Sandwich (band)

Sandwich
Origin	Philippines
Genres	Pinoy rock alternative rock punk rock post-punk hard rock rap rock nu metal (early) post-grunge (early)
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Sony Music PolyEast Soupstar
Members	Raymund Marasigan Diego Castillo Myrene Academia Mong Alcaraz Mike Dizon
Past members	Marc Abaya

Sandwich (stylized as <S>andwich in earlier releases) is a Filipino alternative rock band from the Philippines formed by Raymund Marasigan and Diego Castillo. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Raymund Marasigan, guitarists and backing vocalists Diego Castillo and Mong Alcaraz, bassist Myrene Academia and drummer Mike Dizon.

History

Formation and Grip Stand Throw (1998–2000)

The band was formed in 1998 by Raymund Marasigan (drummer of Eraserheads) and Diego Castillo (The Aga Muhlach Experience) for the purpose of fulfilling their mutual desire to work together. When Raymund Marasigan saw The Aga Muhlach Experience in a gig, he told Diego that he wanted to form a band that sounds like Weezer and Whales. He then recruited Diego Castillo and his band mates from The Aga Muhlach Experience - Mike Dizon (also from Teeth) to play drums, as well as bassist Myrene Academia (Imago). Sandwich was searching for a vocalist when music video director Marie Jamora recommended her friend Marc Abaya. A few years earlier, Marasigan was a judge at a contest where Marc Abaya with his high-school band, Shirley Beans were part of. Abaya then joined Sandwich. When Abaya and Marasigan met each other, they jammed together performing Beastie Boys "Sabotage" for 10 minutes.

Although existing simultaneously with the Marasigan's band at that time, Eraserheads, Sandwich provided a heavier, grittier sound, and built up their own fan base. Abaya was still in college at the time, and Marasigan would still tour occasionally with the Eraserheads, but these weren’t hindering factors for Sandwich, as there were many session musicians ready to take over in case of a member's absence.

In 1999, they signed with Sony Music. ^[1] and released their debut album, Grip Stand Throw , ^{[2] [3]} with much success, thanks to its carrier single, "Butterfly Carnival." The band won three awards at the 1999 NU 107 Rock Awards: Album of the Year, Best New Artist, and Song of the Year.

4-Track Mind (2000–2003)

The following year, Sandwich released their second album 4-Track Mind on July 30, 2001. ^[4] which was not successful as their debut album. It was honored as Album of the Year at the 2001 NU Rock Awards. The album name came from Marc Abaya's 4-track recorder, which he brought into the studio that contains a demo. Singer Marc Abaya considers this as his most personal album.

Thanks to the Moon's Gravitational Pull and Marc Abaya's departure (2003–2005)

The year 2003 marked a critical time for Sandwich. That year, recording label Sony Music decided to drop the band. The following year, 2004, Sandwich took the independent route and recorded their third album Thanks to the Moon's Gravitational Pull. ^[5] Eventually, they signed with PolyEast Records. The album's hit tracks were "Two Trick Pony", "Masilungan" and "Nahuhulog."

While in Sandwich, Marc Abaya formed the band Kjwan with his long-time friends and former high school band-mates and fellow Ateneans Kelley Mangahas, Jorel Corpus, J-hoon Balbuena.

Later in 2013, Marc would reveal in an interview with Radio Republic that Raymund once told him that Shirley Beans must reform. Marc interpreted this as Raymund telling him that some of his materials didn't fit Sandwich. At the time of the supposed conversation between Raymund and Marc, the latter was having difficulty managing his job as an MTV VJ, and his obligations to his other band, Kjwan.

On February 20, 2005, Marc Abaya left Sandwich and cited "loaded work" as his reason. In an interview with Radio Republic, Abaya said that he regrets leaving Sandwich without giving a proper farewell to the band. They remain good friends and they reunite to play a few songs from time to time.

Five on the Floor & Mainstream success (2006–2008)

After Abaya's departure, Raymund Marasigan assumed main vocal duties. They remained a 5-piece band by bringing in guitarist Mong Alcaraz from Chicosci. The band wrote songs for soundtracks, including "Humanda Ka" for the online game Tantra, ^[6] and "Nginig" for the ABS-CBN television program of the same name.

In early 2006, Sandwich released their fourth album, Five on the Floor. This was their first album with Marasigan as the sole frontman. In late October 2006, their songs "Sugod" and "DVDX" became available on the online music game O2Jam. The video for "Sugod" won five major awards at the 2006 MTV Pilipinas Music Awards, including Video of the Year, Best Director, and Best Editing. In the same year, Sandwich members Mong Alcaraz and Myrene Acamedia won the Best Guitarist and Best Bassist awards at the NU Rock Awards. The following year, "DVDX" won the Best Music Video award from the same awards show. Their former vocalist Marc Abaya expressed appreciation for the album(Five on the Floor). He stated that "he cried because of happiness for his former band" and said that the sound of the fifth album is what sandwich's sound was meant to be.

In 2007, Sandwich performed "Zaido", the theme song for the fantaserye action series Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan , which aired on GMA 7. The song was written by Raymund Marasigan.

S Mark the Spot & Continuous success (2009–2010)

In 2008, their fifth album, <S> Marks the Spot, was released. The album received recognition from various awards shows, thanks to its hit singles "Procrastinator" and "Betamax." In celebration of their 10th year in the industry, Sandwich briefly reunited with former vocalist Marc Abaya in a series of anniversary shows.

This year also started the 4-year relationship with Tanduay as Sandwich became part of Tanduay's First Five where five of the most popular bands in the country had a nationwide tour playing their hits.

Five on the Floor, Fat Salt & Flame, Debris, Under the glow of the Satellite concert (2010–2020)

In 2010, Sandwich launched their sixth studio album, Contra Tiempo featuring the single "Putik", which the band dedicates to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana). "Lakad" was released as the second single from the album.

2012 was a year where the band had a chance to travel and share their music to different countries. They participated in the Hong Kong Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival, Malaysia's Future Music Festival and the Hollywood Bowl with Apl de Ap of the Black Eyed Peas in Los Angeles, California, USA.

In April 2013, they released the album, Fat Salt & Flame, under Polyeast Records. A year after the release of Fat Salt & Flame, they released their 8th album under Polyeast Records entitled Debris with the carrier single "Kagulo". It was released on February 12, 2015, through PolyEast Records. It was launched on February 25, 2015, at the UP Town Center in Quezon City, Philippines. The album design of Debris featured destroyed and disassembled audio electronics like a Fostex cassette track which was first used as album cover for "4 Track Mind" and a Tascam minidisc track used for the production of Sandwich's "Grip, Stand Throw", Squid9's "Ink Jet", and Eraserheads' "Natin99" and "Carbonstereoxide". In 2014, Sandwich headlined P-Fest UK, performing in Leeds and London, United Kingdom together with other Filipino bands Top Junk, Squid 9, The Diegos, Pedicab and Yano, as well as UK-based Filipino bands. In 2017, they took part at the Coke Studio Philippines Project, they collaborated with young electronic artist BP Valenzuela.

In 2018, Sandwich celebrated their 20th Year by releasing a new single called 'Time Lapse'. It was released on February 1, 2018. They held their Anniversary Show on April 13, 2018, at the Metrotent Convention Center Pasig.

No Goodbyes EP (2020–present)

On May 20, 2022, the band released their first EP, No Goodbyes, a 5-track list featuring their lead single of the same title and "Buhol Buhol" (both were released in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic). Production of these songs were recorded at a private place in Batangas for 3 days, although other recordings were done at both their residences and at Kodama Studios as well as the help from Buddy Zabala for Marasigan's vocals in pre-production. ^[7]

Influences

Sandwich cited influence are Foo Fighters, Weezer, Sonic Youth, Superchunk, Beck, Beastie Boys, Whale, The Cure, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pantera, Deftones and LCD Soundsystem. The band's main influences are Weezer and Whale. During a performance at 19 East in Sucat, Philippines, Raymund mentioned that they want to be awesome like Foo Fighters, indie like Sonic Youth and hip-hop like Beastie Boys. When Marc was the vocalist of the band, he mentioned in the interview that his main influence was Led Zeppelin, Jim Morrison of The Doors. Myrene and Mong also mentioned their admiration for LCD Soundsystem.

Band members

Current members

• Raymund Marasigan – lead vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, percussion (1998–present)
• Diego Castillo – rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals (1998–present)
• Myrene Academia – bass guitar, aerophones, occasional backing vocals (1998–present)
• Mong Alcaraz – lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards (2005–present)
• Mike Dizon – drums, percussion (1998–present)

Former member

• Marc Abaya – co-lead and backing vocals, lead guitar (1998-2005)

Sessionists

• Enzo Hermosa – drums
• Eco Del Rio – bass

Discography

Studio albums

• Grip Stand Throw (1999)
• 4-Track Mind (2001)
• Thanks to the Moon's Gravitational Pull (2004)
• Five on the Floor (2006)
• <S> Marks the Spot (2008)
• Contra Tiempo (2010)
• Fat Salt & Flame (2013)
• Debris (2015)

Extended plays

• No Goodbyes (2022)

Soundtracks

• Tantra Neo Oriental Fantasy (2005)
  • Humanda Ka Music Video
  • Humanda Ka OST
  • Humanda Ka (Minus One)
• Rounin OST (2007)
  • "Humanda Ka"
• Nginig OST
  • "Nginig"
• Super Noypi OST
  • "Super Noypi"
• Mga Awit Kapuso: The Best Of GMA Themes Vol. 4 (2008)
  • Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan OST
    • "Zaido"

Commercial jingles

• Smart Bro jingle
  • Modified version of Sugod for Smart Communications' wireless internet service
• Coca-Cola Philippines commercial jingle
  • Buhay Coke (2008) and Open Coca-Cola, Open Happiness (2009)
• Chiz Escudero's campaign jingle
  • Modified version of Sugod
• Frenzy Condoms
  • Are We Good
• Cafe Puro
  • Modified version of Betamax

Compilations

• The 2 in 1 Series: Sandwich

Collaborations

• Full Volume(2004)
  • "Right Now (Morse Immediate Mix)"
• Pinoy Ako(2005)
  • "Humanda Ka"
• Kami nAPO Muna (2006)
  • "Bakit Ang Babae"
• CloseUp Season of Smiles Christmas Album (2006)
  • "Close Encounter"
• Sakto Sa Pasko Christmas Album (2008)
  • "Simbang Gabi"
• I-Star 15: The Best Of Alternative & Rock Songs (2010)
  • "Humanda Ka"

Singles

• "Grip, Stand, Throw"
• "Butterfly Carnival"
• "Sakyan"
• "Art To Di Too"
• "Maybe"
• "Food for the Soul"
• "Hairpin"
• "Sometimes"
• "Right Now"
• "Two Trick Pony"
• "Nahuhulog"
• "Humanda Ka" (Tantra Soundtrack)
• "Masilungan"
• "Sugod"
• "Walang Kadala-dala"
• "DVDX"
• "Super Noypi" for the movie of the same name
• "Sunburn"
• "Zaido (Pulis Pangkalawakan)" for the TV series of the same name
• "Procrastinator"
• "Betamax"
• "Selos"
• "Manila"
• "Putik"
• "Lakad"
• "Pera Pera"
• "Back for More"
• "Mayday"
• "Kagulo"
• "Border Crossing"
• "New Romancer"
• "Time Lapse"

Awards and nominations

Year	Award Giving Body	Category	Nominated Work	Results
1999	NU Rock Awards	Best New Artist	—	Won [8]
		Song of the Year	"Butterfly Carnival"	Won [9]
		Album of the Year(shared with Wolgang)	"Grip Stand Throw"	Won [10]
2000	Awit Awards	Best Performance of a New Duo or Group Recording Artist	"Butterfly Carnival"	Won [11]
2001	NU Rock Awards	Album of the Year	"4-Track Mind"	Won [12]
		Artist of the Year	—	Nominated [13]
		Song Of the Year	"Food for the Soul"	Nominated [13]
		Best Music Video	"Food for the Soul"	Nominated [13]
		Best Album Packaging	"4-Track Mind"	Nominated [13]
		Vocalist of the Year	(for Marc Abaya)	Nominated [13]
		Guitarist of the Year	(for Marc Abaya & Diego Castillo)	Nominated [13]
		Drummer of the Year	(for Mike Dizon)	Nominated [13]
2004	NU Rock Awards	Producer of the Year	"Thanks to the Moon's Gravitational Pull"	Won
2005	NU Rock Awards	Song of the Year	"Humanda Ka"	Nominated
		Best Male Award	(for Raymund Marasigan)	Nominated
		Best Female Award	(for Myrene Academia)	Nominated
2006	MTV Pilipinas Music Awards	Best Production Design in a Video	"Sugod"	Won [14]
		Best Editing in a Video	"Sugod"	Won [14]
		Video of the Year	"Sugod"	Won [14]
	MYX Music Awards	Favorite Indie Artist	—	Won [15]
	NU Rock Awards	Best Music Video of the Year	"Sugod"	Won
		Best Album Packaging	(Inksurge.com for "Five on the Floor")	Won
		Guitarist of the Year	(for Mong Alcaraz)	Won
		Bassist of the Year	(for Myrene Academia)	Won
		Best Male Award	(for Mong Alcaraz)	Won
		Vocalist of the Year	(for Raymund Marasigan)	Nominated [16]
		Best Live Act	—	Nominated [16]
		Song of the Year	"Sugod"	Nominated [16]
		Artist/ Band of the Year	—	Nominated [16]
		Album of the Year	"Five on the Floor"	Nominated [16]
		Producer of the Year	(Buddy Zabala for "Five on the Floor")	Nominated [16]
2007	MYX Music Awards	Favorite Music Video	"Sugod"	Nominated [17]
		Favorite Song	"Sugod"	Nominated [17]
		Favorite Artist	—	Nominated [17]
		Favorite Rock Video	"Sugod"	Nominated [17]
		Favorite Group	—	Nominated [17]
		Favorite Media Soundtrack	"Super Noypi"	Nominated [17]
	NU Rock Awards	Best Music Video	"DVDX"	Won [18]
		Song of the Year	"DVDX"	Nominated [19]
2008	NU Rock Awards	Best Live Act	—	Won
		Song of the Year	"Betamax"	Won
		Best Album Packaging	(Inksurge.com for "<S> Marks the Spot")	Won
		Bassist of the Year	(for Myrene Academia)	Nominated [20]
		Drummer of the Year	(for Mike Dizon)	Nominated [20]
		Artist of the Year	—	Nominated [20]
		Album of the Year	"<S> Marks the Spot"	Nominated [20]
2011	MYX Music Awards	Favorite Artist	—	Won
		Favorite Rock Video	"Lakad"	Won

References

1. "Want some Greyhoundz with that Cheese Sandwich?". philmusic.com. Jim Ayson. Archived from the original on November 23, 2005. Retrieved November 23, 2005.
2. "The Hype, The Vibe and the Almighty Sandwich". philmusic.com. Quark Henares. Archived from the original on April 20, 2005. Retrieved April 6, 2005.
3. "Chaos Sandwich to go". philmusic.com. Eric Blanchard. Archived from the original on April 20, 2005. Retrieved April 20, 2005.
4. "Sandwich album launch". July 30, 2001. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
5. "Sandwich Goes Indie". philmusic.com. Jim Ayson. Archived from the original on January 6, 2006. Retrieved January 6, 2006.
6. "Sandwich Livens Up Tantra Online Gaming". philmusic.com. Philmusic. Archived from the original on March 25, 2006. Retrieved March 25, 2006.
7. Bodegon-Hikino, Kara (May 20, 2022). "Sandwich talk about their new 'No Goodbyes' EP – listen". Bandwagon.asia. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
8. "The 1999 NU107 Rock Awards". philmusic.com. Jesamyn M. Go. Archived from the original on February 20, 2003. Retrieved February 20, 2003.
9. "The 1999 NU107 Rock Awards". philmusic.com. Jesamyn M. Go. Archived from the original on February 20, 2003. Retrieved February 20, 2003.
10. "The 1999 NU107 Rock Awards". philmusic.com. Jesamyn M. Go. Archived from the original on February 20, 2003. Retrieved February 20, 2003.
11. "13th Awit Awards Results". Archived from the original on March 2, 2006. Retrieved May 8, 2006.
12. "RockAwards 2001: And the winners are..." Archived from the original on March 25, 2006. Retrieved May 8, 2006.
13. "NU107 Rock Awards 2001: The Official List of Nominees". Philmusic. Archived from the original on March 25, 2006. Retrieved November 13, 2001.
14. All in the Family: The MTV Pilipinas Video Music Awards 2006 Winners,^{[ dead link ‍]} "TitikPilipino.com", Retrieved January 29, 2008
15. Allan Castalone. "MYX Music Awards 2006 Winners". Mukamo. Archived from the original on August 14, 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
16. Gil, Baby A. (November 24, 2006). "NU 107 Rock Awards nominees". PhilStar.com . Retrieved November 28, 2018.
17. Baby A. Gil (February 5, 2007). "A MYX Magna for Apo nominees". PhilStar . Retrieved September 16, 2020.
18. "NU Rock Awards 2007 winners". Thoughts in Binary. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
19. "And the nominees are ..." Inquirer.net. November 26, 2007. Archived from the original on February 2, 2008. Retrieved June 4, 2008.
20. "The 15th NU107 Rock Awards Official List of Nominees". Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved January 26, 2009.

External links

• Official website
• Sandwich Facebook page
• Sandwich Instagram page
• EMI Philippines - Sandwich
• Poptimes Magazine Interview
• Sandwich Pinoybanda Profile
• Listen Sandwich music stream
• Sandwich on purevolume
• https://web.archive.org/web/20060902005117/http://mtvasia.com/News/200109/18005652.html

Awards
Preceded by Orphan Lily	NU Rock Awards Best New Artist 1999	Succeeded by Slapshock
Preceded by The Jerks The Jerks	NU Rock Awards Album of the Year Grip Stand Throw together with Serve In Silence 1999	Succeeded by Free Rivermaya
Preceded by Free Rivermaya	NU Rock Awards Album of the Year 4-Track Mind 2001	Succeeded by Pilipinas Cheese