If you’re a big Side A fan saying that the band without Joey Generoso is like Journey without Steve Perry, then you are arguably making a significant point. Besides, there is no questioning the singer’s place in the band’s long and colorful history.
That is also why his move to sign with a new label, along with the upcoming release of an original single, is newsworthy. Simply put, Joey G., as he is fondly called by people who know him and his voice by heart, is a star himself outside of his famed group affiliation.
Counted among Philippine music scene’s first-rate singers, the former Side A frontman is taking his own journey to an interesting path by signing up with a music label with a name matching his industry status: Icons Music.
Apart from the formal signing, the release of Joey G.’s first digital single off the said label is something to be really excited about. The new song “Letting You Go” is projected to give his storied career another breakthrough. It is a kind of restart, call it post-pandemic rejuvenation that fans are longing for.
“Never thought this could happen/ Things have changed since way back then,” said the opening line of his much-awaited return-to-the-scene song.
A lot has changed since Joey G. decided to part ways with the group that gave him his first taste of fame and numerous hit songs.
With all due respect to the brand that is Side A, it remained standing and strong in spite of Joey G.’s departure. While someone had to fill in the big shoes he left, the group ingeniously restructured the set-up and made the vocal spotlight be owned by anyone in the band at a given time. In essence, that works in sending the message that Side A is not about personalities, but the sum of its parts, though such fair thought can’t be easily digested by audiences who have come to embrace the trademark that is Joey G.
Interestingly, the latest lineup of Side A likewise signed up with Icons Music. A possible reunion project between the famous band and its beloved ex-singer is not in the works, but definitely not an impossibility. Fan clamor may likely play a big role in that to happen.
Icons Music is a division of Widescope Entertainment which is among the new labels aggressively producing records and carrying envelope-pushing artists like Sitti and Ebe Dancel who have made it as their new home.
Joey G. recently signed the contract in the presence of Vic de Vera and Neil Gregorio, the label’s two key men who know the worth of a Joey G. and believe in the depth of the man’s talent and charm. For them, the voice behind Side A classics “Forevermore,” “Set You Free,” “So Many Questions,” and “Hold On,” has some more left in his tank.
Few in the biz has excelled in singing covers like he did with Joey Albert’s “Tell Me” and Labuyo’s “Ikaw Pa Rin” where his voice took matters with so much conviction it is not surprising if listeners would consider his takes as more definitive.
With Joey G. backed by music industry experts, listeners may be in for new original hits and delightful covers from a distinctive voice. “Letting Go,” for one, beautifully sounds as a reminder that the singer as we know him remains in touch with his sentiments that made his singing relatable.
The song’s composer and record producer Ian Tan ensured that Joey G.’s new tune to be released in this month of hearts will pull heartstrings only he can fabulously and fittingly deliver.
