What do you get when you take six of the most popular local J-pop scene bands, stick them in the hip but crowded confines of Freedom Bar, and shake well? Ongaku Sessions, of course!
Inspite of a lenghty, self-imposed sabbatical, Ongaku Society defied odds once again and rebanded to put together its third major bar gig: Ongaku Sessions! Sessions was held at Freedom Bar, bastion of local indie rock music and a favorite hang-out of some of the hottest Pinoy bands; however, the OS bands proved they can jam with the best of them when NEOtaku, Progeny, Dojibiron, GP_A, Do 'Ahou, 0% OFF, and newcomer pop act tRANCE brought the house down.
But great music and hard-rocking acts aside, what made Ongaku Sessions different from your typical J-rock gig was the introduction of a novel twist to the performers line-ups: member swaps. Bands traded in their members with pals from other groups, creating a whole new sound and vibe different from what you'd expect from their regular line-ups. For the very first time, hear NEOtaku go glam, Progeny turn emo-punk, and Dojibiron trade in their pop-rock duds for something more prog.
Let's not forget the sizzling sets produced by our other favorites: GP_A, who've shown that despite the line-up the band in no way sounds like their buddies Dojibiron; Do 'Ahou, where it's been scientifically proven that big hair produces big sound (Hi, Neil!); and 0% Off, who have established once and for all that they are the punk band for the J-pop scene. Couple that with a fabulous first performance from all-girl pop and r&b idols tRANCE, and you can hear catcalls all the way down Anonas Avenue.
Ongaku Sessions would never have been held without the help of its generous sponsors: ABC 5's ARK (Anime Ring Kaisho) and UP AME (University of the Philippines Anime and Manga Enthusiasts), two wonderful organizations who've taken a chance with a small band of Japanese pop music fans. Props also go to Lights Out: Philippine Yaoi Convention and the YAOIDudes for their unfailing support. So here's to them, to all the bands, and all the wonderful J-pop fans who showed up -- we hope you had a great time, and we'll see you again real soon!