Tag: Nicole Laurel

Feel the Fire: Nicole Laurel Asensio Returns with “Let Our Love”

Nicole Laurel Asensio returns to the Philippines after her successful series of shows abroad and dives right back into the dynamic realm of music releases with her latest offering “LET OUR LOVE” under Warner Music Philippines.

Teaming up with producer and multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan once more, the prolific duo concoct a subtle and sensual, albeit fearless expression of the soul in their latest track.

“From a smouldering fire to a blaze”

“It was the first time I asked producer Gabe Dandan to strike the match and ignite the creative process. No prior references, lyrical ideas, soundbites or requests, I asked him to “create anything that you think would suit my voice”… I left the room for awhile and returned with my heart racing, ecstatic to write lyrics because I loved the vibe he was onto. We don’t always agree creatively, it takes a lot of adjusting co-creating sometimes but this time the creativity was torrential, it was effortless.”

“Together we make a picture with colors only the blind can see.”

“The production process was very casual and the goal was to let the musicians we collaborated with play what they really imagine on it, no rules. We encouraged them to add their own colors and be a part of the imagery of the song. I gave Michael Guevarra the initial arrangement, from there he made a beautiful horn arrangement on it and we recorded at Wildgrass Studio and Kodama Studio, then we got Mike Lichtenfeld on keys, Aman Dela Cruz on percussion and backup vocals and handpicked some of our all time favorite voices Kevin Yadao and Mel Torre to do backup vocals, Nicole and I arranged the vocals together. when the recording was done, I took care of the mixing and we sent it to Abbey Road UK for the mastering” – Gabe Dandan

“Weaving silk from our fallen tears.”

Brazenly poetic, the imagery in the lyrics are a surrealistic sojourn back into the arms of a quintessential love. The song draws its sound from Soul, Rnb and Jazz influences with a touch of 90s “sophisti-pop.”

“Reflections of yesterday in an iron frame, like butterflies break away.”

“In this season of my life, I am finding that the songs I write are not about what is trending, they are also less about making each recording a vocal showcase, I am enjoying slowing down the process, practicing some restraint and casually creating music that I feel sounds timeless, there is still depth to some extent, especially lyrically but at the end of the day it’s feel-good music that also makes me feel good when we create it.” – Nicole Asensio

“I think this release is more relaxed than our previous tracks sound-wise. Nicole and I write together based on images and how they make us feel— it is how we communicate best during the creative process. When I began creating the chord progression, it really reminded me of gentle rain so we used that image as the undertone throughout the song. Nicole’s brilliant lyrics and melodies are right there between happiness and sadness and the song journeys from restraint to blissful release. I think the blend of our styles create a very unique sonic mood that I relish and hope others feel that too” – Gabe Dandan

Nicole and Gabe Dandan’s last two EP releases “Changes Over Time” and “Matter Over Mind” have garnered a staggering 10 entries in multiple categories in this year’s prestigious AWIT AWARDS. 4 of those entries then made it to the AWIT awards finals round, with the awards night set to commence in late November.

“I’m grateful to keep creating, I think it is a blessing and when you have the opportunity to create, therefore nothing and no one should stop you. Love knows no bounds, neither do art and music… we can’t stop it, so we should just let it.” – Nicole Asensio

“LET OUR LOVE” will be released on November 7, 2025 on all listening platforms under Warner Music Philippines, it is a “teaser track” for an upcoming EP which is currently in the works and set to be released early next year.

November 6, 2025
Nicole Laurel Christmas Song Set for Dec. 1 Release

After a series of music releases that garnered multiple nominations, Nicole Laurel Asensio is set to release on December 1 a brand new original Christmas duet entitled “Sana Masaya Ka” with iconic OPM artist Jeffrey Hidalgo, produced by Gabe Dandan and released under Warner Music.

“Sana Masaya Ka” is a bittersweet duet that unfolds the story between former lovers spending their first holiday season apart. Nicole’s silken vocals evoke nostalgia and Jeffrey Hidalgo’s smoky timbre resonates deeply into the very fibres of the bed of instruments arranged by Gabe Dandan. The classic and organic elements brought by strings and woodwind sections blanket the song with a much needed warmth and familiarity as the characters sing of healed hearts and happier holidays to come.

“It was well past midnight when I was in the throes of compiling lyrics and melodies for a different Christmas release.

Gabe arrived at the studio coming from another Christmas project. Because the holiday spirit was still ringing in our ears, I wanted to try writing another Christmas song even if it was creeping close to sunrise. Gabe begun jamming chords with a classic OPM feel and slow jazz accents, I loved them instantly. The challenge now for me was to express my sentiments in Tagalog. Save for some lyrical adjustments, the songwriting was done in one session,” Nicole shares.

“Our process is very spontaneous, it creates a creative environment that allows us to surprise ourselves. After finishing the song, Nicole expressed that she wanted to try making it a Christmas duet because it was something we haven’t done. I immediately thought of Jeffrey Hidalgo as a perfect match for Nicole and the song because of his warm smoky vocal tone,” Gabe Dandan echoed.

“I was delighted hearing Gabe’s suggestion, I have a lot of respect for Jeffrey as a singer, actor and director, his voice really is something special. It took me about a week to muster up the courage to ask him if he was willing to do this and then send him a demo. It didn’t take Jeffrey long to respond and when he said yes, i was so grateful… it was a clear sign that I had to save my other Christmas project for another year and finish off 2023 with this one,” Nicole added.

“The last time I had a Christmas single was 25 years ago so I am really looking forward to the release of this track. Nicole and Gabe asking me to do this collab is really an unexpected blessing, ” Jeffrey Hidalgo exclaimed.

The Recording Process

“Working with Jeffrey for the first time and Nicole numerous times was very chill and spontaneous, we were just recording over food and drinks at Nicole’s home studio, despite the relaxed setting it was a very productive evening, ” Gabe Dandan added.

“This was one of the best collaboration experiences I’ve had in the studio if not, the best! My favourite aspect of being a musician is the recording process and recording this single was the most fun I’ve had in the studio. I enjoyed working with Nicole and Gabe immensely. I loved how they took me out of my comfort zone with out-of-the-box harmonies that were peculiar but so delectable to the ears. I loved their vision for the song form the get-go, so I was all in,” Jeffrey replied.

“Jeffrey has a beautiful signature vocal tone that can smooth over the rough edges of even the most painful lyrics and make it an easy listen. His depth as an actor/director makes his delivery and storytelling hit home. I learned a lot while tracking him. It makes me smile when I think about how this project is entirely homegrown and home recorded. Lawrence Nolan recorded himself playing drums from his home, Gabe played Bass, Guitar, Hammond and Rhodes as well as sang backup vocals from home. The strings and woodwinds played by Ted Amper and Carlo Mikhail were recorded by us in my home and our friends Jess Fermino, Mark Enriquez and myself took turns tracking vocals. Learning the quirks of the process and making mistakes was definitely part of what made this song even more memorable,” Nicole beamed.

“Recording the musicians was smooth because all the musicians we worked with are not just talented but patient, I did the string and woodwind arrangement on the spot and hummed it to Ted (Cello) and Carl (Woodwinds and violin) on the fly Carl and Ted were so easy to work with. I am thankful for our friends in music,” Gabe shared.

The song was then sent to Angee Rozul for mixing then to Waxie Joaquin and Enrique Santamaria of Waxiefied Sound Production for further Mixing and Mastering in Dolby Atmos.

“Though I’m more known as a pop balladeer, my personal musical preference really leans more towards the indie-alternative genre. I’ve been a fan of Nicole ever since General Luna, and a bigger fan now that she’s a solo artist. I love how distinct her voice is and how she seems to be comfortable in whatever genre she dips her feet into. Our collaboration might seem unexpected to some but after hearing our voices together, I love how it all just makes perfect sense. I love how Gabe and Nicole both know exactly what they want yet, they let me explore as well within my vocal range and style” Jeffrey replied.

“Hindi man tinadhana, sana masaya ka”

“It really is a bittersweet season for some, I wrote the lyrics and melody because not everyone’s Christmas is “Merry” Though it is easier said than done, focusing on the blessings gets us by. Relationships fail. People make mistakes and grow apart. However, the markings of truly loving someone is wishing them love and happiness even if you are no longer involved with them…you still want to know they are alright, and that they’ll still have a Merry Christmas even if you’re not in the picture anymore. I suppose one would dedicate this song to their TOTGA (the one that got away),” Nicole muses.

“I think I have 2 TOTGAs that I would have dedicated this song to, many many years back. I am just so glad I’m not in the position of the characters in the song nowadays. I’m in a much better place. LOL! But seriously, I am sure many people will be able to relate to this song if not at the moment, then at some point because because this has happened to a lot of us. You sincerely want to wish a past lover happiness, yet deep inside, you still really want to be with that person too. Ouch. Hahaha!,” Jeffrey jokingly said.

“Pagsapit ng bagong taon… saan ka man naroroon.”

“I am looking forward to next year because we will be working on compilations and EPs instead of singles, more ideas to execute, much more music to be made. I’m very excited for the different musical styles Nicole and I will be exploring,” Gabe said.

“Working with Gabe as a producer, sparked the producer in me as well and I am suddenly hungry to create more music next year,” Jeffrey gives a wink.

“I am grateful to still be making music and happy whenever inspiration strikes. More songs are already in the works for next year. I don’t know how many years on earth I’ll have to do this, and that makes me so much more grateful for the instances God allows creativity to flow, ” Nicole concludes.

Hiling ko lang ngayong pasko, Sana masaya kayo!

SONG CREDITS

Lyrics: Nicole Asensio
Music: Nicole Asensio, Gabe Dandan,
Musical Director: Gabe Dandan
Drums: Lawrence Nolan
Bass: Gabe Dandan
Guitar: Gabe Dandan
Piano: Brad Coronel
Rhodes and Hammond: Gabe Dandan
Violin: Carlo Mikhail
Cello: Ted Amper Mikhail
Vocals: Nicole Asensio, Jeffrey Hidalgo
Backup Vocal Arr. Gabe Dandan and Nicole Asensio
Backup Vocals: Gabe Dandan, Nicole Asensio
Recording Engineers: Gabe Dandan, Nicole Asensio, Jess Fermino, Mark Enriquez
Mixing Engineers: Angee Rozul, Waxie Joaquin, Ek Santamaria
Mastering Engineers: Waxie Joaquin, Ek Santamaria

November 30, 2023
Nicole Laurel’s Highly Anticipated New Song ‘What Matters Most’ Set for July 7th Release

In an imperfect world where friendships are fleeting, where money slips though our fingers faster than we can count it, when we often run out of time right before we reach the top of the climb, We are reminded to celebrate the things and people that matter most … while we still can.

I see the little changes around me- friends that come and go, loves and losses and the lessons they bring, growing pains that come with each season… telling me to start over. As I take another trip around the sun, I would like to take this time to celebrate WHAT MATTERS MOST — all of you. This song is a little birthday treat to everyone who has remained in my life and inspired me to continue making music. “What Matters Most” was written with sleepless eyes in the midst of a hot summer sunrise after wrapping up another production session. I recall going down the media rabbit hole to de-brief from another song we had just finished. Producer Gabe Dandan and I found ourselves immersed in the soundtrack of the film “Cadillac Records” featuring blues greats such as Etta James, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.

“The inspiration for ‘What Matters Most’ was mostly quartet music from the 50s-60s. Nicole’s vocal versatility spans many styles and genres of music but I think she sounds at home and authentic in this setting.”

Sometimes you just have to let songs that draw inspirations from classic roots retain that classic sound. “The main focus of the simple no nonsense arrangement was to keep the song era-accurate with modern treatment and post production.”

“No doubt “What Matters Most” is a love song… I wanted to carve a little a space in time where I could freely celebrate love and the astronomical feeling of being loved through and through. I had these lyrics and a simple melody for this song scribbled somewhere for weeks before. Bits and pieces of the song were scattered in lost minutes between production sessions of other songs. I had also casually jammed versions of this theme with some friends before but it was after revisiting the blues greats that the song and lyrics took its final form. We finished recording the demo at 7:30am and for the sake of staying loyal to the song’s theme…. went out for a stack of celebratory pancakes.” – Nicole

“Working with Nicole is smooth because our writing chemistry is instant and natural, we have a dynamic where we can both freely express ourselves and understand our creative palettes and processes, this is also why we get along so well. She usually begins by humming a melody, then I make chords that work with it and we build it up from there.” – Gabe

Gabe and I called Dan Gil (veteran producer and composer) to join in and take over keys recording duties, Gavino Sabalburo’s drums and Timpani recordings from Marvin Querido and ONQ studio made for a wonderful companionship and Gabe took over bass and guitar duties. Veteran engineer Angee Rozul took over tracking duties. It was a no-frills recording with simple instrumentation laced with incessant laughter and a cheerful round of drinks afterwards. There were times I was tempted to add a horns section or back-up vocals, but this time around I think the simplicity was needed. I was convinced by my co-musicians to keep it simple, light and happy. I probably have a lot of things to ‘hugot’ about…. and yes I have been writing about that too… Pero ayoko muna humugot… this isn’t the song for it… saka na ‘yan…. Let’s just stay in love for a little while… kahit mga five-ish minutes lang and celebrate the things that matter most.

“There wasn’t much post production to be done, at most it was just choosing from ad-lib takes and minimal curing for some instruments. Nicole does all her vocal comp-ing in her home studio. When the recording was done we sent it to Mr. Waxie G. Joaquin to mix and master the track and bring it to life.” – Gabe

Waxified Sound Production indeed brought the sound back to that retro era with their post production and spacial audio experience. The track was mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos by: Waxie G. Joaquin of Waxiefied Sound Production.

“What Matters Most.” is a sonic ride back in time to a 60s diner in a dreamy, creamy-white Cadillac. This five minute track encapsulates that nostalgic feeling of falling freely in love— no regrets, no holding back. A classic yet crispy new take on no-nonsense blues. Nicole’s one-of-a-kind vocals are a red-hot lipstick stain on a tall strawberry milkshake- tastefully showcased with the perfect balance of grit, grease, soulfulness and vulnerability while delectably dripping over the band’s perfectly ripened musical sensibilities and honest expression—the cherry on top.

“In the coming months you can definitely expect more music in a spectrum of different styles and stories, We enjoy creating with different musicians, so each song is a treat, making music is our favourite thing to do.” – Gabe

There are countless songs in progress as of today, it’s a matter of staying in love with the process and putting in the work to release each one into the world. patience, trust, time are all part of it, but staying in love with the process is what I am learning is perhaps the most important part. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of my life and music journey thus far. I am grateful for you all and for all the God given chances to make music for you. Let’s celebrate love and make every minute matter with the ones who matter most.

The music video is set to be released mid July with a double music video launch event (Nicole is set to launch another secret music video) The event is open to public and will be held at 9pm in Salon De Ning, Manila Peninsula Hotel on August 1, 2023. More details will be announced in her social media accounts: Nicole Laurel Asensio (FB) | @nicoleasensio (IG).

July 3, 2023
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
Nicole Laurel and Basically Saturday Night’s Collab Song ‘The One’ is Out Now

The latest song of multi-talented artist Nicole Laurel Asensio co-written with upcoming band Basically Saturday Night as a result of a collaboration process in creating music together for the first time.

“The One” brings the old soul flavour into present times. A combination of Basically Saturday Night’s signature rhythm, silken guitar licks and their lead singer Migie Garcia’s deep smoky vocals, mixed with Nicole Laurel Asensio’s sultry yet powerful and unique tone and prowess in blending rock and jazz genres as well as beautiful embellishments from her formidable horn section.

The original composition is a simple expression between two people who have shed their uncertainties and given themselves entirely to their one true love. The message of the song intends for people to continue seeking, cherishing and living for their own interpretation of “The One”.

THE FIRST TIME

“I first heard Basically Saturday Night’s music because our head A&R at Warner Music, Kelley Mangahas and I were on a video call and he told me, “Nicole, there’s a band that I really think you might have a good time writing with, let’s see if you guys can collaborate.” Earlier in the call, I had expressed how I was longing to work with more musicians and grow more as a singer-songwriter. I heard their music and immediately added it to my listening playlist. Days later, Kelley me and the band were in communication setting up our first jam. The jam was in their drummer Faisal’s house which they have nicknamed “The Lab” I walked in there not knowing what to expect especially because they all knew each other very well and I was the stranger walking into their creative bubble. But as soon as we started free-jamming, the rhythms, melodies and impromptu lyrics were spouting out from every corner of the lab. I knew this first time was something special. It just felt natural. Even if I am now a solo artist, I understand the band culture very well, I still like to write like a band player, collaboratively. it was a culture that I guess I was secretly craving too and being around these immensely talented gentlemen eased that longing. within the second hour we had written our first song.”

CHEMISTRY IN THE LAB

“It was instant chemistry! I think this stemmed from having shared the same reverence for soul, jazz, and blues artists, which made it much easier to find common ground. It was definitely a learning experience for the band to come into a session with a highly experienced musician like Nicole – I think it forced us to try and play at our very best. I think that both Basically Saturday Night and Nicole have a shared appreciation for the greats that have come before us, as well as the modern artists who pay tribute to the greats that came before them. Having that common ground made it easier to decide what might work for our collaboration. It just felt like good energy was traveling throughout the session.”

FINALLY FINDING “THE ONE”

“During a break in our first session, Nicole suggested that we go for a slow and groovy vibe. I started out on a chord melody with Jairus (Keyboard), Kurt (Bass) and Faisal (Drums) jumped in. Nicole started improvising some lyrics and melodies. Migie came back into the session and within minutes, most of the song had already been ironed out.” – Junoy Manalo

“We had just finished writing our first song and the boys were noodling through some riffs. I had this melody in my head that simply wouldn’t leave… Junoy played that first chord progression of the verse, and it all clicked! it fell together very easily. We got up to the chorus idea when Migie who was enjoying a fine cigar outside came back in with a smile and dove straight into the the second verse with his soulful touch. I like singing with him, I like the nuances. Smoke and velvet. We revisited the song another day to polish a few things and work on the voicing. Once done, shared a wonderful meal together and booked our recording session in Wildgrass Studio. To further the collaborative spirit, it was on my wish list to have my go-to horn section on this track, I asked Lester Sorilla (trumpet) to write a horns arrangement for the boys to check out and see how they felt. Migie had also expressed to me that having horns join them was definitely on their wish list too. There was so much love in wildgrass studio on recording day the smiles on everyone’s faces was proof that Kelley knew exactly what he was doing when he matched us up on this musical blind date.” – Nicole Asensio

WHAT’S THAT SOUND?

“Modern soul music. “The One” has beautiful vocal melodies that represent Nicole’s love for modern soul singers like Emily King, it has sonic textures that tip the hat to Mayer’s “Continuum” album, and it also weaves together the group’s love for soul music from the past.” – Junoy Manalo

WHAT’S NEXT?

“It goes without saying this collaboration is the first of many down the line! This collaboration has brought about an almost familial aspect to it, and there’s no telling how many more songs can be churned out in the future.” – Basically Saturday Night

“I will forever remain grateful for opportunities to collaborate with great artists and continue to learn. Working with Basically Saturday Night, their manager, Rem, this production, my horn section and Warner Music has been such an enjoyable experience, we’re like musical family now, and I doubt it will be our last project together. For the rest of 2022, a collection of more original compositions are set to be released. I am also excited to continue ventures in film and concerts.” – Nicole Asensio

The One was released on all digital platforms last February 11 under Warner Music Philippines. The music video directed by award-winning director Gorio Vicuna will be released by the end of February 2022.

February 15, 2022