"A first kiss is rarely ever planned. In
a paradisiacal time and place… when emotions are ripe… it just happens."
Multi-talented and multi-awarded artist NICOLE LAUREL ASENSIO is all set to
release her latest single "KISS ME NOW." The original composition
will be released on all digital platforms.
Back Story
"I’m not usually the type to let things
just happen… but perhaps I was missing the thrill of the unknown… I needed a
change of environment… so I hopped on a 3am bus alone to Baguio and booked
myself an afternoon session in Openheaven recording studios for the first time.
Producer Gabe Dandan (who I had co written with for my previous releases “Bawal”
and “What Matters Most” was tapering off a Baguio series of gigs and met me at
the studio to join in the collaboration. Initially I had planned to work on a
different song, award-winning producer Shadiel Chan welcomed us into his studio
and introduced me to his band," recalls Nicole.
Gabe
Dandan shares his story: “Tobi (Drums) and Brad (Keys) and I begun jamming
chords and rhythm as a soundcheck to test the levels and Nicole immediately
caught the vibe and extemporaneous lyrics and melodies began to flow from her
lips, together the synergy was instant and we decided to make a song out of the
free-jam in no time.”
“Let’s record it!” - I remember saying “I got
a couple curious looks at first but insisted on recording. We were done with
the entire song structure, lyrics, arrangement and melody in a couple hours.
The song unfolded in Shadiel’s patient hands. I laid in some vocals the next
day and after a fulfilling evening, boarded the bus home the next day brimming
with ideas for more songs," Nicole added.
“Most
our songs usually stem from improv jams but usually just between the two of us,
this time it was nice to do improv with an entire band of talented Baguio based
musicians,” - Gabe
“When I got back to Manila, I sent the
track to Krina Cayabyab who arranged beautiful backup vocals performed by
premiere jazz group Baihana with additional vocals from my mom (Iwi Laurel and
Gabe) … I was stunned that this vocal section was comprised of such an all-star
cast and that they were willing to join in the extemporaneous fun. Michael
Guevarra and Gabe recorded a synchronised guitar-sax solo from home. The track
was mastered by multi-awarded recording engineer Angee Rozul and Mastered in
Abbey Road UK by Alex Gordon.” - Nicole
“Kiss
me now” is a slow, syrupy soulful song that was written and recorded almost
entirely impromptu. Mirroring its unscripted nature, the lyrics describe the
urgency of finally giving into a first kiss. Nicole’s velvet vocals glide over
scales with power, range and stirring sensibilities. The instruments and backup
vocal lines play within the textures of gospel and soul influences and showcase
flavourful chord choices and rich deep tones —sealing the song with a kiss.
The music video was shot in the largest
mixed media art museum in the country, Art in Island. - It features endless
opportunities for exploration and
discovery across its 15 zones.
“I didn’t feel like I was shooting a music
video, I just allowed myself to freely wonder through the otherworldly
experience of projections of flora, cityscapes, dreamscapes, seascapes,
celestial expanses and much more. The best part as that we could stay freely
from opening to closing time and experience art on a different level all while
shooting.” The music video was conceptualised
by Nicole and Directed by Dominic Dimagmaliw.
Future Plans
“You can look forward to many more projects
and songs from us as there are dozens being churned out. Each of us spends most
our time exploring different song concepts and collaborating so this season
will definitely bring you more creativity.” - Gabe
The Launch event plans for “Kiss Me Now”
are also in the works and being plotted for mid October 2023.
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