After receiving the prestigious Dangal Ng Musikang Pilipino at the 36th Awit Awards for his enormous contribution to the Philippine music scene and re-releasing “You’ll Be Safe Here” on streaming platforms for the very first time, Filipino alternative rock icon Rico Blanco continues to make headlines with the release of his new single, “Sayong sayo (Papel, Gunting, Bato),” via Sony Music Entertainment.
On “Sayong sayo (Papel, Gunting, Bato),” Blanco displays a mastery of the “love song” genre with simplicity and finesse, evoking the feeling of winning the lottery after several tries in life and love.
“The chorus hook came to me first, and I immediately felt it would be a really fun song to play live or at a party,” Blanco shares. “I kept imagining everyone dancing and singing along. A fun party song.”
Recorded at the Balcony Studio with Angee Rozul, the upbeat pop-rock ditty shows a sonic maverick still in his prime, tapping into new ideas with a sophisticated sheen. The track also marks the first time that the OPM veteran jammed and recorded a track face-to-face with fellow musicians since the pandemic, which includes accomplished and critically acclaimed producers/singer-songwriters Zild Benitez on bass and Tim Marquez on drums.
“Ang saya at sobrang bilis lang parang naglalaro lang kaming apat sa studio (it felt like we’re just playing around and having fun in the studio),” the multi-awarded artist explains.
“Iba pa rin talaga mag-record ng magkakasama sa isang kwarto (There’s nothing like recording together in a room).
“Sayong sayo (Papel, Gunting, Bato)” serves as the follow-up single to last year’s “Palibot-libot,” an introspective synth-pop tune that reflects on the uncertainty of one-sided love. It will be part of a new album to be released sometime in 2024.
Aside from plans of releasing a brand-new record next year, Blanco will be joining Bamboo Manalac, Mark Escueta and Nathan Azarcon for the “Rivermaya: The Reunion concert” on 17 February 2024 at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay City. Tickets are now available via SM Tickets website and outlets nationwide.