The Martians rock!
The Martians. Niņo, Charles, Sherwyn, George
and Jao
* The group will start planning for its first album. This will consist of rock and roll, classic rock, glam, heavy metal and folk rock
Rock music is a diverse and popular music accompanied by guitar, drums, bass and keyboards and usually revolves around the electric guitar.
This music genre started in the 1950s and as the years passed, diverse kinds of rock evolved, like rock and roll, folk rock and heavy metal, among others.
In the Philippines, Pinoy rock bands are many despite the popularity of other music genres. Such genre was used for self-expression. In the 1980s, the genre carried messages of social awareness.
Ilonggo rock was never sidelined. Several rock bands emerged and one of them is The Martians, which was formed in 1995 and consists of five members.
Sherwyn wins the Best
Guitarist award during
Ruptured 2007
Its oldest member, Charles Mehlieb,62, is in fact, a former member of Downbeats Band, one of the famous groups in the 1960s that had the chance to perform as front act for the Beatles.
It was Sherwyn Estrallanes, lead guitarist, who initiated The Martians. The rest of the band members are Joemarie "Jao" Perez, vocalist; George Bernard "JB" Villaluz, bass; and Niño David, drums.
The group's achievements are numerous and some of them are winning in Raptured (2007) with Estrellanes adjudged as Best Guitarist; champion in Sigabong sa Monterey (2006); champion in Linagabong (2006); second place in Sigabong (2007); Rockplosion in UPV (2007); and second place in Solidify in UI (2007). These are all Battle of the Bands competitions.
They have also performed in the Pinoy Classic Rock (PCR) gig in Kalibo.
They also performed as front act for Callalily in Pirates Bar at Smallville; Imago, Sandwich, Kapatid, Barbie and Chico Sai.
Copositions
Niņo David wins the Best Drummer
Award during the Rockwars Battle
of the Bands
Jao said that this month, they will start planning for their first album. This will consist of rock and roll, classic rock, glam, heavy meal and folk rock, which they normally play.
In fact, they already have five original compositions --- Sabit, Batusai, Cloudy Sky, Another Place and Panaginip.
Sabit is about life's complexities; Batusai, a Japanese warrior; Cloudy Sky, on the illusion of love; Another Place is about longing for love; and Panaginip, on illusion.
The Members
Jao, the youngest in the group at 20 years old, said that rock music is their way of expressing themselves. He said that when he sings, it's like as if he's possessed. If he's not busy with the band, this animal lover feeds his fishes, birds and dogs. He loves sleeping and watching TV.
George, 25 is the group's joker. "He laughs a lot," Jao said. Apart from the band, he loves to play PC games and reads books.
Niño, 25, admits that he's the snobby one in the group. He spends most of his time practicing with his drums and playing PC games. And oh boy, he loves to cook!
Charles is the group's disciplinarian. He likes to collect instruments. In fact, he knows how to play all instruments!
Sherwyn, still a student, is said to be strict during practice.
Jao revealed that they have a good relationship. "We're like family."
When asked what the group envisions to be five years from now, Jao said, "We don't know. Whatever comes."
But one thing's for sure. "We are all born to be wild," he concludes.