Nicole Laurel Asensio – “Matter Over Mind” EP

NICOLE LAUREL SET TO LAUNCH
“MIND OVER MATTER” ON JAN. 30

Multi-talented and multi-awarded artist, singer/composer Nicole Laurel Asensio is
all set to launch ''Mind Over Matter,'' a musical concoction comprised of three
vibrant original compositions that seep into the consciousness of a wandering
psyche aching for atonement and acceptance.

The launch date is on January 26, 2024 on all listening platforms. The launch
event will be on January 30, 2024 at 19 East located on East Service Road. With a special
guest performance by ang Bagong Luto ni Enriquez and Iwi Laurel.
Entrance is 500 pesos.

The EP title “Matter Over Mind” is a play on the popular saying “Mind over
matter” — the reversal of the words connotes that keeping one’s head up through
the struggles is often easier said than done and sometimes we need to come
undone and be honest with how we feel before picking up the pieces and moving
on… "As we are blessed with a brand new year, I am reminded of what it took to
get to this point, the hardships, failures and finding the guts to keep going,’'
Nicole Laurel Asensio said. Thematically, “Matter Over Mind” also celebrates the
resilience of human souls that have experienced hurt, God’s grace and the
metamorphosis of “turning one’s scars into stars.”

The EP opens with “Comprehend,” a silky Neo-soul influenced tune with traces of
modern and classic Rnb. It is written from the point of view of re-watching your
life as a movie and seeing how each character either leaves or lingers through
the seasons. The lyrical expressions and play on words are both poignant and
poetic as they unfold the multi-layered process of healing from failed
relationships. Although the lyrics might be bittersweet, most of the nectar is in the
smooth arrangement that features thick vocal sections and an all saxophone
section over a vibe-y beat.

“Vibecheck” is a sonic palette cleanser, a short and sweet reminder to check up
on your loved ones. The chords and melody willingly settle in a cradle of gospel
influences. Sung by Nicole Asensio, Kevin Yadao and Gabe Dandan, the short
in-betweener is reminiscent of friends touching base and reminding each other
not to worry because everything will eventually work out.

To complete the concoction
“Get it Right” is an English-Tagalog uptempo track that evokes funk, soul and
jazz influences within its intricacies. Effervescent and light as it may be at first
listen, it is also equally full-bodied as It sings of hidden tears and silent struggles
hidden behind laughter and the longing to redeem oneself. The instrumentation is quite the indulgent thrill featuring a full live brass section, soulful piano and
rhodes licks, a bouncy backbeat and a plush vocal section.

CREATIONS, SENSATIONS and SENSIBILITIES
Nicole Asensio and Gabe Dandan’s writing tandem has proven prolific as this
collection of tracks were all born out of impromptu jams caught on record.

“This collection of songs all began with impromptu jams. Nicole, me and our
drummer Nigel Norris (who is currently in Europe) influences of artists we admire
(like Steely Dan, Robert Glasper and Erykah Badu) set the tone for the initial jam
session. We recorded the outcome in Southbay studio and Nicole developed her
top-line ideas into lyrics and melodies, and later recorded her vocals with the
help of recording engineer Mikel Miller. The arrangement blossomed as we would
revisit each track daily and see what we could add or subtract. Because the
chordal structure has its quirks and complexities, it was important to pay attention
to detail. Renowned saxophone player Michael Guevarra did the horns
arrangement for “Get it Right” and I did an impromptu arrangement alongside
saxophone player Joeffrey Pangilinan for “Comprehend” “Vibecheck” was written
in less than an hour. Nicole then sent it to our friend Kevin Yadao for additional
vocals.” – Gabe Dandan

“The vocal arrangements where done in spare minutes between the busy gig
season and late night production sessions. Gabe and I both agreed to give the
harmonies unique colours to add a dose of something different in what may at
first seem familiar sonically.” – Nicole Laurel Asensio

“Mixing and Mastering the EP was for me the most meticulous part, I really felt
that this EP was closer to my heart than many projects I have had the pleasure of
producing so I wanted to mix and master it myself, even if I was new to the craft.
Nicole trusted me and obliged, she was also there for every step and adjustment,
I think we work well together, not just as co-writers, but for the entire production
and post-production process.” -Gabe Dandan

“For a number of years now, my musical inclination has been a blend of old and
new, classic and current. I feel that sticking to one kind of sound or genre isn’t
really for me, I like to create what feels right in that moment in time and in that
particular frame of mind while still leaving something familiar, perhaps in the
vocal interpretation and inflections. and I feel like Gabe has similar sensibilities.
Like Gabe, my favourite thrill is also creating songs from impromptu jams, this to
me is priceless, the amalgamation of time, place, emotion and taste coming
together.” – Nicole Laurel Asensio

“Timelessness is more appealing to me than trends, It is an exciting process to
see how we can make our own version of the music we grew up liking. Traces of
funk, Neo-soul, RnB, jazz and gospel are evident throughout the songs, but
perhaps what makes its flavour unique is savouring the the thematic choices and
nuances that unfold with each tune.” – Gabe Dandan

“This year I feel like a lot of pent up songs and stories need to be told, while the
inspiration is at a fever pitch, it’s important to express, produce, create and grow
from each artistic pursuit. I am looking forward to releasing more songs, perhaps
in “suites” of two, three or more songs at a time to explore more themes. God
willing, there will be a full album to look forward to in the coming months too.” Till
then I am grateful for every tidbit of music that comes my way I greatly appreciate
every person that lends their ears to the stories we tell and will continue to create
for as long as I can. – Nicole Laurel Asensio

“Yes! A full album! One thing I look forward to is how these songs are built from
on-the-spot writing, it is an exercise in keeping an open mind and being
adaptable to where the process takes you. We wrote a number of songs inside
the recording studios, and it is perhaps an unusual process, but one we both
have learned to embrace. Surprising ourselves and others with the musical fruit
of impromptu sessions. I am grateful to scratch the surface of possibilities with
“Matter Over Mind” and looking forward to the flow of creativity to come.” – Gabe Dandan

Nicole Asensio
@nicoleasensio8718

Nicole Laurel Asensio is an award winning Filipino Singer- Songwriter, often referred to as the “Schizoprano” because of her versatile vocals able to span many genres.

She grew up with training from both sides of the family. The Granddaughter of coloratura voice professor Fides Cuyugan-Asensio and Theatre artist Celia Diaz Laurel, Niece of actor Cocoy Laurel and Daughter of singer Iwi Laurel. As a child she sang for composer Schoenberg.

Being the rebel she is, she founded and toured with all female rock band General Luna i several countries with major brand endorsements as well as opened for international rock acts such as Mr. Big and Slash.

in 2014 she embarked on a solo career and released a self produced solo album entitled “Schizoprano” She has performed in London, Barcelona, Dubai, Doha, Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Maldives, U.S.A., Malaysia, Vietnam.

She signed with Warner Music Group and is currently writing, producing and recording her second solo album.