‘Walang Makakapigil’: How Gracenote keeps the fire alive, 15 years on

Filipino pop-rock sensation Gracenote recently celebrated an incredible milestone: 15 years of keeping their musical fire burning bright! Their unwavering journey culminated in a powerful first-ever solo concert, aptly titled "Walang Makakapigil" (Nothing Can Stop It), held at the Teatrino in Greenhills, San Juan City.

Tracing their roots back to 2008, Gracenote quickly captured hearts with early hits like 'Minsan Lang Naman.' The band's genesis saw siblings Eunice and Jazz Jorge experimenting with song covers on YouTube in their younger years. The lineup solidified further when lead vocalist Eunice connected with drummer EJ Pichay during their university days, leading to a pivotal Battle of the Bands competition where they met their future manager, Darwin Hernandez of Soupstar Music. Guitarist Tatsi Jamnague completed the quartet in 2018, joining fellow labelmates and ensuring their continued vibrant presence in the OPM landscape.

What’s the secret behind Gracenote's remarkable 15-year run? According to the band, it all boils down to pure chemistry and an unbreakable bond that transcends typical band dynamics. Lead vocalist Eunice Jorge emphasizes their deep understanding of each other's personalities and their shared kindness, stating, “We treat ourselves as family; we bond outside, watch movies, and travel together.” Guitarist Tatsi Jamnague echoes this sentiment, highlighting the humility and sibling-like connection among members. Ultimately, a collective vision fuels their passion: “We do the things that we love and we dream the same dream,” Eunice shared.

While their core bond remains steadfast, Gracenote continuously embraces change, particularly in their music. This commitment to sonic evolution has seen the quartet gracefully transition from their alternative rock roots to a more electronic pop sound. They explain, “We like to explore as creatives — we want to try something new. We are not afraid of risking.” This adventurous spirit also extends to their lyrical themes; initially drawing from personal experiences of love and longing, their songwriting has matured to include reflective and socially resonant pieces, often through impactful collaborations.

Adding a fresh, timely layer to their discography is the newly released music video for 'Malalang Nilalang,' a collaboration with The Kool Pals. The band describes this track as a direct commentary on 'Marites' (gossipers) and the rampant spread of fake news. Their goal: to create awareness that ‘disturbs the comfortable,’ while also offering solace to listeners who have faced negativity and hate comments themselves.

This unwavering resolve is precisely what has allowed Gracenote to thrive in a demanding industry. Bassist Jazz Jorge advises, “When there are challenges or negativity, don’t let it affect you because that’s what will bring you down. Just be more on the bright side.” The band firmly believes that true passion makes you realize, deep down, that absolutely ‘Walang Makakapigil’ – nothing can truly stop you from achieving your dreams.

Their recent solo concert perfectly encapsulated this philosophy. The Teatrino Promenade was a sea of yellow as a full house of dedicated fans, some having supported Gracenote since their very first albums, enthusiastically packed the venue on Saturday, September 6. It was a truly special evening, notably marking the first time all band members' families gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.

Beyond a typical performance, Gracenote crafted a uniquely personal setlist for the concert, featuring tracks from all five of their albums – *First Movement*, *Transparent*, *&*, *Small World*, and *KINSENAS AT WALANG KATAPUSAN* – alongside brand new material. Bassist Jazz Jorge revealed the set was a heartfelt blend of band favorites, crowd pleasers, and unreleased gems. In a delightful surprise for attendees, Gracenote announced that their upcoming sixth album, due November 11 under EMI Productions, will share the concert's powerful title: *Walang Makakapigil*.

Adding to the excitement, viral Soupstar Music labelmates HEY JUNE!, known for their hit 'LASIK,' kicked off the night as the opening act. Gracenote concluded their unforgettable evening with a poignant rendition of 'When I Dream About You,' leaving their audience with an inspiring final message: 'Keep your dreams alive, ‘Walang Makakapigil.’'