Mary Ancheta Announces Debut LP, Rituals | Shares Single "MINOKAWA" Featuring KIMMORTAL
May 13, 2025 – Today, Vancouver-based artist and film composer, Mary Ancheta, announces her highly anticipated debut LP, Rituals, slated for release on July 18. To mark the announcement, Ancheta unveils the album's first single, "Minokawa", a powerful collaboration with acclaimed artist Kimmortal.
"Minokawa" weaves a rich tapestry of cultural and sonic elements. The track features the distinctive vocals of hip-hop artist Kimmortal, who draws direct inspiration from Philippine mythology. The Minokawa is a colossal, dragon-like bird believed by ancient Filipinos to be capable of swallowing the sun, causing eclipses. Adding another layer of texture is the inclusion of the bungkaka, a traditional bamboo buzzer used as a percussion instrument by various indigenous communities across the Philippines.
In their verse, Kimmortal focuses on driving away malevolent spirits along a forest path, creating a vivid and evocative narrative. Reflecting on the collaboration, Ancheta shares: “When I thought about who I wanted to collaborate with on vocals for this album I immediately thought of Kimmortal. Over the years I have had the pleasure of making music with them on some recordings and at live shows. Kimmortal's artistry shines through in every project they are a part of and it can feel like I am making music with pamilya (family).”
To honour the victims of the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, all Bandcamp proceeds from the lead single will be donated to the victims and families affected.
About Mary Ancheta:
Mary Ancheta is an artist and a Composer based out of Vancouver BC Canada. In 2023, she released her jazz EP, Level Up, with her band the Mary Ancheta Quartet. With this EP in hand she led her band to perform on the MainStage of Jazz Festivals all across Canada including the Montreal Jazz Festival as well as opening a sold out show for BADBADNOTGOOD.
She produced the latest Amanda Sum EP (2024) and co-produced the album Maujuda by Punjabi-Australian vocalist Parvyn alongside producing partner Jane Aurora of MaryJane Hifi. 2025 has brought an Australian tour with her group the Mary Ancheta Quartet. As Musical Director Mary just opened the Canadian Premiere of Cambodian Rock Band with the Arts Club Theatre at the Stanley Theatre. In July 2025, she was invited with her band to represent Canada at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
