Split Attitude: Gunning for the mainstream

Irvin Babauta portrays himself as wild, the type of kinetic personality that revels in the spotlight. John Torres, on the other hand, is at the opposite end of the spectrum, a quiet young man who prefers to make his voice heard through his guitar. Both, however, share a similar passion—music—and the desire to make a dent in the local music scene. It is from this unlikely combination of personalities, their shared talent for music, and the passion to succeed that Split Attitude came into being in April 2000.

“We have different personalities, and that’s how we came up with the name Split Attitude,” Torres said.

Since then, Split Attitude has evolved from a two-man act into a five-man team, making waves behind its debut album Island Habitz, a blend of roots, rock and reggae. The group has also been featured in a music video and has had performances at various events.

“At first, people did not know us,” lead vocalist Babauta said. “Some said we’re fake and we’re not capable, and they were right…until we found the right guys and the chemistry was just right.”

The chemistry was certainly there during the past two San Francisco de Borja fiestas in Rota, where the band received honorable recognition. They won the grand prize in the battle of the bands competition in 2003, and this year, placed first runner-up.

The group has also rocked the stage during the annual Flame Tree Festival, Taste of the Marianas, Liberation Day carnival, Kantan Isla, and Street Market Thursday celebrations. They currently take the stage at Bud’s Bar every Friday night.

Majority of the band members credit their family for influencing them to take up music.

“I come from a musically inclined family, and that’s how I got into music,” drummer Rex Borja said. “I’d play in school functions, church, and then I met up with these guys.” Borja is the newest member of the band, joining the group just two months ago.

Felix Sasamoto, known for his magical fingers that make guitars cry, cited his dad and uncle as his main influence. “My dad and uncle were musicians, so it was a family thing,” he said.

For his part, bassist Glen Sablan, also known as the comedian of the crew, said he would imitate Guns N Roses guitarist Slash during his younger years, and was advised by a relative to pick up guitar lessons while in junior high school.

“I took guitar lessons from Frank Oliver, and after that, I just went on my own and learned from books and friends,” he said.

Babauta cited his mother’s love for music as his greatest influence, stressing the impact her passion for music had on him. “Since I was small, she made me listen to A-tracks, records, and then cassettes…to all kinds of songs,” he said. “My mom bought me a beat-up guitar and I started playing.”

Torres said his interest arose from friends in the 1980s. “My friends got me started, and at that time, there was not much to do,” he said.

Torres said the group, although having mixed personalities, have their minds set on one goal. “Our goal it to be one of the first bands representing the CNMI in the music scene off-island,” the group said. “We’re looking for the mainstream.”

The band conceded that they have their fair share of arguments but it’s all for the betterment of the group.

“If we don’t argue, then somebody’s lying,” Sablan said. “We share our ideas all the time, and if we don’t argue, it just does not feel right.”

The group is scheduled to release their next music video entitled Mr. Police mon (produced by AJ Baldevia of Marianas Music Videos) on Dec. 9. Their only other video, Pak Pak Paki, was also produced by Baldevia and stands as the first locally produced music video by MMV.

“I went with them to Tinian and shot them on stage using Irvin’s camera,” Baldevia said of the Pak Pak Paki video. “They did not know that I was going to make it a music video…only thinking it was a home video. [But] I spent a lot of time on it, and with what little resource I had, was able to produce it, and it was something that got MMV off the ground.”

The Mr. Police mon video was filmed at the Paseo de Marianas and the Pacific Islands Club.

“They put their effort into it and organized the shoot, called all their friends and we did the video. It took about a week and a half to shoot it, and it was a lot of fun,” Baldevia said.

“[Both] videos basically represent the band’s desire to make it in the music business,” Baldevia said. “The band is maturing enough to the point where they’re getting ready for the international market with this…I think it’s a good step for them.”

MMV currently airs every Monday and Thursday from 6:30pm to 7pm on KMCV channel 7.

Musicians interested in MMV may contact Baldevia at 235-6667.