Somewhere within the shadows of the 2020’s lockdowns, emerged a gem with a soulful brilliance, Laraza. A musical powerhouse emerged and locked in listeners with their raw sound. Their fascinating blend of soul, modern jazz, R&B, and hip-hop will make anyone fall in love with their unique sound.
Who is Laraza? Get to know these rising musical talents in the Indie OPM Music scene where neo-soul meets the Philippines.
Neo-Soul is anchored deep in the US & UK’s revival movement of the 1980s to 1990s. It takes its roots back to a time when societies went to an extreme political and spiritual reformation. Thus the brand of music “neo” soul emerged. Its sound has elements of Jazz, hip-hop, and funk. The underground music industry would also have huge credit for giving neo-soul the vibe we hear today.
Artists such as Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott, the smooth and sweet piano interludes and jazzy drum beats would let you think of this genre. Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Amy Winehouse would be some of the popular R&B-Jazz icons with this sound. And such are the influences of today’s featured band.
Laraza, a five-piece team carries notable skills to a degree. The band had an online debut with Strip Sessions in 2019. There, they performed a full set of their original songs. However, the band would already be making music together years before. From their Spotify profile, it would be revealed that the members first met as neighbors. After finding out they share the same love for music, they began playing together.
GETTING TO KNOW LARAZA: WHAT’S IN THE NAME AND ITS MEMBERS
- Jana Laraza, leads the band with her unique, soulful voice, and is also the main lyricist of the group.
- Jared Aquino, brings the pocket with his chill high-hats and playful drum beats.
- Jethro Martinez lays down the smooth and lush rhythms with his guitar melodies. And of course
- The ***late “Sir Vibes” Teban Aquino the master arranger gives accents to the melody, filling any room with his jazz-infused chord progressions with his keyboards.
- Last but not least is Logbi Maravilla who anchors their sound to his grooving basslines.
The band was named after their vocalist, Jana. Whose last name is Laraza.
The rose among thorns, Jana calls attention with her icy, sultry-sweet voice. She expresses a tone as rare and as raw as the sound of the band’s name. The members are household names among top-tier music stages. They hint at the high-caliber musicianship where they are part of a larger musical community.
Starting with Sir Vibes Teban Aquino who is a well-known music producer/arranger. He worked with R&B hitmakers in the Philippines like Jinky Vidal and Jeric Medina.
Going back to Jana, her face will look familiar as she was once MYMPs lead vocals, alongside master guitarist Chin Alcantara. Her sound will remind you of MYMP’s super-chill trademark. Go back and listen to their take on “The Closer I Get You” and “Say You Love Me.”
The rest of the members are notorious for being groove masters. Each one has been the main instrumentalist for various artists. One notable collabs would be with Pinoy R&B icon, Michael Pangilinan.
Laraza crosses borders, not being contained in their immediate musical family. They extend their influence to a range of local artists scaling their sound. Indeed, the band is a catalyst in the music industry creating bonds and leaving marks of top-notch talent wherever and whoever they play for.
From Jamming Sessions to Social Media Stage
Their Strip Session performance gives a peak a the band’s dexterity to play a high-caliber music. The band had consistent gigs among top-class acoustic stages in Manila. They are a regular act, playing for 19East. While they hit the scene with a sessionista vibes having a single girl soloist with the complete-band ensemble, Laraza is always on the pocket. They effortlessly fused neo-soul, R&B, and funk with Filipino sensibilities.
Launched in October 2020, their weekly Facebook Live gigs have become a loyal fan ritual. Each Friday nurtured a growing network. They attracted more audiences one song after another. Their precise sound that seamlessly revived songs inserted with their groove soothes Filipino listeners.
Even before famous local artists, like MYMP, Nina, and Gigi Vibes found a stage in Social Media, Laraza was already ahead of the game. They were building their fan base of hundreds of listeners every week.
From then on Laraza is slowly introducing their sound. Making new listeners and making them fall in love with the band’s sound one song at a time. Starting with the release of their first single “First Love”.
This year, in February they once again captured the hearts of musical romantics. The release of their second, much-awaited single “Forget the World”, stirs excitement among their loyal fans.
Forget the World, whisks you away on a sensual moment with the one that you love. Released two days before Valentine’s, the song is the perfect soundtrack for people falling in love.
Jana’s hypnotic vocals slide swiftly through the soft guitar licks and sweet piano trills. These are sounds that urge you to forget the world. The entrancing music perfectly matches the intimate lyrics.
Forget the world, forget what they said
We’re young and bold
Stay here till sunset
Still, I sing deep
Until we both fall asleep
It is a simple but sweet track to sing or play in your background when you are thinking of or with your special someone. It gives a sweet escape feel. You do not have to do anything but just relax and vibe through this soundscape.
Discover Your Love for Neosoul with Laraza: A Song at a Time
Laraza PH Band knows how to tell love stories not only with words but more especially with their neo-soulful sound. Let your hearts and ears be captive with Laraza as they knock you off your seat one song at a time. Each cover song exhibits the range of skills and tricks the band can pull off.
Have a listen as the band reimagines Pink Sweat’s “At My Worst” with a hint of their signature neo-soul riffs. Their rendition blends smooth vocals and warm instrumentals. They add an intensity that lingers after the lyrics fade. They also breathe new existence into Emily King’s “Distance”. With an acoustic association that highlights the raw emotion. It makes the song even more vulnerable. Laraza’s interpretation adds a layer of intimacy, drawing listeners deeper into the track’s message.
There is no denying that through their version more fans came to like this late 2000s track and introduced Emily King once more to the Pinoy listeners. Another song that they took a notch up is UDD’s Tadhana. Listen at how they give this iconic song their own flair. Their cover infuses the original’s indie spirit with a heavy drop of drums and electric guitar combo. It gives you a peak at what it could be if UDD duets with Snarky Puppy. Laraza’s build-up of sonic progressions are fresh tunes to revel in.
Who doesn’t know “Driver’s License”? Laraza transformed this pop anthem toning down Olivia Rodrigo’s teenage angst with adult sophistication. With piano and soft taps on the snares, we could hear Jana’s sweet voice which added depth and more meaning to the song. This subdued version easily cuffed listeners. Falling into a heartfelt sound trip with the band.
Craving a soulful spin on your favorite songs? Laraza delivers. Discover their magic through their covers. You can also find them in local gigs gracing intimate stages like weddings, company events, etc. Get to know them through their originals on Spotify and also follow them on Soundcloud and other social media @larazamusic.
*** (Laraza has to carry on their music without Sir Teban. The band had to say goodbye to one of PH Music’s pillars. His music will be left unforgotten. His legacy lives on in the tone and style of Laraza)
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About the Author
From Marikina City to Baguio, Bien embraces two cities teeming with art and music. Passionate about #supportinglocalartists, she gives back to her inspiring community. By day, she’s a freelance writer, but at night, she immerses in music, crafting melodies. As she crafts stories for others, hers evolves, influenced by her eclectic musical background, from classical and gospel to Mathrock and Experimental Jazz, favoring emerging Indie OPM artists.
