Photo Courtesy of Glottis V
In the vibrant world of music, few bands dare to experiment and blend genres quite like Glottis V. Formed in November 2020 by six musicians from the same neighborhood, Glottis V has quickly risen from practicing in their garages to captivating listeners . With a unique sound that resonates across generations, this band is one to watch. Join us as we delve into their musical journey, creative process, and the story behind their artistry. Welcome to an exclusive interview with Glottis V.
How did you come up with the name Glottis V?
Glottis V :
It was actually our dad who came up with the idea and name of our band. Glottis is the part of our vocal cords that produces the vocal sound, it is also shaped exactly like the letter V. Thus came the name Glottis + V for Voice, where the band’s name came into being.
Glottis V formed in November 2020 with six musicians from the neighborhood, starting in house garages. Can you tell us more about the initial spark that brought you all together and what those early days of practicing and writing were like?
Glottis V :
Boredom ironically ignited the spark during the pandemic season. Our dad talked to us siblings (Luke – bass, Ezra – violin/keyboard and Micah – vocals/rhythm) that we should consider forming a band since there was nothing else to do during the Covid lockdown. Our neighbor LJ (drums) felt it was a great idea too and he invited Adrian (lead guitar) also our neighbor living a block away and another member Joy from our local church.
Actually, we are very crude in the beginning and we started off with bare minimum instruments as we don’t have the financial means to buy the necessary equipment (I guess it is still true until today).
Early days of practicing are more like 75 % playing and talking about our favorite anime movies and characters, 15% wondering what the heck we are doing and 10% pretending to be really practicing. Again, still true today!
Your band description highlights a love for “experimenting with music by mixing different genres.” What genres do you find yourselves most drawn to blend, and what is your creative process for successfully merging these diverse sounds?
Glottis V :
We are all J-Pop lovers. In our opinion, this genre hits differently – hyper, eclectic, rock and with a touch of Japanese tradition.
Though we don’t want to be confined to a specific genre, hence the idea of being an Experimental Band. Given the chance and if our skills will permit us to perform Pop, Rock, Ballads etc. and anything in between we would definitely try it.
How do you ensure your music resonates “for all generations” while still maintaining your unique experimental edge and authentic artistic expression?
Glottis V :
We do listen to diverse kinds of music. Also ask for inputs from older generation musicians and we try incorporating the trends of both local and international musical artists. If possible. to put a twist on every single song.
Could you walk us through Glottis V’s songwriting process? Is it a collaborative effort from start to finish, or do individual members bring specific ideas to the table?
Glottis V :
It is a collaborative effort.
Our Dad is our Main Lyricist. He considers himself more of a poet than a songwriter. Most of our songs are written in English, not many are Love Songs. We have about 40 Original Songs and roughly six (6) songs professionally produced and published.
We are trying our best to appeal to a wider audience worldwide. Our Dad normally creates the initial melody for the chorus then he will pass it on to us to fill the melody verses and other parts.
It might take us about 3-4 days to complete and fit in the suitable vocal tone whilst slowly working up with the complete musical arrangement mostly by Adrian our lead guitarist.
With members covering guitar, vocals, keyboard, strings, bass, and drums, how do you balance each individual’s creative input to form the cohesive Glottis V sound?
Glottis V :
Our emphasis will be more on the substance and message of the song and the instruments as mere complimenting elements in its entirety. We make sure that all the accompaniments would not overpower the vocals and also assure that every individual instrument has its own rifts moment.
“Expressing themselves through the art of music” is a powerful statement. What are some of the core messages, emotions, or stories that Glottis V aims to convey through your songs?
Glottis V :
A Different Kind of Filipino Music is what we try to convey to our listeners. We shy away mostly in emo and love songs and touch different topics such personal struggles, anxiety, mental health and social awareness.
Your band formed during a unique time (November 2020). How did the pandemic and its associated challenges and changes influence your creative output, band dynamics, or approach to connecting with your audience?
Glottis V :
The pandemic lockdown actually became a blessing, we had more time for introspection and realization. Deep inside we know that we have to do something, it became the catalyst of our artistic consciousness which ourselves were not aware of at the start.
We struggled in conducting practices, as gatherings are not permitted during the pandemic. Nevertheless, we were able to finish arranging three (3) songs and fortunately found online radios that allowed us to perform somehow quietly in our living room using our cellphones.
Nonetheless, we are still struggling to acquire the necessary musical instruments and gadgets at the moment. We cannot also self-produce the majority of our original songs.
What are Glottis V’s aspirations for the future? Are there any specific projects, collaborations, or performances you’re currently working towards or dreaming of?
Glottis V :
To break out from the norms of Filipino Music and somehow leap into the international scene. We are currently working with a music producer for the distribution of our music internationally.
Upcoming gigs are in line this coming October to December 2025.
What role do you see Glottis V playing in the broader Philippine music scene? Are there any specific issues or cultural themes you hope to address or amplify through your music?
Glottis V :
We hope to inspire young Filipino Musicians to dare and explore non-traditional music. Make the change, avoid the trap and give substance to song messages not just noise and beats. Teach the younger generations to love music and arts.
How do you approach the balance between artistic experimentation and creating music that is accessible and engaging for a wider audience? Is this something you consciously consider during your creative process?
Glottis V :
Even though we have our own personal preferences in music – our discipline is not to limit our listening ears to that and to avoid subliminal sound programming. We appreciate music and songs spanning from the 80’s to the present. We listen to our older mentors and take their advice into consideration.
Can you share a specific example of a song where you feel you successfully pushed your creative boundaries or achieved a unique blend of genres, and what challenges did you overcome in the process?
Glottis V :
We want our song “Chambers of Me” to be known and resonate to our listeners. It is a combination of post-metal, rock and goth pop. We believe, we were able to reach a milestone here when some of our listeners compared the song to several international artists.
What is the most rewarding aspect of creating music together as Glottis V, and what keeps you motivated to continue pushing your artistic boundaries?
Glottis V :
We’ve met a lot of very good artists that share the same passion – to share, inspire and tell their stories through songs.
We wanted Filipinos to love and elevate their interest more into Music and Arts not just social media / personalities, memes and alike.
For your growing number of monthly listeners and those just discovering Glottis V, what message would you like to share with them about your music and what they can expect next?
Glottis V :
We are doing our best to be different. We give life and substance to our songs. Give us a listen and it may be worth it… Love and Respect. Glory to GOD!
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