It has been a short while since noted multi-talented Nicole Laurel returned to the recording cycle. She didn’t stop writing new songs, though. In fact, she has dozens more in progress.
Among the music and lyrics Laurel completed, however, is the single “Bawal,” which the artist is set to launch on October 28.
Apparently, the beginnings of this single goes as far back as nine years ago, when guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan suddenly started to tinker with piano keys. A catchy melody, Laurel began humming along to Dandan’s composition, even coming up with lyrics to fit every verse and chorus.
“If I remember correctly, in 30 minutes, we were done with our collaboration,” Laurel recalled.
“This is one of the simplest lyrical expressions I have published. There is nothing poetic here, just a sentiment revolving around the quintessential question, ‘Bakit masarap kapag bawal?’
“It was one of those instances na halos sabay lumabas yung lyrics and melody, and halos tapos na yung song form in the first session.”
Continuing her story, Laurel shared, “I was led into the song by the chord choices. The song is a simple, slow, soulful blend of sultriness and the melancholy of desiring something you can’t have.”
Fast forward to recording for today, Laurel formed the “Bawal” team with some of the best musicians in the industry, pooling their creative energies at Wildgrass studios for tracking.
It included Otep Concepcion (drums), Rommel Dela Cruz (bass), Nikko Rivera (keys), Ted Amper (cello), Lester Sorilla (trumpet), Gabe Dandan (producer, guitar, percussions, backup vocals) and Mike Luis (vocal arranger, backup vocals).
World-class sound engineer Angee Rozul then mixed and mastered the song in Dolby Atmos by Waxified Sound Production.
“The beautiful thing about songwriting is — technically, walang bawal. You can write about anything, anyone and everything. You can use any note, rhythm, topic, or lyric that reflects your soul and sentiment. Marami ngang bawal, ngunit, sa paglikha lahat pwede,” Laurel said again.
“This is why creativity proves to be my greatest purpose and escape all in one, there’s no telling where the creative chase will lead, but one thing is for sure, the creative chase is never futile and always masarap.”
Catch “Bawal’s” first day drop across all digital platforms on October 28.
