Nicole Asensio has been a singer-songwriter and events host for 18 years now. Music runs deep in her DNA. The consummate performer shares: “Both sides of my family are musically and artistically-inclined.” Her grandmother, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio is a National Artist for Music. “My mother, Iwi Laurel (award winning singer) helped me grow more into the craft. I probably got my unique taste and rebellious rock-n-roll streak from my late father, Manuel Asensio,” On stage, Nicole is known to bring audiences to their feet with her powerful voice.
Described by critics as a genre-scaling performer, she has conquered the worlds of rock, progressive rock, classical and jazz. Her fashion choices reflect this diverse and eclectic approach to creativity. Nicole reveals, “As a performer, I get to explore a very wide range of styles depending on the stage I’m on.” She is usually inclined to invest in classic pieces that are well-made, mixing them with eclectic statement pieces and “luxe rock and roll accents.” One who regards French perfumes and heirloom jewelry as her favorite expressions of everyday luxury, Nicole describes pearls with pure poetry: “Pearls are like tears. Both hold so much pain in the process of their creation. They are beautiful precisely because of what was endured to create them.”
- What keeps you busy these days?
These days you will find me hopping from one stage, doing around four to five shows a week on average. I’ve also been writing songs and doing production in my studio. As a self-managed artist, I’ve had to take on the paperwork and management tasks. Every so often, an acting job also comes along. If the project and the role is juicy, I’ll gladly keep myself busy with that craft too.
2. How did you come to find your current career or life’s work?
Music has always been in my blood, Both sides of my family are musically and artistically inclined. My grandmother, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio (National Artist for Music) and my uncle Cocoy Laurel (a multi awarded artist, actor, and composer) first taught me how to sing. My mother, Iwi Laurel (an award-winning singer) later helped me grow more into the craft. I also got my love for fashion, visual arts and aesthetics from my grandmother, Celia Diaz Laurel. I probably got my unique taste and rebellious rock-n-roll streak from my late father, Manuel Asensio. I am a blend of all these influences.
I was blessed to grow up in a family where creativity was nurtured. As a young adult, I thought I wanted to pursue Law. I held a few jobs in other fields including: teaching English, marketing for fine dining restaurants, upcycling thrift treasures and even selling medical equipment.
Being a musician was just for fun until I realized that “what you resist persists.” You just have to follow where your road will lead you… and it led me back to music.
3. What is it about your work or career that you enjoy most?
I truly enjoy beautiful exchanges of creativity— whether it be onstage with musicians or songwriting during a jam session. The act of releasing something new that was created by the synergy of people working together and framing a moment in time through song is a blessing and gift from God.
4. What do you consider to be “hazards of the job?”
It isn’t common to find a self-managed artist and it can be quite tricky navigating negotiations and protecting yourself while upholding standards and reputation. Another challenge is the need to treat my body and my voice with utmost care. When I was younger, I would scoff at being told to take care of myself more. It was all about the “rock-n-roll” lifestyle back then. But nowadays, I am realizing that you only have one body and one voice. You must do anything to protect it even if it sometimes involves me having to miss out on certain social activities in order to get more rest.
5. For people who aspire for similar careers, what would be your advice?
I know it sounds cliche: Be Yourself. Don’t rob the world of the unique blend of things that make you YOU. It is alright to draw inspiration from artists you admire, but you must filter, edit, adapt and create from there. I've always been told that “imitation is the best form of flattery” but in my opinion, I also think it’s lazy… I believe that everyone has something beautiful to offer and part of being an artist is to explore and express that.
6. What are the career milestones that inspire you to break the glass or mold?
Every time I have the opportunity to sing in a different country, it gives me joy. Through song, I get to make this unspoken exchange of bringing a piece of my home and heritage with me. At the same time, siphoning the soul of the place and infusing it into what inspires my music.
7. How do you balance work and family life? What are activities that enable you to bond with family?
My immediate family is quite small. It’s just me and my mom. Every time I get to spend a full day with her is golden. Our time together is so precious. We are extremely close, we like to cook together. Food is definitely a “love language” we share.
8. How do you unwind or rewind? Any favorite spots in your current city that you consider as your me-time haven?
The erratic work hours that my job entails means that whenever I can, I try to catch up on sleep. When I can, I indulge in a little self care. If time permits, I try to catch art shows, local fashion exhibits, or gigs of fellow artists. I am a homebody so you will most likely find me writing or entertaining friends at home during downtime.
9. How would you describe your personal style? What are your wardrobe essentials?
One delightful part about my job as a full time performer is that I get to explore a very wide range of styles depending on what stage I am on. My style is:
40% classic. I care more about how well the clothes fit my body than if they are trendy. I am petite so I need to be careful with how garments are cut).
20% eclectic. There has to be something unique about my outfit—a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, a sculptural detail or hand-stitched detail.
20% luxe-rock-n-roll. A textural interpretation of the aesthetic as seen through rich leathers and velvets, tassels, metals, unique embellishments and dark denims.
20% local. I really like to champion Filipino fashion designers. I save up for locally-made pieces that I feel will grow old with me because heritage is important to me and Filipino designers should be celebrated!
10. What makes for a good investment piece? Kindly cite examples of pieces in your current wardrobe.
I have a few Kellys from the 90s that are still in great shape. Who would’ve thought they would be as sought after as they are today? I think what makes a piece valuable is really what it means to you. I have a ring that was passed down from my great grandmother. It was one of the only pieces of jewelry that she saved during the war. My mom gave it to me 10 years ago and it really means a lot to receive something that holds generations of love in it.
11. What do pearls mean to you?
Pearls are like tears, they both hold so much pain in the process of their creation, yet they are beautiful precisely because of what was endured to create them.
12. What is everyday luxury for you?
I like collecting perfume. My favourites are: Woman in Gold by Killian, Valaya by Parfums de Marly, Cythere by Hermes, and the discontinued amber fragrance from the Bvlgari private collection. I think perfume is an everyday luxury because it is an expression that leaves a lasting impression. Yet, it cannot be seen. It is something invisible, enjoyed silently.
