How I Became A Camerawall

Many of my friends were asking how and when did I join The Camerawalls. There’s actually a very short story about it, so here I go…

Clementine, Law, and I were friends since 1999, that’s when the Orange and Lemons days started. I was with another band back then, doing alternate gigs with them in a certain bar in Bulacan. After many years, we remained friends and kept in touch through chat and text messages. The last time I saw ONL was 2006, when Clem invited me to come over and watch their gig at 70’s Bistro. Then I heard about the band’s break-up a few months after.

It was expected when he formed The Camerawalls with Law, and I’ve been listening to their songs occasionally. It’s actually a perfect album to listen to when riding a bus going to the office.

I think it was July 2011 when Clem invited me to his solo acoustic gig at Gweilo Bar. He said we haven’t seen each other for ages so I came to watch the show. He also asked me to jam the song “Please,  Please,  Please, Let Me Get What I Want” (the only Smiths song that I know). It was fun, and I enjoyed the night.

A few days later, we were chit-chattin’ and he told me they need a session guitarist for The Pop Shoppe! – The Smiths Night. I was surprised when he asked me if I want to give it a try. I already knew their music is different from what I used to play and vice-versa; plus the fact that I haven’t been playing guitar for years. But I thought, “here’s something that I shouldn’t miss.”

We had two rehearsals, then played my first gig with them last July 27, 2011. Then followed by another… and a few more. I was happy to be a part of their 4th anniversary as a group. It obviously requires me to learn their songs and covers I’ve never heard of. I realized that it’s not that easy to learn The Beatles and The Smiths’ guitar parts as well as the other bands that influenced The Camerawalls. It’s a bit of  a challenge on my part.

Then, after more than a month, we flew to Singapire for a two-night show. It was instantly an unforgettable experience for me. The food, the view, the alley near our hotel where we used to hang out with few bottles of beer and spicy Thai food after the show;  seeing my old friends in a foreign land, and knowing they were there to support Filipino talent, is definitely something to cherish as long as I breathe.

After the Singapore gig, pictures were posted via thecamerawalls.com and I was tagged as the new guitarist of the band. A smile on my face stuck for a few minutes. I tried recollecting the time when Clem lured me in, I told myself… what the hell was he thinking? but I have to agree that someone else should sit on the other side of the boat to keep it balanced (now what the heck am I saying?). In my own opinion, I did a good job that’s why I was chosen to be one of them officially.

For six months, I must say that my life has changed in so many ways… being with The Camerawalls, learning new songs, meeting a lot of new friends and wonderful people. I’m certain that I’m having one hell of a ride. and it’s gonna be a long journey for sure.

So I’ll see you around.

x
George