Kala (stylized in all caps) is a Filipino band that blends funk, nu-disco, acid jazz, electronic and rock music. Its members are Brian Tanchanco, JP Tanchanco, Jade Justine, and Andrew Contreras.
KALA's first full-length album came on the music scene in 2005 with their debut album under Sony BMG entitled Manila High. The group is most noted for its hit single âÂÂJeepneyâ and is credited with the resurgence of a distinct and defining genre of Filipino music known as âÂÂManila soundâÂÂ. The name âÂÂKalaâ originates from the original membersâ college cake-making venture called the âÂÂKala Cake ProjectâÂÂ.
In 2008, KALA underwent a self-imposed hiatus following the departures of bassist Lyle Pasco, lead guitarist JP Tanchanco and lead vocalist Mike Grape from the band.
In 2011, KALA resurfaced with new members Jade Justine and Voopee Elviña.
Following their come back, KALA performed in Jack Daniel's third Philippine tour entitled âÂÂJack DanielâÂÂs On Stage: Scouting Gigsâ on November 22, 2013.
Lead guitarist Voopee Elviña died on December 4, 2015, after a battle with nasopharyngeal cancer.
During a summer vacation in Boracay last 2004, some of the old band members had a picture posing in silhouette against the sunset. Various poses were made which represented each of the band members. Brian decided to combine prominent elements of each pose in order to blend it in one unifying image. This became the official logo of KALA. It represents convergence and harmony with the sharing of friendship, talents and passion from each of the band members.
In 2004, KALA started performing for Rock Ed Philippines, a nationwide volunteer group that offers alternative education to underprivileged Filipino youth through art, music, poetry, and the like. In the same year, the band released an EP entitled âÂÂRockEdition: For the Benefit of the Filipino Youthâ by way of support for the UN's âÂÂMillennium Development Goalsâ and âÂÂGlobal Call to Action Against Poverty.âÂÂ
In 2011, KALA performed for Rock Ed once again in their âÂÂRock the Riles: Rocking for Educationâ tour.