JVKE & JEON SOMI UNITE FOR DREAMY COLLABORATION "moonboy"

March 6, 2026 - Global hitmaker JVKE and K-pop sensation JEON SOMI release their highly anticipated collaboration single, "moonboy", releasing at 12AM midnight locally-timed on March 6.

LISTEN TO JVKE & JEON SOMI - "moonboy"HERE

WATCH PERFORMANCE / LYRICS VIDEO HERE

"moonboy" is an irresistibly catchy pop-love duet that captures the thrill of falling head over heels. JVKE's signature soaring falsetto intertwines perfectly with JEON SOMI's sweet vocals, showcasing their artistry as singer-songwriters with unforgettable melodies.

The seeds for this collaboration were planted long before its release. Late last year, JVKE brought JEON SOMI out as a surprise guest during his tour stop in Seoul, where they debuted "moonboy" live for the first time. The performance ignited an instant reaction from fans, with videos spreading across social media and demand for a studio version growing louder by the day. Now, the track is finally here, marking another deep connection between JVKE and the Korean music scene—following previous collaborations with the likes of KIM CHAEWON (LE SSERAFIM), TAEHYUN (TOMORROW X TOGETHER), and ENHYPEN.

For JVKE, following his global phenomenon "golden hour", he has established at the forefront of romantic pop music globally with a string of hits, and "moonboy" further cements his unique gift for crafting unforgettable melodies. For JEON SOMI, the solo star behind hits like "DUMB DUMB”, “Fast Forward” and “Closer" with hundreds of millions of streams to her name, this collaboration represents another bold step in her ever-expanding global musical journey.

"moonboy" opens up new frontiers for both artists who both continue the hot streak they have been on in the last 12 months. Set to make waves across pop and K-pop fans alike,"moonboy" is poised to become a defining collaboration of 2026.

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About JVKE

JVKE continues to remain one of the top songwriters and producers in the game. His breakout hit “Upside Down” went viral following its release in 2020 and has generated over 125 million streams to date. The song’s meteoric success led to a Charlie Puth remix collaboration, which earned both JVKE and Charlie a 2021 Trending VMA nomination. JVKE followed up his debut single with a series of releases in 2021 including his second viral hit “this is what falling in love feels like,” which went top 10 at pop radio. In 2022 he release his debut full-length this is what ____feels like (Vol, 1-4), featuring the meteoric hit “golden hour.” “golden hour” reached #10 at Top 40 radio and #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for over 26 consecutive weeks, and receiving 2.5 billion streams worldwide.

Additionally, JVKE produced “Euphoric,” the lead single from Eric Bellinger’s GRAMMY® nominated album New Light and appeared on and co-wrote multiple songs from Forrest Frank’s GRAMMY® nominated album CHILD OF GOD . His music has been featured in soundtracks including Arcane League of Legends and Fast X. JVKE has also collaborated with Nick Jonas, Jimin from BTS, Muni Long, Martin Garrix, Galantis, Pink $weats, ENHYPEN, Jungle, TXT, LE SSERAFIM and more.  JVKE traveled a tried-and-true road to a fresh, focused, and fiery sound. The Rhode Island-born singer, songwriter, and producer logged countless hours on multiple instruments since the age of three, discovered production by high school, eventually dropping out of school to pursue music full time. He crafts the kind of pop anthems that soar and surprise all at once. He has amassed over 4 billion streams, 100+ billion views of his music across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, built an audience of 28+ million followers across social media, and attracted the support of everyone from Charli D’Amelio to Charlie Puth. Moreover, JVKE has performed sold-out shows globally, including a headline North American tour, Corona Capital in Mexico City, and iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball. He’s also made appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” “Good Morning America” and more.

About JEON SOMI

Born Ennik Somi Douma in 2001 in Ontario, Canada, JEON SOMI was raised in Seoul, South Korea. She first gained national recognition after winning first place on the hit survival programProduce 101, leading to her debut in the project girl group I.O.I. Following the group’s activities, she joined THEBLACKLABEL, beginning her long-standing creative partnership with renowned producer TEDDY.

JEON SOMI released her first full-length albumXOXO, with the pre-release single “Dumb Dumb” surpassing 20 million views within just two days of release and charting on the Billboard 200. The title track “XOXO” quickly followed, surpassing 100 million views within a month and solidifying her position as one of the leading solo female artists of her generation.

She returned with the EP GAME PLAN, led by the single “Fast Forward,” which amassed over 80 million views and ranked as the #1 Trending Music Video worldwide for three consecutive days.

In 2025, JEON SOMI released her EP Chaotic & Confused, featuring the track “CLOSER.” “CLOSER” was recognized on DAZED’s Best K-Pop Tracks of 2025 list, while Chaotic & Confused was ranked No. 9 on Billboard’s The 25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2025: Staff Picks.

About Liquid State

Liquid State is a leading electronic and pop music label. Formed by Sony Music and Tencent Music Entertainment in 2018, the label is dedicated to bridging the musical cultures of East and West, discovering and supporting world-class creative artists.

 Source: Sony Music

HONNE and NIKI Collaborate On New Version of "Location Unknown" For HONNE's 10-Year Anniversary

LISTEN HERE

'HONNE — 10', A 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY 
REIMAGINED ALBUM
OUT MAY 15

March 6th, 2026 — Philippines – HONNE celebrate their 10-year anniversary with a reimagined version of their iconic track “Location Unknown”, featuring Indonesian-born, LA-based singer-songwriter NIKI. Released in 2018, the song quickly became a fan favourite – this collaboration offers a fresh take while preserving the emotional depth that has resonated with listeners worldwide.

Speaking on the song’s legacy over the past decade, HONNE add: “'Location Unknown' has always held a special place in our hearts. When we wrote it, there was something about it that felt bigger than us. We didn’t know what that meant at the time, but over the years we’ve watched it travel far beyond the studio and into people’s lives all over the world. Seeing how it’s soundtracked so many different chapters for listeners has been surreal.

To revisit it ten years later with NIKI feels incredibly full-circle. She’s been a friend and collaborator for a long time, and knowing the song meant something to her personally makes this version even more meaningful. It feels like we’re celebrating not just the song, but the journey it’s taken all of us on.”

NIKI says: “I’m so excited to be a part of the 10 year celebration of HONNE! I was personally a fan of them when “Location Unknown” came out in 2018. It was a song on my college playlist, and I feel transported right back to that era of my life anytime I listen to it. So, you can imagine my excitement when the guys reached out about this celebratory feature! It felt so full-circle and special, I am honoured.”

The new single follows the previous release, “Warm On A Cold Night (10 Years)”, lifted from the recently announced 'HONNE — 10', a special re-recording project featuring stripped-back, reimagined versions of some of their most beloved songs.

The new 12-track album revisits material from the duo’s first two albums, presenting the songs in an intimate, minimal setting that highlights their lyrics and emotional core, while capturing the honesty and warmth that have defined HONNE’s music over the past decade. Reflecting on the project, HONNE share: “We’ve been sitting on this for a while, and we’re really excited to finally share it with you. To mark 10 years of HONNE, we went back to the songs that started everything, recording stripped-back acoustic versions from our first two albums. Spending time with these songs again reminded us why we started HONNE in the first place, and why this music still means so much to us.”

The full 12-track album, 'HONNE — 10', will be released on May 15, 2026. Looking back on a decade of music, the band add: “We love these songs with all our hearts. They’ve been the soundtrack to our lives for the last 10 years.” The reimagined album stands as both a celebration and a thank you – a reflection of where HONNE began, how far they’ve come, and the deep connection they continue to share with their fans.

In addition, HONNE will take these new versions on the road in 2026, with a soon-to-be-announced tour performing a stripped-back and intimate set in seated theatres worldwide.

More details on the release and live dates will be announced soon.

Stream "Location Unknown (10 Years) feat. NIKI" 
here: honne.ffm.to/honne-10
 

About HONNE
HONNE is an alt-pop duo known for their emotionally driven songwriting and distinctive blend of warmth, intimacy, and modern production. Over the past decade, HONNE have amassed more than three billion streams, achieved multiple platinum certifications across Asia — including 10x platinum in South Korea for their debut album 'Warm On A Cold Night' — sold over 210,000 tickets for their live shows, and performed at some of the world’s most renowned festivals, including Glastonbury, Coachella, Summer Sonic, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Corona Capital, Seoul Jazz Festival, and Splendour in the Grass.

No stranger to Southeast Asia, HONNE have built a deep and loyal fanbase in the region, headlining multiple concerts throughout the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Indonesia now leads as HONNE’s biggest streaming market worldwide, with the Philippines close behind.

They have also collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Tom Misch, Khalid, Griff, NIKI, RM, and Pink Sweat$, cementing a global reputation for cross-genre collaboration and emotionally resonant music.
 

Photo Credit: Will Coutts

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Shakira and Beéle release new single ALGO TÚ

GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Shakira and rising Colombian star Beéle have released their new track ALGO TÚ. Produced by A.C., Flambo, Shakira, and Beéle, the track is out now via Sony Music Latin/5020 Records.

Shakira and Beéle debuted the track live this past weekend at Mexico City’s Zócalo, marking the largest event held there in history. Performing “ALGO TÚ” for over 400,000 fans, Shakira and Beéle electrified the city square and built incredible hype for the song’s release. Their range of styles blend perfectly on the track, delivering an incredible Latin & Afro-fusion hit with a nod to autochthonous instruments and sounds such as the Colombian gaita (pan flute), evoking the city of Barranquilla where both Shakira and Beéle were born. This is the second collaboration between Shakira and Beéle, who previously worked

together on a 2025 version of her global hit, “Hips Don’t Lie,” which featured Ed Sheeran and Beéle for the Spotify Anniversary celebration of her 2005 album Oral Fixation, Vol. 2.

This concert has only built more excitement for Shakira’s upcoming return to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where she will take the stage for this year’s Todo Mundo No Rio concert on May 2nd. This free show will be a vibrant spectacle featuring Shakira playing her greatest hits across her entire career, continuing her epic world tour throughout 2026.

The release of “ALGO TÚ” comes on the heels of Shakira being crowned by Billboard as having the “highest-grossing Hispanic tour of all time” with her recent Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, achieving a gross revenue of $421.6 million, inclusive of 82 stadium shows all across the US and Latin America with over 3.3 million people in attendance.

Building on this exciting year, Shakira has just been announced as a 2026 nominee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This exciting honor will be voted upon and then announced during the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

About Shakira

Shakira is a Colombian singer-songwriter and multi-GRAMMY® award winner. She has sold over 95 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards including four GRAMMYs®, fifteen Latin GRAMMYs®, and multiple World Music Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards, to name a few. She is the most-viewed female Latin artist, and one of the top-10 artists of all time on YouTube with over 27 billion cumulative views, and the most-streamed female Latin artist of all time on Spotify.

Most recently, Shakira released her twelfth studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran to rave reviews and a GRAMMY ® win for Best Latin Album. The album is a dazzling testament to her resilience and strength, as well as music's power to transform the most trying experiences into precious moments. In the first 24 hours it was released, the album became the most streamed album 2024 and was certified 7x Platinum. Less than a week after releasing her critically acclaimed new album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira surprised a crowd of over 40,000 people, the largest audience for a performance in Times Square and larger than any New Year's Eve crowd, with a mesmerizing performance at the TSX Stage in Times Square. Watch HERE. In 2025, Shakira launched her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran stadium world tour, recently crowned as the “highest-grossing Hispanic tour of all time,” achieving a gross revenue of $421.6 million, inclusive of 82 stadium shows all across the US and Latin America with over 3.3 million people in attendance.

Shakira’s previous album El Dorado ranked #1 on iTunes in 37 Countries, won Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2017 Latin GRAMMY® Awards, and Best Latin Pop Album at the 2018 GRAMMY® Awards. With over 12 billion streams, it is one of the most-streamed female albums of all time. In 24 hours, “SHAKIRA ||

BZRP Music Sessions #53” made history both on Spotify with over 14 million streams and on YouTube with over 52 million views. The song debuted at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is another historic moment for Shakira as she is the first solo woman to debut in the Top 10 on the chart with a song recorded in Spanish. It is also the Spanish language song with the most streams in a single day in Spotify history. In September, Shakira received the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards and in honor of her award put on a breathtaking performance of her greatest hits.

 Source: Nyou

Lampara Books release advocacy-driven educational materials to address literacy crisis in the Philippines

First-quarter 2026 slate highlights structured reading instruction and curriculum-aligned math resources

Manila, Philippines – The nation’s literacy crisis is increasingly difficult to ignore. A recent study published by Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives reveals a troubling trend: many young Filipino learners have advanced to higher primary levels despite struggling with basic reading and math skills. Without significant changes to the curriculum and sustained efforts to improve it, gaps in education system will continue to persist, putting workforce readiness at risk, and potentially, hindering economic growth.

According to Segundo Matias Jr., CEO of Lampara Books, the alarming situation demands immediate attention. “The crisis is deeply concerning—tragic, even,” he says. “It feels like a battle we must urgently confront. The future of our nation is at stake. Our children represent the future: the leaders, the innovators, the ones who will shape the world. Their capacity to read and think critically will be the deciding factor in our nation’s adjustment. We cannot afford to stall any longer.”

Heeding this call is Lampara Books, a leading publishing company that specializes in advocacy-driven educational materials. As a proactive measure against literacy setbacks, the Philippine publishing house launched its first quarter lineup of releases, which was developed to improve reading comprehension, foundational literacy, numeracy skills, and home-based learning support.

Every book in the collection is created in collaboration with respected reading specialists such as Victor Villanueva and Daisy Jane Calado, alongside acclaimed writers including Eugene Y. Evasco and Genaro R. Gojo Cruz—to name a few. By partnering with key literacy consultants and education professionals, the materials meet high pedagogical standards without sacrificing entertainment and fun.

Notably characteristic of Lampara Books’ reading titles is the use of the Marungko Approach and Systematic Phonics, both using time-tested, evidence-based methods that are proven to be effective in teaching children how to read. Lampara’s decodable texts, including its pioneering Let’s Readseries in English, allow learners to apply phonics skills in a structured way, improving both decoding and comprehension skills.

“Reading instruction must be grounded in science,” Matias emphasizes. ‘When children master foundational skills, they gain not only competence, but confidence.”

While reading remains a national priority, Lampara Books also reiterates the importance of numeracy particularly in the early stages of education.

“Numeracy is essential to modern life,” Matias adds. “Everyday tasks such as buying goods at a store or counting change, demonstrate how important math skills are. Children should realize that mathematics has real-world value.”

To reinforce foundational skills, Lampara Books introduces curriculum-aligned numeracy resources that focus on story-centered math content and interactive kits for early graders. Making math relatable not only encourages confidence and early proficiency; it also helps in sustained learning.

These initiatives are part of Lampara’s broader efforts to find solutions for the country’s reading and numeracy gap while delivering accessible and age-appropriate resources that support both classroom instruction and home-based learning. The latest collection of books and learning materials includesdecodable and leveled texts for early readers, integrated numeracy concepts embedded in stories, and supplementary worksheets and guides for teachers and parents.

“We are committed to making sure these books reach every island across the Philippines,” Segundo Matias Jr. shares. “High-quality reading materials should not be limited by geography. Our mission is to deliver resources that directly address reading challenges wherever they exist.”

Lampara Books also ensures that the educational materials embrace Filipino cultural contexts and bilingual instructions to make learning more effective and relatable.

“English is everywhere,” Matias notes. “While we guide our children toward global opportunities, we must ensure their Filipino identity and values remain intact.”

The books incorporate Filipino contexts, values, and lived experiences, enabling learners to see themselves reflected in what they read. This bilingual approach shapes identity while expanding global competence.

“Our mission is simple,” Matias adds. “No child should be left behind simply because of limited access to quality learning materials.”

Featured Titles

Magbasa Tayo! / Let’s Read! Series (Victor Villanueva; Daisy Jane Calado)

Focusing on the “read to learn” approach, the bilingual series serves as supplementary material that enriches comprehension and extends learning.

K–3 Reading Packages

Laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy, the K-3 Reading Package embraces a “learn to read” approach. It builds foundational skills step by step, starting from letters, progressing to words, and eventually forming sentences. K-3 equips children with the ability to read, while Magbasa/Let’s Read helps them use reading as a tool for deeper learning.

Start Right Reading Series (STARS) by Zarah C. Gagatiga

The Start Right Reading Series (STARS) is a learning package composed of literacy materials and resources for K-3 learners. The learning package can be used by parents with their children at home and by teachers for their students in school.

Divided into four levels—Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4—each level has twelve stories that make up the core in acquiring and learning fundamental communication and language art skills, namely, reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Unang Aklat sa Panimulang Pagbasa by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz

Carefully crafted beginner books that build children’s confidence and make early reading a light, joyful experience.

Math-Talas! Numeracy Learning Kit by Daisy Jane Calado and Jacob Raphael Cunanan

A comprehensive Kinder to Grade 3 numeracy kit combining story-based contexts and skill-building exercises aligned with the curriculum.

Math Storybooks by Jaylord S. Losabia

Story-driven math concepts presented through culturally grounded narratives, highlighting both competencies and values.

Kids Have Rights! by Michellan Sarile-Agalao

The Kids Have Rights! series is an empowering and engaging series that helps early readers understand their rights as children using simple, age-appropriate language in rhyming verse and practical examples.

Kaligtasan para sa mga Bata by Mark Norman Boquiren

A public safety education series providing children with practical, life-saving knowledge.

Disaster-Ready Kids by Zarah C. Gagatiga

This series offers engaging educational stories for early-grade readers on natural disasters like fire, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, teaching essential safety measures through vibrant illustrations, making it a valuable resource for parents and educators.

My Healthy Body Series by Prashant Gupta

This series introduces body organs to children through stories that are filled with facts and illustrations. It covers everything a child needs to know about the heart, brain, bones, senses, and more. This series spreads awareness and knowledge in a fun-filled way.

Digital Pinoy Kids Series by Cheeno Marlo Sayuno

The series offers a thoughtful exploration of children’s digital lives, promoting responsible technology use while affirming children’s agency.

New Titles

Magbasa at Matuto Decodable Comics

Fluency-building comics using the Marungko Approach.

Read and Learn Decodable Comics

Systematic Phonics-based comics designed to strengthen reading fluency.

Early Literacy Box

This kit consists of cards that highlight the earliest literacy skills needed to build a strong foundation for reading.

Filipino Board Books by Eugene Y. Evasco

Durable, imaginative board books rooted in Filipino language and culture for the youngest readers.

Science Storybooks by Eugene Y. Evasco

The stories in these books align with K–12 learning competencies, integrating scientific thinking with captivating narratives.

Mga Magigiting ng Pilipinas by Renato C. Vibiesca

Children’s books celebrating the heroism and legacy of Filipino national heroes.

Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang by Severino R. Reyes, retold by Christine S. Bellen-Ang

Timeless Filipino tales reimagined for today’s young readers.

Sari-Sari Books by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz

A Palanca-recognized series celebrating diversity, equality, and children’s freedom to dream and choose.

Independent Storybooks

The stories are award-winning and thematically rich, fostering conversations about real-world issues.

Young Adult Fiction

The 2025 Lampara Prize Grand Winner for the YA category, spotlighting emerging Filipino voices.

Reference Books

Curated works tracing histories and serving as accessible encyclopedic guides for learners.

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Hopeful vision

With its first-quarter 2026 releases, Lampara Books continues to ramp up its initiatives to support literacy and numeracy development. As educators and policymakers call for evidence-based interventions, Lampara Books’ latest offerings advance a hopeful vision: one where every Filipino child not only learns to read, but reads to learn, to imagine, and to shape a brighter future.

Source: Nyou

James Reid to release "Traffic" music video

Directed by Jonathan Tal Placido, with creative direction by Issa Pressman, the visual narrative captures the frustration of driving around the city while stuck in heavy traffic

James Reid turns urban frustration into inspiration in the music video of “Traffic,” his latest single under Careless Philippines and Sony Music Entertainment. Caught in the gridlock of Metro Manila, the video finds James drivingaround the standstill roads, visibly stressed and tired, yet holding on to the thought that the moment, like traffic itself,will soon pass.

The music video was helmed by Jonathan Tal Placido of Philippine-based production house Toothless, with creative direction by Issa Pressman. The concept revolves around the reality of being stuck in traffic, while also capturing the horrors that Filipino commuters and drivers had to endure on a daily basis while navigating the capital’s fast-paced grind.

“Traffic” marks the first official 2026 single of James Reid, following last year’s release of “You Deserve It,” which was featured on Penshoppe’s All Together Nowcampaign. The catchy pop tune was written by James Reid, along with Luke April and Nhiko Sabiano.

“At the time, I wanted to write a song that’s relatable to Filipinos in terms of concept and sound,” James reveals. “It just so happened that we all experienced traffic that day, and it felt like the song wrote itself after we locked in on that idea.”

The track also reflects James’ evolving artistic direction, molded by his ongoing exploration of his Western and Filipino roots. With the help of his collaborators, Luke April and Nhiko Sabiano, “Traffic” gives listeners a taste of James Reid’s more accessible, homebound sound, without sacrificing his globe-trotting influences.

The award-winning multi-hyphenate adds, “We aimed to create a classic upbeat OPM track with a fresh twist—nostalgic at its core, but layered with unique sounds and ear candy to give it a distinct edge.”

James Reid’s “Traffic” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The official music video drops on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. on James Reid’s official YouTube page.

Source: Nyou

The Ransom Collective drops "Tongue Tied," their first release in 4 years

Written in 2020 and finished across multiple cities and studios, the track marks the band’s first official release in four years

The Ransom Collective returns with a new single, “Tongue Tied,” their first official release after a four-year hiatus. The bossa-infused, indie pop track feels like a gentle reopening of a well-worn photo album: familiar, warm, and unexpectedly alive.

The band hasn’t been together in the way they used to, but this release is a choice to look back with gratitude and to move forward with intention: a snapshot of who they were and a reminder of what still connects them.

“Tongue Tied actually lived in the studio for more than three years,” the eclectic six-piece collective shares in a press statement. “We recorded parts of it even before the pandemic. We had to shelve it as the band slowed down and some of us moved out of town. We started picking production back up remotely, recording from different studios and spaces, then eventually finished it in Manila in late 2025.”

Built on bright, earnest momentum and rich instrumentation, “Tongue Tied” channels infatuation with starry-eyed optimism. According to the band, the song draws inspiration from the simple but profound feeling of becoming ‘tongue-tied’ in the presence of someone new, an experience songwriter Kian recounts as inspired by the early days of getting to know the love of his life.

“It started with the line, You walk in the room, and I get nervous,” TRC vocalist and guitarist Kian Ransom reveals. “I randomly sang the line over some chords we were jamming, and it reminded me of the feelings I had when I was first getting to know my wife. The song started taking shape, with the lyrics describing that ‘tongue-tied’ feeling you get when you’re newly smitten by someone.”

Sonically speaking, “Tongue Tied” introduces new textures and approaches into the band’s signature indie-folk palette. What started out as a spontaneous jam around a chord progression evolved into a compelling mix of indie pop songwriting, jazzy harmonies, and bossa nova rhythms—an exciting first for The Ransom Collective.

“As a band, we’re all appreciative and inspired by jazz, but never really imagined it fitting into what we write,” the band explains. “Somehow the combination worked in a genuinely refreshing way. Lily and Jerms also ended up getting creative with the outro percussion and voicing that feels both novel and familiar at the same time.”

The Ransom Collective believes the song will resonate with long-time fans and new listeners, as it carefully balances their familiar sound with contemporary edge. ”The song itself was written back in 2020, so it's a sound from an era our fans are familiar with and know from us. It almost feels like an unreleased track of the Traces album, but since it’s jazzier, it also feels like a standalone."

The Ransom Collective’s “Tongue Tied” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou

Jalen Ngonda Announces Sophomore Album 'Doctrine of Love' Arriving June 5, Shares Title Track "Doctrine of Love" Out Now

PRE-SAVE HERE

SHARES TITLE TRACK
“DOCTRINE OF LOVE”
OUT NOW

Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe

“The doctrine of love holds that every thought and action should be guided first by compassion for others, because love is the highest measure of human worth” – Jalen Ngonda

March 4th, 2026 — Philippines – Jalen Ngonda returns to announce his sophomore album, ‘Doctrine of Love’, arriving June 5th via Daptone Records. Offering the first glimpse into this eagerly awaited full-length, Jalen shares the album’s title track, “Doctrine of Love”, out now. Fans can pre-save the album and listen to the new single here.

With “Doctrine of Love”, Jalen steps confidently into his role as both disciple and pioneer, the title track setting the emotional tone and musical blueprint for the project. Built around a finger-snapping rhythm, soaring call-and-response backing vocals, and a gospel-charged crescendo, the song feels like an instant dancefloor classic.

Jalen explains: “I wrote that track when I was trying to do anything to get out of the studio. I was listening to a lot of James Brown at the time and that was an inspiration. ‘Doctrine’ to me was a word no-one ever uses. I took it to be like a certificate, the ‘Certificate of Love’ - look, I think maybe I meant ‘doctorate’, but we wrote it and recorded it and now it's a whole thing. I just write the song. The listener can interpret it however they want”.

Jalen Ngonda - "Doctrine of Love" (Official Audio)

‘Doctrine of Love' marks a confident second chapter, building on the feverish success of his critically acclaimed debut, ‘Come Around and Love Me’, which earned widespread praise from key media. The new album took shape across two writing sessions between Brooklyn and Riverside, CA, with producers Vince Chiarito and Michael Buckley returning to further explore the contemporary soul foundation they established on his debut.

Steeped in history but never confined by it, 'Doctrine of Love' finds Ngonda absorbing decades of influence and transforming them into something distinctly his own. Every drum break, string swell, and falsetto run feels lovingly crafted yet vibrantly alive. Drawing as much from rock and folk as from classic soul, he proves himself a true renaissance soul man.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that every day of my life I wish I would wake up in 1964 in Detroit recording with the Funk Brothers. But that’s not my life. So what I can do is express my thoughts and my fascination with that sound and period and just be an artist. The doctrine of love holds that every thought and action should be guided first by compassion for others, because love is the highest measure of human worth”.

A devoted vinyl digger whose grandmother gifted him a stack of Stax and Motown 45s as a teenager, Ngonda remains deeply rooted in the sound and spirit of classic soul. “I listen almost exclusively to music from the ’60s — the ’50s, the ’40s — pretty much nothing past about 1972,” he says. On stage, dressed in sharp 1950s tailoring and moving with effortless poise, he channels the charisma of a golden-era leading man — a Marvin Gaye for the Discogs generation.

Ngonda will take ‘Doctrine of Love’ on the road throughout 2026, with an extensive run of headline dates and major festival appearances across Australia, the UK, and Europe.
 

'Doctrine of Love' Tracklisting

1. Anyone In Love
2. Doctrine Of Love
3. Mr. Train Conductor
4. Burning Temptation
5. Love Is Gone
6. I Can’t Ever Leave You
7. Hannah, What’s the Matter?
8. Good Good Love
9. Hang It On The Shelf
10. Taken Out Of The Picture

Pre-save 'Doctrine of Love' and listen to "Doctrine of Love" here

About Jalen Ngonda

Jalen Ngonda is a once-in-a-generation soul artist whose music bridges the golden age of Motown with the urgency of the present day. Born and raised in Maryland, just outside Washington D.C., his journey began at 11 years old when hearing The Temptations on the radio “blew my mind”. From that moment on, he immersed himself in the sound of classic soul.

Self-taught on guitar, drums, and keys, Ngonda first cut his teeth playing drums in church before refining his craft at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). After busking across London and steadily building his reputation as a captivating live performer, he signed to Daptone Records in 2022 — joining a roster that includes Thee Sacred Souls, The Womack Sisters, and Lee Fields — and released his acclaimed debut album, 'Come Around and Love Me', the following year.

The album introduced the world to Ngonda’s remarkable falsetto and timeless songwriting, sparking a rapid ascent. In 2023, he made his U.S. television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, alongside appearances on Later… with Jools Holland and The Graham Norton Show. His breakout single “If You Don’t Want My Love” has since surpassed 253 million streams, while multiple releases earned A-list rotation on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, and Jazz FM.

Ngonda’s rise has been just as powerful on stage. From intimate shows at London’s 300-capacity Moth Club to commanding the 5,000-plus Hammersmith Apollo, he has proven that authentic soul still resonates deeply with modern audiences. He has opened for Thee Sacred Souls, Freddie Gibbs, and Olivia Dean across the U.S. and Europe, sold out headline club dates worldwide, and delivered standout performances at festivals including Glastonbury and We Out Here. Collaborations with Jordan Rakei and Gorillaz — who featured Ngonda on their album 'The Ballad of Darren' — have further cemented his status as one of contemporary music’s most compelling voices.

Now, with his sophomore album 'Doctrine of Love', Ngonda deepens his artistic vision. Steeped in history but never confined by it, the record is the sound of an artist absorbing decades of influence — from soul and gospel to rock and folk — and reshaping them into something distinctly his own. Every drum break, string swell, and falsetto run feels lovingly crafted yet vibrantly alive.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that every day of my life I wish I would wake up in 1964 in Detroit recording with the Funk Brothers,” Ngonda says. “But that’s not my life. What I can do is express my fascination with that sound and period and just be an artist. The doctrine of love holds that every thought and action should be guided first by compassion for others, because love is the highest measure of human worth”.

With 'Doctrine of Love', Jalen Ngonda continues to honor soul music’s legacy while carrying it forward — a modern renaissance soul man with one foot in 1964 and the other firmly in the future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS

FOLLOW JALEN NGONDA

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All Of The Noise 2026 expands to 3 days, amplifying Filipino and Asian Music on the global stage

Live performances, documentary premieres, networking sessions, and industry talks converge in TRIN’s most expansive edition yet.

The Rest Is Noise (TRIN), a music curation and events production outfit based in the Philippines, returns with the fourth edition of All Of The Noise 2026. The showcase and conference event will take place in three venues across Metro Manila: Astbury Makati (April 17 and 19), Sari-Sari in Makati City (April 17 and 19), and 123 Block in Mandaluyong City (April 18).

This year’s edition will feature dynamic, multi-format music programming centered on community building, cross-cultural collaboration, and visibility, positioning Filipino and Asian music as vital forces within the global creative economy.

“This year’s programming is more expansive than ever, growing from two days to three, with each day offering a different entry point into the experience and live music happening throughout,” shares Mary Christine Galang, co-founder and creative director of The Rest Is Noise PH. “We’re welcoming more than 20 artists this year, including Filipino artists from across the country as well as international acts from across Asia-Pacific.”

Originally conceived as a year-end, midsized music festival, the fourth iteration of All Of The Noise 2026 brings together live performances, talks and panel discussions, documentary screenings, a music market, networking, and private studio sessions into one shared experience.

“We want people to come in not only to discover artists, but to engage with the ideas, conversations, and communities that shape the music around them,” Galang adds. “That has always been at the core of what we do at TRIN.”

Live music programming

The live music showcase will run in multiple venues across three dates, with highly anticipated performances featuring New Zealand’s Phoebe Rings, Indonesia’s Grrrl Gang, Arash Buana, and Gavendri, Singapore’s Shye and Pines, and Taiwan’s Heng Jones.

Other performers include BP Valenzuela, Fitterkarma, SOS, Ourselves the Elves, Elijah Canlas, DJ Love (Davao), VVINK, Playertwo, fern, August Wahh, School Girl Classic(Cebu), Delinquent Society (Davao), Alyson, Novocrane, Amateurish (Baguio), Carousel Casualties, Magiliw Street,and kyleaux.

Music Conference

All Of The Noise 2026 announces the return of its flagship conference program, Cut Through The Noise. Designed to address the evolving needs of the local and regional music sectors, the program will feature panel discussions and keynote presentations addressing the most pressing trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s music ecosystem.

Each panel will have a moderator and resource speakers who will discuss each respective topic, providing insights and expert opinions. From market development and cross-border collaboration to innovation, policy, and audience growth, Cut Through The Noise aims to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and networks necessary to navigate an increasingly competitive global landscape. Panelists and speakers will be announced in the coming days.

The topics include:

·   ​Inside a Thriving Regional Scene: What the music community in Baguio City tells us about decentralization, crossover, and cultural sustainability

·   ​Curating Across Cultures: Programming music festivals in Asia’s diverse markets

·   ​Dissecting Diary Ng Panget soundtrack: A poptimist’s dream

·   ​Indie Cred vs. Commercial Pressure: how labels grow without losing trust, taste, and cultural capital

·   ​Unlocking the potential of Southeast Asia: findings, insights, and discussions in the world’s next music powerhouse

Music-themed Documentary Screenings

This year, All Of The Noise 2026 will feature local and international music documentaries that intersect music, movements, culture, and politics through its Echoes of the Noise program. This year’s film selection includes the international premiere of Alulu Kuo’s Elephant Gym: More Real Than Dreams, which captures the band’s journey as they faced a potential breakup before a world tour and explored their unique musical world. The Philippine screening will also include a talkback with Elephant Gym’s very own Tell Chang.

Other music documentaries that will be screened include Nolan Bernardino’s Rosas: The Song. The Journey, which became an anthem of hope during the national elections in 2022; and Frazier de Mesa’s This is Hannah+Gabi, which explores the beloved band’s thoughts and process in music-making and performing from the perspective of the filmmaker.

Culture and Community

“Beyond the performances, we’re especially proud of this year’s curation of documentary films, cultural discussions, and community-driven moments that create space for deeper exchange,” Galang explains. “AOTN 2026 is about presenting independent music as something immersive, thoughtful, and deeply connected to culture and community. It’s also about underscoring the Philippines as an important music market—both in the way we understand ourselves and in the way we connect to the rest of the world.

All Of The Noise 2026 is also supported by its international and local music partners ONErpm, Symphonic Distribution, Astbury, 123 Block, Sari-Sari, Nyou Consultancy, and Guevarra’s.

Ticket Details

Tickets are available via allofthenoise2026.helixpay.ph with the following packages:

PHP 999 - 3-day pass: (access to Days 1, 2 & 3), inclusive of all programs

PHP 400 – Day 1 (access to April 17 program – Friday), inclusive of all programs

PHP 700 – Day 2 (access to April 18 program – Saturday), inclusive of all programs

PHP 400 – Day 3 (access to April 19 program – Sunday), inclusive of all programs

About The Rest Is Noise PH

The Rest Is Noise PH (TRIN) is a music curator, events production, and online publication based in Manila, Philippines.

Founded in 2015, TRIN has curated and produced more than 30 live music events, including Summer Noise and All Of The Noise music festivals, which featured critically acclaimed and up-and-coming homegrown and international musicians, primarily dedicated to showcasing Asian and Asian diaspora music artists, such as Japanese Breakfast, Phum Viphurit, Elephant Gym, Turnover, Deafheaven, Last Dinosaurs, Up Dharma Down, Sandwich, and more.

In 2020, TRIN co-founded AXEAN Festival (formerly ASEAN Music Showcase Festival), a first-of-its-kind traveling regional showcase festival that aims to put the spotlight on music artists and communities from Southeast Asia—rooted in music discovery, community-based networking, and music industry education—by incorporating structured, artist- and community-centric initiatives including music conference, industry matchmaking/speed meetings, and songwriting camp, resulting to meaningful career opportunities (such as music export) and creative, cultural exchanges.

TRIN’s co-founders have worked with global music partners, including Warner Music Asia, Sony Music Philippines, SXSW, HipHopDX Asia, and programmed, collaborated with, and

participated at numerous music showcase festivals in the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, Finland, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India.

 Source: Nyou

Skye Newman continues her ascent with bold new single ‘Walk’

LISTEN HERE / ARTWORK HERE / PRESS SHOT

27th February 2026 – Today, South London singer-songwriter Skye Newman returns with her new single ‘Walk’, a sharp and defiant release that captures her at her most direct and unfiltered.

The track unfolds as a lyrical confrontation as it documents a moment every listener can relate to - where patience runs out and self-preservation takes over. Skye’s delivery is typically controlled but cutting - pairing emotional clarity with dark humour. It is a song about recognising emotional damage for what it is and choosing to step away rather than absorb it.

Written by Skye Newman alongside long-time collaborators Boo and Luis Navidad, and marking her first collaboration with Chrissi, ‘Walk’ continues Skye’s reputation for turning lived experience into sharply observed songwriting. The production remains restrained, allowing the lyrics to carry the weight and leaving nowhere for the narrative to soften.

Lyrically, ‘Walk’ traces the imbalance of a relationship in vivid detail. Skye captures frustration, humiliation and emotional exhaustion with a bluntness that feels conversational and typically honest. Lines are delivered without embellishment as she documents defending someone at her own expense, chasing loyalty that is never returned and finally drawing a clear boundary. The repeated image of walking becomes both literal and symbolic - a final act of reclaiming control.

Speaking on the release, Skye explains, “Walk is about taking back your power when a relationship is no longer serving you, putting your heels on and walking away.”

The release arrives as Skye Newman wraps a short stint in the US performing shows in NYC and Los Angeles, and continues a remarkable ascent. She is the winner of BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026, a two-time BRIT Awards nominee for Song of the Year and Breakthrough Artist and a MOBO Awards nominee for Best Newcomer. Her catalogue has now surpassed 196 million global streams, with Skye ranking as the number 13 biggest streaming British female solo artist in the UK in 2025 and number 71 worldwide. She is also the only UK female artist in the past decade to have three debut singles reach the Top 20.

Recent releases have cemented her impact on both charts and culture. ‘Family Matters’ peaked at number five, spent seven weeks in the Top 10 and is certified Gold, while ‘Hairdresser’ reached number 15 and remained on the chart for 14 weeks, also achieving Gold status. Skye has amassed over 1.5 billion short-form video views, supported Lewis Capaldi across the UK and Ireland, appeared on stage with Ed Sheeran in Ipswich and joined Sienna Spiro on her EU tour. In December of this year, Skye Newman will head to Sydney, Australia to open for Harry Styles on his Together Together tour.

Beyond music, Skye has been recognised by British Vogue as one of 8 Artists to Watch in 2026 and named by ELLE UK as One to Watch for 2026. Last year, Skye also brought Maya Jama out of radio retirement for a one-off broadcast on Rinse FM, resulting in a conversation that deeply resonated with fans.

With her upcoming ‘The Woman I Am’ Tour selling out in minutes, ‘Walk’ is a defining next step. Uncompromising, self-assured and emotionally fearless - it marks another clear statement from one of the UK’s most compelling new voices.

‘Walk’ is out now on all major platforms.

Skye Newman on socials:

Instagram / TikTok

Source: Nyou  

Mitski’s New Album, Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Is Out Today via Dead Oceans

Watch the Video for “If I Leave”

Global Performances Kick Off Next Week

Playing Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ on Saturday

Plus Tansy House Exhibit Announced for The Shed in NYC

Photo Credit - Lexie Alley

“The best songwriter of her generation.” — The Guardian*****

“As a songwriter, Mitski harnesses resignation like no one else . . . But her most powerful moments often come when she lets us accompany her far past her breaking point."

— Pitchfork

“[Mitski] continues to blaze her own curious and captivating trail.” — Record Collector ****

“Nothing’s About to Happen to Me is a gutsy new record that returns to her roots with guitar-forward songs that center her candid lyrics.” — Bandcamp

Mitski releases her eighth studio album, Nothing's About to Happen to Me, today via Dead Oceans, and the video for album standout, “If I Leave.” Following “I’ll Change For You,” her “bossa nova-infused tune of desperation” (The Needle Drop), Mitski now presents a tale of conflict and reluctance with “If I Leave.” Displaying her “peerless ability to sound refined and overwhelmed all at once,” (Stereogum) she sings: “If I leave // Somebody else will find you // But nobody else could see me // Quite as clearly as you.”

“If I Leave” by Emily Flake

The “If I Leave” video, directed by Jared Hogan, is at once stunning, unsettling, and darkly funny. Set in a house breathing with menace and history, each room carries its own traces of the lives and eerie moments it once contained. Mitski and members of her band perform within these spooky spaces with calm indifference, their straight forward presence grounding us even as the rooms around them bristle with unease. The house is the true character here; Mitski and her music are the throughline tying its eras and horrors together.

Watch the Video for “If I Leave”

“If I Leave” Video Still

Mitski wrote all of the songs and performed all of the vocals on Nothing’s About to Happen to Me. Produced and engineered by Patrick Hyland and mastered by Bob Weston, the album continues the musical through line established with 2023’s The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, and features live instrumentation by The Land touring band and ensemble arrangements. The orchestra was recorded at Sunset Sound and TTG Studios, arranged and conducted by Drew Erickson, engineered by Michael Harris.

Mitski will present Nothing’s About to Happen to Me in select cities around the world with residencies in select major cities: six nights at The Shed in New York City (plus a separateTansy House Installation), five nights at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, and four nights at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney. Additional stops include Mexico City,Istanbul, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, London, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Tickets are now available here with many dates already sold out.

In addition to the Mitski performances, The Shed will be hosting a Tansy House Exhibit from Friday, February 27th throughout the run of shows. The Tansy House Exhibit offers fans a chance to explore the rich visual world of Nothing’s About to Happen to Me with a house outlined in fabric that reveals itself one room at a time. Fans will be invited to step inside an environment where lived-in vignettes and subtle stories unfold. From hints of Victorian charm to subtle kitschy mess tucked into its corners, each space reflects the album’s spiritual home, The Tansy House.  More information on the exhibit is available here.

Listen to/Purchase Nothing’s About to Happen to Me

Watch Mitski Perform I’ll Change For You” on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Watch the Video for “I’ll Change for You”

Watch the Video for “Where’s My Phone?”

Mitski Presents Nothing’s About to Happen to Me:

Sat. Feb. 28 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

Mon. March 2 – New York, NY @ The Shed #  [SOLD OUT]

Tue. March 3 – New York, NY @ The Shed #

Wed. March 4 – New York, NY @ The Shed #

Fri. March 6 – New York, NY @ The Shed *  [SOLD OUT]

Sat. March 7 – New York, NY @ The Shed *  [SOLD OUT]

Mon. March 9 – New York, NY @ The Shed *

Mon. March 23 – Mexico City, MX @ Auditorio Nacional $

Mon. March 30 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood High ^  [SOLD OUT]

Tue. March 31 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood High ^  [SOLD OUT]

Thu. April 2 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood High ^  [SOLD OUT]

Fri. April 3 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood High ^  [SOLD OUT]

Sat. April 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood High ^  [SOLD OUT]

Sat. May 2 – Istanbul, TR @ Kucukciftlik Park ⇗

Tue. May 5 – Paris, FR @ Zenith Paris - La Villette %

Wed. May 6 – Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live !

Thu. May 7 – Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live !

Sat. May 9 – Brussels, BE @ Forest National +

Thu. May 21 – London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall +  [SOLD OUT]

Fri. May 29 – Sydney, AU @ Sydney Opera House [SOLD OUT]

Sat. May 30 – Sydney, AU @ Sydney Opera House  [SOLD OUT]

Sun. May 31 – Sydney, AU @ Sydney Opera House  [SOLD OUT]

Mon. June 1 – Sydney, AU @ Sydney Opera House

Tue. July 14 – Manila, PH @ Mall of Asia Arena ~

Thu. July 16 – Bangkok, TH @ UOB Live ~

Sat. July 18 – Jakarta, ID @ Tennis Indoor Senayan ~

Mon. July 20 - Kuala Lumpur, MY @ Zepp KL ~

Tue. July 21 – Singapore, SG @ The Star Theatre ~

Sun. July 26 - Niigata Prefecture, JP @ Fuji Rock Festival

# = w/ special guest Sex Week

* = w/ special guest Gustaf

$ = w/ special guest La Zorra Zapata

^ = w/ special guest Haley Heynderickx

⇗ = w/ special guest Canozan

% = w/ special guest Maria Somerville

! = w/ special guest Tarta Relena

+ = w/ special guest Gwenifer Raymond

~ = an evening with

More Praise for Mitski and Nothing’s About to Happen to Me

“[A] thundering, theatrical single.” — New York Times on “Where’s My Phone?”

“An indie-rock anthem” — Billboard on “Where’s My Phone?”

“A gorgeous, orchestral ballad.” — Brooklyn Vegan on “I’ll Change For You”

“Mitksi takes us firmly back to good old Rock and Roll. It’s a genre that particularly suits her uniquely visceral lyricism and heightened emotional range.”  — FADER

“Mitski meets the moment perfectly on [‘Where’s My Phone?’].” — NYLON

"The new material is shining right alongside the old classics.” — Stereogum

“Glamorous, fuzzy rock” — Consequence

“[Mitski’s] music [is] powerful, relatable and necessary.” - Michigan Daily

Download Cover Art & Hi-Res Images of Mitski

Nothing’s About to Happen to Me Cover Artwork | Painting by Marc Burkhardt

Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

For more information, contact:

Mark Bonifacio | blackstar PH –

mabuhay@blackstar.space

Abramorama acquires Eraserheads: Combo On The Run in historic first for Philippine music docs, ahead of official SXSW 2026 event

The distribution giant’s first Philippine documentary will screen in multiple cinemas across US and Canada on April 24, 2026

In a historic first, Abramorama has acquired the theatrical rights to screen Eraserheads: Combo On The Run in North America, marking the distributor’s first Philippine documentary.

Following a strong festival run abroad, the docu film joins Abramorama’s slate of prestige music film titles, including The Beatles: Eight Days (Ron Howard), The Sparks Brothers (Edgar Wright), and Radiohead’s Meeting People Is Easy(Grant Gee).

The acquisition will be marked by an official event at SXSW 2026 next month to celebrate its forthcoming theatrical release in Canada and the United States.

Directed and produced by Maria Diane Ventura, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run tells the story of the Philippines’ most influential band, tracing their meteoric rise from their formation in UP Diliman to becoming a defining voice of a generation, their painful breakup, and their eventual resurgence years later.

Set against the backdrop of the Philippines’ shifting socio-political landscape, the film situates the band’s journey within a country grappling with deep political polarization, reflecting how their music and story became intertwined with the nation’s cultural memory.

Blending intimate interviews, never-before-seen archival footage, and unfiltered behind the scenes access, the film explores fame, fracture, growth, legacy, and the enduring bond between the band and generations shaped by their music.

“I’m incredibly excited about this partnership with Abramorama,” said director and producer Maria Diane Ventura. “They are the perfect home for this film, not just because of their legacy in music documentaries, but because they understand stories that resonate on a deeper cultural level. While the film is rooted in the Eraserheads’ music, it ultimately speaks to division, reconciliation, and healing during a turbulent political moment. Those themes feel especially relevant today, not only for Filipinos, but for audiences everywhere.”

Ventura adds, “It’s also deeply important to me that this film helps reintroduce the band and their music to a new generation, and that it creates space for Filipino stories, nuance, and complexity to be seen with greater depth. Filipinos are part of so many communities around the world, and I hope this film allows people to see us more fully, while also reminding audiences more broadly how powerful it is to feel seen in culture. When people recognize themselves in a story, it creates empathy, connection, and a sense of shared humanity across communities. Ultimately, this film is about how stories and music can bring us closer to one another, even across divides and differences.”

The film has already marked several key milestones, including becoming the first Filipino music documentary to receive the widest theatrical release in the Philippines through Warner Bros., and the first Filipino film to be featured and screened at San Diego Comic-Con.

It has also been recognized on the global festival circuit, winning Best International Documentary at the Ierapetra International Feature Documentary Festival in Greece, and screening as part of the official Spotlight on the Philippines program at the 44th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival, as well as Doc Berlin and the Liverpool Film Festival.

For updates, announcements, and ticket information, visit eraserheadsfilm.com

Trailer: 

https://youtu.be/HlAt0p2kQbM?si=cVCbqXSj-mMRnhnF

Source: Nyou

Filipino-Japanese artist ena mori hardens the edges on her 2026 EP, Ore

Sharper in tone and stronger in stance, Ore transforms cultural memory and adulthood into abrasive pop anthems

In 2025, ena mori reaffirmed her position as one of the most compelling creative forces in Asian pop music. The avant-pop shapeshifter greeted the year with high-profile festival appearances, brand deals, and a growing international listenership, culminating in the release of her six-track EP rOe. Informed by restraint and emotional fragility, rOe showcased ena mori’s ability to translate vulnerability into a riveting pop fantasia. As expected, the EP earned universal praise from critics and fans, landing on several year-end lists across the globe.

Today, February 27, 2026, ena mori completes that orbit with Ore, a six-track companion piece that both mirrors and resists its predecessor. Originally conceived alongside rOe as part of a single body of work before unraveling themselves as fraternal counterparts, the two projects diverge in tone and intent, with the latter retaining emotional nuance while foregrounding sharper textures and stronger assertions.

“As I worked on new songs, I started to feel it would be a better representation if I separated them into two,” the Heartbreak Generation singer-songwriter reveals. “With Ore, I wanted this record to have an edge—a rough texture in its feel—while still sharing the soft and delicate feeling of rOe. Ore is kind of like a bigger sister to rOe: more direct and opinionated, rougher and grittier in appearance, and not afraid to speak her mind.”

Conceptually, Ore traces ena’s passage into adulthood, confronting emotions she once avoided and approaching them with greater clarity and resolve. The EP reflects on independence, uncertainty, and the process of defining oneself outside inherent expectations. In shaping chaos into form, the acclaimed indie pop star found herself quietly repairing—healing to an extent.

As a Filipina-Japanese straddling cultures, ena locates Orewithin a deeply personal geography. Cultural identity remains central to the record, so intact and specific, it cuts through the fiber of every track in the EP.

“As I listen back to the record, I realize that it captures a very Asian experience,” ena recounts. “Growing up in an Asian household, surrounded by its values, taboos, societal pressures, and hidden passions, has shaped the way I perceive the world. Navigating my twenties between two cultures—sometimes similar, sometimes polar opposites, braided together.” The EP carries the ambient imprints of her life as is: rainstorms, rice cooker chimes, arcade noise, hot wind against a truck horn.

Produced in close collaboration with Tim Marquez, Oreemphasizes abrasive, disjointed soundscapes over the fluid softness that defined rOe. The project was mixed by Sam Marquez and mastered by Emil Dela Rosa, whose finishing touches preserve both its sharpness and its air.

“Tim and I gravitated toward sounds with humps and bumps—textures that feel tactile in an auditory way. Some might even find them unpleasant or irritating. But that friction felt honest.”

Across its six tracks, Ore balances dance-oriented momentum with reflective lyricism. The arrangements are lean but deliberate, allowing percussive elements and synth lines to carry emotional weight without overwhelming the vocal center. It’s club music without the need to feel escapist: to be specific, it’s music for dimly lit rooms, for underground spaces where self-discovery feels more communal than solitary.

The focus track “19 Underground” anchors the EP’s narrative. Written from the vantage point of a nineteen-year-old teenager trying to figure things out on her own, the song captures her artistic and personal awakening, but most of all, the year when she finally found her tribe. Ena adds,“I chose it as a focus track because it carries that belief: that nothing is born from a single soul. Music is communal, even when you write it alone. We inspire each other, we bruise each other, we love each other. That friction, is the great human exchange.”

Tracklist - Ore

1. Funny

2. Insomnia

3. Ore

4. 19 Underground (FOCUS TRACK)

5. La Loba

6. Pomegranates

ena mori’s Ore is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou

2X Grammy-Winning Artist Laufey Announces Deluxe Edition of Grammy-Winning Album 'A Matter Of Time: The Final Hour' Out April 10 + New Song "How I Get" Out Now

PRE-SAVE HERE

FEATURING NEW SONG
"HOW I GET"
OUT NOW

Photo Credit: Emma Craft

“…her singular spot in modern music makes 'A Matter of Time' so triumphant: her latest full-length sounds unstuck from sonic or storytelling expectations, and thus, Laufey once again surpasses them” – Billboard

February 26th, 2026 – 2X GRAMMY®-winning, LA-based Icelandic-Chinese artist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Laufey has announced 'A Matter of Time: The Final Hour', the deluxe edition of her GRAMMY®-winning album 'A Matter of Time'. The expanded project will be released on April 10via AWAL/Vingolf Recordings and features four additional tracks, including the new single “How I Get”, which is out now. Fans can presave the album here and stream the new track here. 

“"How I Get" is about the contrast between being disciplined, grounded and in control in every area of my life, except when it comes to one person,” says Laufey. “It explores that unsettling shift where I suddenly find myself chasing the rush and justifying behavior I swore I’d never fall into, because with them, that’s just how I get”.

Produced alongside longtime collaborator Spencer Stewart and GRAMMY®-winning artist Aaron Dessner (Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran), ‘A Matter of Time: The Final Hour’ captures Laufey’s emotional renaissance as she embraces the anxieties and vulnerability that accompany experiencing “real love” in its many forms. The deluxe edition will feature the album’s fifteen original tracks plus four previously unreleased songs.

Laufey - "How I Get" (Official Lyric Video With Chords)

Earlier this month, Laufey took home Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for ‘A Matter of Time’ at the 68th GRAMMY® Awards. The win is her second in the category, following a statue for ‘Bewitched’ at the 2024 awards which made her the youngest artist to win the honor. ‘A Matter of Time’ was released to widespread critical acclaim in August, debuting at #4 on the Billboard 200 chart and #1 on the Jazz Albums chart (where it continues to hold a spot in the top 10). In January, Laufey was presented with Icelandic knighthood, the prestigious Order of the Falcon, by President Halla Tómasdóttir.

The deluxe album continues to add to a landmark year for Laufey, who is currently on tour throughout the U.K. and Europe with dates already sold out at various locations. 

Laufey’s first children’s book, 'Mei Mei The Bunny', is set for release on April 21 via Penguin Random House and a live album, ‘A Matter of Time: Live at Madison Square Garden’, is set for release April 18for Record Store Day. 
 

Pre-save 'A Matter of Time: The Final Hour' here
Listen to "How I Get" here

About Laufey

Laufey (pronounced lay-vay) has captivated a generation with virtuosic songs of love and self-discovery by manifesting her vision of jazz- and classical-infused pop music. Raised between Reykjavik and Washington, D.C., she learned piano and cello as a child, later studying at Berklee College of Music. There, she wrote her debut EP, 2021’s 'Typical of Me', whose striking single “Street by Street” debuted at No. 1 on Icelandic radio—the first of many achievements that have grown to include nearly 7 billion global streams, a social media audience of 25 million, the biggest jazz LP debut in Spotify history, a growing pile of Platinum plaques, a Forbes 30 Under 30 designation and being named one of TIME’s 2025 Women of the Year. She’s sold out the Hollywood Bowl, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Crypto.comArena and London’s Royal Albert Hall; performed backed by the LA Phil, the National Symphony Orchestra and the China Philharmonic Orchestra; shared the stage with the likes of Noah Kahan, Hozier, Jon Batiste and Raye; and collaborated on records with artists including Barbra Streisand, Role Model, Beabadoobee and Norah Jones. 

Following her sold-out shows across Asia last year—including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, and Taipei—Laufey continues to make waves in the region, further cementing her status as a global sensation. She continues to see strong streaming numbers in the region, with the 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇮🇩 Indonesia and 🇲🇾 Malaysia among her top 10 global streaming markets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS | AWAL

FOLLOW LAUFEY

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TikTok

Facebook

Website

Barq turns grind into power on new single “TUMATAK”

The rising rapper delivers a heavy-hitting anthem about risk, resilience, and building a legacy that lasts

Barq, the rap moniker of Arkin Magalona, delivers another knockout punch with the release of his latest single, “TUMATAK,” under Sony Music Entertainment. The heavy-hitting track chronicles his journey as a young artist who honored the grind with the determination to make it in the industry.

“It’s all about leaving your mark on the world,” shares the rookie hip-hop act. “No matter what you’re doing in life, you should always aim to create something that lasts, something worth remembering. It’s a reminder that impact isn’t just about fame or status; it’s about legacy.”

Propelled by thunderous production and razor-sharp lyricism, “TUMATAK” is an inspiring jam that shows a more reflective, intimate side of Arkin. It debunks some pre-conceived notions about his principles and way of life, while also unlocking his potential as a storyteller.

Raised among figures who overcame adversity to reach remarkable heights, Barq speaks directly to the relentless dreamers who had to endure doubt, pressure, and expectations their entire lives but managed to be committed to their professional and life goals without the need for shortcuts.

“I wrote the track from a very personal place,” he shares. “It reflects where I am right now: not just as an artist, but as a person.”

The song was recorded at Doppla Studio and produced by longtime collaborator Denz A.K.A D. Vaughn, who helmed the track’s commanding sonic template. Inspired in part by the energy of “Gold On My Teeth” by ClicKlak and Isaiah Falls, the production blends booming beats with textured samples, including a vocal element from BARQ’s previous collaboration “Career High,” featuring Manila-based creative Migswell.

“It’s the same Barq, but a different bite,” the youngest son of the late Francis Magalona admits. “I’m like a fusion restaurant serving multiple flavors: it’s up to you to pick from the current or old selections which food you would choose to try out.”

Barq adds, “Every time you release something with your name and your truth on it, that’s a risk. You’re putting your heart out there for people to judge. But growth requires risk. Legacy requires risk.”

Barq’s “TUMATAK” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

From Davao to the World: Hara drops pre-debut single “My Love”

The rising P-Pop group makes a confident first impression with a bop about girlhood and self-worth

Emerging as one of the most prominent P-Pop exports from Davao City, Hara is steadily gaining attention for their commanding stage presence and undeniable charisma. The six-member girl group, whose name is derived from a pre-colonial term that means “beauty” and “strength,” carries their identity with intention. They are currently managed by Unique Music Management, led by Paul Widger, best known for his work with Craig David.

“Being the first 100% homegrown P-pop group from Davao under Unique Music Management is something we’re really proud of,” shares the breakthrough P-Pop group. “They believed in our potential and helped guide us creatively while still allowing us to express stories and emotions. Their mentorship pushed us to aim for high quality in our performance, sound, and overall artistry.”

Hara recently secured a recording deal with Sony Music Entertainment, joining the label’s growing roster of P-Pop acts that includes SB19, KAIA, YARA. Marking their first team-up with the global music company, the Davao-based alphas unveiled the Eurohouse-flavored pop track “My Love” as their pre-debut single.

Buoyed by subtle piano chords and sophisticated grooves, “My Love” transports the listeners into clubland fantasia, where suave, confident vocals and magnetic dance-pop production create a mesmerizing sonic experience. The track was produced, mixed, and mastered by Pao Lofranco and Aldy, who worked closely with the group to bring their vision to life.

“The production and arrangement were carefully crafted to match the emotions of the lyrics,” Hara explains. “We worked closely with our producers and creative team to make sure the sound complemented the story of the song. From the instrumental to the vocal layers, everything was arranged to highlight vulnerability while still sounding polished and modern.”

According to the six-piece act, “My Love” was written as a nod to girlhood: a transitory but important phase in life where women experience loving deeply, feeling things intensely, and sometimes giving one’s heart to people who don’t deserve even a fraction of it. “The song talks about heartbreak but also about realizing your worth. It’s about women learning that not everyone is worthy of their love and that it’s okay to walk away. At the same time, we also wanted to show that women aren’t just victims of heartbreak: we’re strong, we make choices, and sometimes we’re the ones who choose ourselves first. The message we hope listeners take away is self-love, empowerment, and knowing your value.”

The track sets the tone for their creative direction: earnest, emotionally resonant, and unapologetically empowering. “These are the stories that we want to tell,” the members add. “We wanted our first song to connect with people emotionally and show that HARA is here to speak for girlhood, growth, and strength.”

HARA’s “My Love” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

Barbie Almalbis, Clara Benin, Janine Berdin, syd hartha, and more to headline GNN’s Lilet Fair this March 2026

From pop-rock icons to drag performers and industry trailblazers, the event champions women onstage and behind the scenes

syd hartha photo courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment; Janine Berdin’s photo care of Universal Music Group

Manila, Philippines – Despite women’s significant contributions to the entertainment industry, they continue to face significant challenges throughout history, from being at the receiving end of discrimination and harmful stereotypes to being overlooked for production roles or leadership positions. Apart from the lack of opportunities, they often experience pay inequity, harassment, and underrepresentation in major industry spaces, overlooking the power they hold as creative forces and culture shifters.

For the upcoming Women’s History Month, GNN celebrates women who have been at the forefront of community building and creative expression, opening new spaces, building opportunities for others, and using their platform to rally for meaningful changes within and outside the system.

“The number of women behind the scenes remains relatively low,” shares Marie Lara Pauline Bobier, GNN’s events director. “While the music community is generally welcoming and respectful toward women, there are still instances in which they are made to feel that they must continually prove their credibility and competence in the field. This celebration is not only about championing female practitioners in music and entertainment, but also about recognizing the female fans and pro-women advocates who actively support the local music scene.”

Enter Lilet Fair, a multi-format festival that features the outstanding and emerging talents in music, art, comedy, improvisation, and drag. The event’s name is derived from the iconic Lilith Fair, an all-female music festival organized by Sarah McLachlan in the ‘90s.

“Lilet Fair is a women-centered music and creative space that amplifies not just performers, but the women working behind the scenes who power the industry,” says Milley Habito, the production head of GNN. “By creating intentional platforms like this, we foster representation, mentorship, and real opportunities, proving that when women are centered, the entire music community thrives.”

Headlining Lilet Fair are some of the most prominent artists in the local music scene, including pop-rock powerhouse Barbie Almalbis, whose introspective songwriting and intricate guitar work influenced generations of Filipino singer-songwriters and bands. Also joining the bill are Clara Benin, syd hartha, Janine Berdin, August Wahh, Coeli, and Shanne Dandan.

Other artists in different disciplines are set to take the center stage, including A II Z, a comedy duo formed through their mutual love for improv comedy and music, and Lady Boses(Jeannie Lacay, Di Aaron and Khaye Asco), a group of all-female stand-up comedians who advocate for women to take up space in comedy, in the workplace, and in everything in general. M1SS Jade So and Inah Demons are set to complete the incredible roster of performers, representing drag.

Apart from show-stopping performances, the event is also packed with activities and booths run by women themselves: Drafts Gift Shop (flowers), FiliFerniana (live art photobooth), Maan Simbajon (tattoo), Putik Friends (ceramics), and more!

For its pre-event programming, GNN will host a panel discussion featuring women who are making significant contributions to the independent music scene behind the scenes: Alex Majam, co-owner of Jess & Pat's; Bel Certeza, label head at EMI Records Philippines; Katrina Romero, manager of Over October; Kris Rocha, founder and music photographer at Neon Oven; and Ziera De Veyra, head of Funky Beat Entertainment. The discussion is titled She Means Business: Women Paving The Way.

Lilet Fair will take place at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 3:00 PM onwards. Tickets are available online at PHP 800 for Early Bird and PHP 900 for Regular Admissions. Get your Early Bird tickets via https://liletfair2026.helixpay.ph/.

Source: Nyou

A fresh sound for 2026: Christian Bautista to release city pop-inspired anthem “Sa’yo Lamang”

The track pairs modern pop ballad with groove-driven polish

​​Celebrated as Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, Christian Bautistaembraces his signature romantic charm while exploring a fresh sonic direction—pairing nostalgic pop glow with a stylish, contemporary edge.

In “Sa’yo Lamang,” his new single under Sony Music Entertainment, Bautista embraces the romantic love song template with renewed confidence, pairing its feel-good energy with sophisticated production and city pop grooves. Imagine the neon glow of ‘80s Tokyo at twilight, yet the atmosphere feels distinctly Pinoy in its comforting glory. That’s how it sounds.

“Sa’yo Lamang captures exactly where I am musically and emotionally: fully committed, joyful, and ready to connect,” shares the award-winning OPM icon. “This year I’m all in. I want listeners to feel uplifted, have fun, and start the year with good energy.”

Produced by Ziv, the track benefits from its intentional marriage of global and local flavors, past and present sounds, and the insistence of not wanting to be easily defined or pinned down. From slick arrangements to meticulous production, Ziv’s instincts for groove—particularly in the drum pattern and basslines—anchor the track’s smooth, vintage edge while allowing Bautista’s vocals to shine and charm their way through the listeners.

Christian Bautista describes his collaboration with Ziv as a game-changing experience. “His attention to detail in sound design and vocal production elevated every element, while his clear vision and collaborative approach pushed us to take creative risks. The process was smooth and professional from start to finish, and his contributions shaped a final mix that truly exceeded our expectations.”

The vibrant personality of “Sa’yo Lamang” seamlessly translates into its upcoming music video, which incorporates smooth retro styling, warm neon tones, and playful choreography. Designed to be a joyful night out, the MV captures intimate singing moments, carefree dancing, and lilting city snapshots that somehow mirror the easygoing vibe of the track. “There’s also a small Easter egg hidden in the karaoke machine: make sure you look for that,” Bautista adds.

The music video is directed by Tristan Ortega and conceptualized in collaboration with the Sony Music Philippines team and Balcony Productions, with creative direction by Rico Blanco.

As Bautista steps into a new era, music fans can look forward to celebrating the moment live. He is set to share the stage with Mark Bautista for an exciting night of timeless hits and exciting new music. Dubbed “Bautista x Bautista,” the concert is set to take place on March 6, 2026, at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. Tickets are available via ticketnet.com.ph.

Bautista is managed by NYMA Management. 

Christian Bautista’s “Sa’yo Lamang” will be out on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The music video will be released on the same day, at 6:00 PM.

Source: Nyou

Multi-platinum Global Superstar Hilary Duff Highly Anticipated Sixth Studio Album 'luck... or something" + New Song "Weather For Tennis" Out Now

LISTEN HERE

WITH NEW SONG "WEATHER FOR TENNIS" OUT NOW

Photo Credit: Alfred Marroquin

“a cohesive, no-skips record that offers an update on Duff’s life, including honest looks at motherhood, marriage, and the passing of time… a pop record that holds very little back, offering a realistic, at times unglamorous portrait that is highly relatable”
– ROLLING STONE

“The sense you get listening to ‘luck… or something’ is that Duff is firmly in the driver’s seat”
– GLAMOUR

February 23, 2026 — Philippines – Multiplatinum global superstar Hilary Duff has officially released her highly anticipated sixth studio album, ‘luck… or something’, accompanied by its opening track, “Weather For Tennis”. Fans can stream the album here and watch the music video here. 

Co-written by Hilary and produced by her husband, GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter/producer Matthew Koma (Britney Spears, P!nk), and Brian Phillips (Alec Benjamin, blink-182), the 11-track collection features previously released singles, “Mature” and “Roommates”. 

"There’s that question of whether women can have it all, and through this process I learned I had to sacrifice some things in order to put the record first,” shares Hilary. “As hard as that is, I still believe it’s okay to choose yourself sometimes and do what scares the hell out of you. Carving out the time to make an album after all these years was incredibly powerful for me, and now I can’t wait to share it with the world".

Hilary Duff - "Weather For Tennis" (Official Video)

Pulled between the chaos and clarity of motherhood, marriage, and finding herself in her 30s, Duff dreamed up a batch of songs that uncover the secret corners of her inner world: her hidden longings and quiet insecurities, intrusive thoughts and deepest obsessions. In a bold evolution of her artistry, she crafted every track with equal parts sensitivity, self-awareness, and wildly charming wit.

‘luck… or something’ was heralded by its first single, “Mature”. Hailed by VOGUE for “pushing Duff’s sound in new directions while still feeling quintessentially Hilary,”  the sardonic, shimmering track – which quickly earned over 5M global streams in its first week of release – arrived as a piece of autofiction inspired by romantic misadventures in her formative years. Set against bright pop production and layered with Duff’s signature wit and vulnerability, “Mature” is accompanied by an evocative music video directed by Lauren Dunn (Olivia Rodrigo, Dove Cameron, Saweetie), which has garnered nearly 4M views via YouTube. 

Currently supported by major radio stations, the album’s second single, “Roommates”, was met with high-profile praise from outlets including Billboard, V Magazine, and Rolling Stone, the latter of which declared it “10 OUT OF 10…one of her best songs”. “Roommates” is accompanied by an official music video directed by Matty Peacock (Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande) and currently boasting over 2M views on YouTube.

Duff will celebrate ‘luck… or something’ with “the lucky me tour”, her first full-scale global headline run in almost two decades. Spanning seven countries, with dates across the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. For complete details and ticket information, please visit the official website here.

Hilary’s landmark 2026 kicked off last month with her “Small Rooms, Big Nerves” dates, an instantly SOLD-OUT global run of very special live shows marking her first headline concert appearances in over a decade.

“I constantly get asked how I still have my head on straight after growing up in this industry,” says Hilary. “The album title is my way of answering that question, which felt right for a record that’s about where I’ve landed and all the things I’ve been through along the way”.

'luck...or something' Tracklisting

1. Weather For Tennis
2. Roommates
3. We Don’t Talk
4. Future Tripping
5. Growing Up
6. The Optimist
7. You, From The Honeymoon
8. Holiday Party
9. Mature
10. Tell Me That Won’t Happen
11. Adult Size Medium

Listen to 'luck...or something' here
Watch the music video for "Weather For Tennis" here
More info on "the lucky me tour" here

About Hilary Duff

One of the defining stars of her generation, multiplatinum global icon Hilary Duff is returning to the pop world with her boldest and most self-assured project yet. After rising to fame as the titular star of the Disney Channel blockbuster, 'Lizzie McGuire', Duff first kicked off her music career with 2003’s 4X platinum 'Metamorphosis' (featuring the Top 40-charting “So Yesterday” and “Come Clean”), then released her platinum-selling 2004 self-titled LP and 2007 autobiographical dance-pop collection 'Dignity'. With those three albums alone selling a collective 15 million copies worldwide, she also established herself as a producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and New York Times-bestselling author, all while continuing to deliver standout performances in TV and film, including her award-nominated turn on Darren Star’s 'Younger'.

Recently signed to Atlantic Records, Duff is now launching a thrilling new chapter and sharing her first new music since 2015’s "Breathe In. Breathe Out." (a No. 5 debut on the Billboard 200, made with an extensive lineup of producers/co-writers including Tove Lo and Ed Sheeran). 

With over 32.3M+ social media following, 🇵🇭 the Philippines is at #3 on her top 10 audience across platforms! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
 SECRET SIGNALS |  ATLANTIC RECORDS

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Multiplatinum Recording Artist Bebe Rexha Releases "Cike Cike" + Announces New Album

LISTEN HERE

ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM 'DIRTY BLONDE' ARRIVING JUNE 12 

February 20th, 2026 – Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, and hitmaker Bebe Rexha releases “Çike Çike”, the second official single from her forthcoming album, ‘DIRTY BLONDE’. Fans can listen to the track here and pre-save the album here.

The new single follows last week’s album announcement, which arrived alongside the project’s first release, “I Like You Better Than Me”, and a first-of-its-kind supercut — a high-octane, 4-minute mashup that merges 13 of her upcoming singles and corresponding video elements into one adrenaline-packed release. Serving as the first official drop from her forthcoming album ‘DIRTY BLONDE’, the supercut offers a fast, chaotic, and enticing glimpse into Rexha’s boldest era yet and serves as a prelude to upcoming body of work. 

The supercut is the opening move into a first-of-its kind rollout, built on a digital first approach around the way fans actually discover music today — through engaging moments, social-first storytelling, and tailored trends. Designed to be attention-grabbing, highly interactive and endlessly shareable, the release invites fans to clip, remix, and reimagine the project across social media while teasing the full versions of the singles still to come.
 

Bebe Rexha - 'Dirty Blonde' [The Super Dirty Cut]

This new chapter also coincides with Rexha’s recent partnership with independent label EMPIRE, which has championed the creative freedom behind this boundary-pushing campaign. Free from traditional rollout limitations, Rexha is embracing a faster, more direct connection with her audience — delivering music in a format that feels immediate, disruptive, and entirely on her own terms.

“This next chapter is about creative freedom — trusting my instincts, trusting my voice, and finally doing things the way I’ve always wanted to. I’ve learned a lot, I’ve lived a lot, and I’m fully tuned into myself now. Following my gut has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career. This era is fearless, loud, and unapologetic — no filters, no limits. 'DIRTY BLONDE' is me owning exactly who I am”.

Stream '“Çike Çike” here
Pre-save 'DIRTY BLONDE' here
Watch the supercut here

About Bebe Rexha

Multi-Platinum global superstar Bebe Rexha is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and creative force whose powerhouse vocals and genre-blending sound have made her one of the most impactful artists of her generation. With billions of global streams and a catalog of chart-dominating hits, Rexha has earned acclaim for both her solo work and her collaborations across pop, dance, hip-hop, and country. Known for her fearless honesty, undeniable hooks, and bold creative vision, Rexha has written and recorded some of the most recognizable songs of the last decade, cementing her reputation as both a hitmaker and a boundary-pushing artist. From sold-out tours to major festival stages, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her dynamic performances and unapologetic artistry. For more information, visit: https://areudirty.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS | EMPIRE

FOLLOW BEBE REXHA

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SB19 turns frustration into fire with era-defining anthem “VISA”

The P-Pop trailblazers raise the stakes with a song that channels global ambition and systemic frustration into a rallying cry for change

SB19 marks a watershed moment in P-Pop with the release of “VISA,” their first official single of 2026 and the bold follow-up to the Simula At Wakas era. Delivering a more confident and uncompromising approach in artistic direction, SB19’s “VISA” tackles socially relevant themes that stand as both a prologue and a promise: an assertion that the new musical era will not only entertain, but also dare to challenge, provoke, and shake up comfort for conviction.

[LISTEN TO “VISA” HERE]

Their brand-new song confronts the lived realities of Filipinos striving to shift culture and build a life of security and stability for their families. It channels the frustrations of overseas Filipino workers, athletes, creatives, and professionals, who dedicate their hard work and talent to representing the Philippines, only to be met with systemic barriers that hinder their goal and recognition. Through piercing lyricism that confronts as it wounds, the five-piece powerhouse “calls out the invisible cages that restrict opportunities” on their brand-new track, emphasizing the irony of a people celebrated for their resilience yet burdened by bureaucratic inequities.

“This release will really define SB19’s sound, personality, and the way we present ourselves,” Stell admits. “We have always been known for being vocal, but this time it is even stronger. We are addressing sensitive and current topics that people can relate to, even if not everyone agrees with us. We are ready to face any reaction. This release is very powerful and a strong way to start the year and introduce this new era."

Inspired in part by real-world events and ongoing conversations around visa denials affecting Filipino talents, SB19’s latest single also serves as a commentary on access and privilege, on the disparity between global contribution and mobility. By centering these themes with a more defined perspective, SB19 transforms personal and collective frustrations into an anthem of awareness, and, to an extent, resistance.

“We were very affected by visa applications during our tour,” Pablo reveals. “SB19 has been active for seven years, and we hope that songs like these can reach officials and encourage laws that make it easier for athletes, artists, and others working overseas to access visas. This could include creative acts, producing content, or receiving rebates for spending related to the arts. This is not just an attempt to produce music, but to push Filipino culture forward. There is little support from the government, so it is important that our work can make an impact not only personally but also on a national level."

Josh echoes the familiar frustration, sharing parallels with the struggles of athletes who train and work hard to compete abroad and make Filipinos proud. "I have always had this dream during our tour, as someone who represents the Philippines all over the world. I have also seen the struggles of athletes when they represent the country. They give so much for the Philippines, but it often feels like the country does not give back. There needs to be a change."

Justin chimes in on the ongoing issue while highlighting the intentional messaging of the track. "We are highly skilled and hardworking, and we’ve significantly contributed to raising the morale of Filipinos abroad, as well as impacting the economy in positive ways. But somehow, it often feels like we are at the end of the line.”

Musically, “VISA” mirrors its thematic tension with bold, unconventional production and brass sounds. Conceived from a melody Pablo imagined in one of their brand campaign shoots, the track fuses satire, personal experience, and commentary with sonic experimentation.

Ken explains, "This song is very unconventional and unorthodox. The instruments are not the usual ones, especially the melody. It is kind of unusual, but in a good way. The melody is impactful, and the instruments we used in the track are well chosen. The percussions, ad-libs, and other elements are perfectly placed, making it a very pleasing experience for the ears."

SB19’s “VISA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Follow SB19 on their socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SB19Official/

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

Source: Nyou