THE PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 25, 2011: Around six months ago, singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel, formerly of Sugarfree, considered calling it quits and pursuing another music-related career. Fortunately for his fans, a huge amount of faith shook Ebe back to his senses and soon after that was in the studio, breathing life on new songs at the hi-speed of one song per day.
His debut solo album “Dalawang Mukha Ng Pag-ibig,” a double CD record with Warner Music Philippines, was album which was released last August. It is composed of all original songs, all crafted with the same heart, honesty and sensibility of Ebe, though his excitement in creating the album is almost audible, lending to a freer, bigger sound.
The first CD is the full-band version of the 10 tracks while the second CD contains all the same songs but all redone in acoustic takes, recorded in separate sessions for a different sound all the more highlighting Ebe’s vocals and lyrics.
The former Sugarfree frontman is responsible for the hit songs "Mariposa", "Kwarto", "Tulog Na" and "Hari Ng Sablay" among others.
Not unknown to many, Ebe also got into other bands and was a member of Cambio. He, along with some well-known music artists, Raimud Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, Kris Dancel, and Diego Mapa would play a few shows a month as Cambio and record a few songs on the computer in one of their houses. But even with their limited appearances together, the band caught on in the local live music scene and has become one of those local acts worth to see.
Even with his busy schedule, Ebe still wrote songs and even helped produced tracks for artists such as SinoSikat, and Nyoy Volante. He was also tapped to make music for Chito Roño’s musical, Emir. It was actually while working on another project—writing and producing songs for Warner Music’s all-girl rock band General Luna—that led to the next stage in Ebe’s career.
Ebe’s songs, even with his wide range of subjects always has a distinct Ebe Dancel mark on them—poetic, yet relatable lyrics, catchy melodies. In the album, Ebe got to work with the legendary Buddy Zabala, Raimund Marasigan and Francis Reyes. “Hanggang sa Dulo” is the product of the dream team, which was eventually picked up as soundtrack by a network’s primetime TV series.
The carrier single, “Muli” is vintage Ebe—dynamic vocals, sensitive lyrics backed by driving guitars and drum parts. It is actually one of the first songs that he wrote among the other tracks in the album: “Isang Probinsyano sa Maynila,” “Wag Kang Mag-alala,” “Luha,” “Maligalig,” “Paalam sa Kahapon,” Lapit,” “Ikaw Ang Aking Tahanan,” and “Wag Na Tayong Mag-away.” As one of his songs goes, “Patuloy ang daloy…”
“Dalawang Mukha Ng Pag-Ibig” is now available at all music outlets nationwide.
For updates on Ebe Dancel, catch him on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ebedancel) and follow him on Twitter (@ebedancel).
Album Credits:
Fred Penales of Hairshaft Salon, Podium Mall
Photography by Xander Angeles and Glen Tungol of Edge Of Light Studios
Styling and Make Up by Kat Manalo-Erro
Footwear by Marc Ecko, Clothes by Maldita Man and Mental
