Japs Sergio
Japs Sergio | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | John Paul Ricafranca Sergio |
| Also known as | Japsuki |
| Born | August 20, 1979 Parañaque, Philippines |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Record producer |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2001–present |
John Paul "Japs" Ricafranca Sergio (born August 20, 1979) is a former bassist/vocalist/guitarist/songwriter of the Filipino band Rivermaya[1] and the current guitarist/vocalist/frontman for the band Peso Movement.
Career
Sergio joined the band in April 2001 as a session member when he took over the role of Nathan Azarcon, who left the band in February 2001. When Kakoy Legaspi and Mike Elgar joined in May 2001, Sergio was officially absorbed and the band began recording for "Tuloy ang Ligaya". Their first performance under their new lineup was at NU Pocket Concerts in Alabang Town Center on June 2, 2001. Known to many as Japs, Japsuki, and JP, is actually a drummer. Furthermore, he is also one of the founders of the band Daydream Cycle and is the guitarist and co-songwriter of the said band.
He went on hiatus some time in 2011 in Rivermaya as he was focusing with Daydream Cycle. On December 19, 2011, Sergio released his project solo album titled "Monologue Whispers" under the mononym Japsuki. On November 2012, Sergio posted on his official Facebook page that he is no longer with Rivermaya. Currently, he is the frontman of the band Peso Movement along Francis Reyes, Macky Macaventa and Kurt Floreska. Sergio labels the group's genre as "dirty rock"[2].
In 2015, he released his 2nd album "Pinoy Pop" under the mononym Japsuki[3].
In 2016, Sergio temporarily returned to Rivermaya taking over Norby David after he left the band the same year. He toured on some live shows until original bassist Nathan Azarcon permanently filled in the position.
He co-produced two tracks on Rivermaya 13th studio album Sa Kabila ng Lahat, which was released on September 15, 2017. on the same year he released his third solo album "Stereo Mood Swings".[4]
Personal life
His older brother Andrew Ryan Steve "Dok" Sergio (born February 27, 1976), is the bassist of his other band, Daydream Cycle and Pupil.
Sergio attended Manresa School in BF Homes Parañaque from preparatory school until high school. Sergio graduated from De La Salle University–College of Saint Benilde in 2000 with a degree in AB Human Resources Management.
Discography
With Rivermaya
- Tuloy ang Ligaya (2001)
- Between the Stars and Waves (2003)
- You'll Be Safe Here (EP) (2005)
- Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo (2006)
- Bagong Liwanag (EP) (2007)
- Buhay (2008)
- Closest Thing to Heaven (2009)
- Sa Kabila ng Lahat (2017) — as co-producer (on the song "Manila" & "Irena")
With Daydream Cycle
- Daydream Cycle (2001)
- You're Still Young At Heart (2003)
- Underwater Kite (2005)
With Peso Movement
- The Gentle Sound of Chaos (2014)
As Japsuki
- Monologue Whispers (2011)
- Pinoy Pop (2015)
- Stereo Mood Swings (2017)
References
- ^ Tan, Jasper Lloyd (8 September 2007). "Album Review: Rivermaya's Bagong Liwanag". PhilMusic.com. Archived from the original on 17 January 2010. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
- ^ "Rivermaya refugee returns with dreamy solo album, loud new demos". sg.style.yahoo.com. Francis Brew. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
- ^ "CD reviews: New Order, Japsuki, Keith Richards". news.abs-cbn.com. Jackie Dosmanos. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
- ^ "Music review: Japs Sergio's 'Stereo Mood Swings' is a cathartic look at depression". Rick Olivares. news.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved November 19, 2017.