By Joseph Nacino
Fudge Magazine, February+March 2010
When you first watch them, the first thing you’ll notice about the Soul Brothers is the verve and the joie de vivre when they take to the stage. But what people don’t know is that, it’s the brotherhood among this Cebu-based band that holds them together and powers their performance.
The band itself is composed of Jay Dilan on vocals, Randy Russel on drums, DJ Yangzy on turntables, Eddy Ybañez on guitars and Kniel Nangit on bass. First formed in 2006, the Soul Brothers took to the stage singing a variety of music ranging from rock, reggae, ska, funk, hip-hop and punk.
Speaking about their music, Jay says it comes from padayon, which is Visayan for "to continue” or in their case, “life goes on” or "the music goes on." "When you fall, you should stand up again and move on" remarks Jay. "It doesn’t stop at a certain point. It just moves on." That’s why the band has gone into the music business with a drive. They first released their Virtuality EP in 2007, produced out of their own pocket and sold during their bar gigs.
Later on, they released a single, “Radio On” at local radio stations in 2008 which scored them a nomination at the NU 107 Rock Awards ‘In the Raw’ category. But the band is more than about hearing their songs over the radio or on a CD. When they sing Live, Jay says it’s the “brotherhood ties” that keep them going before their audience.
“We have to be confident enough to face the audience with our music,” he says. And when they’re on stage, he says “the energy comes out naturally.” It’s probably this energy that got them noticed at MTV Emerge. A platform for unsigned music talent in the country, the competition gave the Soul Brothers a one-year recording contract with Jeepney Music. Jay says it was all about being in the right place and right time at MTV Emerge. “We’re glad to be part of MTV Emerge,” he said. “It’s a dream come true for our band, and we feel blessed.”