ARANGKAGANA!
Arangkagana was derived from a Surigaonon phrase (dialect spoken in Surigao City),"arang kagana", wherein "arang" means "very" ,and "kagana" which means something is "beautiful" or "good" depending on the sentence used. This is usually used when someone really likes what he/she sees, hears or feels. Indeed a very positive phrase, worthy enough to brand the music and outlook of a band that really aims to use their music to tell everybody that there is always that choice of “positive thinking”, and that life, no matter how confusing or chaotic it may seem, still remains “very beautiful”.
Band Members:
Ian "Premo" Gonzales - Vocals
James "Jahmuzz" Wales- Guitars;Back-up Vocals
Ruby "Bebe" Villejo - Back-up Vocals
Louie Roma - Bass
JR Monroid - Drums
The band’s songs mainly discuss about the power of God Almighty or “Jah” and the need for positive thinking and unity in living out our daily lives. The conscious lyrics, backed up by the very relaxing reggae riddims, somehow gives a very positive feeling and eagerness to listen to the wide array of thoughts brought about by realities we encounter everyday. Basically, each song was carefully crafted not only to entertain, rather to teach others and promote the common good.
So listen up and be blessed, the Arangkagana way.
Influences:
All the reggae greats,local and outernational, that we've had the great privilege of listening to, play a crucial role in somehow leading us to this very enlightening path of creating conscious music for the people. Indeed those artists are too many to mention. Nevertheless, our songs on everyday struggles, observations and experiences, somehow paved a way for us to be part of the very big puzzle that the musicians of the world have been trying to complete, that very big picture of Love and Unity.
Mindanao and Reggae:
When talking about music in the Philippines, Mindanao as the southernmost part remained silent over the years. Though breeding talented musicians, the fact still remains that the media influences on the northern part of the archipelago (Visayas and Luzon) really dictates the trend of the music scene. Thus, the musicians from the south sought recognition on the other islands mainly because there is no media attention in Mindanao (unless of course if the issue is on terrorism). On the other hand, musicians that thrive in Mindanao, sadly, found contentment on doing cover songs of well- known artists, both foreign and local. Original compositions really find it hard getting airplays and recognition in the island mainly because the radio stations resort to promoting the already famous songs.
Reggae somehow touched the heart of the south, breeding a number of reggae bands. Led by the famous Popong Landero and his band PLO, the reggae music scene somehow remained alive through the years. His renditions of Bob Marley classics and his own albums really helped in molding the growing interest in the music. Though there are many existing bands that play the music, still it remains evident that there are not enough original compositions to go around. This poses a very big challenge for the existing and incoming reggae musicians of Mindanao.
Arangkagana hopes to somehow help in promoting the initiative on making original compositions and somehow make way for new ideas and forms to the music that has changed millions of lives around the world. Tempting and easy as it is to do covers, we stress that it really pays to make originals. Existing songs have already been heard. Thus, there is a very big room in the world for new ones. Let’s all try to contribute to the music and continue what the others before us tried to build and nourish.
Jah Bless and Much respect!
“Conquer the devils with a little thing called love!” -Bob Marley
VISIT ARANGKAGANA'S SITES AT
Multiply
http://arangkagana.multiply.com
Myspace
www.myspace.com/arangkagana
on the web
http://arangkagana.com
