11th NU Rock Awards: Bigger than ever

 

by Jojo Panaligan
inq7.net

Sound proof: #1: NU Rock Awards

In 1994, a radio station booked Music Hall Greenhills for, well, a gathering. Given cramped perimeters and the almost clandestine spirit of the affair, it nary generated hoopla. Then again, sole aim was merely to honor local rock artists (who all came then) for keeping the scene alive.

Eleven years later and big thing has sprung from small beginning: The NU 107 Rock Awards!

Easily the most awaited (and most credible bar none) music awards night in the country today, it transcends lines of film and fashion. Big stars in their best damn-you-all attire that mirror the attitude of rock music fans come as with style big fishes (models and designers). Marked — but never mired — almost yearly by controversy and audacious turnouts, it’s sort of a reality-TV take with free booze, to boot.

But these are just froth on the mug. At the end of the day, focus remains: Which was the best rock music for the year past? Which new rock band broke out? Which among the veterans shone even brighter? Which album set the trend (or balked it)? Only The NU Rock Awards has the final and definitive say.

For 2004, the radio station chose the theme "Unsilent Night" to be held on Dec. 2 at the World Trade Center. Democratic ever, listeners vote in for their favorites by trooping to NU 107 office at AIC Gold Tower Condominium in Ortigas, Tower Records and Music One stores in Megamall, Sunshop Centers in SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, EDSA Shangri-La, Robinsons Cebu and Gaisano Mall Davao.

For Sun Cellular’s Rising Sun awards (for artists who managed to get into other radio stations’ playlist), one text in votes to 0922-9220107.

Slated to perform during the awarding ceremonies this year are some of the nominees in the different categories among which are Bamboo, Urbandub, Sugarfree, 6Cyclemind and Slapshock for Guitarist of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Drummer of the Year, and more.

For tickets to "The Unsilent Night" call 911-5555 or contact SM –Ticketnet outlets and the Araneta Coliseum Box-office.

The 2004 NU 107 Rock Awards is presented by Red Horse Extra Strong Beer and Sun Cellular with Pepsi X The Energy Cola, Closeup, Tribal Gear and PCSO, in cooperation with Kickers, Sharp, Pharmaton, Frenzy Condom, and Shell.

Also in part by Dream Satellite TV and MTV the Official Music Channel.

#2: Maksim

Coming to Manila for a second time is famed Croatian pianist Maksim. On Dec 17 to 20, modern classic assumes an entirely different meaning as he promotes his latest EMI Classics CD dubbed "Variations Part I & II."

Included are reinterpretations of classical and pop themes from Liszt’s "Totentanz" and Mussorgsky’s "Pictures At An Exhibition" to David Essex’s "Olympic Dream" to Freddie Mercury’s "Bohemian Rhapsody" are included. Recorded in the UK and Croatia, internationally renowned producers and writers help bring Maksim’s flight of fancies to life.

A visual depiction of Maksim shows furthers understanding of the musicality. With flair for drama, he often creates atmosphere with video screen, laser lights and fog machine. He appears onstage in avant-garde clothes and performs with orchestral or techno music swirling around the tinkle and thunder of ivory keys.

Then again, Maksim only deconstructs rules he has learned well. An accomplished prodigy, he gave his first public performance at the age of nine and studied later at the Music Academy of Zagreb and Ferenc Lizst Conservatoire in Budapest.

To date, Maksim has won numerous awards including grand prize in the 1999 Nicolai Rubinstein Interntaional Piano Competition and the 2001 Pontoise Piano Competition. His first international debut album, "The Piano Player," shipped double platinum in Hong Kong, platinum in Taiwan, Singapore and Croatia and Gold in Malaysia, India and China.

Maksim appeals not only to a niche market but to mainstream, too, because of a secret. "I’ve always been experimental because I want to bring my love of classical music to a young international audience. I try something new, different all the time because that has always been the dream," he ends whose success has become a modern twist of classic fairytale.

#3: Putumayo

From the pigeonhole: "Galaxy Records launched Putumayo World Music last Saturday at the Shangri-La Plaza Grand Atrium with performances by local Puro Ritmo and Wahijuara, Makiling Ensemble, Tropical Depression and Budoy Marabiles of the Junior Kilat.

A record label that offers diverse music emanating from the most interesting cultures, Putumayo blends the old with the new, and east with the west in familiar genres such as reggae, salsa and the blues and exotic musical styles from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Established in 1993, Putumayo grew out of the Putumayo Clothing Company founded by Dan Storper. His vision to establish a global company and lifestyle brand turned into the CD distribution of Putumayo music in more than 40 countries.

Today, it is considered a pioneer in developing the non-traditional market for world music via proprietary network of book, gift and coffee shops and other specialty retail outlets. Putumayo CDs can be found locally at Tower Records, Music One, O Music Video, Odyssey Records and Astroplus."

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