Ok, take us back to the beginning. How did you two meet and start the band?
Anthony: Troy and I met in 2014 at our company’s year-end celebration. Axis, Troy’s
wife/manager, was part of the organizing committee. We had our respective bands
at the time. Axis introduced us to Troy. So, whenever Troy’s band drummer would be
unable for a gig, he would invite me to serve as their session drummer.
Troy: When I saw him perform at the yearend party, I was genuinely impressed! It
was a no-brainer when The Thinkers was created; he’s the one and only drummer I
can think of.
In 2017, I wanted to be a solo artist when I felt that my band at that time was nearing
its end after 13 years of being active in the scene. In 2018, when I released my first
solo single on all digital streaming platforms. But then I realized that to promote that
song—and my future songs—is to have a live band to back me up. And boredom as
a solo artist is kind of starting to grow on me. So, I formed The Thinkers! Then the
pandemic happened; all plans were halted—no gigs, no recording, no rehearsals,
stuff like that. We stopped everything. But it was also during that time that I had the
idea to make it a “real” band—not just a backup band—but a band with a new set of
songs (all in English), a new sound, a different image. I set up an online meeting,
and they agreed to the idea. Then that was it. The rest is history.
What are your biggest influences?
Troy: The Beatles. Nirvana. Oasis. Radiohead. Smashing Pumpkins. Basically, 90s
alternative/rock music (except The Beatles). Those were our formative years; we
were young and just starting to listen to various types of music. So, it remained with
us, and we're now combining that music and bands to create The Thinkers' own
“unique” sound.
Anthony: I go for The Beatles also, and mostly rock bands from the 90's, i.e. Pearl
Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins, Oasis, and Nirvana too.
How did you start playing music?
Anthony: Since I was a grade schooler. I used to play the snare drums in a
marching band back where I grew up. My first official band was formed in 2001,
when I was in high school. So, you can say I have been playing the drums for more
than half of my life.
Troy: I think it’s just a natural progression because I grew up in a musically inclined
family. So as a kid, I was surrounded by my father and other relatives who sang and
played musical instruments no matter what the occasion was. And growing up in the
90s, where music of all types was very much alive, instinctively I was fascinated with
what was happening, and it attracted like-minded kids in school, and we bonded
listening and talking about different kinds of music. I also formed my first band in
high school with those kids/friends, and from then on, I can’t stop “being in a band." I
was hooked!
There are only 2 of you, so how do you get your sound? Do you have any sort of special equipment?
Anthony: Nope, there's no special equipment. Nothing fancy, really. We usually tag
along a session bassist, especially for large crowds or a venue that requires thicker
sound, as well as during studio recording sessions. For smaller stages, a dual amp for
Troy is the way for the sound to be fuller and more satiated.
Troy: As a duo, we try to keep things simple, particularly the music. During recording sessions, we have a team to assist us with additional instruments (bass, keyboards, additional vocals.). On live shows, we keep things as raw as possible. Now that we're a duo, Anthony and I would find ways to put up a Thinkers-style performance. But if time
allows, we usually hire a session bassist. As a result, we are forced to put all our energy into our performance. Loud and hard enough to fill in the "gaps."
As for the equipment, I simply connect my guitar to two amps and a few effects pedals and sing as loudly as I can.
What is your process for writing songs? And for Anthony, how do you contribute as a drummer of The Thinkers?
Anthony: All compositions are collaborative efforts. Of course, Troy gives the melody; I
apply whatever I think best suits the groove. I try to keep the beat as basic as possible
but still give it the punch of a 90s rock band.
Troy: I just fiddle with the guitar without any intention of writing. Just looking for the right
chord pattern, waiting for an idea to come fall from the sky. Haha! And when I feel
something different with that chord pattern, then I officially start from there. I try to
incorporate a melody around it, humming and singing in gibberish. By the time I form
the basic song structure, I will try to find the right lyrics to the melody. Music comes first
before the words—that’s usually the case. But there are situations where I would create
the melody and lyrics at the same time. Mood is a big factor also. When inspiration hits
strongly, it’s easier to write. But the main point is that, as a songwriter, I must write
regardless of my mood.
What plans do you have for 2025?
Troy: We will release a full-length album in 2025. We'll release physical copies on vinyl
and are hoping of releasing it also on cassette tapes too. We're currently listing down
and working out which tracks to arrange and include on the album. Live shows to
promote the songs are also a non-negotiable part of the plan. Of course, the continuity
of international radio airplay.
Anthony: Yes, releasing a full-length album is the plan; we've been targeting the
release since our formation. Other plans on the track still included performing live
shows, radio airplays, campus tours, and playing outside the Philippines! It's a dream!
(fingers crossed).
How do you discipline yourself as an individual and as part of The Thinkers?
Troy: As a songwriter, I push myself to write at least two poems a week just to keep my
imagination and wordplay in shape. Then I aim to finish a song within a week. There are
weeks that I’m able to write more than that, but not all the time—sometimes it's zero.
But regardless, I strive to stick to a routine. I need to work so that the "muse" may
emerge and whisper some form of inspiration to me so that I can complete the song. As
for collective discipline, we comply with the band's basic rules, so we have structure—
punctuality plays a big part in the band, that's one.
Anthony: Axis is such a slave driver that we tend to behave all the time. JK! Kidding
aside, time management and dedication to your commitment as a member are the keys.
One thing that I have been consistent and committed to ever since I joined a band is
that I see to it that I arrive on time (or earlier). That's a good practice.
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