Wowee Posadas likes to smoke a cigar and drink scotch on the rocks—that is, during the after hours of running 19 East, arguably the best live-music club in the metro, or when his band, Black Cows, ends its set also in the same venue.
Posadas—a lawyer—has successfully transformed 19 East into one of the longest-running nightlife destinations south of Manila, thanks to his painstaking way of maintaining its top-of-the-line light and sound equipment. He’s just installed a digital audio mixer and a set of speakers worth the total of P6.1 million.
He also plays in his own club once a month with the Black Cows, the Steely Dan-tribute band he formed in 2017—and which has gained a loyal following.
In this Q&A, Posadas identifies the factors that make his endeavors truly worthwhile.
19 East has been drawing big crowds almost every night. Why do you think so?
A number of factors. Revenge spending—because of the recent pandemic, people realized that online music videos can never replace the glorious feeling of watching artists live. Lineup of acts—OPM stars, who perform regularly, help achieve a good turnout. Facilities—customers love to experience 19 East’s topnotch sound and light equipment. Track record—it has been a great run of 20 years and counting. People enjoy a concert-like atmosphere in a small venue, up close with the artists. Social media—Facebook updates surely entice our more than 400,000 FB followers to watch the gigs.
By the way, due to popular demand, we’ll expand our music hall this October. We’ll be closed from Oct. 8 to 12 to make way for necessary renovations to enable us to accommodate more guests.
There’s also the impression that 19 East has the best sound system among live-event venues. Which is true since you’ve been investing in expensive audio equipment. Would you advise other club owners to do the same?
It’s 19 East’s policy to use only top-of-the-line equipment. Live music, after all, is our core offering. And our customers can only have a great experience if the audio equipment is able to unleash the rich tapestry of sound, and the full sonic spectrum.
A problem, however, cropped up during the pandemic. The non-use of our mixing console and speakers caused them to break down. Internal electronic components broke down because they have not been powered up for more than two years. As a replacement, we got a Soundcraft Vi2000 digital mixer (worth P2.6M) and a complete set of Meyer speakers (P3.5M), which are units that are well-established on contract riders of top artists and in renowned performance venues worldwide. The acquisition further improved the already superior quality of our sound system.
In the beginning, we also invested heavily in acoustic treatment. Sound-absorbing panels were installed on the walls and ceiling of the music hall, resulting in a significant decrease in reverberation and sound reflections. Without these panels, the sound would not be as clear and intelligible.
But it’s not all about the sonic experience. Our lights setup is no slouch either. It’s the one used in big shows, thus giving the gigs a “concert” vibe.
My advice to other music bar owners is for them to get a sound engineer with a good ear. Good equipment is nothing if it’s not tuned well. I was just lucky to have the knowhow to calibrate our system for optimum operation. All thanks to my years of experience in mixing live shows, as well as studio recordings, and being a musician.
Is this also the reason most major bands love to play at 19 East?
I think so. I started playing in bands professionally back in the ’90s, and I had the privilege of performing in most of the live music venues in the metro. I found it so frustrating, as a musician, not to be able to hear and feel the music well onstage due to subpar gear. I’m proud to report that I don’t get that feeling whenever I step on 19 East’s stage.
Would you say that 19 East has fully recovered from the pandemic financially?
Thankfully, yes.
The Black Cows with leader Wowee Posadas on the keyboards. (Photo by Pocholo Concepcion)
On the bands you play in: sometime ago you said you’re taking a break from Overdrive, PDO Project, and Black Cows due to fatigue. But Black Cows is active again. Is that ideal for you, just one band playing monthly?
Unfortunately, because of my age, I can’t continue performing and rehearsing with several bands. But as of now, I still get a kick out of playing Steely Dan pieces with the Black Cows, my Steely Dan tribute band. I’m inviting Dan heads out there to catch our gig at 19 East this Sept. 26. First set starts at 9:30 p.m. There is no entrance fee. Bring everyone!
Why do you think many people never tire of watching the Black Cows? Are you surprised at the turnout at each gig?
It’s the music. Steely Dan songs are lauded for a number of reasons. Great melodies and lyrics, plus the arrangements are elegant. We try our best to capture the essence of the music. We’re meticulous when it comes to performance details.
That’s why people should come to our once-a-month gigs at 19 East. Please follow Black Cows’ Facebook page for sked updates.
But do you exert efforts to add new Steely Dan tracks to the repertoire, even if fans don’t seem to mind hearing what they expect to hear?
Yes. Everyone in the band gets excited every time we do.
Apartel featuring Ely Buendia on lead vocals live at 19 East. (Photo by Pocholo Concepcion)
What’s the best thing about running a successful club like 19 East and still finding time to play as a musician?
There’s nothing else I’d rather do. I’m just thankful my circumstances allow me to pursue my passion.
Do you also worry about how to sustain the success of 19 East?
For sure. The market of 19 East prefers watching shows of bands with hit songs. But that market always wants something new. The thing is, not a lot of new groups are breaking through. I invariably discover promising young artists with great compositions, who are not able to hit the mainstream. My guess is it’s due to the decline of radio and the rise of audio streaming platforms, resulting in too much diversity in the preferences of listeners. There is no commonality of choice anymore. In contrast to the era of radio, where listeners were forced to choose from the few tracks filtered in and played by radio stations. Because of the change in the industry’s landscape, the chances of having a hit song now is way slimmer than decades ago.
You’re also a lawyer. What kind of cases do you handle?
Succession and property-related cases.
