In a world where music knows no boundaries and artists blend genres like a vivid palette, there emerges Createurs, a unique and dynamic arts and music collaborative project that has been weaving tales through their music for nearly a decade.
Founded by the creative mind of Rain Garalde, with the current solid lineup having played together for four years, cosisting of Christian Genova, Zaki Patricio, Ken Peñalba and Jayson Lumaban. Their inspiration stems from shared interests and a desire to collaborate and tell a story. With a commitment to collaboration that extends beyond music to visual art. They aim to work with artists from all corners, breathing life into their music and art with fresh perspectives.
The band’s name, “Createurs,” holds a dual meaning. In French, “Createurs” means “the Creators” or “the Creatives.” Simultaneously, it can be pronounced as “Creatures,” hinting at a sense of mystique and imagination that underlies their music.
Exploring Musical Boundaries
Createurs refuses to be confined by genre boundaries. Their music is a reflection of their evolving interests and a conscious effort to explore new sounds and styles. They embrace the challenge of not adhering to a single genre, constantly innovating to leave a mark on the music scene. A significant influence on their approach is Coheed and Cambria, known for combining music, art, and storytelling in their albums, influencing them as to what the band does with Carrot the Creative’s stories in Arkhen Chronicles.
Balancing Music, Personal Life, and Creative Differences
Beyond being musicians, Createurs members have day jobs, and some even pursued additional education. Managing their time and energy is no easy feat, but their commitment, goal-setting, and shared passion enable them to juggle multiple responsibilities successfully.
And with handling multiple responsinilties and multiple heads that spark creativity, just like in any group, misunderstandings can arise, but Createurs emphasizes transparency and communication in resolving issues. They have learned to compromise and find common ground, prioritizing their shared passion for music.
They emphasizes the importance of bonding outside of music. The band’s most cherished moments often occur when they are simply enjoying each other’s company as friends. This sense of camaraderie infuses their music with authenticity and depth.
Confronting the Pandemic and Bouncing Back
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to Createurs, but they weathered the storm. With the addition of new members Zaki and Jayson, the band regrouped and continued to thrive, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and a strong support system, in which later on pays off with the release of their most significant milestone to date, “To Tell The Tale.” This album promises to be a testament to their growth and creativity.
Favorite Tracks and Impactful Lyrics
Each member has a favorite track, citing different reasons and impactful lines from their songs that resonate with them.
Rain: “Void,” “Thieves,” and “Winner!” – The song for me is like the Divine Comedy of the album.
Zak: “Thieves of LA” – A lot has been happening in our respective lives when we were writing the song. We were all about ‘what part/sounds should be in this part’ we weren’t able to produce a demo for the song and had to jam it out and jump straight to recording. We’re not really sure of how heavy is it going to be since the drums and bass were done right on the spot, to sum it up, Thieves of LA became an inspiration for the band on what we can do on our next songs. ‘language’ ang random nito eh and asawa pa ni rain ung nagsabi nito sa song hahahaha
Kennard: Sakin “Jazzhound,” it’s speaks about myself lalo na yung lyrics na “Maybe if I show everyone who I am. If only they’ll accept all that’s everything inside me.”yung acceptance minsan mas iniisip natin sa iba. Well that’s the past me haha pero nakakrelate ako sa lyrics na to. ” Pancake remix” naman isa “Losing balance, losing grip as I look into your tantalizing eyes, dancing butterflies.” ang ganda lang ng rhyming at play of words. plus new vocabulary yung tantalizing
Christian: “Thieves of L.A.” – think it’s unanimous in the band that we really enjoyed writing and playing Thieves of LA. For me, personally, it’s simply because it feels good to play and I enjoy how the song evolves as it reaches its climax. The structure of the song itself is very fitting, because it all started with a simple riff from Jayson, and everything else stemmed from there. Then, in a manner with more substance, this song stood out for me because of this particular set of lines:
Agony drowns me;
God, if I survive
I swear I won’t let them go.
This pen is my sword as I bleed all the wish and curse
Don’t you know, it’s been set in stone
where the weak outwits the brute?
Against overwhelming odds, it symbolizes resilience and hope. Then comes retribution. Being weak, in itself, isn’t weakness at all if we have the heart to push forward and keep going. We can use our state of weakness for self-evaluation. Maybe our strength lies elsewhere. Hence, in our lyrics it says “Don’t you know, it’s been set in stone where the weak outwits the brute.”
So basically, for me, hope is enough to outweigh our weaknesses. And people who may seem weak aren’t so in all facets.
Jayson: “Teragram Carnivale” – “With ink and paper, I’ll write your name so that I can never forget I was to blame” – unconventional nung ink and paper na wors, that it depicts na the guilt is too much. Parang metaphor siya na it was really set in stone.
Check out the band’s Spotify page and listen the songs they’ve mentioned to find out yourselves what they’re talking about.
Connecting with Filipino Audiences
Createurs believes that Filipinos, regardless of generation, have always been drawn to stories, particularly those involving love. Their music, which weaves tales of various kinds, including love, serves as an accessible entry point for introducing themselves to new listeners.
In an era where music is not confined to a single genre or medium, Createurs stands as a beacon of creativity and collaboration. Their commitment to storytelling, musical exploration, and unity within the band shines brightly in their work. As they continue to evolve and craft their musical narratives, Createurs is undoubtedly a band to watch, offering audiences a fresh and captivating listening experience.
Music as an Emotional Outlet and Connection
Createurs understands the profound influence of music on individuals. They describe music as an outlet for people to express what words may fail to convey. It serves as a channel for emotions, a means to navigate the complexities of life, and a way to relate to others. The band believes that music has the power to connect people by evoking shared emotions and memories.
Imagine listening to a song that triggers a specific memory, instantly transporting you to a moment in time. Music has the ability to forge deep connections, and Createurs recognizes this potential to foster meaningful bonds among listeners.
As musicians, Createurs have a clear vision for their music’s impact. They aspire to touch people’s lives and establish connections through their songs. Regardless of life’s challenges and hardships, they remain committed to using their music as a medium for emotional expression and connection. For Createurs, the effort is worthwhile even if a single song manages to resonate with just one person.
Social Impact and Creative Freedom
Createurs acknowledges the importance of considering the social impact of their songs while maintaining their creative freedom. While their music often delves into meaningful and thought-provoking themes, they emphasize that this does not restrict their creative expression. Instead, it adds depth and purpose to their artistry, allowing them to address relevant issues through their music.
“Thieves of L.A.” – A Melodic Tale of Resilience
The genesis of “Thieves of L.A.” is a testament to the band’s diverse inspirations. Jayson, a devoted Arctic Monkeys fan, crafted the main riff, channeling the band’s iconic sound. Rain, the mastermind behind the band’s narratives, drew inspiration from a novel he was writing, as well as real-life experiences. When the rest of the band joined the creative process, the song came together seamlessly.
The song delves into the lives of those who have been marginalized or abused in a corrupt and oppressive society. It tells the harsh reality that many individuals endure silently, choosing not to retaliate to avoid further harm to themselves and their families. “Ipinapasa-diyos,” a Filipino term for entrusting something to a higher power, encapsulates the theme of seeking justice and revenge in a dark and haunting tone.
Personal Connections to the Song
Each band member finds a personal connection to “Thieves of L.A.” Rain reveals that the song’s lyrics include the name “Meridith,” which is the name of a special bike that was stolen from him. He recounts the emotional journey of trying to recover it, only to be met with indifference from authorities, ultimately being told to “charge it to experience.” This personal experience adds depth and authenticity to the song’s narrative.
The Creative Process
Creating “Thieves of L.A.” was not a one-day endeavor. The writing process spanned different times and places. Rain combined his own experiences with the story he was writing, giving the song a concrete and cohesive structure. The melody and arrangement underwent numerous revisions until Christian’s drumming added the final touches, solidifying the song’s form.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the Recording Process
Createurs embraced technology, using Soundtrap to write music despite being physically separated. It served as their musical “Google Docs,” allowing each member to contribute and collaborate effectively. The band members played their respective roles, and through trial and error, they polished the song.
Artwork: A Visual Interpretation
The artwork for “Thieves of L.A.” was entrusted to the talented hands of Pluz and Jas, who have consistently delivered exceptional artwork for the band. Pluz’s creation exceeded expectations, capturing the eerie essence of the song while incorporating her unique artistic style. The artwork added a visual dimension to the song, enhancing its impact.
The DIY Music Video: A Collaborative Effort
Filming the music video for “Thieves of L.A.” was a thrilling experience for the band. Despite some challenges, their DIY spirit prevailed. Ken conceptualized the video, with Rain contributing to the story. Jayson handled props, Christian took charge of food, and Zaki honed his acting skills for weeks. Friends and family pitched in with wardrobe, locations, and makeup. The shoot was a true collaborative effort, showcasing the band’s determination and creativity.
A Message of Awareness and Empathy
Createurs hopes that listeners will not only be curious about their music but also engage with the narratives within their upcoming album, “To Tell The Tale.” “Thieves of L.A.” serves as a stark reminder of the harsh truths in our society. The band does not promote violence or negative emotions but aims to shed light on the existence of these feelings and thoughts, urging society not to ignore them. They consider themselves messengers for the broken, the beaten, and the damned.
What Lies Ahead for Createurs?
Following the release of “Thieves of L.A.,” Createurs has an exciting journey ahead. Their sophomore album, “To Tell The Tale,” is set to launch on November 17th, featuring at least 10 tracks. A week later, an album launch event is planned, promising an immersive experience for fans eager to dive into their narrative-rich music.
For now, we can all listen to “Thieves of L.A.” on Spotify while we wait for the album launch.
Authenticity Over Trends
In today’s music industry, trends and social media presence often dominate discussions. However, Createurs remains unwavering in their commitment to authenticity and creativity. While they appreciate the recognition and attention that trends can bring, they prioritize staying true to their artistic vision. Rather than chasing what is mainstream, they focus on crafting music that resonates with their passion and purpose.
The True Measure of Success
Createurs’ journey in the music industry has taught them a valuable lesson: success is rooted in passion and authenticity. They emphasize the importance of putting their love for their craft above all else. In a world that sometimes prioritizes numbers and trends, they remind themselves and others that the heart of music lies in the genuine connection it fosters with listeners.
Words of Wisdom: Embrace Your Passion
The band has received valuable advice on their artistic journey, and they generously share it with aspiring artists. Their guidance is simple yet profound: love your craft. Regardless of where you are in life or when you start pursuing your passion, the key is to remain determined and committed to your art. Createurs encourage fellow artists not to stop creating and to embrace their creativity with passion and dedication.
In a world filled with noise and distractions, Createurs stand as a testament to the enduring power of music and the transformative impact it can have on people’s lives. Through their commitment to authenticity and collaboration, Createurs continue to craft music that not only resonates but also inspires.
