Rico Blanco
Encyclopedia
Rico Blanco is a Filipino
singer, songwriter
, musician
, record producer
, actor
, and entrepreneur
. As a solo artist and with his former band, Rivermaya
, Blanco has so far recorded, written and produced more local and regional number one hits than any other musician since 1994 and has sold over a million albums in the Philippines and Southeast Asia
.
band Rivermaya
, in varying roles as vocalist, keyboardist
, guitarist
, and main songwriter
from 1993 to 2007.
Aside from his songwriter credits in his solo album and in Rivermaya, Blanco also arranged and wrote music for various side projects such as the United Nations MDG theme "Tayo Tayo Rin", The Philippine Department of Tourism theme "Biyahe Tayo" (both of which were performed by veteran Filipino musicians, such as Freddie Aguilar
, The Apo Hiking Society
, Lea Salonga
, and Sharon Cuneta
). He also co-wrote a theme song for the Southeast Asian Games, "Posible".
Rico Blanco was also a stage and film actor. He starred alongside Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala in the Music Museum and 70's Bistro production of Jesus Christ Superstar and also starred alongside Epy Quizon and Christopher de Leon in the independent film Nasaan si Francis?
. He is also the voice behind Ryusuke (Ray) Minami in the Philippine edition of BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad
. http://philmusic.com/main/content/view/109/1/ He also directed several music videos, won an award for his work as musical scorer/arranger for HIT Productions. Blanco also dabbles in oil painting and photography.
Among the albums Blanco produced are Slapshock
's Project 11-41, Sugarfree's Sa Wakas, The Dawn
's Salamat (Millennium edition single, Teeth
's I Was a Teenage Tree and Rivermaya
's Free album which won him a NU Rock award for Producer of the year. Blanco also used to host MYX Live. He also composed scores for many commercials & other various corporate functions around the Philippines.
In May 2007, Blanco announced his departure from Rivermaya. His last performance with Rivermaya was on May 4, 2007 at the Metro Bar (wherein two other high profile Filipino bands opened the show, Pupil
and Sandwich
; two spin-off bands of the legendary pop-rock group Eraserheads). It was coincidental that Rico’s first gig as singer for Rivermaya was also held at the Metro Bar (formerly known as "Kampo"). Furthermore, first ever Rivermaya gig (where Blanco was keyboardist) was in Las Piñas City in 1993 where the band was the opening act for Eraserheads.
In 2007, he launched a clothing line for a clothing brand in the Philippines, Human. He also spent his time with philanthropic work. In late 2007 he came out of retirement to sing for the Sumilao farmers who walked 1,700 km from Bukidnon
to reach Department of Agrarian Reform in Metro Manila
. Blanco also wrote and produced an electronic dance music song titled "Control" for the album of Nancy Castiglione.
Currently, Rico's live band is usually composed of Robert de la Cruz (of Queso and Skychurch) on drums and Ricci Gurango (formerly of Hungry Young Poets and Mojofly) on bass, while Rico plays guitars and keyboards. Many other session musicians join him on stage from time to time.
In November 2008, Blanco won the "Vocalist of the Year" award in the NU Rock Awards
. In December 2008, he was heralded RX93.1
"OPM Solo Artist of the Year. He also opened for Myx Mo 2008 and performed "Yugto". Aside from his band, The Mandaluyong Children's Choir, Manila Symphony Orchestra
, Kulintang
an musicians (headed by Malou Matute), and various Percussionists (headed by Iggy de Dios), all performed with him. The opening set was touted to be the biggest in the event's history.
In February 2009, he won as "Best New Artist" in the MYX Music Awards 2009
. Then, Blanco was picked by Unilever
Philippines to re-write and sing a version of the regional campaign song of Close Up toothpaste, released a single entitled "Come Closer".
Rico sang together with Imago
vocalist Aia de Leon, and Sandwich frontman Raimund Marasigan
, on “Ako ang Simula”, the theme song for a campaign which calls on Filipinos, especially the youth, to actively participate in the 2010 elections.
When super typhoons ravaged the Philippines in September 2009, Rico responded quickly by writing and recording and releasing "Bangon", to raise awareness and ultimately, funds to help the victims of the typhoons. Rico gave away the song as a free download to give hope to the victims, salute the heroes and inspire people to continue helping. Blanco also said that he is waiving all royalties due to him for the mobile downloads of the song, which he will instead give to affected families.
In December 2009, Blanco launched his new music video for the single "Ayuz", it features his dance tribute to Gene Kelly
and Fred Astaire
, with Cristine Reyes
as special guest.
In May 2010, Blanco was announced to be on the cast of ABS-CBN
's newest TV series Imortal which stars John Lloyd Cruz
and Angel Locsin
, Blanco also sang the song "Kahit Walang Sabihin" for the said TV series. This was followed by the launch of Rico Blanco's very own company, Balcony Entertainment, in cooperation with Warner Music Philippines.
The same year, Rico Blanco launched his first album "Your Universe" in other Asian countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong. The Asian release featured a new single "Neon Lights", the song quickly gained the number 1 spot in Hong Kong charts beating other artists such as Justin Bieber
, Wonder Girls
and Mika
.
In March 2011, Sesame Street
Philippines went into partnership with Blanco to launch the new education campaign called Sesame Street "Kid Ako". The campaign will launch in schools which will use Sesame Street books and videos to help encourage learning among kids at an early age. Blanco is also set to make two songs for the campaign.
, jazz and 1970s rock. He moved on to appreciate late 1970s to 1980s punk rock, post punk, synth pop and new wave artists (mostly from the U.K.) such as XTC
, The Cure
, The Smiths
, U2
, Echo & the Bunnymen
, The Sex Pistols, The Clash
, Depeche Mode
, Kraftwerk
, OMD
, Tears for Fears
, Ultravox
, New Order
, Madness
, Terry Hall
, Siouxsie & the Banshees
, Midnight Oil
(Aus), among others. He also listened to Filipino artists such as Deans December, Violent Playground, Identity Crisis, Urban Bandits, Joey Ayala
, among others. The music he listened to while growing up is largely credited for his musical style.http://www.myspace.com/ricoblancomusic
Rico Blanco is also a partner in Capone's Makati with Mark Escueta (former bandmate in Rivermaya
) and many others, and also Aruba Metrowalk, two restaurant/bars located in Metro Manila.
In 2010, Rico established Loudbox, an audio production/post studio mainly catering to the Advertising industry. His business partners are Manuel Legarda of Wolfgang
, Sach Castillo, Allan Feliciano and Edsel Tolentino.
Also on the same year, Rico launched his own clothing brand named KOBOI, located at San Juan City, Manila.
Filipino people
The Filipino people or Filipinos are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the islands of the Philippines. There are about 92 million Filipinos in the Philippines, and about 11 million living outside the Philippines ....
singer, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
, record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, and entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative.The term was originally a loanword from French and was first defined by the Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon. Entrepreneur in English is a term applied to a person who is willing to...
. As a solo artist and with his former band, Rivermaya
Rivermaya
Rivermaya is one of the most influential, critically acclaimed and significant Filipino rock band formed in 1993. They are one of the several bands who spearheads the 90s Philippine alternative rock explosion...
, Blanco has so far recorded, written and produced more local and regional number one hits than any other musician since 1994 and has sold over a million albums in the Philippines and Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
.
Career
Rico was one of the founding members of Filipino rockPinoy rock
Pinoy rock, or Filipino rock, is the brand of rock music produced in the Philippines or by Filipinos. It has become as diverse as the rock music genre itself, and bands adopting this style are now further classified under more specific genres or combinations of genres like alternative rock,...
band Rivermaya
Rivermaya
Rivermaya is one of the most influential, critically acclaimed and significant Filipino rock band formed in 1993. They are one of the several bands who spearheads the 90s Philippine alternative rock explosion...
, in varying roles as vocalist, keyboardist
Keyboardist
A keyboardist is a musician who plays keyboard instruments. Until the early 1960s musicians who played keyboards were generally classified as either pianists or organists. Since the mid-1960s, a plethora of new musical instruments with keyboards have come into common usage, requiring a more...
, guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
, and main songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
from 1993 to 2007.
Aside from his songwriter credits in his solo album and in Rivermaya, Blanco also arranged and wrote music for various side projects such as the United Nations MDG theme "Tayo Tayo Rin", The Philippine Department of Tourism theme "Biyahe Tayo" (both of which were performed by veteran Filipino musicians, such as Freddie Aguilar
Freddie Aguilar
Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar , better known as Freddie Aguilar, is a folk musician from the Philippines. He is best known for his rendition of "Bayan Ko", which became the anthem for the opposition to the Marcos regime during the 1986 People Power Revolution, and for his song "Anak", the best-selling...
, The Apo Hiking Society
APO Hiking Society
The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, later popularly known as Apo Hiking Society or, simply, Apo, was a Filipino musical group. The group had its fledgling beginnings in 1969 at the Ateneo de Manila high school, with thirteen members: Lito de Joya, Sonny Santiago, Gus Cosio, Renato Garcia, Chito...
, Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga-Chien is a mezzo-soprano singer and actress from the Philippines well known for originating the lead role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, for which she won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Theatre World awards.She was the first Asian to play the roles of Éponine and...
, and Sharon Cuneta
Sharon Cuneta
Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, better known as Sharon Cuneta, is a popular and multi-awarded Filipino singer, actress and TV host dubbed as Megastar of Philippine Entertainment, fondly called Mega by fans and people from the entertainment industry....
). He also co-wrote a theme song for the Southeast Asian Games, "Posible".
Rico Blanco was also a stage and film actor. He starred alongside Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala in the Music Museum and 70's Bistro production of Jesus Christ Superstar and also starred alongside Epy Quizon and Christopher de Leon in the independent film Nasaan si Francis?
Nasaan si Francis?
Nasaan si Francis ? is 2006 Filipino comedy film by Gabriel Fernandez which stars Rivermaya vocalist Rico Blanco, Paolo Contis and Christopher De Leon...
. He is also the voice behind Ryusuke (Ray) Minami in the Philippine edition of BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad
BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad
BECK is a manga by Harold Sakuishi published by Kodansha in Monthly Shōnen Magazine. It was adapted as an anime television series with the title BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad...
. http://philmusic.com/main/content/view/109/1/ He also directed several music videos, won an award for his work as musical scorer/arranger for HIT Productions. Blanco also dabbles in oil painting and photography.
Among the albums Blanco produced are Slapshock
Slapshock
Slapshock is a rock band from Manila, Philippines. Formed in 1996 originally as a rap metal act, significantly being compared with Korn. Their recent material were now under the metalcore genre.- Background :...
's Project 11-41, Sugarfree's Sa Wakas, The Dawn
The Dawn (band)
The Dawn is a Filipino rock band which first achieved commercial success during the late 1980s in the Philippines. The band broke up in 1995 with lead vocalist Jett Pangan forming another band, the Jett Pangan Group. The Dawn reunited in late 1999...
's Salamat (Millennium edition single, Teeth
The Teeth (Filipino band)
-History:The Filipino Grunge band Teeth was born during the alternative rock boom of the 1990s and exploded onto the airwaves with laklak, a tale of youthful excess that became an anthem for drinking. The track topped the charts of the Philippines' adventurous alternative rock station LA-105 for 12...
's I Was a Teenage Tree and Rivermaya
Rivermaya
Rivermaya is one of the most influential, critically acclaimed and significant Filipino rock band formed in 1993. They are one of the several bands who spearheads the 90s Philippine alternative rock explosion...
's Free album which won him a NU Rock award for Producer of the year. Blanco also used to host MYX Live. He also composed scores for many commercials & other various corporate functions around the Philippines.
In May 2007, Blanco announced his departure from Rivermaya. His last performance with Rivermaya was on May 4, 2007 at the Metro Bar (wherein two other high profile Filipino bands opened the show, Pupil
Pupil (band)
Pupil is a Filipino rock band composed of Ely Buendia on frontman duties and guitars, Yan Yuzon on lead guitar, Dok Sergio on bass and Wendell Garcia on drums.-Formation:...
and Sandwich
Sandwich (band)
Sandwich is a Filipino rock band that was formed in 1995 by Raimund Marasigan and Diego Castillo for the purpose of fulfilling their mutual desire to work together. Castillo recruited former band mates from The Aga Muhlach Experience Mike Dizon to play drums and Myrene Academia to handle bass...
; two spin-off bands of the legendary pop-rock group Eraserheads). It was coincidental that Rico’s first gig as singer for Rivermaya was also held at the Metro Bar (formerly known as "Kampo"). Furthermore, first ever Rivermaya gig (where Blanco was keyboardist) was in Las Piñas City in 1993 where the band was the opening act for Eraserheads.
In 2007, he launched a clothing line for a clothing brand in the Philippines, Human. He also spent his time with philanthropic work. In late 2007 he came out of retirement to sing for the Sumilao farmers who walked 1,700 km from Bukidnon
Bukidnon
Bukidnon is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Malaybalay City. The province borders, clockwise starting from the north, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, and Lanao del Norte.Bukidnon is...
to reach Department of Agrarian Reform in Metro Manila
Metro Manila
Metropolitan Manila , the National Capital Region , or simply Metro Manila, is the metropolitan region encompassing the City of Manila and its surrounding areas in the Philippines...
. Blanco also wrote and produced an electronic dance music song titled "Control" for the album of Nancy Castiglione.
Solo artist
On June 12, 2008 Warner Music Philippines, launched Rico Blanco's first single “Yugto” which marked his entry in the Filipino music industry as a solo artist. Critics and music fans immediately hail it as a "neo-epic". The song won a host of awards, among them 4 major Awit awards including Song of the Year. His first album titled "Your Universe" was released on August 8, 2008 (08/08/'08). The 10-track CD is a unique fusion of diverse sounds, among them the ethno-rock "Yugto", the heart-tugging title track "Your Universe", the rockabilly/punk feel of "Ayuz", the sweet, Pinoy-folk "Para Hindi Ka Mawala", and the sing-along anthem "Antukin". Also notable is his return to his roots as a keyboard player as evidenced by the infusion of synthesizer and electronic elements throughout the album. Incidentally, Warner Music Philippines are known for disbanding bands and turning their respective lead vocalists into solo artists.Currently, Rico's live band is usually composed of Robert de la Cruz (of Queso and Skychurch) on drums and Ricci Gurango (formerly of Hungry Young Poets and Mojofly) on bass, while Rico plays guitars and keyboards. Many other session musicians join him on stage from time to time.
In November 2008, Blanco won the "Vocalist of the Year" award in the NU Rock Awards
NU Rock Awards
The NU Rock Awards was an annual recognition program sponsored from 1994 to 2010 by the defunct Metro Manila based radio station NU 107.1. 1994 saw the birth of what is to become the biggest annual gathering of the finest rock musicians in the country—the NU 107 Rock Awards! The very first NU 107...
. In December 2008, he was heralded RX93.1
Monster Radio RX 93.1
DWRX, currently branded as Monster Radio 93.1, is a music FM radio station owned by Audiovisual Communicators Inc. in the Philippines. The station's studio is located at the 17th floor of Strata 2000 Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City...
"OPM Solo Artist of the Year. He also opened for Myx Mo 2008 and performed "Yugto". Aside from his band, The Mandaluyong Children's Choir, Manila Symphony Orchestra
Manila Symphony Orchestra
The Manila Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest orchestras in Asia. Founded by Dr. Alexander Lippay in 1926, the orchestra has played a major role in Philippine history...
, Kulintang
Kulintang
Kulintang is a modern term for an ancient instrumental form of music composed on a row of small, horizontally-laid gongs that function melodically, accompanied by larger, suspended gongs and drums...
an musicians (headed by Malou Matute), and various Percussionists (headed by Iggy de Dios), all performed with him. The opening set was touted to be the biggest in the event's history.
In February 2009, he won as "Best New Artist" in the MYX Music Awards 2009
Myx Music Awards
The MYX Music Awards honor the biggest hitmakers in the Philippines. They debuted on MYX at Onstage Greenbelt on June 6, 2006.MYX viewers from all over the Philippines decide the winners in 17 major categories via sms text messaging....
. Then, Blanco was picked by Unilever
Unilever
Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational corporation that owns many of the world's consumer product brands in foods, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products....
Philippines to re-write and sing a version of the regional campaign song of Close Up toothpaste, released a single entitled "Come Closer".
Rico sang together with Imago
Imago (band)
Imago is a Filipino pop rock band composed of Aia De Leon, Myrene "Maps" Academia , Tim Cacho and Zach Lucero known for songs such as Akap, Anino, Ewan, Taralets and Sundo.-History:...
vocalist Aia de Leon, and Sandwich frontman Raimund Marasigan
Raimund Marasigan
Raimund Emmanuel Parcon Marasigan, or simply known as Raimund Marasigan, is a ballad musician and record producer in the Philippines. Oftentimes, his first name is misspelled as Raymond, Raymund, Raimond and other variants. The breadth of his projects has made him one of the most well-respected...
, on “Ako ang Simula”, the theme song for a campaign which calls on Filipinos, especially the youth, to actively participate in the 2010 elections.
When super typhoons ravaged the Philippines in September 2009, Rico responded quickly by writing and recording and releasing "Bangon", to raise awareness and ultimately, funds to help the victims of the typhoons. Rico gave away the song as a free download to give hope to the victims, salute the heroes and inspire people to continue helping. Blanco also said that he is waiving all royalties due to him for the mobile downloads of the song, which he will instead give to affected families.
In December 2009, Blanco launched his new music video for the single "Ayuz", it features his dance tribute to Gene Kelly
Gene Kelly
Eugene Curran "Gene" Kelly was an American dancer, actor, singer, film director and producer, and choreographer...
and Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire was an American film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer and actor. His stage and subsequent film career spanned a total of 76 years, during which he made 31 musical films. He was named the fifth Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute...
, with Cristine Reyes
Cristine Reyes
Ara Maria Cristine Reyes , better known as Cristine Reyes, is a Filipina Actress. She became a contestant of GMA-7's reality TV program, StarStruck. She is presently managed by Viva Artists Agency and a contract artist of ABS-CBN...
as special guest.
In May 2010, Blanco was announced to be on the cast of ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN
ABS–CBN Corporation is a Philippine-based media conglomerate. It is the Philippines' largest media and entertainment conglomerate. The corporation was the merger of Alto Broadcasting System which at that time owned by James Lindenberg and Antonio Quirino, and the Chronicle Broadcasting Network ...
's newest TV series Imortal which stars John Lloyd Cruz
John Lloyd Cruz
John Lloyd Espidol Cruz is an award-winning Filipino actor, Box-Office King, model, and occasional TV host.His father is Luisito Llora Cruz. His career started with appearances in numerous teen-oriented movies and TV shows. He is a member of ABS-CBN's Star Magic, where he is an alumni member of...
and Angel Locsin
Angel Locsin
Angel Locsin is a Filipina television and film actress and commercial model. Aside from this, she is also a film producer and fashion designer....
, Blanco also sang the song "Kahit Walang Sabihin" for the said TV series. This was followed by the launch of Rico Blanco's very own company, Balcony Entertainment, in cooperation with Warner Music Philippines.
The same year, Rico Blanco launched his first album "Your Universe" in other Asian countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong. The Asian release featured a new single "Neon Lights", the song quickly gained the number 1 spot in Hong Kong charts beating other artists such as Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber
Justin Drew Bieber is a Canadian pop/R&B singer, songwriter and actor. Bieber was discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun, who came across Bieber's videos on YouTube and later became his manager...
, Wonder Girls
Wonder Girls
Wonder Girls is a South Korean girl group. Its producer and manager is singer-songwriter Park Jin-Young and the Wonder Girls is signed to his talent agency, JYP Entertainment. Each of the five original members were selected through auditions...
and Mika
Mika
Mika may refer to:* Mika , a singer-songwriter based in London* FC MIKA, Armenian football team**Mika Stadium-Male given name :* Mika Aaltonen , Finnish football player...
.
In March 2011, Sesame Street
Sesame Street
Sesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
Philippines went into partnership with Blanco to launch the new education campaign called Sesame Street "Kid Ako". The campaign will launch in schools which will use Sesame Street books and videos to help encourage learning among kids at an early age. Blanco is also set to make two songs for the campaign.
Musical influences
At a young age, Rico listened heavily to his uncle's records which included The BeatlesThe Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
, jazz and 1970s rock. He moved on to appreciate late 1970s to 1980s punk rock, post punk, synth pop and new wave artists (mostly from the U.K.) such as XTC
XTC
XTC were a New Wave band from Swindon, England, active between 1976 and 2005. The band enjoyed some chart success, including the UK and Canadian hits "Making Plans for Nigel" and "Senses Working Overtime" , but are perhaps even better known for their long-standing critical success.- Early years:...
, The Cure
The Cure
The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
, The Smiths
The Smiths
The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr , the band also included Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce...
, U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
, Echo & the Bunnymen
Echo & the Bunnymen
Echo & the Bunnymen are an English post-punk band, formed in Liverpool in 1978. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Ian McCulloch, guitarist Will Sergeant and bass player Les Pattinson, supplemented by a drum machine. By 1980, Pete de Freitas had joined as the band's drummer, and their debut...
, The Sex Pistols, The Clash
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
, Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke...
, Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk is an influential electronic music band from Düsseldorf, Germany. The group was formed by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in 1970, and was fronted by them until Schneider's departure in 2008...
, OMD
OMD
OMD may stand for:* Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark , British synthpop group* Ozark Mountain Daredevils, rock group* OMD , media agency owned by the Omnicom Group* Spider-Man: One More Day, a controversial 2007 Spider-Man storyline...
, Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears are an English new wave band formed in the early 1980s by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.Founded after the dissolution of their first band, the mod-influenced Graduate, they were initially associated with the New Wave synthesiser bands of the early 1980s but later branched out into...
, Ultravox
Ultravox
Ultravox is a British New Wave rock band. They were one of the primary exponents of the British electronic pop music movement of the late 1970s/early 1980s. The band was particularly associated with the New Romantic and New Wave movements....
, New Order
New Order
New Order are an English rock band formed in 1980 by Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris...
, Madness
Madness (band)
In 1979, the band recorded the Lee Thompson composition "The Prince". The song, like the band's name, paid homage to their idol, Prince Buster. The song was released through 2 Tone Records, the label of The Specials founder Jerry Dammers. The song was a surprise hit, peaking in the UK music charts...
, Terry Hall
Terry Hall (singer)
Terry Hall is the lead singer of The Specials, and formerly of Fun Boy Three, The Colourfield, Terry, Blair & Anouchka and Vegas. He has released two solo albums and has also collaborated with many artists including David A...
, Siouxsie & the Banshees
Siouxsie & the Banshees
Siouxsie and the Banshees were a British rock band formed in 1976 by vocalist Siouxsie Sioux and bassist Steven Severin. Initially associated with the English punk rock scene, the band rapidly evolved to create "a form of post-punk discord full of daring rhythmic and sonic experimentation"...
, Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil , were an Australian rock band from Sydney originally performing as Farm from 1972 with drummer Rob Hirst, bass guitarist Andrew James and keyboard player/lead guitarist Jim Moginie...
(Aus), among others. He also listened to Filipino artists such as Deans December, Violent Playground, Identity Crisis, Urban Bandits, Joey Ayala
Joey Ayala
Joey Ayala is a contemporary pop music artist in the Philippines. He is well known for his style of music that combines the sounds of Filipino ethnic instruments with modern pop music. His professional music career started when he released an album recorded in a makeshift-studio in 1982...
, among others. The music he listened to while growing up is largely credited for his musical style.http://www.myspace.com/ricoblancomusic
Endorsements and Business interests
A trendsetter, Rico Blanco and his wide influence has always made him one of the most sought after endorsers. He has already endorsed brands in telecom, fastfood, clothing, home entertainment, and alcoholic beverages, among many others.Rico Blanco is also a partner in Capone's Makati with Mark Escueta (former bandmate in Rivermaya
Rivermaya
Rivermaya is one of the most influential, critically acclaimed and significant Filipino rock band formed in 1993. They are one of the several bands who spearheads the 90s Philippine alternative rock explosion...
) and many others, and also Aruba Metrowalk, two restaurant/bars located in Metro Manila.
In 2010, Rico established Loudbox, an audio production/post studio mainly catering to the Advertising industry. His business partners are Manuel Legarda of Wolfgang
Wolfgang (Filipino band)
Wolfgang is a Filipino heavy metal, hard rock and grunge band formed around 1992 in Manila, Philippines. Wolfgang is notable for being the only Filipino rock band to release albums in Japan and the United States and for realizing Platinum record sales in their home country...
, Sach Castillo, Allan Feliciano and Edsel Tolentino.
Also on the same year, Rico launched his own clothing brand named KOBOI, located at San Juan City, Manila.
Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Note(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Nasaan si Francis? Nasaan si Francis? Nasaan si Francis ? is 2006 Filipino comedy film by Gabriel Fernandez which stars Rivermaya vocalist Rico Blanco, Paolo Contis and Christopher De Leon... |
Sonny | Film |
| 2010–2011 | Imortal Imortal Imortal is a Philippine supernatural–fantasy horror and political thriller TV series produced by ABS-CBN. Starring Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz. It's a sequel to the 2008 fantasy series, Lobo.-Prequel:... |
Lucas Teodoro | Television (ABS-CBN ABS-CBN ABS–CBN Corporation is a Philippine-based media conglomerate. It is the Philippines' largest media and entertainment conglomerate. The corporation was the merger of Alto Broadcasting System which at that time owned by James Lindenberg and Antonio Quirino, and the Chronicle Broadcasting Network ... ) |
Albums
| Year | Album Title | Certifications | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Your Universe Your Universe -Track listing:-Personnel:* Rico Blanco - Guitars, Bass, Drums, Piano, Synths, Programming* Nathan Azarcon - Bass on "Your Universe"* Buddy Zabala - Bass on "Say Forever"* Louie Talan - Bass on "Yugto"... |
– | Warner Music Philippines Warner Music Group Warner Music Group is the third largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry, making it one of the big four record companies... |
| 2011 | Your Universe Deluxe + Kahit Walang Sabihin (2-disc Set) |
– | |
Singles
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Yugto | Your Universe Your Universe -Track listing:-Personnel:* Rico Blanco - Guitars, Bass, Drums, Piano, Synths, Programming* Nathan Azarcon - Bass on "Your Universe"* Buddy Zabala - Bass on "Say Forever"* Louie Talan - Bass on "Yugto"... |
| Your Universe | ||
| 2009 | Antukin | |
| Ayuz | ||
| Bangon | ||
| 2011 | Kahit Walang Sabihin | Your Universe Your Universe -Track listing:-Personnel:* Rico Blanco - Guitars, Bass, Drums, Piano, Synths, Programming* Nathan Azarcon - Bass on "Your Universe"* Buddy Zabala - Bass on "Say Forever"* Louie Talan - Bass on "Yugto"... Deluxe + Kahit Walang Sabihin (2-disc Set) |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Yugto | King Palisoc |
| Your Universe | ||
| 2009 | Antukin |
Awards and recognitions
| Year | Ceremony | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | NU Rock Awards NU Rock Awards The NU Rock Awards was an annual recognition program sponsored from 1994 to 2010 by the defunct Metro Manila based radio station NU 107.1. 1994 saw the birth of what is to become the biggest annual gathering of the finest rock musicians in the country—the NU 107 Rock Awards! The very first NU 107... |
Vocalist of the Year | |
| RX93.1 FM | OPM Solo Artist of the Year | ||
| 2009 | Myx Music Awards | Favorite New Artist | |
| 1st Philippine Radio Music Awards | Best New Artist | ||
| Best Solo Artist | |||
| Album of the Year ("Your Universe") | |||
| NU Rock Awards | Song of the Year ("Antukin") | ||
| RX93.1 FM | OPM Male Artist of the Year | ||
| Awit Awards Awit Awards The Awit Awards is the longest-running award-giving body of the Philippines that gives recognition to Filipino musical talents, performing artists and producers it was Philippines equivalent to Grammy Awards, organized by the Philippine Association Of The Record Industry .-Objectives and Winner... |
Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist ("Yugto") | ||
| Song of the Year ("Yugto") | |||
| Best Musical Arrangement ("Yugto") | |||
| Best Engineered Recording (Angee Rozul - "Yugto") | |||
External links
- Blanco's Official Website http://www.ricoblanco.com.ph
- Blanco's Official Facebook Artist Page http://www.facebook.com/ricoblanconews
- Blanco's Official Blog http://lagunaboy.com/