The many moods of the holiday season
Cherise Katriel, Cola Cabalcar and Alyn “Pinakapasko”
NEW recording artists Cherise Katriel, Cola Cabalcar and Alyn deliver a slice of holiday-themed soul with their new collaborative track “Pinakapasko.” Tastefully arranged with girl group harmonies and delicate production, “Pinakapasko” reassures comfort in remembering.
According to Cola Cabalcar, their song steers the listener back to the real reason why the world continues to celebrate the yuletide season annually, and why it’s considered the best gift of all.
Cherise Katriel, in particular, praised the material for its masterful blend of jazzy, R&B rhythms and timeless pop hooks, but emphasized the power that its words hold. Alyn Magadia, the third music act in the collaboration, added that the song showcases the gift He bestowed upon her.
Jason Marvin “Gain”
THE new single “Gain” from singer-songwriter Jason Marvin asserts that it’s easier to weather the storms in life when your faith is intact and strong. Brimming with subtle instrumentation and feathery, acoustic guitar, the track maintains a level of intimacy that is both brittle and soft on the edges, but sturdy in conveying optimism and faith.
On the track, Jason is joined by his friends and colleagues in faith, namely: EJ de Perio on keyboards, Victor Noora on bass and electric guitars, and Luke Sigua on drums. Jason shares, “I made sure it would sound like a worship session among a small group of believers rather than a super clean studio recording,”
Hazel Faith “Pasko Kasama Mo”
WITH her self-penned Christmas tune “Pasko Kasama Mo” Filipina songstress Hazel Faith revisits the holiday experience with multi-hued bounce, funky chords, and ‘80s city pop lilt, The song brings back the gilded memories of Christmas while reminding listeners why it’s the best time of the year.
Hazel said, “My mother has been asking me to write Christmas songs since forever, but I felt like all the great Christmas messages had already been made. Then after the Lord renewed my faith, it’s like my vision turned Technicolor. Suddenly, I was excited to celebrate Christmas. Not because of the parties, the foods, or the gifts but because I was really looking at the One whom Christmas is all about. This was finally something I had a unique perspective to.”
Sponge Cola “Hometown”
AFTER a successful concert tour in Canada to mark their 20th anniversary as a band, Sponge Cola returns “Hometown,” a new single inspired by K-drama smash Hometown Cha-cha-cha. Combining grunge rock elements with electronic textures and anthemic pop sensibilities, the song sums up the band’s collective feelings of finally coming home after a long, tiring journey.
Penned by vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon, the track reimagines scenes from a coastal town community, and a love story that felt very warm and familiar. Yuzon confesses. “I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome given that it was written about a fictional piece,. As a writer, I was one layer away from phenomena that should have made the end product more removed, disconnected. Instead, we ended up with something more visceral, something that resonates from within, like a song that listeners can take with them anywhere they go.”
Zelijah “Show U”
PUNCTUATED by tropical house beats, Jamaican rhythms and exotic flavors, Zelijah’s latest bop “Show U” pivots to the sound of summer while maintaining an extensive reach towards the next big thing. According to Zelijah, his song is about a particularly mysterious, strong woman whom he met at the club. He added that “Show U” marks his transition as an artist comfortable with getting in touch to his emotional and soft side, yet balancing it with mystery and spice.
Zelijah stressed, “I’ve been going outside more often too so most of the songs I’ll be putting out starting from Show U would most likely be experiences from the outside world, And I also thought hey maybe I could turn those moments into songs for my upcoming album.”
Syd Hartha “3:15”
WITH her new single “3:15”, multi-talented singersongwriter syd hartha puts her eclecticism on full display. The song finds the young, artist collaborating for the first time with hip-hop star kiyo while expressing her complicated feelings towards someone who isn’t perfect by any means.
The track title derives from the coincidental reflections that happen during the dark, witching hours of the morning. The Pinay folk-pop artist explains, “3:15 is about how someone feels wrong but feels so good at the same time I always try to convince myself that someone or something won’t always be good to me, but for some reason, I end up giving in.”