Kulukati band members. KULUKATI is composed of Ado Bantula on vocals, Erick Reyes on 12-string bass guitar, Lloyd Gonzal on drums and Kit Mendoza on electric guitar.
Why the name KULUKATI?
We wanted to chose a distinctly Filipino-flavored name and, once we were able to narrow the list down, started to think about which would translate our musical slant the best. Our musical priority at the beginning was to strip the music down to it’s essentials so Kulukati (a cigar cutter used to remove excess tobacco) was perfect.
“After spending an eternity coming up with a name, we just settled for something that our wives threaten us with in case we do something stupid. it’s a cigar cutter. :)” Erick
Can you cite your Influences? What is the KULUKATI sound?
Kulukati started out with the concept of getting back to basics so blues-based music was a logical starting point. But we all have very eclectic tastes so it was pointless to not let our musical interests creep into the original material. Sonically, we are influenced by classic rock tones and early prog rock sensibilities. Conceptually, we lean towards music that involve heavy improvisational interplay but only in the context of supporting melodic lines and inspired vocals. We just try to sound the way we feel at a particular moment and be as real as possible to the initial inspiration while making sure that our individual musical voices are both respected and supported, trying to sound good to each other while keeping it fun and interesting.
Why BLUES MUSIC?
On the surface, the blues is one of the most simple-sounding forms of music. The thing that appeals to us is the fact that, underneath, it is actually a very sophisticated but very subtlely complex musical option. You have to feel it to both enjoy it and play it convincingly. There is no faking the blues and that nature of it provides an important musical cornerstone for Kulukati. We need to be true, we have to be sincere.
“WHY THE BLUES? well, it’s so basic and primal, yet so full of emotion. But you really have to squeeze it to get that vibe. No joke.” Erick
Tell us about the BLUES SCENE in the Philippines.
The BLUES SCENE is on the move. There’s a new generation of musicians who are starting with the blues instead of discovering it down the line and that can only mean good things for its future. It ensures that the love and the affinity for the blues is there before the technical ability. That, hopefully, will result in a more soulful interpretation of the music. It is also very fortunate that there are more people now who are willing to take a chance in the blues, individuals who are willing to champion it and try to usher it into new heights of popularity and availability. Kulukati is very fortunate and thankful to be given the opportunity to contribute in this campaign.
“The Blues have been around for a very very long time. It’s been the foundation of a lot of genres today. It gave us rock and roll, boogie, to metal! But it still remains a musician’s music. It never enjoyed a mainstream popularity. It’s striving locally, but for someone who straps on a guitar. But i’m still optimistic that it’ll be appreciated by someone who appreciates Lito Camo’s work at the same time. Arrgghh!” Erick
Where can we catch KULUKATI play?
For now you can catch us at your local Blueskrieg events. It’s great fun. Also, Kulukati is currently working on stepping up efforts to be available for more gigs and we are excited to take on the challenge of playing longer sets of our original material.
How did KULUKATI start, get together?
We were music gearheads who met while surfing online buy and sell websites and soon got to jamming in the Rizal area. The musical chemistry was very comfortable from the beginning so we decided to make it a regular thing. All of us had been in a few bands in the past and it was very refreshing to find a group of great musicians that were also a bit damaged, demystified, and disenchanted by the music scene/rockstar dream. It helped us start Kulukati with the music being the most important thing and seeing everything else that comes along as a pleasant bonus.
Is the BLUES really the devil’s music?
Only if you are writing and singing about the devil. Or if your into spreading evil through the blues. Or if the devil releases a collection of songs with I-IV-V progressions. And selling our souls isn’t an option because they are still on lease to the spirit of rock and roll. Cheesy but true.
tags: Kulukati, Pinoy blues, OPM
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