long overdue

I'm a fan of music—but I'm a bigger fan of musicians who don't compromise their melody for fame or money. Sure, it'd be hypocritical to say that earning money from something-that-is-basically-a-hobby wouldn't be great, but really, should it be the end-all and be-all of every local Pinoy band? And just when the ewww-inducing-perpetually-muscle-shirt-wearing-totally-irritable-inexplicably-popular Cueshe is about to obliterate my senses with their tasteless (granted, relative) lame excuse for songs, I met Locks of Samson.

"We're part of Musicians for Peace, a cause-oriented music org in Polytechnic University of the Philippines. It is dedicated for struggling musicians like us, who create music for social change, not profit."

Wow, I thought, how noble. This I gathered from their 20-something vocalist, Amiel. There I was, the "white-collar" chick, feeling humble and envious at the same time of a kid who probably hasn't enjoyed "real earnings" from his choice of career. Perhaps I saw the 20-year-old me in him—idealistic, but proud and happy. Focused in the sense that he knows what he wants for the band—and that is to create music that will spew awareness about the problems of this country and empower the society to unite. And me? Let's just say, I used to have the same goal—maybe not as profound as Locks of Samson's—but as upfront, honest: to write about things that people can relate to... compose stories that people actually read and hopefully find entertaining. But enough about me already!These kids are braving the unpredictable world of music the only way they know how: by creating chords for a cause—and they're doing it great... which makes me really proud to have met them.

They say "there are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." At this point, I choose to be the mirror—and I present to you Locks of Samson.

Members Vocals: Amiel * Drums: Wilson * Percussion: Tem & DJ * Rhythm Guitar: JP * Lead Guitar: RA * Bass Guitar: JV Music Reggae ("Never mind the genre, focus on the message!") Gigs Overpass and Underpass bridges around the Metro Shout-outs Domeng, MP, Jen and Agnes

I met Locks of Samson at AUDIO LOKAH, the ONLY band rehearsal studio that offers AFFORDABILITY notwithstanding top-of-the-line equipment and instruments with brands, such as Pignose, Fender, Pearl, etc. Audio Lokah is located at 2nd floor ARLE Building 145 Aurora Blvd corner J. Ruiz St., San Juan, Metro Manila. For inquiries, call 745.8777 or send SMS to 0916.524.9372 or 0918.566.3886.