sane and sorted! certified music lover :)

11 FACTS ABOUT ME..
 
1. The best free gift I’ve ever received were my four brothers and sister. 
 
2. I love tea and coffee. They are the majority of my diet. 
 
3. I'm part Filipino and have written songs recorded by a lot of talented Filipino recording artists such as Yeng Constantino, Yassi Pressman, Sam Mangubat, Nyoy Volante, Top Suzara (Freestyle), Geneva Cruz, & Mikey Bustos.
 
4. My favorite artist is Prince, songwriter is Billy Joel, and band is Van Halen. 
 
5. I slept in my car for 2 years. There's freedom that comes with knowing you can live out of your car and still be happy. 
 
6. I've traveled to 97 countries.
 
7. I play most instruments and produce, perform, and mix my own music. 
 
8. My two favorite things to do are create art and help people achieve their goals. 
 
9. When I was 16 I won the World Championships in juggling. Competing in the World Championships and music were the two things that got me through a pretty rough childhood.
 
10. I've never owned a TV, but I spend too much time browsing YouTube watching guitar and audio gear related content.
 
11. This one is a question for you ...What would you spend your time doing even if you knew it would fail? Now, a suggestion; If you're not already, then start doing that.

In 2007, Bituin Escalante, one of the Philippines’ most underrated yet most dynamic singers, released her most-anticipated 3rd album. Entitled, “Ur Luv Thang”, it shows not just this diva’s known vocal tenacity, but also marks the reinvention of Bituin Escalante. Known for her big ballad "Kung Ako Nalang Sana", Bituin spread her creative wings not only by venturing into neo-soul (thus being hailed the Philippines’ Neo-Soul Diva), but also by having the album independently-produced and photographing herself for the album.

Collaborating with Dan Gil, who wrote and produced all the tracks in the album, Bituin masterfully transitions from the groovy, jazzy feel in “Let Go”, to the sass-laden “Last Tango in Manila”, the old-school soulful vibe and vocals in the title track “Ur Luv Thang” and the funky “There’s No Single Thing”. Even in her two ballads, this voluptuous chanteuse shies away from the generic OPM formula and stays true to the soulful sensibility of the album. Noteworthy is one of those ballads, which is a personal favorite, because of the trifecta of a romantic beat, lyrics that pluck your heartstrings and awe-inspiring vocals - “Not A Care in the World”.

Bituin Escalante wows in "Ur Luv Thang". Neo-soul suits the swag and grit her voice can elicit, akin to the world-renowned Funk Diva, Chaka Khan. For the longest time, it has been the genre of choice in the independent music joint. Attempts have been made to make this genre mainstream. The most notable of which, if I'm not mistaken, were by Kulay in the late 90's and by Artstrong in 2004. However, let's face it. Making albums like "Ur Luv Thang" is the musical equivalent of making independent movies. And while some of the Filipino masses have embraced indie films, this kind of R&B is something they're not ready for. And Bituin's effort, as great as it was, wasn't enough to bring the genre in the forefront of the OPM scene.

That was then. Now, however, Filipinos have a more expansve choice of music. With the existence of online audio distribution platforms like Soundcloud, independent artists could post their original music online, which is easily accessible to anybody who has internet access. Even mainstream artists like Rachelle Ann Go is jumping in the soul wagon courtesy of the track "Whoa-Man", produced by none other than neo-soul trailblazer Artstrong. Bituin may have been ahead of her time in releasing an album like this, but now more than ever is the perfect time to revisit it. So enjoy the soulful and chill vibe of the album. It's more than enough to beat the scorching heat of the summertime.

I uploaded the tracks online for entertainment purposes and to let the whole world hear the magnificence of Ms. Bituin Escalante's vocals. I do not own any of it. Full credits go to The Thirdline, Inc.

Dave Lee aka Jakatta, Doug Willis, Raven Maize, Sessomatto, formerly Joey Negro as well as being part of The Sunburst Band and many more. 

Bookings: Tim@zrecords.ltd.uk

Devoted Papi and Husband, Keeper of The Great American Songbook, Sex Symbol, Humble Canadian, Future Winner of @NBCTheVoice and Sex Symbol. #TeamBublé

The Best of Bublé available September 27!

Juandi García ...
Dj resident  🎧
@aquaemporiooficial 
@edenbeachtorremolinos

🏳️‍🌈Torremolinos. Málaga(Spain) 🌈

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