We are Autotelic: A two-year-old band releases a new record

While going through Twitter one November night two years ago, I saw some buzzy comments about a then-new pop-rock band playing at Route 196. The band’s name, Autotelic (literally meaning “self-fulfilling” in Greek), was quite unusual to begin with—but what was remarkable was the praise they got. One person commented that he couldn’t believe it was the first time they ever played in public, given how good they were.
 

In due time, Autotelic got more attention, a manager, and a self-released EP (not in that order). Now, with nearly two years behind them, the band has just launched their second record: a self-titled eight-track album. The launch event, which took place last weekend at 12 Monkeys in Makati, was graced by fans old and new. 
 

Autotelic started when Neil Tin, the band’s guitarist, spoke to Josh Villena—the band’s composer, lead vocalist, and guitarist. “He sent me a message via Facebook asking if I wanted to form a side project,” Villena said. “Medyo hesitant pa ako. Masyado akong naging kumportable sa isa kong banda, which is Maya's Anklet, at natakot ako bumuo ng bagong grupo.”

It didn’t take long before he decided to jump in. The band, which then consisted of Villena, Tin, Pabs Villegas (bassist), and Gep Macadaeg (drummer), first met at a fast food court. It was then that they decided to base their music on a synthesis of Japanese and alternative rock and dance music.

Eventually, they were joined by keyboard Eric Tubon, who is also with the progressive rock band Fuseboxx. Last May, singer-songwriter Kai Honasan replaced Tubon as their keyboard player. The first song on which they worked with Honasan is the album’s first single, “Dahilan,” a peppy pop-rock number.
 

The song reflects the current sound they want to achieve. Villena described it thus: “Gusto namin magtunog pop-rock na may halong dance theme. It doesn't necessarily have to be a "four-on-the-floor" theme.”  

He felt that the songs are meant for dancing, whether they are happy or sad. He added, “As much as possible, we still want the lyrcs and vocal melody to stand out.” 
 

It was a challenge recording the new album. Villena noted that they had to learn new techniques to get the sound they wanted. What was most challenging was getting each of their parts right.

Villena concluded, “Hindi perpekto ang album namin, pero masasabi kong binuhos namin ang buong puso namin doon.” I had the chance to watch Gep Macadaeg lay down the drum tracks one February evening, and it took two or three attempts to get it right for a song.
 

What’s next for the band? With Honasan on board, they are set to have another photo shoot and are working on a video for the song “Dahilan.” Villena concluded, “Gig lang ng gig. Hindi kami titigil at mangungulit lang kami [We will keep on playing gigs. We won’t stop and we’ll continue to pester you].” It is definitely good to be bothered by the kind of catchy dance-pop Autotelic plays. — VC, GMA News

 

Autotelic’s new album is available at gigs and may eventually be available on their Bandcamp page.