Multi-talented and
multi-awarded artist, singer/composer Nicole Laurel Asensio is all set to launch ''Mind Over Matter,'' a
musical concoction comprised of three vibrant original compositions that seep
into the consciousness of a wandering psyche aching for atonement and
acceptance.
The launch date is
on January 26, 2024 on all listening platforms. The launch event will be on,
2024 at 19 East located on East Service Road. With a special guest
performance by ang Bagong Luto ni Enriquez and Iwi Laurel. Entrance is Php500. 
The EP title “Matter Over Mind” is a play on the popular saying “Mind
over matter” — the reversal of the words connotes that keeping one’s head up
through the struggles is often easier said than done and sometimes we need to
come undone and be honest with how we feel before picking up the pieces and
moving on… "As we are blessed with a brand-new year, I am reminded of
what it took to get to this point, the hardships, failures and finding the guts
to keep going,’' Nicole Laurel Asensio said. Thematically, “Matter Over Mind” also celebrates the resilience of human
souls that have experienced hurt, God’s grace and the metamorphosis of “turning
one’s scars into stars.”
The EP opens with “Comprehend,” a silky Neo-soul influenced tune
with traces of modern and classic Rnb. It is written from the point of view of
re-watching your life as a movie and seeing how each character either leaves or
lingers through the seasons. The lyrical expressions and play on words are both
poignant and poetic as they unfold the multi-layered process of healing from
failed relationships. Although the lyrics might be bittersweet, most of the
nectar is in the smooth arrangement that features thick vocal sections and an
all saxophone section over a vibe-y beat.
“Vibecheck” is a
sonic palette cleanser, a short and sweet reminder to check up on your
loved ones. The chords and melody willingly settle in a cradle of gospel
influences. Sung by Nicole Asensio, Kevin Yadao and Gabe Dandan, the short
in-betweener is reminiscent of friends touching base and reminding each other
not to worry because everything will eventually work out.
To Complete the
Concoction
“Get it Right” is
an English-Tagalog uptempo track that evokes funk, soul and jazz influences
within its intricacies. Effervescent and light as it may be at first listen, it
is also equally full-bodied as It sings of hidden tears and silent struggles
hidden behind laughter and the longing to redeem oneself. The
instrumentation is quite the indulgent thrill featuring a full live brass
section, soulful piano and rhodes licks, a bouncy backbeat and a plush vocal
section.
Creations, Sensations and Sensibilities
Nicole Asensio and Gabe Dandan’s writing tandem has proven prolific as this collection of tracks were
all born out of impromptu jams caught on record.
“This collection
of songs all began with impromptu jams. Nicole, me and our drummer Nigel Norris
(who is currently in Europe) influences of artists we admire (like Steely Dan,
Robert Glasper and Erykah Badu) set the tone for the initial jam session. We
recorded the outcome in Southbay studio and Nicole developed her top-line ideas
into lyrics and melodies, and later recorded her vocals with the help of
recording engineer Mikel Miller. The arrangement blossomed as we would revisit
each track daily and see what we could add or subtract. Because the chordal
structure has its quirks and complexities, it was important to pay attention to
detail. Renowned saxophone player Michael Guevarra did the horns arrangement
for “Get it Right” and I did an impromptu arrangement alongside saxophone
player Joeffrey Pangilinan for “Comprehend”
“Vibecheck” was written in less than an hour. Nicole then sent it to our friend
Kevin Yadao for additional vocals.” - Gabe Dandan
“The vocal
arrangements where done in spare minutes between the busy gig season and late
night production sessions. Gabe and I both agreed to give the harmonies
unique colours to add a dose of something different in what may at first seem
familiar sonically.” - Nicole Laurel Asensio
“Mixing and
Mastering the EP was for me the most meticulous part, I really felt that this
EP was closer to my heart than many projects I have had the pleasure of producing
so I wanted to mix and master it myself, even if I was new to the craft. Nicole
trusted me and obliged, she was also there for every step and adjustment, I
think we work well together, not just as co-writers, but for the entire
production and post-production process.”
-Gabe Dandan
“For a number of
years now, my musical inclination has been a blend of old and new, classic and
current. I feel that sticking to one kind of sound or genre isn’t really for
me, I like to create what feels right in that moment in time and in that
particular frame of mind while still leaving something familiar, perhaps in the
vocal interpretation and inflections. and I feel like Gabe has similar
sensibilities. Like Gabe, my favourite thrill is also creating songs from
impromptu jams, this to me is priceless, the amalgamation of time, place,
emotion and taste coming together.” - Nicole Laurel Asensio
“Timelessness is
more appealing to me than trends, It is an exciting process to see how we can
make our own version of the music we grew up liking. Traces of funk, Neo-soul,
RnB, jazz and gospel are evident throughout the songs, but perhaps what makes
its flavour unique is savouring the the thematic choices and nuances that
unfold with each tune.” - Gabe Dandan
“This year I feel
like a lot of pent up songs and stories need to be told, while the inspiration
is at a fever pitch, it’s important to express, produce, create and grow from
each artistic pursuit. I am looking forward to releasing more songs, perhaps in
“suites” of two, three or more songs at a time to
explore more themes. God willing, there will be a full album to look forward to
in the coming months too.” Till then I am grateful for every tidbit of music
that comes my way I greatly appreciate every person that lends their ears to
the stories we tell and will continue to create for as long as I can. - Nicole
Laurel Asensio
“Yes! A full
album! One thing I look forward to is how these songs are built from
on-the-spot writing, it is an exercise in keeping an open mind and being
adaptable to where the process takes you. We wrote a number of songs inside the
recording studios, and it is perhaps an unusual process, but one we both have
learned to embrace. Surprising ourselves and others with the musical fruit of
impromptu sessions. I am grateful to scratch the surface of possibilities with “Matter Over Mind” and looking forward to the flow of
creativity to come.” -
Gabe Dandan
Post a Comment