticks
    Crafted for Precision. Priced for Passion.
    #PlayHarderPlayLonger

  • ELEYN: From Studio Tambays to Stage Takeovers

    ELEYN: From Studio Tambays to Stage Takeovers

    “Hoy grabe, baka isulat ni Issa ‘yan!” Elaine blurts out in the middle of laughter, her voice half-laughing, half-hysterical. The rest of the band howls, trying (and failing) to keep a straight face over Zoom.

    You know you’re not just talking to a band—you’re catching up with a barkada na walang filter, walang arte, and definitely walang takas sa asaran. ELEYN isn’t just a music project. It’s a shared wavelength, the kind you build over years of late-night tambays, impromptu sessions, and inside jokes too twisted to explain. And as they tell it, the band began—like most barkadas do—“tambay lang muna.”

    From Elaine to Eleyn

    Back when they were still figuring themselves out musically, the band didn’t even have a name.
    “Mga bagets pa kami noon,” Elaine recalls. “Nagkaayaan lang magkita, may gig na kami the next day tapos wala pa kaming pangalan.”

    They eventually landed on Elaine, but changed the spelling to ELEYN so it wouldn’t sound like a solo act. “E-L-E-Y-N na lang para hindi ako mukhang solo artist,” she laughs.

    It stuck. And thank god it did.

    Gig or Gimmick? Pareho.

    Before any official releases, they juggled originals and covers. “Nagpaparamor lang kami kapag may request yung event,” says Paolo, the band’s guitarist-slash-tropa na laging may pakwela. They performed tracks from Paramore, Versa Emerge, and other scene staples while crafting their own sound behind the scenes.

    But even before that—there was just a studio. And some heartbreak. “Tambay lang kami sa studio, tapos si Elaine may ex pa noon—iyak siya,” Paolo teases.

    “Hoy, grabe!” Elaine blurts, half-laughing and half-begging.

    Too late. (Sorry, Elaine.)

    Behind the kulitan is a deeper chemistry. These are people who know each other’s history, mood swings, and flavor ng paboritong kape. And that’s the reason the creative process flows easily. “Alam na namin gusto namin sound. Mabilis lang makabuo ng kanta kasi naka-visualize na,” says Angelo (aka Tito Wiwi), guitarist and resident brain when it comes to production.

    The Line-Up Saga

    ELEYN officially started in 2010, but the lineup we see today came together around 2021–2022. “Mahaba ‘yung story, ang daming naging bandmates. Iba-iba lineup dati,” the band explains.

    Shad, the band’s drummer, started doing double pedals because of ELEYN. Paolo, meanwhile, was focused on dancing before he took his guitar seriously—something they all joke about during the call. “Next year, baka wala na rin kami,” one of them jokes, and everyone just laughs again.

    But the bond? Rock solid. And it shows.

    Their favorite memories aren’t the practice or the gigs—it’s the tambay.
    “Walang practice, walang plano. Yung tsismisan lang, outing, lutong imbento, tapos sabay kakain. Yun talaga yung masaya,” one of them say, in a rare moment of sentimental clarity before someone inevitably breaks the moment with a joke. (And yes, they did.)

    WKL: Wag Kang Lalayo

    Fast forward to 2025, and ELEYN’s newest single “WKL (Sa Katotohanan)” just dropped on May 30, distributed by Warner Music Philippines. It’s a follow-up to their previous emotional ride “WKL (Sa Panaginip),” and it continues to explore the unspoken, the distance, the longing.

    “Gusto lang namin na wag lang sila lumayo,” says Paolo. That’s the heart of WKL. It’s not just a love song—it’s a plea. A feeling. A little hope tucked inside synths and distortion.

    The track was produced under Whosoever Recording, with Elaine and Tito Wiwi at the helm, and the rest of the band shaping it into what it is now.
    “Mabilis lang nasulat ’yan, kasi gets na namin agad kung saan pupunta yung tunog,” Elaine shares.

    With Warner Music Philippines distributing, ELEYN keeps their creative control while reaching wider audiences—without losing that signature ELEYN touch.

    Genre? Nope, It’s Just ELEYN

    Trying to box them into one genre is a fool’s errand. Rock? Yes. Pop? Kinda. Electronica? Sometimes. Emo? On some days. But none of those fully cover what they do.

    It’s ELEYN. Period.

    Their discography tells the story:

    • Self-titled EP (2014) – A five-track introduction that announced their arrival, featuring “Our Lips Are Sealed”
    • Claws & Blood (2017) – A sharper, darker collection with the standout “EKIS” and its music video
    • “Teresa” and “Playright” (2022) – More layered, more textured, emotionally wider
    • Unplugged + Live Sessions – Where their artistry and chemistry become front and center
    • “Yakap” and “WKL (sa panaginip)” – Released just a year ago, still streaming strong
    • “WKL (sa katotohanan)” – The latest chapter in their ongoing narrative

    Every release sounds like growth—sonically and emotionally.

    WKL Tour 2025

    ELEYN’s not just staying inside studios anymore. They’re out there, face-to-face with fans in their “WKL (Sa Katotohanan)” Tour. And they’re bringing the noise to every corner of Luzon:

    • May 31 – Canto Bogchi Joint, Baguio
    • June 1 – Moon Bar & Resto, Urdaneta, Pangasinan
    • June 7 – Tahanan, Novaliches QC
    • June 14 – Beryo, Sta. Rosa Laguna
    • June 20 – Unknown13Pub, Katipunan QC
    • July 12 – Alpha Bar, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

    The tour isn’t just a setlist—it’s a full experience.

    Dreaming Loud

    When asked about dream collaborations, the band answers almost in chorus:
    “Regine Velasquez.”

    Yes, you read that right.
    And no, they’re not kidding.
    “Kahit ballad, kahit ano, si Regine talaga,” Elaine says, eyes wide with the kind of fan-level admiration you’d expect from people who, deep down, are still that group of bagets jamming without a band name.

    Would Regine say yes? Who knows? But one thing’s for sure: kung sakali, it’s going to be unforgettable.

    The Heart of Eleyn

    What makes ELEYN special isn’t just the music. It’s the way they make you feel like you’re part of the room. Like you’re in the studio with them, slouched on a couch, drinking soda out of a plastic cup, watching them argue about which song should close the set.

    They don’t take themselves too seriously, but they take the music seriously.
    They fight, they laugh, they jam, and they stick around.

    Because sometimes, being in a band isn’t just about the gigs or the streaming numbers.
    Sometimes, it’s about showing up—again and again—until it becomes something more than friendship.

    It becomes ELEYN.


    Follow ELEYN
    📍 Facebook: facebook.com/eleynmusicph
    📍 Instagram: @eleynmusic
    📍 TikTok: @eleynmusic
    📍 YouTube: Eleyn Music
    📩 Email: eleynmusicph@gmail.com

    Catch them on the WKL (Sa Katotohanan) Tour and stream the latest single now on all platforms.
    Wag kang lalayo.

  • Jan — A Life Between Drawings, Drums, and Deep Reflections

    Jan — A Life Between Drawings, Drums, and Deep Reflections

    Meet Jan

    In the heart of the Bulacan creative scene, everyone simply knows him as Jan. No fanfare, no fancy titles—just Jan. While a few close friends like Eys and Alvin lovingly call him “Jani” (a phone name that stuck from their workdays together), to the rest of the world, it’s just Jan—raw, honest, and real. This understated simplicity echoes in both his art and music, forming the quiet foundation of a vibrant creative force.

    A Natural Gift: Drawing from Four Years Old

    Drawing wasn’t something Jan had to learn—it was something that simply was. At four years old, without any formal lessons, he picked up a pencil and started sketching the world as he saw it. Being a left-hander added a symbolic layer to his journey, but his talent went beyond handedness; it was instinct. And it still is. “Kahapon, ngayon, bukas—magdodrawing pa rin ako,” he says, a promise to himself and to his art.

    Expanding Creativity: From Drawing to Drums and Songwriting

    At eight, life handed Jan another instrument: the drums. Taught by his cousin, he fell in love with rhythm, then later found his voice through singing. Drawing, drumming, singing—these creative pillars grew together, weaving into the multi-dimensional artist he is today. Each skill fed into the next, building a deep, emotional reservoir that still fuels his projects.

    The Emotional Bridge: How Jan’s Art and Music Connect

    In his teenage years—those intense emo days—art and music seemed almost inseparable. As he grew older, however, each medium adjusted to its own rhythm. His music became heavier, sadder, deeper. One of his proudest songwriting moments is “Adrenaline” by Continents, a song about a dying man confronting betrayal, faith, and fear. Lyrics like “the unforgiving snake I see, hissing questions of what I believe” reveal the emotional complexity he pours into his music.

    Meanwhile, his artwork remained heavily influenced by rock culture but allowed for a broader expression of his experiences. If his songs wrestle with inner chaos, his visuals often explore the intricate beauty of life’s complexities.

    A Glimpse of the Perfect Creative Day

    For Jan, perfection isn’t grand or loud—it’s subtle and sacred. The perfect day? A Friday morning at 4 a.m., freshly awake, sitting at a desk under a single lamp, the soft hum of the electric fan filling the quiet air. Coffee in hand, he works on two separate drawings, letting the world sleep while his imagination runs free. By 6 a.m., he pauses for another cup, just before the rest of the world stirs awake.

    Deep Roots in the Bulacan Rock Scene

    Jan entered the Bulacan indie music scene when he was just 16, during the iconic “First of Summer” era of bands like Narda. The scene didn’t just influence him—it transformed him. Once known as the “mabait na bata,” Jan evolved into an artist whose rocker soul can never quite be erased, no matter where life takes him. Today, he stands not just as someone shaped by the scene, but as someone who has quietly shaped it too.

    Pieces That Reflect the Soul

    When asked what artwork feels like him, Jan points to Peter Bruegel the Elder’s “The Fight Between Carnival and Lent.” Like the painting, he straddles worlds: religious yet worldly, joyful yet melancholic. It’s a silent battle within—one that only the deeply reflective could understand.

    Musically, his life’s soundtrack would be “Simple Math” by Manchester Orchestra. Lyrics like “What if I’ve been trying to get to where I’d always been?” mirror his endless journey of self-questioning and discovery. Listening to it, you feel the weight of an artist who isn’t just creating for applause, but for understanding.

    The Role of Silence and Reflection

    Jan knows that creativity demands space. “Pag wala talaga, wala talaga,” he admits. It’s not a loss of passion but an acknowledgment that true ideas need genuine fuel. His quiet hiatuses aren’t gaps in his artistry—they’re part of the cycle, necessary periods of reflection that deepen everything he eventually creates.

    Dreams and Inspirations

    In the visual world, Jan dreams of joining the exhibits of mixed media masters like Ian Quirante, Eys Alamillyo, and Jukus Sepada. Musically, he dreams to build a band as profound as Manchester Orchestra or join groups like Legarda or Basalt Shrine, who embody the deep emotional resonance he craves.

    Final Message: Reflect, Question, Forgive

    If there’s one thing Jan hopes people take from his art and music, it’s this:
    “Question yourself. Reflect on yourself. Forgive yourself.”

    Change is inevitable. Emotions rise and fall. But through reflection and self-compassion, we find who we really are.

    Conclusion: Jan’s Journey is Just Beginning

    Jan may be a quiet figure in the Filipino art and music community, but his impact is undeniable. He is a force shaped by reflection, struggle, and unrelenting passion. In every sketch, every beat, and every word he sings, Jan reminds us that sometimes, the loudest battles—and the most beautiful creations—happen in silence.

    For Jan, life isn’t simple.
    “Life is hard. Life is complex. Especially what’s inside your head—those are the hardest battles to fight and the hardest stories to explain,” he shares. But when he turns those inner storms into drawings, or into songs, they somehow transform. “Parang nagiging iba e,” he says. Art becomes not just an expression, but a way to survive, to understand, and to heal.

    At the core of it all, Jan’s journey is about one thing: questioning yourself. Through every line he draws, every lyric he pens, and every quiet moment he takes, Jan invites all of us to do the same—to dive deep, to sit with our doubts, and to find something beautiful inside even our darkest thoughts.

    Because for Jan, and for those who connect with his work, questioning isn’t weakness—it’s where real strength, art, and meaning begin.

  • Indie in Focus: Capturing the Pulse of Bulacan’s Music Scene Through Visual Storytelling

    Indie in Focus: Capturing the Pulse of Bulacan’s Music Scene Through Visual Storytelling

    The indie music scene in Bulacan is no longer just simmering beneath the surface—it’s roaring with raw talent, passion, and creative fire. From small town bars to open-air lounges, it’s in these spaces where the next wave of Filipino music is being born. And at the heart of it all? Visual storytelling.

    As the indie scene blossoms, so does the need to preserve these fleeting yet powerful moments—and that’s where we come in. At ExcapeLabs, we do more than just point and shoot. We capture emotion, movement, and memory. Our work is not only about indie music photography in Bulacan—it’s about telling the story behind every chord, every scream, every shared glance between artists and fans.

    Ultimate Ube 20th Anniversary

    Behind the Lens: Our Approach to Indie Music Photography in Bulacan

    We believe great event coverage goes beyond clean shots. It’s about capturing energy. Whether it’s the sweat on a drummer’s brow or the way light catches the edge of a guitar during a solo, our method is rooted in a deep respect for the music and the people behind it.

    Through experimental photography in the Philippines, we push the boundaries of traditional gig documentation. We play with motion blur to freeze the chaos and use lighting tricks that give life to shadows and silhouettes. Every frame is intentional.

    Recent Highlights: The Bay Lounge, March 22

    One of the most electric nights we captured recently was the March 22 album launch of Northern Lads’ Kislap ng mga Alaala at The Bay Lounge in Plaridel. The band had poured two months of hard work into preparing for this moment, with 8-hour rehearsals every Sunday at North Studio in Marilao. And it showed.

    That night wasn’t just about Northern Lads—they were joined by other indie forces like Trick Project, Figvra, Ronald Mendoza, At Last, The Coaches, and the comeback of Captain Jack PH. We were there in the pit, cameras in hand, capturing every scream, every tear, and every crowd chant.

    Some of our most memorable shots include:

    • The intimate duet between Mary Catherine and Dan Garcia in “Kasi Naman”
    • Ronald Mendoza lighting up the stage with “PM is the Key”
    • Captain Jack PH’s triumphant return after 8 months, with a new member and unmatched energy

    Our Gear and Philosophy

    Our visual storytelling in music begins with our eyes, but it’s brought to life through the gear we use. We work with a mix of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, paired with fast primes for low-light situations. Our go-tos? A Fujifilm X-S10 and X-S20.

    We use minimal flash, preferring natural stage lighting to keep the atmosphere authentic. And we edit to enhance mood, not distort it—keeping colors true to the experience.

    A Call to Collaborate: Let’s Build This Scene Together

    Indie music in Bulacan is a movement. And like any movement, it needs documentation, promotion, and love. At ExcapeLabs, we’re committed to this scene. We don’t just want to shoot your gig—we want to help tell your story.

    We’re proud to be in collaboration with GrooveLabs Productions, amplifying the voice of local musicians through both sound and visuals. If you’re an artist, band, or organizer in Bulacan, let’s connect. Let’s create something that lasts longer than the echo of the last song.

    You bring the music. We’ll bring the lens.

    Follow our journey and see the stories unfold: #UnorthodoxMinds #IndieMusicPhotographyBulacan #VisualStorytellingInMusic