Blast from the past. Listeners of the iconic Crossover 105.1 radio station are now happily getting their smooth jazz fix via the mobile app and official online website.
Crossover first captured the airwaves in 1994, when businessman Louie Villar took over the family’s FM Station, one of the many entities under the Mareco Broadcasting Company. The catchy brand name alludes to the unique jazz, Latin, R&B, and pop music format.
The signature smooth sound wowed listeners for over 25 years until the station officially closed in 2019. Shortly after, Crossover Radio Online was launched, and this time it was made available to listeners worldwide.
The station’s relaxing playlist appealed not just to Filipinos but even to foreigners, according to Radio Programming Head Ronnie de Asis.
“I am amazed at how foreigners accepted it, the feedback I got is ‘they do not have this kind of music in the US.’ You see, we use a lot of vocals (songs with lyrics) because that’s the Filipino taste. We Filipinos are very sentimental.” Incidentally, the iconic baritone voice in Crossover ID belongs to Ronnie.
The app marked the rebirth of its signature smooth jazz sound. “Now you can listen to Crossover from your phone, anytime, anywhere. You do not need a radio,” remarked Project Manager Rio Chipeco-Manotoc.
The team behind Crossover is still very much intact amid the significant changes in listening habits. Ronnie continues to prepare the weekly list, and music executive Robert Crespo, who also runs Vintage Records is always ready to throw in ideas like in the old days, while Rio handles the concerts. The newest member of the team is James Menorca-Sampan, who uploads everything online.
Rio’s mom, Malou Villar-Chipeco used to run Crossover and Mareco with her siblings. “They are still on the board of directors, ” Rio shared. In the 50’s Villar and Mabuhay records labels were under the Mareco Group. The late Manuel P. Villar was known as the “Father of Philippine Recording.”
“Crossover now has a deeper meaning. For me, it’s a crossover of generations. It’s living the legacy of what my grandfather and his brother started. The magic of the music does not go away, even with the younger generation. I see it my kids. They are exposed to all kinds of music so they learn to appreciate what we play, and for me, it’s an affirmation that we are on the right track,” Rio said.
Aside from the smooth sound, Crossover is also known for its concerts, where top OPM artists get to render jazz hits, something they cannot do in their regular shows.
During Crossover’s heyday, performers like Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Lani Misalucha, and Regine Velasquez had top-billed lounge shows where they sang Crossover hits. Ria’s team was behind the recent Odette Quesada concert tour in the US.
The passion for music continues with the app’s growing number of listeners. “We are still excited to share the music that we genuinely love. Ron and I have been together for over 30 years, and it’s no longer a job for us, this is something we love,” Robert Crespo said.
“I think the sound of crossover now, is a lot better than when we were broadcasting. Now we access the music unlike before when we had to have the CD physically. Now everything is downloadable,” Ronnie said.
The app is a treat for avid radio listeners. Apart from the excitement of waiting for the next song, the title and the artist are flashed onscreen. Moreover, it has a “request” and a “message” button. Nice!
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