GARY V and SPONGE COLA EXCLUSIVE "AYT"

I was fortunate enough to have been invited to the first rehearsal of Sponge Cola collaborating with Gary V.! It was held at Gary’s studio in New Manila and was attended by only the people directly involved with Gary and Sponge Cola. In fact, I was the only person there from the media that was invited to cover this glorious gathering and what a great treat it was! Not only was the magic in the air, the vibes so easy and positive; but the energy that everyone had was beautiful as well. We were all excited to listen to how the song would play live but I hadn’t realized how amazing it would be to watch Sponge Cola and Gary V work together in that sort of environment.

Though the song was originally written and recorded by Sponge Cola, Gary’s involvement with the collaboration led to another visit into the studio in order to allow Gary to add his own flair onto the song. Titled “Ayt”, the song then was decided that a video would come next to this great collaboration. Though I wasn’t at the video shoot, I was told that it was really fun and that they all enjoyed filming it together. Director Quark Henares apparently couldn’t stop laughing during portions of the filming with everyone just having a good time and Gary doing crazy little stunts such as leapfrogging over Yael.

The song has never been played on television nor radio and will for the first time ever, be launched on the ABS-CBN hit noontime show Wowowee, tomorrow the 16^th of May. The video will be launched at the Anniversary of Magnet High Street on the 22^nd of May. However, it will not be the only time that the band and Gary V will be performing the song together. They also have an appearance at the MTV Exit show on the 22^nd, and will then culminate at Magnet’s Anniversary.

The song “Ayt” itself is a great and catchy song. Definitely a good choice when deciding what song to collaborate with! It’s edgy and upbeat and positive and has these great dynamics and break downs and build-ups! The back and forth vocal duties of Gary and Yael are to me also a great match and I must admit that I think that their voices together on the same song is something that goes really well together. Yan Yuson of Archipelago plays guitar on the track as well and though he’s got some great melodies going, I was more drawn to his guitar solo played with a wah wah pedal! Listening to his solo made my hairs stand and I was really into it! Gary V also does some excellent stuff on the piano. Though it’s a guitar driven song, the piano parts that Gary added to the song are fantastic. Towards the end of the build up he even starts playing an almost solo piece that reminded me of an old school honky tonk style which fascinatingly enough, suited the song perfectly!

Beyond the song, it was quite an experience for me to just have been there watching and listening to them rehearse. Watching these seasoned, talented musicians working together and discussing certain parts; tightening the song and more was an educational moment for me as there was much to gain. Being a musician myself, I know I was able to pick up a point here and there from having observed the way they worked and seeing how much fun they had working together.

Thank you Ms. Twinky Lagdameo for inviting me over and to Sponge Cola and Gary V for welcoming me with open and inviting arms and spirits! I know I couldn’t stay til the end but I promise you that I felt bad having to leave early, though not too many words were exchanged, I truly had a blast with all of you!

Watch our for the video! Watch Wowowee tomorrow May 16, and see you guys at Magnet’s Anniversary! Ayt?!

Check out photo's of their recording session and video shoot through this link:

http://www.odysseylive.net/miggy/albums/3534/