Barbie Almalbis tackles her bouts with mental health on “Happy Sad”

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The song serves as the third single off her upcoming fifth album, to be released at the end of the year

Photo by Nina Sandejas

Barbie Almalbis continues to confront her inner struggles by releasing another song that openly addresses them in a musical way, following the release of her previous songs "Desperate Hours" and "Homeostasis."

Her new song, "Happy Sad," reflects on her own mental health and the stigma behind it, while helping her process her feelings through writing songs.

The alt-pop figure explains, “Sometimes we have to let go of things, and there are just things beyond our control, and we just got to continue, walk in and through the ‘wilderness,’ but I’ve always found hope in God that even through the hard times, He is still doing something good.”

Nick Lazaro, who also assisted in arranging the instrumental parts, produced the emotionally vulnerable track. Eclectic Kiss artists such as Pikoy, Marika Laciste, Faye Yu, and Marj Rojas also contributed to the background vocals, adding subtle layers of intricacies to the mix.

“I recorded the acoustic guitar and vocal at home, and we did backing vocals with everyone in Nick’s studio,” says Barbie Almalbis. “Nick also recorded the main instrumental track in his studio.”

"Happy Sad" will be part of her upcoming 2024 full-length album, which thematically brings her journey towards mental health, healing, and self-discovery into the conversation. She plans to release it sometime in November 2024.

Barbie Almalbis’ “Happy Sad” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Barbie Almalbis explains overcoming internal struggles on new single “homeostasis”

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Following the critically acclaimed comeback single “Desperate Hours” last month, Barbie Almalbis makes her early-awaited return to deliver another eclectic follow-up to mark the continuation of a new music era.

Photo by Nina Sandejas

The award-winning singer-songwriter has released her second single, “homeostasis,” which was derived from a biological term that illustrates our body’s regulating process as a way to adjust to changing external conditions.

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The song serves as the second single off her upcoming fifth album, to be released at the end of the year

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“I’m no scientist, so I’m using this concept very loosely and explaining it in the simple way I understand it,” explains the Dahilan pop-rock visionary. “It’s the process by which our body always returns to equilibrium, a balanced state, like how we involuntarily sweat when we’re too hot and shiver when we’re too cold. It’s the same with emotions: our body doesn’t want us to stay too ecstatic or too sad; it tries to bring us back to a steady state.”

Almalbis was undergoing a very challenging phase in her life, and felt the need to channel her frustrations into art. She couldn’t do anything to change the situation, so she thought of making a song that perfectly describes what she was experiencing at that moment.

The influential music figure reveals, “Homeostasis was giving me hope, that everyday my body is going to adapt, I’d feel less and less terrible in time, because it has that built-in function.”

Her constant collaborator Nick Lazaro of Eclectic Kiss arranged and produced the song, with Almalbis penning the material on guitarlele and brother/bandmate Karel Honasan writing the instrumental parts. The result is another riveting, non-conventional track that combines Almalbis’ confessional and poetic lyrics with edgy, art-rock production and minimal synths: think of St. Vincent or PJ Harvey, but with a more saccharine take in terms of vocal delivery.

“I love how Lazaro put all the dance and synth pop elements on it, as well as the more aggressive guitar riffs,” says Almalbis. “I’ve been interested in that dance pop/rock genre for a while. I had some songs like Run For Cover and Wicked Heart, but I love how Nick was able to do it this way, where the rock and edgy sound is more present; it kind of sounds closer to how we play these songs live too.”

Barbie Almalbis’ “homeostasis” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

 

Barbie Almalbis confronts deep pain and longing on eclectic new song “Desperate Hours”

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The song serves as the first single off her upcoming fifth album, to be released at the end of the year

After collaborating with indie-folk band Munimuni on “Tupa” and co-headlining the Mist Music Festival in Canada, Barbie Almalbis gears up for a new era in music with the release of her new song “Desperate Hours.”

Produced by La Ball’s resident arranger and studio whiz Nick Lazaro, who has done exemplary work for artists such as Clara Benin and BP Valenzuela, “Desperate Hours” serves as the first official single off Barbie’s upcoming fifth studio album, to be released at the end of the year.

Coming across as an innovative tour de force in the mold of Bjork, Melanie Martinez, and St. Vincent, Almalbis’ avant-pop track refuses any easy categorization but unravels quite literally and figuratively as her most experimental work to date. Here, the two unlikely collaborators play around with unconventional guitar riffs, loose structures, and oddly charming noises, while showcasing an uncompromising vision that’s far from anything that Almalbis has released so far. It sounds like pop music in the strictest sense of the word, but not the type that is bound by rules and limitations.

“I’ve dreamt of doing something like this for years but didn’t have the knowledge and courage, so meeting Nick has been a godsend, because producing this way is something that seems to come so easily for him,” said the alternative rock icon. “It’s also a lot of work. He made me sing hard, do crow sounds, explosions, portamentos, and ‘witchy’ voices, and though it felt a little weird at times, I think it actually sounds good in context.”

Apart from the sonic bombast and unthinkable surprises, Almalbis’ poetic songwriting shines even more on “Desperate Hours,” where she penned material in a time of deep pain and longing. According to the Dahilan act, the song was written during a very challenging point in her life, when she was going through anxiety and emotional struggles, while having a hard time figuring out where it was coming from.

“I couldn’t understand much about what I was going through, but I knew I needed to lean on God, and also sought the help of ‘last resort’ friends—like a last hope, “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” kind of friends,” Almalbis reveals. “One day, things were beginning to get better, and I had a bit of clarity. I woke up early and wrote the pre-chorus: I can feel the rescuer…finally the war is over. It was actually more a song of faith, and soon enough, this struggle will indeed be over. Then it happened that later that morning, I was doing some reading and came across Psalm 18. I was surprised to find that it was about the same topic and even used similar metaphors. It really made me feel like I was on the right track, and so the psalm became a guide to finishing the rest of the song.”

Kate Bush and Bjork easily come to mind when listeners hear “Desperate Hours” for the first time, but there’s so much more to its quirks than meets the eye.

“I’m almost always not trying to achieve anything,” Almalbis shares. “I’m not a planner. I really just try to follow my curiosity as an artist and express how I feel at the moment. I think Bjork and Kate Bush are very emotional writers, and I surely have listened to them a bunch over the years, so their musical ideas are definitely floating around in my brain. To be doing music that’s kind of similar to them makes me feel like I’m going in the right direction as an artist.”

Barbie Almalbis’ “Desperate Hours” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Acel Bisa, Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise and more to join Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert

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Check out the “first batch” of music guests for Kitchie’s homecoming concert

Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Lougee Basabas, Hannah Romawac, Acel Bisa, and Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise are joining the first batch of guests for SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert, happening on June 2, 2024 (Sunday), at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

Kitchie Nadal’s fellow contemporaries in the local music scene recently teamed up with her in a display of solidarity for the sold-out TANAW concert at the Solaire Theater in 2022. Monty, on the other hand, will also perform with the Y2K alt-rock royalty for a special number.

“We’ve prepared a showstopping collaboration with musicians who also happen to be good friends of mine,” said the Bulong hitmaker. “I look up to these artists whose work resonates with me on an intimate level. It doesn’t feel like work at all when you’re surrounded with likeminded individuals who share the same goals in life and career.”

Aside from the inclusion of TANAW girls and Monty, Kitchie Nadal will soon announce the final group of guest acts for her 20th anniversary concert, which includes some of the biggest artists of the current generation.

“I can’t reveal anything at the moment, but I’m excited to explore other possibilities other than the usual,” shares Nadal.

Aside from guest artists from various generations, SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert will also feature several surprises that fans of the pop-rock icon would surely love.

“Expect quality music, surprise OPM artists, and most of all, a Filipino-led world-class production that will bring back memories of Kitchie Nadal’s classic hit music,” Rolando Garcia Jr., Chairman/Founder of Rolling Gum and the Executive Producer of Kitchie Nadal’s upcoming concert, explains. “We’ve realized the importance of working with artists who match our values and goals, especially producing quality music that Filipinos deserve. And Kitchie is one. Her unwavering passion for music has brought her to the OPM pedestal and to these 20 years of giving music hits.”

SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert is presented by Big Brew and Rolling Gum, in partnership with GNN Entertainment Productions. This event is supported by: B Hotel, JB Music, and Southbay Studios.

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide and via their website. 

Check out the ticket prices below.

• SVIP - ₱4,000.00 (with Meet and Greet + signed poster)
• VIP - ₱3,500.00 (with signed poster)
• ORCHESTRA CENTER - ₱2,900.00
• ORCHESTRA L&R - ₱2,500.00
• LOGE - ₱2,000.00
• BALCONY - ₱1,200.00

Barbie Almalbis releases new synth-pop single “Wicked Heart”

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The award-winning singer-songwriter finds herself reflecting on misguided actions based on emotions

Photo credit: Nina Sandejas

Multi-awarded singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis wraps up her tremendous year in music with the release of “Wicked Heart,” her new single under 12 Stone Records and Sony Music Entertainment.

Barbie’s new song reflects on the repercussions of making rash decisions out of emotion. According to Barbie, “Wicked Heart” also presents the rhetoric that while our desires and emotions are a beautiful part of who we are and how we experience life, there must be something “truer” than the heart.

The Dahilan artist recalls a personal experience in the past involving a misguided action that she regretted doing.

“I was thinking about how following your heart can lead to trouble sometimes,” the Filipino alt-rock icon explains. “I want to follow my heart, but it’s always changing its mind. It’s definitely something I’ve personally been through, but it also takes inspiration from the verse in Jeremiah 17:9: The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Written and produced by Barbie Almalbis herself, with Jorel Corpus and Jett Galindo on mixing and mastering duties, respectively, “Wicked Heart” hits the high mark with its refreshing mix of ‘80s influences and pastel synths. Delivering a whopper of a pop anthem, Barbie initially penned the track on a “guitalele” to harness a different dimension and vibe.

Barbie reveals, “Writing on a new, different instrument makes the process feel exciting and fresh sometimes. As the song progressed, I realized I didn’t hear much guitar in it, so I asked my bandmate Nikko Rivera to fill the whole thing with keys and synth parts, and he sent me like 10 layers of things. I just added a little bit of guitar later on, so that I’ll have something to do when we play it live. Karel played bass on it, and Jonard played the drums.”

Barbie Almalbis recently celebrated her 25th year in the music scene with a concert chronicling her career as one of the most influential figures in Pinoy alternative rock. She also recently released her debut solo record, Parade, on vinyl for the first time. To date, Almalbis is working on new songs and collaborations for future releases.

“Wicked Heart” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Follow Barbie Almalbis on socials: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Pinoy rock queens Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Aia de Leon, Acel, Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, and Hannah Romawac release “Talinghaga,” their first single as a group

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After staging a sold-out concert last year at the Solaire Theatre, Pinoy rock queens Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Aia de Leon, Acel, Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, and Hannah Romawac continue their collaborative streak with the release of “Talinghaga,” their first single together as a group.

The star-studded collaboration reflects on their respective experiences finding God and walking with Him in faith

Released under WATERWALK RECORDS, a music label focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation, the praise anthem narrates their individual experiences walking in faith with God and finding him even in the most tumultuous of times.

According to Aia de Leon, “Talinghaga” is an attempt to describe the manifold glory of our Holy Creator. “While we wonder at His splendor, we find there is none like Him. While we revel at His glory, we find that we are blessed with His goodness and how His generosity is unmatched. The world we live in is but a temporary metaphor of the plans He has for us in His dwelling. Our final destination, without the tears and suffering.”

Buoyed by ethereal melodies, rousing arrangements, and lush vocal harmonies, “Talinghaga” highlights the group’s individual and collective strengths as singer-songwriters. The acclaimed and award-winning artists behind the song proved that they’re a sum of some very strong parts with a team-up that is a first-rate of its kind.

The track is produced by Jarlo Bâse, a fellow musician and singer-songwriter who has worked with Barbie recently on “PIRASO.” Emil Dela Rosa is also credited as the song’s mixing and mastering engineer, while also providing additional bass.

Barbie Almalbis revealed that after their Tanaw concert, the six of them began discussing writing music together in one of their hangs. “Lougee had a ‘song start’ and we pretty much finished the song in an afternoon. We just did some edits and added a few lines through online collaboration, since Kitchie was already in Spain by then.”

Part of the recordings were done at Barbie’s ‘makeshift’ home studio in Marikina, while Aia and Kitchie recorded their parts in their respective abodes due to physical and scheduling constraints. Thanks to the power of technology, the collaboration was made possible, and enabled some of them to record just about anywhere.

Acel expressed gratitude for how the collaboration went. Working with her closest friends in the music industry, the Sulat hitmaker praised her contemporaries for making sure that everyone’s suggestions were heard. “Each one of us shared our ideas, but most of the actual words we chose to use in the song were from Lougee, Aia and Barbie. The idea is centered on who God is in our lives.”

“Talinghaga” is out now on all digital music platforms via WATERWALK RECORDS.

For more updates on the new tracks, artists, and upcoming events, please follow:

WATERWALK RECORDS: Facebook | Instagram

 

ABOUT WATERWALK RECORDS

WATERWALK RECORDS is a music label under Sony Music Entertainment that is focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation. The label features faith-based entertainment artists from across the length and breadth of the country, who represent the best of Christian music combined with their own unique styles.

 

Barbie Almalbis celebrates 25th anniversary with the release of Tower Sessions Live album and a ‘reunion’ concert

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Filipino singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis marks a monumental milestone in music with the official release of her Tower Sessions Live album under Sony Music Entertainment and a reunion concert featuring her iconic bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Both celebrations honor her 25^th anniversary in the local music scene as a woman who successfully navigated the realm of Pinoy rock with emotionally resonant songwriting and artistic independence.

Photo by Chealsy Dale

Presenting a new arrangement of her old and new songs, Barbie Almalbis’ Greatest Hits live album was produced by Eric and Carlo Perlas of Tower of Doom, recorded by Kyle Cayton, and mixed/mastered by Simon Durias. It will also feature career-defining hits such as “Firewoman,” “Torpe,” “Tabing Ilog,” “The Dance,” “Goodnight,” and “Just A Smile,” along with fairly new tracks: “Days Are Long,” “Silaw,” “Tigre,” and “Kumpas,” the album’s carrier single.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to record our songs live, because we’re always rearranging songs as a band, and I think there’s something special that gets captured when the we play live together,” Almalbis shares. “My producers and collaborators did such a great job of making you feel like you’re at the gig. You can feel the power of the kick drum and the bass, and then have guitars blasting in your ear — in a pleasant way, of course.”

Aside from the release of Tower Sessions Live on digital platforms, Barbie Almalbis is set to headline her 25^th Anniversary concert at 123 Block, Mandala Park on March 11 (Saturday), from 2pm onwards. Celebrating the impact of her music as a guide to many people’s journey in life, the show will reunite her with former bandmates in Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Aptly titled Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, the mini-music fest will also feature sets by some of the country’s finest acts, including Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio, and Bird.

Reflecting on her career as an artist, Almalbis expressed gratitude to her fans who have been supportive of her endeavors through the years. “I didn’t have so many plans growing up, but always just dreamt of playing music. I’m so grateful that I get to do this and share the experience with others too. I’m always touched by the support of my fans and friends, and really humbled and encouraged by their words and stories about how these songs have also become part of their journey.”

Barbie Almalbis’ Tower Sessions Live is now available on all digital platforms worldwide under Sony Music Entertainment.

Tickets to her upcoming concert, Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis are available for purchase via TicketMelon. The event is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Wellness Store, D&D,  Smirnoff Mule, and 123 Block.

Follow Barbie Almalbis on socials: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

Barbie Almalbis, Mark Escueta, Pochoy Labog and Jarlo Bâse team up for inspiring powerhouse track “PIRASO"

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The star-studded tune emphasizes the importance of faith during trying times

Alt-rock icon Barbie Almalbis, Rivermaya lead singer/drummer Mark Escueta, Dicta License vocalist Pochoy Labog, and fast-rising singer-songwriter/producer Jarlo Bâse have collaborated on a soulful track that unfolds with tenderness and power in equal measure.

Released under WATERWALK RECORDS, “PIRASO” tackles the journey of healing and spirituality amidst the crippling fear of uncertainty that all four artists have personally experienced in recent years. The song not only articulates the collective frustrations and sacrifices that people have to go through in order to cope with depression caused by the pandemic, but also reveals how faith has become a source of comfort and strength during trying times.

According to Almalbis, producer-extraordinaire Jungee Marcelo was responsible for bringing them together. She immediately said yes after finding out about the other musicians involved in the project and what the music stands for.

“I have always been a fan of Mark and Pochoy, and I was also looking forward to working with Jarlo, because Mr. Jungee really looked up to him as a young producer,” the Silaw hitmaker admits. “We started writing the song virtually, just exchanging ideas via a chat group, then eventually met up in person to tie everything together.”

Despite their busy schedules, the four powerhouse acts managed to squeeze time to record the song before the year ended. Almalbis reveals that the entire team behind “PIRASO” felt a strong sense of achievement with how the final product turned out. “On the day we finished writing the song, we made a makeshift vocal booth in our house, which turned out to be a great sounding room for vocals. Pochoy then went home to do the bass track. A few days later, we hung out at Mark’s studio to finalize the drum parts. I did a bit more guitar work at home, and Jarlo did the rest of the production, recording his vocals and adding piano, samples, and synths in his own place.”

Dicta License’s Pochoy Labog admits that the collaboration was out of his comfort zone, but the experience, according to him, was an absolute joy. “We flowed so well and nothing was forced. Writing the lyrics was like being in a discipleship group or household –we plugged in words while sharing life experiences and our own walks with God. It was one of the most profound moments in my musical journey.”

Surprisingly, the all-star collaboration turned out to be a very moving piece that raises the bar for all the musicians involved in terms of songwriting and artistry. Bâse, in particular, was grateful and honored to be part of this massive endeavor that brought a different kind creative synergy and excitement.

“I’ve always looked up to Sir Jungee and everyone at WATERWALK/Sony Music for their love and excellence in making music,” says the young singer-songwriter. “I hope people would enjoy and be blessed with the song we all made together.”

“PIRASO” is also Mark Escueta’s first project with WATERWALK RECORDS. He is thankful to be part of a music project that aims to inspire people from all walks of life. “It's an honor and a blessing to be part of this project and I know that WATERWALK RECORDS will continue to touch so many lives in the years to come.”

“PIRASO” is out now on all digital music platforms via WATERWALK RECORDS.

For more updates on the new tracks, artists, and upcoming events, please follow:

WATERWALK RECORDS: Facebook | Instagram

 

ABOUT WATERWALK RECORDS

WATERWALK RECORDS is a music label under Sony Music Entertainment that is focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation. The label features faith-based entertainment artists from across the length and breadth of the country, who represent the best of Christian music combined with their own unique styles.

Barbie Almalbis is back with her “new heart”

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Barbie Almalbis is back on the music scene presenting a new chapter in her life through the launch of her latest album “My New Heart.”

Formerly the lead singer of the bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie's Cradle, she pursued a solo career in 2005, now releasing her "new heart." Her music is characterised by a rather quirky, but endearing vocal style, and guitar work.

Barbie, started releasing solo records since 2005 after she made popular songs like 'Torpe' and 'Firewoman with Hungry Young Poets band, 'Tabing-ilog' and 'Limang Dipang Tao' with Barbie's Cradle band.

Her first solo album was 'Parade,' which includes songs like 'Dahilan,' 'Pag-alis,' and 'High' with The Speaks, followed by the album 'Goodbye My Shadow' in 2011 (her last before she released 'My New Heart').

Barbie considering her songs like her “diary" and the latest album 'My New Heart' her most special and most adventurous.

The songs blend happiness and sadness, not because Barbie feels down and out, but she can experiment with expressing as many feelings as she can in a song.

Barbie has been dormant for sometime from the music scene because as she said "while I was preparing for this new album, I was also becoming a very hands-on mother to my two kids. So I was thinking why not come up with an album that this time speaks so many themes and thoughts that are coming from and coming close to the heart. But at the same time not loosing the pop-rock beat I have become known for."

With her active lifestyle, and while maintaining her groove as a recording artist has experienced full growth with her kids and her ever supportive and handsome husband Martin Honasan, it is not a surprise that the pretty rocker does look younger and is all aglow. She has a healthy working collaboration with her husband who also happens to be an artist, a painter. In fact her husband Martin happens to be one of the main people who made the cover art of Barbie's new album.

The songs included in the album are: Say Goodbye, Emmanuel, Run For Cover, My New Heart, On This Train, We Are Slaves, Secrets, Joyful Joyful, and Ostrich Cowboy.

All nine tracks were produced by Barbie and Maly Andres, and Tommy Tanchanco under the 12 Stone Records label.

'My New Heart' is now available in leading record bars nationwide and even in some online music stores.

Here's one of my favorite songs of Barbie, "High",  a collaboraton with US based all-Pinoy band, The Speaks.