MANILA, Philippines?There was a time when becoming music?s next ?it? thing means having the right connections. Thanks to Nokia?s Independent Artist?s Club, you just need to sign up and you could very well be taking your first steps to becoming the next music idol across the Asian region.

Celestial Band

Astrojuan is composed of Jeff Tuason on vocals, Randy Echaus on guitars, Mikel Garcia on bass and Iking Uy on drums. ?We?ve been together for around two years, since our senior year in Ateneo de Manila University. Our music is a fusion of sorts: rock, funk, jazz, alternative music driven by heavy riffs with groovy progressions that exude this energy of galactic proportions!?

?We believe that the growing local music scene has lots of talent just waiting to be discovered so we wanted to be different and sound different while also keeping our Filipino identity. Since ?Juan? captures all that is Pinoy; we came up with the name Astrojuan; Pinoy music in it?s celestial form.?

For those who aren?t familiar with the music of Astrojuan, they can recommend lending their ears to their song called, ?Itch.? ?It exemplifies what Astrojuan music is all about. It?s a head banging, body shaking, energy driven song that will make listeners keep wanting for more.?

Busy Juans

?Aside from a few gigs here and there, we are currently recording songs at Circus studios with Niño Avenido and Al ?Boom? Albert for our upcoming EP.? You can catch Astrojuan live at every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Kampai, Katipunan. For gig schedules and band updates, log on to www.astrojuan.multiply.com

?Nokia is providing an avenue online wherein independent artists can be heard and be appreciated and we fully support it. Twinkie Lagdameo was kind enough to include us for the recently concluded Nokia-IAC Manila bar tour with Urbandub and The Dawn.?

Like Astrojuan, sign up at the Independent Artists Club (IAC)! To upload your songs, go to www.nokia-asia.com/iac/submissions.

Free Recording Sessions

Don?t have a decent demo to send out to the musical big wigs? Nokia is inviting aspiring musicians to record their original music with the industry?s best! Be one of the lucky 40 participants who will get a chance to be able to work with soundmasters Louie Talan of Wombworks and Pat Jalbuena of Kerplunk! Studios. Send in your rough demos, profile (including music influences) to Nokia IAC, 40th Floor, Philamlife Tower, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.