Tata's Bass Solo @ GWU
Tata's Bass Solo @ George Washington University
Washington D.C.
video uploaded by: Josh
Washington D.C.
video uploaded by: Josh
Labels: only in the USA, ST-eu, Street Team, Video
Press Releases, Articles and Reviews - Year 2008
If you have any article/review (or such as, published or not, even written by you) regarding South Border and/or their shows, please send me an email or leave a comment anywhere. Thanks!
Press Releases, Articles and Reviews - to 2007
- "Kapuso Fever" Sweeps Las Vegas!
source: GMA PinoyTV.com - Album review: "Songs I Grew Up With"
by Maria Irene S. Aserios - Jay Durias goes solo
source: The Manila Times - Duncan and Vince leave South Border to pursue solo careers
by Joseph De Veyra - SOUTH BORDER inks deal with RASIAH RECORDS
- South Border joins line-up for "GHANA @ 50"
source: Asterisk events and communications - South Border signs with independent label
by Joseph De Veyra - South Border: Down Music Fame's Way
by Jun Ilagan - CD REVIEW: South Border "Episode III"
by Gian Fiero - Filipino talents shine at Lunar New Year 2007
by Dionesio C. Grava - Premier Filipino band performs in front of an intimate crowd
by Joseph De Veyra - Premier Filipino band comes a-knocking at mainstream America’s door
by Joseph De Veyra - SOUTH BORDER: Making a difference
source: Asterisk events and communications - South Border on songwriting and the US breakthrough
by Jojo P. Panaligan - South Border Goes International
by Maria Irene S. Aserios - "Where there's smoke, there's fire!"
by Gian Fiero - Cris Ramos, Jr.
- W. Chamsay
If you have any article/review (or such as, published or not, even written by you) regarding South Border and/or their shows, please send me an email or leave a comment anywhere. Thanks!
"It could be in this lifetime after all."
by Jojo P. Panaligan
It could be in this lifetime after all.
South Border might well be the first Filipino act to break into mainstream US recording scene. Next month, they fly back to the U.S. to seriously look into offers by major and indie labels.
The interest is on strength of the band’s recent sold out U.S. tour that protracted several weeks thanks to word-of-mouth buzz; and the impressive quality of their latest album "Episode III" that was demo-ed to key international label executives.
"They want us back not only to explore the possibility of signing but also to build a fan base among non-Filipinos, too, by performing there on more regular basis, possibly staying there for awhile" says Sharon. "Because with regard all else, the people we have spoken with believe that South Border can make it."
Additionally, the band’s 2004 phenomenal smash "Rainbow" has been on the Apple iTunes song list since May 2006. It’s the first Original Pilipino Music by a homegrown indie act to have been made available for download worldwide.
"Other Filipino songs on iTunes are backed by other labels. There are songs done by independent Filipino artists but these are Fil-Ams raised and based in the U.S.," says Sharon.
If the performance of "Rainbow" in iTunes proves to be even but a hint of déjà vu of its showing here, then international breakthrough becomes more imminent. The song, at one point, was being downloaded as ring back tone at the rate of 3,000 times in a day, raking in millions of pesos that’s unprecedented for an indie act.
Later, the song would win a slew of industry awards including Song of the Year plums and would stay on the charts for half a year.
Penned by South Border front man Jay Durias and manager Sharon Inductivo, "Rainbow" was the first feel-good, pop song issued by the band known to top charts with R&B love songs.
"We didn’t think the song would go this far," says Sharon. "When we were conceptualizing ‘Rainbow,’ we were thinking on simple musical terms; a song that every one could relate to and would reflect the band’s happy state of being stable and still thriving despite several changes in front men and trends in music."
It wasn’t the first time Sharon and Jay had collaborated on songs that turn into hits. Others Sharon wrote lyrics and Jay did music for were "All I Want Is You Today," "Di Na Magiisa," "The Way You Do," Once Again," "7 Years," "Ikaw Nga," and "Love Of My Love."
"Jay and I started writing songs together with ‘Love Of My Life’ though it's not on the credits," says Sharon. "The band was about to hit the studios to record the song but was still missing about three lines. I panicked---- I asked for the melody, counted the syllables needed in the missing lines and then thought up words in a huff.
It worked and since then, Jay would turn to Sharon when lyrics elude him or when he wants to concentrate on melody and arrangement. For "Rainbow," Jay gave Sharon free hand in crafting the message but for key words he was adamant on for inclusion.
"It was like fill in the blanks," says Sharon.
To improve on their songwriting, Sharon and Jay often dissect songs by other artists, analyzing what they like or don’t like about these. Early on, Jay bought recording equipment early on so he could perfect songs he writes at leisure.
"We’ve always believed in the singer-songwriter, " says Jay. "If you can sing then no one else could do your song best than yourself. It’s like the car-owner who knows well what his vehicle is capable of doing."
South Border believes that if not them, other Filipinos are bound to make a dent in the international music scene soon.
"As far as talents in songwriting, performing, playing instruments and singing are concerned, Filipinos are right up there with the best the rest of the world offers," says Jay. "All we need now are breaks."
And one in the U.S. scene is ultimate given its big market. "Even getting just a slice of the pie is good enough. One percent----- one slice-----actually means millions when we’re talking about the U.S. apart, of course, that you become instantly known worldwide."
Is signing with an independent label there an option?
"Maybe, if the offer is good," says Sharon. "The indie scene there is different from here. Some of the indie labels there could and do rival the machinery of major ones. Signing up with one of these, if ever, wouldn’t be such a bad idea though, of course, signing up with a major player in the industry is preferable."
It could be in this lifetime after all.
South Border might well be the first Filipino act to break into mainstream US recording scene. Next month, they fly back to the U.S. to seriously look into offers by major and indie labels.
The interest is on strength of the band’s recent sold out U.S. tour that protracted several weeks thanks to word-of-mouth buzz; and the impressive quality of their latest album "Episode III" that was demo-ed to key international label executives.
"They want us back not only to explore the possibility of signing but also to build a fan base among non-Filipinos, too, by performing there on more regular basis, possibly staying there for awhile" says Sharon. "Because with regard all else, the people we have spoken with believe that South Border can make it."
Additionally, the band’s 2004 phenomenal smash "Rainbow" has been on the Apple iTunes song list since May 2006. It’s the first Original Pilipino Music by a homegrown indie act to have been made available for download worldwide.
"Other Filipino songs on iTunes are backed by other labels. There are songs done by independent Filipino artists but these are Fil-Ams raised and based in the U.S.," says Sharon.
If the performance of "Rainbow" in iTunes proves to be even but a hint of déjà vu of its showing here, then international breakthrough becomes more imminent. The song, at one point, was being downloaded as ring back tone at the rate of 3,000 times in a day, raking in millions of pesos that’s unprecedented for an indie act.
Later, the song would win a slew of industry awards including Song of the Year plums and would stay on the charts for half a year.
Penned by South Border front man Jay Durias and manager Sharon Inductivo, "Rainbow" was the first feel-good, pop song issued by the band known to top charts with R&B love songs.
"We didn’t think the song would go this far," says Sharon. "When we were conceptualizing ‘Rainbow,’ we were thinking on simple musical terms; a song that every one could relate to and would reflect the band’s happy state of being stable and still thriving despite several changes in front men and trends in music."
It wasn’t the first time Sharon and Jay had collaborated on songs that turn into hits. Others Sharon wrote lyrics and Jay did music for were "All I Want Is You Today," "Di Na Magiisa," "The Way You Do," Once Again," "7 Years," "Ikaw Nga," and "Love Of My Love."
"Jay and I started writing songs together with ‘Love Of My Life’ though it's not on the credits," says Sharon. "The band was about to hit the studios to record the song but was still missing about three lines. I panicked---- I asked for the melody, counted the syllables needed in the missing lines and then thought up words in a huff.
It worked and since then, Jay would turn to Sharon when lyrics elude him or when he wants to concentrate on melody and arrangement. For "Rainbow," Jay gave Sharon free hand in crafting the message but for key words he was adamant on for inclusion.
"It was like fill in the blanks," says Sharon.
To improve on their songwriting, Sharon and Jay often dissect songs by other artists, analyzing what they like or don’t like about these. Early on, Jay bought recording equipment early on so he could perfect songs he writes at leisure.
"We’ve always believed in the singer-songwriter, " says Jay. "If you can sing then no one else could do your song best than yourself. It’s like the car-owner who knows well what his vehicle is capable of doing."
South Border believes that if not them, other Filipinos are bound to make a dent in the international music scene soon.
"As far as talents in songwriting, performing, playing instruments and singing are concerned, Filipinos are right up there with the best the rest of the world offers," says Jay. "All we need now are breaks."
And one in the U.S. scene is ultimate given its big market. "Even getting just a slice of the pie is good enough. One percent----- one slice-----actually means millions when we’re talking about the U.S. apart, of course, that you become instantly known worldwide."
Is signing with an independent label there an option?
"Maybe, if the offer is good," says Sharon. "The indie scene there is different from here. Some of the indie labels there could and do rival the machinery of major ones. Signing up with one of these, if ever, wouldn’t be such a bad idea though, of course, signing up with a major player in the industry is preferable."
South Border Goes International.
-by Maria Irene S. Aserios
All systems are now in order as the country's premier R and B band launches an international music career.
Multi-awarded Filipino band South Border's bid for international stardom started April this year in the United States of America when they performed before stand up crowds at the Viper Room (Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood), the Armory (San Diego, South San Francisco Auditorium), The Gig (Melrose Avenue, Hollywood), the Rhythm Lounge (Downtown Long Beach), the Knitting Factory (Hollywood), the Roxy Club (New York), the Lisner Auditorium (Washington, D.C.), the Pickwick Theater (Park Ridge, Illinois) and at the Maydenbauer Center. (Bellevue, Washington)
All performances were very well-received that the management of the highly popular B.B. King's clubs has offered them to become headliners. In fact, B.B. King's Universal City Walk owner and general manager Dimarkco Chandler was quoted as defining South Border as the best band that has ever played in B.B. King's. The band is to perform at BB Kings in Universal City Walk on September 30, October 28, November 18 and December 9.
The band, recently in the United Kingdom had a successful show at the Lampton Park (Hounslow, London, July 16), will be back in the U.S.A. in September to fulfill the coveted offer. B.B. King's clubs are located all over the U.S.A. The said offer has truly emphasized the band's highly promising future as the next Asian invasion.
South Border is just the group to bring it in, underscored Gian Fiero, Senior Music Reviewer for Musesmuse.com and music licensing specialist whose professional opinion is sought after by music artists around the world. Fiero, whose insightful reviewers have garnered the attention and respect of the music industry's moves and shakers, also added that Jay Durias and the group's fine musicianship...is enough to make it happen.
Such perspective was also reiterated by Bruce Penn of BAP Media (New York). Penn, the former manager of vocal group Allure, said that South Border doesn't sound Filipino.
The band, best known for monster hits Rainbow (recognized as the most downloaded song and is also available on AOL Music Now, Daiki in Japan, Vodaphone in Europe, Rhapsody and on iTunes to name a few), Kahit Kailan, Ikaw Nga, Wherever You Are and Sweet (the very first Filipino song to be featured in 93.5 KDAY radio station) is composed of Jay Oliver Durias (musical director, keyboards), Duncan Ramos (vocals), Vince Alaras (vocals), Paul Benitez (drums), Ric Junasa (saxophone), Butch Victoriano (lead guitar) and Tata Balane (bass).
Sharon Inductivo and Lucy Slattery co-manage South Border. The former is also a gifted lyricist of several well-loved South Border songs while the latter is the former Sony Music Marketing Manager in the Philippines for Local Repertoire. Together, Sharon and Lucy are working with international promoters, press and record distribution companies to exploit the bands international potential.
Fans all over the world can also now interact with one another online via www.southborder.pinnacleasia.com/messageboard South Border Street Teams have also been organized. Composed of volunteer fans who help promote South Border all over the world, the teams already exist in Japan, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, London, Australia, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Dubai, Canada, the U.S.A. and the Philippines. Log on to www.thesbstreetteam.com for further details.
All systems are now in order as the country's premier R and B band launches an international music career.
Multi-awarded Filipino band South Border's bid for international stardom started April this year in the United States of America when they performed before stand up crowds at the Viper Room (Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood), the Armory (San Diego, South San Francisco Auditorium), The Gig (Melrose Avenue, Hollywood), the Rhythm Lounge (Downtown Long Beach), the Knitting Factory (Hollywood), the Roxy Club (New York), the Lisner Auditorium (Washington, D.C.), the Pickwick Theater (Park Ridge, Illinois) and at the Maydenbauer Center. (Bellevue, Washington)
All performances were very well-received that the management of the highly popular B.B. King's clubs has offered them to become headliners. In fact, B.B. King's Universal City Walk owner and general manager Dimarkco Chandler was quoted as defining South Border as the best band that has ever played in B.B. King's. The band is to perform at BB Kings in Universal City Walk on September 30, October 28, November 18 and December 9.
The band, recently in the United Kingdom had a successful show at the Lampton Park (Hounslow, London, July 16), will be back in the U.S.A. in September to fulfill the coveted offer. B.B. King's clubs are located all over the U.S.A. The said offer has truly emphasized the band's highly promising future as the next Asian invasion.
South Border is just the group to bring it in, underscored Gian Fiero, Senior Music Reviewer for Musesmuse.com and music licensing specialist whose professional opinion is sought after by music artists around the world. Fiero, whose insightful reviewers have garnered the attention and respect of the music industry's moves and shakers, also added that Jay Durias and the group's fine musicianship...is enough to make it happen.
Such perspective was also reiterated by Bruce Penn of BAP Media (New York). Penn, the former manager of vocal group Allure, said that South Border doesn't sound Filipino.
The band, best known for monster hits Rainbow (recognized as the most downloaded song and is also available on AOL Music Now, Daiki in Japan, Vodaphone in Europe, Rhapsody and on iTunes to name a few), Kahit Kailan, Ikaw Nga, Wherever You Are and Sweet (the very first Filipino song to be featured in 93.5 KDAY radio station) is composed of Jay Oliver Durias (musical director, keyboards), Duncan Ramos (vocals), Vince Alaras (vocals), Paul Benitez (drums), Ric Junasa (saxophone), Butch Victoriano (lead guitar) and Tata Balane (bass).
Sharon Inductivo and Lucy Slattery co-manage South Border. The former is also a gifted lyricist of several well-loved South Border songs while the latter is the former Sony Music Marketing Manager in the Philippines for Local Repertoire. Together, Sharon and Lucy are working with international promoters, press and record distribution companies to exploit the bands international potential.
Fans all over the world can also now interact with one another online via www.southborder.pinnacleasia.com/messageboard South Border Street Teams have also been organized. Composed of volunteer fans who help promote South Border all over the world, the teams already exist in Japan, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, London, Australia, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Dubai, Canada, the U.S.A. and the Philippines. Log on to www.thesbstreetteam.com for further details.
South Border considered as the first Asian artist
with real international potential.
from W. Chamsay
South Border is the premier pop/R&B band in Asia. Their multiple-platinum albums, sold-out concerts and numerous industry awards are living testament to the talent and industry of one of Asias most commercially viable acts throughout the last decade. More recently, the bands last major single Rainbow went on to become the most downloaded song in Philippine mobile history and is currently finding markets in Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore. What makes South Border unique in the Asian market is the relatively western feel to their music. Unlike their contemporaries, South Borders music has its roots in a lot of American R & B influences. This unique quality of South Border has often led to many people considering them as the first Asian artist with real international potential. As songwriters, the band has had more than their share of commercial success. As performers however, the band is simply one of the best live performers around. Numerous international tours both in the Asia Pacific region and in the US have honed the bands abilities to perform to an international audience. This year, the band is setting its sights on bringing their music to the American market by relocating to the continental United States. Encouraged by an interest from a major record label in New York, the band will be taking up residency in America with the hope of launching their career in this market. The band has currently employed US artist management and will be doing tours once they have settled in. South Borders first 5 albums were released under SonyBMG in the Philippines. The 6th album (Episode 3) was released through SonyBMG as part of a distribution deal through South Borders record label Brownhand Music. Material from the 6th album is currently available for licensing as well. All publishing and commercial copyrights pertaining to the album belong to the band.
"Everyone's favorite feel good song"
South Border's Musical Episodes
Cris Ramos, Jr. - The Manila Times
Cris Ramos, Jr. - The Manila Times
"Rainbow" has become everyone’s favorite feel good song, and its message of hope in the face of adversity, loneliness, and heartache has brought on refreshing optimism at a time in our country when the cynic in most of us tends to surface....
"Where there's smoke, there's fire!"
A Review from Gian Fiero
source: Musesmuse.com
CD Review: From Asia via Los Angeles, comes South Border, a vocal group/band that has previously released 5 CDs under Sony BMG in the Phillippines, where they hold the record for the most downloaded song (thus far) for their single, "Rainbow." They wanted my opinion on a sampling of songs from their 6th and forthcoming CD to be released on their own record label, Brownman Music.
"....Well, as the saying goes, "Where there's smoke, there's fire!" This package was smoking the minute I put it in my stereo. Hopefully I can fan the flame for the rest of my industry peers to see them. We have all been bracing for the "Asian invasion" for quite some time and South Border is just the group to bring it in ..."
"The fine musicianship of Jay Durias (the musical director/keyboards); Duncan Ramos and Vince Alaras (vocals); Paul Benitez (drums); Butch Victoriano (lead guitar); Tata Balane (bass); and Ric Junasa (saxophone) is enough to make it happen with their organic, well-produced, well-performed, and yes, well-timed release.
Contrary to what they may think (or have heard) the industry does NOT care that they are Asian; they only care about your ability to deliver as a competitive and commercially viable artist. Music lovers only care about quality music that they can connect with. South Border is abundantly qualified to satisfy both with their flirtatious Hip-Hop flavored opening track, "Sweet," which has the potential to be one of the first feel-good tracks of the Summer (2006). It's a song that recalls memories of the monster radio hit, "Too Close" by defunct R&B group Next.
Their identity comes through on "The Show" along with their personality and flare for dramatics, which is refreshing, engaging and a welcome departure from the monotony of most R&B projects that I get. After the cavalier posturing in their previous tracks, it's the tender emotional appeal of "Rainbow" that lingers on this EP. It's a beautiful ballad with subtle orchestration, and an uplifting message that we all need to be aware of when experiencing heartache: there's a rainbow always after the rain. No wonder it sold so many downloads.
Advice: [...] You are ready for prime time."
Press Releases, Articles and Reviews
If you have any article/review (or such as, published or not, even written by you) regarding South Border and/or their shows, please send me an email or leave a comment anywhere. Thanks!
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