Here is the transcript of the original unedited interview:
What are the names of the band members?
Mark Robert Dy, "MRD" (vocals & rhythm guitar)
Conrado Cruz, "Conrad" (lead guitar)
Gerard Munsayac, "Gboy" (bass guitar)
Ian Joseph Alesna, "Ian" (drums)
How did you come up with the name of your band?
The band name emerged from our observation of Philippine cafe culture. People consume coffee or tea any time of the day, even late at night. It stops being about necessity, but true unapologetic desire. We think this is a perfect simile for our music. Like sundown caffeine, our music is something we take in not because we need to, but because we want to.
How long have you been a band?
The band was formed in Cebu back in 2004, but we only started playing with the new line-up in Manila last December 2008.
How would you describe your band's music?
A combination of rock, blues and country, bent to suit Filipino island culture and taste.
What are you busy with now?
We are busy arranging songs for our debut album release next year. We all have pretty tough day jobs, so it has been one monster of a balancing act.
What made you sign up at the IAC website?
A friend told us about it. What intrigued us enough to sign up as an IAC band is the fact that big corporations like Nokia are beginning to value independent artists who would, otherwise, never stand a chance against the muscle of the mainstream music industry.
What's one song that you play that you think people should hear? why?
The song we're proudest of is Nine Rivers because of the simplicity and human-ness of its message. The song talks about making the tough effort to pick up the pieces and move on after a big tragedy... I'm pretty sure this is a sentiment anyone would be able to identify with.
You can see the music video of the song at:
http://www.flippish.com/lss-sundown-caffeine/
If you like the song, please support us by voting at the Indyhits Website:http://www.bandpromote.com/votes.asp?BandID=525
As of today, our song Nine Rivers is ranked number 12 out of 725 songs on the IndyHits Chart in Los Angeles, California.
Has being in the site given you more exposure?
Definitely. We are an independent band. This means you won't find our music in malls or record bars. IAC allows us to reach our audience directly without any direct cost to us. This is truly a gift from Nokia. Many people who listen to us today would never have known about our work, had it not been for sites like IAC.
How do you feel about bands using the Internet to market their music?
There's no stopping it. This is the future. Not only are we reaching a broader global audience, we are also saving a lot of paper, metal and plastic in the process. Green and global. If people use it right, the Internet can be a wonderful thing.
When are your next gigs?
Our gig schedules change from time to time. You can check out our website for updates: www.sundowncaffeine.com
Our next major gig will be the Island Rock Show 2: Speak Your Mind in November 14. This will happen at Checkpoint Louie's Bar in Paranaque.
How else can people catch your band?
Visit our official website at www.sundowncaffeine.com
What's the best thing about being an indie band?
Nobody tells you what to do, how you should do it, when you should do it or why.
Is there anything else you want to promote?
Support Independent Music. Support Nokia's Independent Artists Club.
