CHAMP Lui-Pio has been gearing up for the release of his solo album as Polyeast Records unveils the highly-anticipated debut album through the heart of one of OPM rock’s most recognizable frontmen entitled SYNERGY.
Given that Champ is the literal voice of the rock ensemble HALE, our songwriter/vocalist/guitarist attempts to take lead and collaborate with OPM rock’s biggest names with 10 songs co-produced by Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise, Ferdie Marquez and Angee Rozul.
As Champ continues to build a solo career recording his brand of music, the first single HANGING HABAGAT is a promising start to SYNERGY with thundering drums and Champ’s soft rock signature which also makes him one of the most high-profile and good-looking vocalists/guitarist on the mainstream. HANGING HABAGAT was launched in the airwaves on October 19 and is already gaining radio support both on high-end and masa stations. An official music video for the first single will be featured soon directed by Wincy Ong, serving Champ’s infectious songwriting and the song’s message to the Filipino community. “Hanging Habagat for me represents change… it is the wind of change. At the same time the song talks about empowering the listener or me as the singer,” Champ shares.
Accessing higher energies, purity through his lyrics and the pursuit of personal evolution, Champ’s first solo album was recorded during a three-month break from the rock scene and was heavily inspired by his love of bands such as Coldplay and his other musical influences but also takes it in a different direction. For any artist like Champ, the album’s concept was collaboration with musicians with whom he allows himself to not only branch out, but to establish relationships and connections with other artists. “After six years, as an artist, I have to let myself explore my boundaries” he shared.
The new album consists of various elements and different musical arrangements highlighting how much passion he is able to place in each song. From soul in SA’YO LANG (Julianne), to punk MAGDAMAG (Chris
Padilla of Hilera), to folk (Noel Cabangon ) and rap (Gloc-9) in the song SARI-SARING KWENTO, to rock with twist GULONG (Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar) and JUAN TAMAD (Vinci Montaner of Parokya ni Edgar.)
As Champ experiences a giant leap forward, SYNERGY’s 10 tracks are artistic experimentation of his romantic disposition and his melodic gift. “I have songs, a lot of friends willing to work with me…So I decided to make an album about OPM, about the scene” he claims.
Recorded at Tracks Studio in Pasig, Champ’s SYNERGY was joined by his friends and session musicians Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise (guitars), Nikki Tirona (bass) and Nikko Tirona of Pitik (drums).
With a career that’s spanned almost six years, four albums, a handful live performances which has chronicled it all under his belt as lead singer of the platinum selling band Hale, Champ Lui-Pio’s first solo album titled SYNERGY is now out in the market released under and Polyeast Records. Thanks to Pony Let’s Get It On! and SeAir.
