At some point every band starts as a college band. And Thoughts And Notions is no different. Although, the recorded album came first (and there were big concerts that the band played in). For the bulk of the band's existence (2006-2009), the band operated mostly as a college band playing at Universities and gigs organized by other college bands. And one of the debut of the band in the College circuit was during the 2006 Celebration of Xavier Days. During this year, Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan de Oro also hosted a songwriting competition in recording and re-arranging the Xavier Hymn, the Alma Mater's Hymn. The band naturally decided to throw their hat into the competition by arranging the Hymn in Alternative Rock form. This, as inspired by Rico Blanco's take on Ateneo de Manila's own school hymn, A Song For Mary.
The song is in Alternative Rock form, reminiscent of the band's rock influences. With the First and second stanzas arranged with steady drumbeats and rough guitar riffs that builds into a crescendo just as the chorus comes in. Crashing with a chorus sang in an almost screaming way. Of course, I think it was too loud for the songwriting competition's judges. Our idea at that time was to update the song in such a way that it is more singable to the college crowd who loves Rock Music. We did not win as the eventual winner sang the Xavier Hymn in a gospel way. I still have a copy of the song entry but I couldn't get a clearance from the band to post it on Youtube (and maybe copyright reasons?). Maybe one of these days when the band is confident enough to post it as archival material, then it would see the light of day. And if ever we are allowed to upload it in our YouTube Channel without worrying about copyright infringement. But for now it remains in the vault.
The band managed to play the song live during the Xavier Days band concert that featured various College bands that came from different schools of the University. That was the only time the band ever played the song live. And I guess we forgot about the song soon after. The only memory and proof that such a song exists is the recording. The song was among the few recorded songs of the first iteration of the band. Years later, with new band members in tow to support Thrina, Thoughts And Notions would represent Xavier University as nominees for College band of the Year in the 2009 NU 107.5 Rock Awards. A National Awards show featuring the best bands in the Philippines.
Last week, the song that got us nominated in the NU Rock Awards made its debut as a Spotify Exclusive. Tomorrow, January 22, 2022 will be its world premiere in different platforms across 240 territories all over the world. So from a college band in a small city in the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro City to be exact. To being nominated in a Natonal Awards Show in the Philippine Capital of Manila. And now to have that song debut on the world stage. What a journey it has been. So let me humbly share to you the song Runaway Angel. You can access the song by clicking on the link below. And, don't forget to add them to your playlists. We'd really appreciate it 😊
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