Natural Twenty is the urban, cosmopolitan Funk, Jazz, Soul, R&B band hailing in Calgary, AB. They are influenced by such acts as Anderson Paak, Tom Misch, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Snarky Puppy and have been compared to iconic artists like Jamiroquai, Phony Ppl, and Sublime; peppered with vocals similar to Bruno Mars and John Legend. This is the latest group of Frederick Fernandez (vocals), Jason Cillo (guitar), and Robin Cillo (drummer), Canadian-born Filipinos living in Calgary, Alberta. With decades of experience playing together in different genres and projects, it has evolved from the initial 2016 roster to its current lineup. With Rauth Clement (bass), Dylan Paish (trombone), Gus (keys, synth), and Shane Statz (saxophone) completing the ensemble, they represent the modern, urban Calgary population. As part of the wave of ethnic/POC artists and musicians in Calgary, they represent Filipino, Malaysian, and Canadian communities. They act as inclusive allies within the local music community and have participated in large cultural events, often promoting and collaborating with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ musicians.
Their debut EP, Cantrips, was recorded and produced at Public Lunch Studio (Calgary, AB) with Pat Paladry recording & mixing. As their first collection of songs, Cantrips covers the experience of young, coloured kids living in a modern, urban city. They have found moderate success with the release but more importantly, finally have consumable music publicly available.
Mahika, their second EP, is how Natural Twenty will continue to express and cement themselves in the Calgary and Alberta music scene. Mahika is a Tagalog (Filipino language) word for “Magic.” Playing on the theme of their first EP, Cantrips, which means a magical spell or a basic spell in D&D (Dungeon and Dragons, a live role-playing game), Mahika is an appropriate title to continue the theme of magic and mysticism, and to introduce parts of their ethnic culture.
The single and EP release shows are currently in the planning phase but will have a strong focus on consistent visual presentation through physical marketing material, costume, set, and supporting show features. The EP will be released on March 9th, 2024.
Name:
Natural Twenty
Genre:
Funk, Jazz, R&B
Founded:
2016
# of Albums:
2 EP
Latest Album:
Mahika (Released March 9 2024)
Latest Single:
Saint Lady (Second single from Mahika)
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra,
Favourite musician now:
Herbie Hancock, Polyphia, Jacob Collier, GRiZ, Daft Punk,
Guilty pleasure song:
Moonlight – Kali Uchis
Live show ritual:
A drink or two with the band, pumping each other with jokes, hugging friends and family at the show
EP or LP?
EP
Early bird or night owl?
Depends on the day!
Road or studio?
Studio preferred but the ROAD is always welcomed
Any shows or albums coming up?
We are promoting the release of our 2nd EP, Mahika, which was released on March 9 2024.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Apple music
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Cafe 100 or Noble Pie…for comfort food!
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Mission…great food, cafes, and likely busy
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Nose Hill Park…sprawling prairies on a hill
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The King Eddy or the Palomino
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Very few left in the city. Long and Mcquade is our go-to
