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The Juans are Back with New Album ‘Liwanag’

  • The Juans aim to inspire on a new album under Viva Records titled “Liwanag.”

“We only get to appreciate light in darkness. The light that guides, that never gives up, never fails, and the light that will lead us to the right place.” – The Juans

This is The Juans’ official statement about the theme of their new record. Said new release, the appropriately titled “Liwanag”, is the first full length release for 2022 from the hit group that brought us “Hindi Tayo Pwede,” “Hatid,” and “Istorya” among others. The band–lead-singer keyboardist Carl Guevarra, singer lead-guitarist Japs Mendoza, bassist-singer Chael Adriano, drummer-singer Joshua Coronel and singer rhythm guitarist RJ Cruz–put much effort and time in preparing for the roll out of this massive 15-track compilation of all original tunes of varying themes about life, love and relations.

And a big chunk of that preparation was the songwriting. And one of big boasts of this new record is that for the first time, The Juans have doubled the source of song contributors. Whereas before, lead singers Carl Guevarra and Japs Mendoza have the bulk of songwriting, this time, bassist Chael Adriano and guitarist RJ Cruz are contributing significantly to the songwriting. And the resulting sound is adventurous. While most retain a pop sheen, The Juans are pushing outside of their sonic comfort zones. Danceable tracks like “Pangalan” sit comfortably side by side with anthemic numbers like “Liwanag” and electropop flavored tunes like “Pinakahihintay.” Which is to say that The Juans are consciously innovating their sound. And tracks like “Salamin” and “Love You” are fine examples as these are strikingly different from their past releases.

Come to think of it, trying out new approaches to songs have been a hallmark of the band. As a result they’ve never stagnated in their almost decade-old career. Listening to the faux-rap and trap beat inflected orginal song “Kahon,” the dance pop flavored “Still Standing,” and the showunes-y “Teka Muna,” seems so far away from the sound of their “Atin Ang Mundo” debut.

One of the highlights in “Liwanag” is the poignant and yearning piano ballad called “Kuya.” A song that seems to embody the underlying themes of hope and inspiration. “Kuya” seems to capture the singer at his lowest, and yet despite, still yearns for hope that there will be better days. As The Juans themselves said: “Lahat tayo kailangan ng liwanag; Liwanag na gumagagabay, Liwanag na nagbibigay buhay; Ang liwanag na nagpapalinaw sa mga bagay na hindi natin maintidihan at Liwanag na tutunaw sa mga kasinungalingan niyayakap natin sa kadiliman.”

Previously released fan-fave singles “Anghel”, “Dulo” and “Sabik” are also included to complete this pivotal new album.

The Juans and Viva Records launched “Liwanag” on March 17, 2022  with a press conference held at Boteyju, and a Red Carpet Album Premiere and listening party at Fisher Mall in Quezon City. A short exclusive interview with radio partner Wish FM 107.5’s Wishbus (situated just in front of Fisher Mall) commenced after the presser.

“Liwanag” debuted on Spotify at 9pm of the same day. And by midnight of March 18, 2022, The Juans new album was released in all streaming platforms worldwide.

The lyric videos, first seen on the big screen of Fisher Mall’s cinema, can now be streamed via The Juans official YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/TheJuans).

Special thanks to Boteyju Fisher Mall branch, Fisher Mall Cinemas and Wish FM 107.5.

The Juans “LIWANAG” album is released by Viva Records.

 

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