I grew up in a time where alternative rock was at it’s peak in the Philippines, and it’s one of the things I loved the most about the early 2000s. I’ve come to know bands like Paramore, My Chemical Romance, to local acts like Urbandub and Chicosci have set the bar for the really awesome, guitar-driven music we’ve come to love. I’m honored to be able to feature one of the acts that enjoyed a large following in the Philippine and the Southeast Asian music scene, Typecast frontman Steve Badiola.
How did you start making music and playing guitar?
I grew up in a musical family, my parents used to play in a band together. So, with the musical instruments lying around the house, it's only natural to be interested in learning and playing them. My first instrument was the piano. My father had this Yamaha organ where i used to play True by Spandau Ballet. :)
“Work with what you have, focus on getting better at playing and writing music because that's what's important.”
How did your band start out?
I started the band in my senior year in highschool. The line up back then consisted of Ryan Ronquillo, Melvin Macatiag, and myself. I decided to form Typecast when we got exposed to the underground scene in Laguna.
Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?
I listen to different genres of music and my influences change from time to time. As for my main influence, Kurt Cobain will always be at the top of my list. As you probably know, I don't shred. But I do listen to awesome players from Hendrix to Abasi, but mainly for inspiration and arrangements, or songwriting references.
Photo by RJ Villanueva
Tell us more about your music.
As for Typecast, we just finished the Crows and Vikings tour. Now, I’m working on Typecast’s new release for this year.
Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?
I have 3 main guitars I use at shows:
A D&D Dayglo, a D&D Carly and my Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster.
I've always been a fan of classic Fender guitars, the feel and sound, especially when you slap on humbuckers, I don't know why, but I just like them.
I don't have a favorite guitar per se, as long as it does the job and has the sound I'm looking form, I'm cool.
Right now, I'm working with D&D Custom on my signature guitar. When it's finished, maybe then I'll have my favorite.
Let’s take a look at your pedalboard. What effects do you use live?
My board is pretty straightforward. I use a TC Electronic Polytune Mini, Zvex Fuzz Factory, a Weehbo Bastard Distortion, a TC Electronics Dreamscape Modulation, MXR Carbon Copy Delay, and a Line 6 Verbzilla Reverb. Sometimes I add in a Digitech Bad Monkey Overdrive to give those very clean amps a bit of a crunch. I've used a lot of pedals through the years and so far, this is the most stable setup.
Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?
I use a Kustom KG100HFX on a 4x12 cabinet. I've been using it since the Crows and Vikings tour. It's a loud amp and I love it! It's a hundred-watt valve state so I don't have to worry about tubes breaking and all that jazz. It's a hassle for me sometimes but don't get me wrong, tube amps are still great. I have 30W Tube combo at home. It's much easier to carry a valve state in a tour setup.
What are you listening to right now?
I listen to all kinds of music. I’ve been listening to Reggae these past few months because i’m producing an album for a reggae band. I listen to everything. It keeps my songwriting ideas fresh.
What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do?
Listen to everything. Don't just stick to one genre. What if a Whitney Houston song can help you finish yours? You’ll never know. It's great to own expensive, cool sounding pedals and nerd out. But if you're going to use it for just one part of this one song, to me, that's just a waste. Work with what you have, focus on getting better at playing and writing music because that's what's important.
Check out some of Typecast’s modern classics, plus a very awesome cover below:
Will You Ever Learn
The Boston Drama
Holiday (The Get Up Kids Cover) - Live at Tower of Doom Studios
