“The show they put on tonight is at par with any small show in Las Vegas, Nevada!” American record producer and concert promoter Hadley Murrell gushed after Rockin’ Like Thunder performed to thousands at Paseo del Mar in Zamboanga City on Nov. 25, 2023.

The band is composed of native Zambuangeños Efren Calumpong (lead guitar), Anabel Perez, Honey Jimenez, Al Tarabi (vocals), Romar Tanjil (bass), Errol Calumpong (drums), and Richie Reyes (keyboard). 

Though individually, they have pursued musical careers locally and abroad, and they have been performing as a band for two years, with a loyal following at their six-times-weekly gigs in the city. But they still needed to hold day jobs, working in construction, motor shops, and sari-sari stores to earn their keep.

In September 2022, Hadley was vacationing in Zamboanga, and Efren was their designated driver. The two talked about their love for music, and when Hadley asked where they could watch a live band that evening, Efren invited him to their regular gig at a small roadside bar in Pasonanca Park. Hadley and his party enjoyed themselves so much, they returned the next night, too. Since the late 1960s, Hadley has worked in the music industry, working with The Jackson 5, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye, among others. The band’s talent struck him, and he became convinced that they could really go places after hearing them perform a medley of songs by the band Queen.

By December 2022, Murrell had signed them to his record label, HDM Records. In March 2023, the Stank Brothers production team (composed of Murrell with Dwight J. Emile and Tomy Ge) flew from LA to the Philippines to conduct songwriting and performance training sessions with the band. They also recorded a handful of songs at Wild Grass Studios with Awit Award-winning sound engineer Nikki Cunanan.

“We are here to help them learn how to break into the international music industry. And we are confident they have what it takes!” says Murrell.

They have so far recorded 10 songs–a combination of covers and original songs. Their first single, Rockin’ Like Thunder, has been enjoying vigorous airplay not only in their native Zamboanga but also in different parts of the world, thanks to YouTube, Spotify, and other online platforms.

According to Cunanan: “Compared to their first recording session in March, when we went back to the studio to record more songs in November, they already knew what to do, so we were able to finish the sessions swiftly.”

“Their voices are astounding!” Cunanan adds. Poised to take to the international stage, Rockin’ Like Thunder are showing what it looks like when you are ready when destiny comes knocking on your door. Follow their journey on: https://www.facebook.com/RockinLikeThunder