Welcome to the vibrant world of Acacia Juice, an experimental band hailing from the local area of Rizal. Inspired by the resilience and growth symbolized by the abundance of acacia trees in their hometown, Acacia Juice brings a unique blend of dramatic and experimental music to the forefront of the music scene.
The band is compromised of talented musicians – Wence Escabas on guitars, Vincent Tutor on vocals, Pogs Coronado on drums, and Rowel Aungon on bass – the band’s journey is marked by a commitment to pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and creating music that resonates deeply with their audience.
We had the privilege of reaching out for an exclusive interview with Acacia Juice’s talented guitarist, Wence Escabas. Dive in to his insights into the band’s origins, their creative process, and the inspiration behind their captivating music.
Photographs by: Wence Escabas
Q: Can you tell us about the origins of Acacia Juice? How did the band form?
Wence: The origin of Acacia Juice can be traced back to our local area in Tikling. We were inspired by the abundance of acacia trees in the area, and we wanted our band name to reflect our connection to our hometown. The band formed when a group of friends who shared a passion for music came together and decided to create something unique and experimental sound
Q: What inspired the name “Acacia Juice” and does it hold any special meaning to the band?
Wence: The name ‘Acacia Juice’ holds a special meaning for us. Acacia represents strength, resilience, and growth, which are qualities we strive to embody in our music. The word “Juice” represents the idea that any flavor of music can come up in our ideas. It signifies the openness and versatility of our creative process, allowing for a wide range of musical influences and styles to be incorporated into our compositions.
This concept gives us the freedom to explore different genres, experiment with various sounds, and create a diverse and dynamic musical experience for our listeners. It’s an exciting approach that allows for endless possibilities and keeps our music fresh and innovative.
We hope that our music can inspire others and evoke emotions through our dramatic experimental sound. We aim to push the boundaries of traditional music and create a unique sonic experience for our listeners. Our band name serves as a reminder of our roots and the journey we have embarked on together.”
Q: How do you feel your music has evolved since your first release? Are there any specific changes or growth you’ve noticed?
Wence: Since our first release, we have experienced significant growth and evolution in our music. One noticeable change is our increased musical maturity and confidence in our artistic vision. As we gained more experience and honed our skills, we became more adept at expressing our ideas and emotions through our music.
We have also witnessed a broadening of our musical horizons. Initially, we may have been influenced by specific genres or artists, but over time, we have explored and incorporated a wider range of musical styles and influences. This has allowed us to create a more diverse and dynamic sound that resonates with a broader audience.
Furthermore, our songwriting has become more nuanced and sophisticated. We have developed a deeper understanding of song structure, dynamics, and storytelling, which has elevated the depth and impact of our compositions. We have also become more experimental, pushing the boundaries of our creativity and embracing new sonic elements.
Another significant change we have noticed is the growth of our collaborative process. We have become better at working together as a band, valuing each member’s contributions and ideas. This synergy has led to more cohesive and powerful musical arrangements.
Overall, the evolution of our music has been an exciting journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. We are constantly pushing ourselves to evolve and grow, and we look forward to continuing this musical journey with even more exciting changes and growth in the future.”
Your Spotify bio mentions your commitment to creating dramatic and experimental music. Can you elaborate on this aspect and share some examples from your songs?
Wence: Dramatic experimental music can create such a powerful and emotional experience for the listeners. I can imagine that it involves a lot of experimentation with different sounds, textures, and arrangements to create a captivating atmosphere.
Certainly! Our commitment to creating dramatic and experimental music is rooted in our desire to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and explore new sonic landscapes. We believe that music should be an immersive experience that evokes emotions and takes listeners on a journey.
In terms of the dramatic aspect, we strive to create music that is emotionally charged and evocative. We often incorporate dynamic shifts, intense instrumentation, and powerful vocals to create a sense of tension and release. Our songs may feature dramatic build-ups, climactic moments, and poignant lyrics that delve into deep and thought-provoking themes.
As for the experimental aspect, we love to explore different musical styles, unconventional song structures, and unique soundscapes. We’re not afraid to blend genres. This allows us to create a distinct and innovative sound that keeps our music fresh and exciting.
Our song “Kahon” gives meaning to the sadness experienced by individuals with depression. Through the lyrics and sound, we strive to convey the emotions and experiences associated with this condition.
“Kahon” is a depiction of being trapped inside a box, symbolizing the feelings of anxiety and self-isolation often felt by those with depression. The lyrics portray feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a sense of detachment from the world.
Through the music, we aim to express the thoughts and emotions that play in the minds and hearts of individuals with depression. We convey the pain and struggles they experience, reaching out to listeners to foster understanding and empathy.
Q: “Hindi Na” seems to be one of your popular tracks. What’s the story behind the song, and what message were you hoping to convey with it?
Wence: The story behind the song revolves around a personal experience of heartbreak and moving on. It delves into the emotions and struggles one goes through after a failed relationship.
The song captures the journey of letting go and finding the strength to move forward. It reflects the realization that sometimes, despite our efforts, a relationship may not work out, and it’s important to accept that and focus on our own growth and happiness.
Through “Hindi Na,” we aimed to convey a message of empowerment and resilience. We wanted to inspire listeners to embrace change, let go of the past, and find the courage to start anew. The song encourages self-reflection and reminds people that they have the strength within themselves to overcome heartbreak and find happiness again.
Ultimately, “Hindi Na” serves as a reminder that endings can lead to new beginnings, and it encourages listeners to embrace their own journey of healing and self-discovery.
Q: Live performances are a significant aspect for many bands. How do you adapt your studio recordings to the stage, and what do you enjoy most about performing live?
Wence: When it comes to adapting studio recordings to the stage, many bands have different approaches. Some bands aim to recreate the studio sound as closely as possible, while others prefer to experiment and add new elements to their live performances. It often involves rearranging the songs to fit the live setting, considering factors like the instrumentals, energy, and audience engagement.
As for what I enjoy most about performing live, it’s the energy and connection with the audience. There’s a certain thrill and adrenaline rush that comes with being on stage and sharing the music with a live audience. The interaction and feedback from the crowd can be incredibly rewarding and inspiring. It’s a chance to see the impact of the music firsthand and create a memorable experience for both the band and the audience.
We thrive on the raw, gritty energy of performing live. The sweat, the adrenaline, the chaos – it’s what fuels us and makes each show a wild ride.
We embrace the imperfections, the unexpected moments, and the raw emotions that come with live performances. It’s in those raw, unfiltered moments that the true essence of our music shines through.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals or aspirations for Acacia Juice in the near future? Are there any exciting projects or plans you can share with your fans?
Wence: Thank you for your question! As Acacia Juice, we have several goals and aspirations for the near future. We are constantly striving to grow as artists and create meaningful and impactful music that resonates with our listeners.
One of our main goals is to continue expanding our fanbase and reach a wider audience. We want to connect with more people who appreciate our music and create a strong and supportive community around our band.
Currently, we want to record more of our songs that are different from our previous works. Our goal is to create music that is more emotionally powerful, with a beautiful message and meaningful content. We also hope to shoot music videos for these songs. These songs will truly be unique and distinct from what we have released before. So stay tuned for our upcoming projects. It’s going to be something to look forward to!
As Acacia Juice continues to evolve and explore new sonic territories, their commitment
to creating emotionally charged and experimental music remains unwavering. With exciting projects on the horizon, including the release of new songs and music videos, the future looks bright for this innovative band. So, stay tuned, because Acacia Juice is poised to take you on a musical journey like no other. Dive into their mesmerizing soundscape on Spotify and join them on their quest to push the boundaries of music.
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About the Author
Inspired by her love for pop punk, post-hardcore, and metal, Rae Irene Bartolome (or Rae, as her friends call her) grew up in Metro Manila dreaming of having her own band. A graduate of De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde in Hospitality Management, she now works as an Executive Assistant. Rae spent her school years immersed in music, writing band fanfictions on Wattpad. She’s a concert enthusiast, especially for All Time Low, and hopes to catch Alex Gaskarth’s attention one day. She enjoys cosplaying, gaming, and you can easily be her friend by offering a drink or singing lines from her favorite bands like All Time Low, Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, or Bring Me The Horizon.
