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).
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 nonstop 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.
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