LETTER DAY STORY

Their band name—Letter Day Story, is quite literal in its meaning, writing their significant day to day experiences which become their creative yet easy-to-relate-with stories. Like any other, theirs have a beginning.

Formed in November 2002, by then University of Santo Tomas music majors Dex Yu (Vocals), Oli Agustin (Bass), Not Vinzons (Guitars) and EJ Arabit (Drums), their love and interest for the craft brought them together. The following month, they got their very first gig which caught the attention of many. This made them decide to take it seriously.

“At first, our parents didn’t really approve of us being in a band, but we just love what we are doing and maybe we are just persistent,” Dex said. “In the end, they understood.”

Their path though was not without any bumps. As an independent band, they struggled to make their music heard--looking for gigs, submitting demos and searching for possible exposure. But this did not deter the band. They kept on writing and performing for different crowds.

“Before our lives were a bit hard for us because, reality check, we were thinking that time is catching up with us and for six years we were struggling in the underground scene. Although we have nothing against it, we owe this much on the scene, and we are thankful enough because our skills improved in that time,” EJ said. Until Nescafe Soundskool—a nationwide band competition came.

“We thought it’s time to take it to the next level,” EJ said. “We joined primarily just for exposure not really expecting to win,” Dex said. But everything happened so fast for the band. From making it to the eliminations, Letter Day Story represented the Greater Manila Area and ended up winning the competition.

“We’re stunned at first because, we’re not paying attention when the grand winner is called because we’re all tired. We thought it is just a round up call for all the bands,” Oli said. As if winning was not enough, the band was signed a record and management deal with multi-national record label Sony Music.

“It was such a blessing that our dreams of having our own record came true. And what could be any better is being with Sony Music whose line-up of artists is so unbelievable,” Oli said.

The band completed their first EP entitled “Sulat, Araw, Kwento.” The band brings along in this record their alternative punk style influenced by well-known acts such as Fall Out Boy, Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, The All-American Rejects. It includes five tracks written by the band themselves like the carrier single “Ikaw Pa Rin,” the charged up song “Positib,” “Nababaliw,” “Makakasama Ka” and “Mithi.”

“In our songs you can hear different kinds of emotions, and everybody can relate to our lyrics. We just perform, give all what we've got, and we got this "energy" when we are up on the stage,” Not said.

With their perseverance and right mind-set, listeners can be assured they will get to hear more of this promising band. The Letter Day Story continues. “Sulat, Araw, Kwento” EP is now out at leading record stores under Sony Music Entertainment Philippines.

Don’t forget to catch them on MYX Setlist on July 31, 2009 6 PM Manila Time here on MYXPH.com!