The CompanY shows versatility in multi-genre album “Gitna”

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Feat. the compositions of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Rey Valera, and more

The CompanY once again proves its musical versatility in its new album “Gitna,” a collection of multi-genre songs that tackle different themes of love and highlight the group’s amazing vocal harmony.

With its exploration of pop, jazz, electronica, dance, and acoustic folk, The CompanY’s 29th studio album—its first under ABS-CBN’s Star Music—delves into the length and breadth of vocal harmony in modern music styles showcased by equally talented members Annie Quintos, OJ Mariano, Moy Ortiz, and Sweet Plantado.

Its title “Gitna” also serves as the album’s key track and references the group’s core and centeredness amidst the changing tides and disruptions in music and contemporary living.

During the album’s virtual launch, Sweet said they chose “Gitna” as the key track for its uniqueness. “We chose a lot of songs from Star Music’s catalogue but we decided to zoom in on this because it’s not the usual love story and the way it combines the lyrics and melody is different. Moy also had this idea to make it a duet so when he gave it to me and OJ, it brought a different color to the song.”

Aside from “Gitna” which was composed by Davey Langit, the 10-track album consists of previously released tracks “Sumakabilang Puso,” “‘Sang Tawag Mo Lang,” “Disco Plantito, Disco Plantita,” “Sa May Bintana,” and “Walang Sayang.” Also part of the album are “Kumusta Ka” written by Rey Valera, “Hideaway” composed by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, “Sukob Na” penned by Mortiz Edgar Frasco and Flores Alexeeb, and “Ambon” written by Nica Del Rosario.

Since The CompanY is composed of multi-talented members, Moy also served as the vocal arranger for all the songs and likewise co-produced some tracks in the album.

Asked about the challenges of making the album that features both seasoned and younger songwriters, Moy said, “The challenge was with the songs of the new generation songwriters, the way they compose music now is not so much formulaic—you can’t predict where the structure and melody of the song will go, and this is evident in ‘Gitna.’"

Meanwhile, an accompanying mini documentary on the making of the album has also been released on YouTube.

Formed in July 1985 by the alumni of the Ateneo College Glee Club, The CompanY initially performed as back-up vocalists for the pop stars of the ‘80s before becoming professional recording artists. Now dubbed as Asia’s premiere vocal harmony act, it is the most awarded vocal recording group in the Philippines who have shared the stage with the likes of The Manhattan Transfer, Jim Brickman, Michael Buble, Noel Pointer, John Ford Coley, and many more.

Stream The CompanY’s latest album “Gitna,” out now on various digital music platforms, and watch out for the music video of “Gitna” this Friday (March 25), 8PM on Star Music’s YouTube channel. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

Gigi’s “Sakalam” turns Pinoy slang to a piercing break-up anthem

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ABS-CBN’s newest pop rock diva launches her debut single

Breakthrough star Gigi de Lana gives an excruciating new meaning to the popular Pinoy slang “Sakalam,” which serves as the title of her debut single released under Star Music.

“Sakalam” is a power rock ballad that lyrically tackles a person’s struggle to let go of a broken relationship despite the detachment of her partner. The term is an inverse of the Tagalog word “malakas,” adding more emphasis to the emotional grief caused by the separation as depicted in the song.

“Habang kinakanta ko 'yung ‘Sakalam,’ nasasaktan ako. Nilalagay ko 'yung sarili ko sa song kasi gusto kong kantahin na punong-puno ng soul. Sobrang nakaka-relate kasi sa mga pinagdaanan ko rin sa buhay,” shared Gigi.

She also expressed an encouraging message to listeners who are experiencing heartbreak. She said, “Even though ‘sakalam’ talaga siya, pansamantala lang ‘yang nararamdaman mo. Itong song na ito, hindi lang tungkol sa heartbreak. May binibigay din itong positive vibes.”

Aside from being the first original song of the newest pop-rock diva, “Sakalam” also serves as the first single off her debut full-length album set to drop in 2022. As of writing, the song is currently listed at the top spot of Spotify Philippines' Fresh Finds playlist.

The Star Magic artist and RISE Artists Studio talent performed and recorded “Sakalam” with The Gigi Vibes band members Jon Cruz, Jake Manalo, LA Arquero, and Romeo Marquez. The track was written and composed by Romeo with Erwin Lacsa, with Jon serving as its arranger, and ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo as its producer.

Last August, Gigi announced many of her exciting projects lined up for the remaining months of 2021, led by her participation in the Filipino music festival “1MX Dubai” and the staging of her very own “YouTube Music Night” digital concert both in December.

Feel the agony of intense heartbreak and stream Gigi’s debut single “Sakalam,” out now on various digital music platforms, and watch its music video on ABS-CBN Star Music’s YouTube channel. 

For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).