Unchanging Love, The Album

hello, friends. my album under polyeast emi is finally out in the market. it is called “unchanging love”. i hope that you’ll get a copy.

below is the message i wrote that’s at the lyric sheet- the fonts are too small (in the album) so i think it deserves some blog space here in my site.

My hope is that, as you listen to the songs in this album, the songs would bring inspiration in your lives. I have poured my heart and soul in interpreting each song in this album, and I pray that each song touches your heart the same way it did mine.

It is hard to express in words the joy, excitement, trepidation I felt while working on this album. The whole process- from meeting with my bosses and producer in conceptualizing the album, to choosing the songs- original and cover songs that the arrangers and I would give new life to, up until the time I had to record them at Pink Noise — felt like a whole new experience. It was a long tedious process that I have been too proud to admit I missed… until now.

And so, I am back, only too happy to present you – my latest baby, our labor of love. To say that I missed working in a recording studio would be an understatement. Quite honestly, I can’t wait to be back there for more exciting and new challenging projects!

It took me 7 long years to find the courage to record again- mostly because; it was a struggle to fight for an album I truly believe in- an all-original OPM album. I have made a deal with my bosses with PolyEast EMI to record a combination of OPM revivals and new compositions only because we couldn’t find enough material to come up with an all-original OPM album. We gave it time, yes. And I even asked the heavens for some miracle for me to come up with my own compositions (sadly, no luck in that department yet, maybe next time). Needless to say, I probably only need a better system of collecting work from our many talented composers. The upside is that, my label has promised me the dream project I pitched at our very first meeting, for our next project.

Probably being out of touch in the recording scene made it difficult for me to find new good songs that would be worthy of people’s attention and luckily, radio airplay. So to all composers who may be reading this (especially the budding new ones), I implore your support in helping Filipino artists like myself, in getting new and fresh compositions to record.

Marketing is not my area of expertise, so putting my ego aside, I had to listen to my bosses and understand what the market wanted to buy and hear from artists like myself. I had to listen to the voice of reason. Besides, there is always challenge in interpreting songs- be it original or cover versions.

I cannot deny the fact that the market in our country still clamors for revivals. There is comfort in seeing familiar titles while looking at the back cover of an album. Sometimes, it simply stirs my curiosity. But mostly, I still feel an adrenalin rush and get overwhelmed with excitement when I try to imagine my favorite artist or band’s take on the songs.

But with the new songs in this album, I assure you that we have done our very best. It is up to you to give the new songs in the album a chance. I pray that the songs grow on you.

I have been in the business for 26 years now but I know in my heart that I still have so much to learn. With all humility, I wish to thank all the hard-working people of PolyEast EMI. Thank you for the new learning experiences that I have faced making this album.

Thank you all for listening. Thank you for inspiring me to be the artist that I am today. This would not have all been possible if not for you.

To my bosses in Polyeast EMI, Mr. Ramon Chuaying, Mr. Jesmon Chua, Mr. Willie Monzon, Ethel Cachapero, Arleen Zabala, I give you my sincerest thanks.

To my producer, Chito Ilagan, it was good to be reunited with you after our “Ikaw Lamang” album from many years ago.

Thanks to all of you at my new Polyeast EMI label for trusting me to be part of your family. I appreciate all that you have done for me for this album. I am looking forward to more projects with you. You guys are the sweetest and may I add- I felt so loved whenever you guys dropped by the studio during my recording sessions.

We all have a bigger task at hand- promoting this album. And I am looking forward to meeting new faces; even familiar ones when we start doing promo work at our mall shows. I hope only to gain more friends by way of this new album.

To my technician at Pink Noise, Nikki Cunanan, you are a gem with your efficiency, attentiveness and good ear!

To Marlon Doc Pecjo, thanks for the great photos and to Jerome Chang who made me look young beyond my years, thanks for the great hair and make-up.

To my manager, Nene Atilano, thank you for your hard work and dedication.

To my family, who continuously pour love, concern, affection, dedication, understanding, trust and belief in me, thank you.

Thank you to everyone in my life- my friends, co-workers, my staff, my angels.

Thank you to my mother station ABS-CBN. My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone- from all my bosses to the staff and production people of A.S.A.P. Thank you for all the love, all-out support, understanding and dedication you all have given me though the years.

Thank you to my precious girls Karylle, Nicole and Zia. I hope I will continue to make you proud. “Pagmamahal na Walang Wakas” goes out especially for you, my girls.

Thank you, Dolphy, my partner for more than 2 decades. You continue to inspire me with the unconditional love that only you can give. You are what “Unchanging Love” is all about.

And most especially, thank you to my fans who continue to support me unconditionally and believe in my abilities as an artist. This album is for you. I love you all with all my heart and soul.

Zsa Zsa