Cyril Sorongon (vocals/guitars)

I've always loved singing but it was never my first choice. I never thought I'd end up in music when I was younger but I've sung my heart out with Michael Jackson and Gary V songs back then.

The first instrument I learned to play was the piano but I've always had the drums in my heart. I remember lining up some tupperware containers and banging away with a pen. But due to financial constraints when I was younger, I wasn't able to get a set.

My sister was into bands as far as I can remember. She's the true rockstar in the family. As her baby brother, it was inevitable that I'd follow in her footsteps. She told my mom to buy me a guitar just to get me started and my music journey began there.

It was August 1992. My mom bought me a guitar. But because I wanted to learn the drums, I never touched it. Through constant encouragement by my sister, and watching her strumming away in her room, I eventually picked up and learned the guitar. I figured the drums would take a while so I might as well make do with what's there right?

Four months after, I got a drumset for Christmas and I've been bangin eversince. But in those four months before I got it, I learned to love the guitar and it has always been a close second to the drums.

Since then, I've played in tons of bands playing different instruments and doing different genres, which I believe have made me a better musician today. It had also opened up myself to stretching my capabilities as an artist greatly.

What got you into music?

As far as I can remember, I've been into music since I was a kid. I used to listen to Jackson 5/MJ. I think I was around 4-5 yrs old then. But what got me involved was the influence of my sister. She played in a band when she was in college and me, being the younger brother, followed in her footsteps.

How did the band get its name?

it was a term used by our org back then during my time in UPLB. It pertained to anything about a "relationship" with the opposite sex, may it be courting or whatever. We used the name coz back then, the members of the band got left by their other halves and thus the name.

These days, I'd like to think it's more about what we are. It's how we are centered on the truth of Love as a whole. As they say, "God is Love," and so...

What's your band's instrumental formula?

Most of the time, I write the skeleton of the song then call up the band so we can jam and have their input on it.

What are your musical influences each?

For Lovecore, I think James Brown, a little Red Hot Chili Peppers, Extreme, POT, Razorback, Incubus.

What other bands do you admire?

foreign: Dream theater, Pearl Jam, STP, Nirvana, Foo Fighters and MORE!!!
local: POT, Wunjo, Razorback, Sugarfree,

What other bands do you imitate in style?

RHCP during their Dave Navarro days or POT crossed with Razorback. A little Incubus? I really don't know hehe I'm tryin to avoid sounding like a cliche

What do you think about music today compared to the music of previous decades, such as the 80's and 90's?

Well, today's music has more technology integrated into it from synths, effects, and tons of enhancements done by computers compared to the past. but I don't think musicianship has been different. Every decade has something to contribute to the whole music picture.

What do you think are the traits of a good song as opposed to a bad one?

I dont think there really is a good or bad song. What may be good for me may be bad for someone else. Music is expression and it all depends on the listener.

What decade or era of music do you like the best?

All of them. As I mentioned earlier, every certain period in music's history has something to contribute to the progression of music. From Disco in the 70s, to the experimentations with new technology in the 80s and the full blown productions in the 90s to the present.

What are your pastimes as a group off stage?

We rarely get to hang out as a band but we see each other in church hehe

What are your pastime individually off stage?

I do my silverfilter project when I'm not doin anything for Lovecore. If not, you'd see me at Alabang Town Center goin around or watchin a movie.

How do each of you listen to a piece of music? Do you emphasize voicing, percussion, harmony, etc?

Personally, I listen to all the parts. That's just me. Since I also play instruments, I'd like to learn and check out what's on offer per instrument in every track i listen to.

If given a million pesos to spend each, what'll you buy?

After Tithing, a car and I'll do a major studio renovation.

If you could spend an isolated island trip w/ a celebrity of choice, who'd it be?

Foreign: Angelina Jolie, Elisha Cuthbert, Ashley Judd...
Local: Eugene Domingo.

You guys have any pets?

I have dogs! Techno and Mackie... Love 'em :)

What for you is the most important issue of the times (human rights, women's rights, Iraq war, medical research for cancer, etc.)?

People's rejection of Christ.

What's the worst thing that could possibly happen to you? The best?

worst...Lose the people I love. best... To have my sister brought back to life :) but I doubt that hehe

What would be the dream vacation for you?

An all expense paid trip to Europe with shopping money. I'll go clubbing and I'll check out all the shows of my favorite electronic artists.

Do you like computers? What do you like to do with computers?

YES!!! Make music and go online.

What do you like to eat? Favorite food?

Burgers! Pinoy Food like sinigang and longganisa!

Favorite color?

Orange

Do you like a big house or small house?

Big house!!!

Or what kind of home do you have now?

steady... (It's a south term)

What things scare you the most? Any phobias?

I try not to be scared. My God's bigger.

What TV program do you love the most? Movie? Any unknowns or b-movies you like?

Lately I've been addicted to shows on discovery, History Channel, NatGeo, and Bio Channel. My mind's been hungry for learning lately.

What do you consider the weirdest thing about you?

hmmmm... I dunno. Maybe the more appropriate question should be, "are you normal?" hehehe

Favorite kinds of clothes?

rubber shoes/slippers, shorts, and a shirt.

What time of day do you feel the most active?

12am onwards

What do you believe makes your music unique from other artists'?

Well the same goes for all bands... having four members with different backgrounds, we're sure to come up with something unique compared to everyone else.

What traits would your true love have?

Must be a Christian, Has dreams of her own, driven, intelligent, well mannered, funny, should definitely love music.

If you were a drink, what drink would you be? The original question was, if you were a coctail… but since you don’t drink, drink…

Orange mocha frappe. But they don't sell that anymore! Since it's coffee-based, it keeps you awake. I'll keep you awake... I'm a pretty funny guy behind the "suplado" look hehehe

Okay. Maybe you’d have an easier time with this one: if you were a music genre, what genre would you be?

Electronica as a whole. Since most electronic music covers all the other genres from rock to bossa to ambient. I always try to keep myself open to everything.

What’s in your cd changer?

Drum and Bass CDs

What’s a usual day like in your life?

Wake up, turn on pc, make music, take breaks when they call you to eat.

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

That I'm living straight. I live clean. Well, they're always surprised anyway since people expect you to be into drinking/smoking if you're a musician... weird! :)

Rate your happiness factor on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the highest.
Happiness?

Right now, I'd say 9

What’s in your fridge?

My dark chocolates.

How are you when not onstage…or not making music?

I watch movies

Last words?

Support lovecore :)