Culture collective Noname, in partnership with award-winning actress, singer, and songwriter Nicole Asensio and Poblacion social club The Astbury, staged the sold out MIRAGE soul session at The Astbury’s Basement Gallery in Poblacion last July 13.
As the first #NoNameNight of its kind, the event transported guests to a scarlet-hued soul realm inspired by Nicole’s newly-launched EP, “Changes Over Time.” For MIRAGE, Noname founders Chili Perez and Echo Bueno conceptualized the set design at the Basement Gallery, taking cues from mattress forts from pop culture. Noname has previously hosted several unique concept events, including a sunset boogie session in Makati, a sold-out string quartet in a Manila heritage building, and a cozy jazz night in a Mandaluyong cafe.
Guests were transported to a scarlet-hued soul realm at The Astbury’s Basement Galler. BY WILLIAM DELA CRUZ
Over sips of rosé and red wine, as well as bites from the curated menu by chefs of The Astbury, guests went on a sonic journey through the ‘60s to the ‘80s as they listened to an over- two-hour-long set, featuring original songs from Changes Over Time, along with her renditions of familiar tunes. Set 1 featured songs inspired by Dali’s famed 1931 painting, The Persistence of Memory, while set 2 was inspired by his earlier work, The Enigma of Desire.
Produced by Gabe Dandan, the Changes Over Time EP features a mishmash of neo-soul, acid jazz, and modern house/electronic sounds from those eras. The live performance featured a six-piece band, including members of Gabe’s band (Siargao-favorite act La Crema) and saxophonist/flautist Michael Mark Guevarra.
Nicole Asensio performed singles off her new EP, Changes Over Time. BY DOMINIC DIMAGMALIW
The night ended with Nicole kicking off her heels to lead a passionate sing-a-long of Alanis Morisette’s You Oughta Know. After taking a swig from a bottle of merlot, she came back for an encore: an equally passionate version of Amy Winehouse’s Rehab.
Stay tuned for NoName’s upcoming concepts, which include a Brat party this July 27 featuring music from Charli XCX mixed with songs from Chapell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, NCT, and the Challengers film score, along with more candlelit concertos.
