Wake Up Your Seatmate ~ Philippine Bands Podcast

Biography

Wake Up Your Seatmate is a fresh band from the Philippines. Composed of four members, this girls really can rock. They can belt out almost anything, so axe any notion that they’ll belt out anything from High School Musical. Their influences range from the likes of Alanis Morisette, The Eraserheads, Barbie Almalbis, Janis Joplin, The Beatles, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.Wake Up Your Seatmate is made up of four girls. Original line-up were Mia Tengco is the band’s vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Atchoo Ilagan proudly handles the drums. Celine Pineda led the guitars and Patty Peralta on the bass.The group started out as four high school girls from Assumption High School in San Lorenzo Village, Makati. Bonded with the same passion for Music, the four conquered first their backyards and parties. They played their biggest gig in their school event- the annual Assumption High School Fair.

After they decided to pursue the band seriously, they realized that they can rely to no one but to themselves. The girls stormed Gweilos Bar in Makati and asked the owner for a single gig, promising a full house in return. That night was a success and marked the beginning of regular gigs of the band in several places such as Gweilos, Bistro 110, 6 underground, Capone’s Bar, Mag:Net Cafe, Cafe Saguijo and Club Dredd Eastwood.

Despite busy schedules, cramming for midterms, cruising around the campus or taking siestas on class, they are unbelievably intelligent. Being music enthusiasts, writing songs just came naturally. As a band, it’s mostly a collaborative effort. Celine writes, Mia on melodies and Atchoo is in charge for the music arrangements.

After 4 rough years since the making, Wake Up Your Seatmate released its debut album on October 2006. Raven7 Multimedia released their dream-come-true self-titled album and being distributed by EMI Philippines. The album spawned 12 tracks starting with the backmasked opening riffs of “Baryo”.Wake Up Your Seatmate makes their own music distinct. Putting tracks together depends upon the band’s mood. If good, they can make two in an afternoon. If not, composing will be on the next practice session.They songs ranged from sugary infectious pop such as Hanging Out With You and Charm Me to old rock as Flight and The Kawawa Song. They also have a dash of heartfelt love songs in Panaginip & Hide and Seek. Theirs are real emotions, no matter how shallow or deep, from kilig to funny experiences, with thoughs or no-brainer, it reflects what high girls should be, care-free yet responsible women."Charm Me" hit no. 1 spot in NU 107’s Stairway To Seven countdown and a citation as one of the 30 best local independent bands today by FHM.

The band already had undergone a change in line-up. From the original members, Mia, Atchoo and Patty, Iya Regalario is their newest bandmate who replaced Celine and took over her left responsibilities.Wake Up Your Seatmate is jam-oriented enough to please indie sad-sacks, perky preppies, force-fed headbangers, slightly spaced out small children-whoever. They are one of the most buzzed-about bands in the nocturnal music circuit.It is bit surprising that the band is still prone to “peeing” their pants on stage due to stage fright. But with the support from the devoted fan base, momentum is on their side.

A L B U M

Album1 : Wake Up Your Seatmate