Trends and Spots

Sons of Jupiter

Finding the right name is one of the most challenging tasks of every rock band in history. This is because most of the time, the name tells it all. But of course, there are exceptions.

As for the Sons of Jupiter, a budding all-Kapampangan rock band, expressing their music and identifying the same with their name is not really that hard.

A fusion of the classic blues and rock with distinctive guitar melodies is what inspires the members of the Sons of Jupiter namely Norman Coral (vocals), Richard Garcia (Guitar/Songwriter), Loyd Canoza (Lead Guitar), Michael Marcelo (Bass) and Yul Urbina (Drums).

As their band name suggests, they want to impart powerful and positive music to inspire and excite people rather than sulk on the traditional nostalgic themes of rock songs. In Roman mythology, Jupiter or Jove was the King of the Gods and the god of sky and thunder. He is the equivalent of Zeus in the Greek pantheon.

And Jovian is the adjectival form of Jupiter. The older adjectival form jovial, employed by astrologers in the Middle Ages, has come to mean “happy” or “merry,” moods ascribed to Jupiter’s astrological influence.

Indeed ironic but very interesting. For a solid rock band, seldom you here “feel good” words that pulls the audience into euphoria and peace.

But for this band that was formed in midsummer of 2006, to share the “feel good” spirit is the most important thing they want to accomplish, prior to their dream to stardom.

Having a day job is not a problem with the group. Despite their busy schedules, they find time to improve their craft, refine their music and perform in several gigs or events. Norman is a corporate executive while Richard is a court employee. Mike is an internet-café owner while Loyd is a car-dealer and Yul is into imports and retail trading.

All-Kapampangan rock band

They will be launching their first album soon titled “SONS of JUPITER” with sub-title “Ikaw,” the carrier single of the 12-track music album.

One of the songs in the album is “Winds of Seasons,” which was chosen as a “Standout track of the week” by NU 107’s In the Raw, The Home of New Rock, in April 2007.

Winds of Seasons was written by Richard in 1997 while being alone and broke in a remote place called Tabunoc in Talisay, Cebu . Then, Richard recalled how he fought his personal struggles and fears. The song is about life and its harsh realities. The brilliance of the human spirit to conquer such challenges is the message of the song.

Sons of Jupiter was part of Radio Pilipinas Bar Tour 2009, together with other Manila indie bands. They are also part of INDIEPINOY, an organization of independent artists covering a representation of all regions in the country.

Other tracks of their upcoming album include “Superstar,” a song for all “underdogs.” “Jupiter” is about soul-searching, personal faith and relationship with the Great Divine.

The Sons of Jupiter

The great utopia and spiritual enlightenment, Richard said “Top of the World “is about triumph and beauty of success. “Life is like an ocean, you should not swim with the current rather go against the flow and be different because what you do in life echoes in eternity,” Richard said.

Another song, a favorite among many, “Love is a Sunshine” is a song about the goodness of man. Love can put us united and strong while conflicts can put us down and disoriented.

A guaranteed hit for Kapampangans is the song “Queen of San Fernando,” one that is dedicated to all the women of Pampanga and the beauty of Kapampangan culture and heritage. Other songs are “So High,” “Ballad of Maryjane,” “Midnight Blues” and of course, “Ikaw” (Labsong of the year ), the band’s favorite. Ikaw is a certified best love song for all. (Story by M.A.)