The pandemic has impacted many Filipino-Australian artists and musicians in an industry which relies heavily on live music to succeed. With the easing of restrictions in Victoria, local musicians are looking forward to opportunities to return to the stage.
The Quinals is a highly talented Melbourne-based sibling band. The trio are eager and ready to take on gigs over summer and into 2021 and look forward to springboard their careers by releasing their original music.
The Quinals has been thriving as a band for almost five years. After migrating to Australia, it was difficult for them to adjust to the new environment especially with the language barrier that they experienced. Music was their only safe place as it truly expresses a universal language which further developed their passion and love for music.
The band comprises of Dorothy Quinal as the main vocalist and bassist, Joshua Quinal as the drummer and BVs, and Francis Quinal as the lead guitarist and BVs. They perform in a variety of different genres, particularly jazz, RnB soul and funk, with an aim to cater their style to a wide demographic.
They have attained quite small achievements throughout their musical journey, including placing first at the Royal Southstreet Eisteddfod, and Dorothy’s VCE success, achieving a high raw study score of 47 in VET Music. by performing as a band for her exam.
They have also performed as a front act for a few concerts of Filipino renowned artists such as Bamboo and folk band Asin.
The Philippine Times interviewed Dorothy of The Quinals to discuss how the band has been supported each other through the challenges faced from the loss of work.
1) How has the COVID-19 affected your career?
The pandemic has truly affected our current routine as a band. We have had many planned gigs that were unfortunately postponed and cancelled due the the strict restrictions. These were weddings, birthdays and even concerts. We also regularly performed at Fulton Lane in the city each week which we lost due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
This really was a challenge for us as the regular gig was one of our sources of income. The one lucky thing that we are truly grateful for during this pandemic, is that since we are siblings and we live together, we are still able to practice and perform together as a band.
2) What are some of the key things you’ve been doing during the past seven months?
Since we do live together and are still able to play as a band, we have been currently working on our own original music. I’m sure many can agree that it has really been a tough year. Through these obstacles, it has inspired us to write a few songs.
We have also been performing on an online streaming platform that gives musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents. It truly is a great alternative from performing in Gigs as a live band.
3) What are your hopes for the future?
Our hopes for the future is that we are able to physically perform on stage again, whether it’s at a bar, concert or at a festival. Anything with an audience as it is truly where we enjoy and love being in.
We are also planning to release our own music in the future which will hopefully be available in all music streaming platforms.
Watch The Quinals perform their rendition of a popular Filipino track (OPM) , titled ‘Hinahanap-Hanap Kita’
Follow The Quinals
Facebook: @thequinals
Sound Cloud: Dorothy Quinal
READ MORE: Discover more Filo artists
