| Univ Frequency: Cozmik Euphoria |
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| White and Blue News - Entertainment | |
| Written by Evelyn Yeung | |
| Wednesday, 12 March 2008 | |
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From one to twoCozmik Euphoria is composed of five similar yet diverse individuals. Jhames Joe Albert Infante III, a 5th year Architecture student, lends his “golden” voice as he leads the band. Leandro Dingayan, taking up Architecture in his 4th year, stations himself as the lead guitarist. Daniel dela Cruz, also a 5th year Architecture student, adds as the rhythm guitar and backs up the vocals. Jayvee Bryan Natividad, a 4th year Entrepreneurship student, loads up the band as the bass guitarist. And to complete the list, Christian Dale Eslava, only in his 2nd year ECE course, keeps the band upbeat as the drummer. Jayvee, Leandro and Dale formerly had a band named “Blueberry Cheesecake” while Jhames and Daniel also had a certain “Lotus Klan”. After their bands parted ways, Jayvee, Leandro, Dale, and Jhames crossed paths as jamming buddies and decided to join forces. The four of them formed the original line-up in June and Daniel became a part of the group mid- September of the same year. Their name Cozmik Euphoria was conceptualized by bass guitarist Jayvee. Cosmic means universal of grandiose. Euphoria means a state of very intense happiness. When these two terms are put together, it literally means “universal happiness”. Everyone in the band agreed that the name fitted perfectly into the group’s diversity which everyone is happy about. Each member has different tastes yet the music they create sync so well. Daniel comments that “it is out of this world”. Music has become a part of their lives even before they started playing in the band. It seems like a miracle how five people from different walks of life would suddenly come together and share their talents to the world. Before Cozmik Euphoria was formed and right after their previous bands were dispersed, they all felt they missed a point in life. More than just a hobby, it is a passion that they could not simply let go. They felt the need of continuing their journey into music and so they started a new band together.
Music and others…The band listens and plays various genres of music in the likes of Jazz, Alternative Rock, Funk Rock, Progressive Rock and “good oldfashioned tunog kalye”. Their major influences include some of the best in the local and international bands such as Parokya ni Edgar, Urbandub, Bamboo. P.O.T., Kjwan, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. What keeps them going is music itself. The band says that it is like the air that you breathe or a spirit that possesses you. As quoted from the lyrics of a song by Bamboo: “as the music plays the band and the songs they play the music.” But more than just the music, they make sure that each of their performance is body-slamming and impressive because they believe in sharing their God-given gifts and talents. “A band that prays together stays together” quotes Dan. For them, they kneel before God as a band in reverence for all His blessings. Every time they play it is their form of praise and worship even if the songs aren’t worship songs, they just lift it all up to the Lord. Although they enjoy playing music, they say that music is only secondary to education. They are very particular with their academic responsibilities. In fact they are also active in school organizations in the likes of Laizzes Faire, Young Entrepreneurs’ Society, and the White &Blue. They make sure that they have time to study, do extracurricular activities than go to gigs.
Getting Started and Moving AlongCozmik Euphoria confides that they didn’t really have any problems when it comes to each of the members interests because even though they have different “trips”, each is open to new possibilities. Each one of them can compromise and respect each one’s individuality. As expounded by Dan, they are receptive to different forms of stimuli, in this case different forms or styles of music. It is perhaps the main key for the band’s cohesiveness and evident strong bond. Every member agrees that the band is more that just five people coming together for the sake of music. Through music, they have found a great friendship. “Our band is like a support group and music is our therapy.” The only challenges they are really facing as the conflicts they have with their schedules in school, other activities and their gigs. Like anyone, they always feel pressures when activities and events collide. No matter what happens, they would find ways to keep up with their priorities. The first tine the five of them played together was during the Grand Finals of the “96.7 K-lite’s Pasiklaban 2006”. More than anything, it was pure joy and delight that they feel especially when the crowd sang along the songs they played.“We were playing more for the people than for ourselves…We want the people to enjoy music the way we enjoy it.”
Critics – fans of foes?”You can’t escape critics; life wouldn’t be colorful without them.” It is a way for them to yearn to be better. So they are after all sources of inspiration and encouragement. Everyone should take it from what Dan says that “criticisms should be treated as food – you eat it, digest it, gets its essential nutrients and then poop it out.” “Criticisms are bitter like ampalaya but it’s good for you.” Well, what could be a better way of stating that?
All in OneCozmik Euphoria are who they are- . “We look at the bright side of life but we sing about the dark side of life too. We have a balance of everything.” The most unique feature they possess I the unmatched energy they bring out in every one of their performances. “Our energy is like flatulence. You just can’t hide it.” Apart from that, they have evident stage presence and mixture of unique talents – wacky vocalists, a quiet lead guitarist,an “energizer-bunny” bassist, and a seriously drummer. With a one of a kind combination, there is really no telling how each of their performances would turn out to be. Despite their rigorous practices, each performance is spontaneously made, no scripts or line-ups, the band just simply goes with the flow.
What’s Next?As they are now garnering success with all their achievements and experiences, they are proud Louisians upholding the four core values of Saint Louis University as they continue to share ntheir share talents and perform for charities and similar outreach programs, such as the “Educ8 to Liber8” held previously at the Mall of Asia. Cozmik Euphoria will continue to rock the world of music with much passion and dedication. “We want people to ride on our roller coaster.” Surely they will never forget to hold their heads up high and at the same to time keep their feet on the ground. Because though the ultimate spotlight is already within their reach, they choose to fulfill their parents’ dream for each one of them.
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It could be the music or their friendship that keeps some bands going strong, but for the rising band Cozmik Euphoria, both does and a whole lot more. We would proudly call them our house band with all of its members harbored from the talented Louisian populace. And they are definitely not just another band to be on the passing fancy.
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