"What Is It All About?" - A Musical Journey of Love and Intimacy by Nicole Laurel Asensio and Gabe Dandan, Launching February 29, 2024

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In the heart of Manila, amidst the bustling streets and historic landmarks, lies a hidden gem - Paco Park. It was here, on a windswept afternoon, that multi-awarded artist Nicole Laurel Asensio and producer Gabe Dandan found themselves lost in a musical reverie. The sun was sinking, casting a golden hue over the centuries-old park, as they began to jam, their souls intertwining with the melody.

"What Is It All About?" was born from that moment, a song that defies conventions and embraces raw emotion. Written almost entirely of questions, the song unfolds like a delicate flower, each chord and lyric revealing a hidden truth. It's not a typical verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure; instead, it's a journey of discovery, a conversation between lovers trying to understand the complexities of their relationship.

The recording process was just as intimate as the song itself. With only a borrowed acoustic guitar and a hazy phone recording as their reference, Nicole and Gabe captured the essence of that afternoon. The instruments were recorded live in one take at Southbay Studios, with Jacques Dufourt on drums and percussion, Bergan Nunez on bass, and Gabe Dandan on nylon guitar. The result is a refreshingly sparse arrangement that allows Nicole's raw vocals to shine.

"What Is It All About?" is a modern classic tune with influences from jazz, bossa nova, and folk. Co-written with producer Gabe Dandan, the song is a testament to the power of love. The lyrics explore the depths of human emotion, from playful curiosity to the fear and confusion that comes with vulnerability. The song builds from a bare nylon guitar and vocal to ripples of vocal rounds, held together by fretless bass-lines and steel-brushed drums.

As the song reaches its climax, the listener is transported to a world of pure emotion. It's a journey of love and intimacy, a reminder that true love is worth fighting for. And as the song fades into silence, we are left with a sense of wonder - what is it all about? Perhaps, it's about the journey itself, the moments of joy and pain that make life worth living.

Nicole Laurel Asensio and Gabe Dandan's "What Is It All About?" features a stellar lineup of talent. Nicole Laurel Asensio is the mastermind behind the lyrics and vocals, while Gabe Dandan has lent his expertise as the musical director and guitarist. The rhythm section is held down by the talented Jacques Rivas Dufourt on drums and percussion, and Bergan Nunez on bass. The song's unique sound is a result of the collaboration between these talented musicians, and the production team, which includes tracking engineers Mikel Miller and Jess Fermino, mixing engineer Gabe Dandan, and mastering engineer Alex Gordon.

The song is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity, and it's a must-listen for anyone who appreciates good music.

In addition to the single's release, Nicole will be making a special appearance on the WISH 107 bus on February 27. Fans can also look forward to an exclusive launch party on Leap Day, February 29, 2024. The launch party will feature two one-hour performances at 8:30 and 10:30 pm at the 78-45-33 Salcedo, an intimate acoustic haven that provides a home for performances in their most authentic nature, with no PA system or amplification. Reservations for the launch party can be made by calling 0917-597-6661 (78 Salcedo). Don't miss out on this unforgettable musical experience!


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