Nicole Laurel Asensio to release new heartfelt single, 'Love Me or Don't'

Writing a song is a tedious process.

The Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan perfectly summed it up when he said, “Songwriting is a burst of inspiration and then a long bit of work and a tremendous bit of desperation.”

As with any creative endeavor, the final product - in this case, a three-minute song at least - doesn't tell the entire story, the long hours and countless revisions to make the melody, words, and music mesh harmoniously.

However, there are moments in a songwriter's life when the words and music just flow seamlessly and quite effortlessly.

We've all heard how the song “Yesterday” came to Paul McCartney through a dream.

Or how about Taylor Swift writing “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” in 25 minutes.

Then there's Jack White of the White Stripes claiming to have written the anthemic “Seven Nation Army” in about ten minutes and while during a soundcheck.

Locally, Ely Buendia said that he wrote the Eraserheads' biggest hit “Ang Huling El Bimbo” in just under five minutes, making it the fastest song that he had written.

Former General Luna singer Nicole Laurel Asensio had her brush with divine inspiration with her new song, “Love Me or Don't.”

The song, after all, was remarkably written in a span of 15 minutes.

The lyrics and the song's heartfelt message, though, would surely linger to anyone who hears it.

Nicole collaborated with Miru, a guitarist and classmate from Elements music camp to flesh out the song.

Both decided to set the song in the context of a relationship where someone had been hurt many times, smiled through the pain, and reached her breaking point where she no longer lives for her lover's approval.

For the first time, she is not afraid to be alone and tells him candidly love me or don't or, as Nicole said, “Kung ayaw mo, e 'di 'wag.”

With lyrics such as, “You can like me, or don't,” “simply say hi to me or don't,” and “I really don't mind when your stares grow cold” - the song is as painful as it is liberating.

Nicole was again joined by a team of great musicians to bring the song to fruition.

That line-up included Michael Alba (drums), Karel Honasan (bass), Ira Cruz (guitar), Nikko Rivera (keys), horn players Lester Sorilla (trumpet), Isla Antinero (trombone), and Michael Guevarra (saxophone).

Providing additional vocal power to the track were vocal arranger and singer Yosha Honasan, arranger Pauline Lauron, and Iwi Laurel, Nicole's mom and biggest inspiration in life and music.

Recording took place at Wildgrass Studios. The mixing and mastering were done by Jess Fermino and Angee Rozul and completed in the famed Abbey Road Studios in London.

Providing support to the song is a music video directed by Gorio Vicuna and set in a vintage 50s-esque utopia that is both polished and eerie at the same time.

The narrative featured Nicole's two friends, Max Eigenmann and French actor Guillaume Novert.

Trivia: The video was shot in the Laurel ancestral home in Laguna to achieve that retro feel.

Nicole actually had to wear padded garments to add pounds to her body for a heavier look, to suit the vintage beauty aesthetic. It's all worth it in the end.

Nicole Laurel Asensio's new song, “Love Me or Don't,” will debut on Spotify on Friday, January 29.

A Facebook LIVE will be held on February 2 at 8 P.M. to officially launch the video.