BP Valenzuela and Sandwich chill out to a new rhythm at Coke Studio

Coke Studio is the new stage for OPM artists, where legends perform with rising stars and musical genres are blurred. There is no better example for this than the collaboration of BP Valenzuela and Sandwich – the fusion of smooth and hypnotic techno sounds with edgy rock music make for an unexpected yet exciting performance.

”We’re gearheads!” exclaimed BP Valenzuela, finding common ground despite coming from two seemingly opposite ends of the music spectrum. During the collaboration, this fondness continued, proving that differences in genre never hinder mutual respect between artists.

Sandwich 

Raymund Marasigan of Sandwich

Members of Sandwich even shared their admiration for BP and her music. “She is the future. And it’s so exciting, I am so happy that we get to do this. We really like to see the young artists and from the first time we saw her, we knew,” said Myrene Academia, the band’s bassist.

Prior to the collaboration, two of the band’s members, Raymund Marasigan and Diego Castillo had written letters of recommendation for BP’s application to the music program of the College of St. Benilde.

“I wrote that if I were still working with a recording label, that I would sign her up in a heartbeat,” added Diego Castillo, lead guitarist and former recording executive. In response to the band’s words, BP admitted that the recommendation letters made her cry. 

BP Valenzuela

The relationship between the pairing shows a side of the OPM industry where veterans uplift and support upcoming artists and by doing so, elevating the entirety of the local music scene. With this good natured relationship already established, the studio session came along easily.

According to Sandwich drummer, Mike Dizon, “We’re chill but it’s about getting it done, while still being chill.” BP continued by describing the outcome of their efforts saying, “There’s a story to it, a narrative, and it’s got more layers.” The collaboration brought about the possibility of a full album to which Raymund replied, “That’s not just a could, or a would, but a should.”

Sanwich X BP Valenzuela

Watch these icons of the past and the present come together to bring the music of the future at Coke Studio. Catch it on August 19, Saturday at 7 p.m. on TV5 or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH. 

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and nearly 3,900 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company's portfolio features 21 billion-dollar brands, 19 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. These brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

Moonstar88 and Jensen and the Flips make new music at Coke Studio

Different generations often find icons to represent themselves, and Coke Studio has brought the voices from two different generations together. The blending of genres and sounds from the past and present shows music’s constant evolution as well as the possibility of even newer and fresher sounds.

In the early 2000s, Moonstar88 skyrocketed to fame with the release of their single Torete which became an iconic song that dictated the distinct sound of their era.

Jensen and the Flips is one of the hottest artists today, rising to the OPM scene with a funky and sexy sound of their own.

Moonstar 88

 

This collaboration, being the only pairing of two bands in Coke Studio, was initially met with some apprehension.  “I don't know if we can even fit all their instruments into the studio!” said Coke Studio host Raymund Marasigan jokingly when asked about the interesting match-up. Even Jensen and the Flips front man, Jensen Gomez, admitted that he was skeptic and nervous about being paired with the veteran band. “Totoo ba?  Could this be really happening?  Of course, we were so pressured!  But then we also knew that we had to put on our game face, and not think about that pressure,” he shared.

Jensen and the Flips

 

The collaboration disproved their apprehensions and surprised the two bands and spectators with an easy and smooth blend. “There was no polarizing at all. Everyone really came up with a good song,” said Herbert Hernandez, lead guitarist of Moonstar88. “Genres can really blend well.”

When asked about their collaboration, Moonstar88 vocalist, Mayshelle Baay likened it to that of a constellation – “There are many stars all shining on their own, but still in the same formation in the sky,” she added. The analogy was only fitting for these artists who have proven themselves stars of the OPM scene. 

Watch these icons of the past and the present come together to bring the music of the future at Coke Studio. Catch it on August 12, Saturday at 7 p.m. on TV5 or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH. 

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and nearly 3,900 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company's portfolio features 21 billion-dollar brands, 19 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. These brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

Gab and John of Urbandub and The Ransom Collective collaborate for fresh Pinoy music with Coke Studio

Like the fresh sound of Original Pilipino Music that are created with their unique collaborations, artists taking part in the local industry-groundbreaking Coke Studio project are finding out surprising things about each other. For indie folk band The Ransom Collective, the revelation was in the form of a compliment from rock band Urbandub.

Gab and John of Urbandub

Gab

John

“The first time they saw us, Gab (Alipe) came up to me and told me that he really liked us, and I was surprised because you wouldn't think that they would like our music,” relates Kian Ransom, The Ransom Collective vocalist and guitarist.

It turns out that the Urbandub frontman and guitarist has always enjoyed folk music, and his band mate John Dinopol has never let labels dictate his musical preferences. “We never let genres box us in. Good music is good music,” John says.

Although they were known for their distortion, overdrive and songs with angst, Gab counters that that would be a limited view of their music. “With our songs, there was always something more. To just say that we did rock music with angst is a one-note way of seeing things.”

Gab sees the same nuance and richness with The Ransom Collective. “Their lyrics are engaging. There’s always something more.”

When asked about their collaboration process and their song, Gab just says, “When people hear it, I just want them to think, ‘Hey, they’re having fun!’”

The Ransom Collective

 The Ransom Collective—with Kian, Jermaine Chao Peck (vocals, percussion), Red Claudio (drums), Leah Halili (bass guitar), Lily Gonzales (keyboards), and Muriel Gonzales (violin)—do like to have fun, whether it’s in their music videos or interviews.

But the greatest fun still comes from making music. “We love, love, love to compose! We feel it together [and] let it grow over time,” says Muriel. “We let the lyrics get us started, and there’s a lot of back and forth,” Kian adds.

Gab and John of Urbandub X The Ransom Collective

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as Gab and John of Urbandub and The Ransom Collective collaborate for Coke Studio. Catch it on August 5, Saturday, at 7 p.m. on TV5 or on https://www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and nearly 3,900 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company's portfolio features 21 billion-dollar brands, 19 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. These brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.