Artwork courtesy of Nukie Timtiman
Indie folk band Munimuni surprised fans on Wednesday, November 5, with the announcement of an upcoming new single.
Bukas Makalawa is set to be the band’s second single release after their hiatus in 2020. The song follows their heartwarming comeback single Maligaya, released in the mid-year.
Munimuni reveals that the upcoming single will feature a new sound—a different flavor of their iconic makata pop music.
"In one word, it’s ‘cinematic’," shares vocalist-guitarist Adj Jiao. “Also, dadalhin ka ng kanta sa iba’t ibang lugar.”
“Dark ‘yung sound pero may glimpse of light,” flautist-vocalist Owen Castro adds.
The band also excitedly revealed that Bukas Makalawa is the first song written by all members of Munimuni.
“Writing a song over Zoom, sobrang new experience pero masaya. Collaborating virtually is a challenge in itself dagdag pa ‘yung challenge na first time namin magsusulat ng isang kanta together,” shares Castro.
It took a number of long Zoom calls and lots of back-and-forth online messages to finally arrive at the fresh new music that fans will surely adore upon its release.
Photo courtesy of Nukie Timtiman
Drummer Josh Tumaliuan says that the song is very personal for all of the band members, “Combination ‘yun ng lahat ng na-experience namin individually.”
“Exciting ‘to for us kasi ang lalim ng pinanghugutan naming lahat, hindi lang sa lyrics pero pati na rin sa arrangement ng song,” Jiao also adds.
Munimuni proves to be ecstatic with the upcoming release, especially since it is a collaborative song created by all of the band members.
Talking about the song’s story, he explains, "Bukas Makalawa is the voice of someone who, coming from a place of quiet suffering, longs to be set free."
Bukas Makalawa will be released on Spotify on November 13, 2021, with a lyric video set to premiere on YouTube simultaneously.
Munimuni is Adj Jiao, John Owen Castro, Jolo Ferrer, and Josh Tumaliuan.