by: Edgar O. Cruz | STIR Editor (Chief Agitator) 2 Feb 2009 | 11:32 AM
MYMP has the reputation of being the biggest selling acoustic group in the country. Their two-CD album Versions and Beyond under the Ivory label sold seven times platinum featuring the groups signature marks, Juris Alcantaras effortless soprano voice and Chin Alcantaras the soulful acoustic guitar. Ivory management was very happy with MYMPs album sales but Juris and Chin were not. Tell Me Where It Hurts, their biggest hit, does not have a music video. The duo believes sales could have done better if it was properly promoted.
Despite the change of Ivory management, Chin and Juris decided not to re-sign with it after their five-year contract finished. They decided to sign with Star Records because of its marketing and distribution clout being a subsidiary of the global multi-media company, ABS-CBN. Management remains with Carla Lozada.
Juris and Chin formed MYMP, then going by the name Make Your Momma Proud, as MiriamCollege students more than 10 years ago. The bands original name was a tribute to Chins mom who passed away when he was still in sophomore school. The group originally had four members. They changed it to band names acronym when two members left and only Chin and Juris stayed. They proceeded to produce such hit songs as A Little Bit and Now.
As you can see, change is key to MYMPs success story.
When it performed at the Back 2 Back 2 Back with Side A and Freestyle, Juris brought in a surprisingly different act. The lady half of the MYMP package sang a Paramore song and belted out a loud-rocking number seemingly unlikely for someone known for her sweet, mellow touch. At one point, the front woman took off her shoes so she could appropriately jump while singing the rock track.
They repeated it in the move over to Star Records.
When it releases its debut album with Star Records this March which Juris and Chin are presently recording, MYMP will be reinventing itself. Produced by Jonathan Manalo, it will be entirely different from their previous albums. According to Star Records Managing Director Annabelle Regalado-Borja, This time, Juris will go solo. But Chin will still have his participation in the album. He will try not to play his guitar so that a different side of MYMP will be highlighted.
The band will also have a repeat of their hugely successful Back 2 Back 2 Back concert with Side A and Freestyle on February 15 aptly titled Love 2 Love 2 Love at the Araneta Coliseum with Naldy Gonzales as musical director. Tickets are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets, Araneta Coliseum box office, or call 911-5555 or 687-6181 loc 620 and 745. The show is a Viva Concerts and Events production.
