Category: Music

Nicole Laurel Set to Launch ‘BAWAL’ on October 28

So, what’s it all worth?— does the poisoned vine indeed breed finer wine? — is this thing we “love” even worth fighting for? Perhaps if it was so “bawal” then maybe it wasn’t borne out of love at all…

Bakit nga ba masarap kapag bawal?

It had been a little while since noted multi-talented Nicole Laurel got back in the recording cycle. She didn’t stop writing new songs. In fact, there are dozens in progress . For this upcoming single ‘BAWAL,’ she collaborated with a co-musician she had met nearly 9 years ago but never really had the opportunity to write with— guitarist/ multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan. During an impromptu jam, he put down the guitar and began playing keys. Nicole began humminhinstantaneous melody and lyrics— the initial songwriting for “Bawal” was done in about 30 minutes.

“This is one of the simplest lyrical expressions I have published, nothing poetic here, just a sentiment revolving around the quintessential question: “Bakit masarap kapag bawal?” It was one of those instances na halos sabay lumabas yung lyrics and melody, and halos tapos na yung song form in the first session. I was led into the song by the chord choices. The song is a simple, slow, soulful blend of sultriness and the melancholy of desiring something you can’t have,” Nicole noted.

The ‘Bawal’ team of the best musicians in today’s industry pooled their creative energies at Wildgrass studios for tracking.

Otep Concepcion (Drums), Rommel Dela Cruz (Bass), Nikko Rivera (Keys), Ted Amper (Cello), Lester Sorilla (Trumpet), Gabe Dandan (Producer, Guitar, Percussions, Backup Vocals), Mike Luis (Vocal arranger, Backup Vocals)

The world class post production team are mixing engineer Angee Rozul then mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos by: Waxified Sound Production.

Gabe Dandan on writing with Nicole Laurel Asensio:

“I like working with Nicole because I am inclined towards improvisation-style writing, it brings out the best in my playing and musical choices, Nicole encourages that environment. Her brain is like a factory for making lyrics, the workflow and is seamless and that doesn’t always happen with everyone.”

On Producing the track with the “Nyors”

“That was pretty scary, I went early, not just to get good parking, but also to calm my nerves before the guys arrived. When they all arrived it went pretty smoothly, I knew what I wanted to do, but these guys are all really really good, so at first I didn’t feel like I was in the position to tell them what to do, in fact I didn’t have to say much just a little guiding but they’re the best so they just did their thing. It was a fun process. Post production was easy and efficient, Nicole is very honest, she makes sure to tell me what she wants while we’re still in the process and not when everything is already done and I appreciate that.”

“Bawal” will definitely take all of us along with the memories of countless chases, losses, painful lessons, maybes, possibilities and loves that could have been.

More songs are birthing from Nicole Laurel Asensio, but for now she just needed to publish at least one to ignite the process again. “Bawal” is the first of many to hit the studio. More can definitely be expected in 2023.

Nicole finally notes: “PUWEDE”

“The beautiful thing about songwriting is – technically, walang bawal… you can write about anything, anyone and everything… you can use any note, rhythm, topic, lyric that reflects your soul and sentiment… Marami ngang bawal, ngunit, sa paglikha… lahat pwede. This is why creativity proves to be my greatest purpose and escape all in one, theres no telling where the creative chase will lead, but one thing is for sure, the creative chase is never futile, and always “masarap.”

“One last listen… before I turn off the speakers. The room is quiet now….
Save for the crackling sound of chicharon. So, bakit nga ba masarap kapag bawal?”

BAWAL is Produced by: Gabe Dandan / Nicole Laurel Asensio
Executive Produced by: Nicole Laurel Asensio
Mix and Mastered in Dolby Atmos by Waxified Sound Production
Distributed by: Warner Music Philippines
Catch it on October 28 on all digital platforms!

October 12, 2022
Filipino Podcasts Top Spotify Charts
It’s no secret that Filipinos are always in search of a good conversation. Spotify data has revealed that the Philippines has seen more than 60% growth in time spent listening to podcasts in the last 12 months, with local shows leading the charge. Top shows include:
Filipino Podcasts Top Spotify Charts

Carl Zuzarte, Spotify’s Head of Studios for Southeast Asia shares, “We want Pinoys to think of podcasts as their daily audio habit that provides a moment to pause and reflect on rich and inspiring stories. Local connections and storytelling are intrinsic to human identity and a primal form of expression.”

From talking about hugots in life to a quick comedy fix, Spotify data revealed that local podcasts spanning across Love & Relationships, Wellness, and Entertainment genres resonated the most with Pinoy listeners.

In celebration of Spotify creators, Carl Zuzarte, Head of Studios of Spotify Southeast Asia, sat down with podcasters at an event today to discuss the future of Filipino audio and the importance of championing local creators. Creators from MavLine on Me, Paano ba Ito the Podcast and Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast share how their fans relate to the intimate conversations hosted on Spotify.

Topics on shared experiences, like childhood habits, for example, really get Pinoy audiences talking, according to Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac of Spotify Exclusive Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast (AWK). “It’s important to us that our podcasts sound–and feel–like a conversation among best friends”, renowned film director Antoinette Jadaone, one-half of AWKshares. “Through Spotify’s easily accessible stats and audience demographics feature for podcasters, we found out that Filipinos, who are working overseas in the United States, Maldives and Kenya, look forward to our shows as it gives them a taste of home. Spotify’s massive platform enables us to build communities that extend across the globe.”

They also noted that podcasts have given Filipinos an avenue to explore and stretch their creative legs.

“People are used to seeing Kyline and I give short responses or rehearsed answers. With Spotify creating a space that enables long and thoughtful conversations, it allows our listeners to get to know us in an authentic way,” shares Mavy Legaspi, Creator of Spotify Original MavLine on Me

“We are thrilled that our growing range of Spotify podcasts entertain Filipinos and connect them to creators and content. This serves as a motivation for us to continuously innovate and uplift creativity in the Philippines.” shares Zuzarte.
October 10, 2022
I Belong To The Zoo Breathes New Life Into Hit Song “Hands To Heaven”

OPM listeners will surely have a refreshing listening experience as I Belong To The Zoo puts on a new flavor to “Hands To Heaven”, a song originally performed by English new wave band Breathe during the 80’s and eventually became popular in the Philippine airwaves during the early-mid 2000s.

The band, fronted by singer-songwriter Argee Guerrero is not a rookie anymore when it comes to doing versions of the songs they love, evident in different song covers they share on their official YouTube channel since the pandemic began. Leading to the release of the song, the band shared cryptic teasers on social media with a hashtag #XBXX.

As their fans would expect, IBTTZ’s “Hands To Heaven” has an alternative rock feel to it and it’s obvious that the group poured their soul in making this rendition. With beefy electric guitar tones and smooth vocals, I Belong To The Zoo indeed has a unique way of channeling the song’s core message to their listeners. Both compelling and cathartic, this version will relieve your sadness for sure. The band also filmed an official performance video to support this latest release (WATCH HERE)

“Hands To Heaven” by I Belong To The Zoo is part of Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines playlist. Stream it now on your favorite digital platforms.

October 10, 2022
Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas celebrates its 10th year with Two New Songs

Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas is celebrating its 10th year in the music industry with two new songs, Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk and Disko Na, both digitally released in time for their month-long anniversary celebration this October.

Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas is a 10-piece, sometimes 11 to 12-piece, big band that plays an eclectic mix of different music genres. Their music ranges from Jazz, Swing, Blues to Soul Disco-Funk to Modern/Contemporary groove music.

According to Mike Luis, “Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk is a party song that pays homage to classic funk bands from the seventies, such as Sly & The Family Stone, Parliament Funkadelic, Earth Wind & Fire, Bootsy Collins, etc.”

Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk and Disko Na are composed by BPPPP vocalist Mike Luis and arranged by bassist and musical director Francis De Veyra. Both songs were recorded, mixed and mastered at Wombworks Audio Productions by Jean-Paul Verona.

Francis De Veyra, on the other hand, describes Disko Naas a modern-day disco song with retro and Manila Sound vibes, a tribute to the band’s musical influences Hotdog, The Boyfriends, VST & Co., and the likes.

Released under Funkybeat Entertainment, Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk and Disko Na are available on all major music streaming apps including Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube, Amazon Music, and Anghami.

Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas will also hold an anniversary show on October 8, at 123 Block in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City, where they will debut the music videos for Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk and Disko Na. The band also worked with Backspacer Records for a vinyl record, a collection of their “Greatest HITS” as remastered by Shinji Tanaka of Kodama Studio, set to be released also on the show.

The anniversary event will also feature sets by Zsaris, Basically Saturday Night, Leanne & Naara, and Ang Bandang Shirley. Singers Bing Austria and Faye Yupano will also perform with the band.

For more information, follow Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas on Facebook, @brass_paspaspaspas on Instagram, and @BrassPasPas on Twitter.

October 4, 2022
Press Hit Play’s Awaited Comeback, “Sambit” Tell Us The Story Of Their Journey

A year after their debut isn’t actually enough to tell the story of CHRLS, Yuuki, JP and Sev, collectively known as Press Hit Play or PHP. These four boys have been performing for years now before their official debut. To say the least that it was never easy, but definitely worth all the risks just to be able to reach where they are now.

Coming from different groups, joining and winning a couple of competitions before, it was a long road ahead before becoming PHP. Now that they are considered as one of the powerhouse supergroups in P-POP, a rising community being spotlighted nowadays, they are ready to show their ever-growing fans their real story.

Their new single “Sambit” has been performed in front of thousands of P-POP fans who attended their first major live stint in April. It was definitely an overwhelming feeling as they managed to get through the song performance with all of them in tears. This led to the curiosity and excitement of fans.

Co-wrote by songwriter/producer JP, looks back on his journey while writing the song. “When I left my former company, I was about to work overseas. I reflected on what I really wanted to do in my life and I realized, it was music, still is and will always be. That’s when I was able to start penning the first verse of the song up until the chorus.” He decided to go and pursue his passion that led him to join and win a contest where he was sent to Korea to be trained. And after being recruited back to PHP, that’s when the song was finally finished. “This is more about our struggles. And also our inspiration to move forward and reach our dreams, which are the people around us who continue to support and cheer on us, those who are with us every step of the way.” lead vocalist, CHRLS added. “I want to tell people our message of comfort through the song. Just like our debut track, it is inspirational but this one has an emotional touch to it.” Sev, the youngest of the bunch and the main vocalist, expresses his intent to motivate the listeners who will be able to hear their new track.

When asked about the part of the song which they can relate to the most, main dancer, Yuuki answered, “The second verse for me. That’s where the part that says that we are in charge of the path we take. That we can’t be afraid of the big hurdles along the way cause there will always be one.”

“Sambit” encapsulates the group’s journey from starting their singing careers individually, to getting to know each other through the competitions they joined, to joining forces and building their cover group. Now with Press Hit Play, there are still struggles coming around but what’s important is whoever stays, who keeps on walking with them until the end.

Any individual who gets to listen to this new single who are currently struggling on things, whether their careers, studies, will relate to this through the lyrics as well as the heart-pounding melody that goes along with it. It will definitely be a candidate for the soundtrack of your life. Needless to say, their new single “Sambit” is ready to make the fans feel heart-warming emotions and cement the group’s name in the music scene.

Any individual who gets to listen to this new single who are currently struggling on things, whether their careers, studies, will relate to this through the lyrics as well as the heart-pounding melody that goes along with it. It will definitely be a candidate for the soundtrack of your life. Needless to say, their new single “Sambit” is ready to make the fans feel heart-warming emotions and cement the group’s name in the music scene.

Available here: https://lnk.to/PressHitPlaySambit

September 30, 2022
GRWM: Because every fashion moment deserves its own soundtrack
GetReadyWithMusic is a playful, interactive experience that invites users to take a quiz to get personalized playlists inspired by the textures, tones and vibes of their outfit.

“We had such a great time working with Spotify on the GetReadyWithMusic feature. I love how we were able to dress up and make different playlists for every look – and of course listening to amazing music the whole time!” Dixie and Charli D’Amelio enthused.

Whether it’s getting ready for a night out, prepping for a workout, or heading out for dinner with friends, Spotify is helping listeners soundtrack their “GRWM” (or, “get ready with me”) routines, no matter the occasion.

Here’s how to discover the experience for yourself:
1. First, make sure you have the latest version of the Spotify app.
2. Visit https://spotify.com/getreadywithmusic on your mobile device (available on iOS and Android).
3. Next, answer the prompted questions to tell Spotify about the vibes of your outfit–this is where you’ll share what you’re getting ready for, and describe your fit’s color story and texture.
4. Then, upload a photo of yourself in the outfit to serve as the cover of your new playlist.
5. Finally, you’ll receive a personalized, outfit-complementing playlist – complete with custom cover art–to stream and share with friends on social.
6. Once you’ve gone through the experience a few times, don’t forget to check out your Music Closet–where you’ll find all of the outfit playlists you’ve created so far.
New Gen Podcasts!

“Fall in love with Spotify’s latest Originals that gives young Filipinos the lowdown from love to Pinoy culture. Psst, with Spotify’s latest feature, these video podcasts, it’s almost like being in the same room!

Reel-and-real life couple Kyline Alcantara and Mavy Legaspi realize their passion project and venture into podcasting through MavLine on Me, designed to open up their love story to a broader audience, through a variety of conversations and to give a voice to their fellow young wallflowers.

Social media star Nana Silayro joins Spotify with Talking Nansense with Nana Silayro. With co-host Tomas Falconite, Nana promises light-hearted topics and conversations that would be a perfect companion for any activity–whether in transit, while on a leisurely walk, or even before bedtime.

Need a Pick-me up? Here’s Your Podcast Playlist RX

When in Need of Advice

Spotify offers Hinga Muna, a reminder that you are not alone, and that it’s important to take a pause and reflect. Featuring a wide range of podcast topics, from climate anxieties and parenting to a judgment-free exploration of sexuality, this playlist is your audio safe space.

Inspiration for Pinays

Pinay Voices captures just how powerful the modern Filipina woman is. For all your empowerment needs, there is a conversation you can join – for the soul-centered entrepreneur who needs reassurance that she’s navigating her business right, for the woman on-the-go who feels the need to re-center, there’s bound to be an episode here for every type of Pinay.

Kapag Pwede Daanin sa Tawa
Laughter is the best medicine, and relatable Pinoy humor is just what the doctor ordered. In Tawa Muna, episodes such as the evergreen topic of age differences in relationships and a TV review unlike any other invite you to listen in. While you’re at it, it’s okay to laugh out loud.
September 27, 2022
Justin Jesso EP ‘Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness’

Life is full of contradictions, and as humans, we all know there are two sides to each story. Just like most people, L.A. based singer and songwriter Justin Jesso has experienced the light and the dark, good and bad times, and knows that the secret to happiness lies in finding the right balance and learning to navigate between the ups and the downs. On his EP “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness”, he takes listeners on a sonic and emotional ride across nine incredible tracks that are all based on his own life experiences.

Divided into two parts, “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness” kicks off with the tracks “Lose Ya” and “Clarity”, which were both released earlier this year, and deal with the loss of oneself as well as a significant other, and exploring the confusion of trying to get both back. “If You’re Meant To Come Back” is about the realization that you really can’t control anything, and that if it’s meant to come back to you, it will. “There is both sadness and peace in that one,” Jesso explains about track #3 on the EP, which is followed by the dramatic up-tempo ballad “Lifeline”. Track #5 is one of two songs on the EP which are unreleased to date: “Drink Alone”, which touches on the subject of coping with loneliness. With dark and pounding piano chords and heartfelt vocals, the track once again showcases Justin Jesso’s incredible talent for wrapping deep emotions into authentic, melodic earworms that many can relate to.

“Bigger than” rings in part two of “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness”, and talks about going after what is most important, with its follow up song “Miracle” (the second brand new track on the EP), covering the discovery of just that in a happy-go-lucky tune. In “400 Trillion”, Jesso sings about how incredible it is to find that special someone against all statistic odds, with “The End” – the last track on the EP – marking the beginning of a next chapter and discussing the realization that what you had and might have lost will always have a place of significance.

About dividing up the EP, Justin Jesso explains: “I split this EP into two parts – The songs where things are aspirational or going well, and the songs where I am struggling with the loss either of myself or of a significant other. The first part of the EP is where I am the loneliest … where I am struggling to find happiness or myself. The second part of the EP is where I have found the opposite of loneliness and am most happy.”

Aside from his own releases, Justin Jesso has made a name for himself writing for superstars like Ricky Martin, Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, and even the Backstreet Boys. Furthermore, his hit single, “Stargazing” with legendary artist Kygo, has garnered him hundreds of millions of streams, views, gold and platinum certifications in countries all across the world, and even a Grammy nomination. Describing his musical development, he says: “My Musical style is evolving. This two-part EP covers songs that were released right at the top of the pandemic, most reflective of me coming into myself and my sound, and newer songs like “Lose Ya” that push the envelope on where I plan to go musically.”

“Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness” (EP) by Justin Jesso is out now.

September 22, 2022
Mitch James Returns With New Single ‘Motions’ Out Now, and Announces Sophomore Album Patience Out November 4th

Mitch James is back with an anthem for the times releasing ‘motions’ and announcing his sophomore album patience out November 4^th, 2022.

On motions, Mitch says “it’s for all of you who have been lost or just look at life and think ‘are you fu@#ing serious right now?’

I had to open the album with this song. If I were to describe this song in one sentence I would say ‘it’s about the inevitability of losing yourself on the way to finding yourself.’

I had an extremely shit 4 years since my first album. My own health issues, family health issues, constant roadblocks in my career, COVID, failed album attempts, singles that didn’t

work. I had to write a song that summarised that feeling of helplessness with life drowning you – but still having that will to see it through and stick it out to the other side.

It’s a powerful song that truly means a lot to me, and I hope you can relate to it in your own way. I remember being in the studio and coming in – Graham & Ryan already laid down the guitar chords. All I had to do was as channel the truth, and the words just came out.”

An official visualiser is being released with the track.

Today Mitch also announced his sophomore album patience is to be released November 4^th this year.

“The whole focus of the writing was to be brutally honest and brutally vulnerable,” James says.

The bulk of the album was written and recorded in early 2022, after James travelled to Los Angeles and met up with writer, producer and former Tonight Alive guitarist, Whakaio Taahi.

James and Taahi struck up a creatively stimulating rapport, which allowed James to access new creative territory and fully embrace his position as a pop front person. Crucially, Taahi gave James the freedom to be himself.

“I’m a bit of an over-sharer,” James says. “That’s who I am and that’s who my fans want me to be.”

To date Mitch James has over 200 million streams globally, 6 million TikTok views and over 3 million video views and the release of ‘motions’ and his upcoming album patience is set to only increase these impressive numbers!

‘motions’ is available everywhere now and patience is available to pre-order now.

September 22, 2022
Cholo Paz Returns to the Stage with the Kadipan-PNU & CCP

The Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Intertextual Division and Kapisanang Diwa at Panitik-PNU will produce an online show titled “Ang Walang Kupas na Panulat at Musika ni Cholo Paz: Tugtugan at Kwentuhan” on the musician Cholo Paz via Zoom on September 24, 10 AM. It will also be broadcast on the following Facebook accounts: facebook.com/CCPIntertextualDivision/ and facebook.com/KadipanPnu.

Writer and musician Cholo Paz was born on December 17, 1952 in Santiago, Isabela, and graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1974 wherein he took a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. When he started to pursue his talent in music, he also started the journey of creating different classical songs.

Paz’s “Kupas na Maong”, “Bulag na Carriedo” and “Bangkang Papel” rose to fame. He also recorded songs in Las Vegas, Nevada titled “Bomba Atomika” that talks about the world war and its cruelty, “Anting-Anting” which highlights the belief of the Filipinos in the power of amulets, “Handa Na Ba Kayo” that discusses the destruction of the environment as we continue to attain advanced technology and finally, “Himig ng Gabi” that is about the life and love of a farmer. Freddie Aguilar, Florante de Leon, Heber Bartolome and the group Asin were among his colleagues at the time.

Despite living in a foreign country for a length of time and being away from his home country, his passion for music is still burning when it comes to creating and sharing his talent in the field. Paz will be showcasing his talent once again as he comes back to the Philippines for his supporters and the new generation to watch on the date mentioned above.

The CCP Intertextual Division supports the artists in their works as a contribution to the field of art. For more information, you can reach us via email (ccpintertextualdivision@gmail.com), text (09193175708) or leave a message on the CCP Intertextual Division Facebook Page.

September 21, 2022
Macbeth Music Festival 20th Anniversary Show

Are you ready to celebrate with Macbeth’s 20^th Anniversary?

With Macbeth’s love of Music, Arts, and Denim, this Music Festival will feature a live band fashion show collaboration, showcasing the latest of Macbeth’s Collection.

The brand has put together a 20-band-line up music festival carefully selected across different genres with a passion focused on highlighting both the main and underground music community. The line-up includes: Chelsea Alley, Urbandub, Rico Blanco, Mayonnaise, Chocolate Factory, Sandwich, Hilera, Even, Snakefight, Sucketseven, Fragments, CHNDTR, Faspitch, Soapdish, Written By The Stars, Divina, Lilith, Shotgun Combo, Imbue No Kudos, Macbeth All Stars, and Macbeth Superband.

This 20^th Anniversary Show will be the official launch of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth Underwear, 10 years of Macbeth in the Philippines, and 20 years of Macbeth in the world.

What are you waiting for? Get your show invites now and enjoy the rad concert on October 8, 2022 (gate opens 11AM) at the Metrotent Convention Center, Pasig City.

Show Invites Mechanics:

For every single receipt purchase of any Macbeth Merchandise worth P1,200 you are entitled to one FREE show invite. You may also score 1 show invite for only P600.

Show Invite Store Update:

Visit www.macbethph.com or any of the following participating Macbeth Studio Shops below: SM City North Edsa, SM City Manila, SM City Fairview, SM City Fairview 1 and 2, Farmers Plaza, Metropoint Mall, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, SM City Taytay, Ever Commonwealth Center, SM City Marilao, SM City Bacoor, SM City Sta. Rosa, Robinsons Place Lipa, Robinson Starmills, SM Center Imus, and SM City Rosario.

You can also visit the Macbeth booth at the RJAM’s second leg event also known as Rakista Jam Tayo- The Return (Free Entrance) on the 24^th of September to purchase your favorite Macbeth merchandise at Eton Centris, Quezon City. This is valid to all the purchased receipts from August 25, 2022, until October 7, 2022.

See you there and let’s celebrate this extraordinary 20 rocking years!

Macbeth apparel and footwear brand for artist by artist by artist since 2022. At Macbeth everything we do is rad. Macbeth, step into our world of art and music. #20RockingYears

September 20, 2022