INTERVIEW: CoolieDread

If you are not from Cebu and not into reggae chances are, you have not heard of CoolieDread and The Microphone Commander. 

Started as a DJ/MC duo in 2005, CoolieDread (James D'Lonsod) and Microphone Commander (Greggy Polo) paved the way for dancehall reggae. From a duo, they expanded into becoming a full band with a drummer, bassist, two guitar players, a keyboardist and three MCs.

For half a decade, CDMC has been touring and promoting Filipino reggae music all over the country. But, all good things must come to an end and on Saturday, April 17, CDMC will be having their farewell gig at The Outpost. Cebuanos and reggae-lovers alike are baffled by this decision.

The Independent Crowd brings you this interview with CoolieDread as he sheds light on this unforeseen declaration.

TIC: You've been in the business for five years and there are not that many reggae bands out there, but why did you decide to stay in Cebu? Why not go to Manila?

CD:  First reason was to finish the album in Cebu. Second, we haven’t got any deals that would convince the rest of the band to move to Manila when we first started. Third, most of us were yet to finish college. 

TIC: But, I'm sure you have had offers...

CD: We were offered record deals but none of them could satisfy our wants as a group. So, it would have been really risky if we moved to Manila without venturing more and playing in other places. 

TIC: Would you say that CDMC has reached its peak already?

CD: No. The band is too young. Too much room for improvement, I would've wanted for us to tour the whole country extensively and do several albums. 

TIC: Let's face it, reggae is not as big in other provinces as it is here in Cebu. 

CD: Back in the early 90's, Cebu has already been active in educating people about reggae. The Bob Marley Foundation would hold regular reggae radio shows, parties and music festival like The Annual Bob Marley Fest, which is now known as Cebu Reggae Fest. In 2002, there were roughly about 40 reggae bands just in Cebu and that is a fact. But, radio stations from other cities are now starting to play our music and have reggae sessions in bars, which I think are a good thing.

TIC: Advocating reggae seems really arduous, but what has been the most challenging thing the band has to go through?

CD: The greatest challenge for CDMC was our 2006 Motorola Manila Bar Tour. For two months, we lived together in one roof, performing every night and arguing now and then.

TIC: Any memorable gigs?

CD: September 31, 2006. Winning the Motorola Rock’Moto Band Competition to Endorse Motorola Products for a year. That started it all.

TIC: You mentioned that you wanted more for CDMC. But, why are you having a farewell gig already?

CD: I don't know if I'm coming back after six months in China. Budoy (of Jr. Kilat) and I (his DJ) were chosen to perform with the Philippine Pavilion in Shanghai World Expo 2010. The band has also come to an agreement not to perform without the complete original members. They said, they would be crippled since I initiated everything.

TIC: With you going to China, what's the next step for the other members?

CD:  I cannot speak for the whole group but I am sure that they will be moving to other bands and continue with their music. 

TIC: With CDMC's farewell, which band will take over the reggae scene?

CD: Sefyla, Stiff, Skankin Brews and Pohaku (or Skank My Mood)

TIC: That was a good five-year run for CDMC, for sure, you will be missed.

CD: I can see that in the next couple of years, there will be more DJ’s and electronic musicians in Cebu’s music scene. All indie bands will still be around, but will somehow still be underground till they themselves start to elevate the music business to another level.

TIC: What do you want to say to the fans?

CD: Always remember that even CDMC will not be around, we sure did have some fun years jamming, we knew you’ll always be part of us, that forever in our minds: We always “ROCK TO THE RIDDIM”

Microphone Commanders:
Gene Gong - Gene Caballes - Vocals
WajahRhymes - Ryan Yu - Vocals
CoolieDread - James D'Lonsod - Vocals, dj samples
The Band:
Eric Yrigan - Drums
Mark Villanueva - Bass
Francis “ Dang” Yrigan - Guitars
Paul “Pauldo” Cañada - Guitars
Yani Sagun - Keyboards & Synths