The release of Chicosci’s latest album “Fly Black Hearts” is deemed by some as ill-timed considering the shifting trend in music, but the band takes such talks with a grain of salt.   

“Pop stars will always rule mainstream media pero sa gigs mo makikita ang suporta ng tao sa mga tulad namin,” said they during the “Fly Black Hearts” party and album launch held at Eastwood Central Plaza on Nov. 7.

Asked if they would watch a concert by such artists as Lady Gaga, a Chicosci member retorted, “Hell, yeah.”

“Pop fans kami---we have no problem with pop,” another member rejoined.

“We know how the business works, and it’s cool. It’s good that we also have a Lady Gaga, a Kanye West, or even a Jay Z. It (the variety) keeps everything moving.”

Chicosci, in fact, has unabashedly admitted that they applied the pop sensibilities of Michael Jackson’s music in their latest CD.

And to good effect. The first single from the album titled “Diamond Shotgun” has already topped several TV and radio charts.        

Do their rock fans like this development at all?

“Chicosci listeners are smart listeners. They know kung saan kami papunta at kung saan kami galing. 

“As for our using influences from pop artists such as Michael Jackson, we’d like to think that our fans understand because we think we all grew up listening to the same kind of music anyway.”

Amen. Recently, the band received the Listener’s Choice citation at the NU Rock Awards---“the best award one could ever get" as they put it.

“We’ve won guitarist of the year, best album packaging, and song of the year from NU, but the latest award is one we most cherish because it came from the people themselves,” they said.

Through all their 13 years as a band, Chicosci has made significant strides in their career. Aside from sharing the stage with Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, and Thursday, the band has toured with other groups from Asia and Australia and performed in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.

“Nasa tao naman kung tatangkilikin nila ang music namin o hindi. We don’t choose our fans. As long as someone sincerely likes our music, he is welcome to join the Chicosci ride.”

Some of the songs in “Fly Black Hearts” under MCA Music are “Off With Her Head,” “Just My Luck,” “Smiles & High Fives,” Red Lips,” and “I Am The Snake.”