The world has been blessed with two decades of Kjwan and there's more to be unfold.
If you weren't there when they made their explosive and fearless 2004 debut with 'Daliri', then you're just as lucky to meet the Filipino rock act through their comeback release 'Dahas'. It's been eight years since they came out with their last single 'HyperConnected' and so much has happened since. Following the pandemic, the group found themselves with a new guitarist through Louis Isok (known for his work with Enemies of Saturn and WilaBaliW), a recharged energy to write new material, and on the lookout for a studio to work with.
Bandwagon caught up with Kjwan to share what they have in store for fans old and new, how they got together to work on 'Dahas', the inclusion of guitarist Louis Isok, and more.
BANDWAGON TV
'Dahas' is your first official release in eight years. Before anything else, why did it take this long for you guys to release new material?
We had to get our bearings after the pandemic. After reforging the group with Louis Isok in December 2022, we immediately began working on new material in the studio in January of 2023. We began the recording process on 24 May 24 2023 in Love One Another Sound Production under Joey Santos. Although we originally intended to release the first single around October of last year, we decided to hold off and focus on recording the rest of the new material and preparing ourselves for playing live shows.
How does it feel to finally have fresh music out?
Surreal. A lot of hard work…patience…and now we’re here…
Tell us the story behind 'Dahas'.
'Dahas' is the first song Louis presented to the band. Along with Eo, Marc, and his PC went to Louis’s house and under his direction, they recorded and designed the basic structure of the song (with enough space for each member to add their individual feel to it) and immediately presented it to Kelley. 'Dahas' was completed on our first day in the rehearsal studio.
Tell us about the concept of the music video.
At Kelley’s suggestion, Marc introduced himself to Jay Ar Villarojas in the beginning of March. They immediately hit it off talking about the song and how it can be visually represented in a fresh way that could also appeal to the younger generation.
Jay Ar wanted it to be open to many possible interpretations…to elicit the viewer to watch it again and again.
What was it like working with Jay Ar Villarojas?
Jay Ar is phenomenal. His positive energy was contagious throughout the 12 hour shoot. He was constantly enthusiastic, collaborative and he most definitely knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it from the band. Truly a professional through and through.
What was the songwriting process like?
The band knew everything would change even before we hit the studio with Louis. He inspired us to push ourselves harder than we ever had as musicians. His positive radiance kept the process fun, challenging and ultimately gratifying.
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Who’s the personnel behind 'Dahas'?
Although we had a substantial amount of new material by February of last year, we were still navigating the post pandemic music industry…where and who to record with in particular. Towards the end of the month, Marc starts asking around. Earnie Magboo mentions a music studio called LOA (Love One Another) ran by a gentleman named Joey Santos.
On 23 March 2023 the band immediately fell in love with Joey Santos, his energy, his enthusiasm and his beautiful intimate studio. Joey is an angel…capable of filtering the different creative energies of each individual band member and capturing it. He also has an immense effect on our performances with his creative input. We love him dearly and consider him to be integral to Kjwan’s new sound.
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What do you hope your fans will take away from the release of your new single?
A good song that they can enjoy more than once.
How did Louis Isok join the band?
Louis has always been a good friend to the band; the foundation being our Kerplunk (the recording studio/community where we recorded our third album, 13 Seconds To Love) family.
On 10 November 2022 Marc invited Louis on a date where they would exchange pre & post pandemic stories. In the thick of it, Marc confided his desire to focus on Kjwan with Kelley and Eo despite the limitations of being a 3 piece band. Louis charmingly chuckled and decided to join the band bringing Marc to tears and giving new energy to the band.
It's Kjwan's 20th anniversary. What are Kjwan’s plans for the year? Is there a new album on the horizon?
We have a lot of plans and even more work to do. We want you to join us for the ride. Please follow our socials for updates.
The official music video of 'Dahas', directed by Jay Ar Villarojas, is scheduled for release tonight (26/04) at 8 p.m.
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