Nicole Laurel Asensio returns to the Philippines after a successful series of shows abroad and immediately dives back into the vibrant world of new music with her latest release “Let Our Love” under Warner Music Philippines. Reuniting once again with producer and multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan, the pair crafts a subtle, sensual, and fearless sonic journey in this new track.
“It was the first time I asked Gabe to strike the match and ignite the creative process,” Nicole shares. “With no references, lyrics, or requests, I simply asked him to create anything he thought would suit my voice. I stepped out and came back with my heart racing, excited to write because I loved the vibe he had begun. We do not always agree creatively and co-creating can take a lot of adjusting, but this time the creativity was torrential. It was effortless.”
Gabe describes the production as organic and uninhibited. “The process was very casual. We encouraged every musician to play what they imagined with no rules. We wanted them to add their own colors and become part of the imagery of the song. I gave Michael Guevarra the initial arrangement and he created a beautiful horn section. We recorded at Wildgrass Studio and Kodama Studio with Mike Lichtenfeld on keys, Aman Dela Cruz on percussion and backup vocals, and two of our favorite voices, Kevin Yadao and Mel Torre, on backups. Nicole and I arranged the vocals together. After recording, I handled the mixing and we sent it to Abbey Road UK for mastering.”
Filled with surreal poetic imagery, “Let Our Love” explores a return to the arms of a quintessential love. Its sound draws from soul, RnB, jazz, and touches of 1990s sophisti pop. Nicole reflects, “In this season of my life I am finding that my songs are not about trends. They are less about turning each track into a vocal showcase and more about slowing down, practicing restraint, and creating music that feels timeless. There is still depth, especially in the lyrics, but at the end of the day it is feel good music and making it makes me feel good.”
Gabe adds that this release feels more relaxed than their previous work. “Nicole and I write using imagery and emotion because this is how we communicate best during the creative process. When I began forming the progression it reminded me of gentle rain, so that became the song’s undertone. Nicole’s lyrics and melodies sit beautifully between happiness and sadness, moving the track from restraint to blissful release. Our styles blend into a unique sonic mood that I truly cherish.”
The duo’s previous EPs “Changes Over Time” and “Matter Over Mind” earned ten nominations in multiple categories at this year’s prestigious AWIT Awards. Four of those entries advanced to the finals, with the awards night taking place in late November.
“I am grateful to keep creating. It is a blessing,” Nicole says. “When you are given the chance to create, nothing and no one should stop you. Love knows no bounds and neither do art and music. We cannot stop it, so we should simply let it.”Nicole Laurel Asensio
“Let Our Love” is now available on all music streaming platforms via Warner Music Philippines. The track serves as a teaser for Nicole’s upcoming EP, slated for release early next year.
