Almost at the heart of a busy city
called Belize a band practices upstairs of a local pizza restaurant. They
dedicate hours to what they do, perfecting their sound and making every harmony
count. This band is known as The Remaining. They are currently a cover band,
covering musical genres such as, but not limited to alternative rock, reggae
and dancehall.
This band boasts a multi-talented 6 piece ensemble. There are 2 guitarists – Daniel Ortiz and Nick Gomez. In addition, there is also Drew Gill the bassist/ keyboardist, Cindy Burgos the violinist and Alexander Evans on drums. Lead vocals are provided by Edwina Logan and Nick Gomez. The Remaining was officially formed in the summer of 2011, with their namesake describing their story of musicians that have all played in different bands together and were essentially the ones that remained in Belize to continue their musical career.
The Remaining has performed at
various local events such as the Belize City Street Art Festival hosted by ICA
(Institute of Creative Arts) and the Belize Music Award’s After-bash show. They
have been invited several times to perform on Channel Five’s Open Your Eyes
Television Show and Belizean To Da Bone’s The Link Belize Show.
They have
organized several rock concerts at Thirsty Thursday’s Restaurant and Bar, which
has helped to launch themselves on to the musical scene. Their audiences have
ranged from young kids, young adults, older folks and more recently teenagers
from various high schools in Belize City in Jenko Veli’s Black Guayabera Tour. The Remaining have since been performing with local artists Jenko Veli and Nello Player through 2012 helping them to bring spread the their
music which is a symbol of patriotism in Belize.
Even though The Remaining’s main genre
is alternative, they refuse to be constricted to such musical limitations. This
can be seen with the local Belizean artists that they have worked with such as
Jenko Veli, Nello-Player, Blak Berry, Leslie “Bastic” Jenkins, Mistah Geeh, Denise Castillo, Ernestine Carballo, Tricia Gabourel, Melonie Gillett, Channelle Parks, Jackie Castillo, and fellow
rock bands Echoes, Verge of Umbra and Ascenthium. These guys even got to meet popular Jamaican artist, Konshens, earlier in 2013.
“We want to be set apart from the
stereotypical rock band image. We’re flexible and creative with whatever song
we are asked to cover. Every single one of our members has something to bring
to the table.” – Cindy Burgos. On a regular night of practice Alex can be found
not only behind the drums but directing and arranging music for the others to
play. Daniel Ortiz, a fast learner, perfects his solos and plays them as if you
were hearing the original track. Leon and Edwina take this approach as well
when they practice their vocals. Drew Gill often can be found grooving on a
catchy bass line or behind the keyboard filling in intricate melodies. Cindy,
on the violin, is like the cherry on their cake, adding that extra something
that makes the band unique and intriguing to watch live on stage.
Although The Remaining is one of
Belize’s upcoming bands, their main goal is to be set apart from the rest, not
just as a rock band, but a band that takes full advantage of the talent of each
of its members; a band that gives an amazing performance both visually and
musically. In the near future the band plans to work on original songs and
hopefully record them. For now, they continue their passion – music.
Yeah Guys!!!! It's truly great to see this article published in such a magazine. You guys deserve the publicity...you've worked hard and sound great!!! Keep up the good work!!!
ReplyDeleteDelmar