Showing posts with label Lily Stars Records. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lily Stars Records. Show all posts

October 30, 2025

The Bloomfields return with “Balikan,” a nostalgic ode to simpler times

Just a month after dropping “Pink Skies,” The Bloomfields are back with “Balikan,” a luminous new track that yearns for the beauty of simpler days: a time when moments were lived, not streamed.

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The song gathers an all-star ensemble as sessionists, including Benjie Santos of The Jerks on drums, Rey Abella on keyboards, and Kakoy Legaspi on lead guitars.
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Brimming with nostalgia and reflection, “Balikan” conveys the universal longing to return to the glorious memories of the past while rediscovering its warmth.

“This song is about that sudden realization of how quickly time passes—and the longing to return to those simpler days,” shares Nathan Abella, the band’s rhythm guitarist. “It all started with something as ordinary as hanging out in a parking lot with old friends, which sparked a wave of nostalgia.”

Produced by Lakan Hila, the band’s keyboardist and lead guitarist, “Balikan” radiates with rich, lush textures and melodic sensibilities that recall George Harrison’s timeless sound and the dreamy hues of late ‘60s and early ‘70s psychedelia. The result is both classic and contemporary, unraveling a sonic tapestry that doesn’t feel out of place regardless of the era it was released in.

The Bloomfields bassist Louie Poco explains, “It’s something peaceful and easy to listen to, playful yet solemn. It captures a nostalgic feeling that takes you back to the good, old days.”

Adding to the song’s intricate concoction is an all-star lineup of legendary Filipino sessionists: Benjie Santos of The Jerks on drums, Rey Abella on keyboards, and Kakoy Legaspi lending his unmistakable touch on lead guitar. Their artistry, honed by decades of musical craftmanship, infuses “Balikan” with depth, soul, and verve.

“It’s a sound that steps outside the usual Bloomfields character,” Poco explains. “You can really feel the different personalities blending together in this track.”

The Bloomfields’ “Balikan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Lily Stars Records.

February 15, 2025

Orange & Lemons gives The Carpenters’ “Close To You” a modern, indie pop twist


Indie pop quartet Orange & Lemons marks the season of romance with a fresh take on The Carpenters’ timeless classic “Close To You.”
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The award-winning Filipino band will also embark on a global tour across five cities in Asia and North America
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Released just in time for Valentine’s Day, the band’s cover brings a modern twist to the iconic track while preserving the original’s emotional essence.

The remake of “Close To You” features subtle upgrades and embellishments from their usual live version.

Clem Castro, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, recalls the origins of the cover, which dates back to 1999 when the Bulacan-based band was preparing the material for their debut album, Love In the Land of Rubber Shoes & Dirty Ice Cream. He explains, “I was inspired to create a cover version for live gigs and challenged ourselves to integrate our own sound. It has been a staple since then on our set list. On top of that, I am a huge fan of Burt Bacharach.”

According to Clem, one of the major distinctions from the original version is the absence of the transposition, which sets this cover apart from others. The band reinterprets “Close To You” with keyboard elements that elevate the track’s melodic appeal.

“The guitar solo rolling bass lines, and drum pattern is definitely O&L,” Clem adds. “The build up at the end was eargasm for us. It is safe to say, this is infinitely different from any version you can find on streaming sites.”

In addition to the release of “Close To You,” the Hanggang Kailan chart-toppers are gearing up for an international tour. The band will visit five cities across Asia and North America, bringing their beloved hits, fresh tracks, and rarities to fans worldwide.
March 2: Singapore

May 30: Toronto, Canada

May 31: New York, USA

June 6: San Francisco, USA

June 7: Los Angeles, USA

Orange & Lemons’ “Close To You” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Lily Stars Records.

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