FROM the garage to Fête De La Musique
NOT many people know this, but growing up, the band Hale had the need for speed."I wanted to be a race car driver growing up," guitarist Roll Martinez said. "I don't know why, but I just wanted to be one." Drummer Omnie Saroca jumped in, "I wanted to be a pilot. Then a doctor, then an architect.""When I was in preschool, I wanted to be an astronaut!" bassist Sheldon Gellanda said. "But in sixth grade I wanted to be a videogame creator."It seems that only vocalist Champ Lui Pio had dreams of rock-star grandeur while growing up. "My dad's a musician, so since I was a kid, I was surrounded by music."Learning the ropesHale might be reveling in their success, but they do admit that the many drawbacks to fame get to them sometimes. During the interview, all of them confessed that they were getting a cold, and Sheldon wouldn't let ten minutes go by without sneezing. "Tomorrow is going to be our first day-off in weeks," Roll said. "We're going to sleep the whole day."Omnie also shared their first run-in with the politics in the music industry. Their worst gig so far was at a guitar fest, when their set was pushed three hours later. "So many bands kept sneaking into the lineup. We kept getting bumped up. And it sucked because our friends came to see us play at 12 midnight, and they had to stay until 3 a.m. to watch us," Omnie said. "And they had curfews!"And of course, they hardly have time for themselves anymore. While working on the first album, they would meet twice a week to rehearse and write songs. Now, they're lucky to have a few days just to chill.But they're also quick to acknowledge the perks they get from working so hard. While Champ said that the privilege to play in front of crowds is a reward in itself, Omnie joked that he loves that they get free food at gigs. "And gas!" Roll laughed. "We come all the way from Parañaque, so free gas is always a good thing!"And of course, the energy from the crowd fuels them to keep going. "Our best gig was at La Salle Dasma. It was raining and people started going home. It was an against-all-odds gig!" Omnie said.Sheldon piped in: "And through that gig... nagbunga ang aming pagtugtog." Obviously an inside joke, as the whole band burst into laughter at Sheldon's comment. "There was... shall we say, personal progress at that gig," he laughed.Bright futureIt's hard to disregard how fast Hale got into the spotlight. And it's only right that they strike while the iron is hot.Up next for the band is a mall tour. And of course, their stint on the Alternative stage at the Fête de la Musique on June 18, which they're really giddy about."Ako dati every year, inaabangan ko talaga 'yung Fête," Sheldon said. "I was introduced to it by a friend... and magaling siya, because in one night, lahat ng musicians from different genres play. Walang sapawan. It's a night for everyone.""Puwede kang pumili sino papanuorin mo," Omnie said.Sheldon went on: "The event caters to everyone, from A-Z." he then stopped. "Oh no wait, wala palang Sex Bomb dancers doon."The band broke into laughter again, but they were obviously tired.Champ was excited about his plan to sleep all day, and Roll was anticipating the hour-long drive home. And then, in three days, they would rock the stage at Mayric's and jump into a whirlwind schedule of gigs.With such professional work ethic and hunger to succeed, the band has definitely quenched their thirst for speed.