US-based artist Yugel has come up with a piece of music likely to make heads turn for its relatability and lyrical hook anchored on the fusion of Pop and Rhythm & Blues. This is as he looks forward to the publication of his book And For The Record: Memoir of a Filipino writer-musician to be published by Penguin Random House later this year.
"Stranded Man," available on digital stores by May 24, is Yugel's second single as a solo artist which he also composed and is distributed by NSFU (New Sounds From Underground) Records. He debuted with the Christmas track "Hosanna Kapiling Ka" released last year.
"Maipit man ako sa traffic/ Eh kung humaharurot ka sa 'king isip/ Maglalakbay sa 'yong piling," he sings on the chorus of a record that delightfully links up traffic woes to romantic bliss.
The song is arranged and produced by the Manila-based team of musicians Andrew Mendoza and Chi Capulong, with the latter mixing and mastering it.
Los Angeles-based drummer Francis Nuega helped Yugel record his vocals for the song. Many years ago Nuega played for Yugel's previous band Syato in a gig in Manila. The two of them reconnected in California.
Jake Lanting, a singer-songwriter who's also a member of FILSCAP's Board of Trustees, and who heard the record prior to its release, said, "Kung maririnig niyo 'yung song, nandun pa rin ang pusong Pinoy. It's a love song that also talks about traffic. Mabuhay ang OPM!"
Born and raised in Metro Manila, Yugel has spent many years in the Philippines both as a recording artist and music journalist, with his full name Yugel Losorata as his byline.
He served as chief songwriter and bass player for the bands Syato and The Pub Forties. Syato, signed by Ivory Music in 2005, released two albums and a number of digital singles, while indie act The Pub Forties started with a string of singles before coming out with a couple of EPs.
Writing stories beyond music, some of Yugel's articles have also touched subjects in the field of show business, lifestyle, business, and sports, as published in various broadsheets including Manila Standard, Philippine Star, Manila Times, Business Mirror, and Manila Bulletin, as well as popular news sites Yahoo Philippines/Southeast Asia and Philippine Entertainment Portal.
At the height of the Covid pandemic, he authored four books, namely, the novel The Lust Regime, the short story collection Rhythm & Bruise, the essay compilation How To Survive The New Normal, and 30 Midnights of Flash Fiction.
Yugel is a FAPCCA ((Filipino American Press Club of California) member.
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