Not one Slapshock member has had a side band since they started

MANILA, Philippines — Many of their contemporaries have sunk into oblivion but ask Slapshock how they were able to confound changing trends in music these past 15 years, and they’d surprisingly chalk it to absolutely doing nothing.

“We still have the same members, same crew, same sponsors, same record label. And, yes, the sound is still loud and I still scream the lyrics from time to time,” says Slapshock vocalist Jamir Garcia.

Indeed, the band has never compromised its integrity in exchange for more fame or bigger talent fee. Garcia even revealed that he turned down an offer to be a semi-regular on a Sunday variety show years ago “because I didn’t want – wouldn’t know how-- to represent myself outside of Slapshock.”

“We’re a solid band. Up to know, out talent fee is still divided equally among us and not one of us has had a side band in all our 15 years together,” Garcia added.

There was a time, though, when Slapshock went into hiatus. Garcia flew to the US to recharge then returned just four months later fully realizing that being part of Slapshock and making music was his calling.

“I felt there was more to be done, like having an unfinished business,” he quipped.

Asked which of their songs is dearest to them, Garcia cited the seminal hit “Agent Orange” as well as one of their most recent singles, the radio hit “Carino Brutal.”

“We are as proud of it because even after so many years, that song proved to us that we still have it, that we are still around, still shooting bullets,” he said.

But of course, more than any single tree, it’s the forest that Slapshock is most proud of. Describing lasting this long as nothing short of “magical,” Garcia turned thoughtful when asked if they want to bring their career to a whole new level.

“We’re happy with what we’ve achieved but we never aimed to have everyone know us. Mas importante sa amin that people like us for our music. We’re fine in our niche and knowing kung sino talaga ang may gusto ng music namin.”

To mark their tenure in the business, PolyEast Records has released Slapshock’s seventh album, “Kinse Kalibre.” The video for its promotional song, “Ngayon Na,” opens 2012 by zooming to the top of MYX countdown.

Other tracks in “Kinse Kalibre” are “Reset,” “Deliryo,” “Asal Demonyo,” “Burn In Hell,” “In The Line Of Fire,” “Langit,” “Under The Needle,” “Heartless,” “Salamin” and “All Hope Is Gone.” These were mixed in Malaysia then mastered in San Francisco, USA. Aside from working with notable artists outside the country, Slapshock worked with Xander Angeles (photographer) and Team Manila for the album artwork

Rounding up the lineup of Slapshock members are Lee Nadela (bass), Lean Ansing (guitars) and Chi Evora (drums).