PRECAL DROPOUTS
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Precal Dropouts is an experimental rock project from Davao City, Philippines. The band is composed of highschool friends Joshua Gavin Azupardo , Jan Mark Gestuveo, Ben Jabez Necosia and later joined by Neilcon Duanne Abellano, Ivan Leiwell Ladaga and Dee.
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As a trio, they released their debut EP "Little One, Travel Far" on May 4, 2023 to critical acclaim. It was featured on CNN Philippines' Best Filipino Albums list and was top 14 on The Flying Lugaw's Best Releases of 2023. It was also featured on the Best Filipino Music of 2023 episode of the podcast Foaming at the Mouth by Diego Castillo (of Sandwich). Since coming into the Davao indie scene, they have quickly captivated audiences with their energetic live performances and sincere music.
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After a series of headline shows in Davao and a tour at Metro Manila for Fete de la Musique 2024, they released their debut full length album Eagles Shall Prosper to critical acclaim. It was named one of the best albums of 2024 by Billboard Philippines. It also appeared on the number 12 spot of The Flying Lugaw's Best Filipino Releases of 2023.
MEET THE TEAM
Gavin Azupardo is the lead composer, producer, guitarist and one of the lead vocalists. His blaring, sometimes atmospheric, sometimes synth-esque, experimental guitar leads and arpeggios are a main stay in our sound. The band's master of timbre, if you will. He is also a multi-instrumentalist who plays bass, upright bass, flute, piano, harmonica and as mentioned earlier, guitar.
Ben Jabez "BJ/Beejay" Necosia is one of the main vocalists, rhythm guitarist and lyricist of the band. His introspective lyrics and poetic and theatrical lyrical/vocal delivery is another staple in the band's material. Responsible for the yearing in "Daragang Magayon" and the free flowing poetry of "Paglipad".
He is responible for the reverbed rhythm guitars found throughout our discography.
Neilcon Duanne Abellano is the backbone of the band, when everyone else is going crazy, he is there to keep the pocket in. A drummer since he was a wee young lad, Neil has bought his church, new wave, post punk, grunge beats to aid the rest of the band's experimental instrumental flavours.
Jan Mark Gestuveo is our blazing spearhead. A master of noise and energy. He mainly plays guitar and is one of the three lead vocalists in the band. He is responsible for the syncopated arpeggios and explosive distorted guitar riffs heard in our songs. His energy and crowd work is a staple in every Precal Dropouts show, A true showman.
Edwin "Dee" Hermogenes, a foremost a guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter, and producer, Dee blends together indie, alternative , and psychedelia keeping things upbeat, light and fun but most importantly cool. Is groovy not only in Precal, but also in his solo work. Dee is a front man for the new age quote “ Destiny is a way to rock your world, all and over “. Responsible for the groove and low-end growls in our music.
Ivan Leiwell Ladaga is resident music theory whiz. He is responsible for the droning piano's in Daragang Magayon and the saw synths in There & Back Again. He gets to show off his godly piano skills in the live version of Moving Fourth where he plays a piano solo filled with borrowed chords, jarring voicings and unexpected quotes that'll make you giggle in disbelief.