FROM BAGUIO VIA LONDON WITH LOVE
Keiko Necesario’s new OPM first saw Keiko Necesario in Gloc 9’s “Dungaw” video, where she apparently shook a plump presence for most of the video.
IUpon the release of her first single this year, I asked her about her striking transformation to an agile form in a space of six months.
She replied, “First of all, I’m glad you noticed a good change (hehe) I think this season just made me more confident and is sort of like an awakening for me… and we all know that new beginnings come with life changing transformations; not only in what is seen but with the unseen.”
Keiko’s second album titled “Ready, Let Go” is now out on Warner and there’s nothing playfully quirky about her latest batch of songs. They’re just plain smart in skillfully conveying the sadness of being in and out love and letting go.
Her music now is labeled electro-folk evolved from rootsy raw folk with a modern sounding beat and rhythm. Listen closer and you’ll hear the charged emotion in the title track, the chilled restraint in “Dangerous” and techno breaking out in “Go On.”
The arc of sentiments may have something to do with the genesis of the new album. Keiko said, “My life as an artist and as a person in general has changed drastically over the years. I truly honor the different transitions I’ve had, the one I am in now, and the ones I’m still about to have in this lifetime.”
“It’s always different in every season; I’d like to think I’ve grown in my musicality, in my song writing, in performing, some of the values and beliefs that I’ve gained also changed the way I view life now.”
The influences on the recording also made its own unique journey. Keiko related, “From London, where we recorded 2 songs in the span of 3 days, to Baguio where we had 3 weeks to arrange 10 songs together.
“It was a bit nerve-racking yet exhilarating at the same time because of the timeline, plus the feeling of, ‘I can’t wait to finish this record and hear what the tracks would sound like in the end.’ All of it was awesome.”
Keiko’s collaboration on the album with Uk-based cinematic/ electronic production duo Cha-sing Fantasia elicited instant chemistry. The Filipina artist gushed, “I love working with them. They’re incredibly talented and as soon as
I started working with them last year, I already had the feeling that we were about to make a great record.”
The Brit producers were just as profuse in complimenting her talent as a songwriter and her vocal range and grit. They truly admired her confidence, not afraid to laugh at herself that all adds to a positive work environment and makes the music more honest and believable at the same time.
Keiko describes the lyrical themes on the new album to have different meanings and tell different stories about love, loss of love, pain, forgiveness, joy, surrender, letting go, freedom, kindness, and especially about God’s promises.
She elaborated, “I’ve always been such a strong advocate of love so that’s still what I’m writing about only in different forms-- love for a friend, love for a soulmate, love for your life and journey, love for others, love for your dreams, love for yourself, and love for God.”
“My second album is different in a way from the first record because it’s an important factor for artists to evolve and grow not just in the songs but everything else like the entire body of work that’s about to unfold,” she added.
Keiko chose the first cut to be her favorite on her latest album. She explains, “I consider all of my songs my favorite for different reasons, but the one that has a special place in my heart is the title track which is “Ready, Let Go” because it perfectly captures the season I am in now. It speaks about stepping out in faith and in courage to really fulfill your purpose and do what you’re called to do. Letting go and knowing that it’s time to be ready.”
Right now, in a season of quarantine and lockdowns, Keiko is offering a new type of solace to drown out the distress and anxieties of forced isolation currently in vogue. She’s ready to help you let go.