Sponge Cola finds connection in uncertain times on ninth studio album, Hometown, Part 2

Tweet

Filipino alt-rock outfit Sponge Cola has officially dropped their ninth studio album, Hometown, Part 2 via Sony Music Entertainment.

----------------------------------------------

The anthemic pop-rock album includes focus track “So Close,” featuring 

award-winning pop singer Morissette

----------------------------------------------

Embracing the anthemic immediacy of their 2022 outing with newfound warmth and restraint, the four-piece band’s latest album proves to be a vital example of how music can be a therapeutic outlet for expression and healing. The new collection of songs also sees the band exploring themes of triumph over adversity, resilience, and unfulfilled relationships. It also serves as a continuation of the band’s full-length album, Hometown—released in December 2022.

As lead guitarist Armo Armovit describes it, Hometown, Part 2 is all about finding connection in uncertain times. “We explored new ways of expressing familiar feelings with renewed perspectives incorporating different production elements, arrangement choices, and improved approaches to performance.”

The title also speaks for itself, serving as a continuation of one’s story, much like coming home to rest after a long journey and staying an extra weekend to reset. The record’s songwriting, on the other hand, was inspired by the members’ collective and individual fascination with K-drama and documentaries, as well as first-hand experiences with real-life events.

Drawing a lot of inspiration from pop and electronic elements, the 19-track album is produced by constant collaborator Joey Santos of Love One Another Studios, who has worked with some of the biggest and most underrated Philippine acts, including Ang Bandang Shirley, syd hartha, Coeli, and more.

Armo explains, “Joey Santos did a great job crafting the treatment for songs and dressing them in colors and styles that best express the message. The process was very organic and natural.”

Hometown, Part 2 is accompanied by the release of its focus track, “So Close,” which features pop singer Morissette. The song was specifically penned by Yael Yuzon, and tackles the story of two people who have built a deep connection over time, but whose relationship never really progressed into something that could last a lifetime.

“It's a song that took me 20 years to write,” shares vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon. “Inspired by Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez and The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, So Close talks about the possibility of a mirage in our poetic memory, a ‘what if’ that may have been nothing more than a light radiating from a dead star. We might just be romanticizing things.”

Other songs in the album include previous releases “Labis-labis,” a soaring tune that puts a uniquely captivating but relatable spin on the ‘love song’ format; “Hometown,” a grungy pop track with electronic textures and a catchy chorus; and “Siguro nga,” a pop-rock ballad based on a character study of a popular K-drama character.

Track list:

1. Hometown

2.  Alamat (MLBB 5th Anniversary Theme)

3. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito

4. Lumipas Ang Tag-araw

5. Laman Ng Panaginip

6. Labis-Labis

7. Siguro Nga

8. JAIRAH

9. Kung May Oras Ka

10. Signal #4

11. So Close (feat. Morissette)

12. Champions

13. In the End

14. Labis-Labis - Acoustic

15. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito (Remix) (feat. Matthaios and Clien of ALLMO$T)

16. Kung Ako ang Pumiling Tapusin Ito - Acoustic

17. Siguro Nga – Acoustic (feat. Kai Honasan)

18. Siguro Nga (TMAC's lo-fi Mix)

19. Laman ng Panaginip – Acoustic

Sponge Cola’s Hometown, Part 2 is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

The pop-rock outfit will be officially performing the songs off their new record with an on-ground album launch in Eastwood City Central Plaza on August 12 from 6 pm onwards. Admission is free!

Sponge Cola reveals the inconvenient truth about regret on new single “Laman Ng Panaginip”

Tweet

The new single is inspired by the power ballads of the ‘80s and ‘90s

Filipino alternative rock outfit Sponge Cola addresses the truth about regret and longing on their heart-wrenching single “Laman Ng Panaginip”—released via Sony Music Philippines.

Redefining love songs with reckless abandon, the Filipino quartet expresses the complexity of impossible choices in a world that is grounded in the familiar and often neglected reality of prioritizing practicality first before anything else, including love.

“This idea is mentioned concretely in the song almost as blunt exposition,” lead vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon stresses. “I really wanted the listener to feel that slab of reality to the face as opposed to something vague and symbolic. No figures of speech here; just feel it and let it all out. It’s the type of material that deserves to be sung out loud in the videoke over drinks with our friends and family for some kind of release.”

According to Yuzon, the song is about a love that never was. “The courage and reckless abandon that goes with singing a power ballad oftentimes come from a place of regret.”

In terms of sonic approach and arrangement, “Laman Ng Panaginip” is inspired by the power ballad movement of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. With guidance from producer Joey Santos of Love One Another Studios, the track delivers another high point in the band’s career with indelible catchiness and impressive musical chops to back it up.

“It's a direct reference to a specific genre and time period that had a very influential impact in our formative years,” guitarist Armo Armovit shares in a statement. “It was recorded in Love One Another with producer Joey Santos making sure each layer of production had meaning and told the story.”

The song’s release is accompanied by an arresting visual helmed by filmmaker Ken Tan. Referencing Armovit, the MV director “did an excellent job in conveying the dream vs reality theme with the most minimal of elements.” The Sponge Cola’s resident guitarist adds, “The dancer, Ysabel Lava, delivered a captivating and emotionally charged performance with every move she choreographed herself.”

“Laman Ng Panaginip” is the fifth single released off their upcoming new album, CLASSIC—to be released sometime this year. The new record will serve as the band’s eighth full-length album, following a string of multiplatinum and critically acclaimed hits that span for more than two decades.

Sponge Cola’s “Laman Ng Panaginip” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video here.

Sponge Cola to hold “Sea of Lights” Concert on March 29, 2019

Tweet

This year, Sponge Cola will be celebrate another great year of being one of the premiere OPM rock bands in the industry - and in true Sponge Cola fashion, they’re bringing their songs, both old and new, straight to their audience through their one-night intimate concert “Sea of Lights” on March 29, 2019 at the Power Mac Spotlight Circuit Makati at 7PM.

Since they started, the band (composed of frontman and lead singer Yael Yuzon, guitarist Erwin “Armo” Armovit, bassist Gosh Dilay, and drummer TedMark Cruz) has been delivering non-stop hits that are already integral to many Sponge Cola supporters and OPM fans alike. Their catalog spans all their multi-awarded albums, which include certified hits such as “Jeepney,” “Gemini,” “Nakapagtataka,” “Bitiw,” “Tuliro,” “Puso,” “Tambay,” “Kunwari,” and so much more. They have no doubt been a part of the journey of many Filipinos, may it be through teleserye soundtracks or their life soundtracks.

This journey continues with the upcoming release of their latest album “Sea of Lights,” a collection of songs that celebrates the sound and musical style that the band is known for, while also experimenting with new sounds into the mix. The album includes songs such as the previously released songs “Phantoms,” “Paliyabin Na Ang Lahat,” “Meron Ba?,” “Promises (feat. Karylle),” and many more songs that will be performed live for the first time in concert. As a bonus, concert-goers will also receive a limited edition physical copy of the album.

The concert will not only feature songs from their latest album, but will celebrate their greatest hits, together with intricate and well-planned production numbers that will be a delight to all attendees. Joining the band in concert will be special guests Leanne and Naara, I Belong To The Zoo, and Karylle. Directed by Paolo Valenciano, the “Sea of Lights” major concert will be on March 29, 2019 at the Powermac Spotlight, Circuit Makati.

A limited amount of tickets are available for PhP 1750 (Online Price) / PhP 1850 (Special Early Bird Price) / PhP 2250 (Door Price), and are available for purchase at all SM Tickets outlets. Special thanks to concert sponsors Powermac Spotlight, Lyrics, Bugsy’s, and Imperial Blue Whisky.

Watch out for the release of the music videos “Meron Ba” and “Promises (feat. Karylle), and the “Sea of Lights” album soon, under Universal Records.

Sponge Cola Renews Recording Contract with Universal Records

Tweet

Sponge Cola has renewed their recording contract with Universal Records. The contract signing was held on February 28, 2018 at the 

Universal Records office in Quezon City. Present during the signing are Universal Records Executive Vice President Ramon Chuaying, General Manager Kathleen Dy Go, Operations Manager Peter Chan, Head of OPM Production Ito Rapadas, and Sponge Cola: Yael Yuzon (Vocalist), Gosh Dilay (Bass), Erwin Armovit (Guitar), and Ted Mark Cruz (Drums).

Sponge Cola released 'Transit' their first album under Universal Records in 2006. Since then, they have produced hits such as 'Bitiw,' 'Tuliro,' 'Puso,' 'Di Na Mababawi,' 'Tambay,' 'Kay Tagal Kitang Kitang Hinintay,' 'Bahaghari,' and just recently, 'Tempura.' In addition to their numerous hits, their fourth album 'Araw Oras Tagpuan' was awarded as a Diamond Record in 2011. Their new single “Kunwari” is currently on Spotify’s Top OPM chart. 

Sponge Cola is also recording heir latest album, to be released this 3rd Quarter of 2018.

"Ultrablessed" by Sponge Cola

Tweet

Ultrablessed reflects the Diamond-recording band Sponge Cola’s fun journey as musicians. Composed of 10 new songs, the album gives people a glimpse of the more than a decade of friendship between the members of the band.

Ultrablessed will be launched this January 31, 8 p.m., at the Eastwood Central Plaza. A bonus DVD of their last concert Maximum Capacity is also included in the album.

Composed of Yael on vocals, Armo on lead guitar, Gosh on bass and TedMark on drums, Sponge Cola considers this album as a celebration of years of blessings.

“We have been chillin’, doing the things we love to do all these years,” says Yael. “So, looking back, we are not just really blessed, but we are Ultrablessed.”

According to Yael, the album contains 10 new fun songs, but quickly clarified that, “basically, all the tracks in the album are ‘fun’ songs, but not necessarily happy. Some songs are sad, but they are fun.”

Yael further explains that the album has that fun vibe, which is a product of the band members’ current state of mind.

“When you are happy, of course, you come up with ‘fun’ songs,” he adds. “This album has that vibe in it, so I hope we can share this to everyone.”

The album’s first single Anting-Anting, which also features Gloc-9 and Denise Barbacena, talks about empowerment among victims of bullying. Its music video is set to premiere on MYX in a few days.

Ultrablessed also features the band’s collaboration with Yeng Constantino. Aptly called +63, the area code of the phillipines, the song talks about long distance love, a familiar theme in everyday Filipino life.

"Communication softens the blow of distance,” explains Yael. “Nothing beats the real thing, but distance forces us to make do with what little interaction we can have.”

For Yael, Ultrablessed is also special because, like the band’s earlier hits, his brother Yannyi Yuzon worked on the project as producer.

He adds, “Yanny, alongside Eric Perlas of tower of doom. It's a very similar setup to what we had with the first album with Jorel Corpus formerly of kjwan co-producing the band's first album Palabas.”

Coincidentally, the band went on a quick workation in the United States with first album co-producer Jorel Corpus, now a Berkeley School of Music Graduate, to film a road tripping musical show called “This is How We Travel,” which will air on the band's youtube channelyoutube.com/spongecolamusic on February 15.

"We've been touring nonstop,” states Yael. “So we wanted to unwind, but we had a camera with us so we filmed our quirky west coast roadtrip along with some performances as well."

Ultrablessed CD Track List

1. Hawla

2. Kailangan Kita

3. Anting-anting (feat. Gloc-9 and Denise Barbacena)

4. Iyong-Iyong-Iyo

5. 9 To Sawa

6. +63 (feat. yeng constantino)

7. Walk Away

8. R.I.C.E

9. Singapore Sling (Dahil Kilala Na Kita)

10. The Answer

Maximum Capacity Concert DVD Track List:

1.     22

2.    KLSP

3.    Tuliro

4.    Tambay - Ako Na Lang with Zia Quizon

5.    Una

6.    Jillian

7.    Gemini

8.    Ayt with Gary Valenciano

9.    Puso

10.   Neon

11.   Jeepney

12.   Dragonfly

13.   XGF

14.   Bitiw

Encore

15.   Kay Tagal Kitang Hinintay

Follow Sponge Cola:

www.spongecolaonline.com

Facebook: spongecola

Twitter: @sponge_cola 

Instagram: @spongecolamusic

YouTube: spongecolamusic

Universal Records artists reign supreme at the 26th Awit Awards

Tweet

The Awit Awards are the most prestigious music awards in the Philippines given annually by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) to recognize the outstanding achievements in the music industry.

According to its official website, the objective of the award-giving body is to “promote the Philippine music industry, artistry and legacy.” It also aims to champion music-making and production, as well as showcase talents in an event dedicated to music. 

Universal Records continues to be the home of the best, most respected local musical acts. At this year’s Awit Awards, the label’s artists headline the list of nominees :

Gloc-9

Noel Cabangon

Gary Valenciano

Sam Concepcion

Sponge Cola

Kamikazee

Parokya Ni Edgar

Ogie Alcasid

Christian Bautista

She’s Only Sixteen.

Gloc-9 leads with five nominations Album of the Year for MKNM: Mga Kuwento Ng Makata, and for Sirena ­– Song of the Year, Best Rap, Best Collaboration and Best Music Video. The song also features Ebe Dancel.

Noel Cabangon takes home for four nominations: Album of the Year for Tuloy Ang Byahe, Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist and Best Ballad for Tuwing Umuulan At Kapiling Ka, and Best Regional Recording forUsahay.

Gary Valenciano also bags four nominations: Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist, Best Musical Arrangement and Best Engineered Recording for Send In The Clown, and Best Vocal Arangement for Overjoyed.

Sam Concepcion is nominated for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist for Kontrabida, while Sponge Cola is included in the list of nominees for Best Performance by a Group for Pick Your Poison and Best Collaboration for XGF with Chito Miranda.

Kamikazee has two nominations: Best Rock/Alternative and Best Music Video for Halik. Parokya Ni Edgar is nominated for Best Rap for Bagsakan featuring Frank Magalona, and Gloc-9.

New band She’s Only Sixteen is nominated for the debut single Dying To Meet You for Best Performance by a new group, while their Roll The Dice is nominated as Best Engineered Recording.

Christian Bautista’s First Class album is nominated for Best Album Design and Ogie Alcasid’s Kape Ka Ba is one of the nominees for Best Novelty.