Review Fix chats with composer Pol Sembrano, who discusses his new EP, Anywhere.
About Pol Sembrano: Pol Sembrano is a Filipino-American composer and classically trained pianist from Seattle who has recently decided to step out of his comfort zone into electronic music with his upcoming self-titled album. To get fans in the swing of his new synth-heavy pop style, he’s released a teaser EP called Anywhere with four tracks Sembrano feels reflect this new direction he’s taking.
Now he has released an official music video for the deeply self-empowering song “Open Mind”, which carries a universal message crossing boundaries and individual circumstances. Lyrically it provides support and encouragement to those who are being oppressed and/or persecuted. The narrator may have experienced being in this situation but was successful in overcoming his personal hardship and adversity.
Review Fix: When you think of Seattle-inspired music- you think of grunge, not classically trained pianist. How did you develop your style?
Pol Sembrano: I have been fascinated with electronic music even when I was studying classical piano. The fact that you can be your own band and play all the parts of a song still intrigue me. I have always focused on my artistic individuality since the musicians I’ve played with in the past were not really into what I was interested in doing. My style gradually developed when I started listening to groups like Depeche Mode, New Order, Pet Shop Boys and Erasure. Their songs are incredibly melodic even when using technology. Songs like “True Faith” by New Order or “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode still have an emotional effect on me because the bass lines, melody and lyrics are infectious yet sullen and moody, which may be said to some of the tracks from my debut album.
Review Fix: Who inspires you creatively?
Sembrano: Songwriters who write by themselves inspire me, I don’t know why. Perhaps they lay their heart out in the open without any reservation or restrictions. Writers like Howard Jones, Martin Gore, Tori Amos and Aimee Mann (on her solo work) are all inspirations. I like the fact that they are in control of all the musical elements in their songs.
Review Fix: What do you think makes this EP truly special?
Sembrano: With this EP, the songs were written straight from my heart. It’s as honest as I can be without being overly specific. It’s very much straight-forward and to the point. The tracks are danceable, moody, melodically catchy and easily digestible to those who hear them.
A good example would be when my mixing engineer was humming the melody line to “Open Mind”. I heard her informally humming the chorus while working behind the mixing desk. This occurred during the quiet moments at the session. I silently smiled and let her continue to hum.
Review Fix: What song do you think stands out the most?
Sembrano: I think “Open Mind” is a strong candidate for a single. I wrote the melody in my head then played it on the keyboard afterwards. The melody stuck and I decided to keep it. Lyrically, it’s about letting people be who they are without any judgement and offer support to those who may be emotionally suffering.
Review Fix: Your music really is a lot of fun and has a ton of layers- how does that happen? What was the creative process for this EP?
Before starting the sequencing process, I already have a good idea of how the song will sound after recording. With these four songs, I focused on the drum tracks, bass line and keyboard riffs first then worked my way up. This is where the fun part begins as I pick and choose which sounds to complement the first three music elements. Granted, it’s a trial-and-error process but I like to experiment with sounds and textures. Of course, there are revisions here and there since nothing is perfect at first try.
Review Fix:Who do you think will dig it the most?
I think people who appreciate strong melodies, honest lyrics, rhythmic bass lines and atmospheric musical textures will connect with the EP. I would like to see people out on the dancefloor singing the songs and dancing at the same time, especially to “Anywhere” and “Nothing To Say”.
Review Fix: How do you want this EP to be remembered?
Sembrano: I would like this EP to be remembered as a collection of songs that introduced me to the modern music world. It’s a group of songs that define me as songwriter, artist and musician. All musical elements came from me and for that I am proud.
Review Fix: What are your long-term goals for your work?
Sembrano: I would like to continue writing and recording more music. I am actually completing the second album so I am moving forward. For now, we are focusing on promoting the EP which hopefully will lead to the debut album release then the sophomore lp afterwards. I would like to tour once the debut is off the ground. I travel quite a bit and it would be great to play music worldwide.
Review Fix: Why should someone support your work?
Sembrano: I’m a self-contained artist, musician and entertainer. There were no individuals looking over my shoulder when creating the music. I believe that says a lot since I have been serious about creating music since day one. The songs have worth and integrity. It would be wonderful to be supported and recognized for something that you have musically accomplished on your own. Yes, there are people involved but the origin of this journey came from one person.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Sembrano: Besides keyboards and my interest in electronics, I also play guitar. I learned during the grunge years of the early ‘90’s. I’ve always wanted to learn guitar and I think it’s great to play more than one instrument. This way, I’m not pigeon-holed solely as a keyboardist. It’s also interesting to see on stage.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Sembrano: Right now, we are looking into promotions in North America and Australia. I think starting in one or two territories is a good idea then move on from there. Our goal is to release the EP and debut album then see where it will lead. There is definitely a market for the music and all I can do is move forward.
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
Sembrano: People can log on to my website at:
I am affiliated with Independent Music Promotions,
care of Stephen James Moore at:
http://independentmusicpromotions.com
I am also affiliated with MKW Enterprises LLC
(Sm’Artists Works), care of Michael Kerry Williams at:
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