The CompanY and Storybook

Pop Art Music, Viva Records’ newest label, releases Storybook by The CompanY as its debut offering. Pop Art Music is comprised of the multi-awarded triumvirate behind this year’s phenomenal record breaking hit, Pagdating Ng Panahon, record and concert producer – Margot M. Gallardo and songwriters – Moy Ortiz and Edith M. Gallardo.

After a hiatus of two years from the recording scene, The CompanY is back with a new recording company, a new record label, a new look and an album that is considered by many industry insiders as their best and strongest outing ever! Storybook is The CompanY’s first all Original Pilipino Music album in six years. This song cycle of harmony and heartbreak features short stories in song form by Moy Ortiz, Edith M. Gallardo and Babsie Molina.

This troika of composers are behind the phenomenal hits like Pagdating Ng Panahon, Muntik Na Kitang Minahal, Everlasting Love, Pakisabi Na Lang, Nawawala Ang Puso Ko, Sometimes You Just Know (Jaya’s winning Metropop song), Kahit Gaano Kalaki; the television themes – Sis and Ms. D; movie themes like I Can (from the film Do, Re Mi), Taguan, Alam mo na di ba? (from the film Unang Tibok Ng Puso), etc.

Storybook is the CompanY’s 11th album release. It will be a "back to basics" type of album devoid of gimmicky arrangements and high concept presentations. Armed only with the best and strongest pop songs, Storybook is the CompanY’s triumphant return to OPM. This album is to rely solely on the strength of the songs and the impeccable vocalism of the group. Simple yet sublime was the motto of this latest outing. This was how the entire record production team did things in the earlier albums and with storybook, this group feels it has gone full circle. Multiple Producer of the Year awardee, Margot M. Gallardo will produce all of The CompanY’s albums for Viva Records under the Pop Art Music label.

The carrier single from the said album is the heart-warming love song, Pag Nagkataon (by Ortiz-Gallardo). The song is unquestionably in the true signature sound of The CompanY’s original love ballad hits. Other songs from Storybook are: Minsan, Isang Araw (second radio single), Baka Ikaw (third radio single), I’ve Been Here Before, Kung Kailan Pa, Gusto Ko Ng A Cappella, Sabi Ko Na Nga, Alam Mo Ba?, Ikaw Pa Ba ’Yan?, Between The Lines, A Little Love Goes A Long Way, Minsan Isang Araw (acoustic mix), You Made Me The Best (acoustic mix). A lot of pop, a bit of acoustic folk, a sample of harmony based pop rock, some smooth jazz/crossover – a pastiche of 14 beautiful songs with 14 poignant stories to tell.

For the carrier single, Pag Nagkataon, The CompanY will be collaborating with multiple Best Video Director (MTV International, Awit Awards) Lyle Sacris; as a video visionaire is seen on his previous work with Side A, Slapshock and Rivermaya, etc.

The Gallardo sisters and Ortiz strongly feel that The CompanY is the most fitting artist to debut on the Pop Art Music label because the country’s premiere vocal group best represents the ideals and goals of this new label. Pop Art Music aims to find the perfect balance between the "art" of music and the "business" of music; that is, being commercially viable without having to compromise the artists’ integrity. Pop Art Music believes that The CompanY has successfully found that treacherous balance between art and commerce as evidenced by their longevity in the entertainment industry (16 years) and more importantly, the commercial and critical successes of their albums (11 albums and counting) and their lavish theatrical stage concerts. The choice of name of this new label is a tongue in cheek homage to the Andy Warhol’s art movement in the last century; moreover, the trio also finds this ironic name choice to be an oxymoron.

The compact disc and audio-cassette labels of Storybook will also be in the style, form, and lay-out of a coffee table book; a photo essay with a minimalist slant. This beautiful packaging is one thing that those criminal music pirates cannot illegally replicate. As mentioned earlier, the chameleonic CompanY has also a new look on the album; less theatrical and high concept. The group was going for a big city, urban chic look. Street smart couture as best exemplified and inspired by the fashions on the HBO hit TV show – Sex and The City. Danilo Franco once again worked on the beautiful costumes.

The CompanY has been a loyal and regular client of Danilo Franco since the group’s inception, 16 years now and counting! Photography was done by CompanY’s other long time collaborator and celebrity photographer Raymund Isaac for Portfolio. Make-up was done by Nina Ricci Alagao for Propaganda. Hair and nails were done by Babette for Tinette and CompanY located at 2316 Karrivin Plaza, lower ground floor, Bldg. A , Pasong Tamo extension, Makati City, telephone numbers 8933091 to 93.

The CompanY is Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Reuben Laurente, Andre Castillo and Moy Ortiz.