Two years. Two rewarding years of music and friendship. From personal battles to a combo fight and flight for a space in the deadening local music industry. The Camerawalls has forged its way to a bright future, beat into shape and now ready for more growth and progress. With a little help from our dear friends we have played our cards well.
*Illustration by Sarah Gaugler (June 2008)
September 10 marks our second year of togetherness, specifically the day when Law and Ian first met and agreed to form a new band with me. We were all excited about it especially Ian, who has never played proper drums in his entire life, fidgeting about the prospect of sitting behind a kit.
A Chronology
September 1, 2007 – Ian and I hanged out for the first time after almost a year for a jamming session to test his percussive intelligence and sensibility. Turns out he’s a natural. Watch the video taken September 1 of me and Ian writing a daft song on the spot and jamming it.
September 4, 2007 – Wrote our first song together with Ian called “Changing Horses Midstream.”
September 10, 2007 – The day I formally introduced Ian Sarabia to Law Santiago and plans were made for The Camerawalls. Here’s a funny clip of Ian with Law in the background still high with the idea of returning to the music scene.
September 22, 2007 – “Markers of Beautiful Memories” was written while Ian and I were chatting online throwing lines at each other.
October 26, 2007 – Debut Gig at Gweilos Bar, Makati. “To Be Someone” by The Jam was the first song we played live. This gig featured our new songs “Markers Of Beautiful Memories” and “Changing Horses Midstream” played live for the first time. Click on the song titles to view the live performance.
November, 2007 – Recorded “Markers Of Beatiful Memories.” I reunited with producers/engineers’ Jonathan Ong & Robert Javier (responsible for the production of the O&L album “Moonlane Gardens” which won Album Of The Year in the 2007 Rock Awards), to try the new sound and direction for The Camerawalls resulting into a steady and absorbing recording.
November, 2007 to February, 2008 – Wrote and arranged the rest of the songs for the debut album in the following order: Lord Of The Flies, I Love You Natalie, Clinically Dead For 16 Hours, Ignore My Weakness Don’t Ignore Me, Canto De Maria Clara, The Emperor The Concubine & The Commnoner, Lizard Hiding Under Rocks, Solitary North Star
March, 2008 – Released “Markers Of Beautiful Memories” as a single. First aired on NU 107 and later on was included in the playlist of JAM 88.3. Simultaneously posted in the band’s MySpace the song slowly gained attention and following plus great feedback and reviews.
March to June, 2008 – Recorded the rest of the songs in “Pocket Guide To The Otherworld” at Sonicstate Audio under the production of Jonathan Ong and Robert Javier.
June 15, 2008 – First radio guesting/Live Performance at Jam Sessions (Jam 88.3) promoting the launch of the debut album.
July 2008 – Released our second single “Clinically Dead For 16 Hours.” Apparently an obvious choice by radio stations, friends and fans.
July 3, 2008 – Album Launch at Club Dredd. Watch one of the songs performed here and the Dredd TV interview here.
July 16, 2008 – The POP Shoppe! launch at Gweilos Bar headlined by The Camerawalls.
August 2, 2008 – Video shoot for “Clinically Dead For 16 Hours” and some parts of “Markers Of Beautiful Memories under the direction of B. Canapi. “Clinically Dead For 16 Hours” was released 3 weeks later and enjoyed sizable airtime on MYX and MTV. Watch the video here.
September 10, 2008 – Our first year anniversary.
November 6, 2008 – First Major Gig – MYX MO at Mall Of Asia. Performed “Clinically Dead For 16 Hours” in front of thousands of people.
November 27, 2008 – NU 107 Rock Awards: Nominated for Best New Artist and Best Album Packaging for “Pocket Guide To The Otherworld.” We did not win the award but the recognition as a nominee says a lot.
January 2009 – Released the music video for “Markers Of Beautiful Memories.” Rather late but for a wonderful song little does it matter. It features Sarah Gaugler of our electro pop sister band — Turbo Goth.
January to February, 2009 – The Camerawalls’ Provincial SM Mall Tour (Baliwag, Pampanga, Baguio, Marilao, Lipa). An effort to reach out to our fans and friends outside Manila and promote the debut album. Did sideshows in nearby bars as well in each area.
March 28, 2009 – A mini-concert at Ortigas Park during the yearly celebration of Earth Hour. A memorable gig filled with candlelight in darkened street area of Ortigas.
May 8, 2009 – Launch and release of the repackaged edition of “Pocket Guide To The Otherworld” with a new and more fitting cover art by Sarah Gaugler during the anniversary party of Lilystars Records.
May 15, 2009 – Performed at JAM Musicfest. First time to play live with an electric guitar with these songs: Clinically Dead For 16 Hours and That’s Entertainment (The Jam). Click the title to watch the videos.
June 20, 2009 – Performed at Fete Dela Musique.
August 29, 2009 – Performed at Jackstock – Jack TV’s 4th Anniversary celebration at Eastwood Central Plaza.
September 2, 2009 – Performed alongside a great scottish songwriter Ally Kerr during his visit in Manila. The Camerawalls provided rhythm section during his gig at The POP Shoppe.
September 11, 2009 – Second Anniversary celebration at Gweilos Bar where we first performed as a band. Had a great party with Lilystars Records family, friends and supporters. Performed live two new songs that will appear in the upcoming Lilystars compilation album: “The Sight Of Love” and “Longevity.”
We are thankful for these two great years. To everyone who shared moments with us, supported us along the way, bought our records and turned up at our gigs and shared our excitement — we are forever grateful. Expect more music in the coming days, months and years ahead. – Clementine
The Camerawalls 