Philippine Concerts

Tag: Skygarden

  • SKYGARDEN collaborates with Jillian Ward for new single “Soredemo (Kahit Na)”

    SKYGARDEN collaborates with Jillian Ward for new single “Soredemo (Kahit Na)”

    Japanese trio SKYGARDEN, composed of Ryo Nagatsuka, Hiro Ozaki, and Iwa Maegawa, has teamed up with Star of the New Gen and Sparkle artist Jillian Ward for their new single Soredemo (Kahit Na). This powerful song speaks about a love that defies the odds and stands strong despite challenges.

    “Soredemo (Kahit Na),” meaning “Even Though” in English, tells the story of two people whose love seems impossible but remains unshaken. It’s a message of resilience and commitment, showing that no matter what obstacles stand in the way, their love will endure.

    The song’s concept emerged during a casual studio session back in late 2022. Hiro recalls the moment as an impromptu jam that turned into something more. 

    “It’s about saying ‘I love you’ even when it feels like the odds are against you,” the group’s lead singer Ryo shared. 

    Jillian’s involvement brought a special touch to the project. Her voice added an extra layer of emotion and depth. 

    “After listening to our first demo, we felt that a female voice is needed to balance the song’s narrative. That’s when we scrolled through our Instagram feed and discovered Jillian’s love for Japanese culture. When we met her, we thought it might be difficult because of the different languages, but Jillian was so committed. She practiced hard and gave the song a fresh, sweet sound,” said Ryo. 

    “She was very cute but strict and disciplined with herself. She never hesitated to ask us how to pronounce certain phrases perfectly,” Iwa added.

    Musically, Soredemo (Kahit Na) showcases SKYGARDEN’s evolving sound. While they are known for their upbeat, fast-paced J-Rock style, this track leans towards a more melancholic ballad. Hiro described it as a blend of their J-Rock roots with the heartfelt style of OPM (Original Pilipino Music). “Living in the Philippines has influenced our music,” Ryo added. “We’ve infused Filipino traits into this song while still maintaining our J-Rock base.”

    The band hopes Soredemo (Kahit Na) will resonate especially with Gen Z listeners. Ryo expressed that many younger people today struggle to express their feelings or face challenges head-on. “We hope this song encourages them to stay strong, not only in love but also in other difficult moments in life,” he said.

    Looking ahead, SKYGARDEN teased exciting new projects, including live performances and collaborations. “We’re working on new music, live performances, and more surprises for our fans,” Hiro hinted. Ryo expressed his desire to work with Sanya Lopez, noting her impressive vocal work on her song Furusato. Meanwhile, Iwa shared his wish to collaborate with Michael V, adding a touch of humor: “I’d love to do a comedy version of Soredemo (Kahit Na) with him.”

    Don’t miss SKYGARDEN’s Soredemo (Kahit Na) under AltG Records, now available on digital platforms worldwide. 

    For more information on your favorite Kapuso singers, visit www.gmanetwork.com.

  • SKYGARDEN releases second JaPinoy rock single “HISTORIA”

    SKYGARDEN releases second JaPinoy rock single “HISTORIA”

    Japanese pop-rock trio SKYGARDEN, comprised of Ryoichi “Ryo” Rivera Nagatsuka, Hiro Ozaki, and Iwaki “Iwa” Maegawa, is back with a brand-new single under Alt G Records entitled “HISTORIA,” which is now available on all digital platforms.

    The JaPinoy rock song follows the trio’s debut single “KOKOA,” and promises to capture hearts once again with its message of love, loss, and finding strength in the past.

    “Historia” is a deeply personal song for the band, inspired by member Iwa’s past relationship. It tells the story of two college sweethearts who are forced to break up due to the challenges of the pandemic. Despite their love for each other, Iwa decides to let his girlfriend pursue her dream of working abroad, sacrificing his own happiness for her future.

    “It took me two years to move on from that relationship, and I will always love her. In those two years, I moved here in the Philippines, and we started SKYGARDEN. It was a really big decision, but I’m okay now. Sometimes, I think what would happen if I chose a different path,” shares Iwa.

    “Even though Iwa and his girlfriend love each other, there’s this situation that made them break up,” explains Ryo. “Iwa lost his job during the pandemic, and he doesn’t want to hold her back. So, he makes the difficult decision to let her go, even though it hurts him deeply.”

    Hiro, on the other hand, narrates the group’s experience recording the song for the first time in GMA Music’s studio. “It was our first time, and GMA Music has really good equipment. It made us appreciate the song even more, especially with the guidance of Sir Kedy Sanchez (GMA Music’s Artist and Repertoire Manager and in-house producer).”

    The song is not just a tribute to Iwa’s past love, but also a message of hope and resilience. It encourages listeners to embrace their own “historias,” the memories that shape who they are, even if some of them are bittersweet.

    The music video directed by Njel de Mesa, set for release on January 26, will further amplify the song’s message with a cinematic portrayal of the story.

    Dive into SKYGARDEN’s “HISTORIA” when it drops this January 19 on digital platforms worldwide.

    For more information on your favorite GMA Music artist, visit www.gmanetwork.com.