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Truth, love & the songs of Nityalila (Thu, 12 Jul. 2007)
Truth, love & the songs of Nityalila
By Leah C. Salterio
The Philippine Star | Thursday, June 21, 2007
Her unique name, Nityalila, means “eternal dance of love” in Sanskrit. It was given to her by her parents, who are both “hippies,” when she was only two. She grew up listening to Vedic music since her parents joined the said movement in the ’70s. She also inherited the Vedic lifestyle and culture.
So when Nityalila decided to pursue a singing career, it was understandable that her music will have distinct influences of her family’s Vedic belief. Her debut album, produced by Manna Records and distributed by Universal Records, contains tunes like Samsara (the cycle of life and death) and Bathala, which are inspired by her Vedic philosophy. The CD, however, is bannered by Ako’y Isang Pinay, Nityalila’s revival version of Florante’s hit.
Nityalila, whose real name is Ann Saulo, writes songs about social and political issues, environmental awareness, truth and love. Her music reflects the mature singer-songwriter that she is now. Her 12-track album contains 11 of her original compositions like High, Luha, Maya, Blusang Itim, Para, Who Am I?, Laya, Why? and Telling Sita.
Nityalila’s interest in music was ignited at age seven, when she started playing with her dad’s guitar. When she became a teenager, she started exploring her songwriting abilities. By the time she turned 16, she had already written her first original composition.
“My parents used to be in a band called Bio Sparks, where my mom was vocalist and my dad the drummer,” Nityalila shares. “I grew up listening to Vedic chanting as well as folk music, which my parents listened to. I’m very familiar with the songs of Don McLean, John Denver, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Peter, Paul and Mary.”
In October 2001, after obtaining her college degree, Nityalila started performing in bars and cafés around Metro Manila as a solo artist. She formed a band in 2003 and they did the rounds of music lounges around town like Sanctum, ’70s Bistro, Bistro 110, El Pueblo, Rock Radio Café, Conspiracy Garden Café, Freedom Bar, Crateri, Bistro 1055, Millenia Bar, Mayric’s, Culture Club and Bigsky Mind.
Nityalila is currently performing with session musicians Miko Aguilar of Bitaw Collective on bass, Pacoy Aniag on lead guitar and Vaishnava Saulo on drums. She also plays classical guitar, piano and band percussions.
Though she has yet to become fully recognized and visible in the local entertainment scene, Nityalila is one of those female independent artists who manage to create ripples around the Philippine music industry. She performs in places where her purpose as a musician is well-appreciated and where audiences not only come to watch, but to listen and to feel the music.
Nityalila was discovered by Richard Merk when she guested on Pia Hontiveros’ Shop Talk on ANC. In that particular episode, Nityalila was being interviewed as a web designer, her profession aside from being a singer-songwriter. She graduated from the Philippine School for Interior Design (PSID).
“My music is something you’ll like,” Nityalila says. “I’m thankful of being given a chance to come out with my own album. It showcases songs I’ve written. I’m proud of my music. It reflects my life and beliefs.”
Artists featured in Nityalila’s CD are Mikaelo Aguilar on electric bass guitar; John John Castañeda on guitar; Mar Dizon on drums; Henry Katindig on keyboards; Richard Merk and Bo Razon on percussions; and Punnu Singh on mandolin.
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