Could the third time be the charm for the pop-rock band Innervoices?
Although formed back in 1992, Innervoices has twice gone on hiatus because as keyboardist Rey Bergado reasoned, “life – family and work — got in the way.”
Now they are back and this time, it looks like they’re giving their music career a massive push.
The seven-man band that includes vocalist Angelo Miguel, Rene Tecson on guitar, Ruben Tecson on drums, Alvin Herbon on bass, Joseph Cruz on keyboards, Joseph Esparrago on drums and percussion, and Bergado are back with three new songs that are the precursors to their second album.
The first single is titled, “Isasayaw Kita” as penned by Miguel and was written for his unborn daughter, Hope, who passed away during a miscarriage by his partner several years ago.
The other two songs – “Anghel” and “Hari” were penned by Edward Mitra, a friend of the band, who felt that the songs were more up Miguel’s and Innervoices’ alley.
The yet unnamed second album comes more than nine years after their debut, Find A Way, was released by Universal Records in 2014 and earned them an Awit Award for Best Performance by a New Group/Recording Artist.
“During the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I found myself without work because I am a full-time performer,” shared Miguel. “I turned to songwriting to help me cope with the tough times. ‘Isasayaw Kita’ was written during that time and will keep the memory of my unborn daughter alive as tangible proof that she existed in this world.”
The lyrics are heartfelt and performing it live never gets easy for Miguel.
Luckily, he gets by with a lot of help from his friends in Innervoices.
When the lockdown restrictions eased, the band decided to get back together and bring their messages of positivity to a reeling populace.
“Performing was to help people get their minds off the effects of Covid, but it was also the same for us,” admitted Bergado.
And the second coming of Innervoices seems to be a strong comeback.
They have been regular performers at the Hard Rock Café Makati, the Hard Rock Café Manila, Bar IX, 19 East, and Fin & Claw.
Their new songs will be unveiled this coming Sunday, September 24 with Esang de Torres of The Voice Kids, and two up and coming bands in The Sonnets and 25 Abbey.
Other major shows for them include opening for Side A at 19 East on November 13 and taking part of New Wave Invasion at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium opening for members of 1980s New Wave acts such as A Flock of Seagulls, The Church, The Lotus Eaters, and Cactus World News.
“I think the lockdown made us realize that we all miss music and live performances,” admitted Bergado. “We’ve been blessed to be able to do this and now we’re part of some high profile shows. We decided to give this a huge shot and work on our music career. We know that we all have our families and day jobs, but we have to give it a try while we can and while we are able.”
“And if possible put out our second album on vinyl; that’s a dream for us.”
