Our latest single "FREE" charts at number 7 on Spotify's Official Fresh Finds Philippines Playlist!

 

 

This was unexpected!

 

But we are honored and ecstatic to have our latest single "FREE" to be featured on Spotify's Official Fresh Finds Philippines playlist. Charting at the number 7 spot. This is our first time to have been featured on this editorial playlist and we are thrilled to have this one last song that we recorded from way back in 2009 reach a new generation of audience. I honestly kind of resigned to myself that since this song was recorded about 15 year ago, this song must have been outdated for today's audience's taste. We haven't landed in any Spotify Editorial Playlists since that Alternative Rock Christmas song that we released last 2022. So my hopes weren't as high. So this came as a complete surprise. But first of all, I take no credit for this song. I wasn't involved in the writing and composition of this song. This was all John Erickson Gloria and Adonis Berongoy, as well as Doris Bangot's and Thrina Dimaano's efforts from 2009 to come up with a song that would be included in our second album. "FREE" was written by John Erickson Gloria (Guitars) and Adonis Berongoy (Drums) with additional inputs by Doris Bangot (Bass), and arranged by the band. This was their contribution for our second album from way back but unfortunately didn't make the final cut (there were too many songs to choose from). Fortunately however, I was able to preserve a pristine copy of the song. And decided to release this song as a tribute to that final iteration of the band. And by the looks of it, we've done the unthinkable. A 15 year old song making its mark 15 years later!

This also proves to be a testament of Adonis' songwriting prowess as this is also the second time that a song written by him was featured on an Official Spotify Editorial playlist. The other one was the carrier single of our second album, the song "BELOVED SAVIOR", which made it to Spotify's New Music Friday Philippines playlist two years ago. Of course, "FREE" wouldn't be a classic Thoughts And Notions song without the familiar voice of Thrina Dimaano. So from the three of our Editorial Playlist feature, This iteration of the band was responsible to two of those placements. I always considered this iteration of the band as our peak form from way back. And these accomplishments in the digital age of music proves to show their talents are here to stay. Cementing our place in Cagayan de Oro's local music scene.

When the second album was released, I did not exercise a monopoly in the songwriting department as I allowed the band to explore and showcase what they are capable of in terms of songwriting. So "FREE" is one of those products. My only contribution to this release is the artwork of the song (photo taken by me at Kryal Castle in Melbourne, Australia with limited graphic design work helped by FOTOR). And of course, the marketing of the song as well as whatever marketing collateral that I have self-made with my limited skills lol (Don't worry, you'll see one more post-release video that I made). Like this poster that I made as seen above. It somehow played a huge part in making people take notice of the forthcoming release. This is actually the first time that I tried doing something like this. I exerted extra effort in promoting this song compared to the previous releases. Perhaps this song meant so much more to me than the recent works that I did. Even if I didn't write the song. But it's just like the way it was back then when I managed the band. They focused on the music, their performance on stage, songwriting, and other music related stuff while I explore opportunities for them to be able to maximize what they are capable of doing with their music. This was truly a cathartic experience for me. Perhaps a full circle moment. This also proved to show that the band that we have was oozing with potential. We just never made it to the finish line. But along the way, we did make some various stops (i.e.the 2009 NU 107  Rock Awards College Band of the Year nomination, Spotify New Music Friday for our second album's carrier single Beloved Savior, and some other various local recognition from the past). We did it our way despite the limited resources that we have, and we wouldn't have had the strength to go on without the support of our friends and families.

 

So Thank Yous are in order.

 

Thank You to our families, friends, and those who supported us from yesteryears. I really don't know if you guys have found us again in this Digital age of music. But we are still here trudging on. We are fighting with you to keep our music alive!

 

Thank You also to Ralf Gonzales who had been very patient in assisting us in our digital music journey thus far. We wouldn't have made it this far without his guiding presence.

 

Most of all, Thank You God for continuing to lead the way. You very much know that deep within our hearts, we are in this Thoughts And Notions project only to honor you. We never aspired for more but to offer ourselves at your service for the Christian music industry.

 

Let me also take this opportunity to thank the band who was our engine during our twilight years. To Adonis, Erickson, Doris, and of course Thrina. I couldn't be prouder of you guys. This is an accomplishment and a milestone that marks what you are capable of achieving together. Will a live reunion ever be on the offing? I'd jump at the chance to make it happen.

 

This definitely is not the end. One half of the band are still going strong with Erickson and Adonis still teaming up with their other bands. Especially for their upcoming Red Horse Music Laban stint representing Cagayan de Oro. You'll also definitely hear more from Thoughts And Notions. So keep posted for what's next. As for Doris, we're waiting for her big comeback when time permits. She's going to be a force to be reckoned with. 

 

This last hurrah from a bygone era, what a way to close this one out. This milestone marks the final achievement of this iteration of the band. For Thrina, Adonis, Erickson, and Doris. What a way to make a final bow from that era! Definitely more power and more music from you guys. I'll always be here to make sure that your songs would be heard for generations to come.

 

Thank You Jesus for this blessing and opening doors for our music!

 

 

P.S. 

 

We’re just starting our efforts to promote "FREE" to where we can take it to. Watch out for the music video that I'll be releasing maybe next week. And more stories to come!