Rol3ert Confirms Debut Album “meet me in my head,” Out October 21, and Reveals Cross-Border Collaboration with UK’s King No-One

(Credit: Exciter Records)

Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert has announced his debut full-length album, “meet me in my head,” arriving October 21, surprising fans by revealing the news live on stage at SUMMER SONIC 2026 TOKYO. The album marks his first-ever release on CD, alongside digital formats. The reveal capped a milestone summer that saw Rol3ert take the stage at both SUMMER SONIC 2026 TOKYO and OSAKA, delivering a 30-minute, full-band set in Tokyo on August 14 before dropping the album news at the very end of the show.

Spanning 14 tracks, “meet me in my head” brings together fan favourites like “savior” and “HOPE” alongside five brand new songs, plus reimagined album versions of “sweet tear” and “say my name.” The result is the fullest picture yet of an artist who has spent the past year and a half building a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world.

PRE-SAVE “meet me in my head” HERE

Album tracklist

1. Done

2. meaning

3. Boy

4. Aftertaste

5. i won’t see you anymore

6. savior

7. Realized

8. Kodoku

9. say my name - album version -

10. sweet tear- album version-

11. With you

12. (how could i be) honest?

13. HOPE

14. dreams

Manchester, UK indie band King No-One unveils “Transgressions” (feat. Rol3ert), out September 11, marking Rol3ert’s first collaboration with a UK band. The track is a standalone single and will not appear on the forthcoming album. “Transgressions” is King No-One frontman Zach Lount’s confessional anthem, where defiance against societal norms collides with the vulnerability found in love and self-acceptance. “Transgressions is an open and honest song about myself and how I never really got along with the normalities in our culture… until I fell in love and stopped resisting society and just accepted who I am,” he explains, inviting listeners to walk the same tightrope between rebellion and reconciliation.

After spending four weeks in Japan in the summer of 2025, King No-One connected with Rol3ert’s team, and the idea for a collaboration came together quickly. Rol3ert agreed without hesitation, and the wheels were set in motion to bring this exciting project to life. Although the two artists have yet to meet in person, completing the track entirely by exchanging audio files remotely, they share a mutual hope of one day meeting and performing the song live together.

For this new version, Rol3ert contributed vocals and new lyrics in Japanese:

届かない痛みの回想に浸ってくだけ, Lost in the echoes of an ache I cannot reach

壊れたままで, broken as I am

置いていかないで, don’t leave me behind

ただここにいて, just stay here

Where Zach arrives at self-acceptance in English, Rol3ert answers quietly in Japanese. And when the two voices melt into the refrain “Baby I belong to you,” the song is reborn as a duet between two solitudes, one in the UK, one in Japan, calling to each other across borders. As the obi-strip artwork, a homage to Japanese record packaging, suggests, this is more than a feature: it is UK indie and Japan’s new generation shaking hands through the music itself.

(Credit: King No-One, Exciter Records)

The album announcement caps a breakout year for Rol3ert. In 2026 he took home the Rising Radio Artist of the Year Award at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026, was selected for Spotify’s RADAR: Early Noise 2026, named one of Japan’s 25 representatives in Rolling Stone’s “Future of Music,” and chosen for SPACE SHOWER TV’s “NEW FORCE.” His single “savior” hit No.1 on the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs chart in February, and he sold out his headline show at Shibuya WWW X.

His international footprint has grown just as fast, with performances in Seoul, Singapore, and Taiwan, where his solo headline show sold out within three days of tickets going on sale. He now draws listeners from around the world on Spotify, has surpassed 160,000 YouTube subscribers, and videos featuring his music have amassed more than 21 million views on TikTok. His May collaboration with 17-year-old US singer-songwriter Maya, “ROMANTICIZE,” charted at No.20 on local radio in the Philippines.

Rol3ert will celebrate the album with “Rol3ert Live Tour 2026 ‘meet me in my head,’” hitting Osaka’s BIG CAT on November 6 and Tokyo’s Spotify O-EAST on November 12.

STREAM “Transgressions” HERE

About Rol3ert

Born in the United States in 2005 and raised in Japan, Rol3ert debuted in 2025 with a cross-cultural sound blending English lyricism and J-pop-influenced melodies. Over the summer of 2025, he performed at major festivals including FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ‘25 and SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2025, and in October was honoured with the Best Breakthrough Artist award at the Tokyo Alter Music Awards.

Following viral covers surpassing 4 million views, he broke through with “(how could i be) honest?” and “savior,” both regional viral hits with over 500,000 Spotify streams in the first month. In 2026, Rol3ert was selected for Spotify Japan’s RADAR: Early Noise 2026, named one of Japan’s 25 representatives in Rolling Stone’s global “Future of Music” project, chosen for “SPACE SHOWER NEW FORCE,” and received the Rising Radio Artist of the Year at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026. Alongside overseas performances in South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan, he also performed at SUMMER SONIC 2026 in Tokyo and Osaka.

With a growing listener base across Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, Rol3ert heads into the second half of 2026 with significant momentum behind him, announcing his debut album meet me in my head and a feature with UK’s King No-One.

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For more information, contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

One of the most influential South Korean rappers Kim Ximya releases 'Dogma', his first full-length album in six years

LISTEN HERE

AND IT'S NOT THE ALBUM YOU THINK YOU'VE HEARD

September 11th, 2026 – Kim Ximya has released ‘Dogma’, his second full-length album and first in six years. The 10-track digital release follows the surprise arrival of a 26-minute video of the same name on September 4, offering fans two distinct ways to experience the project. Fans can listen to the album here and watch the music video here. 

Across all ten tracks, Ximya worked with Sound Supply Service, a label recognised for its innovative and distinctive sound. The project also extends beyond its digital release, with a limited physical edition that takes an unconventional form: a compact listening device with a built-in speaker rather than a traditional CD. From the beginning, it was announced that the physical edition would feature music that differs from the digital release, adding another layer to the listening experience. The edition sold 3,500 copies through pre-orders alone, temporarily selling out at select retailers.

The album’s release follows the premiere of the 26-minute 'Dogma' music video, directed by artist and filmmaker Park Chan-kyong. The film brings together Park’s own paintings and video work with archival footage from the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), reworked into a new visual piece for 'Dogma'. 

Kim Ximya - 'Dogma' (Official Music Video)

'Dogma' Tracklisting
1. Me Life & Nothing Else
2. Move My Feet
3. T-H-I-R-S-T-Y
4. It's That
5. 9 Out Of 10
6. HDI HDI HDI HDI HDI HDI 
7. Zulu Love
8. Hanat Dool Set
9. SOTS
10. Keep Counting
 

Listen to 'Dogma' here
Watch the music video here

About Kim Ximya

Kim Ximya, one of modern day’s most influential rappers in South Korea, has been making unprecedented headlines with media giants like the New York Times, Pitchfork, Billboard and BBC Radio.

Known to venture away from traditional sounds, lyrics and song structure, his name first skyrocketed into the public consciousness when he released his debut EP ‘KYOMI’ under the collaborative duo name XXX alongside producer FRNK. Across their releases 'KYOMI', 'LANGUAGE', and 'SECOND LANGUAGE', the duo blurred the boundaries between music, visual art, and contemporary culture. Their collaborations with French animator Mattis Dovier earned Vimeo Staff Picks, coverage from VICE and Animation Magazine, and screenings at film and music festivals around the world and also helped opened a new avenue for Korean hip hop to elevate and expand into the West.

XXX's music also attracted international critical attention from major news outlets globally. 'LANGUAGE' and 'SECOND LANGUAGE' received Pitchfork scores of 7.3 and 7.5 respectively, making them among the highest-rated Korean albums reviewed by the publication at the time. In 2019, XXX won Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song at the Korean Music Awards and joined experimental hip-hop group Injury Reserve as support on their North American tour.

Outside of XXX, Kim Ximya has continued expanding his solo catalog through releases including 'Moonshine', 'DOG', 'Bundle 1', and 'w18c', further establishing himself as both a rapper and producer. His collaborators have ranged from Beenzino, CL, Crush, and Jay Park to Cautious Clay and French producer Simo Cell, while his songwriting has also appeared on releases by BTS's V and NewJeans. 

Across these projects, Kim Ximya has consistently occupied a space where underground experimentation, electronic music, and contemporary pop intersect without fully belonging to any one scene. Today, he is one of the most sought after, go-to artists for features and other collaborations.

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James Reid released third studio album, "Honey, I'm Home"

With the 10-track album, the artist finds meaning in love, presence, and embracing who he is

After years of exploring sound, identity, ambition, and the many directions an artist can take, James Reid arrives at a place that feels less like a destination and more like a state of being safe and sound with his third studio album, “Honey, I'm Home,”released under Sony Music Entertainment.

The new record treats home not as a sanctuary one spends a lifetime searching for, but as a feeling of being fully at peace with who you are and the people you choose to share your life with.

“Honey, I’m Home is obviously something you say when you walk through the door, but for me the idea of home became much bigger than a physical place,” Reid explains. “I think I spent a lot of my life looking for something, chasing success, experiences, relationships, trying to become a certain version of myself. And this project came from realizing that maybe home isn’t a place you eventually arrive at. It’s that feeling of being completely present and comfortable with where you are, who you are, and who you’re with.”

James Reid’s newly found perspective runs deep through the tracks, exploring romance, life, vulnerability, surrender, and intimacy through quieter moments where connections feel most meaningful in their stillness. On Honey, I’m Home, the multi-hyphenate superstar turns his attention to details that often go unnoticed: being in the living room with someone, feeling understood, and finding the safety to let one’s guard down.

For an artist who has spent much of his career looking forward toward the next achievement, experience, or version of himself, the songs emerged from a contrasting realization: perhaps nothing was missing after all. “What if nothing is actually missing?” Reid reflects. “Maybe I just wasn’t home?”

Instead of elaborate wordplay or lyrics meant to impress, Reid’s ten-track release relies on nuanced simplicity and honest songwriting. He wanted the words to sound conversational, like something he would genuinely say to another person.

The Palm Dreams hitmaker adds, “It feels warm and easy on the surface, but there’s something deeper underneath if you pay attention.”

Sonically and production-wise, Honey I’m Home draws from Reid’s appreciation for R&B and soul while expanding the template to incorporate funk, soft rock, yacht rock, and classic pop influences. Despite its warmth and character, the project doesn't try to recreate the past. Instead, Reid embraces familiar textures and reframes them through his contemporary sensibilities.

“I wanted it to feel warm, soulful, organic, and lived-in,” he says. “I love the warmth and style of older records, but I wasn’t trying to make a retro album. It was more about taking those textures and making them feel like me now.”

Instead of going for an overly polished direction, Reid and producer Luke April, who produced most of the EP, intentionally welcomed imperfections and organic movement for the record’s sound design. They left parts unquantized to the beat, preserving the subtle timing variations that give live music its much-needed humanity.

The EP also marks Reid’s most collaborative project to date, with Arthur Nery, Luke April, and ISSA each contributing distinct musical identities to the record. Rather than bringing collaborators into the project simply for the sake of collaboration, Reid approached each partnership with the intention of letting artists contribute what he couldn't achieve alone.

On “All Night,” Nery’s wispy R&B vocal style complements the song’s nocturnal atmosphere, adding dimension to its beat switch. April’s laid-back rap and R&B flow bring an irreverent, carefree energy to “Sunny side,” while ISSA’s sultry, textured vocals create an unexpected yet natural contrast with Reid’s clean and precise singing on “On My Way.”

The album’s exciting arc also expands through “Sunny Side,” “Blessed,” and most importantly, “Indiana,” which offers one of the project’s most intimate glimpses into Reid’s life. While the former two tracks contribute to the album’s warmth and sense of gratitude, “Indiana” takes the singer-songwriter/producer’s sentiment somewhere personal: into Reid’s experience of becoming a future father. The song captures the immense love he already feels for his child before their arrival, expressing a kind of anticipation that is at once tender, vulnerable, and unconditional. In the context of Honey, I’m Home, “Indiana” conveys the record’s central idea of discovering a sense of home in the people and moments that give life its deepest meaning.

For what it’s worth, James Reid’s new album, Honey, I’m Homerepresents a different kind of emotional maturity in Reid’s discography. It shows an artist who appears increasingly comfortable with his own creative instincts: less concerned with proving himself or conforming to a particular sound, and more willing to follow what feels honest.

“I think this is probably the most comfortable I’ve ever sounded in my music,” Reid shares. “A lot of my older projects were me exploring and figuring out what kind of artist I wanted to be. With this one, I don’t feel like I’m trying to prove anything or chase a certain sound. It just feels more instinctive.”

Check out the Honey, I’m Home track list:

1 Honey I'm Home (Intro)

2 Attention

3 All Night feat. Arthur Nery

4 Traffic

5 Sunny Side feat. Luke April 

6 Blessed

7 Indiana

8 Richest Man Alive

9 On My Way feat. ISSA 

10 Unbecoming

James Reid’s new album, Honey, I’m Home is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

IV OF SPADES searches for something real with new single “Isang Pag-ibig”

The band delivers an emotionally candid track about seeking genuine connection and learning that sincerity does not always promise love in return

Filipino alternative quartet IV OF SPADES releases “Isang Pag-ibig,” out now via Sony Music Entertainment.

The track explores the search for genuine connection while acknowledging a very painful truth: giving everything you have may not be enough to make someone love you back.

Sonically, the song embraces a no-frills approach. Built around jangly guitars, a simple three-chord progression, and a straightforward four-piece band arrangement, “Isang Pag-ibig” carries the loose, immediate quality of the period in which it was written. Its simplicity is part of its appeal, allowing the sentiment to come through clearly.

The track also signals an exciting period of renewed creativity and productivity for the band, hinting at a potential body of work to come.

The release arrives amidst a splendid year for the band, career-wise. Following their reunion in late 2025, Unique Salonga, Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, and Badjao de Castro continued their winning streak with a nationwide tour, high-profile appearances, award recognitions, and upcoming international dates—all while breaking streaming records and landing at the top of the charts.

The band’s Andalucia Tour 2026 extended its reunion-era momentum outside of Manila, with stops in Davao City, Santa Rosa, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, and Baguio. From there, the group will also take its music to North America in October, with confirmed performances in the USA and Canada. Their return has likewise earned multiple nominations at several award-giving bodies, including two People’s Choice nods at the Filipino Music Awards 2026 and multiple nominations at the 39th Awit Awards.

Their resurgence has also sparked renewed interest in their earlier work, “Kabisado,” which has earned nearly 80 million streams on Spotify alone. To date, it has peaked inside the top 10 of the Spotify Philippines Daily Chart and at No. 6 on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100. That renewed attention reinforces the scale of their comeback.

Nearly a decade after it was written, IV OF SPADES’ “Isang Pag-ibig” turns back the clock without simply reverting backward. A song written at the beginning of their story now finds its place in a different chapter of their personal life and career.

IV OF SPADES’ “Isang Pag-ibig” is out now on all digital streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The music video is also out now on IV OF SPADES’  YouTube channel—watch it!

Source: Nyou

TEN Announces Release New Double Singles “OUTWEST” and “IRL”

PHOTO COURTESY: ILLIMNT

LOS ANGELES, CA – Hot on the heels of announcing his first solo U.S. showcase tour, TEN is set to release a new double single “OUTWEST” and “IRL on September 4 at 12:00 AM EST. This marks his first musical release since co-founding ILLIMNT, a global creative company and IP hub. These tracks officially launch a new chapter in his career, representing the first project he has overseen from end to end.

“OUTWEST” reaches outward, blending hip-hop, tech house, and R&B into an innovative, genre-bending sound. In contrast, “IRL” turns inward toward everyday life, serving as an energetic, bright ode to the community that has supported him throughout his ten-year career. TEN served as a songwriter on both tracks, signaling his new role as a director of his own artistic path. Listen to “OUTWEST" and “IRL" here.

TEN will bring his full musical catalog to the stage for his upcoming 14-city U.S. tour. The journey kicks off in Seattle and will travel through Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago, among others, before concluding with a grand finale in New York.

Full details on tickets and the tour are now available on official channels. 

Fans are encouraged to follow TEN’s social media platforms for the latest updates. You can view his full U.S. Showcase dates below.

TEN (10) U.S. SHOWCASE TOUR DATES

October 17 Seattle, WA

October 18 Portland, OR

October 21 San Francisco, CA

October 23 San Diego, CA

October 24 Los Angeles, CA

October 26 Phoenix, AZ

October 28 Houston, TX

October 29 Dallas, TX

October 31 Minneapolis, MN

November 1 Chicago, IL

November 3 Atlanta, GA

November 6 Baltimore, MD

November 8 Boston, MA

November 10 New York, NY

About TEN

TEN is a Thai artist best known as a member of WayV, NCT, and SuperM, and as the co-founder of the label ILLIMNT. Renowned for his elite performance skills, musical depth, and striking visual presence, he is now pursuing an independent solo path under ILLIMNT, carving out his own distinct lane in the global music scene.

Multilingual in Thai, English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, TEN has established himself as a global figure. He currently serves as a global ambassador for Saint Laurent and has graced the covers of leading publications including ELLEMEN Fresh, GQ Thailand, Esquire Singapore, Harper’s Bazaar Men, Flaunt, and more.

His discography includes his debut mini album TEN, his second mini album STUNNER, and his Japanese mini album Humanity. The title track “STUNNER” became the most-listened-to song on the Spotify Thailand chart in 2025, earned multiple wins on Korean music programs such as Music Bank, The Show, and Inkigayo Hot Stage, and was named Spotify Thailand’s Top Song of the Year in 2025. He also received the Best Choice Award at the 2024 Asia Artist Awards. His accumulated music streams exceed 460 million, with his music videos surpassing 35 million views. Lifetime streams with his groups are over 620 million, with more than 617 total chart entries.

TEN continues to build an exciting slate of projects as he enters the next chapter of his solo career.

TEN SOCIALS

Instagram TikTok| Spotify 

ILLIMNT SOCIALS

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TEN OFFICIAL SOCIALS

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For all inquires on TEN, please contact:

Mark Bonifacio | blackstar PH

mabuhay@blackstar.space

Rising Artist Paco Pastor Debuts New Single “Keep It Moving”

Paco Pastor for “Keep It Moving”

[LINK TO PR KIT]

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Manila-based 19-year-old artist Paco Pastor officially releases “Keep It Moving,” a single and music video out on September 4. The release marks Pastor's debut under indie label Offshore Music.

Inspired by the act of moving forward despite the odds, Paco Pastor wrote “Keep It Moving” as his own rendition of the term “this too shall pass,” connecting his personal struggle from when he initially started to pursue his passion for creating music, refining his creative identity, and trying to garner listeners all on his own. “At the time, I wasn’t validated for my art in music at all, and I was just an independent creator. To be recognized by a label, have a manager willing to put up with my schedule, and have praise from people after I get off stage means so much,” the artist shared, feeling grateful.

Keep It Moving official Art by Ana | @ana_gxm

This year, Paco Pastor signed with Offshore Music, an artist-run Philippine label, and joined Waddle House Manila, a local, newly launched artist management collective.

​In “Keep It Moving,” the pop performer stayed true to the song’s message by using dancing as its central image, reflecting the feeling behind the track: “It’s a funky feeling that keeps you moving,” and that is precisely what Paco Pastor wants everyone to feel when listening to his music. “I was lost in the sauce,” he said of the song’s production, noting that he finished the track in an hour. “Because of how quick-paced the song is, I knew it had to be about dancing somehow. So instead of writing lyrics that spoke in a literal sense, I translated the feeling of resistance and persistence into lyrics about dancing.”

Right now, Paco Pastor is in the phase of finding his audience by putting his music out into the world through social media and live gigs. For this new track, he hopes it reaches listeners looking for a little optimism in their lives and that “Keep It Moving” leaves people feeling positivity against any looming despair and uncertainty.

Follow Paco Pastor on all social media platforms for gig updates. Stream “Keep It Moving” now on all digital streaming platforms! 

                              About Paco Pastor  

At just 19 years old, singer-songwriter Paco Pastor may be a fresh face in the music scene, but he is no stranger to the craft. His passion for music—particularly soul—began at a young age and has since evolved into a deeply personal creative journey. Taking a hands-on, self-produced approach, Paco writes, records, and shapes his own sound, building a discography that is both authentic and distinctly his own.

In 2025, Paco released his debut single, "There Somehow," followed by his four-track EP, Gotta Be, featuring heartfelt songs such as "Talking to the Moon." He also showcased a softer, more intimate side with the warm and tender Christmas track, "Hey Dear," further highlighting his versatility as a songwriter and producer.

In 2026, Paco Pastor signed under Offshore Music PH and released his debut single “Keep It Moving” in September of the same year. 

Paco Pastor Socials:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/14kfaCrrZhk/

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/ppacopastor?igsh=NWNyMjY1amtrcjYx

YT: https://youtube.com/@pacopastormusic?si=05xYIW_NZcioM8dP

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@ppacopastor?_r=1&_t=ZS-98PBfe0S00r

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBknkAqiWOVPBQSwcCd1K?si=kaXMmyIqQcG6O949GcJtDw&utm_source=copy-link

Source: Nyou

Kasabian Ninth Studio Album Act III Out Now

Announce Winter 2026 UK Arena Tour

Photo Credit: Neil Bedford – Download image here

“'Act III' is a decisive, ruthless album, emblematic of the band's prolific nature" - DIY

"a blast of guitar-heavy festival-ready rock." - NME

“distorted basslines, huge riffs, swagger and psychedelic edge” - Clash Magazine 

Act III, draws together glam-rock stomp, psychedelic textures, towering riffs, swirling synths, bold beats, and melodic immediacy." - Songwriting Magazine

Kasabian has released their 9th studio album, Act III, which includes the pulsating four to floor banger and dance pit ready festival anthem ‘Nothing Better Than This’, the explosive single ‘Great Pretender’ and the synth-driven kaleidoscopic ‘SUPERPOWERS’.

Fresh off the back of a monumental show at Leeds Festival last weekend to a crowd of 90,000, as well as a sold-out headline date at Finsbury Park, Kasabian have announced a run of UK arena tour dates in December 2026.

Known for their high-energy, raucous live shows the band kick off the five date arena tour at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Friday December 11th, followed by dates at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Utilita Arena in Cardiff, The O2 in London and conclude with a date at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday December 19th. The band will be joined by very special guests The Vaccines. 

Kasabian play the following UK headline arena dates on the Nothing Better Than This Tour: 

December

Fri 11th                        Birmingham, Utilita Arena

Sun 13th                     Glasgow, OVO Hydro

Wed 16th                   Cardiff, Utilita Arena

Fri 18th                        London, The O2

Sat 19th                      Manchester, Co-op Live

The band’s 9th studio album, with their last 7 all going straight in at #1 in the UK Official Album Chart, Act III was produced by Serge Pizzorno and Mark Ralph at The Sergery and Club Ralph. Draped in Serge’s instantly recognisable hazy vocals, the album is 10 tracks of guitar-driven, psyche-infused pop and 3 interludes. Packed to the brim with hooks and a strong dose of swagger, the album cements Kasabian as one of the UK’s most essential bands of the 21st century. A culmination not just of the last six years with Serge at the helm, but Kasabian’s entire career, the album looks forward while taking aspects from the band’s earliest days with a visceral raw energy.
Kasabian are: Serge Pizzorno, Chris Edwards, Ian Matthews and Tim Carter.

https://www.kasabian.co.uk/

 Source: Sony Music

Nadine Lustre and Apl.de.Ap bring the heat with “Donuts”

The Cool Girl Records release takes the pop star’s sound into darker, grittier hip-hop and R&B territory

Manila, Philippines – Following the well-received comeback of “Personal,” Nadine Lustre teams up with Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas in “Donuts,” a sleek blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B released under Cool Girl Records.

Narrated by the commanding voice of Francis Brew of The Dawn, with haunting choir ‘oohs’ in the background, the track moves into a sonic battlefield of 808s, clever lyricism, and gritty dissonance.

“Donuts” stands in stark contrast to the polish and pop sheen of Nadine’s previous single “Personal,” while still retaining the attitude and candor that defined her earlier releases. She drops her rap-sung lines over retro-futurist production, backed by drums that sound like the stomps of a platoon march. The track shows her suave side effortlessly, pushing her sound toward a more urban direction.

Adding another layer of star power to the mix is Black Eyed Peas’ own Apl.de.ap, whose eclectic presence stands out on the track. The Pampanga-born rapper also delivers a powerful Taglish verse, showing how far he has come while still representing his roots by proudly referencing the historic Datu of Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, and rapping about taking control of one’s destiny.

“Donuts” is written by Nadine Lustre, Andric Ivo Empreso, and Jan Roberts Baloloy, with production by Khalil Atienza, Elijiah Wudz Bitacura, and Isagani Palabyab. The anthemic, dignified track serves as the second installment in a string of singles, appearing to lead toward a bigger project by the multi-hyphenate star.

The award-winning actress, businesswoman, and pop star had earlier expressed her enthusiasm for working with Apl.de.ap in an Instagram post last September 5, 2026. She posted, “A little surreal making music with a legend, @apldeap. D O N U T S out on all platforms.”

Nadine Lustre’s “Donuts” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Cool Girl Records.

Source: Nyou

Pax Pineda shines a human light on Marcelo H. Del Pilar at new Ayala Museum exhibit

The Hong Kong-based Filipino curator reframes the national hero’s legacy through family, sacrifice, and the personal cost of patriotism

Exhibition curator Pax Pineda at the Marcelo: The Man Behind The Hero press con/opening held last Friday, Sept 4, 2026, at the Ayala Museum Ground Floor

Manila, Philippines – At 17, Pax Pineda takes an introspective approach to Philippine history, looking beyond the socio-political contributions of his great-great-great-grandfather, Marcelo H. Del Pilar,to understand the man who made extraordinary sacrifices for his family and country.

Through his debut exhibit, MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO (Reflections on the Legacy of Marcelo H. Del Pilar), Pineda turns his attention to the human cost of Del Pilar’s patriotism. The exhibition runs from September 4 to October 18, 2026, at the 2F Lobby of Ayala Museum’s Diorama Experience Gallery.

According to Pineda, the project was conceived to examine Del Pilar outside of his legacy in the history books. “Often, history books shroud our heroes behind a dense wall of specific publications, dates, and political actions,” he says. By examining Del Pilar through family, personal loss, and sacrifice, Pineda hopes visitors can understand the humanity behind the historical figure.

Pineda’s perspective is informed by his unusual position as both descendant and researcher. While his family connection gives him a personal stake in the story, he approached the curation as an objective historical inquiry, balancing familial passion with rigorous research to keep the exhibition historically sound and grounded in facts.

“In traditional classrooms, Lolo Marcelo might at times appear as a static figure on a page—someone who did good things for his country but lacked qualities we can relate to,” Pineda explains. “This exhibition aims to strip away that historical mystery and introduce the actual character of the man. I want visitors to see that, despite his profound, enduring love for his wife and daughters, he was willing to sacrifice his happiness. He sacrificed the comforts of family life for a slim chance at building something beautiful: the very nation we inherit today.”

Beyond foundational materials such as Dasalan at Tocsohan and La Solidaridad, the exhibit also features personal letters that reveal Del Pilar as a loving, involved father to Sofia and Anita despite the thousands of miles separating them. For Pineda, these documents challenge the idea that his absence represented a lack of love. Instead, they present a loving man who endured poverty, isolation, and homesickness in the hope of securing a better future for his children and homeland.

The exhibition also places Del Pilar’s sacrifices in a more extensive contemporary context. As a Filipino growing up in Hong Kong, Pineda sees parallels between his ancestor’s life abroad and the experiences of Filipinos in the diaspora today—people who live far from their families while working toward better lives for those at home.

Ultimately, Pineda hopes the exhibition encourages younger Filipinos to see history through sympathy rather than memorization. “Young people might not relate to editing a reformist newspaper, but they absolutely understand love, homesickness, and standing up for what is right,” he says.

MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO (Reflections on the Legacy of Marcelo H. Del Pilar) is co-presented by the Ayala Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

About the curator

Pax Pineda is a 17-year-old Filipino high school senior at the ESF South Island School in Hong Kong. He has been deeply interested in history, particularly American history, from an early age. His interest first came when he and his family traveled to the U.S. for a vacation and spent 24 hours in Washington, D.C. Over the last few years, he has become increasingly interested in Philippine history, especially in the life and work of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, who is his direct great-great-great-grandfather.

Pax has nurtured his love for history for more than a decade, be it through writing about it in his spare time, reading numerous history books, or, currently, through a passion project with the Ayala Museum—a pop-up exhibit on Marcelo H. Del Pilar. College plans include majoring in history at a university in the US. In his free time, he is an avid footballer and has played for years in Hong Kong's highest youth football division. He also enjoys running, watching sports, video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Source: Nyou

BEYONCÉ MARKS HER BIRTHDAY WITH THE RELEASE OF A REMASTERED DELUXE "B'DAY" ALBUM

HER COMING-OF-AGE MASTERPIECE IS AMPLIFIED WITH

UPGRADED VISUALS, SURPRISE NEW TRACKS, AND SPANISH

LANGUAGE SONGS, INCLUDING COLLABORATIONS WITH

MALUMA AND THE LATE SELENA

B’DAY (20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) IS AVAILABLE NOW

LISTEN HERE | ORDER THE CD & VINYL HERE

(London, UK - September 4, 2026) Today marks Beyoncé’s birthday and the release of a voluminous remastered B’DAY, her coming-of-age second album. When it was released on September 4, 2006, music fans around the world were introduced to a 25-year-old woman with a bold, new voice. Not just a powerful singing voice, but an artist determined to take over her career as a singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist. She recorded the album in a two-week session, fully cemented at the helm, and knowing exactly what she wanted to create. She was pushing herself, revealing layers to her innovative approach to recording, writing, and producing. That fierce and urgent approach was extended to all her collaborators, with each one digging a little deeper to define the sound of her deeply personal album.

“I wanted the album to be big, percussive, hard, up-tempo, and energized, and it was important to me that we used live instrumentation,” she recalls. “Hip-hop was taking over at the time, but I was fighting to preserve the bridges, melodies, and harmonies that have always been at the heart of R&B. The goal was to blend those two worlds through the art of sampling. I loved the minimalism of a beautiful vocal arrangement over a simple drum loop or a classic guitar like ‘Irreplaceable’…but only if that 808 was banging underneath.”

B’DAY was essentially her first visual album, with short films that explored the making of a relationship in full, through every turn. It was a conceptual project, urgent and captivating. Its themes of finding one’s confidence, liberation, audacity and compatibility are as relevant today as they were two decades ago.

And in preparing for this milestone release, Beyoncé once again went back to the boards and worked on remastering songs. The videos, originally captured on 35mm are now remastered and re-colored and finished in 4k, including “Déjà Vu,” featuring JAY-Z, and directed by Sophie Muller, also out today.

Images, shot on location in New Orleans, and never seen before, are also included. New Orleans, where Beyoncé’s family has deep roots, was working on rebuilding following the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. The Big Easy’s resilience and fortitude served as inspiration for Beyoncé who wanted to contribute in her own way to the city’s revitalization.

When news of the B’DAY (20th Anniversary Edition) broke last July 4th, it was ushered in by the song “MORNING DEW (DONK).” Astute fans quickly pointed to the history of the song, which leaked in 2023. A remix of the track, featuring JAY-Z, was delivered on August 4th, solidifying the song’s placement among the twenty-three-year plus history of collaborations between the Carters.

B'DAY 20th Anniversary Edition is replete with a celebratory offering of Spanish language songs that speak to Beyoncé’s love and admiration for the culture and the incredible artists who contributed and continue to build on the genre. “Cuerpo Tumbao (Get Me Bodied) feat. Maluma” marks a first-time collaboration with the Colombian artist, one of the leading voices in Latin music. She has been a fan of his work and feels flattered to finally work with this multi-genre artist. A philanthropist in every way, Beyoncé applauds Maluma for the work he does in his country to help young people through the arts, and through humanitarian efforts following the recent earthquake. The song contains a sample of Afro-Cuban star, Celia Cruz’s “La Negra Tiene Tumbao.” Beyoncé has long admired Cruz’s pride in her African culture; her refusal to bend in the wake of racism, colorism and the narrow definition of beauty. In a time when society wanted her to be bitter and broken down, she boldly claimed her Blackness. The sample was the perfect fit for a song that pushes strength and confidence on the dancefloor and in life. The song was produced by Beyoncé, Edgar Barrera, CASTA and co-produced by Ali "Ali Ali" Alvarez. 

“Irreemplazable (Como La Flor) featuring Selena” is a momentous inclusion. Selena was one of the most celebrated Mexican American entertainers and was known as the “Queen of Tejano Music.” Since her passing in 1995, her estate rarely grants use of her music. This resounding approval for Beyoncé from Selena Quintanilla’s estate made it possible for this timely and meaningful duet. Two women from Texas. Two unmistakable and irreplaceable voices that broke down and continues to break down barriers.

Beyoncé revered Selena and remembers listening to her on the radio in Houston. She credits her for inspiring the recording of Irreemplazable, her Spanish EP released in 2007.

B'DAY 20th Anniversary Edition – Deluxe Vinyl - a 4LP edition pressed on 180G Bayou Blue Vinyl. It features "MORNING DEW (DONK)," Spanish recordings, and B-Sides. It comes with a 60-page commemorative booklet and two collectible double-sided art prints. The Deluxe Vinyl is jampacked with massive, new gems including “Can I Watch You”, produced by Beyoncé and Pharrell, and “My First Time,” which was originally recorded for Beyoncé’s debut solo album, DANGEROSUSLY IN LOVE, but was taken off the final track list. Also included here are “Lost Yo Mind,” “Creole” and “Back Up,” B-sides that were not included on B’DAY in 2006.

B'DAY (20th Anniversary Edition), is available in standard and deluxe volumes on vinyl and CD, as well as a deluxe digital offering.

B'DAY 20th Anniversary Edition - Standard Vinyl is a limited edition 180G 2LP with new sequencing and new tracks/remixes. It features “MORNING DEW (DONK)” and a 16-page collectible booklet with never-before-seen imagery.

B’DAY 20th Anniversary Edition Digital Deluxe - All tracks on the deluxe vinyl plus two digital-only bonus additions, “Cuerpo Tumbao (featuring Maluma)” and “Irreemplazable (Como La Flor) Featuring Selena.”

B/DAY 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION -DIGITAL DELUXE (31 TRACKS)

1. DÉJÀ VU (FEAT. JAŸ-Z)

2. GET ME BODIED

3. SUGA MAMA

4. UPGRADE U (FEAT. JAŸ-Z)

5. RING THE ALARM

6. KITTY KAT

7. FREAKUM DRESS

8. GREEN LIGHT

9. IRREPLACEABLE

10. CHECK ON IT (FEAT. SLIM THUG)

11. BEAUTIFUL LIAR (BEYONCÉ & SHAKIRA)

12. FLAWS AND ALL

13. RESENTMENT

14. LISTEN

15. MORNING DEW (DONK)

16. MY FIRST TIME

17. CAN I WATCH YOU (FEAT. PHARRELL)

18. WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD (FEAT. JAŸ-Z)6

19. LOST YO MIND

20. CREOLE

21. BACK UP

22. GET ME BODIED (EXTENDED MIX)

23. CUERPO (TUMBAO) FEAT. MALUMA

24. IRREEMPLAZABLE (COMO LA FLOR) FEAT. SELENA

25. AMOR GITANO (BEYONCÉ & ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ)

26. LISTEN (OYE)

27. BEAUTIFUL LIAR (BELLO EMBUSTERO)

28. IRREPLACEABLE (IRREEMPLAZABLE)

29. GET ME BODIED (TIMBALAND REMIX) [FEAT. VOLTIO]

30. IRREPLACEABLE (IMPLAZABLE) [NORTEÑA REMIX]

31. GET ME BODIED (MUEVE EL CUERPO)

ORDER THE VINYL HERE

  Source: Nyou

Singer-songwriter Ivoris has released debut album "Pour My Heart Out", with focus track "Lipgloss" featuring Manila-based artist Clara Benin

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Isabella Salvatore

“I think our hearts are just like the sea. Sparkly, chaotic, dark and silky. Wild, calm, giving, taking. This album is inspired by the place I feel most alive, the ocean” — Ivoris

September 4th, 2026 – Singer, songwriter, and producer Ivoris has finally released her highly anticipated debut album, ‘Pour My Heart Out’, marking the most radiant chapter in her artistic journey so far. Fans can stream the album here. 

The 10-track album invites listeners into Ivoris’ distinctly dreamy world, where romance, nostalgia and powerful emotions come together. Deeply inspired by the ocean, Ivoris likens the expansiveness of the sea to the human heart — both vast, ever-changing and capable of holding endless emotion. Across ‘Pour My Heart Out’, soaring strings, ocean waves and sparkling melodies come together in a 2000s nostalgia-tinged soundscape, while her silky-sweet vocals deliver deeply introspective reflections on love, longing and the beauty of feeling deeply.

“'Pour My Heart Out' feels just like me. It’s about having a really absorbent heart, one that is constantly overflowing with emotions. The shimmer, the sadness, the sand. This album world has been glowing inside my heart for a while now, and I can’t wait for you to dive in,” Ivoris shares.

The album’s focus track “Lipgloss”, featuring Manila-based artist Clara Benin, explores the idea of cosmic love — a connection that feels destined by the universe. Capturing the push and pull of a relationship and the desire to hold onto someone’s love and attention, the song uses the lyric “my lipgloss makes you shine” as a metaphor for how love can make someone feel brighter and more radiant.

Featuring 10 tracks, including previously released singles "Half Moon Bay", "Ten Thousand Teardrops", “Telepathic Twin Flame” and “Seashell”, ‘Pour My Heart Out’ offers an intimate glimpse into Ivoris’ overflowing heart and the shimmering world within it.
 

'Pour My Heart Out' Tracklisting
1. The ocean will give it back (intro)
2. Make U Blush
3. Lipgloss (feat. Clara Benin)
4. Monet
5. In my eyes (interlude)
6. Rose Cottage
7. Half Moon Bay
8. Telepathic Twin Flame
9. Seashell
10. Ten Thousand Teardrops
 

Listen to 'Pour My Heart Out' here

About Ivoris

Singer/songwriter/producer Ivoris has crafted a dreamy pop/R&B soundscape defined by colourful melodies and vulnerable lyricism. Since her debut in 2018, her distinctly whimsical style has earned her a loyal global following, with growing momentum driven by international headline tours in China and official showcases at SXSW Austin and Sydney. As she enters 2026, Ivoris stands at a defining moment in her career, with rising global recognition, particularly across Asia. 

Ivoris’ journey began early as she started writing short songs on the piano at just six years old. By 13, after picking up her first guitar, she became deeply immersed in songwriting, spending hours in her bedroom filling journals with songs about crushes, imagined heartbreak, and nature. These early expressions laid the foundation for her signature introspective and emotive style.

Her breakthrough came with her debut EP 'My Messy Mind', led by the viral single “I Wish My Mind Would Shut Up”, which amassed over 350 million streams across Chinese platforms and established her as a rising voice in the Asian market. In 2023, she performed the track on the Chinese music reality programme 'Youth Project', further elevating her profile in China. This momentum translated into two headline tours across the country, performances at major festivals, support slots for international acts, and showcase appearances where she performed alongside prominent Asian-American artists.

Today, Ivoris commands a strong global digital presence, with over 222,000 monthly Spotify listeners, more than 37 million streams outside China, and over 350 million streams within China. Her audience spans key markets including the US, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. Across Chinese platforms, she has amassed over 500,000 followers, alongside a growing presence on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
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LISA RELEASES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO “SAWADIKA”

LISTEN HERE | WATCHHERE

PRESS PLAY EP OUT OCTOBER 23

PRE-ORDER HERE

Official Single Artwork | Hi- Res Download HERE

(Los Angeles, CA - September 3, 2026) – Today, world renowned rapper, singer, dancer, and style icon, LISA returns with new single and visual for “SaWaDiKa” via LLOUD Co./RCA Records - Listen HERE/WatchHERE. “SaWaDiKa” ushers in the beginning of an exciting new chapter for LISA and is the lead single off her upcoming PRESS PLAY EP out October 23rd- Pre Order HERE.

Produced by Thom Bridges & Ojivolta, “SaWaDiKa,” a Thai greeting for ‘hello,’ sees LISA returning to her roots with her rap prowess and core hip-hop sound. Shot in her native Bangkok, Thailand the accompanying music video directed by Bang Jae Yeob features LISA in various iconic locations across Bangkok, showcasing high energy choreography and serving major fashion looks throughout. Watch HERE.

This marks the first new music ahead of LISA’s VIVA LA LISA Residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which sold out in under 10 minutes. LISA is making history as the first k-pop artist to perform a Las Vegas residency, taking the stage for two weekends on November 13th & 14th and November 27th & 28th. 

Aside from music, LISA’s feature documentary Always Lalisa directed by Sue Kim will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival next weekend and will then release in cinemas worldwide on October 12th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visitwww.AlwaysLaLisa.com.

Photo Credit: Yeyoung Choi | Hi-Res Download HERE

VIVA LA LISA DATES:

Friday, November 13 - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Saturday, November 14- The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Friday, November 27- The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Saturday, November 28 - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

FOLLOW LISA: INSTAGRAM

ABOUT LISA

LISA is a singer, dancer, rapper and actor best known as a member of the globally renowned K-pop girl group BLACKPINK. Beyond her success with BLACKPINK, LISA has made a name for herself as a solo artist. In 2024, LISA launched her own management company, LLOUD CO., to create a platform that showcases her overall vision in music and entertainment that pushes boundaries. In partnership with LLOUD Co. and RCA Records, LISA released her solo debut album, Alter Ego, in February 2025, which included breakout tracks “Rockstar,” “New Woman” with ROSALÍA, “Born Again” with Doja Cat and Raye, and more. As a solo performer, LISA has taken the stage at some of the world’s biggest events, including the Global Citizen Festival, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, MTV VMAs, The Academy Awards, and Coachella, where she made her solo debut in 2025 to one of the largest crowds the Sahara tent has ever seen. Most recently, she performed at the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles alongside Anitta and Rema, debuting their song “Goals” from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album. Outside of music, LISA made her acting debut as “Mook” in the Emmy-nominated third season of HBO’s hit series The White Lotus and is currently embarking on her first major film role in TYGO, a new chapter of the Extraction universe. This month, she will premiere her documentary, Always Lalisa, at the Toronto International Film Festival. Up next, LISA will release more new solo music with her single “SaWaDiKa” and upcoming PRESS PLAY EP, out October 23, before continuing the fall with four sold-out nights this November as she makes history as the first K-pop act to announce a Las Vegas residency with her show, VIVA LA LISA, at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. 

Source: Nyou

Japanese cross-genre supergroup YAO returns with second single "FOR OKINAWA"

LISTEN HERE

September 4th, 2026 – YAO, a collective bringing together Japanese hip-hop queen Awich, acclaimed rapper CHICO CARLITO, globally renowned rock band ONE OK ROCK, and boundary-pushing band Paledusk, returns with their second single, "FOR OKINAWA". Fans can listen to the track here.

Born from conversations shared between the members throughout the production process, "FOR OKINAWA" explores Okinawa's history, culture, and the lasting scars of its past. Okinawa natives Awich and CHICO CARLITO have long shared stories of their homeland and the realities faced by those who continue to carry its history. Their perspectives deeply resonated with the other members of YAO, including Tokyo-born Taka (ONE OK ROCK), who came to share their desire for peace and determination to preserve Okinawa's cultural heritage.

It was this shared sense of purpose that became the foundation for the track. As the members reflected on an essential message they felt was needed not only in modern Japan but around the world, Taka (ONE OK ROCK) challenged himself to create a melody unlike anything he had attempted before. The result is a passionate and deeply personal work that sees the members draw from their distinct backgrounds, experiences, and roots while coming together around a common message.

With "FOR OKINAWA", YAO continues to explore what becomes possible when artists from different musical and cultural backgrounds converge, creating a sound that is distinctly their own.

A music video for the track is set to be released soon, further expanding the world of YAO and bringing the story behind "FOR OKINAWA" to life.

Listen to "FOR OKINAWA" here

About YAO

YAO is a new collaborative project uniting Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK, and Paledusk. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of "Yaoyorozu"—the belief that countless spirits exist in all things—YAO celebrates the coexistence of diverse perspectives and creative voices.

Bringing together artists from different backgrounds across hip-hop, rock, mainstream, and underground music, YAO explores what becomes possible when boundaries are transcended and differences are embraced. The result is a bold new creative collective built on respect, connection, and the pursuit of new artistic expression.
 

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6cyclemind celebrates 25 years of staying power and OPM legacy with a massive anniversary show

Gigi de Lana, Bino of Sunkissed Lola, HEY JUNE!, and Jet Pangan join the veteran band for a free celebration at Eton Centris

MANILA, Philippines — After building a legacy of generation-defining anthems and a lasting connection with the Filipino audience, 6cyclemind will celebrate 25 years of making music with a special concert at Eton Centris in Quezon City on September 12, 2026.

The anniversary concert serves as a homecoming for OPM music fans who have watched the band grow and earn their rightful place in pop culture—thanks to their accessible yet heartfelt pop-rock tunes and earnest songwriting that reflect everyday Filipino life.

To make the event even more special, the free show will feature a cross-generational lineup of artists, including Gigi de Lana, Bino of Sunkissed Lola, HEY JUNE!, and The Dawn’s Jet Pangan.CLNO, the band formed by former 6cyclemind member Chuck Isidro, will open the concert.

According to 6cyclemind, reaching 25 years goes far beyond legacy. “We consider every anniversary a milestone,” says bassist Bobby Cañamo. “25 years is such a special milestone kasi mas ramdam namin yung era na natawid ng banda. Also, this time, may opportunity kami i-celebrate yung milestone nang mas grand.”

Since its formation in the early 2000s, 6cyclemind has released six studio albums and maintained a solid spot in OPM history. Songs such as “Sandalan,” “Sige,” “Upside Down,” and “Biglaan” have continued to find listeners decades after its peak, taking on new meanings as both the band and its audience have moved past it.

For drummer Vic Aquino, the longevity of the band's music can partly be traced to its relatability and to the band's decision to keep playing. Its songs, he notes, have become part of different listeners' lives through gigs, videoke sessions, family playlists, and everyday listening.

Official poster

Live shows remain central to 6cyclemind's identity: a place they call home, bringing comfort and familiarity. The band began its career playing bar gigs and small events, eventually performing across the Philippines in festivals as a headlining act. After decades onstage, the members still regard live performance as one of the most rewarding aspects of being in the band.

“A live show always seems like a reunion with our audience for us,” manager and 6th memberDarwin Hernandez says, reflecting on the band's extensive touring history. “We were blessed that we were able to build a connection with our audience through our songs.”

The anniversary celebration arrives as the band steps into a new era. 6cyclemind is currently working on a new album with Isidro serving as producer.

As 6cyclemind enters its 26th year, the band remains grounded in the same commitment that has sustained it for a quarter-century: making music, performing, reaching new listeners, and growing alongside the Filipino music community.

“We just want to share our music and be an inspiration to others,” Aquino says. “Gaya nung lyrics, ‘di kami tumigil, itinuloy namin through ups and downs and lineup changes ng members ng banda.”

The 25th anniversary concert therefore stands not simply as a look back, but as a marker of continuity: celebrating where 6cyclemind has been while opening the door to whatever comes next.

Source: Nyou

M1ss Jade So releases “BAPHOMETA”, MV watchparty on September 5

Photography by Jay Galang

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Shortly after her RUBADGE win and its official release on the 4th episode of Drag Race Down Under vs. The World Season 1, M1ss Jade So unveils a devilish drag look accompanied by a new song of the same name, “BAPHOMETA”, produced by collaborator Naive Supreme—out now, under Offshore Music.

Coming down from the clouds of nebula, the esoteric Drag Queen superstar and current Filipino pride, M1ss Jade So, morphs into the occult figure “Baphomet” for the category “Wildlife Couture” in the latest episode of the Drag Race competition. The transformation draws inspiration from her initial idea of dressing up as a goat. Still, in true M1ss Jade So fashion, she pushed the envelope further and adapted the character “BAPHOMETA”—a mix of the polarizing being and her own obscure, twisted yet personal vision.

“I like creating art that is provocative,” shares M1ss Jade So. Based on the stream of looks and music she has released throughout her career, such as her bloody sex-pop debut release “Power Top na Bratzy (2024),” her gritty underground beat “ESOTERICA (2026),” and the divine track that followed this recent release, “GODDESSA (2026),” M1ss Jade So has cemented her artistry and being as nothing but provocative.

Official Cover of BAPHOMETA  by M1ss Jade So, Photography by Jay GalangThe fallen angel doll dominatrix shares more about the song's interesting lyrical choices, saying the mix of provocative and playful songwriting makes the dark, occult themes more interesting. “Pette [Shabu] (co-writer) and I didn’t want BAPHOMETA to feel purely sinister or serious. We wanted it to have this mad, destructive but almost playful energy, where you’re having fun with something that is actually quite dark underneath.”

Similar to the meaning behind the idea of Baphomet, M1ss Jade So was also drawn to the figure because of what it represents: the duality of the feminine and the masculine, light and darkness, mortal and divine. “That [ideas] felt very connected to my own experience as a drag artist, where I constantly play with identity, beauty, and transformation.”

Overpower evil within and listen to “BAPHOMETA” by M1ss Jade So, out now on all streaming platforms—with a music video watch party happening September 5 at Hoesik, Makati. More details here.

About M1ss Jade So 

M1ss Jade So is a professional drag artist and performer who rose to fame as the breakout star of her season on Drag Race Philippines. Known as the “Power Top Na Bratzy” of Marikina City, she quickly won the hearts of fans with her passion for her craft. As a proud trans woman, M1ss Jade So has become a global representative of the trans community, actively raising awareness for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Philippines and beyond.

Expanding her creative journey, M1ss Jade So recently signed with the independent record label Offshore Music as a recording artist and released her debut single titled “Power Top Na Bratzy” in 2024.

Entering the next era in 2026, M1ss Jade So is set to release another material: ESOTERICA. Bringing not only listeners to her music, but specifically the community to harness its growth, authenticity and create stories out of the experience. ESOTERICA will be out in late January 2026, launched alongside an immersive experience with M1ss Jade So’s world with ESTOERICA RAVE.

This August, the drag queen esoteric superstar has released divine  track “GODDESSA” and a newly dropped song “BAPHOMETA”, a devilish new project by M1ss Jade So with a look debuted on the 4th Episode of Drag Race Down Under Vs. The World. 

M1ss Jade So Socials:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/m1ssjadeso

IG: https://www.instagram.com/m1ssjadeso

YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/M1ssJadeSo

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@m1ssjadeso

Source: Nyou

Ylona Garcia reimagines a decade of music for two-part anniversary show

The Filipino-Australian artist brings her own versions of the songs that shaped her career to the Philippine stage

Ten years after launching her professional music career, Ylona Garcia returns to the Philippines for two homecoming shows that are as much about looking back as they are about moving forward.

The two-part anniversary celebration will revisit songs from her decade in the music industry while presenting them through her own interpretations and the perspective of the artist she has become. 

The homecoming begins on September 4 with Backyard Live: Ylona Garcia Spotlight, a Manila-exclusive performance at Backyard Warehouse Studio in Baesa, Quezon City. By invitation, the intimate, music-focused show offers a limited audience a first experience of Ylona’s 10th anniversary celebration.

The following day, September 5, Ylona brings the celebration to a wider public audience with 10 Years of Ylona Garcia: Live at Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill, beginning at 7 p.m.

“Celebrating 10 years in music is a reminder of how far I’ve come, but also of what really matters to me,” Ylona shares. “Personally, the first five years were a great challenge as I was learning more about my culture and how showbiz worked. However, the last five years have been some of the hardest years of my life. I lost someone very important to me, went through experiences where I allowed people to take advantage of me emotionally, and found myself alone in another country for the second time. Artistically, though, those experiences taught me a lot about the difference between being a singer and being an artist.”

[POSTER PUBMATS]

The two live experiences will eventually be part of Ylona Garcia’s 10th Anniversary Live Album, a nine-track collection featuring her versions of the songs from the past decade. The project also serves as a bridge to her long-awaited second EP, with elements of her emerging new sounds and inspirations woven intricately into the anniversary performances.

Ylona’s journey in music has always been rocky but filled with delightful surprises. After establishing herself as a pop star with a loyal following in the Philippines, she signed with Paradise Rising, 88rising’s Filipino-focused imprint, and subsequently relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her music internationally. Her work has included a performance at 88rising’s Head in the Clouds festival and “Entertain Me,” released in partnership with Riot Games’ VALORANT. At the same time, her growing international profile has led to recognition from outlets such as V Magazine.

As she makes a comeback in the Philippines to celebrate her tenth year in music, Ylona Garcia is reclaiming the songs, experiences, and lessons that brought her here, hoping to carry them forward into what comes next. For this project, the eclectic multi-hyphenate is working with Sony Music Entertainment to reimagine her catalog in exciting new forms.

“This is my third time working with a music label, and collaboration truly means a lot to me,” Ylona explains. “So, through this project, being able to figure out what collaboration looks like between Sony Music Entertainment and me has actually been a very healing experience. I’ve learned a lot about what it means to bring my vision into a room, listen to other people’s perspectives, and build something together without losing what I came there to say.”

Catch Ylona Garcia as she celebrates her tenth anniversary as an artist:

Event 1: Backyard Live: Ylona Garcia SpotlightDate: Sept. 4, 2026Location: Backyard Warehouse Studio, Baesa, Quezon City

By invitation (registration link): http://ylonagarcia.lnk.to/Ylona_At_Backyard_Live

Event 2: 10 Years of Ylona Garcia: Live at Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley HillDate: Sept. 5, 2026Location: Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley HillEvent Time: 7:00 PM

Register to get free tickets: http://ylonagarcia.lnk.to/Ylona_at_Venice

 Source: Nyou

Seven Ultra-Rare Miki Matsubara Tracks Make Their Digital Debut for the First Time

Following her 500 million Spotify-stream milestone, seven ultra-rare Miki Matsubara recordings make their worldwide digital debut.

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Tokyo, Japan - More than four decades after Miki Matsubara first captivated Japan with her extraordinary voice, seven ultra-rare recordings from the City Pop icon’s catalogue are finally available digitally for the first time.

Released across six digital titles, these recordings have never previously been available on major streaming or download services. Long sought after by collectors and fans, the tracks were previously accessible only through rare vinyl and physical CD releases, making their digital debut a significant new chapter in the rediscovery of Matsubara’s music.

The release arrives at a remarkable moment in Matsubara’s posthumous global resurgence. Her 1979 classic “Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me” recently surpassed 500 million Spotify streams, becoming only the 10th song by a Japanese artist to reach the milestone and the first song originally released in the 20th century to do so.

Yet while “Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me” has become a global City Pop phenomenon, the renewed attention has also led listeners deeper into Matsubara’s catalogue, uncovering sophisticated album tracks, B-sides and lesser-known recordings that reveal the breadth of her artistry.

A treasure trove for fans and collectors

Among the newly available recordings is “Paradise Beach (Sophie no Theme),” a particularly sought-after track associated with the iconic Maxell cassette commercial starring French actress Sophie Marceau.

The track was composed by Haruomi Hosono, legendary musician and founding member of Yellow Magic Orchestra (Y.M.O.), connecting Matsubara’s catalogue to another pivotal chapter in the history of Japanese pop and electronic music.

The seven recordings offer a glimpse into the breadth of Matsubara’s work beyond her best-known hits, from music created for commercial and media tie-ins to rare recordings that have remained largely inaccessible to listeners outside the physical-record collecting world.

From collector’s treasures to a new generation

Matsubara’s music has experienced an extraordinary second life in the digital era.

Her distinctive, sophisticated vocals and the polished arrangements of Japan’s late-1970s and 1980s pop scene have found a new audience among international DJs, vinyl collectors and Gen Z listeners. Her catalogue now includes multiple tracks with more than 10 million Spotify streams, including “WASH,” originally released as a B-side in 1982, which has surpassed 20 million streams.

This renewed global interest has transformed recordings once considered hidden gems into objects of international fascination.

The seven newly digitised tracks now make that deeper catalogue accessible to audiences around the world - not simply revisiting Miki Matsubara’s legacy, but uncovering music that many listeners have never had the opportunity to hear.

A new chapter in Miki Matsubara’s enduring legacy

Miki Matsubara made her debut in 1979 and quickly established herself as one of Japan’s most distinctive vocal talents. Nearly half a century later, her music continues to cross borders and generations in ways few artists from her era have experienced.

With her global audience continuing to grow, these seven rare recordings offer another opportunity to discover the artistry behind one of Japan’s most enduring musical voices.

For the first time, seven pieces of Miki Matsubara’s musical history are no longer hidden in the archives or collectors’ shelves. They are now ready to be heard by the world.

About the release

Artist: Miki Matsubara 

Release Date: [August 28, 2026 0:00]  

Available Platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, AWA, 

LINE MUSIC, and other major streaming and download services.

URL: https://nex-tone.lnk.to/MikiMatsubara

Assets: Here

【Digital Release Titles & Tracklists】 

(7 tracks marked with ★ are making their digital debut) 

1. Ai wa Energy (Originally released: Dec 5, 1979) 

• M-1. Ai Wa Energy

• M-2. Fancy Free (★)
  

2. Hello Today (Originally released: Apr 21, 1980)

• M-1. Hello Today

• M-2. Machi Wa Itsumo Party Ne (★)
  

3. Aitsu no Brown Shoes (Originally released: Sep 5, 1980) 

• M-1. Aitsu No Brown Shoes 

• M-2. Kyou Konogoro (★)
  

4. Shiawase ni Bonsoir (Originally released: Jul 5, 1981) 

• M-1. Shiawase ni Bonsoir (★)

• M-2. Watashi Wa Modorenai
  

5. Paradise Beach (Sophie's Theme) (Originally released: Apr 25, 1983) 

• M-1. Paradise Beach (Sophie's Theme)  (★) (※Maxell CM Song starring Sophie Marceau / Composed by Haruomi Hosono) 

• M-2. Kimagure Collage (★)
  

6. Sweet Surrender (Originally released: Sep 21, 1983) 

• M-1. Sweet Surrender 

• M-2. WANGAN High Way (★)
  

About Miki Matsubara

Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1959, Miki Matsubara made her debut in November 1979 with the single "Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me." She rapidly rose to fame with her exceptional vocal abilities and sophisticated, urban sound, winning numerous prestigious music awards. In addition to her career as a singer, she was a prolific composer, providing songs for various artists, anime series, and TV commercials.

Since the 2000s, "Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me" has experienced a global resurgence, ignited by international DJs and influencers. The track topped viral music charts worldwide, cementing her status as an enduring, iconic artist who continues to define the global City Pop movement.

Instagram | X | YouTube 

About NexTone

NexTone is well-known as one of the most prominent distributors in Japan, partnering with over 1,000 labels and managing a catalog of more than one million Japanese songs. We excel in anime and game-related music and have experience and a strong track record in exporting Japanese content internationally. 

Website

For more information contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

South Korean rapper Kim Ximya returns with second studio album 'Dogma' out September 9

PRE-SAVE HERE

September 1st, 2026 – While television survival shows have become a defining route to recognition for many Korean rappers over the past decade, Kim Ximya has never followed the conventional path. For nearly a decade, he has built his reputation through music and visual art, earning critical acclaim both in Korea and beyond. Seven years after his last solo album, he returns with 'Dogma', a ten-track work that reflects his uncompromising approach to art, music, and creative freedom that is set to be released on September 9. Fans can pre-save the album here.

Created in collaboration with Seoul collective Sound Supply, the ten-track record marks a new chapter for one of Korean music's most distinctive voices. Moving fluidly between experimental hip-hop, electronic music, and underground club influences, 'Dogma' further develops Kim Ximya’s approach to music—one that remains unconstrained by genre or commercial expectation while maintaining a singular artistic identity.

Working closely with core members of Sound Supply, including Mount XLR, cjb95, and ccr, Kim Ximya developed a cohesive body of work that reflects both his evolution as a songwriter and producer. The album's sonic journey was further refined through mastering by Grammy Award-winning engineer Mike Bozzi.

The visual world surrounding 'Dogma' continues that multidisciplinary approach. The lead music video for 'Dogma' was directed by acclaimed filmmaker, photographer, and visual artist Park Chan-kyong. The younger brother and longtime creative collaborator of Cannes-winning director Park Chan-wook (Decision to Leave), Park Chan-kyong has built an acclaimed practice spanning cinema, photography, and contemporary art. Together, the brothers have directed award-winning works under the name PARKing CHANce, including a Berlin International Film Festival prize-winning short film. 

The physical edition also departs from conventional album packaging, replacing the traditional CD format with a miniature radio-inspired player called the Buddha Machine, which reimagines the album as both a listening device and collectible object. Adding to its exclusivity, the Buddha Machine will feature a curated selection of tracks distinct from the digital release.

With 'Dogma', Kim Ximya returns with his second studio album, further establishing himself at the intersection of Korean hip-hop, experimental electronic music, and contemporary visual culture.

About Kim Ximya

Kim Ximya, one of modern day’s most influential rappers in South Korea, has been making unprecedented headlines with media giants like the New York Times, Pitchfork, Billboard and BBC Radio.

Known to venture away from traditional sounds, lyrics and song structure, his name first skyrocketed into the public consciousness when he released his debut EP ‘KYOMI’ under the collaborative duo name XXX alongside producer FRNK. Across their releases 'KYOMI', 'LANGUAGE', and 'SECOND LANGUAGE', the duo blurred the boundaries between music, visual art, and contemporary culture. Their collaborations with French animator Mattis Dovier earned Vimeo Staff Picks, coverage from VICE and Animation Magazine, and screenings at film and music festivals around the world and also helped opened a new avenue for Korean hip hop to elevate and expand into the West.

XXX's music also attracted international critical attention from major news outlets globally. 'LANGUAGE' and 'SECOND LANGUAGE' received Pitchfork scores of 7.3 and 7.5 respectively, making them among the highest-rated Korean albums reviewed by the publication at the time. In 2019, XXX won Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song at the Korean Music Awards and joined experimental hip-hop group Injury Reserve as support on their North American tour.

Outside of XXX, Kim Ximya has continued expanding his solo catalog through releases including 'Moonshine', 'DOG', 'Bundle 1', and 'w18c', further establishing himself as both a rapper and producer. His collaborators have ranged from Beenzino, CL, Crush, and Jay Park to Cautious Clay and French producer Simo Cell, while his songwriting has also appeared on releases by BTS's V and NewJeans. 

Across these projects, Kim Ximya has consistently occupied a space where underground experimentation, electronic music, and contemporary pop intersect without fully belonging to any one scene. Today, he is one of the most sought after, go-to artists for features and other collaborations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
 SECRET SIGNALS

FOLLOW KIM XIMYA

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JAGUAR JONZE ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM 'BEASTMASTER' OUT 29 JANUARY VIA NETTWERK

PRE-SAVE HERE

REVEALS LEAD SINGLE
"KAWASAKI NINJA"

WATCH HERE

Photo Credit: Rich Maskey

August 31, 2026 – Taiwanese-Australian auteur Jaguar Jonze (aka Deena Lynch) announces her new album, 'BEASTMASTER', for release on 29 January via Nettwerk. The news drops with an exhilarating new single and music video, “Kawasaki Ninja”, out now. 

'BEASTMASTER' is the culmination of a two-year hiatus from music, a period of profound reckoning in the aftermath of a life-changing diagnosis that forced Jonze to confront her health and sense of self. The album rises from the ashes of old identities and embraces contradictions – playful and fierce, vulnerable and provocative, intimate and expansive – allowing every version of herself to coexist freely. Built on instinct over perfectionism, this multiplicity is felt across morphing pop, electronic, experimental and lived-in sounds, as we witness an artist resurfacing with absolute awareness, reclaiming her body and inner identity, and shedding the weight of external forces.

At its core is a conscious choice reflective of her life today, to step outside her comfort zone and confront doubt, fears and shame in order to evolve. Not mastery over our demons or beasts, but a willingness to live alongside every part of oneself. Not a perfected version of self, but a liberated one. An anthology devoted to rebirth as radical self-permission.

Jonze shares: “The rebirthing process in this album came from allowing myself to play again, without having to meet the expectations and demands of the world around me.... just to find the art I was creating because I had lost so much. To be able to come back to music meant that I had to just create... Through tragedy comes beauty, and when you lose so much, there's so much to gain as well.”

Born from the throes of physical limitation, new single "Kawasaki Ninja" turns personal longing into pure, high-velocity escapism. After her diagnosis left Jonze unable to ride motorcycles, she translated the machine’s true essence, unfiltered freedom, motion and thrill into an explosive sonic powerhouse of thumping basslines and warping electronics. “I was writing with the feeling in mind,” she says. “What did motorcycles represent for me? Freedom.” The track becomes an uncompromising battle cry charged with defiant self-love, embracing a spirit that refuses to conform and ripping past the noise without looking back. Raw, exhilarating and deeply personal, "Kawasaki Ninja" is about reclaiming your autonomy, breaking free from constraints and having unapologetic fun while doing it. 

On the track’s music video, she expands: “Being on set for the music video was the first time I got back on a motorcycle after years of neurophysio rehab. I’m passionate, and sentimental and knew that I would have the courage and strength to trust my body and do it if it was for my art. I was so scared but it felt so special to get back up on that horse (power haha) for this song that I had written about motorcycles, about freedom, about self empowerment in a time that was difficult to have faith in myself.”

Jaguar Jonze – "Kawasaki Ninja" [Official Music Video]

Across Southeast Asia, Jaguar Jonze continues to find a growing audience, with Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore now among her Top 15 streaming markets globally. Earlier this year, Jonze released the gritty, high-voltage single and music video “Naked” – an erratically addictive meeting point of pop and club-ready textures to mark her return to music. Shot at an abandoned construction site in Uluwatu, Bali, the self-directed music video has since garnered over 350,000 views on YouTube to date, supported by significant traction from Indonesia. The single was soon followed by “HALF DEVIL”, a collaboration with Taiwanese-American artist KIRE that pulled identity centre stage, examining the complex relationship with belonging that is tied to growing up between cultures. 

Less a continuation than a transformation, 'BEASTMASTER' marks a turning point for an artist whose work has long explored identity, resistance and reinvention. Where previous chapters were shaped by survival, 'BEASTMASTER' is driven by instinct, curiosity and creative freedom. 

'BEASTMASTER'  is out 29 January 2027. Go full throttle with “Kawasaki Ninja”, out now.

Stream "Kawasaki Ninja" here: 
jaguarjonze.ffm.to/kawasakininja

Watch the official music video here 

Pre-save the upcoming album 'BEASTMASTER' here: 
jaguarjonze.ffm.to/kawasakininja
 

About Jaguar Jonze

Born in Japan to a Taiwanese mother and Australian father, Deena Lynch (aka Jaguar Jonze) has shaped a multi-faceted career straddling the worlds of art, music and fashion. After breaking onto the music scene in 2019, Lynch went on to carve out her reputation for genre-crossing high art and enigmatic yet vulnerable songwriting on back to back EPs, 'Diamonds & Liquid Gold' (2020) and 'ANTIHERO' (2021).

Come 2022, her high-octane, art-pop debut studio album 'BUNNY MODE' saw Lynch find strength in vulnerability, a personal triumph of resilience shaped by her boundary-pushing art and creativity that received praise among NME (The Cover), The Guardian, VICE, FLAUNT and more.

Lynch's activism work has been recognised by Vogue Australia’s Most Influential Women of 2021, triple j’s Done Good Award, and The Australian’s ‘Top 100 Cultural Leaders List 2022’, meanwhile her intersection with the art and fashion communities – including narrative illustration project Spectator Jonze and photography project Dusky Jonze – has seen collaborations with the likes of Christian Louboutin, Converse, Fendi, Nike, BMW, Reebok, Stüssy and more. Her most recent 2024 EP, 'victim impact statement', comprising three powerful tracks and an accompanying self-directed short film, further cemented her as one of Australian music’s most empowering voices.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS | NETTWERK MUSIC GROUP

FOLLOW JAGUAR JONZE

Website

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The Itchyworms to embark on a four-city tour in New Zealand this September

Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch are set to experience the band’s celebrated blend of catchy hooks, clever lyrics, and irrepressible Filipino spirit

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino pop-rock band The Itchyworms are set to headline Akin Ka Na Lang New Zealand Tour this September 2026. The band will perform in four key cities across the country: Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch.

Known for their sharp-witted songwriting, infectious guitar pop melodies, and anthemic tunes, The Itchyworms have taken OPM to exciting new places. Their upcoming shows in New Zealand offers Filipino audiences abroad a spirited connection to home while introducing new listeners to the richness and character of OPM.

According to Jugs Jugueta, the tour is about reconnecting with Filipino communities and rediscovering the best the Philippines has to offer. “It’s very humbling. It’s really great that the world is now discovering all things Filipino,” he says, noting the growing global appreciation for Filipino culture, artists, and music.

With stops spanning four cities across NZ, Jugueta looks forward to sharing the experience with both Filipinos and their Kiwi friends. “We encourage all Filipinos to bring their Kiwi friends and family so that we can show them how Filipinos party!”

Meanwhile, drummer and vocalist Jazz Nicolas describes the band’s cross-generational songwriting as one of the things Filipinos and foreigners should look forward to: “It’s like hiding medicine in chocolate. We like to put petty or tragic lyrics inside a catchy pop melody.” That distinctive balance of humor, heartbreak, and melody has helped make The Itchyworms’ music appeal across borders. Nicolas also sees the tour as an opportunity to introduce OPM to an even wider audience.

NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES:

AUCKLAND — September 18 | Galatos

WELLINGTON — September 19 | Notre Dame Performing Arts Center

QUEENSTOWN — September 25 | Queenstown Memorial Center

CHRISTCHURCH — September 26 | Christ’s College Auditorium

Tickets are priced at $99 NZD for Standing VIP (including a photo opportunity) and $69 NZD for Standing General Admission. Tickets are available here:https://fastevents.com.au/ticket_category/the-itchyworms-new-zealand-tour-2026-tickets

Source: Nyou