Ely Buendia has officially released a brand new single, titled “Ate.”
The newly released track showcases a different sound for the Philippine rock icon, one that expands his range as a solo musician. With a lighter and more optimistic “feel” in comparison to his prior work, its lyricism carries a softer tone in both instrumentation and lyricism –– embodying the mindset of seeing the positives amidst life’s ebbs and flows.
“I wanted to change the atmosphere a bit,” said Buendia regarding the new single in an official press statement. “The melody had such a nursery rhyme-feel which came directly from the harmonized lead guitar lines that go up the major scale,” he added –– before opening up about how he changed up his usual recording process for the song.
For “Ate”, Buendia collaborated with the Baguio-based hitmaker, Shadiel Chan (Cup of Joe, Dilaw, Sunkissed Lola), and described the renowned producer as having “a fresh take on everything.” “He works fast, which I really like, and has spot-on instincts. I’m always up for working with new blood, there’s a lot you can learn from them,” the “Bulaklak Sa Buwan” musician continued.
“Ate” marks Buendia’s first major musical release since his sophomore studio album, Method Adaptor. The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise directed towards its cohesion, and demonstration of Buendia’s artistic evolution over the past few decades. In our review of the album, Billboard Philippines also described it “a sonically adventurous record that represents an artist at his creative prime”, as a project that “embraces the full spectrum of Buendia’s musical range — combining moments of introspective minimalism with full-throttle rock anthems.”
To support the record’s release, Buendia embarked on a nationwide tour of the same name, delivering electric live performances of the album’s tracks to various cities and provinces across the Philippines. Additionally, a remix record, aptly titled Method Adaptor Remixed, was released last April, and features reimagined renditions of the album’s tracks remixed by DJ Love, Mandaue Nights, Diego Mapa, and Raimund Marasigan as Squid 9.
Listen to Ely Buendia’s new single “Ate” below: