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Tag: Nicole Laurel Asensio

  • ‘Changes Over Time’: New EP by Nicole Laurel Asensio and Gabe Dandan Featuring 4 Tracks Set for July 5 Release

    ‘Changes Over Time’: New EP by Nicole Laurel Asensio and Gabe Dandan Featuring 4 Tracks Set for July 5 Release

    Nicole Laurel Asensio is all set to celebrate her birth month with ‘CHANGES OVER TIME,’ a brand new collection of original music in tandem with producer Gabe Dandan, as well as a series of shows across the metro. 

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    ‘Changes Over Time’ is a four track EP that lures the listener into a labyrinth of sound that traverses through themes of time. Orchestral elements and intoxicating rhythms are delicately coalesced into the electronic components of the songs to compliment artist Nicole Asensio’s poetic propensity and meandering melodies. All the tracks were mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos by Waxiefied Sound Production.

    “This EP is a cocktail of different styles from me and Nicole’s favourite eras of music.  There are elements from the 80s, acid jazz influences from the early 90s, neo-soul influences from the mid 90s and a melding of 70s disco and modern house/electronic. The Dilla swing feel is present throughout the EP but expressed through the different sonic platforms each of these eras of music have.” – Gabe Dandan

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    “We wrote the initial demos during a lock-in session in my home, and later brought them into the the Dolby Atmos equipped production suite “Waxiefied Sound Production.”it was a tireless three day process of writing and producing on the fly, but the spontaneity of our process for this EP is what gave these songs their unique charm and sound.”  –Nicole

    Welcome to the dream… nothing is what it seems.

     “Amused” is a tune reminiscent of a smooth cocktail served over the plush velvet seats of a swanky bar. The instrumentation is robust yet laid back, opening with a full orchestra sound and slipping into a slow groove, full horns section. Much of the style is inspired by 80’s soul-r&b. Nicole’s uniquely textured vocal and a section of female backups garnish the track with sensual subtleties.

    “Hours into our session, Gabe continued to stack tracks as I was simultaneously writing words to match them. I already had a melody in my head for the next song, but our first couple attempts to match ideas weren’t jiving just yet. After an ear-break we decided to jump into the next song “Where We’re Meant to Be” a track that is inspired by accepting our circumstances because we cannot chase, change or turn back time. Despite the heavy connotation of this topic, I wanted to keep the vibe light, warm and summery. Lyrically, the song is about accepting that everything happens at the right time and there is nothing one can do to alter that, after all, We still can choose to count the blessings and live in the moment when everything else seems out of sync. –Nicole

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    The second track “Where We’re Meant to Be” blends hints of acid jazz and soul into a spirited and upbeat brew. Percussive elements and classic jazz melodies meld into modern elements and production styles creating a bounty of musical flavours.

    The third track “Mirages” was inspired by a recent experience we had in Siargao island. While skimming the streets, driving a dusty motorbike on a sweltering hot day, the roads began to fade into a silver haze, mirages of water shone on the path and as we got closer they would disappear. The track opens with exotic string and wind instruments such as a koto and lute, as the arrangement rises to a hilt, it suddenly plunges into a dark beat reminiscent of trudging footsteps on desert sand. I kept the low and slow on this track, to give the ear a different place to go. I was thrilled to have Gabe finally share a little bit of his vocals on this track too! It took quite a bit of coaxing as he can be extremely shy about singing, but I am glad he finally decided to come out of his shell and share it on this EP.” – Nicole

    Time in motion it won’t stop for no one…

    “The message of this EP is about how ephemeral our lives are. We cannot escape the movement of time and the fact that everything and everyone around us changes as well. These four songs are our way of expressing how we should grow and evolve without losing what it truly good and beautiful about us. I feel the music reflects the changes over time because of how unconventional the song forms are with the combination of different genres plus all of the abrupt sonic changes that would intentionally throw listeners off yet reel them in again a few seconds later.” – Gabe

    The fourth and final track which is also the EP title “Changes over Time” is comprised of four parts or “seasons” within itself. As the title suggests, the track has multiple shifts in tempo and feel. The song opens with 2000’s influenced house beats, string elements and effervescent vocals, then descends into slow, intimate musings of sadness over a sultry groove, it then picks up again and shape-shifts with the help of electronic elements such as vocoders and synths, the cycle repeats before fading into a gospel choir influenced outro. Truly a sonic experiment reminiscent of the many changes that come as we sift through sands of time.

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    “We retained a lot of elements from our first writing session such as the bass, keys and some of the synths. We then headed to onQ studios where we got to work with music stalwart Mr. Marvin Querido who tracked our live sessions with drummer Randall Enriquez and a horn section spearheaded by Michael Guevarra. Nicole and I recorded lead vocals and backup vocals at Waxiefied Sound Production Dolby Atmos suite. We blended in vocals from industry friends Mel Torre, Sarah Holmes and Dominic Dimagmaliw. After most stems were in place, singer-songwriter Kevin Yadao added some more smooth backups to the mix. One of the highlights of working on this EP is guesting L.A. based world renowned trumpet player Aaron Janik, who plays alongside some of the greatest musical acts in the international scene. The entire team was comprised of titans in their own right, and we were honoured to work with each player. Finally, I added guitar as a finishing touch. We brought to Waxie Joaquin to mix and master because of his expertise and understanding for this multi-genre type of music. Waxie, Nicole and I would stay up everyday till 5 in the morning working on the immersive experience and getting everything to its optimal sound across the board. After Mastering was done, Jiggs Hermano did the quality control and after a couple of hours of careful listening we all agreed it was ready and sent it out for distribution through Warner Music Philippines.” – Gabe

    “Working on “Changes Over Time” was a refreshing immersive experience.  Bringing all the songs to life was such an impressive sonic journey. These songs were truly conceptualised composed and arranged to be heard, listened and “felt” in  Dolby Atmos.”

    – Waxie Joaquin, Waxiefied Sound Production

    The tandem paints a sonic landscape that is both peculiar and familiar in the same deep breath. Through the shifts in tempo, rhythm and language from English to Filipino, there remains two common threads—homage to soul music and an earnest articulation of words from the soul.

    ‘Changes Over Time’  will be released on all digital platforms on July 5, 2024 at 12mn. 

    There will be a countdown launch gig on July 4, 2024 at 8:30PM in 19EAST, east service road, Sucat followed by the following tour dates: 

    July 7– A birthday show at Salon De Ning, The Peninsula Manila. 

    July 12- The Astbury, Poblacion (by invite only)

    July 19 – 78-45-33 Salcedo Makati 

    July 26- The Spirits Library, Poblacion. 

    More Road tour dates across the Philippines to be announced. 

    FULL CREDITS CHANGES OVER TIMe

    Lyrics: Nicole Asensio
    Music: Nicole Asensio, Gabe Dandan
    Producer: Gabe Dandan
    Executive Producer: Nicole Asensio
    Musical Director: Gabe Dandan
    Drums: Randall Enriquez
    Percussion: Migui Bautista
    Bass: Gabe Dandan
    Guitar: Gabe Dandan
    Piano, Synths, Vocoder: Gabe Dandan
    Lead Vocals: Nicole Asensio
    Horns Arrangement: Michael Guevarra / Aaron Janik
    Saxophone and Flute: Michael Guevarra
    Trumpet: James Mixto
    Trombone: Darius Mendoza
    Flugelhorn: Aaron Janik
    String and Woodwind Arrangement: Gabe Dandan
    Vocal Arrangement: Gabe Dandan, Nicole Asensio
    Backup Vocals: Nicole Asensio, Melinda Torre, Sarah Holmes, Gabe Dandan, Kevin Yadao, Dominic Dimagmaliw
    Tracking Engineers: Marvin Querido, Gabe Dandan, Isagani Palabyab, Enrique Santamaria
    Mixing Engineer: Waxie Joaquin (Waxiefied Sound Production)
    Mastering Engineer: Waxie Joaquin (Waxiefied Sound Production)
    Distrubuted by: Warner Music Philippines

  • Nicole Laurel Asensio to Launch New Song ‘I Know My Worth’ to Celebrate International Women’s Month on March 19 

    Nicole Laurel Asensio is all set to release a new original composition for International Women’s Month in tandem with fellow empowered and multi talented women in music — Saxdiva, Vanessa Celestial (trombone), Yanni Diola (backup vocals) and Yuna Reguerra (bass).

    March 19 gig poster

    Be the first to listen LIVE at the pre-launch party at 12 Monkeys, Estancia Mall on March 19 with renowned women acts Jika Marie and Keiko Necesario.

    The digital launch will be on March 29 in all digital platforms under Warner Music Philippines.

    “I wrote this song during the pandemic without the usual jam-sessions with co-writers, but instead by using samples and loops. It was during that time that I also first met a brilliant artist, composer and producer Sam Akins online. We clicked immediately and went on to writing a few songs even without meeting each other in person yet. It was only three years later that I let him listen to the initial rough demo for “I Know My Worth”  in a studio session. I sang it for him, Sam’s eyes seemed to light up at that moment. I had always wanted to work with him! He’s prolific! — the moment seemed right.  So we decided to pursue the rest of the production then and there. Sam’s pop sensibilities and prowess in singing, composing and playing several instruments instantly swayed me to partner up with him for this production, and a number more in the near future.” – Nicole Asensio

    “I first met Nicole online during the pandemic. She is a marvel of an artist and definitely one of a kind, to be candid. Writing with her is easy because not only is she a great collaborator, she is also in tune with herself and knows what she wants. She isn’t afraid to test the waters and try new things, which to me are the markings of longevity in the entertainment industry. I can see her climbing to the top of her game and doing this for many years to come. I have so much love and admiration for her.” – Sam Akins (Producer) 

    “I met Nicole Reluya (Saxdiva) and Vanessa Celestial about 8 years ago during one of my first shows with the AMP bigband. Witnessing their sheer talent playing the saxophone and trombone was unbelievable, plus they are such skilled singers as well. Yuna Reguerra and I met over a decade ago and I have always admired her skill and style, but this is the first time I had the chance to work with her. As she was recording I kept thinking to myself “why haven’t we worked together sooner? she’s amazing!” Gabe Dandan also recorded multiple guitar parts for the track under the direction of Sam Akins, it was a nice dynamic seeing two producers work together and Gabe who is usually a musical director, sit back and play under the direction of Sam. Gabe took over most of the backup vocal arrangement duties this time. Gabe’s good friend Yanni Diola from the band “Morning Goodness” spent an afternoon with us to add her touches to the vocal stacks. We then sent the track to in-demand Engineer and Producer Joseph Gregory for Mixing and Abbey Road UK for mastering. This team coming together is a real blessing and one that I am thoroughly grateful for. I am grateful to have met each artist involved at different points in this musical path.” – Nicole Asensio

    “This song is very powerful, and Nicole Asensio did an exceptional job with it. This inspired us greatly to create and collaborate with her. It felt like more of a party than work…Vanessa and I incorporated a lot of funky phrases and improvised parts of the song. I also added a number of solo saxophone lines.” – Saxdiva

    “Typically, as a producer, I am used to playing most if not all the instruments on the track, but for this song I got to collaborate with incredible musicians. I enjoyed letting their musical inclinations and ideas run wild. I think collaboration is something we all can afford to explore more as artists, it oftentimes takes a project to a whole new level. I am immensely honoured to have the opportunity to work on this incredible piece of music.” – Sam Akins

    During our recording sessions, conversations would spark here and  there about the challenges of being a woman working non stop in the music industry.

    “Being a woman in the music industry is difficult. Regardless of how well you perform or how skilled you are, there will always be people who attribute your success to your gender. However, I no longer let these circumstances affect me.” – Saxdiva

    “I agree, it can be very challenging considering that the many corners of the music industry are still somehow dominated by male artists and music business personalities. I also feel like my instrument, the trombone is not commonly used by women, at least not here. Despite the challenges, I find it very inspiring whenever I get to perform with other high caliber female artists— it motivates me even further to work hard and excel in my chosen craft.” – Vanessa Celestial

    “I am not a woman, but I look around me and see a whole lot of pressure on women and a lot less appreciation for their skill and hard work. I have been opportune to work with some incredible women in the industry, and they do inspire me, but I also can’t help but notice the disparity. For example when I glance at the current 10 most streamed artists in the Philippines at the moment, there is currently only one woman on the list, I feel like more women need recognition.” –Sam Akins

    “I can’t count how many times I have been degraded on and off stage simply because of my gender— catcalls, lewd gestures awful chauvinistic comments online… all because I am a woman… I am sure many other owmen in the industry have similar stories. The funny thing is— usually the negativity has nothing to do with the music or the story behind the song… it’s all a power-trip sometimes, and that is why I felt like writing these very simple straightforward lyrics to remind fellow women to know our worth—we are vessels of our creator’s love and power and that should be celebrated. We must know our worth, we must tell our stories and we must never let anyone put us in a box because of gender, race, age, appearance or social status, music transcends all of that and more.” – Nicole Asensio

    “Do your work with great pride and passion in order to raise the bar of the quality of female artists in the music industry. And trust me, It’s not easy but it will always be worth it. Know your worth” – Vanessa Celestial

    “I Know My Worth” is a fierce and fiery anthem for the modern bond-girl who won’t take B.S. from anyone who makes her feel like less than her worth. With Big, bold brass and string arrangements, upright bass and cinematic nuances resting upon a modern backbeat, the track is a perfect blend of old and new, classic and modern- a true trademark of Nicole Asensio’s signature style for several years now. The vocals range from slick and smooth to textured and feisty highlighting the persona behind the intention of the track—a woman who knows her worth.