OUT OF TUNE – VERSE IV – KUBRA COMMANDER

How else could I describe what these guys are doing other than it being a statement of love? Love for the music and their craft. Any and all rewards that Kubra Commander have reaped and will reap are very well-deserved. Their catchy Brit pop, psych rock, and new wave flavor will steadily flutter like a flag that beckons to everyone, proclaiming that here in this small island of Cebu is an act that will challenge the mainstream perception of what music should be acceptable and playable on Philippine airwaves and beyond.

While they are extremely busy with their mini-bar tour to raise funds for their upcoming Manila tour, we are grateful that the band still found time to sit down with us and talk about their music, the scene, and other related (and not-so-related) topics. Some parts of the interview could be difficult to listen to, audio-wise, given that the interview was conducted in close proximity to the stage where bands were performing, so please bear with us. We would have preferred a quieter venue, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers.

Anyway, here’s verse four of Out of Tune – Kubra Commander.

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT:

Out of Tune Verse IV

KUBRA COMMANDER – October 20, 2023

(Note: The following writing is based on a transcription of the interview conducted last 20 October 2023 from about 7 o’clock in the evening until about 1 o’clock in the morning of 21 October 2023 at an Draft Punk of Kubra Commander.)

(Note: The interview was conducted in the English language with the occasional Cebuano and Filipino language. For purpose of catering to possible non-Filipino and non-Cebuano speaking readers, the following transcription has already been transcribed to the English language to the best of the abilities of the author.)

(Note: This is not a 100%-accurate transcription since some words are not audible or may be misheard by the author. The author also took liberties in making grammatical corrections, and omitted repetitive words and stutters, if any. However, the substance of the answers remains faithful to the original. Moreover, the author honored the request of the interviewees to omit parts of the interview that they do not wish to be published.)

(00:00:00 – intro)

Patrick: Hello. Good evening, everyone. We are here at Draft Punk for the second to the last of the Kubra La La La mini-bar tour and we have a special guest tonight. Without even naming their names, I guess everyone’s heard of them. They’re one of the busiest bands out there. The name of the band has become a buzz word for the last couple of days, nights, weeks even. Because they have been hard at work promoting their songs, their act, and trying to raise funds for an upcoming tour in Manila, is that right?

Bobbi: Yes.

Patrick: So without further ado, this is Out of Tune Verse IV, the fourth band for the series, half of Kubra Commander. We only got three. Actually, Kubra Commander has six members. We’re still waiting for three, but maybe they’ll catch up or whatever. Anyway, let’s get to know the people who make up Kubra Commander.

Bobbi: I’m Bobbi. I founded this company. Basically, I’m the CEO, the owner and, yeah, I sing for the band. I write the songs. Play the guitar. Sometimes in recording, I record the synths. On live I just play the guitar.

Patrick: Alright, next.

John D: Hey, man. I’m JJ, but you can call me John D. I play the keyboard parts for Kubra Commander and also synth layers and also added effects for the band.

Mich: Me, I’m tito Mich, and I play guitars.

Patrick: What, tito Mich?

Mich: Yes.

Patrick: This ‘tito’ is a mandatory prefix to your name?

Mich: We’re in that age now.

Patrick: Are we talking about age now because I’m going to ask your age. (Laughter)

(00:02:42 – what’s in a name and the band dynamics)

Patrick: Okay, so let’s talk about the name, Kubra commander, since you started this.

Bobbi: Okay, Kubra Commander started as a joke, the name. Then at that time I organized small pub gigs and I used to be the one who try to get the budget and allowances for the bands. Basically, I will be the one who literally to “kubra” the budget, the allowances for the bands, the gate share. It is also a word play on the Hasbro character, Cobra Commander. I grew up watching it when I was a little bit younger.

Patrick: Alright. For those who do not understand the Visayan language, “kubra” in English roughly translates to collect. To collect the budget, alright? Okay, I just want to get this out as early right now, is Kubra Commander an alternate ego for Bobbi or has it evolved somehow to this, is it now a collective name for the band. How is it more associated with?

Bobbi: It’s both. Right now, it’s both. The band as a whole, I would call it Kubra Commander. It’s also me at the same time. It’s a band and half solo project, as well.

Patrick: Alright. Given that Bobbi started this, I want to hear from you guys, how far is the output, your contribution allowed from you guys, in terms of songwriting, creating?

Mich: We’re not allowed to speak.

(Laughter)

Mich: Just kidding. I think for me, I’ve recorded some guitar parts from the previous album.

Patrick: The Vagrant Up album.

Mich: The Rhythm Tourist because I think that was the time, around that time or a few months before that, that’s when I joined the band. So prior to that we’ve been chatting during the pandemic that I would track certain songs. (inaudible) because I didn’t have a band.

Patrick: Where are you from?

Mich: I’m from Iligan City but I have been here in Cebu, I was born here. I lived here in Mandaue before, 2015. Returned back to Iligan, 2018. Then returned back during the pandemic.

Bobbi: He came from a band named Loop.

Patrick: Oh, yeah, Loop.

Mich: Mostly, I tracked guitars. There are certain instructions for how it’s supposed to be. But I’m also allowed to put my own take on the parts. So that’s about it. (inaudible)

Bobbi: That’s the dynamic.

Patrick: So the dynamic for Kubra Commander is the songs are created, arranged by you?

Bobbi: Yeah. The demos are there.

Patrick: So it’s like, “listen to this,” “sipraha ni.”

Bobbi: The songs start with a demo. I write the songs, I arrange them, I record them with my friend, Jeremy Rigodon. Brah. And then I present it to them. (inaudible) It’s either they try to follow the riff that I make and they introduce their own.

Patrick: This manner of song writing, does it carry to the Rhythm Tourist? Is it still the same? Does it hold true to the Rhythm Tourist?

Bobbi: Partially.

Patrick: So in a way, there’s already, you’re giving leeway to the members to go wild, do your thing.

(00:09:02 – the beginning)

Patrick: For everyone’s knowledge, when was Kubra Commander started?

Bobbi: Two thousand sixteen. It was a solo acoustic act. It was a small thing, pub gigs. I covered the Stone Roses, Oasis. Then I started writing songs. (inaudible) Then one thing led to another. (inaudible) The album came out. You were even part of the first incarnation of the lineup. It was very, at that time it was very informal. Thank you. It was very circus-like. It was basically whoever was available. (inaudible).

Patrick: The current line-up for Kubra Commander, is this the longest standing line-up, is that correct?

Bobbi: There are members who have stayed with the band. Actually, the two of them (JB and John D) are relatively new. The eldest being Mich in terms of number of gigs in the band. JB was also part of the post-Vagrant Up and pre-Rhythm Tourist, JB was there. Latest addition was John D.

Patrick: Yeah, Joey was the one handling the keys at that time, right?

Bobbi: Yes.

(00:10:57 – literal kubra)

Patrick: You mentioned earlier that the term ‘kubra’ makes reference to collecting the budget for the events and whatever, the gate share. Now how are you in terms of the ‘kubra’, the collecting thing, for the Manila gig. Without going into details, are you doing good budget-wise?

Bobbi: We’re doing good. There are challenges, but so far we are reaping the benefits of the mini-bar tour. It’s been very fun. We are almost done with it and we’re just glad we went through this. Everybody’s so cooperative, game. Yeah, everything’s good so far.

Patrick: (To JB) Sir, will you introduce yourself.

Bobbi: Grandslam guest.

Patrick: To those who had been following this series, this will be the third time you will see this guy. Who are you again?

JB: Nobody. (inaudible)

(00:11:55 – other bands)

Patrick: Anyway, as far as I understand, you play in numerous bands. Bobbi, you play in Connie Reyes, Sunday Sunday, Spirals. Then JB also Folding Bed, Awkward Dancer. J, are you in other bands?

John D: Actually, I have a band based in Dumaguete. It’s a ska jazz band, HNO2, Hala Naay Ok-ok. And I am also the front man of the band. Since I’m here in Cebu…

Patrick: You’re in Cebu for what, for good?

John D: Yeah, for good.

Patrick: So the Hala Naay Ok-ok has stopped for now?

John D: Yeah. We only play there if I’m there.

Patrick: Tito Mich.

Mich: Currently, Kubra, Rising Tide, occasionally, Loop.

Patrick: Rising Tide is also based in?

Mich: Cebu. Loop, whenever we’re around.

(00:13:06 – life outside the band life) 

Patrick: If you don’t mind me asking, what do you do outside of the band life?

Bobbi: I work for a digital agency.

Mich: Corporate slaves.

Bobbi: Yeah. We’re basically corporate slaves.

Patrick: Everyone? J?

John D: Finance Officer.

Mich: Project Manager.

JB: HR.

Patrick: So how do you, guys, juggle all of this? Given that you are in multiple bands. All of us here in this table are doing our 9 to 5, except for this graveyard guy (JB). So how are you coping with all of this?

Bobbi:  Just try to find time. I think try to make time is the more appropriate term. Making time for what you want to do.

Patrick: Does it hold true for you guys?

JB: I’m adopting his idea about work. We work to support our passion.

Patrick: Is it the same for everyone?

Mich and J: Yeah, yeah.

Mich: Managing priorities. Family first. Band second. Work last.

John D: This is a good outlet for us.

Patrick: I agree. Many of us are handling so much stress. And a lot of people have no outlet that’s why they go crazy. Actually, just for context, one of the reasons why I started this thing is trying to understand through others why we are doing this. We are not getting paid, we are not getting rich, no one’s getting anything out of it like in terms of normal standards. So this is what I’m trying to get from you.

(00:17:00 – influences and musical direction)

Patrick: Okay, let’s talk about influences. What’s the influence for Kubra Commander? Is it anything under the sun?

Bobbi: Anything under the sun that’s British.

(laughter)

Mich: Westlife.

Bobbi: It just so happens that they’re the music that I like. British mostly, Manchester sound.

Patrick: Okay, the obvious ones would be Oasis…

Bobbi: Yeah, Oasis, early Coldplay. I say early Coldplay because I’m not talking about the new Coldplay. None of the Chainsmokers Coldplay. First three albums. Blur, Travis, Stone Roses, bands like that. A band that you’re very familiar with, Wild Nothing. I’m very into their music. Tame Impala, Brian Jonestown Massacre. And a broad catalogue of new wave artists, (inaudible), Tears for Fears. (Inaudible)

Patrick: Okay, this works because those influences are your main influences, and you also write the music and everything. I mean, mostly, right? Does it not come into conflict with the other members given that, I am sure the rest of them are into other bands?

Bobbi: I am just fortunate that these guys (inaudible) understand the concept of Kubra Commander. (inaudible) I’m just happy that they like the music. Because I don’t think that they will join if they don’t like the music. (inaudible)

Patrick: J, how long have you been with Kubra?

John D: I lost count.

Bobbi: This year

John D: We actually jammed back in Taptap.

Bobbi: Yeah, he played during the pandemic.

Patrick: Yeah, the one in the mountain.

Bobbi: We violated the quarantine rules.(inaudible)

Patrick: I guess the next question to ask is, are you alright with this arrangement?

Mich: No.

(laughter)

Mich: It’s fun.

Patrick: So you genuinely love also the direction. That’s good to hear.

Bobbi: It is like this, if I will allow full-blown band dynamic, the music will change, the productivity will slow down. We have to keep meeting. We have to compromise.

Patrick: That’s completely understandable.

Bobbi: If that will happen, that would lead me eventually to create another solo project, it will be an endless cycle. So I try to keep the balance.

Patrick: In the same way, Folding Bed, it’s Joel who writes. Hollywood Folk Hogan, the same. As long as everyone is okay with the direction, as long as you’re having fun. Okay, how about your individual influences. Because Bobbi gravitates towards the British rock and roll, Brit pop.

Mich: My biggest influence would be Deftones. I’ve been a Deftones fan since elementary. Growing up, me and my brother were big Oasis fans. I was also listening to Beatles. (inaudible)

Bobbi: That’s his ticket actually why he got in [the band], the Oasis factor.

(Tim joins the interview)

Patrick: Let us introduce, for everyone who is not familiar with Kubra Commander, we have to introduce him.

Tim: Hi, I’m Tim. I’m the drummer.

Patrick: Tim, before you joined, we were discussing to what extent are individual members of Kubra Commander given space to make their sound.

Tim: My end as a drummer, usually, when a song is created, it’s formed already by Bobbi. So he knows what he wants it to sound like. Basically, he already knows what he wants the drum parts to sound like. But I’m given the freedom to add small parts, to add my personality to the song. So usually when he comes up with an idea, it has MIDI drums or programmed drums, and then it’s something that I have to do but I just spice it up a little bit. So I think the vision overall is all Bobbi’s, but we just inject our own personality to the songs.

Mich: I mean, even if Bobbi is the main producer and dictates the direction, the moment that we record our parts, we inject our own character in it because we’re the ones playing it. (inaudible) It doesn’t really bother me.

Tim: For me, Bobbi curates it with our own contribution. We have our own say but it has to be something that satisfies him.Bobbi: That’s a strong word.

Tim: I mean, it’s also a healthy relationship because it challenges me to be a better drummer. (inaudible) There is a vision to it already, so I need to contribute to it in my own way.

Patrick: Okay, I am just curious, because Bobbi said that the direction, the influence, is British rock and roll, Brit pop, before Kubra what type of music are you into, that got you into drums and the whole band thing?

Tim: Pop punk music. I really got into drums because of Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, and a lot of metal music. (inaudible) A lot of different influences, but I think the fact that I grew up in the UK, I was naturally surrounded by the type of music that I eventually would come to play. So bands like Hi-Fi, Razorlight, of course Oasis, Foals is one of my favorite bands. So those were the influences that later came back to me. I’ve been in the Philippines for ten years before I joined Kubra, but they came back to me.

Patrick: But overall, all of you are just comfortable with the music? You are happy?

Mich: Yeah. It’s like unconsciously we do bands that are similar to Kubra Commander. Like for example, (inaudible). And some of the Kubra Commander songs like High on the Sky, it has a similar feel to that, so we were happy when we are playing it because it’s something that we also like.

Patrick: So, basically, it’s not forced.

Bobbi: It’s not forced.

Mich: I have lyrics that Bobbi will not approve.

(laughter)

Bobbi: JJ, you should ask him. This guy is a musical genius.

Patrick: Yeah, tell us your musical influences before everything that Bobbi fed to you?

John D: I was into jazz. Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, all those people. Ella Fitzgerald. (inaudible) Eventually, I stumbled upon Queen, ACDC, Rage Against the Machine. And then I listened to classical music, indie, folk. Later as the years went by I realized that sticking to just one genre is restrictive. (inaudible)

Patrick: By the way, how did you guys meet?

Bobbi: Michmich was in Loop. Tim, actually, messaged me to join. There was a gig and I don’t have a drummer. The gig was a few days away, we were playing six songs. What I did was I got three drummers. One was Paolo DLV, he played five songs.

Patrick: I remember Mikee.

Bobbi: Mikee also played drums for the band for a time. But there was a gig that I didn’t have a drummer, because it was supposed to be Jeremy at the time. There was supposed to be Rommel but he wasn’t available, so it was Brah. But Brah had an accident, sprained an ankle. So he can’t play the drums. So for that gig there was no drummer and it was only a few days away. So I got three drummers, one was Paolo DLV, the other was (inaudible) the drummer for Loop, the other one was Tim, he messaged me. I gave him two songs to play and that was the start of it. (inaudible) During the pandemic I needed a new drummer who will commit, he (Tim) was there, so yeah. JJ, I knew him in college. We were classmates in P.E. and department mates also in Talamban, TC. After that, he moved to Silliman. We came across each other again a few years later, I found out he was a music major already. We have mutual friends also, like Jah, our bass player, also from Dumaguete. It just made sense because there was no keyboard player available, and he came for it. The great thing about JJ is that even before he played other genres so he is very open to different kinds of music. Very flexible. (inaudible)

(00:29:05 – what are you singing about?) 

Patrick: Okay, let us talk about themes. Bob, the songs for Kubra Commander, is there an underlying theme or a central theme?

Bobbi: The lyrics, I’d probably say they are introspective, maybe that. I can’t say there’s a specific theme.

Patrick: Free for interpretation.

Bobbi: Yeah. I’d like to think of it as that. Free for interpretation. Sometimes I write songs, sometimes I just like how they rhyme. Sometimes I don’t really think about what it really means. But sometimes there are songs that I would find meaning in them months after or years after. (inaudible) Sometimes they don’t really mean anything to me. So I just like it that way. It’s free for interpretation.

Patrick: Can you tell us, walk us through this inclination of yours, this play of words, like Rhythm Tourist, The Now?

Bobbi: It’s just a word play. Again, I guess musically because I am a huge fan of the Eraserheads and the Eraserheads love to incorporate a lot of wordplay in their songs. Cutterpillow, Ultra Electromagnetic Pop. Something like that. Natin99. It just caught on with me and then I like the appeal of it of having wordplay. And sometimes people don’t really get the wordplay at first. Like for example. Rhythm Tourist, people don’t know.

Tim: Even I didn’t know of it until a week before the release.

Bobbi: They think it sounds so fancy, “woah, Rhythm Tourist, how’d they come up with.” “No, it’s just a wordplay on the church.”

Patrick: Did you know about this?

Tim: Only when we did the photoshoot at Redemptorist.

Bobbi: They knew when we did the photoshoot at Redemptorist church.

Mich: I know Bobbi so I know there’s something in it.

Bobbi: It did not mean anything really. Sometimes you don’t know if it’s just wordplay. (inaudible) I like that, I like the wordplay factor.

Patrick: You guys have, wait, Vagrant Up, how many tracks, eleven?

Bobbi: Eleven.

Patrick: Rhythm Tourist, how many?

Bobbi: Eleven.

Time: There’s a bonus track.

Bobbi: Twelve.

Patrick: Twelve tracks. So twenty-three, plus the new songs that are outside of the albums, how many in all?

Bobbi: I have three right now that have been arranged and demoed. So that’s twenty-six songs.

Patrick: So you have already twenty-six, so let’s just say twenty-six songs for Kubra.  Does the band have a favorite or go-to track. Like if you play live, this has to be there. Do you have a favorite track for all of you?

Tim: For me, I always request High on the Sky, which we’re playing tonight.

Mich: High on the Sky and Mumerica.

John D: Colo(u)rless

Bobbi: For me, it’s The Now. And I think I haven’t played a gig that I did not play that song. (inaudible)

Patrick: So it’s a different favorite song for everyone. Okay, since there’s no common song that you can agree with, let us just talk about the new single that’s about to come out, Kublai Can. What is that about?

Bobbi: I guess, it’s open for interpretation. But I like the up tempo beat of it. I was actually thinking about that. Lilystar Records asked me to submit a Single information sheet where we have to state what the song is all about, which I haven’t come up with as of now. (inaudible)

Patrick: Actually, you don’t have to explain. If you feel like when you wrote something that you just did spontaneously, you are not obliged to explain to anyone.

Bobbi: Yeah, I agree. The thing with Kublai Can, it was a very easy song to write. One of the easiest songs to write. The arrangement was very easy, like the words flowed. (Inaudible) When I think about it now, I guess, just to relate it to the title, I love this restaurant, Kublai Khan. It’s a buffet. So, it reflects the song tempo. At the back of my mind I was actually thinking of a jogging song. Because I like to run casually, I’m not a competitive runner. More for just for fitness, just to energize myself. While I was thinking of writing a song, it became a running song when you listen to it. And I guess (inaudible) I exercise during the week and I reward myself with something in the weekend. And that’s Kublai Khan, eating at the restaurant or drinking lots of beer.

Patrick: Paklay.

Bobbi: Paklay. I would indulge in the weekend. (inaudible)

Patrick: Do you guys share this hobby of Bobbi?

Tim: Running or Kublai Khan?

Patrick: The food.

Mich: I don’t agree with both. I don’t run. I don’t eat paklay, I hate fitness.

Patrick: Outside of the band life, do you guys hang out?

Bobbi: Sometimes. (Inaudible) Post-gig, tambay.

(00:35:58 – the connection factor) 

Patrick: You are the fourth band that we did for Out of Tune, but of all you are the most connected, even in the Manila, Lilystar, Clem.

Bobbi: Lilystar.

Patrick: Are you willing to talk about that, how you got connected with Lilsytar.

Bobbi: Actually, it was during the pandemic, Alex Lim introduced me. (inaudible) He introduced me to Clem because they are looking for artists to join their roster. (inaudible) And that was it. It so happened that Alex recommended me to Clem and Clem was interested with the type of music that we put out. And, yeah, from there things just happened.

Patrick: You are the only band under Lilystar in Cebu?

Bobbi: There are two. One is Midnight Greetings. (Inaudible)

Patrick: If you can talk about, how much does it help to have Lilystar, a Manila label, represent you?

Bobbi: It helps with being able to touch new audiences, being able to reach audiences outside of Cebu. I think that really helps being under Lilystar. It helps us reach newer audiences who we are not too familiar with. And, yeah, it actually has its rewards also. I think it was a good gamble.

(00:38:03 – going outside of Cebu) 

Patrick: You, guys, are about to go to another Manila tour, I’m saying another because I recall you also currently went to Manila, right?

Bobbi: Yeah, last year, October also.

Patrick: Is this the same roster?

Bobbi: Addition was JJ. But Michmich and Tim were already there.

Patrick: Let’s talk about that. Because most bands that we do here are restricted. We have this scene, we play in this group. Now I want anyone who will be listening or later read all the transcripts of this interview, what’s the difference between the scene here in Cebu and in Manila?

Bobbi: I’ll say something about it but I think the person who can add to that will be Michmich. He has a lot of experiences there. But for me, there’s a bigger audience there. It’s a bigger scene. Actually, there’s more chances of being able to get your music out there because there are a lot of people who are into the band scene. They have gigs during the weekdays. That is a very good indicator. Yeah, that’s one thing for me. There’s a wider audience there when it comes to being able to play there. Aside from that, a lot of our musical heroes, they’re all from there. So it really inspires us a lot to be able to play with them, to be able to share the stage with them, to meet them.

Mich: I think you’ve mentioned the most important part of it but, yes, Manila is bigger. They have more venues and, coincidentally, the place is the center of everything. Like music industry, all the labels are there, the music business people are there. And the bands there, actually, skill-wise and creativity-wise, it’s not that different, to be honest. Listening to Cebu bands and Manila bands, I mean Cebu bands are at par. To be honest, not just favoring anyone. Honest opinion, Cebu bands are at par with Luzon bands. It just so happened that Manila is the center and they have many venues. That’s the difference that I see. And people pay for gigs.

Patrick: Good that you mentioned it because Tim recently made a post about that. So let’s discuss about that. Just expound. The value, the importance of people paying for gigs.

Bobbi: I think it’s an awareness thing, just people to be informed about it. They have to understand why. Once they do, I guess they’ll have a better grip, a better understanding of why there has to be (inaudible) gate shares, you have to support the bands that they want. I guess once they are armed with that information, their decisions would be understandable. To support or not, it’s there already. So at the end of the day, it’s a matter of choice for them. The one thing we can do is just to inform them. Hopefully, they’ll get on with it and they support us.

Patrick: I remember you also played Dumaguete, right?Bobbi: Yes.

Patrick: How different is the scene?

Bobbi: It’s smaller there. JJ is from there.

John D: It’s smaller there. People are very into the indie music there, supporting the local musicians there. And they are also angry towards the majority of the people there that do not support local music also.

Patrick: Everyone’s expecting covers.

Mich: Slowly, right? They already have awareness.

Patrick: I think we are all in agreement that so far Manila is still the place to beat in terms of indie music.

Mich: Yes, because they have the bulk. Aside from quality they have quantity in Manila. More prods, more venues, more bands.

Patrick: Just for context, I remember during the Shoegaze Fest, it was 4 P.M. on a Sunday, we went to Mow’s, the place was already packed. So there’s really a disparity in the appreciation.

Mich: Maybe I am wrong, but it’s because they have so many people there.

Patrick: But for me also, Cebu has this genre that people favor. I mean, Cebu produced Urban Dub, Franco, people flock to them. Any other genre or artist that do not fit, Faspitch, you are an outsider, so the reception will be different.

(00:45:33 – band fatigue?)

Patrick: You guys have been playing non-stop, does any of you feel the fatigue, stress or whatever?

Mich: It’s my secret. I am always stressed.

(laughter)

Bobbi: Yeah, there is fatigue. You can’t count that out. There’s always be that, burn-out. If this is the only thing we’re doing, just playing, I don’t think there would be any fatigue, or it wouldn’t be that much. Since we have lives outside of the music thing, as well, like day jobs, other priorities, responsibilities, of course, that factors in to the fatigue.

Patrick: So, in effect, the real-life responsibilities outside of the band, rock and roll thing, it helps to sustain whatever it is that you’re doing right now for Kubra?

Bobbi: Yes. For me, I have a day job to sustain the music thing, aside from paying for other priorities and stuff, it helps to sustain.

(00:47:18 – most memorable experience)

Patrick: Okay, let us talk about the most memorable experience for Kubra Commander in this lineup?

Bobbi: Maybe the gigs here, the recent mini-bar tour, the gigs in Akha. Very fun. In recent memory.

Time: For me, I think it was playing in Manila last year. Because I never played in Manila compared to these guys. Michmich basically lived there for a year. So for me it was a first. And I haven’t been to Manila very often before. So it was very memorable because going to 70’s Bistro. (Inaudible) It was exciting to actually play in a different venue for once compared to, you know, we play at Draft Punk all the time, we play at La Madera all the time. We played to a different crowd and being able to share what we made with people. (Inaudible)

Mich: For me, it’s the album launch because the gig coincided with my birthday. It was my birthday. It was a very fun gig.Tim: Fifteen songs.

Mich: Fifteen songs.

Patrick: This was when Llywi did the Zumba.

Bobbi: Yeah, the Zumba Commander.

(00:48:23 – Only One Left)

Patrick: We are now nearing the end of the interview, so we’ll be wrapping this up. But again to know you better I am going to distribute these things. We’re going to do something, we’re playing a little game. So Only One Left. So how this works, in these sheets of paper are bands or artists and their names are written in either yellow or black. So without asking each other, I’m going to show you the names and, hypothetically, there’s only one band or artist that is in the sheet that will survive and the other one will be erased from history. Their whole life’s work, their music, will be gone. So you’ll have to pick one that shall remain. Alright? So this does not necessarily mean that the names that are written are in competition with each other. It doesn’t even mean that they belong to the same generation. It’s just to get to know you guys better, your preferences, alright? So in the count of three, after I show you the names of the bands or artists, you pick either yellow or black.

Patrick: First set. (RHCP or Foo Fighters)

Patrick: Alright Bobbi picked the Red Hot Chili Peppers, while Mich and Tim picked Foo Fighters.

Patrick: Second one. (Rage Against the Machine or Deftones)

Patrick: Only Mich picked Deftones. Time and Bobbi go for Rage.

Mich: Traitors!

Patrick: Third one. (Blur or Oasis) Oh, I am sure with this one even without asking these guys.

Patrick: Unanimous, Oasis.

Patrick: This one. Oh, the only time that I will allow that you guys don’t make any choice is if you are not familiar with the artists or you hate both. (The Strokes or Interpol)

Bobbi: Man, that’s hard.

Mich: I don’t know the bands.

Patrick: Both Interpol, while Mich picked nothing because he is not familiar.

Bobbi: That was a difficult decision.

Patrick: Alright, next one. (The Smiths or The Cure) This will be contentious.

Patrick: Bobbi and Tim prefer The Smiths, while Mich goes for The Cure.

Patrick: Next one. (Elvis or Michael Jackson)

Bobbi: Oh, hee hee.

Patrick: Unanimous, Michael Jackson.

Mich: Heal the world…

Patrick: Okay, next one. (The Beatles or The Doors)

Patrick: Unanimous, The Beatles.

Patrick: And the last one. (Taking Back Sundar or Dashboard Confessionals)

Mich: Yawa, that is hard! Wait, wait. This is hard.

Bobbi: Mich goes for Dashboard, while both are going for Taking Back Sunday.

(00:53:08 – where or how to hear their music and what’s next?)

Patrick: Everyone knows Kubra Commander by now, but for those who are not yet familiar with Kubra, how can they hear or follow whatever it is that you guys are doing?

Bobbi: facebook.com/kubracommander IG: kubracommanderph; Spotify, Kubra Commander; Youtube, Kubra Commander. Bandcamp, Kubra Commander. kubracommander.com, we have a website.

Patrick: What do we have to expect from Kubra with the coming days, months?

Bobbi: We have the Manila tour, we have more gigs, more songs to be released. Hopefully, a new album by next year.

(00:54:09 – wrapping it up) 

Patrick: Alright. Thank you, Kubra Commander, Bobbi, Tim, Mich. JJ, he’s not here anymore. JB. And I even haven’t talked to the bassist. Anyway, these guys are really busy with their lives. So I really appreciate it that you guys are taking your time to do this. I know you are all already tired. Thank you for doing this. This is Kubra Commander. This is verse four of Out of Tune. Thank you, guys, and please follow and support your local acts. Kubra Commander. We’re out of questions, we’re out of time, and this is Out of Tune – Verse IV. Adios!

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