Combo On The Run wins Best International Feature Documentary in Greece

Acclaimed Filipino documentary Eraserheads: Combo On The Run has bagged the Best International Feature Documentary Award at the 12th Ierapetra International Documentary and Film Festival in Crete, Greece.

Filmmaker and producer Maria Diane Ventura personally accepted the award during the festival’s awarding ceremony.

"I always feel honored, humbled, and grateful to represent our country in any capacity," Ventura reveals. “As a filmmaker, I’m happy if even one person connects with our work, so it’s incredibly thrilling and inspiring to see our film resonate beyond our shores.”

Ventura also expressed pride in the film’s growing demand overseas. “We set out to tell a story close to our hearts, and somehow it found its way across oceans,” she said. “It’s a privilege to carry our country’s voice and music from the Eraserheads, no less.”

In addition to winning one of the top honors, Combo On The Run was also chosen as the closing film of the Greek festival, an accolade that underscores its wide-ranging cinematic appeal.

Prior to its European premiere, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run made headlines at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2025, becoming the first Filipino film and the first music documentary to be screened at the globally renowned pop culture event.

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is in talks for a theatrical release this year in cities across the globe after its festival circuit.

Source: Nyou

rouri404 Blends Electronic and Pop-Punk on New Single "miss it"

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Photo Credit: Attiken Vega

August 11th, 2025 – Rising genre-bending artist rouri404 just released his new single, “miss it” on Red Bull Records. The song marks his first release in over a year, showcasing his evolution both sonically and lyrically. Fans can listen to the song here. 

The track is an upbeat and EDM-centric, but also layered in classic rouri404 fashion – rife with raw vocals and a glitchy, synth-heavy production. rouri404’s last project saw him lean more heavily into the darker side of hyperpop, but with “miss it” he’s revealed another facet of his artistry. Refusing to be put in a box, the single draws from trap, dubstep, hyperpop, and pop-punk stylings – all seamlessly brought together by its introspective lyrics.

rouri404 - "miss it"

On returning with new music, rouri404 reflects: “I’ve always made music from a place of pain, it felt safer to lean into sadness than to risk showing any other side of myself. I’ve always been afraid that if people saw me for me, they’d think I was weird or cringey. "miss it" is different, it’s me throwing those fears out the window”.

Relocating to LA from Orlando this year has had a clear impact on rouri404, as he continues: “After moving across the country, I had a lot of time to reflect, not just on music but on who I am and who I want to become. I grew up surrounded by a lot of negativity, and for years that shaped the way I expressed myself. I had become content with it, and realized that’s not who I want to be. I want to be able to create from a place that reflects better moments in life. I’ve been so focused on the past that I’ve let the good memories slip by without realizing it. I don’t want to miss anymore”.

Last night, rouri404 debuted “miss it” for the first time live in LA and the room was full of palpable energy as he delivered an electric performance to his growing community. Keep an eye out for more from rouri404 in 2025!

Listen to "miss it" here
Watch the visualizer here

About rouri404

Art and the internet are society’s last true equalizers, a refuge for the disadvantaged and dispossessed to take on an alias or avatar, rise above their circumstances and become whoever they want. Indeed, for most of his life, Orlando native Joseph (Joey) Cash thrived in the grids and waveforms of Logic and SoundCloud when more traditional structures failed him - a high school dropout at 16, Joey’s future was clouded by substances and self-doubt. By the beginning of 2021, Joey realized that he could not half-step his way towards transcendence.

Expanding beyond his early incarnation as a hyperpop artist, Joey took on the name rouri404 and finally became himself. Following 2022’s striking 'GORE' EP, rouri404 leans even harder into guitar-driven rock and emo, a showcase for his emerging talents as a lyricist, arranger and executive producer.

He’s coherent and concise, inspired by the duality that comes with creating art in online spaces - how does one reconcile the unlimited capacity for self-expression with the unlimited capacity for self-invention? rouri404 sees artists like the prolific Bones and the perfectionist Daft Punk as his two guardian angels; “I’ve found myself struggling between being mysterious with perfect visuals and perfect aesthetics and the other side of, I want to get as much out as fast as possible”. Yet, as rouri404’s skills and stature escalate, the creative process remains true to his origins as a lost soul with a lifeline to his audience, representing for people like himself - the misunderstood teens, the budding lyricists stuck behind the cash register of a dead-end job, the overwhelmed music nerds searching for something permanent in a time where everything feels disposable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Clara Benin's "befriending my tears (and then some)" to be released on Vinyl by Backspacer Records

Critically acclaimed sophomore album available on vinyl beginning August 17, 2025

Manila, Philippines – Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin will be releasing her sophomore album, befriending my tears (and then some), on vinyl for the first time this August 17, 2025, in partnership with independent vinyl retailer Backspacer Records.

First released digitally in August 2023 under OFFMUTE (a pan-regional label under Sony Music Entertainment), befriending my tears received widespread acclaim for its emotionally resonant songwriting and intimate production. The release marked a significant milestone in Benin’s artistic evolution, highlighting her growth not only as a vocalist and songwriter but also as a producer and creative collaborator.

The album explores themes of vulnerability, self-acceptance, and emotional healing through minimalist yet immersive arrangements. With contributions from Gabba Santiago, Sam and Tim Marquez of One Click Straight, and Francis Lorenzo, the album presents a sonic palette that balances ethereal textures with Benin’s trademark subtlety and sincerity.

“This album holds some of my most personal work,” shares Benin. “It brings together songs written in different chapters of my life, from college to the pandemic, and pieces them into a cohesive story of learning to embrace all that I am.”

The vinyl edition features the expanded and then some version, including remixes, early demos, and live recordings. It also includes three bonus tracks exclusive to the physical format, full-color artwork, and detailed liner notes that further contextualize the project’s creative process.

Among the standout tracks is “blink,” which won Best Engineered Recording at the 2022 Awit Awards, alongside fan favorites such as “imposter syndrome” and “small town.”

This marks Clara Benin’s second studio album following her debut Human Eyes and several successful EPs. Over the years, Benin has cemented her reputation as one of the most respected voices in the Philippine music scene, with her work earning recognition across Southeast Asia.

Clara Benin’s befriending my tears (and then some) vinyl — featuring a new layout by Mia Claravall-Reyes — will be available exclusively at Backspacer Records (backspacerrecords.com) starting August 17, 2025.

Source: Nyou

Grammy-Winning Artist Laufey Reveals Bittersweet Single "Snow White" Alongside Music Video Filmed in Iceland

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Photo Credit: Emma Summerton

NEW ALBUM 'A MATTER OF TIME'
DUE OUT AUGUST 22

“Otherworldly artist”—TIME

“Laufey’s ascendency to major-league pop artist is one of the most heartening musical phenomena of the last couple of years”—Variety

“Each album she crafts serves as a distinct landmark in her story of evolution –– both as an artist and as a woman"  —Billboard Philippines

"She is a musical tour de force" —Los Angeles Times

August 8th, 2025 – Today, GRAMMY®-winning Icelandic-Chinese artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Laufey premieres a new song, “Snow White”. Fans can listen to the song here and watch the music video here.

Framed by her signature dreamy soundscape, "Snow White" delves into the quiet pressures of striving for perfection and the unattainable beauty standards so often imposed on women. Laufey shares, ""Snow White" is about the never-ending chase for perfection that comes with being a woman — about looking in the mirror and seeing all the ways you feel you need to improve yourself”.

The song also comes alongside an official music video which was completely shot in her native Iceland, and directed by Laufey’s twin sister and creative director Junia Lin. 

Laufey - "Snow White" (Official Music Video)

“Snow White” is the latest offering from her highly anticipated forthcoming album ‘A Matter of Time’, coming August 22 via Vingolf Recordings / AWAL. As Laufey began to craft ‘A Matter of Time’, she felt freer than ever. “Every new album for me is a blank book of stories to write,” she says, and it’s true. An artist who pours her life experiences into her work, she infused 2022’s 'Everything I Know About Love' with coming-of-age tales revolving around leaving home, and for 2023’s GRAMMY®-winning 'Bewitched' she dove headlong into young love. Brought to life with sweeping orchestral arrangements, interwoven strains of bossa nova and jazz, and Laufey’s honeyed alto, those albums cemented Laufey as a star who can make sounds from bygone eras feel timeless.

Now on 'A Matter of Time', Laufey further crystalizes her singular sound—one still rooted in her beloved influences, but which forgoes any strict standards or rules. “I’m constantly thinking about classical and jazz, how to properly preserve them and pay homage”. For this album she continues to do so while also noting, “I just wanted to let my heart wander”. To that end, she teamed with a pair of co-producers, one comforting and familiar—Spencer Stewart who worked with Laufey on her first two albums —and one new to her but deeply attuned to artists looking to open up: Aaron Dessner (Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran). Feeling sonically unrestrained gave Laufey the space to share new sides of herself while exploring sometimes heavier themes. “People expect a pretty façade of girly clothes, fantastical stories, and romantic music,” she says. This time, I was interested in seeing how I could draw out the most flawed parts of myself and look at them directly in the mirror”. 'A Matter of Time' finds Laufey at her most daring—and also playful—as she captures the experience of “real love” in its many forms and what it means to observe as it strips you down to your most vulnerable and anxious.

Stream "Snow White" here
Watch the music video here
Pre-order 'A Matter Of Time' here

DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT

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. She has become a bridge for the older music she adores, from Chet Baker to Carole King to Ravel, by offering her bold interpretation to a younger crop of listeners who have become deeply connected over time. This was all by design — Laufey’s self-assigned raison d’être — and it worked, allowing her to bring to life the whimsical universe known as “Laufey Land”.

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 5 billion global streams, a social media audience of 25 million, the biggest jazz LP debut in Spotify history and an album in Billboard’s Top 20 (both for 'Bewitched'), 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, 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 Jon Batiste and Raye; and collaborated on records with artists ranging from Beabadoobee to Norah Jones.

This spring, Laufey announced The Laufey Foundation, with the primary mission of supporting young musicians with the resources they need, especially through youth orchestras, to reach their full potential. $1 of each ticket sold on the A Matter of Time Tour will go towards The Laufey Foundation.

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
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ena mori drops new EP, rOe

In her latest 6-track release, the global pop experimentalist confronts selfhood with poetic vulnerability and daring sonic choices

As a global pop figure with an incredible sense of sonic adventurism, ena mori continues to forge a path that defies industry expectations. Her unapologetic individuality and fearless experimentation have set her apart from her contemporaries, especially in a landscape often defined by formula.

On her latest EP, rOe, the acclaimed singer-songwriter/producer steps away from the explosive energy of her full-length debut album, DON’T BLAME THE WILD ONE!, and instead offers a body of work that is as introspective as it is sophisticated. A coming-of-age project but not in a traditional sense, the 6-track release navigates the emotional whiplash of entering your twenties with one foot still planted in childhood. To sum it up, it’s about the paradox of forward motion while feeling stuck.

Through poetic lyrics and deliberately fragile soundscapes, ena mori constructs a world where innocence is haunted by memory, and wonder is complicated by doubt.

“One of the things that’s been giving me a lot of inspiration lately is my childhood,” shares the Japanese-Filipino soloist. “For this EP, I wanted to explore my memories and how I see them now, through the eyes of an adult. Maybe it’s a longing for that innocent state of being—or perhaps I’m just a little addicted to the comfort of nostalgia.”

Co-produced by ena mori in close collaboration with her creative partner Tim Marquez, rOe strikes a balance between childlike whimsy and underlying ease. Every arrangement feels deliberately alive, evoking what enaand Tim describe as microbe-like: where the sonic landscape evokes interiority that’s pure in form but never polished to perfection.

The multi-awarded pop artist explains, “Tim and I talked a lot about the visual imagery of the album while we were working on the record. We gathered tons of photos and shapes for inspiration, but one of the main things we were trying to capture was this idea of “microbe-like” sounds—something that feels alive from within.”

Unlike the wide-ranging collaborative universe of her earlier materials, rOe was conceived in small rooms between two minds. Tim Marquez handled production duties with precision and restraint, while Sam Marquez(also of One Click Straight) brought intimacy to the mix. Mastering was executed by Emil Dela Rosa, whose subtle touch helped unify the EP’s emotional tone.

“The production process was definitely tedious at times, but every detail, every idea, we talked through and refined together,” reveals ena. “I honestly couldn’t feel more grateful to work with Tim. He’s not just incredibly talented; he gets me. Occasionally, he even hears things beyond what I imagined.”

The production aesthetic leans into unconventional textures, mixing string quartets with lo-fi guitar sketches, nylon-string plucks with harps, and layered vocal whispers with glitchy electronics. But unlike the maximalist art-pop of her debut album, the songs in rOe settle between dreamlike and disoriented, like memories remembered wrong but felt deeply.

Songs like “Trust Me,” written using ena mori’s limited guitar skills, are proof of how constraint can sometimes birth creativity in its most undiluted form. “Portion Control” and “Heartache Generation” channels crossover music with an endearingly vulnerable edge. Closing the EP with poetic finality, “Cub” carries one of the record’s most resonant lines: “I know the consequence of life, oh what a life / but I don’t want to live in a world of lies.”

It’s a quiet rebellion: a refusal to erase the child within. 

ena mori’s rOe tracklist:

1. rOe

2. Portion Control

3. Heartache Generation

4. Sink

5. Trust Me

6. Cub

ena mori’s new EP, rOe, is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and Offshore Music.

Follow ena mori on socials:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

--

About ena mori

ena mori is a walking musical paradox. Starting her musical journey at a young age as a classical pianist, enamori uses her dynamic range of different musical influences and creates her own sophisticated pop sound. Her tunes hop with neon-light vibrance, but also bop with lovelorn soul, owing to her Japanese-Filipino pedigree. But whatever hyphenated tag critics and admirers alike choose to append to her material—art-pop, synth-pop, dream-pop—the ena mori crusade is, essentially, one in vigorous defense of pop music making (full stop): a criminally undermined enterprise she’s working not so much to salvage but ravage (full stop), which is to say, in her own words, “I’ve always wanted to write pop that pushes boundaries.”

Her first album, "DON'T BLAME THE WILD ONE!" which includes singles such as "VIVID", and "SOS" was rated No.1 for NME Asia's Best Albums of the Year 2022. Along with a 5-star rating of the album, the review of NME says "It's a triumphant rallying cry for the dejected, filled with pop hooks that reach for the stars."

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here. 

About Offshore Music

Offshore Music is an independent record label founded by a mix of businessmen and musicians in 2016. Its aim is to guide the listeners of Filipino music toward artists with the ability to make the familiar sound fresh. Driven by initiative and imagination, Offshore Music provides an honest space of creativity, and above all, an avenue for quality music.

In June 2023, the company entered a partnership with Sony Music Philippines and has since propelled Offshore Music into greater heights with a new fervor and passion for music.

Source: Nyou

Ed Sheeran Releases New Single "A Little More" Alongside Comedic Official Video Starring Rupert Grint & Nathalie Emmanuel

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Download Ed Sheeran's Press Image here

August 8th, 2025 – Today, Ed Sheeran releases his brand-new single, “A Little More”, alongside a music video where Ed brings back Rupert Grint for an all-new instalment. Fans can listen to the song here and watch the music video here. 

Witty and sharp in its lyricism, and underpinned with blues elements through its sound, “A Little More” carries with it a message of self-preservation and moral courage. Sheeran wrote the song alongside DAVE (who previously worked with Sheeran on “Nothing On You”, “F64”), Blake Slatkin (Charli XCX, Kid Laroi), Cirkut (The Weeknd, Lil Nas X) and Johnny McDaid (Sheeran’s longtime collaborator) – production comes from Blake Slatkin, and Cirkut.

In the lead-up to the release, fans of both Sheeran and Grint have been piecing together a trail of cryptic social media clues — including posts from Ed’s official accounts that appeared to be taken over by Rupert himself. Longtime listeners may remember Grint’s role in the 2011 “Lego House” video, and now he returns for a surprise cameo in the visual for “A Little More”.

Directed by Emil Nava (Post Malone, Dua Lipa), the comedic music video picks up where “Lego House” left off. Rupert Grint reprises his role as an obsessive Sheeran fan, now released from prison and attempting to live a normal life. Yet, Ed seems to appear everywhere he turns, leaving him increasingly unsettled. Just as things start to look up including meeting his future wife, played by Nathalie Emmanuel, the wedding day brings an unexpected twist. As Grint’s character stands at the altar and scans the crowd, he’s shocked to see a sea of wedding guests appear as Ed Sheeran… only to discover an even greater surprise when he lifts his bride’s veil.
 

Ed Sheeran - "A Little More" (Official Music Video)

Today’s track is the follow-up to Sheeran’s single “Sapphire”, which he worked on with Arijit Singh. The pair released a special version of the track last month, with Ed singing a chorus in Hindi and Punjabi, and Arijit singing a verse in Hindi and Punjabi and a chorus in English. The result was a blissful cross-cultural fusion of languages and cultures, adorning the song’s celebration of love.

With these standout tracks leading the way, stay tuned for Ed Sheeran’s new album, ‘Play’, releasing on September 12!

Stream "A Little More" here
Watch the music video here
Pre-Order 'Play' here

About Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is set to release his new album ‘Play’ on 12th September 2025. After closing the chapter on his Mathematics series, Ed Sheeran is finally back and stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025. An artist known for constantly evolving, Sheeran’s latest album, 'Play' finds him exploring new musical ground through collaboration with producers and musicians from around the world, as well as diving deeper into the timeless sounds and themes that have made him one of the world’s best-loved pop artists. Inspired in part by his exposure to Indian and Persian musical cultures—and their surprising connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with, through shared scales, rhythms, and melodies—he explored this borderless musical language, giving the album its distinctive, fresh edge.

On more familiar ground, Sheeran also reminds us why he remains the most influential singer-songwriter of his generation, delivering a series of stunning ballads and acoustic-driven songs. The result is a collection that plays with both the familiar and the new, creating a bold, pop-driven sound that only Ed Sheeran could deliver — a vibrant showcase of his artistry that feels both exciting and transformative, and promises to be one of the defining albums of the year. 


Ed Sheeran is no stranger to Southeast Asia, having included Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines as stops on his 2024 '+ - = ÷ x (Mathematics) Tour'. He continues to see strong streaming numbers with the 🇵🇭 Philippines at #3 and 🇮🇩 Indonesia at #7 among his top 10 global streaming markets.

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Multi Platinum Rock Superstars Good Charlotte Unveil Highly-Anticipated Album 'Motel Du Cap' Featuring Wiz Khalifa, Zeph, and More

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Photo Credits: Jen Rosenstein

FEATURING WIZ KHALIFA, ZEPH, AND MORE

August 8th, 2025 – Philippines – Out now, genre-bending multi-platinum rock superstars Good Charlotte release their highly anticipated album, 'Motel Du Cap'. Their first album in seven years, 'Motel Du Cap' was written by Benji and Joel Madden alongside Mattias Bylund and was produced by Zakk Cervini and Jordan Fish. Marking their most personal record to date, Good Charlotte ushers in this chapter forging new ground while keeping a strong connection to their foundation.

Good Charlotte’s “Act 2”, as the Madden brothers lovingly call it, sees them reuniting with their original bandmates—Paul Thomas (bass) and Billy Martin (guitar)—bringing fans nostalgic excitement. The new album is a collision of raw riffs, inner truth, and unapologetic energy, channeling the authenticity of their self-titled debut album with the emotional impact that defined 'The Young and the Hopeless'. True to their genre-defying style, this collection of songs showcases their signature rock sound with diverse elements, incorporating rap, country, and soul. Artists across multiple genres are featured on the album including Wiz Khalifa, Zeph, Luke Borchelt and Petti Hendrix.

The idea for 'Motel Du Cap' was first sparked when Good Charlotte played a private gig at the iconic Hotel du Cap in France, for Joel’s younger sister’s wedding in 2023. Surrounded by the beauty of the venue, raw emotion of the occasion, and freedom of performing without expectation, the experience fueled a renewed sense of passion for the Madden brothers. “It was this wild, once-in-a-lifetime vibe,” Joel recalls. “We were just there to celebrate, no pressure, and it reminded us why we started this—pure, unfiltered connection.” That night became the heartbeat of the album, a love letter to stripping things back and letting the music speak for itself.

Of the standout track “I Don’t Work Here Anymore”, Joel shares: “'I Don’t Work Here Anymore' is a song about quitting anything in your life that doesn’t appreciate you, anything that doesn’t make you better or anything and anyone that isn’t good for you. Taking charge of yourself — and life isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it to go your own way and bet on yourself.” 

Their electrifying return was marked by the album's lead single “Rejects” released in June and their most recent single “Stepper”, released last month. This evening, Good Charlotte will be making their live debut of “I Don’t Work Here Anymore” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

'Motel Du Cap' Tracklist
1. Check in at Motel Du Cap
2. Rejects 
3. Stepper
4. I Don’t Work Here Anymore
5. Life is Great (featuring Wiz Khalifa) 
6. Pink Guitar (featuring Zeph)
7. Deserve You (featuring Luke Borchelt)
8. Mean
9. Bodies 
10. Vertigo (featuring Petti Hendrix) 
11. The Dress Rehearsal 
12. Castle in the Sand 
13. GC FOREVER

Stream the album 'Motel Du Cap' here: 
goodcharlotte.lnk.to/motelducap

About Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte is back, and they’re bringing their rawest, most authentic energy yet. The rock superstars—twin brothers Joel Madden (vocals) and Benji Madden (guitar, vocals), alongside Paul Thomas (bass) and Billy Martin (guitar, keyboards)—have spent nearly three decades crafting anthems for the underdogs, the dreamers, and the broken. 

From their humble beginnings in Waldorf, Maryland, to selling over 11 million albums worldwide with hits like “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” and “The Anthem”, Good Charlotte has always worn their hearts on their sleeves. With over 2.3 Billion streams to date, 7 RIAA Certified Releases, 6 Top 10 Alt Radio Singles and 4 Top 20 Singles on the Billboard Hot 100, Good Charlotte remains a dynamic force in music with a legacy of evolution, authenticity, and lasting influence. Their new album, 'Motel Du Cap' out August 8, isn’t just an album—it’s a testament to a band that’s never stopped growing and never stopped believing in the power of a good song.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS | ATLANTIC RECORDS

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XG 1st Live Album: XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Out Now

Hiphop/R&B-inspired girl group XG has released their first live album, XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live, on 8th August!

The album features live audio from their emotional and unforgettable concert at Tokyo Dome, which served as the grand finale of their first ever world tour, XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL”.

Spanning nearly a year from May 2024, the tour visited 35 cities across 18 countries, delivering a total of 47 shows, most of which were sold out, demonstrating XG’s explosive global popularity. In April 2025, XG also performed at Coachella, one of the world’s largest music festivals, trending No. 2 worldwide on X and earning high praise from international media. 

Their Tokyo Dome finale drew 50,000 fans, and was widely celebrated as both a triumphant homecoming and a symbolic milestone in their journey. The 13-track live album, featuring 18 songs including medleys, captures the energy, raw emotion and unforgettable atmosphere of that night. It showcases signature hits like “WOKE UP”, “SHOOTING STAR” and “LEFT RIGHT” alongside emotional highlights such as “IN THE RAIN” and “IS THIS LOVE”, which has remained on Billboard Japan’s Hot 100 for 21 consecutive weeks. Through this release, fans around the world can relive the essence of XG’s universe and the powerful bond they share with their audience.

Looking ahead, XG will headline Day 1 of a-nation 2025 on 30th August at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo. This marks their first music festival appearance since Coachella, and anticipation is running high for what they will bring to the stage. Ticketing details here.

STREAM XG 1ST WORLD TOUR “THE FIRST HOWL” LIVE HERE

Download cover artwork here

XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live

Tracklist:

01. X-GENE (HESONOO) [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

02. HOWLING & GRL GVNG [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

03. UNDEFEATED [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

04. TGIF & IYKYK [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

05. Tippy Toes & SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT & IN THE RAIN [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

06. SHOOTING STAR [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

07. WOKE UP [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

08. PUPPET SHOW [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

09. IS THIS LOVE [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

10. NEW DANCE [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

11. MILLION PLACES [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

12. WINTER WITHOUT YOU & MASCARA [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

13. LEFT RIGHT [XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL” Live]

Follow XG

Official Website | XG OFFICIAL FANCLUB 'ALPHAZ' | IG | YT | TikTok | X | FB

For more information please contactmabuhay@blackstar.space

Listen: Filipino singer-songwriter Muri links up with Japanese producer Shigge in dance-infused EP, SETSUNA

The new record explores the complicated beauty of impermanence

Photo credits: Ted Orsenado

Filipino indie pop/soul artist Muri and Japanese electronic producer Shigge have finally released their first joint EP, SETSUNA.

In an intriguing fusion of cultures and genres, the 4-track release reflects on the fleeting, ephemeral nature of moments in an increasingly fast-paced world. Taking its name from the Japanese word “setsuna” which means “instant,” the EP explores impermanence, both emotionally and sonically.

Across its concise yet immersive runtime, SETSUNA benefits from the combined influences of both artists, where pop music coalesces with intricate dance music production, coasting along smoothly with shimmering synth textures, 2-step rhythms, and nimble breakbeats.

For all its mood-enhancing attributes, the songs in SETSUNA just won’t leave the listener's head for days. Its hook-laden production bursts with energy and sophistication, while Muri’s light but suave vocals hit the sweet spot with every listen.

Setting the tone for the record’s commitment to fluidity and surprise, the  EP serves quite unnervingly with “Afternoon,” a breezy tune that unexpectedly transitions midway into a high-tempo drum n’ bass jam. “Bad News” ups the ante with its freeing grooves and pulsating beats, while “Midnight Calls,” doubles as an after-hours anthem. The mini-album closes with “Sayaw,” turning up the volume as it effortlessly switches between English and Filipino lyrics, and showcases Muri’s soulful pop sound at its wobbly, bassy best. Muri’s rich melodic instincts shine here, as Shigge’s production pushes the track into lounging, unskippable places, marking a fitting end to the sonic journey.

Musing on the creative process, Muri recalls the initial uncertainty that comes with collaboration across borders and styles. “I think the very first song we did together was uncomfortable at first, as we were navigating our joint style and it’s completely out of our comfort zone,” Muri shares. “But looking back at it, it actually becomes an exciting experience because you have no idea how it’s going to turn out, and at the end you both really enjoy what you create.”

Written and produced remotely between Manila, Tokyo, and London, SETSUNA serves as a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration in the streaming age. The joint EP shows a rare case of alchemy between two artists from different parts of the world, who have found refuge in distance and impermanence.

Follow Muri:

Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / TikTok / Twitter

About Muri

Muriel Gonzales, known as Muri, is a Filipino musician and singer-songwriter based between  Manila, London and Paris. Known as the violinist of Manila’s beloved indie folk band The Ransom Collective, Muri has since stepped into a solo career defined by soul-rooted pop, gentle rhythmic swing, and deeply introspective storytelling. Her vocal delivery—smooth, rich, and intimate—is at the center of her evolving sonic identity, balancing vulnerability with strength.

Her 2024 debut solo EP 11ème earned press coverage from Billboard Philippines, NME, and Bandwagon, and followed earlier nominations at the Awit and Wish Awards for her single Letters. A genre-blender at heart, Muri fuses elements of neo-soul, indie R&B, and electronic pop—often writing about personal change, belonging, and emotional memory. With performances across Asia and Europe, and recent showcases at Axean Bali, Bangkok Music City 2025, and SXSW Austin 2025, she's positioned to reach more global audiences.

About Shigge

Shigge is a Tokyo-based beatmaker, DJ, and founder of the independent label YesterdayOnceMore. He’s a central figure in Japan’s new wave of lo-fi, electronic house, and genre-bending beat music. Since his 2017 album burn out, Shigge has steadily built a catalog of lush, groove-based productions that pair analog warmth with digital precision. His 2021 album Silver Smoker and latest release Unpack (2024) both showcase his ability to balance softness and movement—a soundtrack for introspective nights and sunrise walks.

In addition to solo work, Shigge has collaborated with acts like AmPm and Snowk, and remixed tracks for Carpainter and starRo. His collective project Ohnesty with BRISA earned support from BBC Radio 6 and VICE Japan, proving his growing international resonance. He’s an artist who blurs the lines between producer, curator, and sonic storyteller.

Follow Shigge:

Instagram / YouTube / TikTok / Twitter

Source: Nyou

Wolf Alice Share White Horses - the latest track from forthcoming new album, 'The Clearing’ - out August 22nd

LISTEN | PRE-ORDER

As premiered with an Apple New Music Daily feature just moments ago, Wolf Alice ramp up the excitement for the release of the much anticipated fourth album with new track ‘White Horses’.

The only song on The Clearing to see drummer Joel Amey take on lead vocals before a harmonious duet with Ellie takes hold. What started as a demo born from some lyrics committed to his notes app during a rare car journey with his mum, aunt and sister, Joel returned to the verse towards the end of recording of the new album to expand on a theme. He then took the bones of the track to the band who together built it out to produce a song fitting with the overall sound and vision of The Clearing.

Joel explains, “I was inspired by what songs we had already that were becoming The Clearing; the sonic shapes we were creating, the big acoustics, the harmonies, but I wanted to underpin it with a driving krautrock beat.”

The lyrics are about his family, “We’ve never really known where we came in terms of heritage until recently. My mum and my aunt were adopted, and for years it posed questions of identity and where our roots lay for all of us, but for me, they never seemed like answers I needed to find out.”

As he travelled the world with Wolf Alice throughout his 20’s, his sense of home became more vague. “I was on this big adventure with my best mates, never feeling the need to call one place home, living out a suitcase, all the stuff that comes with being in a band. I felt that the answers to ‘who I am and where do I come from?’ didn’t matter so much; I'd chosen my family and they were the people around me.”

But with many things in life, as Joel got older there was a growing curiosity to get some answers on his background. This curiosity came with some excitement and some fear, but also the security that whatever he might find at the end of that journey, he would always be grateful for the people he already had standing by his side. ”White Horses was me trying to put all that into a tune, and Ellie, Joff and Theo helped me all along the way.”

Musically it’s taking more influence from trippy dance music melded with the signature 70’s rock of the rest of the album. It has an expansive overtone that holds endless possibilities, going off on wonderful tangents that build to the crescendo. Bursting with understated psychedelic power, the spirited lines profess: “Know who I am that’s important to me / Do what I can to see the wood from the trees,”. It’s euphoric.

‘White Horses’ follows on from huge album singles ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ and most recently, ‘The Sofa’which the band shared right after their returning glorious sunset set on The Other Stage at Glastonbury; the cause of many a tear being shed in the fields of dreams. Combining fan favourites such as ‘Bros’ and ‘Don’t Delete The Kisses’ with new songs ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ and ‘The Sofa’ - the slot felt like a victory lap for a band truly at the peak of their powers.

Written in Seven Sisters and recorded in LA with Grammy-winning, master producer Greg Kurstin last year, The Clearing is released on August 22nd andreveals where Wolf Alice stand sonically in 2025, delivering a supremely confident collection of songs bursting with ambition, ideas and emotion; The Clearing is a truly timeless record.

This North London quartet have come a long way since they first emerged in 2013 as a young band holding a mirror up to their own emerging generation. In 2025, Wolf Alice’s fourth album The Clearing finds them at the peak of their powers, grown into a band of generational importance. While the bruised euphoria of their debut My Love Is Cool, which featured the Grammy-nominated ‘Moaning Lisa Smile’, both captured and perfectly soundtracked the experience of youth first cutting their musical teeth, 2018’s follow upVisions Of A Life cemented their rise with a Mercury Music Prize, before the precious hurt of 2022’s Blue Weekend and its resultant UK number 1 and Brit Award for Best Group. In the process, lead singer Ellie Rowsell has grown into a storytelling icon, weaving cautionary tales of how your twenties will hurt you, but in valuable ways. Wolf Alice have also toured the world multiple times headlining sold out tours, gracing numerous festival stages and supporting an array of key artists including pop icon Harry Styles. This summer so far sees them performing at Radio 1’s Big Weekend followed by a top spot at Glastonbury.

Both playful and serious, ironic and straight-talking,The Clearing is a progressive shift from a band whose exploration of love, loss and human connection has already articulated the coming-of-age experience for a whole generation. It’s a classic pop/rock album that nods to the ‘70s while remaining rooted firmly in the present. If Fleetwood Mac wrote an album today in North London, you’d get somewhere close to this run of effortlessly grand tracks, each as distinct as the last. Sonically, there is no waste, no fuss, with more authoritative melodies than the band has ever crafted before. This is a new beginning, and each of the band feels it as keenly as listeners will.

Front and centre of The Clearing is Rowsell’s ever-evolving poetic storytelling alongside an innate desire for Ellie, Joff, Theo and Joel to have fun, secure in their ambition and ability at this unique moment in time. The Clearing encapsulates that freeing feeling of finding a moment of peace and clarity, having survived the freewheeling frivolity of your 20s, emerging into your future and is a portrait of Wolf Alice standing on the precipice of a new decade in both life and art.

"The Clearing"

1. Thorns

2. Bloom Baby Bloom

3. Just Two Girls

4. Leaning Against The Wall

5. Passenger Seat

6. Play It Out

7. Bread Butter Tea Sugar

8. Safe in the World

9. Midnight Song

10. White Horses

11. The Sofa

Pre-save / pre-order The Clearing HERE

Source: Sony Music Entertainment

A new symbol of tech-style: The POVA 7 Ultra 5G is arriving soon

Official gaming phone of the Philippine National Esports Team

Manila/ 30 July 2025 AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO is bringing to Filipino youth its culture defining tech style icon, the POVA 7 Ultra 5G on August 8. Bold, sleek and minimalist with pure interstellar spaceship design and hyper gaming engine for elite esports, the POVA 7 Ultra 5G is trusted by champions to push limits. 

As the official gaming phone of Philippine national esports team SIBOL, the POVA 7 Ultra 5G is the perfect power partner for SIBOL to dominate the global gaming arena at the Southeast Asian Games and World Esports Games.

From galaxy to your grip - lighting up your world, dancing to your life

The POVA 7 Ultra 5G will capture the imagination of a new generation of edgy and futuristic users with its full customization capability - distinctive appearance and iconic styling designed to delight. Generic phones will be a thing of the past for the Filipino youth with this ultra stylish smartphone.

The POVA 7 Ultra 5G redefines trendy tech art with its “Line & Lighting” theme, featuring upgraded 104 mini-LEDs surrounding the camera for the innovative “Status Light,” enabling customizable lighting patterns for notifications and enhancing both style and functionality. 

Beyond visual distinction, the POVA 7 Ultra 5G excels in performance, offering a full suite of AI-powered tools supported by a high-performance chipset and robust battery. It is truly a symbol of TECNO’s dedication to continuing its mission of empowering next generation users with trend-tech styles and advanced technology.

Get it first on TikTok Super Brand Day on 8.8

Be among the first to own the POVA 7 Ultra 5G during its first launch on TikTok on Super Brand Day. Running from Aug 8 to Aug 14, customers who purchase the new smartphone will get freebies worth up to PhP1,999 - buy 1 get 1 POVA wireless powerbank + 1 Customised Dito UNLI PUBG Prepaid Gaming SIM card + 1 Special Edition PUBGM case card.

Experience POVA 7 Ultra 5G’s superpower at the POVA Gaming Fiesta

Make your way to SM Fairview on August 9 to experience firsthand POVA 7 Ultra 5G’s futuristic features and powerful performance. Immerse yourself in esport games like never before and feel the difference when you outperform opponents and light up your wins in celebration.

Meet and greet the gamechangers and trendsetters, starting with POVA 7 Ultra 5G’s Chief Gaming Officer. Take front row seats and watch a top gamer Showmatch. See why SIBOL picked POVA 7 Ultra 5G as its official gaming phone, and TECNO Mobile Philippines as its official smartphone partner.

Similar to TECNO’s mantra, SIBOL will "Stop At Nothing" in its quest to bring honor to the Philippines in the esports arena. Game on!

About SIBOL

SIBOL, the Philippine national esports team, has partnered with TECNO Mobile Philippines as their official smartphone partner. This partnership aims to empower SIBOL's champions in their quest for success in various esports tournaments, including the SEA Games and the Olympic Esports Games. SIBOL is the organization that represents the Philippines in international esports competitions, and they are actively preparing for a busy year with multiple events on the horizon. FB: https://www.facebook.com/SIBOLesports

About TECNO 

TECNO is an innovative, Al-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of Al-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of "Stop At Nothing," TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and Al-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO's official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

Source: TECNO Mobile

SB19 launches global fan contest for Singapore leg of Simula at Wakas World Tour

Here's how you can win an all-expense paid VIP experienceto Singapore  

SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment Asia are giving fans worldwide the chance of a lifetime to join the “Paglayag” global giveaway campaign for the Simula at Wakas World Tour in Singapore.

The concert, happening on August 24, 2025, at Arena @ EXPO, is part of the P-Pop powerhouse’s biggest international tour to date. One lucky A’TIN and a friend will get to experience full VIP treatment at no cost!

The winner will be randomly selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip for two in Singapore, inclusive of the following:

• Round-trip flights for two from any major airport in the world

• Two-night hotel stay for two at V Lavender Hotel with breakfast (August 23 - 25, 2025)

• Two Gold tickets + Hi-bye passes to Simula at WakasWorld Tour in Singapore on August 24 at Arena @ EXPO

• Official concert merchandise for both winner and companion

• 30% off food vouchers at Tono Izakaya

• Allowance for meals and transfers

To join, all you have to do is fill out this form and submit it on or before August 17. This contest is available to fans 18 years old and above. 

The Simula at Wakas World Tour serves as SB19’s third world tour. It was launched to support their third extended play (EP), Simula at Wakas (2025). The tour commenced on May 31, 2025, with a two-day concert at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, and continues with stops in major cities across the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.

For more details about the giveaway, follow SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment on social media for updates and announcements.

Follow SB19 on their socials:

Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19

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

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

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

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

 Source: Nyou

We Are Imaginary releases Dracula-themed music video for new single “Stockholm”

Shot in Bangkok City, the music video embraces camp, horror, and subtle commentary on romantic detachment and modern alienation

Manila, Philippines — Filipino indie rock stalwarts We Are Imaginary has dropped the official music video for their latest single, “Stockholm.”

Directed by long-time collaborator Darrell Guinn of Hungry Cat Pictures, the music video features the classic tale of Dracula, but this time, reimagined as a brooding, hopeless romantic, lost in a world that has long outgrown him.

Shot entirely in Bangkok City, Thailand, the music video centers around a reclusive Dracula figure, rendered in monochrome even while the world around him thrives in full, popping color. It incorporate B-movie nostalgia and camp elements with emotional introspection, perfectly mirroring the song’s own lyrical sensibilities.

“I had this vision of doing a B-movie-inspired Dracula who’s quite emo and still attached to the past,” Ahmad Tanji, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, shares. “The video was meant to be light in contrast with the dark layers of the song. We’ve worked with Darrell Guinn of Hungry Cat Pictures before, so he came into mind immediately. The concept just worked with his taste as I've known him to be a horror movie buff and is quite theatrical in his productions.”

Director Darrel Guinn elaborates on the visual choices, including the decision to keep Dracula in monochrome even in daylight. “Dracula can almost interact with the world, yet there’s this passive obstacle that prevents him from completely connecting,” Darrel explains. “It felt right for the lyrical mood: like he’s there, but not quite seen.”

He adds, “As a fan of We Are imaginary, I already knew the band’s style and mood. I wanted the editing to echo the music’s rhythm. So while there’s this quirky storyline, there’s also a deep visual-musical sync, where shots pull attention to instrumental moments, almost like cues for the listeners not to miss certain sonic layers.”

While the song title hints at emotional captivity and attachment, the music video explores theme through an unconventional lens.

“Good songs invite multiple interpretations,” Ahmad says. “So we thought, what if Dracula, this eternal being, is just waiting around, wishing for someone to call? What if he’s just stuck in his own loop of romantic yearning and faded glory? It’s a fun, absurd premise that actually says a lot.”

Watch the music video of We Are Imaginary’s “Stockholm” here.

Source: Nyou

Westlife announces ultimate flyaway fan campaign

Win a trip to see them live at the Royal Albert Hall

To celebrate 25 years of music, memories, and unforgettable moments, Westlife is giving fans in the Philippines the chance of a lifetime to join them in London for their 25th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall this October.

As part of this exclusive fan campaign, two lucky fans will be selected to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to London including round-trip flights, hotel accommodation, exclusive Westlife merchandise, and tickets to see the band live at one of the world’s most iconic venues.

"Asia has always held a special place in our hearts," says Westlife.

"This is our way of saying thank you for the love you’ve shown us over the years and we’d love to see you in London."

The campaign runs from August 4 to September 30, 2025, and is open to fans in Asia. Fans can sign up via a dedicated link, with winners announced on October 3.

Why Asia? A Region That’s Been There for Westlife Since the Start

Westlife’s connection with Asia runs deep – from airwaves to karaoke nights, their music has become a part of everyday life across the region. With countless number-one hits and sold-out concerts, their songs are not just popular but also personal to their fans. This campaign is a tribute to the fans who’ve been with them through it all.

Recent Tour Highlights: Wild Dreams Tour 2023

● Indonesia

o Tangerang City, ICE BSD – 9 February 2023

o Jakarta, Stadion Madya, Gelora Bung Karno –11 February 2023

o Bandung, Play List Festival – 12 February 2023

● Hong Kong

o AsiaWorld Arena – 14 &15 February 2023

● Singapore

o Singapore Indoor Stadium – 16, 17 & 18 February 2023

● Philippines

o Metro Manila, Araneta Coliseum – 20 & 21 February 2023

● Malaysia

o Kuala Lumpur, Axiata Arena –23 & 24 February 2023

● Taiwan

o Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung Arena – 26 February 2023

● Thailand

o Bangkok, Impact Arena – 28 February 2023

Don’t miss out! This is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of a legacy shared with millions of fans across Asia. Whether you’ve been there since the beginning or recently discovered their music, this is your chance to be part of Westlife history.

Enter now at westlife.lnk.to/wlfph

Entries close on September 30, 2025, and winners will be contacted directly.

Source: Nyou

Hitmaker on a Mission: Mark Feist returns to Manila with collabs, strategic partnerships, and industry-backed initiatives

With HITMAKERS ENTERTAINMENT and a new partnership with Symphonic Distribution, Feist sets sights on shaping tomorrow’s streaming-era superstars

Acclaimed Filipino-Australian producer Mark Feist—renownedfor his work with global icons like Destiny’s Child, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, John Legend, The Spice Girls, Outkast, Brian McKnight, Kelly Rowland, Regine Velasquez, and many more—is back in the Philippines to bring with him a wave of exciting musical projects and industry-shaping collaborations.

Leading the charge are two new tracks produced by Feist, in collaboration with the Philippines’ R&B King, Jay R. Their first release, “Tunay,” which dropped on Friday, July 25, 2025, delivers a refreshing New Jack Swing-inspired beat paired with a slick R&B hook, capturing the effortless cool of a laid-back summer anthem. The second one, still under wraps, is a duet between Jay R and rising pop newcomer Shanice.

“Jay R is an artist who truly inspired me,” says the multi-platinum producer. “His talent, his voice, and his work ethic are world-class. Our collaboration on Tunay came from deep creative conversations, and what we created together is something I genuinely believe can sit alongside today’s biggest global releases. At this point in my career, I only work on music that can compete at the highest level, and Jay R absolutely meets that standard.”

A proud nephew of OPM legend Pilita Corrales, Mark has built an impressive international career as a producer and composer, contributing to albums and singles that have collectively sold over 35 million units worldwide, including the worldwide no. 1 hit “Emotions” by Destiny’s Child. He recently started HITMAKERS ENTERTAINMENT, a full-service label/production/publishing company. One of their success stories so far is Australian pop artist Tash, whose music continues to rack up more than 80 million streams across different platforms.

“Real artist development in the streaming era is our core mission at Hitmakers Entertainment, and TASH is the perfect example of that,” shares Mark Feist. “We signed her at 15 with zero fanbase—now she’s built a formidable catalog, amassed millions of streams, and is selling out shows with fans flying in from around the world. TASH is a once-in-a-generation artist, and she’s just getting started.” 

Further cementing Hitmakers’ forward-thinking approach, Feist recently announced a strategic partnership with Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists. The partnership, according to a recent press release, “marks the beginning of a broader relationship between Symphonic and Hitmakers, with future initiatives planned to support emerging and established artists from Australia and Southeast Asia.”

Mark sees the alliance as a game-changing initiative to develop and support some of the most promising new talents in Asia and the Pacific.

“Symphonic Asia’s Guji Lorenzana is a rare kind of music executive: he brings together sharp instincts, profound industry experience, and a forward-thinking approach to tech and streaming,” explains Mark. “His perspective allows him to see opportunities others might miss. Jorge [Brea], as CEO, is a true visionary—he builds exceptional teams and has a clear sense of where the music industry is headed. Together, Symphonic and HME form a powerhouse partnership that’s poised to break barriers, set new standards, and create the next generation of post-streaming superstars.” 

Source: Nyou

Rising Indie Rock Artist Chris LaRocca Feels Like a 'normal guy' on New Single

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Ted Belton

August 4th, 2025 – Artist, producer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Chris LaRocca just released his new single “normal guy” on Red Bull Records/Wonderchild. This marks his fourth release this year, all leading up to his upcoming EP ‘dog years’, set to drop later this year. Fans can stream the song here and watch the visualizer here. 

The new song exhibits LaRocca’s ability to effortlessly build a world around a single moment in time. The lyrics tell a story of his own insecurities, as he compares himself to a woman that's out of his league. Self-reflection sits at the center of LaRocca’s artistry, and behind the lyrics to “normal guy” there is something even deeper – a metaphor about the music industry. In an oversaturated landscape of uniquely talented artists, it’s easy to fall victim to imposter syndrome. Sonically, “normal guy” brings funkier stylings into play with shimmering chimes, retro keys, and 70s-era guitar rhythms. It's reminiscent of all-time greats like Fleetwood Mac and Steely Dan, and newer acts like Still Woozy and Vulfpeck.

On this single, LaRocca shares — “”normal guy” is a song about self-deprecation and putting others on a pedestal - two bad habits of mine that I have tried to unlearn over the last few years. this song has really become a note to self to look in the mirror and be proud of the person I see, especially in the last year, after experiencing a lot of change and challenges in my personal life. recorded around the world - from Mexico, to Los Angeles, to my bedroom studio in Toronto - this song has truly taken on a life of its own and has a special place in my heart both creatively and thematically, and serves as a constant reminder to always keep some room in my heart for myself”.

Chris LaRocca - normal guy (visualizer video)

Since the start of the year, LaRocca has welcomed three eclectic singles – “ladybug”, “laundry day”, and “slow dance in the diner”. Each release has showcased a different style, from indie-pop to Americana, and poignant memories from a year that felt like a lifetime. LaRocca continues to dig deeper as he nears the EP, reaching inwards to share vulnerable truths with long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Stream "normal guy" here
Watch the visualizer here
 
About Chris LaRocca
 

In a previous life, Chris LaRocca was a fixture in Toronto’s DIY scene, playing sweaty basements around North America with his post-hardcore band. As that chapter of his sound slowly faded into the rearview, LaRocca transitioned from the stage to the studio, establishing himself as a dynamic producer and sought-after collaborator for top-shelf names like Kali Uchis, Bryson Tiller, Russ, and Stray Kids.

He soon caught the attention of GRAMMY-nominated, JUNO Award-winning producer, WondaGurl, joining her Wonderchild roster in partnership with Red Bull Records. His first full-length, 'i cried my eyes out', featured the song “linger”, which he brought to the screen in a heart-wrenchingly beautiful short film that won a Cannes Lion, among other accolades. 

While he’d come a long way from his DIY days, there was a part of LaRocca yearning for the music that reflected his authentic identity. Cue his new EP, 'dog years'. In the year it took to create, LaRocca felt like he had lived through seven years' worth of challenges and personal growth. Going into 2024, he relocated from Toronto to the Canadian wilderness to follow the Americana, rootsy sounds that were calling to him.

Working with Daniel Lanois (Neil Young, Bob Dylan), Matt DeLong and Ben Cook (No Warning), Jahson Paynter, and Dave Marcus (21 Savage, Rico Nasty), LaRocca felt confident to not only traverse new genres, but to dive deep into his personal life. 'dog years' is both a time-lapse that sees his relationships bloom and a love letter to himself.
 

Chris is steadily gaining fans across Southeast Asia, with 🇵🇭the Philippines at #4 among his top 10 streaming countries worldwide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
 SECRET SIGNALS |  RED BULL RECORDS 

FOLLOW CHRIS LAROCCA

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Indie Pop Singer-Songwriter Charlie Burg Returns with Sonically Rich New Song "Reach"

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Guilhem Marion

August 4th, 2025 - Philippines — After the remarkable success of his third studio album, Charlie Burg makes a comeback with his latest single, "Reach", marking his third release of 2025. Fans can stream the new single HERE.

Originally written during the pandemic, "Reach" has the familiar chill-pop sensibility we've learned to love from Charlie, with a new elevated pop-electronic sound that reflects this time in Charlie's life. Feeling more secure in himself than ever before, Charlie captures this new chapter in his music — honest, self-assured, and sonically more ambitious.

Charlie Burg – "Reach" (Official Visualiser)

Last month, Charlie released the introspective track "Upon Arrival" — a song with a journey of its own. Originally written in 2020, it underwent two attempted rearrangements in 2023 and a new set of lyrics in 2024, before ultimately reverting to the raw demo version. The final cut captures a sense of unfiltered honesty, and the title itself serves as a metaphor for his reemergence: returning to releasing music, reconnecting with his audience, and rediscovering a deeper sense of self.

With a sound rooted in indie pop, neo-soul, and alternative R&B, Charlie has carved a unique space for himself as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his warm falsetto, poetic lyricism, and genre-blending arrangements, he quickly built a reputation as a rising voice in alternative music. He made his debut in 2015 with the mixtape 'Blue Wave Mosaic', hitting his stride with a string of singles and EPs that followed. It culminated in his first full-length album 'Infinitely Tall' (2022) — co-produced by Mike Malchicoff (King Princess, Kanye West, Del Water Gap) — which showcased his emotional depth and sonic versatility.

Since his first release, Charlie has amassed over 300 million career streams, grown a social following of 365K+, and currently draws 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify. He's performed sold-out headline shows around the world and earned praise from outlets like The Fader, who lauded his "crystalline countertenor", and Wonderland, which dubbed him a "rising sensation".

In recent years, Charlie has gained an especially devoted fanbase in Southeast Asia, which now accounts for 53% of his global streaming audience. The region currently dominates his top 10 streaming markets, with the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand ranking as his top three markets worldwide, and Singapore and Malaysia also placing in the top 10. In 2023, he deepened his connection with fans in the region — headlining Jakarta's Jazz Goes To Campus (~20,000 attendees), playing an intimate headline show at Samsung Hall in Manila, performing at VERY Festival in Bangkok alongside Joji and Bloc Party, and making his Singapore debut at the Esplanade Concert Hall for the Mosaic Music Series. The response was a clear signal: Charlie isn't just resonating in the region — he's become a beloved figure in its alt-pop scene.

With "Reach", Charlie continues to evolve both musically and emotionally — setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting new era in his ever-evolving career.

Stream "Reach" here
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS

FOLLOW CHARLIE BURG

Website

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X

Grammy-Winning Artist Laufey Delivers Dreamy Music Video "Lover Girl" Filmed In Tokyo

WATCH HERE

Photo Credit: Emma Summerton

NEXT ALBUM 'A MATTER OF TIME' 
SET FOR RELEASE ON 22 AUGUST 2025

GRAMMY®-winning Icelandic-Chinese artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Laufey unveils the official music video for her latest single, "Lover Girl", from her upcoming album 'A Matter of Time', set to release on August 22 via AWAL. Fans can watch the music video here. 

Following a global dance trend and an international viral moment, the long-awaited music video for "Lover Girl" has finally arrived. Though Laufey announced its release yesterday on both Instagram and TikTok, the real countdown began on YouTube, where the trailer and premiere page quickly filled with excited fans in the chat.

Laufey - "Lover Girl" (Official Music Video)

Stream '"Lover Girl" here: laufey.ffm.to/lovergirl
Watch the music video here

Pre-order 'A Matter Of Time' here: laufey.ffm.to/amatteroftime

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. She has become a bridge for the older music she adores, from Chet Baker to Carole King to Ravel, by offering her bold interpretation to a younger crop of listeners who have become deeply connected over time. This was all by design — Laufey’s self-assigned raison d’être — and it worked, allowing her to bring to life the whimsical universe known as “Laufey Land”.

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 5 billion global streams, a social media audience of 25 million, the biggest jazz LP debut in Spotify history and an album in Billboard’s Top 20 (both for 'Bewitched'), 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, 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 Jon Batiste and Raye; and collaborated on records with artists ranging from Beabadoobee to Norah Jones.

This spring, Laufey announced The Laufey Foundation, with the primary mission of supporting young musicians with the resources they need, especially through youth orchestras, to reach their full potential. $1 of each ticket sold on the A Matter of Time Tour will go towards The Laufey Foundation.

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 at #2, 🇮🇩 Indonesia at #3 and 🇲🇾 Malaysia at #10 among her top global streaming markets.

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Rico Blanco bids a beautiful goodbye in new song “Paalam”

A song spanning many years to complete, finally makes its moment

Following the renewed success of his solo catalog—particularly “Your Universe,” which recently broke into Spotify Philippines’ Top 10—Rico Blanco returns with “Paalam,” a hauntingly spare but exquisitely crafted ballad that captures the enduring imprint of goodbyes in all its bittersweet and hopeful glory.

Equal parts love song and meditation on loss, “Paalam” contemplates the emotional weight of parting, whether from a person, a chapter, a place, or a former self. In Blanco’s hands, goodbye becomes not only an act of release and reawakening, but also a gift that offers clarity, grounding, and ultimately, healing.

“Out of all the songs I’ve released, Paalam is the song that took me the longest to finish,” the multi-awarded music hyphenate admits. “Some songs I finish in minutes, days, or weeks, but this one has been a work in progress for many, many years.”

Originally inspired by a former bandmate’s departure in the ‘90s, the song evolved over time and took deeper shape following the recent passing of Blanco’s brother. For years, he hesitated to record it for himself and was convinced another voice might better serve its purpose. “All these years, I kept waiting for the right singer to come along,” he reveals.

But with its kundiman arrangements and intricate orchestral builds, the song taps into something powerful and primal, as if unlocking something personal from Rico without completely giving away the story.

“Production-wise, I always knew how I wanted the song to sound,” shares Rico. “I wanted it to have a timeless arrangement, or some would say a bit traditional.”

Rico Blanco’s “Paalam” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

R&B Duo CVIRO & GXNXVS Makes Anticipated Return With New Single "Were You Down?" On Red Bull Records

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August 1st, 2025 – R&B duo CVIRO & GXNXVS have returned with their new single, “Were You Down?”, out now on Red Bull Records. This marks their first release together since 2023. Fans can listen to the song here and watch the music video here.

United by their shared appreciation of 90s and early 2000s hip-hop and R&B, vocalist CVIRO and producer GXNXVS have once again showcased their ability to seamlessly blend their distinct styles on “Were You Down?”. The track honors an iconic era in music history while also modernizing it – reaching into the worlds of electronic and soul to create an energetic mix of club-ready energy with a clear nostalgic pull.

On the single CVIRO & GXNXVS shared, ""Were You Down?" is a glimpse into our next era. We wanted to take that classic R&B DNA and stretch it, applying simplicity to both the production and the lyrics/vocal performance. It’s not throwback because it makes you feel something different, it’s timeless”.

CVIRO & GXNXVS - Were You Down? (Visualizer)

From their breakout hit “Benjamins” amassing nearly 10 million streams on Spotify, to being the first Australian artists to earn airtime on Drake’s OVO Sound Radio and Apple Music Beats1, the Gold Coast duo have been making waves in the space from the jump. Since their last collab together, they’ve appeared on global releases with UK-based R&B singer H33RA and Toronto rapper JAHKOY. You can hear CVIRO & GXNXVS on every project they touch, as they continue to champion the Y2K sound with a fresh spin.

Stream "Were You Down?" here
Watch the music video here
 

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About CVIRO & GXNXVS

A while back, vocalist CVIRO and producer GXNXVS met and instantly bonded over the sound and spirit of nineties R&B and soul. As if meant to make music together all along, GXNXVS showed up to their first encounter with his recording gear in tow. Not long after, the duo bubbled up out of Australia and into the international conversation by 2014. The breakout “Benjamins” announced their arrival, piling up 8.1 million Spotify streams and counting. “Problem” and “Lady” posted up millions of Spotify streams, and “Sober” eclipsed 8.2 million Spotify streams. Along the way, OVO Sound Radio and Beats 1 championed their music. Not to mention, global supermodel and style icon Bella Hadid played CVIRO & GXNXVS on her social media to tens of millions of followers.

Receiving widespread praise, Earmilk exclaimed, “Each new song possesses equally as much flava as the last,” and HYPEBEAST praised the single “Caught Up” as “reminiscent of 90s throwback R&B with its smooth but bouncy production and vocal delivery”. Perhaps, Acclaim put it best, “Their sound is smooth and sexy, a fusion of old school R&B sounds with modern neo-soul”. With EPs such as 'Now You Know' [2018] and 'The Sequel' [2020] under their belt, their collective work ethic simply never relented.

In 2022, they reemerged with 'Come On In', their debut EP on Red Bull Records, featuring the seductive standout “Nasty” with Jean Deaux. The following year, they delivered a bold reimagining of the project with the 'Come On In' (Remix EP) [2023], flipping select tracks into new sonic directions. Most recently, the duo teamed up with rising UK artist H3RRA for her 2024 single “Cardiac", lending their signature polish and mood-driven production to a buzzy collaboration that’s further cemented their status as global tastemakers in modern R&B.

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