Nicole Laurel Asensio's Musical Journey Takes another Passionate Turn with "Kiss Me Now"

-

In the realm of music, there are moments when creativity strikes like a bolt of lightning, and artists find themselves swept away by the magic of the moment. Such a serendipitous occurrence recently unfolded in the life of the incredibly talented and multi-awarded artist, Nicole Laurel Asensio. Her latest single, "Kiss Me Now," is a testament to the beauty of spontaneous creation and is set to be released on September 15.

"A first kiss is rarely ever planned. In a paradisiacal time and place… when emotions are ripe… it just happens."

These words, spoken by Nicole, capture the essence of her upcoming single. "Kiss Me Now" is a heartfelt, soulful composition that was born out of a whirlwind of inspiration during an impromptu recording session in Baguio.

For Nicole, who is known for her meticulous approach to music, this spontaneous journey began when she felt the need for a change of scenery. One fateful night, she boarded a 3 a.m. bus alone to Baguio, seeking a fresh perspective and creative rejuvenation. Little did she know that this journey would lead her to an unexpected collaboration that would result in "Kiss Me Now."

At Openheaven recording studios, Nicole was joined by producer Gabe Dandan, with whom she had previously co-written songs like "Bawal" and "What Matters Most." Gabe had recently finished a series of gigs in Baguio, and their paths converged at the studio. The creative synergy between them was undeniable.

As Gabe recalls, "Tobi (Drums) and Brad (Keys) and I began jamming chords and rhythm as a soundcheck to test the levels, and Nicole immediately caught the vibe. Extemporaneous lyrics and melodies began to flow from her lips, and together, the synergy was instant." With Nicole's insistence, they decided to record the spontaneous session, and within a few hours, the entire song structure, lyrics, arrangement, and melody were crafted.

Returning to Manila, Nicole enlisted the help of Krina Cayabyab, who arranged beautiful backup vocals performed by the premier jazz group Baihana, along with additional vocals from Nicole's mom, Iwi Laurel and Gabe. The track also featured a synchronized guitar-sax solo by Michael Guevarra and Gabe. The finishing touches were put in place by Angee Rozul, a multi-awarded recording engineer, and the track was mastered at the renowned Abbey Road Studios in the UK by Alex Gordon.

"Kiss Me Now" emerged as a slow, syrupy soulful song that encapsulates the urgency and emotion of giving in to a first kiss. Nicole's velvety vocals glide effortlessly, conveying power, range, and stirring sensibilities. The instrumentation and backup vocals carry hints of gospel and soul influences, accentuating the song's rich textures and flavors.

The accompanying music video will be a visual treat, filmed at Art in Island, the largest mixed media art museum in the country. Nicole shared her experience, saying, "I didn't feel like I was shooting a music video; I just allowed myself to freely wander through the otherworldly experience of projections of flora, cityscapes, dreamscapes, seascapes, celestial expanses, and much more." The video, conceptualized by Nicole herself and directed by Dominic Dimagmaliw, perfectly complements the song's ethereal qualities.

Looking ahead, Nicole and Gabe are gearing up for more exciting projects and songs, promising a season filled with creativity and inspiration. Fans can anticipate the official launch event for "Kiss Me Now," which is in the works and slated for mid-October 2023.

In the world of music, where spontaneity and creativity intertwine, "Kiss Me Now" stands as a testament to Nicole Laurel Asensio's boundless talent and her ability to capture the magic of the moment through her soul-stirring music. As we eagerly await its release, one thing is certain—this song is destined to make hearts flutter and remind us all of the beauty of unexpected moments. So, mark your calendars for September 15 and get ready to be swept away by the enchanting world of "Kiss Me Now."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cinema Paradiso Al Fresco at MiraNila: A Concert and Outdoor Film Screening in Manila this February 2026

-
Image
Anyone searching for a unique February 2026 event in Manila will find something remarkable at MiraNila Heritage House . On February 5, 2026 , the historic 1929 home in Cubao opens its gates for Cinema Paradiso Al Fresco , a one-night blend of live music, heritage tours, and an outdoor film screening that feels crafted for those who want culture presented with intimacy and intention. Stepping into MiraNila already feels like entering a preserved chapter of Manila’s past. Guests begin the evening with a guided heritage house tour , moving through rooms that hold nearly a century of stories. This gentle immersion sets up the mood for the night, grounding visitors before the music and film unfold on the front lawn. The concert itself features two celebrated international artists. Violinist Alessio Benvenuti , widely recognized for his national and international impact, performs alongside pianist Mariel Ilusorio , an artist whose work has reached audiences across four continents. Their pro...
Read more

Brickman Wonders of the World Extends in Manila Until March 8, 2026

-
Image
You don’t need to leave Manila to see the world—just a little more time to stay with it. Brickman Wonders of the World , the globally acclaimed LEGO® exhibition presented by GMG Productions , has officially extended its Manila run until March 8, 2026 , at The Space at Solaire . Originally scheduled to close in February, the extension gives families, students, and LEGO fans an extra month to experience a world tour built entirely from imagination, precision, and bricks. It’s not just an extension of dates. It’s an extension of possibility. A World Reimagined Through LEGO Bricks Inside Brickman Wonders of the World , familiar landmarks rise in unexpected ways. More than 45 iconic sites from across the globe —including the Taj Mahal , Leaning Tower of Pisa , and Arc de Triomphe —are recreated in LEGO form, some towering as high as 3.6 meters . Up close, the spectacle softens into detail. Patterns emerge. Techniques reveal themselves. You begin to notice how each structure was assembled br...
Read more

Tones Through Time: A Free Piano Concert at FEU Tracing the History of Western Music

-
Image
Before a single note is played, there is already a journey waiting to unfold, one that moves not through space, but through centuries of sound. On January 21, the Far Eastern University Center for the Arts opens the doors of the FEU Auditorium to that journey with Tones Through Time: A Musical Odyssey , a free admission informational piano concert led by internationally acclaimed pianist and educator Dr. Raffi Kasparian . This is not simply a recital. It is an invitation to listen with context, to hear how Western music grew, shifted, and responded to the world across generations. Through carefully chosen works and thoughtful narration, the concert traces the evolution of musical language from the Baroque period to the 20th century, guiding audiences through Classical balance, Romantic emotion, Impressionistic color, and modern experimentation. The result is an experience designed not only to be heard, but understood. Listening as Learning Tones Through Time: A Musical Odyssey is buil...
Read more