Baguio is known for its steaming cups of locally roasted coffee, but behind the cool mists, simmers a different kind of brew.
Amateurish, anything but their name suggests, is a force, a legion of higher level. They concoct dynamic sounds that captivate audiences with relatable lyrics.
The quintet, with heavy influences of metal and pop-punk, post-rock, brews a unique blend of sound. They are about to take the Philippines by storm, making waves in the indie-rock scene.
Get ready to dive into a soundscape where intricate guitar riffs weave through eargasmic basslines! Laid with unstrained vocals that paint vivid veneers of human emotions, and thought-provoking lyrics.
The Band's Intro...
Formed in 2016, the band comprises Grey Gagarin (bass and vocals), Sean John Caburao (guitar and vocals), Dan Michael (guitar), Barry Ragaza (drums), and Kyle Lee (guitar). In 2022, they collab with Luis Asejo, who jazzed up the latest version of “New Age You” with his saxophone solo.
Their music defies easy categorization. While they gear heavily to the chord progressions of Math Rock, they are not contained by it. Some of their tracks hinted at subtle sounds of shoegaze. Their sound has more texture by using bits of funk-like beats. And they are known for their melodic hooks and bridges that land on music’s micro-genres.
This ability to adapt to various techniques makes them fierce players on the local indie-rock scene.
Taking The Stage
Amateurish’s live performances are legendary. Their rawness and ability to connect with their audience is what they became known for. Those who have seen the band perform live know how they treat the audience to a one-of-a-kind moment.
They are not your typical indie rock band that takes center stage. Amateurish would see to it the audience would play a special part in their performances. One of the instances would be during their earlier gigs in Baguio. They asked everyone to come closer, taking away the gap. The band offers a personal, inclusive stage where artists and the audience don’t draw a line.
No wonder why complex genres such as Math Rock gain more following in the PH’s indie music scene. And that is why Amateurish is a sonic force to watch out for.
From scribbles on notebooks to thematic tracks
Their songwriting journey started as lyrics on notebooks. Later on, these were released as singles which would become anthems of their listeners.
Their songs speak about personal struggles, conflicts experienced by the collective, and reflections on ordinary things. The lyrics are conversational and that is probably why they are so relatable.
You should see Amateurish live and how their audience sings along. You’ll find the crowd bobbing their heads in sync with odd time signatures. Despite the syncopated starts and stops along complex chords listeners are jiving. Those who had been to their gigs found comfort in the nuances of their rhythm.
Tracks like “Things”, “Blue”, and “New Age You” have become fan favorites. These songs showcase the band’s diverse musical palette and mindful storytelling.
Gaining Momentum
Despite their relatively young career, Amateurish has already gained recognition within the Philippine indie scene. They’ve graced the stages of Fete de la Musique, earning praise for their captivating stage presence.
Their 2017 self-titled EP and subsequent singles like “No Cape” and “Indigo” solidified their place as a rising force, and their recent 2023 release of “Things” has further cemented their momentum.
But Amateurish is not just about accolades. They are a band fueled by passion and a genuine love for their craft.
They shine through in their music by bravely experimenting on their scope of genre. As they constantly experiment on their sound and explore wider range of sonic terrains the band’s rise to fame is unstoppable.
Their ironic name attest to their ingenious take on their music and commitment to artistic evolution, perfectly captures their essence.
Pretty “Amateurish”? Pretty not!
A Gentle Reminder to Rest: Digital Album Arrives...
Don’t miss and set your calendars! Amateurish’s highly anticipated debut album, “A Gentle Reminder to Rest,” arrives March 1st, 2024.
This album isn’t just a culmination of years of dedication and experimentation. It’s a testament to Amateurish fans’ unwavering support to the band. Most especially, it is a treat for their audience who had been supporting them since day one, from their early days in Baguio’s coffee shops to captivating audiences at renowned music fests.
As Amateurish themselves expressed on their Instagram:
“It’s been a while, peeps, and we’re finally releasing this album under Offshore Music! We’re hyped but anxious at the same time, as we’ve put countless hours into our music and now get to share it in its entirety. For some who’ve followed us for a while and watched our sets, you’ll hear familiar tracks we’ve already released in their final versions and new ones you’ve heard live, now getting their own well-deserved tracks. We hope these songs resonate and be part of your lives, and who knows, inspire you to be your own hero.”
Amateurish PH band’s raw talent resonates and they resound with the country’s highly-sought indie artists, capturing listeners from across regions.
This album release marks a milestone on their growth as musicians and their deep connection with their audience. A reminder to both the band and their followers that after years of hardwork, touring around, from Baguio to Manila, finally, the package has arrived! They are ready to share the fruits of their labor, to be delivered on digital platforms.
Announced on February 9, 2024, the band posted a gentle reminder for the album release under Offshore Music, who has also worked with some of today’s most listened-to OPMs, such as Ena Mori, Sansette, and Carousel Casualties.
Follow Amateurish for the Latest Announcements from the Band
Set your trackers for the latest on your favorite local bands on APPPPC and on the album launch of “A Gentle Reminder to Rest” and more updates from Amateurish! #supportlocalartists!
From Marikina City to Baguio, Bien embraces two cities teeming with art and music. Passionate about #supportinglocalartists, she gives back to her inspiring community. By day, she’s a freelance writer, but at night, she immerses in music, crafting melodies. As she crafts stories for others, hers evolves, influenced by her eclectic musical background, from classical and gospel to Mathrock and Experimental Jazz, favoring emerging Indie OPM artists.
