There’s a new band in town, and they call themselves Kwelyo band headed by Armando Cortez Jr. being the front man, John Mark Varney for the lead guitar, Daenniel Fernandez as the lead singer, Malvin Samoy for the bass, Juan Marcuz as the drummer, Jaymark Kennt for the keyboard and Jay Salvacion as the extra member.
Kwelyo was just born this January, most of the members were recruited through social media after Cortez realized to revive his defunct band “Kuyan Jo” but this time with a whole new idea, new attitude and empowered by big dreams and passion for music.
Cortez who used to do regular gig in a Christian church in Bancao-Bancao, initially planned just to record a single in a studio by Varney called “Island Sound Studio”, and that’s where the fate of finding members begun, with a series of meetings and affirmation in a fast-food chain along Rizal avenue, auditions and series of interviews were held just to fill up the needed band mates.
“There are so many youths and other musicians had inquired and attempted to apply for the role, I felt sorry for those who had not been accepted. I made sure that they don’t lose their confidence and music passion by giving them comfort words and I actually became friends with most of them,” Cortez said.
The name Kwelyo as per Cortez will remain a top secret for now, as all the band members agreed not to divulge it to the public and let it serve as mystery for now. Kwelyo is set to release songs online in the coming months, all new and originally produced and fresh, all good vibes and will inspire others.
“We would like to spread positive influence through our music by producing music with lyrics that contain no racism, no hate, no degrading of other person, no mocking words, not showing disrespect to religion and cultures of people and races. Our ballads are inspired by our own love stories rather than broken heart experiences, we will try to bring to our audience the experience of being serenaded,” Cortez added.
Kwelyo gears up as the Palawan latest band in line with Pop rock, alternative rock and soft ballad with most of their songs are influenced by 90’s OPM bands, but they are also fan of different groups and artists in the City who influenced them deeply. Among them are Woopis band, High Hello, Simon Almira, The Flipside, Rey Abrea and Pyeza band.
“I, to be honest, is very supportive to all local artists I knew. I first admire the success of the Woopis band. It’s because of them I began to believe that local artists of Palawan can have a real music career. I always searched their music and new releases,” Cortez shared.
Kwelyo songs once released will be distributed by Distrokid to different platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, Google music, Apple Music, YouTube music and other, their guitarist John Varney is also set to release an EP called Hearts this February 5 with (4) of his original composition for genres as soft ballads, country pop, and waltz.
For more updates follow Kwelyo in their Facebook pages. To watch them, live here are their gig schedules, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 from 6am to 8am at Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park. February 12, 7pm to 9pm at Chinese New Year Celebration of Chinatown Event along Valencia Street. And this Valentine’s day February 14, 10am to 5pm at ValenTunes Day Hearts EP Promotion Campaign, Flyering, Giving of Valentine Presents for FREE.