Kala is a Filipino band that blends funk, nu-disco, acid jazz, electronic and rock music. Its members are Brian Tanchanco, JP Tanchanco, Jade Justine, and Andrew Contreras.
History
KALA's first full-length album came on the music scene in 2005 with their debut album under Sony BMG entitled Manila High. The group is most noted for its hit single “Jeepney” and is credited for resurging a distinct and defining genre of Filipino music known as “Manila sound”. The name “Kala” originates from the original members’ college cake-making venture called the “Kala Cake Project”. In 2008, KALA underwent a self-imposed hiatus following the departures of bassist Lyle Pasco, lead guitarist JP Tanchanco and lead vocalist Mike Grape from the band. In 2011, KALA resurfaced with new members Jade Justine and Voopee Elviña. Following their come back, KALA performed in Jack Daniel's third Philippine tour entitled “Jack Daniel’s On Stage: Scouting Gigs” on November 22, 2013. Lead guitarist Voopee Elviña died on December 4, 2015 after a battle with nasopharyngeal cancer.
KALAMAN
During a summer vacation in Boracay last 2004, some of the old band members had a picture posing in silhouette against the sunset. Various poses were made which represented each of the band members. Brian decided to combine prominent elements of each pose in order to blend it in one unifying image. This became the official logo of KALA. It represents convergence and harmony with the sharing of friendship, talents and passion from each of the band members.
Advocacy
In 2004, KALA started performing for Rock Ed Philippines, a nationwide volunteer group that offers alternative education to underprivileged Filipino youth through art, music, poetry, and the like. In the same year, the band released an EP entitled “RockEdition: For the Benefit of the Filipino Youth” by way of support for the UN's “Millennium Development Goals” and “Global Call to Action Against Poverty.” In 2011, KALA performed for Rock Ed once again in their “Rock the Riles: Rocking for Education” tour.
Awards and achievements
MTV Rising Star of the Month
In June 2006, with its popular singles climbing the music charts, KALA was named MTV Philippines’ “Rising Star of the Month.”
First given in 1969, the Awit Awards are the Philippines’ most prestigious awards that acknowledge the most exceptional musicians and their achievements. The Awit Awards are headed by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry, Inc.. In 2007, KALA won four Awit Awards including: “Best Performance by a New Group Recording Artist”; “Favorite New Group Artist”; “People’s Choice Favorite Group” – for their song Jeepney; and “People’s Choice Favorite New Group” for their album Manila High.
MYX Favorite New Artist
is a popular Filipino music television network first launched in 2001. The network started giving its Music Awards in 2006 to the largest hit-makers in the country. In 2007, KALA won the Myx Music Award for “Favorite New Artist.”
Band members
Current members
Brian Tanchanco: lead vocals, keytar, keyboards, synths
