Currently one of the most popular and well-respected artists in the Philippines today, Up Dharma Down is loved not just by music fans but by their fellow musicians, as well as industry insiders who know a good band when they see one.
The group got its name from the concept that states that everything in existence is connected no matter how diverse they are. This is how the band explains their music, having rather dissimilar musical influences that have resulted in a dynamic sound that still meets halfway as it appeals to a certain group of listeners almost everywhere.
The members have combined their love for rock, neo-soul, nu jazz, and electronic music ranging from Jill Scott, Robert Plant, The Blue Nile, Janis Joplin Elton John, Stevie Wonder,David Sylvian,Telefon Tel Aviv, Zero 7, Photek, Portishead, and even movie soundtrack composers, to name only a few on the band’s list of music heroes.
Since departing other bands, the 4 members have made a subconscious merge of an tangled-up, smacked-down groove that has remained unnamed but the likes of which has not been heard since post-rock as a catch all description came out. Up Dharma Down, whom fans and industry insiders alike have described as Eryka Badu meets Zero 7 meets The Sea and Cake, has a become a Philippine household name and their debut album. Fragmented was an immediate Tower Records/ M1 chain bestseller and continues to enjoy brisk sales.
Having been identified by the prestigious BBC as the local band most likely to break into the international market, local fans may soon have to face the prospect of sharing their music idols with the rest of the world.
Up Dharma Down is: Armi Millare [keyboards, vocals, rhythm guitars] Carlos Tanada [lead guitars] Ean Mayor [drums and loops] Paul Yap [bass]
Awards:
NU Rock 2005 In The Raw Award
NU 107 2006 Rock Awards 2006 Best New Artist
NU 107 2006 Rock Awards 2006 Best Female Award
Nominations:
MTV Video Music Awards 2006 Best Video For “Pag-Agos”
MTV Video Music Awards 2006 Best New Artist
NU 107 Rock Awards 2006 Vocalist of the Year
NU 107 Rock Awards 2006 Guitarist of the Year
NU 107 Rock Awards 2006 Bassist of the Year
NU 107 Rock Awards 2006 Rising Sun Award
NU 107 Rock Awards 2006 Song of the Year for "Oo"
NU 107 Rock Awards 2006 Album of the Year "Fragmented"
NU 107 Rock Awards 2006 Up dharma Down for Producer of the Year
Recognitions:
First Filipino Band to be featured on MTV's “Advanced Warning”, showcasing up-and-coming artists in the Asian region
Featured in Mark Coles' BBC Radio Show
Featured in Time asia July 07
[Alt. Rock, Electronica, Soul]
