Radioactive Sago Project is a Filipino jazz rock band formed in 1997 in Quezon City, Philippines. The band's sound is a fusion of spoken-word poetry, bebop jazz, and punk. Subjects in their material range from politics, drugs, alcohol, random musings and current issues.
Fronted by award-winning poet and broadcaster Lourd de Veyra, the band has released four albums. The first, a self-titled album, was released under Viva Records in 2000. This was followed by Urban Gulaman in 2004 and Tangina Mo Andaming Nagugutom sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Pa Rin in 2007 and Ang Itlog at ang Demonyo in 2014, all under Terno Recordings.
Career In 2000, the band released its first single, "Gusto Ko Ng Baboy", about a young man's fascination with pigs since his childhood. As the song progresses, it becomes a political tirade against corruption, which also symbolizes the pork barrel.
In 2004, they released the single "Astro", from Urban Gulaman, depicting a person's addiction to cigarette smoking. This was titled after Astro, a now-defunct, cheap brand of cigarettes sold in impoverished areas. The song was used on the Pinoy/Blonde soundtrack the following year. A second single entitled "Alaala ni Batman" was also released. It tells the story of a man's idolization of Batman since his childhood. The song progresses into ruminations on politics and society, and how these factors contribute to the demise of the Philippine economy and society. At the end of the song, the persona jumps off the top of a building believing he could fly, only to realize that Batman cannot fly.
In 2005, the band received three nominations at the MTV Pilipinas Video Music Awards for Favorite Group, Best Video, and Best Director (R.A. Rivera). The band won Best Video, and Best Director (R.A. Rivera).
In later years, songs from the group became the chosen theme songs for de Veyra’s TV shows on TV5. "Astro" and "Huwag Kang Maingay May Naglalaba" from Urban Gulaman became the theme songs of late night news program TEN: The Evening News and satirical news and commentary web series Kontrabando, respectively, while "Wasak na Wasak" from Tanginamo Andaming Nagugutom sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Parin became the theme of late night talk show Wasak, and on its top 5 segment, it uses "Gusto Ko Ng Baboy" as background.
Discography Studio albums Year Album 2000 The Radioactive Sago Project Released: 2000 Label: Viva Records Format: CD, Album, Streaming Platforms 2004 Urban Gulaman Released: 2004 Label: Terno Recordings Format: CD, Album, Digipak, Streaming Platforms 2007 Tanginamo Andaming Nagugutom Sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Parin Released: 2007 Label: Terno Recordings Format: CD, Album, Digipak, Streaming Platforms 2014 Ang Itlog At Ang Demonyo Released: 2014 Label: Terno Recordings Format: CD, Album, Digipak, Streaming Platforms
Compilation Tracks Year Song Album 2004 Nalulunod Sa Isang Basong TubigSupersize Rock (Warner Music Philippines, 2004) 2005AlkoholUltraelectromagneticjam!: The Music Of The Eraserheads (Sony BMG Music Philippines, 2005) 2006 KapalaranThe Best Of Manila Sound: Hopia Mani Popcorn (Viva Records, 2006) 2006Mr. Pogi In SpaceEnvironmentally Sound: A Select Anthology of Songs Inspired by the Earth (World Wildlife Fund, Ayala Land, 2006) 2007Syotang Pa-classKami nAPO Muna Ulit (Universal Records, 2007) 2008Kung Ano Ang MeronHuling Balita: Songs for the Disappeared (Free Jonas Burgos Movement, 2008)
Members Lourd de Veyra - vocals Francis De Veyra - bass Jay Gapasin - drums Junji Lerma - guitar Wowie Ansano - trumpet Pards Tupas - trombone Roxy Modesto - saxophone Rastem Eugenio - saxophone Arwin Nava - percussion B-Boy Garcia - turntables
Past members EJ Delgado - guitars Josefa Alovera - saxophone Ryan Zapanta - saxophone Jed Punongbayan - Piano Julie J. Julie- Synth
Singles and music videos "Gusto ko ng Baboy (Jovelyn Laborte)" "Astro" (TEN: The Evening News, Theme song of the TV5 News program from 2008–2010) "Gin Pomelo" "Panic Buying Sa Duljo" "Hello Hello" "Wasak na Wasak" "Kapalaran" (original by Rico J. Puno) "Alaala ni Batman" "Alkohol" (original by Eraserheads) "Syotang Pa-Class" (original by APO Hiking Society) "Alak, Sugal, Kape, Babae, Kabaong" "Trip" ("Recorded from Tower Sessions") "Super Hatdog" "Bosnots & Friends"
Awards and nominations
Year Award giving body Category Nominated work Results2001NU Rock AwardBest New Artist2004NU Rock AwardsRock Video of the Year"Astro"2005NU Rock AwardsBest Live Act2006MYX Music AwardsFavorite Indie Artist2007NU Rock AwardsProducer of the YearGuitarist of the Year(for Junji Lerma)Bassist of the Year(for Francis de Veyra)Best Live ActArtist of the YearAlbum of the Year"Tangina Mo Andaming Nagugutom sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Pa Rin"2008MYX Music AwardsFavorite Indie Artist
References
External links Radioactive Sago Project website