| DeLara (band) | |
|---|---|
DeLara (from left to right): Ali, Lougee, Mark, and Richard |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Philippines |
| Genres | Pinoy rock, Alternative, OPM |
| Years active | 2008-present |
| Labels | Indie |
| Associated acts | MOJOFLY Hungry Young Poets Barbie's Cradle Superlooj sessiOnroad |
| Website | www.facebook.com/delaramusic |
| Members | |
| Lougee Basabas Mark Crespo Ali Alejandro Richard Carandang |
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| Past members | |
| Ace Evangelista | |
DeLara is a Pinoy pop-rock band formed in 2008 consisting of Lougee Basabas (lead vocals/guitars), Richard Carandang (bass), Ali Alejandro (drums) and Marc Crespo (lead guitars). The word DeLara means "of protection" in Spanish but can also mean "loving" in Persian connotation.[1][2] The group stumbled upon the name as a joke while trying to come up with a proper name for the band. What interested them more about it was the fact that the first letters of their names made up the word, "Lara" (Respectively: "L"ougee, "A"ce (original guitarist to the band), "R"ichard, and "A"li). "De" would be a prefix much like "of" or "the". With this, DeLara (to the band) would mean "The L.A.R.A." or simply put, "the band".
Contents |
Delara was formed in 2008 after the departure of bassist Ricci Gurango (Hungry Young Poets, MOJOFLY)) and guitarist Allan Elgar (currently in True Faith) from MOJOFLY (the band's original name). After just releasing their 2 track E.P. "Simula" in the same year, the unexpected turn of events caused the band to shift gears spontaneously while in the process of song-making/recording what was to be the group's 5th studio album for MOJOFLY. Nonetheless, the remaining members Richard Carandang (sessiOnroad), Lougee Basabas (Superlooj) and Ali Alejandro (Aspen Way, Misyonario, Favored Enemy) continued on the journey along side Ace Evangelista, close friend to the band and also a short-lived member of MOJOFLY's roster of guitar players.
With the band eagerly planning to hit the studio in early 2010, another unexpected accident shifted the band's direction yet again. Due to a minor fracture on Ace's left hand, the band's guitar player was out - leaving DeLara with a huge gap to fill in order to continue. Not long after, another long time friend and former band mate of Richard - Mark Crespo - stepped in to take Ace's place for the mean time. The group was steadily searching for their niche sound that could compliment all their playing styles which grew even more along side Mark. With that in mind, the band welcomed Mark to become a main stay in DeLara. Finally, when Ace was ready to return to the stage, the band decided to record some of their newer songs, which would give them a place in the OPM scene once again.
The band recorded 5 songs for an up coming 5 track E.P in late 2010. which would be entitled, "Just Free" with the carrier single, "Ka-ilangan". With everything in place, another alteration for the band's set up was to be tested yet again. For personal issues, Ace decided to leave the band to pursue his new endeavors in the Middle-East. Although anytime Ace would return home to visit, he promised that he would once again share the stage with the band for old time sake.
Currently the band is doing small bar gigs around Metro Manila. They are also developing a live music-stream project that will utilize Youtube and other social media sites making their fan reach more accessible by early 2012.
The decision to change the name from MOJOFLY to DeLara was a result of the band's direction in music - which was far from their established MOJOFLY sound. The group thought it would be a great chance to start over again with a fresh name and new sound upon releasing their 2008 full length self titled album under Bellhaus Entertainment. In an interview, Lougee explains "Since the last member of the original MOJOFLY left, we felt we have to change the name because we have a new sound and it is just right to change the whole image of the band again,"[3]. To no surprise, The debut album as DeLara was received by audiences with mixed reviews as a result of: the "gamble" on name change; the band's move in musical styles; and ultimately, confusion to many of their MOJOFLY fans. However, the album was able to release 3 singles, "Smile", "Gumising" and "Masarap Nga" including 3 music videos which gained airplay during its short-lived run. Even after being over-shadowed by the "formerly known as MOJOFLY" title, the band remains head strong as they continue to play in the local circuit.
DeLara's sound has a mix of genres influenced by such bands as The Police, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, No Doubt, and The Eraserheads just to name a few, but with a hint of modern Pinoy rock. On their Facebook page, the band points out that "Were not elaborating our sound as something "new" or some kind of genre you've never heard of. Just simply put, DeLara's music is... us. Our backgrounds are what makes the music. The recipe for our music consists of 1 part Hard Rock to 3 parts Funk and Blues, garnished with a bit of Girl-Power vocals - backed up with some hard hitting beats on the side. Its up to you if you would like to rock out to it, or dance to it... either way, you just have to go with the flow when you watch us". Much like the Grateful Dead's jam-like persona on stage, Delara tries to focus on music that people will enjoy whether it be cover songs or their originals. They are currently expanding their musical capabilities crossing over to more experimental ways of performing with the use of sequencers and LCD projectors incorporated into their live shows.
| Album | Tracks | Year | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delara | Smile Lost In The Eyes Of A Stranger Masarap Nga Work Out Haybol Wari Say Hello Super Psychic Gumising Smile (Radio Edit) Gumising (Radio Edit) |
2008 | Bellhaus Entertainment |
| Album | Tracks | Year | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just Free E.P. | Mismo Ka-ilangan Just Free Perfect Alright Tonight |
2011 | Indie |