Ben&Ben Surrender To Growth And Becoming On New Anthology Album ‘Nine’ — Listen
The album brings together the reimagined versions of fan-favorite tracks from the band’s catalog, as well as the new song “Harinawa.”
BEN&BEN: Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment
BEN&BEN: Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment
Ben&Ben celebrate nine years of friendship, music, and everything in between with the release of their anthology album, Nine.
The album is a collection of reimagined versions of fan favorites from the band’s catalog, along with the new song “Harinawa.”
From billions of streams and numerous awards to sold-out concerts and performances on global stages, the band looks back on the songs that have resonated with listeners through different chapters of their lives.
Nine is “an anthology album that looks back on the music, memories, and experiences that defined Ben&Ben and shaped them into what they are today while opening doors to what comes next,” according to the press release. “The 9-track record lives at the intersection of nostalgia and discovery, comforting enough for longtime Liwanag (the group’s fanbase) to recognize the impact of every reworked note, yet fresh enough to offer new listeners an entry point into the band’s expansive sonic world.”
“We celebrate the love we have for one another and the bond we have built through the years,” violinist Keifer Cabugao shares. “We’re just deeply grateful, not only for everything the past has taught us, but also for the gift of being present with one another today.”
More than just revisiting their old tracks, the album is a reimagining. “Reimagined, for us, is letting the songs grow up with us,” lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist Paolo Benjamin shares. “Our Liwanag, and we the band too, were molded by life a lot in the past nine years.”
Looking at where they are now and who they have become as artists, the arrangements serve as reflections of a band that has spent years growing together as friends and bandmates.
“We really wanted to bring our live music experience and musical chemistry into the studio. It was a fun challenge for us to balance the energy of what we play live with the refinements of a studio recording,” lead guitarist and backing vocalist Poch Barretto shares.
The band worked closely with collaborators and friends, including JP Verona, who has been with them since their debut album, LIMAWASA STREET. Producer Ziv also contributed to the reimagined versions of the tracks, while Barretto took the reins of the album’s full production.
On the other hand, the project also features the contributions of Luke and Eo on drums for songs recorded while drummer Jam Villanueva was recovering from an injury. Additionally, photographer and visual artist Sara Erasmo captured the album’s themes in its artwork and accompanying imagery.
What initially wasn’t planned as an anthology album began with “Lifetime (Reimagined),” which went on to become a chart-topper on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100. That success set the stage for more tracks to follow, gradually shaping what would eventually become Nine.
“’Maybe the Night’ was the first song we collaborated on from start to finish as nine,” bassist Agnes Reoma shares. “This new album is a testament to our journey, and ‘Maybe The Night (Reimagined)’ reflects how we have grown as individual musicians and as a collective since that attic session.”
The band’s newest track, “Harinawa,” closes the album and was written and completed this year. The song carries a spirit of positivity and good energy, serving as the final puzzle piece in the album’s chronological journey while also opening the doors to what lies ahead.
“We hope for these nine songs to accompany [Liwanag and our listeners] wherever they’re at in their lives right now,” percussionist and backing vocalist Toni Muñoz shares. “Hope comes in many forms, and we wish for our music to be even just a glimpse of one of them.”
Listen to Nine below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Nine is Ben&Ben’s anthology album marking nine years as a band. The 9-track record collects reimagined versions of fan favorites from their catalog, rearranged to reflect how the members have grown, and closes with “Harinawa,” a brand-new song written and completed this year.
“Harinawa” is the only new song on Nine and closes the anthology album. Written and completed this year, the track carries a spirit of positivity and serves as the final piece of the album’s chronological journey while pointing toward the band’s next chapter.
Ben&Ben’s Nine began with “Lifetime (Reimagined),” which was not originally planned as part of an anthology. After the track became a chart-topper on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, the band recorded more reimagined versions, which gradually shaped the full nine-song album.
Lead guitarist Poch Barretto handled the full production of Nine. Longtime collaborator JP Verona, who has worked with Ben&Ben since Limasawa Street, and producer Ziv contributed to the reimagined tracks, while Luke and Eo played drums as Jam Villanueva recovered from an injury.
The reimagined versions on Nine rework Ben&Ben’s earlier songs to reflect the band’s growth over nine years. The members aimed to bring their live chemistry into the studio, balancing concert energy with studio refinement so the songs “grow up” alongside the band and its Liwanag fanbase.
