Saipan's Own Split Attitude

J.R. Jones - Islas Para Ladrones

2010-05-31T04:09:00.002+08:00

New music from John Torres

2009-08-25T02:20:00.000+08:00

Hey everybody, check out "J.R. Jones", John Torres' new music project on Guam! They are playing some gigs on Guam currently and have a CD, "Islas Para Ladrones" in the works.

Make sure to visit http://www.myspace.com/jrjonesguam and check out the latest tunes and news!

Read some comments below about their music:

Hafa adai Manuelos,

Biba Chamoru!! We have just added a new original to our site called Islas para Ladrones. It is a song dedicated to our ancestors and to the undying efforts of the Nasion Chamoru. Our intentions with this song is to help promote the spirit of the Nasion Chamoru and to increase an awareness of it's efforts. It is not intended to create animosity in any way. What you are (or will be) listening to is an unmastered version of the song as we have just finished recording and mixing it yesterday (January 29, 2009). We will release the mastered copy (which will contain a better listening quality of this song) when our album comes out sometime this year. You could say that this song is a representation of what our album will sound like and we hope to have your support promoting our album when released. For now, kick back, relax, and enjoy!! Kahulu Chamoru, munga man manao. Fan hongge Chamoru, para i Taotao.

Checkout some of the comments we recieved on Islas Para Ladrones (thanks to all who have commented).

"Si Yu'us Ma'ase para este, hu gof agradesi na un apatte yu' ni' este. Hu hungok este gi Myspace ya gof ya-hu! I will happily share your song and its powerful message on my blog and on Minagahet. Have you guys considered a music video for it yet? Sahuma Minagahet ya Na'suha Dinagi." (M.L. Bevacqua)

"Thank you for sending me the info on your song, I heard it and it..s very nice. I think you are very right in trying to increase the Chamorro conciousness among the young ones." (R. Garcia)

“Loving the song guys!” (J. Okada)

“Tragic song”. (P. Emmanuel)

“Hafa Lai Chamoru. Damn Dude, you’re an awesome rapper. Keep up the good work.” (I. Babauta).

“The lyrics have great deep meaning and puts passion into the song for the Chamorus. It reminds of the song, Dead Heart from Midnight Oil. A song about exploitation from the Westerners.” (V. Taitingfong)

“I like the sound!” (M. Miyazato)....

“HI HI HI! JUST LISTENED...YOUR MUSIC HAS A LOT OF POTENTIAL I BELIEVE IN YOUR MUSIC AND SUCCESS!!” (S.D.-HNR)

“We could post your work on the NPIEN website also.” (V. Thompson)....

“I really appreciate the music and lyrics of this song, you folks did a fantastic job! How can I get a copy of your CD? I enjoyed your song and was moved by the spirit of your message. I hope you don't mind but I'm going to post it on my Facebook account.” (D. Quinata)....

“The song sounds great..” (E. Laitila)

“This is powerful. Will the song be issued on a CD? Somehow it reminds me of some of the work that Yothu Yindi put out, back in the days when they were touring with Midnight Oil” (G. Heathcote)....

“Hey, Great Stuff John!!!” (R. Eclavea)

http://www.myspace.com/jrjonesguam

Mr. Police Mon video

2009-05-28T13:11:00.000+08:00

This video was CNMI rockers Split Attitude's second video to be released in 2005. It was a humorous interpretaion of the band's tribute to partying, having fun and getting caught while in the act...reggae stlye.

It was shot at Saipan's PIC and Garapan Hotel Street.

Split Attitude is Irvin: vocals, John: Guitar, Felix: Guitar Glen: Bass Rex: Drums. The band is no longer together but each member continue to be busy with their own projects. Split Attitude made history by being the first band to make a music video with MMV in 2004 with their first video "Pak Pak Paki".

Split Attitude Band Biography

2009-05-28T12:54:00.002+08:00

(reprinted from old band website, 2004)

IRVIN “Bad Boy” BABAUTA
Lead Vocalist
Influences: Sublime / 311
Former Bands: Taga and the Haoles, Rednecks (Idaho)
Stage Name: Taga

Taga can best be described as an entertaining front man who combines styles ranging from local, reggae, ska, and rock. Taga knows how to really entertain a crowd and knows what it takes to make them respond. Whether it be Locals, or even foreigners, Taga has been known to captivate the audience and even influence them to do his bidding. He is also responsible for giving Split Attitude a number of tracks of original music on the Island Habitz album. With his idea of original lyrics and composing words, Taga is able to enchant his audience with new, fresh original sounds for the people.

JOHN “Tricky ”TORRES JR.
Lead Guitarist
Influences: Randy Rhoads, Vito Bratta, Akira Takasaki, Vinnie Moore, and Michael Schenker.
Former Bands: Nightwind (Hon., HI), B.U.B. (Hon., HI), Homegrown (Saipan, MP), Lost Tribe (Saipan, MP), Zig Zag (Saipan, MP), Synergy (Salem, Oregon), Rock it Science (Salem, Oregon), The Reefs (Saipan, MP)
Stage name : Zuner

Zuner, the group’s organizer and acting manager has brought some success for Split Attitude. He has managed to get a good number of gigs on Saipan. Through his persistence and demand for cooperation amongst the group, he managed to pull off a double gig at the Hotel Nikko in Saipan and on the same night at the Dynasty in Tinian on a New Year’s Eve without causing any delays or mix-ups. Even with numerous ferry trips between Saipan and Tinian, setting up and breaking down of equipment at the Hotel Nikko in Saipan, and catching a last minute bus to the ferry dock, Zuner and the band’s efforts pulled through successfully. Zuner is also the main backup vocalist for the band and has a knack for creating harmonious lines which compliments Taga’s vocals.

GLENN “ Maniac” SABLAN
Man on Bass
Influences: Metallica, Def Leppard, Skid Row, Poison, G&R, Motley Crue
Former Bands: The George Delos Reyes / Glenn Sablan Project

After years of searching for the right Bassman, Glenn was finally hired to fill the spot. He proved to be talented, dedicated, loyal, and overall had the right attitude which blends perfectly with the Split Attitude team. Surprisingly, when Glenn first joined the band, he broke out with some of his own catchy originals that lives up to the Split Attitude signature sound (4 of which are on the album “Island Habitz). You better watch this guy in the near future, because he definitely has all the right stuff to make Split Attitude put Saipan on the map. Believe it or not, Split Attitude happens to be the first real band he has hooked up with. Definitely the right person for the job. Need we say more?

FELIX “Sas” SASAMOTO
Lead Guitarist
Influences: Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, John Pettruci
Former Bands: Time Signature, Sam Joyner, Fel Sasamoto Project, Lost Tribe, Kevin Duenas, Roman Tudela Jr, GuessWhat (all from Saipan, MP)

A legend in his own right, Mr. Fel Sasamoto is probably Saipan's (if not the CNMI'S) most well known Guitarist. In September of 2002, Fel replaced a former member on the guitar. Known for his technical abilities to play monstrous licks which can be very difficult for other guitar players to compete with, Fel will still remain humble and will instead try and help other guitar players try to accomplish their musical goals. Fel also has a similar taste of music as well as an awesome attitude which blends in smoothly with the Split Attitude style. The other members of Split Attitude find it an honor to be playing with the best of the best.

REX "ANIMAL" BORJA, aka "Rex'N'Efekt"
Drummer
Influences:
Former bands:
Bio:
Drum Tech: Trish the dish

Venues where Split Attitude has performed

• American Red Cross Club 2002
• Arizona Night Club
• Castaways
• Hard Rock Café (Saipan)
• Hotel Nikko Saipan
• Millennium Night Club
• Ping Sports Bar
• RC House of Music Grand Opening
• Remington’s Night Club
• Round II
• Tanapag Fiesta
• The Field
• The Jungle – (Soft opening and Grand Opening)
• Tinian Dynasty(New Years 2002 and Korean Bash)

SONG LIST

REGGAE

• Stir it up (Bob Marley)
• Naughty Girl (Fiji)
• Joker (Steve Miller band)
• Angel (Shaggy)
• Don’t make me cry (UB-40)
• Drop (Eddie Grant)
• Red, Red Wine (UB-40)
• Night Nurse (Gregory Isaac)
• Promise Don’t stay (Split Attitude)
• Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton)
• Bring Me A Cup (UB-40)

SKA

• Santeria (Sublime)
• Pawn Shop (Sublime)
• Bad fish (Sublime)
• Don’t push (Sublime)
• All mixed up (311)
• Purpose (311)
• Talk to me (Split Attitude)
• Amber (311)

POP 80s’

• Message in a bottle (Police)
• Mr. Jones (Counting Crows)
• Overkill (Men at Work)
• It’s a mistake (Men at Work)
• Pride (U-2)
• New years Day (U-2)
• Jet Airliner (Steve Miller band)
• Keep on Rockin’ Me (Steve Miller band)
• Give it Away (Red hot chili pepper)

SLOW ROCK

• Light my fire (Split Attitude)
• Last kiss (pearl jam)
• Fire (pointer sister)
• Where are you now (Nazareth)
• Runaway train (Soul Asylum)
• Knocking on heavens door (Guns & Roses)
• Hysteria (Def Leppard)
• Feel like making love (Bad Company)
• Only God knows why (Kid Rock)
• No rain (Blind Mellon)
• With or with out you (U-2)
• Brick on the wall (Pink Floyd)

NEW WAVE

• Just like heaven (Cure)
• In The Middle (Jimmy Eats World)

GRUNGE

• Creep (Radio head)
• My Friends Over You (New Found Glory)

POP 90s’

• 5th Avenue heartache (Wall Flowers)
• One head light (Wall Flowers)
• Some day (Sugar ray)
• All star (Smash mouth)
• Kryptonite (3 doors down)
• Loser (3 door down)

HEAVY/ROCK/RAP

• My way (Limp Bizkit)
• Mission impossible (Limp Bizkit)
• Sweet Child of Mine (GNR)
• Oye como vah (Santana)

In April of 2000, after realizing that his former band was not getting anywhere (all practice but no play), Saipan Guitarist, John Torres (Zuner) placed up want ads for a rock vocalist. Mr. Irvin Babauta (Taga) who was singing by himself at Bud's Bar responded to the ad and in May of 2000, the Split Attitude Band was formed.

This 2 man team started by playing a variety of Classic and Alternative Rock as well as Reggae, Ska, and a few top 40 selections. Their first wave of gigs was at Don's Sports Bar in Garapan providing the patrons with excellent entertainment and song selections. From there, their popularity grew which provided them with invitations to play at Remingtons, Round II, and on special occasions, at former Lens II in Garapan. In April of 2001,(after a year of playing as a two piece), Taga and Zuner decided that it was time to turn off their drum and bass machine (Boss' DR-5) and recruit the best musicians whom they could find on the island to fill this void and to make the music even more live and more exciting. On April 18th, 2001, Taga and Zuner hooked up with Drummer, Mark Nauta (formerly of Oloomway Band), and GIT graduate, Homin Kim. However, they were not able to find the right Bass Player at first, so Zuner and Homin decided that they would alternate guitar and bass playing until the right Bassman was found. This new 4 piece broadened the scope of Split Attitude’s style by adding more selections including more Roots, Rock, and Reggae hits as well as their own originals.

This new version of Split Attitude had their first gig at Tinian's San Jose Fiesta on May 4th, 2001 (after only 2 weeks of hard practice). This 4 piece really got the attention of their first audience. People were asking for the band to play again and they said that they would wait until it was so. The band was literally the talk of the town both in Tinian and in Saipan. When the band returned to Saipan, they were still receiving excellent comments from the audience who saw the show (Saipan residents who went to Tinian). Further gigs included jamming at Round II, Arizona Night Club, Millenium Club, Castaways, Remingtons, Hard Rock Café, The Jungle, and Ping Sports Bar. Since then, two additional members joined theband to complete the ensemble and to make Split Attitude what it is today.

Glenn Sablan was selected amongst others to fill in on Bass and Felix Sasamoto, a guitar legend in his own right, was hired to replace Homin upon his sad departure. Although the boys enjoy entertaining the crowd with their selections of hits, they do not wish to remain a "house bar band." They ultimately hope to gain international recognition with their catchy originals to put Saipan on the music scene map. A wise man once said "If Chuuk and Guam can do it, why can't Saipan?" Split Attitude hopes that their first album, Island Habitz, will not only sell locally, but also internationally and seeks the support of the community to make this a dream come true. If you are interested in giving the boys a hand, please us know. For all of our fans who have supported us in the past and who we know will continue to support us in the present and in the future we thank you sincerely from the bottom of our hearts for believing in us. We hope to make this a dream come true not only for the members of Split Attitude, but also for the people of the Marianas. Adios for now and catch us at any of our upcoming gigs.

These past years have been a tumultuous experience not only for Split Attitude but for many that are close to us; a passing from one condition, form, stage, activity, place, etc. to another. As most of you who know us are aware, we continue to keep a busy schedule in order to provide you with ongoing live performances. During the limited down time between our gigs, we are also accepting students for consultation and instruction. We hope you'll take the time to visit the categories that are available in this site as we are continuously updating them with new material. We hope you will enjoy it as much as we do! To all of our friends and family’s, thank you so much for your continued support. May we find more friends in the future who will also do the same.

Split Attitude’s Ultimate Goal

1. To sell their first album, “Island Habitz,” locally, on the neighboring islands of the CNMI, and on Guam.
2. To sell the “Island Habitz” album elsewhere in the Pacific and in certain regions of Asia where our music is found to be acceptable.
3. To play at concerts and travel in the Asia Pacific region.
4. To be the first CNMI band to put Saipan on the music scene map.

For more info, contact:

John Torres
E-Mail: splitattitude@yahoo.com

Split Attitude bids adieu in final gig

2007-09-05T08:47:00.000+08:00

Split Attitude, one of Saipan's longest running roots, rock, and reggae local band, is calling it quits and will have its farewell bash at Shooters on April 12, 2007 starting at 7pm.

All fans and friends of Split Attitude are invited to come and see the band on their last performance, as all members of Split Attitude and special guests will be there to make this an exciting and memorable event. Other local rock and reggae bands/performers have also been invited to add to the entertainment lineup.

Split Attitude started in April of 2000 as a two-man team when singer/songwriter Irvin Babauta responded to an ad that guitarist John Torres had placed in various places on the island looking for a lead singer. Since then, Split Attitude has had the opportunity and pleasure of jamming with various other musicians, all of whom have helped to either define or re-define the Split Attitude “sound” and chemistry.

Although Split Attitude has had only one all-original album, Island Habitz, which includes the mega-hits “Pak Pak Paki” and “Mr. Policemon” they have also had videos to three of their songs produced and aired on Marianas Music Videos as well as the chance and honor to appear on a video with a top Japanese pop group.

Other achievements include top prize winner three years in a row at the San Francisco de Borja battle of the bands on Rota (of which many of you probably know about the last battle being the infamous prize non-payment issue which up until now remains unsettled), and second and third place winners in various other battles of the bands on Saipan.

The main reason why the band is calling it quits is because of guitarist John Torres' decision to relocate to Guam and because of the economic situation on Saipan.

“We were doing so well in the beginning, playing almost seven nights a week when we first started as a two-piece. The clubs were hardly ever empty, even on the weekdays. We managed to pack numerous clubs on the island almost all throughout our entire band lifespan. Yes, there were times when things were slow, but not as slow as it is nowadays,” said Torres.

To cut costs, Split Attitude was even forced to reduce the size of the band, going back to its original two-performer setup. However, even this drastic measure did not produce favorable results, as the chemistry and sound that Split Attitude had attained with the other musicians was no longer there.

“Thus, the final farewell jam bash where we hope to bring back the sound and chemistry and revive many of the good memories we all once shared. We truly hope to see a lot of former fans and friends of the band there at the bash and look forward to making this special event a night to remember,” Torres said.

The farewell performance will be on a Thursday since most of the other bands/performers have their scheduled gigs over the weekend. Local band friends of Split Attitude, such as Brokemouth, Project X, SFX, and Stroken, are also expected to jam.

“This is the only night where we can gather all available musician friends of Split Attitude, so, we hope to see as many former fans and friends as possible. For those who can't make it, we thank you for all your patronage and support and we wish all current and future rock and reggae local bands success. Hopefully one day, more support will be given to our local bands,” Torres said.

2007-02-11T18:52:00.001+08:00

Where's the money???

2006-10-04T15:11:00.004+08:00

Saipan Tribune
Wednesday, October 04, 2006

It's been a year since the last San Francisco De Borja Fiesta on Rota, yet the prize for last year's Battle of the Bands competition has yet to be released to the winners.

Split Attitude won the grand prize last year, beating seven other bands to take home the $3,000 grand prize. They did get the trophies for their victory but they have yet to see a cent of the prize money.

Band spokesperson John Torres told Saipan Tribune that it's been a year since then but the Rota fiesta celebration committee has been giving them the "brush off" on the matter.

Torres said other bands such as Whebo Splash, now known as Frozen Nipple, have also not received their prizes.

"We have been trying our best to claim our winnings but have just been given the run-around," he said, adding that his group has forwarded many letters to the committee but they have yet to receive any response.

"When we won last year, we were told that the committee would get back to us in a week to give us our checks but weeks passed [and] we never heard from them," Torres said. t.

Marianas Variety
November 27, 2005

WE, the band members of Split Attitude and Whe Bo Splash would like to attest to the recent letter submitted to Variety by the Luta Tribe. We, the members of Split Attitude and Whe Bo Splash have also been making numerous inquiry calls to the DCCA office both on Rota and on Saipan as well. Rota’s DCCA office have also been informing us that they were waiting for a supposed grant to be received from the Arts Council on Saipan. Follow up calls have been placed to the Saipan DCCA office, the Arts Council, and the Language Commission which all have claimed that they are not involved with the prize money funding. All of the aforementioned offices on Saipan have denied the Rota DCCA office’s claim of either being responsible or involved with the prize money funding but have agreed to assist us in investigating the situation. However, it seems that the efforts made were fruitless and inconclusive.

Further efforts by the band members to contact the person in charge of the prize money funding at the Rota’s DCCA office (Mr. Joe Rosario) have been unsuccessful as either there is no answer and a fax machine comes on or when answered by a clerk, excuses of either being at the hospital or off-island are given. Messages left for Mr. Rosario to return our calls have also all gone unanswered.

It is with regret that we have to come to this situation where the media has become involved. We did not wish for this to happen. We, like the Luta Tribe, would also simply like to receive our prize money that was advertised at the San Francisco De Borja Fiesta Battle of the Bands on Rota. We also do not wish to complicate matters even further, but we will take further action if it appears that all current efforts and attempts to resolve this dilemma have proven unsuccessful.

To all of our families, friends, and fans on the isl Band, and our parents inquired with the Battle of the Bands Committee about our prize money and we just got the run-around.

We were told that the Resident Director is in Saipan to obtain the money, that they are waiting for the money to come from Saipan, that they are waiting for the Rota mayor's signature (which was not true), that the Arts Council in Saipan is responsible for the prize money and that they will follow-up on the prize money. We are tired of all the excuses. We want our prize money that the Battle of the Bands Committee on Rota advertised.

Leiona Mesa, Alvin Cruz Jr., Joaquin King, Arton Taimanao, Mark Miral and Scott Songsong
Luta Tribe

Zig Zag live in concert at the flame tree arts festival, Saipan 1995

2006-09-22T12:49:00.000+08:00


Zig Zag live in concert at the annual Flame Tree Arts Festival in Saipan back in 1995. Members include John Torres, Frank 'Kiko' Oliver, and George Delos Reyes, Ron, and Bill. Songs played during this concert were covers from bands such as Boston, Nazareth, and The Police.

News and updates

2006-09-18T15:33:00.000+08:00

- We're playing at a Sports Bar every Saturday night (for now) called Shooterz which used to be Club Taboo and before that was another disco club called Galaxy. We may change it to every government payday which would mean every other Saturday starting this weekend. I'll let you know for sure, as private paydays are extremely slow nowadays.

- If you would like to see an old video footage of one of my former bands, go to Google, click on the video link and type "john torres" in the search box. Scroll down and look for Zig Zag band.

- As soon I get a DVD burner, I will upload all 3 of our videos (Pak Pak Paki, Mr. Police Mon, and Skip a Beat) onto Google (or YouTube).

- By the way, did I mention that we have a new member?His name is Fred Guerrero and he replaced Glenn onBass. Glenn is now on guitar where he should be.

Take care,

John Torres Zr.
Acting Manager
Split Attitude Band

New music video!!!

2006-08-17T13:02:00.002+08:00

Check out the boys in the new video by Japan's top stars, Tackey and Tsubasa: The song's called "Ho, Summer!" and was shot entirely on Saipan.

Split Attitude: Gunning for the mainstream

2006-07-28T06:11:00.000+08:00

Saipan Tribune
Sunday, November 28, 2004

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.