JP Cuison & Co. Has Come with “Lazarus”

The year 2020, when the pandemic hit, is probably the time in our lives when we realized that there were many things that we wanted to do, but due to restrictions, we did them in our own homes instead. In this era, we also discovered that we could do things in our own, including making music from songwriting to recording, mixing, and distributing.

One of the people who subscribed to the idea of DIY music is JP Cuison, the former vocalist of the humorous rock band Kiko Machine.

“We started as a pandemic online collab project. Personally, I don’t see myself performing again live with a band. My only plan that time was to pursue home recording and just release music online. But I think the live performance opportunity came when one of my bandmate’s band (Ken Liwanag Band) staged a single launch bar tour. They needed some front acts, so we happily explored the possibility of finally performing live.”

JP admits that he is more relaxed now compared to when he was with his previous band, and that his experience through the years influenced the music of JP Cuison & Co., making sure that this new project sounds fresh and different from what his music was before.

When asked about being relevant and adapting to today’s audiences’ tastes in music, he shared, “Adapt by using the technology available for musicians now. Relevance is never a goal. I believe relevance is just a byproduct of a certain goal.”

Influenced heavily by Britpop Bands, JP also credits his sound and songwriting style to the likes of Paul McCartney, Jarvis Cocker, and Philippines’ very own Gary Granada.

In line with his comeback with JP Cuison & Co., JP wrote a new song called “Lazarus”, inspired by a biblical narrative and was released during Holy Week. It is a clear retelling of the biblical story from John 11, where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. He also made sure that it was as faithful to the Bible as possible, revealing that it is something personal to him.

“Lazarus’ account in the Bible is something personal for me. Writing it is like my meditation after reading the whole passage.”

Talking about the lyrical content of the song, JP shared, “The first part: ‘Kung dumating ka lang ng mas maaga… sana ay napagaling mo siya…’ is actually Martha (disappointed) telling Jesus that He came late (verse 32). The second part: ‘Samahan mo ko doon sa libingan…’ is actually Jesus’ dialogue before He resurrects Lazarus. The third part: ‘Sino siyang bumubuhay ng patay? Siya na ba ang Messiah na inaantay?’ Are actually the dialogue of the eye witness of the said miracle. A miracle that led to the jealousy of the leaders of that time. The last part: ‘Naniniwala ka ba?’ is taken from Jesus himself asking, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God (verse 40)?'”

The song’s musical context was inspired by the musicals that JP watched during the pandemic  like “Ang Huling El Bimbo the Musical,” “Hamilton,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” among others. He thus promised to make a song that seems to be coming from a musical, using a topic that is close to his heart: Bible & Theology. Admittedly, Led Zep, Heart, Wolf Mother and Rush are pegs on the general feel of the song. JP Cuison & Co. decided to tap on the greatest for this project. They decided to ask the help of Angee Rozul to mix and master. 

The song was recorded independently at JP’s home and is the band’s debut single as a solid recording unit.