The members are not new to the band scene. Raimund Marasigan (keyboards), Diego Mapa (vocals), Jason Caballa (guitars), Mike Dizon (drums), and R.A. (live visual feed) are members of other (existing) rock bands. However, there are two major things that set the group from the rest: One, Pedicab’s overall style is a first of its kind in the local music scene and two, the members are well on their way into forming a cult following.

"We’ve had so many gigs already. Nagugustuhan naman ng mga tao. Natutuwa sila sa style and most of all, napapasayaw naman namin sila. Matagal na kaming magkakakilala, mga sampung taon na yata because we belong to the same music circuit but lately lang namin nadiscover na pare-pareho pala ang vision naming lima," thus Pedicab was formed, according to Raimund.

Of the band’s name it’s "Pedicab dahil madaling sakyan gaya ng tugtugan namin."

After believing in a common music ground came the realization of this vision. Here’s where Vicor Music cuts in. "We’re lucky Vicor took a gamble on us and Vicor is, I think the largest recording distributor in the country. In line with their 40th anniversary, Vicor bravely took a risk on pioneering our kind of music here probably because they have a vision that we’re setting a trend and I think it’ll happen," said Diego. More and more recording outfits are indeed open to new acts. The OPM league is once more shooting up and Vicor is among those willing to tap such an untapped kind of band music.

So here comes Pedicab, bringing with them some original music style and sense—and the strategy is working.

How? With recall-positive sound.

More back-up proofs: At the band’s album launching, they entertained the press people with unconventional dance steps courtesy of Diego. But more importantly, the audience were nodding and subtle-dancing to the tune of Pedicab’s music.

Next, they didn’t only draw attention because of their sound. As if keeping feet thumping (at Virgin Café where the launch was held) wasn’t enough, they devised a ploy of outrageous costumes that grab your attention. That day, the five-man group wore white long sleeves polo, yellow engineer’s caps and 3D shades.

"We need to have that distinction because we all have our bands outside Pedicab," told Raimund who was an integral part of the legacy that’s Eraserheads. "It all started when we decided we should all wear shades to identify kung anong banda ang tugtugan namin for a [specific] gig. At least, pag naka–costume kami alam agad ng tao na Pedicab ang tugtugan."

Pedicab’s first album, dubbed "Tugish Takish" (the sound of the two-count drumbeat when imitated by human vocals) is a 10-track, four video package recorded and completed in just four days! Well, 14 all in all because the guys wrote the songs in 10 days. "Mas matagal pa yung artwork ng CD," told Raimund.

Judging from the way Pedicab looks, the band is just pedaling themselves lightly into the mainstream. The songs have their own identity but strangely fits the preference of different types of audiences. "Our music (80s dance/rock) has an audience, then our fashion answers for the fashionistas, our videos for the MTV generation and techies out there and our performance is fun for the audience," observed Raymund.

Goofball dance music from experienced musicians and you’ve got songs like "Dizzy Boy" (carrier track), "Ang Kailangan," "Dito Tayo Sa Dilim," "Bleached Streaks," "A Stormy Night," "Bukas," "I Want It Now," "Konti Na Lang," "Giving And Receiving," and "Sagot Kita" in one ear-catchy album. All songs are composed by the band members. Diego was in charge of all the lyrics.

"Writing the lyrics came easy for me because I was ‘in the zone’ of writing that time." To which, Raimund interjected jokingly, "He doesn’t mean anything by ‘in the zone.’ Hindi po siya sabog nung time na sinulat niya yung mga kanta."

Influence-wise, the guys noted Urban Dove, Typecast and Radioactive Sago Project among the bands they look up to.

As if Pedicab will run out of gimmicks, here’s one more—they never perform without visuals. Here’s where R.A.’s expertise comes in. A professional director by day, R.A. clips live video projectors that easily pass as the band’s trademark. "If other bands have their DJ, we have our VJ." With R.A. on the sideline, Pedicab is able to splash real-deal visual clips of pre-taped moments from some 10 years of wacky friendship incorporated into the live performance.

Moving on. Pedicab doesn’t only plan to dictate a trend with their music and fashion. The members are also changing their identities for Pedicab. Each came up with aliases as Pedicab members so aside from the outrageous fashion sense, the guys created alter selves exclusively for the band. As Pedicab members, they shall be known as Sugaraims (Raimund), J. Sonic (Jason), Masterbeat (Mike), Mappy (Diego) and Just Toni (R.A.).

The music is distinct, the lyrics undeviating and the overall package is unique so why not change the names altogether?

But won’t this confuse their fans (future and present)? "Not really," told Diego whom we will now refer to as Mappy. (Very Nintendo eh!) "It solves our confusions because when we arrive at a gig where our other bands are also playing, it helps us get into Pedicab. The names all started as a joke. Sabi ni Jason, ‘Ako na lang si J. Sonic!’ Tapos nagtawanan na kami and all thought of other names."

The guys agreed, "Matagal na naming concept ang ganitong klaseng banda at music. Ngayon lang namin kinareer!"

So we get the point: They are just five musicians (R.A.’s visual expertise included) enacting the same vision of band that doesn’t necessarily require their listeners to take them seriously. As J. Sonic puts it, "We’re serious about what we’re doing though it might not seem that way but it’s up to the people how to take us in."