Yael on Sponge Cola's longevity
Sponge Cola has been together for almost a decade. Since its formation in 2002, the band has produced several hits and number one albums. So how come they’re still together after all these years?
“The name of game is personal relationships. They’re my friends, e. So I think that’s the secret,” band vocalist Yael Yuzon told members of the press in an interview.
According to the Yael, the band members— guitarist Armo Armovit, drummer Ted Cruz, and bassist Gosh Dilay—are “friends first” before anything else.
“We’re friends first, band second. Parang, kakilala ko na sila, hindi ko pa sila bandmates. Hindi lang kami nagwo-work o nagper-perform. Interesado kami sa mga buhay ng isa’t isa. They’re my friends, e. So I think that’s the secret,” he explained. “The name of game is personal relationships.”
It helps that Yael never considered going solo.
“Ayoko e. Masyado akong nage-enjoy kasama sila. Hindi ko nai-imagine ang sarili ko na hindi sila kasama,” he said.
Another milestone
The band’s solidarity recently paid off yet again, as Sponge Cola performed at the 2012 Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee.
The band performed with established international artists such as Al Green, Megadeth, and Evanescence, among others. Yael said performing with such big names in the music industry is in itself an achievement for Sponge Cola.
Does the group consider this gig its biggest break so far?
“For me kasi, ang biggest break namin was when we decided to form the band,” Yael said.
He explained, “ Yung feeling lang na just to be able to write a song and perform it to other people. But of course, like in terms of possibilities and the audience, parang ito yung pinakamalaki so far.”
Support from Karylle
Although Yael is still mum about his relationship with rumored girlfriend Karylle, the Sponge Cola front man said the “It’s Showtime”co-host is very supportive of the band.
“She’s happy for the band also. She’s been supportive ever since. And kami naman, we’re happy for her,” he said, citing Karylle’s Monte Carlo TV Festival acting nomination and “The Kitchen Musical’s” win at the recently-concluded New York TV Festivals.
“Parang, we’re happy for everyone. And we’re happy ang Filipinos ay nakikita sa ibang bansa at nage-excel.”
