Rising Indie Rock Artist Chris LaRocca Unveils Latest Single "last pair of boots in town"

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RED BULL RECORDS/WONDERCHILD

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AHEAD OF ANTICIPATED EP 'DOG YEARS'
COMING OCTOBER 3RD

Photo Credit: Ted Belton

September 5th, 2025 – Artist, producer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Chris LaRocca today released his single “last pair of boots in town” ahead of his EP ‘dog years’ arriving on October 3rd on Red Bull Records/Wonderchild. Fans can stream the song here. 

“last pair of boots in town” speaks to the cyclical nature of toxic relationships. While he is surrounded by friends, loved ones, fellow creatives, and peers in the music industry, this single focuses on the moments where he feels most isolated.

The lyrics are as introspective as ever, as Chris LaRocca balances melancholy with a matter-of-fact kind of acceptance. His tone is bittersweet as he takes listeners through what feels like an inevitable ebb and flow of relationships in his life. The instrumentation on this single is intentional and sparce, shining a clear spotlight on his words. “last pair of boots in town” is more than just a sad song, it is a journey where Chris LaRocca faces the truth that some people will never change.

On the moments that led to this single, LaRocca shares: “"last pair of boots in town" is beyond heartbreak - it’s about feeling like you are both someone’s last resort and safety net; when you are so toxically in love with someone that no matter how they treat you, they know you will always be there when they call. When writing this song, I was originally thinking about a friend of mine’s experience with someone they loved who treated them terribly, but ironically a year after creating it I found that I was living the story of this song myself. I think that’s why this song is so important to me - it is such a universal and painful feeling that so many have experienced, and I want it to feel like a safe space for people who can relate to know that they are not alone”.

As the release of his EP 'dog years' approaches, “last pair of boots in town” has revealed yet another facet of Chris LaRocca’s exploration of a brand-new personal sound. Since dropping his single “ladybug” at the start of this year, he has been steadily unveiling the range of what listeners can expect to hear across the full EP project.

Stream "last pair of boots in town" 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.

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Filipino-American Indie Pop Singer-Songwriter Labit Shares A Soulful Meditation on Unexpected Love in New Song "PARALLEL'

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WITH CINEMATIC MUSIC VIDEO
WEAVING TOGETHER EVERYDAY CONNECTIONS

NEW ALBUM 'SOL' ARRIVES OCT 17TH

Photo Credit: Erica Hernandez

September 5th, 2025 — Today, Filipino-American crooner Labit makes a powerful return with "PARALLEL", a sweeping meditation on unexpected love and quiet revelation. Accompanied by a striking music video exploring the unseen connections between strangers, the single offers an evocative preview of Labit's forthcoming album, 'SOL', arriving October 17th. Fans can stream the newest single HERE and watch the music video HERE.

At its core, "PARALLEL" captures the rush of clarity when love reveals itself in the most unexpected place: right beside you. Built on shimmering melodies, spacious arrangements, and Labit’s signature honeyed vocals, the track soars as both a love song and a moment of self-discovery. Produced by Travis Heidelman and co-written with Gabriella Mejias, "PARALLEL" finds Labit layering warm instrumentation with an emotional candor that has become his calling card. The result is a track that feels as intimate as it is universal.

"This song is such an uplifting, a-ha moment type of song. I wanted it to portray the feeling of when someone catches you by surprise. The moment where you realize the one you need has been right there all along."

— Labit

Labit – "PARALLEL" (Official Music Video)

The accompanying music video brings the emotional heartbeat of "PARALLEL" into full focus. Directed by filmmaking duo hazart, the video was inspired by the simple yet transcendent experience of hearing a great song in the back of a New York City cab. For "PARALLEL", that iconic moment was reimagined with a personal touch: instead of a cab, the story unfolds inside a Buick Lasabre, the same car that Labit's grandmother, Sol—the namesake of the upcoming album—drove him around in as a child. A central motif of the video is the depiction of 12 different groups of people from all walks of life, each representing worlds that could feel entirely separate, yet bound by the shared 'parallels' in their lives.

What began as a friendship between Labit and hazart who bonded over play-dates with their dogs has blossomed into a creative partnership. hazart invited longtime collaborators to the project and worked alongside choreographer Genevieve Carson, whose dance direction bridges gestural references to contemporary viral moves with symbolic gestures underscoring Labit's lyrics. Visual artist Collin Black contributed VFX work that transforms the outside world during the chorus into an abstract visualiser — a nod to both WinAmp graphics and Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey'. Together, these elements create a heightened reality of "dancing to a great song in the back of the car", while keeping the focus firmly on the joy, surprise, and connection at the heart of "PARALLEL".

Reflecting growing regional momentum, Labit's recent singles have earned placements on Spotify's New Music Friday playlists across Asia—including the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. This rise in visibility is matched by streaming data, with Southeast Asian markets now dominating his Top 10: the Philippines at #3, Indonesia at #6, Malaysia at #7, Taiwan at #8, Thailand at #9, and Vietnam at #10. Since debuting in 2019, his ability to connect across borders and cultures is rooted in honest storytelling and a sonic versatility that transcends genre.

His forthcoming album, 'SOL', out October 17th, captures that ongoing process of self-discovery—written as a personal journal while navigating the intricacies of adulthood, finding strength in vulnerability and grace in growth.

'SOL' Album Tracklisting:
1. STAY AWHILE
2. BREAK!
3. PRETTY
4. CLOUD
5. ALL MY PLANTS ARE DYING
6. CLICK
7. BET
8. WHO WE WERE
9. WYL
10. CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE (FT. EMILY ROWED)
11. MANGOES AND RICE
12. LEADS (ME TO YOU)
13. BETTER
14. FEBRUARY
15. PARALLEL
16. CODEPENDENT
17. ANYBODY’S GUESS
18. SOL

Stream "PARALLEL" here
Watch the official music video here
 

About Labit

Stephen Ordoñez, aka Labit, is a genre-blurring, Los Angeles-based Filipino-American multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer, and artist. Known for his heartfelt lyricism, evocative melodies, and ability to make the deeply personal feel universal, Labit writes with unfiltered honesty and emotional depth, often drawing from the people and connections that have shaped his world. Through his music, he creates spaces where lived experiences and cultural memories intersect, inviting listeners into moments that feel both intimate and shared.

Since his first release in 2019, Labit's catalog has grown in generous authenticity, blending melodies that feel like being wrapped in a warm blanket with infectious hooks that linger long after they're heard. Whether soft and nostalgic or loud and spiralling, his songs speak to the messiness and beauty of being human.

Beyond his solo work, he's a versatile songwriter, known for pairing distinctive melodies with strong vocals and guitar playing. Ordoñez has penned numerous tracks across pop, rock, and R&B, including credits with Emei, BYRNE, and more.

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TAME IMPALA RELEASES NEW SINGLE “LOSER”

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTED BY KRISTOFSKI

STARRING JOE KEERY

WATCH HERE

Photo Credit:  Julian Klincewicz |

Today, Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) unveils “Loser,” the second song of this new era. LISTENHERE. The track continues Parker’s fearless exploration of rhythm, texture, and sonic experimentation, building on the meticulous studio approach that has defined his career. The single is accompanied by a music video directed byKRISTOFSKI, and starring actor/musician Joe Keery (Stranger Things, Fargo). Watch the clipHERE:

https://tameimpala.lnk.to/Loser/YouTube

Prior to today’s release, Parker gave fans a taste of what’s to come with the release of his sprawling, drum-beat heavy “End of Summer.” It drew listeners back to the acid house summer of ’89, free parties of the mid-90s, and Australia’s bush doofs in outback paddocks. “Loser” continues Parker’s journey into new sonic territory, layering hypnotic rhythms and textures that push Tame Impala’s sound ever forward. Drawing from a rich history of dance music, his work transforms the imagined past into a sound that feels both present and eternal, reaffirming Tame Impala as one of modern music’s most visionary acts.

Kevin Parker has emerged as one of the most influential voices of the last decade. A singular artist renowned for carving out a distinct sound all of his own, Parker crafts transcendent genre-bending sonic landscapes playing every instrument and acting as writer, producer, mixer and engineer on his projects. He has been nominated for four GRAMMY awards with one win for his collaboration with Justice on 2024’s “Neverender.” In his home country of Australia, he’s racked up an impressive 13 ARIA Awards and 27 Nominations. He’s won the BRIT Award forBest International Band and scored nominations for two Billboard Music Awards and an American Music Award. Tame Impala has had numerous US Alternative Radio Top 10 songs including two #1’s for “Lost In Yesterday” and “Is It True.” Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know The Better” is part of the Billionaires Club with over 2 billion streams and the project has racked up numerous gold and platinum certifications globally.

Tame Impala has headlined festivals and arenas around the world and released four full length albums - InnerSpeaker, Lonerism, Currents and his most recent album The Slow Rush. The Slow Rush landed at #1 in multiple territories and was his highest charting album to date in both the US and UK, with 14 top 10 chart positions around the world.  As a writer and producer Parker has collaborated with Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, SZA, Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Mark Ronson, Gorillaz, Thundercat, Kali Uchis, 070 Shake, Rhianna, Miguel, A$AP Rocky and many more.

Follow Tame Impala:

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Source: Sony Music

TAME IMPALA ANNOUNCES ALBUM 5 DEADBEAT OUT OCTOBER 17TH ON COLUMBIA RECORDS

Today, Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) has announced his fifth full-length album, Deadbeat.The record will arrive October 17th via Columbia Records. On it, Parker sculpts a collection of wickedly potent club-psych explorations as a vehicle for some of his most direct, brain-wormy songwriting to date. The album is deeply inspired by bush doof culture and the Western Australia rave scene, recasting Tame Impala as a kind of future primitive rave act in the process. Yesterday, Parker dropped the single “Loser” along with a music video directed by Kristofski and starring Joe Keery. WATCH HERE. Deadbeat is available for pre-order now HERE. Fans can purchase two web-store exclusive vinyl color-variants availableHERE. Variants include an Urban Outfitters exclusive color vinyl, and an Indie Record Store exclusive color vinyl. Limited amount of numbered cassettes to be exclusively sold at Brooklyn Vegan and Alternative Press.

Conceived in various locations over the last few years, Deadbeat was largely galvanized between Parker’s hometown of Fremantle and his studio, Wave House in Injidup, Western Australia in the first half of 2025. Deadbeat sounds like the work of an artist with a leveled-up mastery, crafted with a newfound embrace of spontaneity for the renowned perfectionist. How that manifests is a distinct minimalism and crunch, with timbres and textures that add an ineffably new dimension to the sound, as well as a richer, more playful vocal range than ever.

Lyrically, Deadbeat has Parker channelling an endless bummer, a self-deprecating fuck-up stuck in a negative feedback loop when he should have long had his shit together. After going macro onThe Slow Rush’s (2020) examination of time,Deadbeat focuses on the nuanced minutiae of the emotional quotidian. Dosed in tandem with the music’s euphoric and body-moving urges,Deadbeat pitches raving as self-enquiry, self-medication in lieu of self-care and the kick-on as domestic bliss. Reality can wait another day (or two).

“Loser,” and the album announcement, follow the release of “End of Summer,” a sprawling 7-minute epic, setting the tone for this new dawn of Tame Impala. The track harkens back to the acid house summer of ’89, to free parties of the mid-90s, to bush doofs in outback paddocks - to an imagined history, transmuted into something simultaneously present and eternal, still unmistakably Tame Impala. The track arrived with a short-form visual narrative directed by multi-disciplinary artist Julian Klincewicz. Watch HERE

Kevin Parker has emerged as one of the most influential voices of the last decade. A singular artist renowned for carving out a distinct sound all of his own, Parker crafts transcendent genre-bending sonic landscapes, playing every instrument and acting as writer, producer, mixer and engineer on his projects. He has been nominated for four GRAMMY awards with one win for his collaboration with Justice on 2024’s “Neverender.” In his home country of Australia, he’s racked up an impressive 13 ARIA Awards and 27 Nominations. He’s won the BRIT Award forBest International Band and scored nominations for two Billboard Music Awards and an American Music Award. Tame Impala has had numerous US Alternative Radio Top 10 songs including two #1’s for “Lost In Yesterday” and “Is It True.” Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know The Better” is part of the Billionaires Club with over 2 billion streams and the project has racked up numerous gold and platinum certifications globally.

Tame Impala has headlined festivals and arenas around the world and released four full-length albums - InnerSpeaker, Lonerism, Currents and his most recent album The Slow Rush. The Slow Rush landed at #1 in multiple territories and was his highest charting album to date in both the US and UK, with 14 top 10 chart positions around the world.  As a writer and producer Parker has collaborated with Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, SZA, Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Mark Ronson, Gorillaz, Thundercat, Kali Uchis, 070 Shake, Rhianna, Miguel, A$AP Rocky and many more.

Photo Credit:  Julian Klincewicz

Follow Tame Impala:

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Source: Sony Music

Ebe Dancel sells out repeat concert a day after tickets are released

The multi-awarded singer-songwriter is set to return to the big stage this November 2025 with the Manila String Machine

Manila, Philippines –  It’s official: tickets to Ebe Dancel with The Manila String Machine: The Repeat have officially sold out after just one day.

In a simple, straightforward message, Dancel expressed his gratitude to his fans for supporting him all these years. “Salamat dahil after 25 years, mahal niyo pa rin ako. See you guys soon.”

The concert marks the iconic singer-songwriter’s highly anticipated comeback to the big stage, reaffirming his 25-year legacy that is defined by timeless songwriting, heartfelt performances, and a devoted fanbase that continues to grow across generations.

Earlier this year, Dancel’s catalog enjoyed a resurgence in streaming, highlighted by the viral success of “Burnout.” With the buzz around the concert contributing to the renewed appreciation for the song, the track recently peaked on the Spotify Philippines charts at no. 19 on September 2, 2025—two days after the tickets were declared sold out, according to allchartsph. To date, the song has surpassed 100 million streams on the platform, a rare feat for an OPM track released in the 2000s.

Ebe Dancel with The Manila String Machine: The Repeat will take place on November 15, 2025, at the New Frontier Theater. For this one-night-only event, Dancel will revisit his greatest hits and rare gems with the lush, intricate accompaniment of a 20-piece orchestra led by musical director Chino David. The show, directed by Paolo Valenciano, promises a game-changing concert experience for attendees and fans, while incorporating elevated production values. “You could say it is the same show, but with a few twists and turns along the way,” shares the seasoned concert director. “If you love his music, this one will hit hard.”

Chino David likens the upcoming concert to reconnecting with a dear friend. “Imagine seeing a longtime friend after years of no contact—you know this person inside out, but they just look a bit different and talk a bit different. This concert is that friend. You know the songs, you know Ebe’s voice, and you know the MSM will be there, but it will just look a bit different, sound a bit different, and maybe touch your heart a bit different.”

Source: Nyou

The Ridleys to Open for Morissette’s 15th Anniversary Concert “Ember”

The Ridleys to Open for Morissette’s 15th Anniversary Concert “Ember” Patron A Section Now Open by Popular Demand

Manila, Philippines — Indie-folk favorites The Ridleys are officially joining Morissette’s 15th anniversary concert, Ember, as the opening act—bringing their heartfelt storytelling to the Smart Araneta Coliseum stage on October 28, 2025.

Known for their intimate and emotionally stirring performances, The Ridleys have built a loyal following in the local music scene, and their addition to the lineup makes Ember even more of a must-see event. Their presence offers fans of both The Ridleys and Morissette a rare opportunity to celebrate two generations of Filipino artistry on one historic night.

In response to overwhelming demand, organizers have also opened Patron A, offering premium reserved seating with risers near the stage. While this section was not part of the initial seat map, its release follows venue clearances and strong calls from fans to make more seats available. Organizers emphasize that this move was made “by popular demand,” ensuring more supporters can be part of the milestone concert.

Beyond expanded seating and an exciting opening act, Embercarries a deeper significance. In her recent interviews, Morissette has hinted that she carefully curated a full-circle setlist that spans her 15-year career—songs that may be performed together in one show for the first, and potentially, the last time in a major show, making Ember a legacy-defining moment.

Concert Details

● Date: October 28, 2025

● Time: 8:00 PM

● Venue: Smart Araneta Coliseum

● Tickets: Available at www.ticketnet.com.ph and all Ticketnet outlets nationwide

Presented by Morissette, Underdog Music, co-produced by Gabi Na Naman (GNN) Productions.

With The Ridleys confirmed as the opening act, Patron A newly opened by popular demand, and Morissette preparing what could be her final all-encompassing setlist—Ember is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Filipino music fans.

Seats are limited. Secure your tickets early to be part of this historic night.

For ticketing questions and official updates, please visitwww.ticketnet.com.ph.

Source: Nyou

NOBITA and Yeng Constantino collaborate on new heartfelt ballad, “Gayuma”

Produced by Brian Lotho, the song tackles the hesitation of confessing one’s romantic feeling to someone

Filipino pop-rock quintet NOBITA links up with YengConstantino in the collaborative new single “Gayuma,” out today via Sony Music Entertainment.

Caught between wanting to confess and being afraid to take the first step, the song explores a quiet kind of love that swells in secret.

“The lyrics capture the uncertainty—whether what you feel is genuine love or just something that seems magical, almost like a spell,” NOBITA shares in a press statement. “It reflects the theme of secret love because it’s about holding back, wondering if the other person feels the same way, and hoping the emotions are mutual.”

The track has an interesting history. According to NOBITA, the demo had been shelved for some time until they revisited it and realized something was missing. The band began considering a female collaborator who could bring balance and emotional nuance to the song.

“And there’s no one more perfect than Ms. Yeng—we’re just so lucky she agreed,” NOBITA explains. “Our first meeting was very productive. We exchanged ideas on what to add and change from the original track, which eventually shaped the final version of the song.”

For Yeng Constantino, it was love at first listen. She specifically requested that the melody of the demo’s first verse be preserved. “The whole session, I was tapping into the emotion of falling in love,” she reveals. “But once you immerse yourself in that space, you realize it’s hard to control your feelings. That energy guided our process, helping us refine the lyrics and capture the material’s vulnerability.” 

The collaboration brings the best of both worlds: Yeng’ssoulful but delicate singing, and the band’s heartfelt delivery. Together, their vocals stand out even in moments of fragility, exuding both power; and rawness against a simple, yet emotionally layered arrangement.

NOBITA adds, “Each artist brought their own style and emotional depth, and instead of clashing, it blended beautifully. Yeng’s voice and artistry elevated the song’s sincerity.”

The song is produced by Brian Lotho who helped bring out the immediacy and warmth of the track, “making sure that the emotion in the lyrics came through in every beat and melody.”

NOBITA and Yeng Constantino’s “Gayuma” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

ONE OR EIGHT Kicks Off Back-to-Back Single Releases With “Young & Reckless” - First of Their “Anthems of Challenge”

Stream the Single Here

ONE OR EIGHT consists of YUGA, MIZUKI, NEO, TAKERU, TSUBASA, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA (L to R)

On 29th August, rising global boy group ONE OR EIGHT will release two consecutive singles, each serving as an “anthem of challenge” for dreamers and those embracing their individuality.

The first track, “Young & Reckless” (out 29th August), captures the concept of “Like a kid”, an uninhibited spirit that embraces challenges without fear of judgment. Produced by Kavi (co-producer of Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” which debuted at No. 2 on U.S. Billboard Hot 100) and Edwin Honoret of PRETTYMUCH, the song blends futuristic electronic textures with nostalgic 90s-00s boyband influences, channeling the rebellious, free-spirited energy at the heart of ONE OR EIGHT. The accompanying music video will premiere on 29th August at 9PM JST, stream it here. Together with the upcoming follow-up single “BET YOUR LIFE”, it forms their “anthem of challenge” series, each track spotlighting a different dimension of boldly facing life. Through “Young & Reckless”, ONE OR EIGHT delivers a powerful statement on living life to the fullest.

Download “Young & Reckless” cover artwork here

Stream “Young & Reckless” here

Since their debut in 2024, ONE OR EIGHT has quickly built a global presence, making two consecutive appearances on Korean music programmes with “DSTM” and “365”, an unprecedented achievement for an all Japanese group, and holding fan meetings in six countries within their first year.

Their breakout single “DSTM” made history as the first by a Japanese boy group to enter the U.S. Mediabase Top 40 radio chart. Building on that momentum, the group has also signed a major global deal with Atlantic Music Group, marking a significant step forward in their international journey. With these milestones, ONE OR EIGHT is steadily expanding their global presence and shaping the foundation for long term success worldwide.

ABOUT ONE OR EIGHT

ONE OR EIGHT is an eight-member Japanese boy group - MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA and YUGA - whose name is derived from the Japanese idiom “ippuku ka yoka” (one or eight, meaning “all or nothing”). With the tagline “BET ON YOURSELF”, they embody a spirit of risk-taking and ambition, inviting fans to dream big and take bold chances alongside them.

They debuted on 16th August 2024, with “Don’t Tell Nobody”, produced by One Republic’s Ryan Tedder (Taylor Swift, Adele, Jonas Brothers) and David Stewart (BTS), debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan HeatseekersSongs chart. Their 2024 collaboration with Big Sean, “KAWASAKI (with Big Sean)”, peaked at #5 on the U.S. iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap Song chart. In 2025, they were named one of Nikkei Entertainment!’s 100 New Leading Artists and won Upcoming Dance & Vocal Group at MTV VMAJ in 2025.

Follow ONE OR EIGHT:

Official Fan Club | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | X | Facebook

For enquiries please contact Blackstar Asia at mabuhay@blackstar.space

Singapore's Indie Darling Shye Unveils Haunting Dream-Pop Number "Shed"

LISTEN HERE

Singapore's indie pop sensation, singer-songwriter and producer Shye returns with her newest single, "Shed"—a song about carrying the quiet weight of the past which we cannot change. Known for her ability to blend vulnerability with atmospheric soundscapes, Shye delivers yet another track that's both sonically immersive and emotionally resonant. Fans can stream the song HERE. 

"Shed" is a meditation on acceptance, forgiveness, and finding connection through shared pain. "It's a conversation between me and the listener," Shye explains, "where we see our own wounds reflected in each other, even if we've never met." The track explores the idea that some scars never fully fade and instead of fighting to erase them, real healing, Shye suggests, comes from learning to live with it, with compassion for others and for ourselves.

Shye – "Shed" (Official Video)

"I wanted the mix to feel immersive, almost like stepping into a fog where every sound hangs in the air just a little longer than it should... I hope listeners can find comfort in its honesty, feel seen and feel less alone in their own unspoken experiences."

— Shye

Inspired by songs that feel "post-apocalyptic", "Shed" immerses listeners into a shimmering sonic world where beauty and melancholy coexist. Shye blends airy dream-pop textures with shoegaze-inspired walls of sound—layering lush guitars and reverb-soaked synths—while a steady drum rhythm keeps the track grounded, preventing it from floating too far into the ether. Her vocal delivery is intentionally raw—close, intimate, and almost like a whispered confession echoing through ruins—as if she's speaking directly to the listener's inner world.

With "Shed", Shye set out to create a safe space for anyone carrying unshakable memories or regrets. More than anything, the song is a reminder that healing doesn't always mean forgetting—but learning to live with the parts of ourselves we cannot change.

As her momentum continues to build across Southeast Asia, "Shed" marks a bold new chapter for Shye—emotionally rich, sonically expansive, and unmistakably her. This September, she brings her magnetic live presence to the regional stage with performances at AXEAN Festival in Bali and Music Matters Live in Singapore, continuing to resonate with audiences far beyond her home city.

Stream "Shed" here
Watch the video here
 

About Shye

Shye is an independent singer-songwriter and producer known for her dreamy blend of indie-pop and alt-rock. Entirely self-taught, she writes, records, produces, mixes, and masters all her music, crafting an unmistakably DIY sound that's both intimate and expansive.

Shye first emerged onto the scene at just 16, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Vans Musicians Wanted competition in 2018. Since then, she's released a steady stream of work, including her debut EP 'Augus7ine' (2018), followed by the genre-blurring 14-track debut album 'days to morning glory' (2020), which won 'Album of the Year' at the Youth Music Awards in Singapore in 2021. Next came the experimental EP 'hello TRINITY'  (2021), 'idk it’s complicated' (2022), and her latest project '9LIVES' (2023), alongside a series of singles throughout 2024, all of which were entirely self-produced. In 2025, Shye continues her momentum with a string of new singles leading up to an album later in the year.

Shye has performed at music festivals such as Tiger Den SXSW in Austin Texas (2023), Axean Festival in Singapore (2023), Asia Rolling Music Festival in Taiwan (2022), Urbanscapes in Malaysia, (2019), Baybeats in Singapore (2023, 2019), Asiya Festival in the Philippines (2024), and virtually for Music Lane Okinawa (2021) and Bangkok Music City (2020). Shye performed at the swearing-in ceremony of Singapore's new Prime Minister in May 2024, and wrapped up a performance at The Alex Blake Charlie Sessions in December 2024 alongside international acts. In February this year, she performed at Taiwan's Emerge Fest and played her first-ever headline show in Bangkok in April, marking a major milestone in her growing regional presence. 

Her presence has since extended far beyond Singapore: from gracing a Times Square billboard for Spotify's EQUAL campaign to being named Freshmusic's 'Best New Artist' in 2021 to 'Best New Act from Asia' at the 2022 BandLab NME Awards and receiving the KKBOX 'Rising Star Award' the same year. Shye has also been featured on Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (2023), Tatler Asia's Gen. T Leaders of Tomorrow (2024), Prestige 40 under 40 and Dazed 100 Global and Asia.

Shye has supported international acts such as Daniel Caesar, Clairo, Superorganism, Sales, Men I Trust, and The Chairs during their tours in Singapore. In addition, she has represented Singapore in regional music reality TV shows such as 青年派计划 (Youth π Plan) in China and Chuang Asia in Thailand. Shye was also featured in the 2021 National Day theme song, "The Road Ahead" and earlier this month, she took the stage at Singapore's National Day Parade 2025, performing as part of the country's SG60 celebrations.

Beyond music, Shye was invited by Chanel to attend her first overseas fashion show, the Chanel Cruise Replica Show in Hong Kong last November, an event attended by celebrated musicians such as G-DRAGON and Angèle. She also broke ground as the first Singaporean invited to Chanel's Paris Fashion Week show in March as a celebrity guest. Shye has graced the covers of magazines such as FEMALE, Men's Folio, Prestige, Her World, Grazia, Aplus and ELLE Singapore. Most recently, she features on the cover of FEMALE's August issue. Over the years, she has also worked with numerous brands, further cementing her influence as a creative force across music, fashion and culture. 

Whether onstage or in her bedroom studio, Shye is guided by her love for music and storytelling. With every song released, Shye invites listeners into her world, journeying together with them, one self-made track at a time.

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Reality Club Returns with a Confident New Era on 'Who Knows Where Life Will Take You?'

LISTEN HERE

‘Who Knows Where Life Will Take You?’ is the title of Reality Club’s fourth album and also a fitting reflection of the Jakarta-based quartet’s journey so far. The album features 13 tracks, led by the focus single “Now I’m a Diplomat”. Fans can stream the album here.

Written over a nine-day songwriting retreat in Ubud, Bali in May 2024, the songs were later recorded at Tree Recording Studio in Bangkok with producers Brad Oberhofer, Iga Massardi and Wisnu Ikhsantama. For vocalist-guitarist Faiz Novascotia Saripudin, vocalist Fathia Izzati, drummer Era Patigo and bassist Nugi Wicaksono, this record marks their most personal and confident work to date.

Romance remains the beating heart of Reality Club’s music, particularly through Faiz’s witty yet heartfelt lyricism on “Muted Sirens” and “You’ll Find Lovers Like You and Me”. This time, though, he injects more humor, as heard on “Lost Myself in Reveries”, “Finding a Catholic Man to Love the Love of My Life”, “Shut Up, Behave” and “Thank You for Hijacking My Existential Crisis”. Stylistically, the album revisits the carefree indie-rock spirit of their debut while carrying the polish and growth earned over nine years together.

“Looking back, we made 'Never Get Better' just so we could play our own songs in the car; on 'What Do You Really Know?', we were trying to prove to people that we were cool and edgy; and on ‘Reality Club Presents…’, we challenged ourselves with genres, an orchestra, and movie-like videos,” Faiz recalls. “On this album, we’re not trying to prove anything—not even to ourselves. That’s why it feels closest to our first”.

The themes also expand to stories drawn from family life. Era’s boisterous opener “I’ll Do It Myself” captures his wife’s workplace frustrations, while Fathia dedicates the lullaby “Mama’s Coming Home” to her son, pokes fun at her brother Faiz’s love life on “Quick! Love!”, and honors their father’s journey from small-town boy to globetrotting ambassador on the jaunty “Now I’m a Diplomat”. She also contributes the haunting “Enough for You”. “It took a lot of living to write this album,” says Fathia. “As individuals, we’ve grown so much”.

Another milestone comes with “Close to You/Jauh”, Reality Club’s first-ever Indonesian-language song, adapted by Nugi from a Fathia original. It also marks his songwriting debut, alongside his rocker “Does It Happen?”. “Whenever people asked if we’d ever make a song in Indonesian, the other members always pointed to me,” he laughs. “I can’t wait to see how people react”.

Determined to capture a more authentic energy, the band recorded live in Bangkok with all members including longtime live guitarist Gerry Roithart and new synth player Upi Maajid playing together in the same room. The strict 10-to-5 studio hours sharpened their focus. “It forced us to be efficient, and that pressure made us more creative,” says Era. “The microphones didn’t just capture our instruments but every look, emotion and laugh”.

Each producer brought a distinct touch: Oberhofer on songs like “Quick! Love!” and “Mama’s Coming Home”; Massardi with his guitar-forward vision on “I’ll Do It Myself” and “Shut Up, Behave”; and Ikhsantama, who shaped tracks such as “Muted Sirens” and “Close to You/Jauh” while also mixing the entire record. “Tama has this way of understanding the story and emotion behind each song before working on it,” says Faiz.

Following the ambitious 'Reality Club Presents…', expectations were high—but the band sees this record as their most fulfilling yet. “It already feels like a success because we love it,” says Faiz. “That has always been our number one measure.” Nugi agrees: “It’s our most personal album, and all four of us feel deeply connected to it”.

So, who knows where ‘Who Knows Where Life Will Take You?’ will lead Reality Club? Wherever the path goes, they hope their loyal Goddess Rockstars join the ride. “This album taught me so much through the recording and the stories we shared,” says Era. “I hope it improves our listeners’ lives the way it did mine,” Fathia adds: “I just hope people find their own meaning in these songs”.

Above all, the band has learned to appreciate themselves. “I don’t know if it’s talent or magic or connection, but we do have something,” Faiz reflects. “Maybe we’re not small-time fries anymore. Maybe we do deserve what we’ve had. Whatever comes next, that’s not for us to decide. But what we already achieved—we deserve that”.

'Who Knows Where Life Will Take You?' 
Tracklisting
1. I'll Do It Myself
2. Lost Myself in Reveries
3. Enough for You
4. Does It Happen?
5. Shut Up, Behave
6. Finding a Catholic Man to Love the Love of My Life
7. Muted Sirens
8. Close to You/Jauh
9. Quick! Love!
10. Now I'm a Diplomat
11. Thank You for Hijacking My Existential Crisis
12. You'll Find Lovers Like You and Me
13. Mama's Coming Home

Stream 'Who Knows Where Life Will Take You?' here

About Reality Club

Reality Club stands out as one of the most sought-after acts in Indonesia. Established in late 2016, the band consists of Era Patigo on drums, Faiz Novascotia Saripudin on vocals & guitar, Fathia Izzati on vocals & keys, and Nugi Wicaksono on bass.

Their popularity soared following the release of their breakout hit single, "Anything You Want", in April 2022. The track went viral across TikTok and Instagram, amassing over 100 million streams on Spotify to date. Since then, the band has collected AMI Awards, embarked on a North American tour, and opened for superstar NIKI across Southeast Asia. Yet despite these milestones, Reality Club soon found that their biggest challenge lay within themselves.

“We’d already made three albums and had great achievements we were grateful for. But we’d always had a bit of impostor syndrome and downplayed our achievements,” says Faiz. “This time, we decided to stop it. So ‘no more impostor syndrome’ was the whole mantra of the album”.

Recently, Reality Club successfully concluded their 'Reality Club Presents... Asia Tour', a series of performances in various countries across the Asian continent including Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The tour also included a solo concert at Balai Sarbini, Jakarta, with 1,500 audience members. The band continues to dominate the region with the Philippines at #2 followed by Malaysia at #3, Singapore at #5, Thailand at #6, and Taiwan at #7 among their  top 10 streaming markets globally!

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Jewel Owusu drops music video of “spark”

Filipino-Ghanian artist Jewel Owusu has dropped the music video for “spark.”

A visual companion set in the haze of a late-night club, the MV follows Jewel Owusu navigating the crowded dance floor, barely keeping up with the frenetic energy and the people around her.

[MORE PRESS PHOTOS HERE]

[MUSIC VIDEO LINK]

According to Owusu, the video evokes the sensory experience of being in a club but completely alienated from its lively, bustling vibe. “It’s one of those nights where you show up, but you’re not actually having a good time. You’re caught in your own head while everyone else around you is on a completely different wavelength. It feels as if you are moving through space in an alternate reality.

A notable motif woven throughout the music video is the recurring imagery of a mouse—a symbol Owusu has revisited across her work.

“To me, it symbolizes feeling small, finding ways to survive, and moving quietly through spaces—themes that often reflect my experiences,” shares the Australian-based electro-pop newcomer. “Lately, people have even been saying that mouse girl winter is in full swing, which I love because it shows that the idea has grown beyond me and taken on a life of its own.”

With “spark,” Jewel Owusu continues to carve out a distinct voice in contemporary electro-pop, one that thrives on vulnerability and refusal to conform to expectation.

“spark” will be part of Jewel Owusu’s upcoming new EP, set to be released sometime this year. Late last year, she captivated audiences with the propulsive but minimalist track “Time Machine,” which features acclaimed Filipino singer-songwriter and producer ena mori.

About Jewel Owusu

Jewel Owusu has always felt like she lives in the space in between—between sounds, between cultures, and between versions of herself that are constantly shifting.

As a Filipino-Ghanaian artist and producer, she’s forging a new path in alternative electronic pop—one that’s as unfiltered and dynamic as she is.

Born in Hong Kong and raised in New Zealand, Jewel’s music is a melting pot of influences. Combining elements of electronic, dance, indie pop, rock, and more, her sound blends every experience that inspires her.

Now based in Melbourne, Australia, Jewel has been garnering eyes through international shows, showcases at SXSW Sydney and Music Matters in Singapore, national tours, and an overflowing headline show.

She has been recognized as an artist to watch, won Triple J Unearthed's collaboration competition, and caught the eye of major outlets such as Rolling Stone, Complex, Colors Studio, MTV, Triple J, and TikTok.

In Jewel’s world, music and visuals are more than just art—they are spaces for transformation and self-expression, where imperfection is not only welcomed but celebrated.

Source: Nyou

Rising Japanese Singer-Songwriter Rol3ert Releases New Single “say my name”

19-year-old singer-songwriter Rol3ert releases his fifth single, “say my name”, worldwide on 27th August via Exciter Records and FRIENDSHIP. The track arrives on the heels of growing momentum across Southeast Asia — with Indonesia now ranking as his #1 Spotify market and the Philippines driving over a quarter of YouTube views for his previous single “Nerd”.

“say my name” marks a new chapter for Rol3ert as his first-ever alternative ballad, co-produced with Yuto Uchino lead vocalist of acclaimed Japanese indie band The fin.. Built around weeping guitar riffs, live drums (performed by Yusuke Okada of indie pop band BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON) and shimmering synths, the track wraps his vulnerable, near-crying vocal in a quiet yet powerful soundscape. The lyrics reflect on life, death, symbolic love, and the lingering of a name, intertwining loss with the desire to leave a lasting presence. Rol3ert, who usually builds near-complete demos on his own, invited Uchino to join him on this track, enriching its scale and atmosphere. He describes it as one of his proudest works to date.

Speaking on the collaboration, Uchino shared:

“The production began the moment I heard the demo — sounds instantly formed in my head. Meeting Rol3ert and experiencing his presence and personality made it feel like everything about him was transforming into music.

Recording vocals and drums, I saw him genuinely enjoying himself — it reminded me of the pure joy I felt when I first started my band. I’m thrilled to witness the moment he spreads his wings from Japan to the world, and I can’t wait to see where his journey takes him.”

The accompanying music video for “say my name’ premieres on 27th August at 10:00PM JST on YouTube, preceded by Rol3ert’s first Instagram Live in six months at 9:30PM JST. Linked to the single’s cover art, the music video contrasts two symbolic worlds: a “white” Rol3ert roaming a seaside and a “black” Rol3ert in an underground space - a visual metaphor for the duality of afterlife and reality, memory and existence.

STREAM “say my name” HERE

WATCH “say my name” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE

Rol3ert will return to the stage for his second solo headline show “katachi” on 27th February 2026 at Shibuya WWW X. Tickets will go on sale 30th August 2025 at 12:00PM JST (ticketing details here).

Since debuting officially in January 2025, Rol3ert has sold out his first solo headline show “Rol3ert 1st live ‘3mpty’” in July and performed on the prestigious FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’25 stage, delivering emotive performances that builds his reputation as a bold new voice in Japan’s global-facing music scene. With “say my name”, he reveals his most vulnerable side yet, setting the stage for greater impact at home and abroad.

About Rol3ert

At just 19, Rol3ert is quickly emerging as one of Japan’s most distinctive young voices, balancing intimate songwriting with global ambitions. Born in the U.S. and raised in Japan, he crafts music that bridges cultures — pairing contemporary, globally minded production with the emotional resonance of Pop storytelling.

In less than a year since his debut, Rol3ert has already made remarkable strides: his singles “meaning”, “hope” and “nerd” have found traction on international playlists, his Tokyo headline show sold out within weeks, and his festival appearances at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’25 and SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2025 have marked him as an artist to watch. Known for his raw, heartfelt delivery and ability to weave vulnerability into expansive soundscapes, Rol3ert is carving out a unique space for himself on the world stage.

Follow Rol3ert

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For more information, contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

Gracenote steps into the spotlight with Walang Makakapigil concert

The Filipino alt-pop band will treat fans to a career-spanning setlist and never-before-heard songs

Manila, Philippines – Filipino alternative-pop band Gracenotewill be taking the center stage for their solo concert titled Walang Makakapigil, happening on September 6, 2025, at Teatrino, Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City.

Presented by Soupstar Music, in partnership with Redlines Productions, EMI Records Philippines, and UMG Philippines, the concert will showcase some of the pop-rock quartet’s most memorable hits, along with their hidden gems and brand-new songs, all in one exciting night.

Walang Makakapigil stands as a powerful testament to the band’s resilience, passion, and enduring presence. It’s an inspiring response to the challenges that they have faced and overcome throughout more than 15 years together.

“As individuals and as a band, we never let setbacks stop us. We picked up lessons along the way, and those experiences made us stronger. Until now, walang makakapigil sa amin.”

Rising indie act Hey June! will join as a special guest, bringing youthful energy to the show.

After more than a decade in the music industry, Gracenote believes that the timing is perfect.

“We’ve been a band for over a decade, and we wanted to celebrate that milestone with a show that captures who we are,” the band shares in a collective statement. “Walang Makakapigilreflects the way we have always moved through the industry, doing our own thing. We spent many years as an indie band under Soupstar Music, and when EMI Records, our major label, joined us, it opened up more possibilities to make this concert happen. The timing was perfect, and this celebration feels not just special but meant to be.”

Secure your tickets now. Check out the prices:

• Regular: PHP 1,500

• Walk-in: PHP 2,500

 Source: Nyou 

THE FAVORS (FINNEAS AND ASHE) RELEASE NEW TRACK “TIMES SQUARE JESUS”

LISTEN HERE

DEBUT ALBUM THE DREAM OUT VIA DARKROOM RECORDS ON SEPTEMBER 19

AN EVENING WITH THE FAVORS

COMING TO LOS ANGELES, RED ROCKS & NEW YORK CITY

The Favors press photo – credit: Alex G Harper (hi-res HERE)

The Favors (FINNEAS & Ashe) release “Times Square Jesus,” the final new track ahead of their debut album The Dream (September 19 on Darkroom Records). Listen HERE.It follows their romantic, harmony-drenched single “The Hudson” and the announcement of An Evening with The Favors, a run of shows as a band at iconic venues in Los Angeles, Red Rocks, and New York City.

“Times Square Jesus” revolves around delicately strummed guitar and airy strings as they sing, “Everybody knows that you’re my weakness. You’re an open secret I’m afraid.” The bright harmonies and alternating solo verses follow naturally from the intimate dialogue that characterizes “The Little Mess You Made” (Listen & Watch HERE) and “The Hudson” (Listen & Watch HERE).

“In Times Square and Hollywood, you have Jesus, the Naked Cowboy, Elmo, or whoever else you walk by and pay your respects to,” Finneas describes. “Even if you don’t live a religious life, you’re still confronted by religion. When you are, you can’t help but think about your own life, regrets, desires, or baggage. If the ‘Times Square Jesus’ told you to confess, you might think of the person you’re secretly in love with.”

The Favors are set to take the stage in Los Angeles, Red Rocks, and New York, treating fans to an unforgettable evening as they perform their upcoming album at iconic venues: Hollywood Forever Cemetery (9/18), Red Rocks Amphitheatre (9/26), and SummerStage in Central Park, NYC (10/1). In addition to new music, audiences can also look forward to performances of fan favorites from FINNEAS’ and Ashe’s solo catalogs. Tickets for this Live Nation–produced tour are available now atwearethefavors.com.

THE FAVORS TOUR DATES:

September 18: Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery

September 26: Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

October 1: New York City, NY @ Central Park Summerstage

October 3: Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival

October 10: Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival

Longtime friends and collaborators – award-winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer FINNEAS and multi-platinum artist Ashe first captured hearts with their 2019 hit “Moral of the Story” and followed it up with 2021’s “Till Forever Falls Apart.”

Drawing deep inspiration from the golden era of the Laurel Canyon, The Favors songs that are equally appropriate for the last dance in a smoky bar circa 1977 or a sunset slot at Coachella in 2027. The Dream channels the intimate storytelling and sun-soaked melancholy of artists like The Mamas and the Papas, Carole King and Crosby, Stills & Nash, Simon and Garfunkel and Fleetwood Mac—filtered through a cinematic lens that stretches coast to coast. Largely written and recorded in Nashville where Ashe resides and Los Angeles where FINNEAS is from, The Dream is a no-rules project that revives the warmth and groove of '70s pop with razor-sharp songwriting, lush harmonies, and a distinctly modern edge.

“This is the way every artist dreams of making an album,” grins Ashe. “People don’t sing together anymore when they’re recording, but it was so romantic and fun.” FINNEAS adds, “It’s a true ‘long-play album’ in its real intended meaning. Hopefully, you can have friends over, cook a meal, and play this on vinyl front-to-back.” Ashe concludes “I want you to feel simultaneously warm, fuzzy, and heartbroken at the same time.”

For all media inquiries, please contact:
mabuhay@blackstar.space

Ebe Dancel returns with 20-piece orchestra for 25th anniversary concert

The iconic singer-songwriter brings timeless hits and new songs to life with The Manila String Machine in a monumental repeat concert directed by Paolo Valenciano

Manila, Philippines – Good news for OPM fans: acclaimed singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel returns to the big stage with another major solo concert.

Titled Ebe Dancel with The Manila String Machine: The Repeat Concert, the highly anticipated event will take place on November 15, 2025, at the New Frontier Theater.

Following the success of his sold-out first run, Dancel celebrates his 25th year in music with a night of timeless songwriting, powerful storytelling, and sweeping orchestral arrangements that breathe new life into his storied catalog.

For the second staging of his monumental concert, Ebe will be joined by a 20-piece orchestra led by Chino David, with Paolo Valenciano directing the whole show. The concert promises to be a showcase of his legacy both as a solo artist and as the lead singer/principal songwriter behind pop-rock powerhouse Sugarfree.

“I’ve had a long love affair with orchestras, dating back to my days with Sugarfree,” Dancel shares. “As a solo performer, I did a show with the Manila String Machine exactly two weeks before our government announced the lockdown due to Covid. To be back onstage with them now, with fans in front of me, feels like a full circle moment.”

The setlist, he reveals, will strike a careful balance between nostalgia and discovery. “I want it to be a mix of old and newer songs. I thought of my audience mainly when I chose songs from the Sugarfree catalog, but I also want them to experience the new songs with an orchestra.”

The repeat concert also is Ebe’s way of deepening his connections further with trusted collaborators. “Paolo [Valenciano] is a dear friend. I have so much respect for him as a concert director, so he was my only choice to do this show again. For me to work on something this big, I need to be able to fully trust the guys running the show. Hence Paolo Valenciano, and as musical director, Chino David.”

Tickets for Ebe Dancel with The Machine String Machine: The Repeat Concert go on sale this August 30, 2025, at 12 pm via Ticketnet online and all authorized Ticketnet outlets nationwide.

Ebe Dancel stands as one of OPM’s most enduring voices. From his early days as frontman of Sugarfree to his acclaimed solo career, he has built a body of work defined by sincerity, emotional depth, and artistry. With multiple hit songs, award-winning albums, and sold-out shows, his legacy continues to inspire generations of listeners—young and old, and everything in between.

 Source: Nyou 

RUEL ANNOUNCES SOPHOMORE ALBUM "KICKING MY FEET" OUT OCTOBER 17, VIA GIANT MUSIC

SHARES NEW SINGLE “THE SUBURBS” — OUT NOW
LISTEN HERE

(Photo Credit: Michelle Grace Hunder)

AUGUST 21, 2025 - Australian pop phenomenon Ruelannounces the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album, Kicking My Feet, arriving October 17 via Giant Music. Available for pre-order HERE. Alongside this announcement, he shares a brand-new single, “The Suburbs” - listen HERE - a dreamy, emotionally rich bop with some of the industry's top names involved in its making. Ruel took over Apple Music Radio yesterday from their brand-new Los Angeles studio, debuting “The Suburbs” alongside two unreleased tracks and officially announcing Kicking My Feet.

“The Suburbs” is written by Ruel with collaborators Fran Hall(Charli XCX, Kelly Clarkson), M-Phazes (Demi Lovato, Madonna), Chelsea Lena (Sabrina Carpenter, Joji) and Elias Danielsen. The song is an ode to intimacy and imagining a simpler life with the one you love. With lyrics like “I can see us in the Suburbs, Never thought I’d be that person, but with you it sounds like paradise” Ruel taps into a soft vulnerability that builds on the expansive pop vision he introduced with his previous single, “I Can Die Now.”

It’s been pretty daunting to offer up this level of honesty in my songwriting but seeing the way it’s already connected so personally with fans has calmed my ‘pre-album’ nerves in a huge way - Ruel

Released just a month ago, “I Can Die Now” set the stage for Kicking My Feet in a big way. Premiering in New York’s Times Square on MTV, the track hit over a million streams in just days, and earned immediate commendation from media outlets around the world. The A+ reviews came in thick and fast, including praise for ICDN as:

…capturing “an all-encompassing love” while hinting at the sonic direction of Ruel’s forthcoming album, noting its “propulsive bass line” and “thudding percussion - Rolling Stone

Kicking My Feet marks the start of a new era for Ruel; one that feels creatively liberated, emotionally nuanced, and sonically bolder than ever. After relocating from Sydney to Los Angeles and signing with Giant Music, Ruel immersed himself in a new creative ecosystem and began building the album from the ground up.

I knew I wanted to push myself on this new album, but it wasn’t until I had to finalise the track list that I realised I’d actually made over 200 songs for Kicking My Feet - Ruel

He worked closely with some of the industry’s most celebrated and genre-shaping producers, including Julian Bunetta(Sabrina Carpenter, One Direction), Joel Little (Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams), Kenny Beats (Dominic Fike, Ed Sheeran), Dan Wilson (Adele, Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton), and longtime collaborator M-Phazes (Eminem, Kehlani, Ruel’s debut album). Together, they crafted a record that is sonically adventurous and deeply personal, blending pop, alt and R&B, into a cohesive, modern sound. The result is a genre-blurring, emotionally relatable album that reflects Ruel’s evolution as both a person and an artist.

Photo Credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

About Ruel

Australia’s pop prodigy Ruel is growing up and it shows on his highly anticipated sophomore album Kicking My Feet, available Oct 27 via Giant Music. Pop’s newest It Boy has been on the rise since he was a teenager, adorning his studio walls are an ever-growing collection of platinum plaques and award statues from the likes of RIAA, MTV, ARIA and Nickelodeon.

He has amassed over three billion streams, sold out multiple world tours and regularly attends fashion shows at the invitation of luxury haute couture such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Away from the runway, Ruel’s admiration for unique, highly conceptualised style can be seen in his editorials with Prada and Fendi, and through his extensive list of features on the pages of Vogue, GQ, NME and The Face. Around the world, eyes have been keenly watching Ruel’s career ascent; notably by Sir Elton John and Zane Lowe, both of whom have sung the praises of the UK-born, Sydney-raised talent, calling him a "superstar."

Kicking My Feet showcases the 22-year-old’s sharpened songwriting as he explores the innocence and embarrassment of being young and in love, as the album title teases. Alongside frequent collaborator M-Phazes, the album has Ruel expanding his roster of creative partners, including Dan Wilson, Joel Little, Kenny Beats and Julian Bunetta. The experimentation with his sound and artistry, has Ruel evolving himself into a bolder musician on an unmissable trajectory.

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RUEL PRESS CONTACT:
mabuhay@blackstar.space

AXEAN Festival 2025 drops full and final lineup!

Featuring 45 acts across three stages, this year’s festival highlights collaboration with TuneCore and The Orchard in supporting Asian indie talents

[More press photos here]

July 31, 2025 – Bali, Indonesia – ​AXEAN Festival 2025 has officially announced its final lineup for this year’s edition.

The stage is set for the first intra-regional showcase festival in Asia, as it welcomes 43 music acts across three stages at Jimbaran Hub in Bali, Indonesia, from September 13 to 14, 2025.

Completing the final round of performers are some of the most prominent and emerging names in the Indonesian music scene, including metal/hardcore quintet AVHATH, beloved folk duo Banda Neira, rising indie act Gozal, alternative rock outfit Grizzly Cluive, genre-bending band Morbid Monke, indie rock powerhouse Sandstorm of Youth, melancholic indie group sourmilk, multi-talented musician Xandega, and a special collaboration set between Bandung-based punk rock band Dongker and acclaimed singer-songwriter Jason Ranti.

The announcement also brings an exciting mix of Asian talents, such as trailblazing Malaysian R&B artist Alextbh, Laotian musician BIGPOM, Thai indie rock act LEMONY, Thai rock band Cvptain Morgans, Japanese singer-songwriter Kiwako Ashimine, J-indie artist Mettya Bizin (めっちゃ美人), Vietnamese indie/dream pop project Milkiwav, Vietnamese indie act Nghịch, and Filipino genre-fluid band Weejah.

These artists join an already diverse roster that includes Billyrrom., Blindfold, Capt’n Trips and the Kid, Confined White, DJ Love, DOOR PLANT, Fauxe, Feel Koplo x Toxicdev!, Jangar, Johnny Mafia, Kelompok Penerbang Roket, La Cima Cartel, L’Alphalpha, Lustbass, MANJA, Ministry Of, One Click Straight, Shanghai Quitian, Shye, SIMILE LAND, S.O.L.E., Su San, Terrer, Valentina Ploy, and XANDEGA.  

TuneCore’s key role in curating the final batch of lineup

This year, TuneCore plays a pivotal role in shaping the final lineup, expanding its position as one of AXEAN Festival’s most important partners. Through a four-month, multi-stage submission and rigid selection process spanning five countries in Southeast Asia, TuneCore helped discover and elevate standout independent voices that have made a mark in their niche markets.

Cyrus Chen, Head of TuneCore Southeast Asia, recalls the selection process that they went through before picking the finest acts that show global potential. “It began with open biweekly submissions, attracting over 600 entries,” Cyrus explains. “Selected artists progressed to monthly live showcases at local venues, with each monthly winner advancing to country finals. Out of the 27 finalists, our local panels chose the six artists performing at AXEAN. The biggest surprise was probably the incredible depth of undiscovered talent. We found remarkable hidden gems across diverse and often genre-blending styles. What was particularly striking was how many of these artists hadn't formally released music yet.”

When asked about the criteria in picking the artists who made it to TuneCore’s AXEAN stage, Cyrus emphasized the importance of authenticity and range, and how beyond raw talent, there’s a need to prioritize artists whose music authentically integrates local flair and cultural influences. “Showcasing a diverse spectrum of genres was also essential,” he adds.

For their part, the top global distribution and label services company, along with AXEAN Festival, promises to use their platform to foster real-world opportunities, apart from empowering artists digitally. “We actively nurture talent by providing platforms for exposure, facilitating live performance experience at scale (from local venues to major festivals), educational opportunities (workshops and masterclasses to upskill artists), and connecting artists directly with new audiences and industry stakeholders across borders. We go beyond distribution to open doors for market access and career growth that are often out of reach for independent artists.”

The Orchard-AXEAN Festival partnership

The Orchard, a prominent music distribution company operating in over 49 cities worldwide, has expressed its support for AXEAN Festival through a strategic partnership. Both music entities share a vision of empowering artists to broaden their horizons and access new music markets beyond their turfs. Together, both AXEAN and The Orchard are keen on dismantling barriers and enabling Southeast Asian creative communities to showcase their music on a global stage.

As Prahlad Prabhas, The Orchard’s Senior Director, Southeast Asia, explains it, “This [collaboration] aligns perfectly with The Orchard's philosophy of helping artists grow outside their home markets. We’re thrilled to be part of that journey this year by sponsoring a stage. For us, it’s more than just about the music—it’s about celebrating the creativity and energy of this region and sharing it with the world.”

Tickets are now available via:

Indonesia: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025Indo

International: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025Inter

China: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025China

About AXEAN Festival

The AXEAN Festival is a prominent Southeast Asian music export platform, combining a music conference and showcase festival.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic by music professionals across Southeast Asia, AXEAN Festival has successfully hosted both virtual (2020-2021) and in-person (2022-2024) events. Over five editions, it has featured 200 artists from 20 countries, attracted 240 delegates from 32 countries, and reached over 46,000 virtual viewers, along with close to 15,000 live attendees.

With its growing international reputation, AXEAN has firmly established itself as Southeast Asia’s leading music export platform. Its first venture into a new market beyond its original home base in Singapore and Bali garnered widespread acclaim among attendees, music industry professionals, and participating artists.

About TuneCore

TuneCore is the leading independent development partner for self-releasing artists to build audiences and careers – with technology and services across distribution, publishing administration, and a range of promotional services. TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels, and managers get their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TikTok, YouTube Music, and more than 150 download and streaming stores and platforms worldwide, while retaining 100% of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee. TuneCore Music Publishing Administration assists songwriters by collecting royalties stemming from the use of their compositions – including mechanical royalties from download and streaming services, performance royalties from radio, TV and live performances, and synchronization royalties from film, TV and advertising – in over 200 countries globally. TuneCore is based in Brooklyn, NY, and is owned by Paris-based Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies.

About The Orchard 

THE ORCHARD: DELIVERING INDEPENDENT MUSIC SINCE 1997

The Orchard is a leading music distribution company operating in over 49 cities worldwide. With a comprehensive artist & label services offering including full-service marketing, synch licensing, video services, transparent data analysis, advertising, rights management, digital and physical distribution and more. The Orchard empowers creators and businesses to grow and adapt in the dynamic global industry.

 Source: Nyou 

Grammy-Winning Artist Laufey Reveals Highly-Anticipated Album 'A Matter of Time'

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LAUNCHING "A VERY LAUFEY DAY"
FAN ACTIVATIONS ON AUGUST 24TH GLOBALLY 
INCLUDING: 🇲🇾 KL, 🇸🇬 SINGAPORE,  🇵🇭 MANILA, 🇮🇩 JAKARTA & MORE

Photo Credit: Emma Summerton

August 22nd, 2025 – ‘A Matter of Time’, the highly-anticipated new album from GRAMMY®-winning LA-based Icelandic-Chinese artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Laufey, is now available worldwide via Vingolf Recordings / AWAL. The album release is accompanied by the new focus track, “Mr. Eclectic” (featuring backing vocals from Clairo). Fans can listen to the album here. 

With ‘A Matter of Time’, Laufey strips back the polished veneer of elegance she’s often associated with, offering her most vulnerable and unguarded work to date. The album captures a wide range of emotions, expressed through the stories woven into each track. It’s Laufey at her most revealing, unafraid to challenge preconceptions of grace and instead embracing the messy, complicated, and deeply human sides of herself.

Laufey - "Mr. Eclectic" (Official Lyric Video With Chords)

Additionally, August 24th marks the 3rd annual “A Very Laufey Day”—a global activation where fans across the world are invited to experience a curated “Laufey-inspired day” tailored to their city, complete with various hand-picked activities in each market (75+ cities this year including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok & Taipei). Activities include “Laufeycore” clothing racks at local thrift stores, specialty “A Matcha of Time” drinks at cafés, exclusive frozen yogurt/gelato flavours, Laufey Book Club selections at reputable bookstores, and more. The day will culminate in a special performance by Laufey straight from Los Angeles, which will be officially streamed on TikTok LIVE via a global partnership with the entertainment platform. For further details on each city's local partnerships, visit AVeryLaufeyDay.com!
 

'A Matter of Time' Tracklisting
1. Clockwork
2. Lover Girl
3. Snow White
4. Castle in Hollywood
5. Carousel
6. Silver Lining
7. Too Little, Too Late
8. Cuckoo Ballet (Interlude)
9. Forget-Me-Not
10. Tough Luck
11. A Cautionary Tale
12. Mr. Eclectic
13. Clean Air
14. Sabotage
 

Stream 'A Matter of Time' here
Watch the visualizer here
Find out more about A Very Laufey Day here
 

About Laufey

Laufey (pronounced lay-vay) has captivated a generation with virtuosic songs of love and self-discovery by manifesting her vision of jazz-and classical-infused pop music. 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.

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.

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.

Earlier this year, 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.

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Wolf Alice new album The Clearing, out now

Today, seminal British band Wolf Alice release their eagerly anticipated fourth studio album The Clearing, alongside focus track ‘Just Two Girls’, via Sony Music.

Speaking on the new track, Rowsell adds: “I was inspired by going for dinner with my friends — a couple of friends, at different times, just one-on-one. I noticed how much I was saying Oh my god yeah you’re so right! And I thought it was so nice to see how validating these conversations with my girlfriends are, how much I’m learning in these chats. I think I’ve been trying to figure out a lot of things, like getting older. I feel it’s really been a strange time of thinking about appearance. And these are things you hash out with your girlfriends and suddenly you don’t feel so shit about them again. I just felt like there deserved to be a song about that.”

Following a potent trio of singles ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’, ‘The Sofa’ and most recent ‘White Horses’ - each unveiling a distinct sonic direction - The Clearing arrives as a moment of crystallisation for one of the UK’s most inventive and emotionally charged bands. Written in Seven Sisters and recorded in LA with Grammy-winning producer Greg Kurstin, The Clearing is a widescreen collection of songs that are bold in ambition, full of heart, and the band’s most refined work yet. 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.

The band celebrated last night with a history-defining release show at The Dublin Castle in Camden, hallowed ground for a band whose impact in their native North London is impossible to measure. The celebration extended next door with a special pop-up event, where fans got an early listen to the album and access to exclusive merch.

At its core, The Clearing is a record about arrival - not at a destination, but at a sense of peace with the journey. Whether that’s the self-interrogation of ‘Thorns’, the yearning nostalgia of ‘Leaning Against The Wall’, or the raw intimacy of ‘Play It Out’, each track maps a waypoint in the band’s evolution. A landmark album in both concept and execution, The Clearing is less a reinvention than a recognition of the band’s full capabilities: fierce yet fragile, playful yet profound. Front and centre 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.

From the rolling euphoria of ‘Bread Butter Tea Sugar’, to the assuring acceptance of ‘The Sofa’, the record captures a band unafraid to push themselves further than ever before. This is Wolf Alice fully in command - no longer searching, but stepping confidently into a new chapter.

The album’s title serves as both a quiet mission statement and emotional centerpiece. It finds the four piece meditating on what remains when the uncertainty, insecurities and self-deprecation of your 20s falls away. The sentiment - “Know who I am, that’s important to me. Do what I can to see the wood from the trees” (White Horses) - is less a declaration of triumph than of peaceful acceptance. The Clearing is Wolf Alice’s most accomplished and affecting work to date.

Wolf Alice have come a long way since the North London quartet first emerged in 2013 as a young band holding a mirror up to their own emerging generation. Today, 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 up Visions 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. Following a packed summer of historical festival slots at Primavera Sound, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Glastonbury, the band will celebrate The Clearing with a sold-out tour across North America, Europe, the UK and Ireland this autumn, that sees the band headlining some of the biggest stages of their career to date including London’s O2 Arena.

(Album Artwork - Hi Res HERE)

The Clearing - Tracklist

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

Source: Nyou

Pop Soul/R&B Singer-songwriter Jordan Astra Drops Funk-laced New Single "Famous", Announces New Record 'Time Will Tell'

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ANNOUNCES'TIME WILL TELL',
THE FINAL CHAPTER OF HIS TRILOGY, OUT SEP 19TH

Photo Credit: Justin Astra

August 22nd, 2025 — Jordan Astra isn't here to play it safe—he's here to make it impossible to stand still. Today, the Indonesian-Canadian artist and producer drops his infectious new single, "Famous"—a soulful, funk-laced groove—and officially announces the long-awaited third instalment of his music trilogy since 2023, 'Time Will Tell', out September 19th via Mind of a Genius Records. Fans can stream the new single HERE.

"Famous" was born on the final day of a week-long songwriting camp in Limoux, France, where Astra finally stepped into a room he'd been eyeing all week—outfitted with a Steinway piano, vintage drums, and live guitars. Set against the backdrop of rolling hills, horse stables, and centuries-old wine cellars, it became the perfect space to create something raw, soulful, and completely unfiltered.

More than a song, "Famous" is a feeling. It's not about chasing the spotlight—it's about capturing the magic of a moment. Pulsing with spontaneity and honesty, the track is a celebration of vibe, place, and presence—a reminder to embrace the moments that make life feel golden.

"I wanted to capture the feeling of that week in the south of France: something fresh, soulful, and free. Channeling Pharrell's "Beautiful", Jamiroquai's uptempo Funk and Anderson Paak's R&B,  I produced "Famous" with fellow creators Joris and Doane. The song's production was recorded live in one day, including the demo vocals which we never re-tracked to really capture that energy and feeling from that day." 

— Jordan Astra

Now, with 'Time Will Tell' on the horizon, Jordan Astra is swinging for the fences—bringing his signature blend of soul, funk, and groove into sharp, undeniable focus. It's a record steeped in vibrant R&B, sunlit funk, and pop sparkle—pulling from the effervescence of Pharrell, the swagger of Jamiroquai, and the show-stopping energy of Bruno Mars. With tracks like "Famous", "Honey", and "Driving Me Wild", his tunes are an unapologetic celebration of joy, connection, and the warmth we pass between one another.

Jordan Astra has carved out his lane with irresistible grooves, a magnetic stage presence, and a relentless work ethic—anchored by his personal mantra: "Repetition Sharpens Blades." It's a philosophy that has taken him from making beats in a university dorm room to headlining stages across continents, winning The Showcase Tour Finale and opening for the likes of Leikeli47. He was named one of NXNE's Top 40 Artists to Watch in 2022, and his global momentum shows no signs of slowing—streaming strong in cities like Jakarta (#3) and Bangkok (#4), where his sound continues to resonate.

Astra's rise hasn't been overnight. Since going solo in 2018 to escape the drag of slow-moving collaborations, he's been grinding with purpose—touring, experimenting, and refining a sound that's both dance floor-ready and lyrically rich. His 2023 EP, 'Man From East' was a homecoming diary after eight transformative years abroad, while 2024's 'Far Deeper' dove into the thrill (and terror) of the unknown. Together, they set the stage for his forthcoming record, 'Time Will Tell'—his most ambitious, colourful, and groove-drenched project yet.

From poolside escapes to candlelit backrooms, Astra's music drops you into scenes you can almost touch. He's not just making tracks—he's building worlds where rhythm reigns and optimism feels like currency. And with 'Time Will Tell', Jordan Astra is proving that in the right hands, repetition isn't just practice—it's power.

Stream "Famous" here
 

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