US pop rock band The Tide makes waves at 4 Ayala Malls
During its first performance in Manila in January 2016, the American pop rock band The Tide was just a front act for the British pop band The Vamps. This year, the fast-rising foursome — with a growing fan base worldwide including Southeast Asia — returned as a main act in a series of shows at four Ayala Malls over the weekend.
And this was to fulfill the wishes of Metro Manila’s young mallgoers who were clamoring for The Tide’s encore as “the newest and hottest pop rock act on the planet today,” according to Rowena Tomeldan, head of Ayala Malls Group.
The Tide, nevertheless, clarifies that there’s really no pressure to overtake other boybands in the global hit charts much less fill the void left by One Direction, undoubtedly the No. 1 boyband in most recent years.
What the boys of the Los Angeles-based band want at this point in their infant career is to have fun and savor the moment with their millennial fans, while gradually amplifying the group’s discography to sustain their popularity.
“Honestly, we don’t really focus on competing with other bands,” declared bass guitarist Levi Jones, 19, at a press conference at Hard Rock Café, Glorietta 3 hosted by the vibrant MYX VJ Sunny Kim. “We just do what we love and if it works out, it works out. There might be competition, but if other bands make it, good for them. And if we make it, that’s good for us.”
“As long as we’re writing songs and making music that helps people have a good time, it doesn’t really matter if we become the next One Direction or not,” added lead guitarist Drew Dirksen.
The Tide got first noticed on YouTube for unique covers of hits by One Direction, The Weeknd and The 1975. In just over two years, the group has claimed international fame for its head-spinning anthem Young Love and the inspirational single Click My Fingers.
It is now making waves across the globe by headlining for The Vamps, which signed The Tide under its record label EMI Universal in February 2016, and filling its own concert arenas in the US, United Kingdom and Southeast Asia.
Lead vocalist Austin Corini said their fans and their adulation provide them “so much drive and inspiration” to give their best.
“Our fans have changed our lives and they’re so supportive and help us so much,” Austin shared.
“The fans empower us,” exclaimed drummer Nate Parker.
As the exclusive mall-partner of The Tides, Ayala Mall’s series of free concerts for the public was held last March 31 at Glorietta and Trinoma, and yesterday at Market! Market! and Alabang Town Center.