We have all heard of that rise-to-stardom story that catapulted would-be celebrities into instant fame. Many talented individuals get lucky with a good melody or an entertaining performance, but there are very few who have the necessary skills and effective network to keep rocking the music scene.

Fortunately, it is a completely different story for two bands whose initial motivations were to catch a cool gig and get a free trip through the country’s biggest and most anticipated Battle of the Bands. NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool Grand Winners Letter Day Story (2008) and Eevee (2009) signed up for the competition and emerged as some of the country’s hottest young talents of today. Little did they know that NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool was just the beginning of a whirlwind of opportunities that allowed them to form their own careers in the music industry.

Having played as a band for nine years prior to joining NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool, Letter Day Story was no stranger to coming up with new songs and circling the metro for gigs. However, earning the title of Grand Winner allowed them to explode into the music scene.

“NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool was a lot of fun and excitement, especially with the Boracay workshop where we found new friends and learned from the best musicians,” says Oli Agustin, bassist of Letter Day Story. “We never expected to win, but when we did, we went straight to recording our first single Ikaw pa Rin, and our first Extended Play Sulat, Araw, Kwento under Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, Inc.” Together with fellow band members Dex Yu (Vocals), Not Vinzons (Guitars) and EJ Arabit (Drums), Letter Day Story made their first music video for Ikaw pa Rin.

On the other hand, the change was a bit more radical for the Davao-based band Eevee composed of Enzo Miguel Villegas (vocals, guitars), Paolo Segura (lead guitars, back-up vocals), Jerrick Sy (bass) and Craig John Neniel (drums). “Everything happened so fast,” shares Villegas. “After the competition, we went home to Davao to celebrate with our families and friends. Next thing we knew, we were back in Manila to make our debut album and our first ever music video. We played bigger gigs, met fellow musicians, and even got to talk to our own music idols. We were so excited about everything and it was a huge rush.”

With all the adjustment they had to make, both Letter Day Story and Eevee share the same enthusiasm and gratitude towards NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool and Sony Music Entertainment for all the support they’ve been given.

Letter Day Story was fortunate enough to have collaborated with Pinoy stars such as Gloc9, Yeng Constantino, and Jaq Dionisio of Kiss Jane. With their full-length album recently released, Letter Day Story has even more to sing about. As Agustin says, “We’ve improved a lot from our first EP Sulat, Araw, Kwento going to our full length album Sama Sama in terms of songwriting, arrangements and our musicality. It was like a trophy and we are very happy to see how we have grown as a band.”

But of course, making their way into the music scene is not a bed of roses for these young artists. Together with their talent managers, Letter Day Story and Eevee continue to hone their craft as musicians despite the rigors of the music industry. However, they remain grounded despite their new-found fame.

“We do our best by just being ourselves,” says Villegas. Eevee’s antidote to all the stress and difficulties they encounter is simply enjoying the music and having fun. “Problems may arise, but Eevee is one strong Pokémon,” Villegas adds.

Needless to say, Letter Day Story and Eevee have embarked on a thrilling ride, and they’re only just beginning. These young musicians simply cannot wait to write more songs, play more gigs, meet new friends, and just enjoy the experience. Both bands are grateful that they took a leap of faith in joining a competition that turned out to be their springboard to fame and success.

“NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool gave us the exposure we needed as a band,” affirms Agustin. “We gained more knowledge about the music industry and we were able to make a name for ourselves.”
As last year’s NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool Grand Winner, Eevee still hasn’t shaken off the shock and disbelief of beating all other college bands and becoming professional recording artists. They are looking forward to an even more exciting future. As Villegas clearly pictures what’s ahead of them, he looks forward to “playing more gigs, meeting new friends, writing more songs, and just having fun. NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool has molded us to become not just musicians but ambassadors of creative artistic expression. We have matured in terms of our music and we won't stop learning. NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool helped us become who we are today,” Villegas concludes.

Sponsors for this year’s NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool are Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, Inc., Sony Philippines, and La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel.

Handa ka na bang sumikat? Be the next story of success and join NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool 2010. Applications are ongoing until September 5, 2010. Contact ActivAsia through 635-4670 or Carla via 0917-8677791 or Magic through 0908-8725890 and get a chance to have that once-in-a-lifetime experience with the music industry’s top executives and hit OPM idols. For more information, log on to http://www.nescafe3in1.com.ph/soundskool.