The Iloilo City Nightlife Scene: An Interview with Them Bang Bros
Iloilo City’s nightlife is a significant part of its culture, and it’s constantly changing. Local artists and groups, such as THEM BANG BROS, have played a key role in its growth.
Them Bang Bros is a DJ collective from Iloilo, Philippines. Formed in June 2022, the group includes Jason David, Ivan Jucaban, DIMAS, CJ Tanoy, and their newest member, Glock Villalobos. Each member brings a unique DJ style and musical preference, resulting in a distinctive sound. Their popularity has grown steadily, from their early performances at J7 days to their current residency at Drink SLS, where they consistently draw large crowds.
Their goal is to play music the crowd loves while also introducing new sounds and genres, creating a unique experience. A night out with Them Bang Bros is anything but ordinary.
We interviewed THEM BANG BROS to learn more about their role in Iloilo’s nightlife, their guiding principles, their music and style, and their vision for the future.
Them Bang Bros: Members and Roles
DIMAS: THEM BANG BROS consists of Jason David, Ivan Jucaban, DIMAS, CJ Tanoy, and Glock Villalobos. We’ve worked together since 2017, developing our unique sound over the years. Each of us has a specific style and genre preferences. For example, Ivan favors funk and hip-hop, while CJ is more technically oriented and plays baile funk and house.
Them Bang Bros’ Influence on Iloilo’s Nightlife
Jason: We have a significant influence on the current nightlife. We’ve noticed that wherever we perform, the crowds follow. This started when CJ, Dimas, Ivan, and I began playing together at J7 Plaza Hotel Iloilo. We focused on introducing new sounds and revisiting older tracks. As our musical tastes diversified, our style evolved, leading to the creation of TBB.
Ivan: We aim to play what the crowd wants, fulfilling their desire for familiar songs, but we also use the opportunity to introduce them to new music. We were the first to introduce baile funk to Iloilo City. We don’t just play music; we create a show, engaging the audience and ensuring they have a great time until the very end.
Iloilo Crowds vs. Other Cities
Ivan: The Iloilo crowd is distinct. While Ilonggos can be quite reserved initially, once they relax and the music gets going, they really let loose.
Them Bang Bros’ Values and Guidelines
Ivan: TBB operates systematically. We rotate our weekend sets, allowing each member to showcase their style. We work together to manage schedules, accommodating individual bookings outside our residency.
DIMAS: We have an easy-going approach. We support each other with set times and openly discuss any issues, often meeting at our favorite local coffee shop or bar to maintain a positive environment for the team and our community.
Them Bang Bros’ Musical Style and Vibe
Ivan: We’re all about diversity.
DIMAS: I’m known for my bass-heavy sets, but we play a wide range of styles, genres, and eras.
CJ: We incorporate soul, funk, baile funk, disco, 2000s and modern tech house, plus 70s and 80s classics—whatever gets the crowd moving.
Ivan: We’re not focused on creating a specific movement; we want to create a fun atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the music, whether they know it or not.
Jason: We’re not purists; we’ll play what works for the crowd without sacrificing quality. We might surprise people with unexpected genre shifts, but as long as the crowd enjoys it, we’ve achieved our goal.
Joining Them Bang Bros
Ivan: We maintain certain standards. While we appreciate interest from aspiring DJs and MCs, we need to ensure they align with the TBB brand, demonstrating dedication, a genuine love for music, and the right attitude.
DIMAS: The Iloilo nightlife scene is relatively small, so maintaining positive relationships and being open to feedback is essential.
Jason: We’re not actively recruiting. We value friendship and shared passion for music and the scene above all else. We prioritize personality and compatibility, knowing that talent alone isn’t enough to work well together.
Glock: While we all have our flaws, both professionally and personally, we support each other and focus on continual improvement, driven by our love for music and the community.
A Message to Partygoers
Jason: Our residency is at Drink SLS. Weekends there showcase the energy we’ve created. We encourage people to check us out there—we play Thursday through Sunday, with other gigs in between.
Them Bang Bros is more than just a talented DJ collective. Their dedication, passion for music, and commitment to unique experiences have made them essential to Iloilo’s nightlife. They are an inspiration to aspiring artists, showcasing a systematic approach, commitment to quality, and a willingness to innovate. They are shaping Iloilo’s nightlife, one beat at a time.
Read also: Understanding DJ Scenes and the Counter Culture of Nightlife
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