History
Franco started as a collaboration project between its members, who are veterans of the Pinoy rock scene. However, Franco's roots are traced from the Cebu-based band Frank, which Reyes formed in 1996. Frank was one of the bands that boosted the Cebu rock scene, In late 2008, Gabby Alipe, Mendoza, Toleran and Meneses collaborated with Reyes, who returned to the Philippines, to form Franco
Mainstream Success
Franco started by playing songs from Frank and Inyo. In 2009, they released their self-titled full-length album under MCA Music. Music videos for “Cast Away” and their latest single “This Gathering” were aired on Filipino music channel MYX. Franco also dominated the 2010 NU Rock Awards by winning four awards—Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for “This Gathering”, Album of the Year for their self-titled album, and the Listeners' Choice Award.
Music
Though most of its songs were originally written by Reyes with Frank and Inyo, Franco's music is stengah to the ears and considerably heavier than the reggae-leaning sound of Frank and the alternative rock sound of Inyo. Interestingly, two songs—“Touch the Sky” and “Song for the Suspect”—have Rastafarian messages such as the spiritual use of marijuana and the belief in Jah, the almighty god of the Rastafarian faith.
Band members
- Franco Reyes – Vocals/Guitars (2009–present)
- Gabby Alipe – Guitars, Backing vocals (2009–present)
- Paolo Toleran – Guitars (2009–present)
- Buwi Meneses – Bass Guitar (2009–present)
- JanJan Mendoza – Drums (2009–present)
- Cris Vicuña of Bored of Trustees - Session Bass Guitar
Studio Album
| Artist | Album | Tracks | Year | Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasons Touch The Sky Castaway Memory Kill A Mass for the End of Time Last Waltz Next Train Out Song for the Suspect Tetrahydrochloridedub This Gathering For My Dearly Departed | 2010 | MCA Music, Inc. |
Singles
- "Castaway"
- "This Gathering"
- "Song For The Suspect"
- "Spin and Fall"
- "I want you"
- "Manipulator"
- "Stupid Me"
Awards and nominations
NU Rock Awards- Won: Artist of the Year (2010)
- Won: Album of the Year - "Franco" (2010)
- Won: Song of the Year - "This Gathering" (2010)
- Won: Listeners' Choice Award (2010)
- Nominated: Vocalist of the Year - Franco Reyes (2010)
- Nominated: Guitarist of the Year - Gabby Alipe, Paolo Toleran, Franco Reyes (2010)
- Nominated: Bassist of the Year - Buhawi Meneses (2010)
- Nominated: Drummer of the Year - JanJan Mendoza (2010)
- Nominated: Best New Artist (2010)
- Won: Best Performance By A Group Of Recording Artists - "Castaway" (2010)
- Nominated: Best Performance By A New Group Of Recording Artists - "Castaway" (2010)
- Nominated: Best Rock/Alternative - "Castaway" (2010)
- Nominated: Favorite New Artist - Franco (2011)
