Karate School Dropout Premiere Single “Connections” (feat. Ana Cabrera)

Karate School Dropout really emphasizes the joys of music with their latest single, “Connections.” Everything in the world is a potential idea that can turn into something magical. You wouldn’t immediately perceive The New York Times Connections word puzzle as a song idea, but Arnold Madlangbayan did.

He is the brains behind Karate School Dropout, a noise, dream pop, and shoegaze project that he has been pursuing for several years now. “Connections” features guest vocals from Madlangbayan’s cousin Ana Cabrera, a fun, poppy duet with a positive flair. The song is lighthearted and doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s a carefree attitude kind of sound to the song, a classic pop feel of when no one was too hung off on genres or classifications.

To explain the story behind this unique song, Madlangbayan states:

“‘Connections’ is about two things, how much I hate The New York Times game and how much I love my cousin. I came up with the idea for the song when I found myself frustrated by the daily themed puzzle. My cousin, Ana and I would play with a few friends and she would send me clues when I’d get stuck. We’d crack up about how many clues she would give me until I said to her, ‘Just give me the damn answers!’ And she would (laughs)! I knew she had to be part of the song. Not only are the lyrics about her but she came on board to duet the song with me! Ana and I have always sung together when we were little kids, and family connections have always been incredibly important to me, so I was excited to write a song about our bond and sing it with her.”

“Connections” is the first sample of a new songwriting project Madlangbayan has been working on for Karate School Dropout. He is working on a collaborative record that features him and “underdog” musicians and songwriters from around his way in Chicago. Many of these contributing musicians have been a part of the Chicago music scene for decades now.

The record will be titled Kapwa, an appropriate title for the spirit of the album. Kapwa is a Filipino term that means to embrace our shared identity and to care for others. It’s a term used when addressing another person with the intention of establishing a connection. That is what the album is about and why it is titled Kapwa. There are obvious undertones of humour which are so much apart of the everyday connections we make with others. In an age of anxiety and, at times, rampant negativity, we could use more artists like Madlangbayan to shake things up and lighten the mood.

Karate School Dropout “Connections” (feat. Ana Cabrera) single artwork