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Australian singer-songwriter Ruel drops music video for new track “I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU”
Australian singer-songwriter Ruel has released the music video for “I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU,” his new single released under RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment.
Directed by James Chappell, the visuals find the pop prodigy escaping an army of folks dressed in blue jumpsuits with his getaway vehicle.
“I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU” is an upbeat alt-pop tune with a breezy chorus that’s worth singing along to, and an indelible groove fit for the summer. The song is part of his debut studio album, 4th WALL, which debuted at No. 3 in Australia and No. 10 in New Zealand upon its release.
Through a journey that spanned over the last three years, Ruel’s long-awaited debut album explores his most personal and stellar musical offerings to date. The 14-track offering features an array of writing collaborators and producers including M-Phazes (Khalid, Noah Cyrus), Sammy Witte (Harry Styles, Halsey), Gabe Simon (DuaLipa, Maroon 5), Spencer Stewart (Alina Baraz, ROLE MODEL) and artists PJ Harding and Mikky Ekko.
Following his well-received show in Manila last month, the young hitmaker recently announced the North American and European/United Kingdom legs of his headlining “4TH WALL WORLD TOUR” in support of his debut album 4TH WALL. The hugely anticipated tour will see the Australian trailblazer light up stages across the globe in his first world tour in over three years.
On getting back on tour, Ruel says, "I cannot wait to get back to my fans and play some of my favourite cities in the world and experience brand new ones too. I’ve never looked forward to a tour this much and I’m counting down the days until I can play a bunch of new tracks from the album as well as all my fan favorites."
About Ruel:
At just twenty years old, the performer born Ruel Van Dijk has experienced several careers worth of success. Since debuting in 2017 at the age of fourteen on producer M-Phazes “Golden Years,” Ruel was the youngest artist to appear on the popular live segment “Like a Version” on renowned Australian youth radio station triple j. He has since released three EPs, earned five platinum records, and amassed over two billion streams worldwide. As the youngest artist to sell out the Sydney Opera House (twice), he has been hailed by the likes of Elton John, and touring partners Khalid and Shawn Mendes, while being declared by media critics as “the next global pop star in waiting.” His decorated career includes two MTV Europe Music Awards, a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award, an ARIA Award, and numerous nominations.
To Watch “I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU” Music Video:
https://ruel.lnk.to/IDWBLYVideo
To Buy/Stream 4TH WALL:
Follow Ruel:
TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | Website
Source: Nyou
Ultimate celeb ‘momager’ Kris Jenner stars in the music video for Meghan Trainor’s “Mother”
The GRAMMY® Award-winning, global superstar may be an actual mother, but she’s proving she embodies the word in more ways than one
Photo credit: Katia Temkin
After dominating the Philippine charts with her viral TikTok hit “Made You Look,” Meghan Trainor marks another formidable comeback with the music video release of her new single “Mother,” starring ultimate celebrity ‘momager’ Kris Jenner.
Meghan is giving us one of her most iconic videos yet with “Mother.” Not only is Meghan serving ultimate Hollywood glam, she also enlisted mother-of-all-mothers Kris Jenner to star in the video, directed by longtime collaborator Charm LaDonna. The pair glow as they dance and sing along to the doo-wop inspired track, which samples The Chordettes’s 1954 hit, “Mr. Sandman.”
“Mother” and the deluxe album come soon after Meghan announced her second pregnancy, proving that even as a busier than ever mama, Meghan is still committed to keeping fans fed.
On releasing the track, Meghan explains, “I’m beyond excited to finally share ‘Mother’ with the world! This song is my response to being in the industry for almost a decade now and still finding myself in situations where I am talked down to or made to feel like my opinion isn’t valid. It’s for anyone who is in a situation where they feel like they are being mansplained to and want to take their power back.”
The track appears on the brand-new Deluxe Edition of her acclaimed album Takin’ It Back, available everywhere.
Takin’ It Back (Deluxe Edition) includes the album’s original 16 tracks as well as 3 new tracks - “Mother,” “Grow Up,” and “Special Delivery” featuring MAX. The album also includes the Remix of “Made You Look (Feat. Kim Petras).” Meanwhile, smash hit “Made You Look” just clinched #1 on the Hot AC, marking her first #1 on the chart since 2016. Thus far, it has generated over half-a-billion streams and counting.
Meghan is still supplying us with banger after banger and all we can say is we are 100% here for it!
Meghan Trainor’s “Mother” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.
Follow Meghan Trainor:
Website / TikTok / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook
Source: Nyou
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Ebe Dancel to stage repeat of “Sa Wakas: 20th Anniversary” Concert
The award-winning singer-songwriter will be joined by ex-Sugarfree drummer Mitch Singson to honor the album’s lasting impact in the Philippine music scene
Manila, Philippines, March 13 2023 – Due to insistent public demand, Filipino singer-songwriter Ebe Dancelstages a repeat of Sa Wakas: 20th AnniversaryCelebration, happening on March 31, 2023 (Friday), from 6pm onwards at 123 Block, Mandala Park.
Celebrating the enduring legacy of Sugarfree’s iconic debut album, Sa Wakas The Repeat: 20th Anniversary Celebration will feature a longer, full-length set by EbeDancel and drummer Mitch Singson, as well as guest performances and surprises.
Presented by GNN Entertainment Productions andBackspacer Records, in partnership with 123 Block and Balcony Entertainment, the headline show will accommodate more people in the venue as requested by fans who were not able to attend the first one, which sold out in less than a day.
Part of the earnings will be donated to Parokya Ni Edgar guitarist Gab Chee Kee’s hospital and medical expenses. Sa Wakas: official merch is also available via Backspacer Records official website, and will also be sold at the venue.
Sugarfree's Sa Wakas, which came out in 2003, took confessional songwriting to a new level with anthems that reveal stories and experiences that are too embarrassingly painful to talk about in public. Critically acclaimed when it first came out in the early 2000s, the influential album eventually inspired a huge following, and prompted a fan to write/produce an award-winning rock musical centered on its narrative.
Tickets to Sa Wakas The Repeat: 20th AnniversaryCelebration are available for purchase starting March 13 (Monday) at 6pm via bit.ly/sawakas20.
Ticket Packages Available:
Regular Admissions (P1,500) - entrance to the event grounds
VIP (P2,200) - entrance to the event grounds, plus meet and greet with Ebe Dancel before the show, and a signed event poster.
VIP + Vinyl Bundle (P3,500) - entrance to the event grounds, a Habangbuhay 10-inch signed silver vinyl, plus meet and greet with Ebe Dancel before the show and a signed event poster.
Source: GNN
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Ben&Ben, Zack Tabudlo, Ebe Dancel andmore to headline Zark’s Fest 2023
This year’s edition of the Manila-based food and music festival gets bigger with a more exciting lineup of performers, activities, and programs
Manila, Philippines, March 13 2023 (Monday) – After a hugely successful debut in 2019, Zark’s Fest returns this summer with their biggest offering in live music and comfort grub.
Presented and produced by Zark’s Burgers, a popularburger joint in the Philippines, and organized by GNN Entertainment Productions, the hybrid festival promises to treat its patrons with an exciting music lineup, more inclusive programming, a dedicated space for lifestyle, crafts, and arts merchants, and most especially, a heartyserving of American comfort food, the Zark’s way.
Headlining the festival are the award-winning and best-selling Filipino band Ben&Ben and 2021/2022’s most-streamed solo artist Zack Tabudlo. The Manila-based food and music festival are also set to feature some of the most prominent names in the local music industry, including Ebe Dancel, Urbandub, Sandwich, The Itchyworms, BINI, Kiyo, SOS, Autotelic, Any Name’s Okay, Lola Amour, Hey June!, and Eli & Six The Northstar.
“We’re coming out stronger this year with a more diverse lineup and activities,” says Zark’s Burgers CEO ZarkVarona. “Make sure to pack your sunscreen as Zark’s Fest brings a festive experience in the best possible way. We’re scaling up our game with headline-worthy music representing various genres and demos, and we’re also holding the event in a bigger, outdoor venue that allows people to move freely around the site and celebrate food, arts, and crafts with their family and friends. What we have is something game-changing and special, and I hope more people will get to experience that.”
This year’s edition ups the ante of the festival format by doubling down on the experience with fair-themed booths and a more family-friendly vibe. “Our goal is to create a safe space where everyone is welcomed and included,” Varona explains. “Hopefully with Zark’s Fest, we’ll be able to deliver a music-filled destination for people from all walks of life.”
Tickets to Zark’s Fest will go on sale, starting Monday, March 13 at 12 noon via bit.ly/zarksfest2023.
Check out the ticket prices:
VIP (P2,500)
Express lane, dedicated restroom, 1 free drink, exclusive VIP area near the stage, Zarkada kit
Regular (P1,500)
General admission
Early Entry (P800)
Entrance is strictly until 2pm only
Source: GNN
VIRAL POP SINGER JAKE MILLER RELEASES“LEAVE MY HEART ALONE”
Critically acclaimed pop singer/songwriter/producer Jake Miller recently became viral when his 2014 hit single “Dazed and Confused” resurfaced again via TikTok, eliciting a dance challenge with its catchy chorus and steps. Get ready for another viral hit as he releases his new single, “Leave My Heart Alone” via EMPIRE. Featuring an electric beat, the track finds Jake struggling to get over an ex. It is taken from his new EP “BASED ON A TRUE STORY II” - a follow-up to his 2019 project “BASED ON A TRUE STORY” – which is out now.
“Since ‘Based On A True Story’ was such an amazing staple in my career, I figured it needed a sequel. This is a perfect continuation of the story and evolution of my musical growth,” says Jake Miller. “‘Leave My Heart Alone’ is probably my favorite song of the EP. This whole project was so much fun to create, and I’m so excited for the world to hear it.”
Throughout his career, Jake has posted up hundreds of millions of streams, sold out tours, attracted millions of followers on social media and inspired countless fan tattoos. He’s lit up TikTok with over 50 million views and 10 million likes.
Win a signed Jake Miller vinyl by uploading on TikTok your best dance step to the chorus of “Leave My Heart Alone” (from 1:23 to 1:43). Don’t forget to put the hashtags #leavemyheartalone #dancechallenge #jakemiller #foryou #fyp
About Jake Miller
Beyond posting up streams in the hundreds of millions, selling out tours, attracting millions of followers on social media, and earning critical acclaim, countless fan tattoos speak to the impact of Jake Miller. Fans proudly sport lyrics on their skin from “I’m Alright” and “A Million Lives,” among others. As such, the Florida-raised and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer has quietly emerged as a magnetic pop presence on his own terms uplifted by world-class showmanship, no holds barred honesty, and dynamic delivery. Miller only strengthens this connection to his devout audience, dubbed “The Millertary,” with each subsequent release. He made waves with 2014’s Dazed and Confused EP, boasting “Dazed and Confused” [feat. Travie McCoy] and “Ghost” [feat. Nikki Flores]. On its heels, Rumors [2015] popped off as the title track “Rumors” gathered tens of millions of streams. He maintained this momentum with projects such as Overnight EP [2016], 2:00am in LA [2017], and Silver Lining [2018]. Along the way, he shared the stage with the late Mac Miller, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, and Fifth Harmony in addition to performing on NBC’s Today Show and LIVE with Kelly and Ryan.
2021’s Silver Lining II marked yet another high watermark. People exclusively premiered the album, while it received praise from EUPHORIA., Rif , and The Honey Pop who described it as an “extraordinary experience.” In support of Silver Lining II, he launched the “hi, i missed you” Tour, packing houses across North America. He continues to inspire on a series of 2022 singles and his forthcoming fifth full-length album [EMPIRE].
FOLLOW JAKE MILLER:
Source: Blackstar
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KAREN HARDING‘BACK TO YOU’ BRAND NEW SINGLE RELEASED Out NOW VIA ULTRA RECORDS
UK Top 10 hitmaker Karen Harding has released her brand new single ‘Back To You’ via Ultra Records / Sony Music. It is the latest song to be taken from her eagerly awaited debut album out this summer.
Karen’s vocals soar among the propulsive house beats and high rising synths of ‘Back To You’, where she sings about embracing blossoming love while working through the butterflies and second guesses that come with it.
‘Back To You’ has been written with Rob Harvey (Kasabian, The Streets, Rudimental) and co-produced with Franklin (Nile Rodgers, Digital Farm Animals) and Ollie Green (David Guetta, John Newman, Ella Henderson).
Regarding the single Karen says, “‘Back To You’ follows the moments of doubt you feel when you get into a new relationship, but you know that it's gonna be fine and will all work out. I loved working on this record with Rob Harvey and Ollie Green, we had so much fun in the studio that day and we were all feeling the positivity that runs through the song! I hope it can take people to that positive place when they might be going through hardships with their partner. I love the big sing along chorus and can't wait to perform it live.”
‘Back To You’ is the latest song to be taken from Karen’s highly anticipated debut album. The forthcoming record is already chocked full of hits, including further Franklin produced tracks such as ‘Undo My Heart’, with over 26 million streams and Radio 1 playlist support, and ‘Other Side Of Love’, a playlist hit at Kiss Dance and Capital Dance, with regular spins Kiss FM, Capital FM, Radio 1, and well over a million streams.
The record will also feature her UK Top 10 hit ‘Say Something’ and see Karen working and collaborating with Armand van Helden, Shift K3Y, Digital Farm Animals, MNEK and more.
Over recent months Karen’s sought-after voice has continued to prove inescapable across airwaves and dancefloors as she’s laid her lush tones down on huge tracks with further internationally revered producers including collaborations with Oliver Heldens on ‘Oops’, Biscits’ on ‘That Feeling’ and Armand van Helden on ‘Wings (I Won't Let You Down)’. All have ridden high in Shazam charts, topped Dance Charts in the UK and Europe, while they have also been playlisted across many key radio stations and streaming platforms, while also clocking up multi-million plays.
With the release of her debut album this summer, Karen Harding’s stratospheric rise holds no bounds as she cements her place in pop stardom in 2023.
CONNECT WITH KAREN HARDING
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | SPOTIFY | FACEBOOK
Source: Blackstar
P-Pop girl group YARA inks record deal with Sony Music Entertainment, releases debut single “ADDA”
Filipino four-member act YARA joins the esteemed roster of Sony Music Entertainment, an established record label known for producing some of the biggest names in P-Pop.
The promising rookie embarks on a journey with newfound independence—thanks to the guidance of their record label, and their insistence to leave a mark in the burgeoning Philippine music scene.
“Sony Music PH and YARA are a match made in heaven,” the all-women group shares. “We were surprised that our vision and passion for music are the same. After everything that we’ve gone through, we are very happy that we finally found someone with whom we are confident to work with especially with our music.”
YARA officially marks their debut as a recording artist with the release of their new single “ADDA,” which means ‘Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat.’ Holding merit with a refreshing balance of charisma and edginess, YARA drops a confident piece of pop music that leaves nothing out of the bag.
“We know what we want / we know what we're capable of,” they open their verse with an assured declaration. Few newcomers can get away with lines that beam with delirious energy and excitement, and YARA does it seamlessly as they navigate an entirely new realm that remains completely uncharted to them.
The Pinoy girl group explains, “The song is about YARA. The story of YARA. The song reflects why YARA works hard to strive beyond their limitations and reach for their dreams. YARA wants their audience to know their story,and draw strength from it to conquer their own fears, and learn from YARA’s experiences. YARA wants their listeners to take control of their own lives and dreams.”
Combining dance-pop vigor with hip-hop elements and K-Pop feistiness, YARA’s “ADDA” is written and composed by YARA’s very own Kim Natividad, and produced by one of SB19 and Pablo's frequent collaborators, Joshua Naseand Michael “Cursebox” Negapatan (Alex Bruce).
According to YARA, the empowering mood of the material aims to set the tone of what’s to come for their future releases. “The dynamics of the song radiate confidence and empower our listeners,” the Filipino quartet reveals. “Unison is also present in the song to highlight that behind showcasing our individual talents, the product of our teamwork sets us apart and makes us who we are. The progression of instrumental placements in the song relates to how our passion (to perform) intensifies throughout our journey amidst the unexpected challenges we’veencountered along the way.”
YARA is a four-piece girl group composed of Gelou, Rocher, Christa, and Kim. They’re one of the newest P-Pop acts under Sony Music Entertainment, which includes SB19, 4th Impact, and more among its top-prized talents.Listen to their new single “ADDA” here.
Follow them on their official social media accounts:
Instagram: official_yara.ph
Twitter: official__yara
Facebook: YARA PH
Youtube: YARA PH
Tiktok: official__yara
Source: Nyou
Filipino indie pop/rock band the vowels they orbit drops sophomore EP, tuloy Tuloy tuloy!
The six-track release deals with braving the challenges in life despite brokenness and pain
Filipino indie pop/rock band the vowels they orbit has finally released their sophomore EP, tuloy tuloy tuloy!,the highly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed first record, Ang Unang Ikot.
Released under Sony Music Entertainment, the new EP shows lyrical and music growth without losing the well-rounded charm that made them an instant favorite when they first came out.
Thematically speaking, tuloy tuloy tuloy! speaks about never letting heartbreak get the best of you, and braving the world with newfound determination even when life gets more challenging than usual. The EP also deals with theconcept of taking charge of your own story to make it a better one, and embracing the brokenness inside with thewishful thinking that you’ll heal and improve someday.
“It is about finding ourselves caught in the cycle of our own emotions, yet still choosing to move forward,” the Selosact shares in a collective statement. “Because this EP is a continuation of the first, the phase of emotions is a bit heavier — from coping with the unfamiliar feeling of life without your first love in ‘Una’ to dealing with grief and the loss of a loved one in ‘Clutch.’ However, it does end on a high note with ‘If You Come Back To Me,’ talking about being sure of oneself and not relying on another to live and grow. In the next phase, we are looking forward to more healed feelings.”
the vowels they orbit’s new EP, tuloy tuloy tuloy! is produced by Rye Sarmiento, guitarist of 6cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy, and was recorded in his studio, Backdoor Recording Studio, during a 6-day lock-in session in 2021. Inspired by iconic alt-pop acts The Cardigans and Moonpools & Caterpillars, Sarmiento wanted to capture the ‘90s sound in terms of arrangement and vibe, but made it a point to retain the band’s indie pop influences with a more organic, rock-oriented direction. “We also gave attention to the performances of each member, doing what they do best individually while still keeping their chemistry as one band.”
The majority of the songs from tuloy tuloy tuloy! were written and sung by lead vocalist/guitarist Nikka Melchor.Keyboardist Hannah dela Cruz wrote and performed “Clutch,” and Jeremy’s father, Ponciano Sayas, penned “Here In My Arms,” in which drummer Jeremy is a featured vocalist. The end result is a project that feels singular, yet distinctly unique in their surprising ways.
Aside from “Una,” “Bangungot,” “Clutch,” “Here In My Arms,” and “If You Come Back To Me,” the EP also features the focus track “Sandali,” which talks about the importance of slowing down and finding the light amidst everything. According to the five-piece act, the song was written by Nikka during the start of the pandemic, thus the lyrics. However, she realized that the message can still be applied to life, in general. “With so much going on, we tend to wonder when it will end.”
The EP release will be accompanied by a launch on March 11, 2023 (Saturday) at the 70s Bistro in Quezon City, featuring performances by the vowels they orbit, I Belong To The Zoo, Autotelic, syd hartha, Better Days, Hey June!,and Banda Ni Kleggy.
the vowels they orbit’s ‘tuloy tuloy tuloy!' is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Source: Nyou
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Beautifully Connected by Carmie P. De Leon
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Samantha Gail B. Lucas’s Books: Now Available at South Africa!
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Beautifully Connected: An Autobiography and Self-Help Book in One
I read Beautifully Connected by Carmie P. De Leon during a busy time of the year. My family from overseas was in the Philippines for a well-deserved vacation, and my partner’s family was caring for a recovering family member. I was also working as a full-time freelance writer and author. I could hardly keep up with my schedule. So, I decided to take some time to read Ms. De Leon’s book in order to learn from her decades of experience in life and work.
As expected, Ms. De Leon’s book is a relaxing read. I appreciate the fact that she gave us a glimpse of her humble beginnings, and her rise to the top of her corporate career. Her journey was far from perfect, and unlike some autobiographies, the author was able to include her own mistakes in life. It was noteworthy how she was able to turn these mistakes into opportunities. She also included some of her original poetry, which was a literary treat. Aside from that, she also included scriptures which set the tone for the chapters of her book. I found it to be generally pleasant and full of life lessons.
As someone who is not particularly religious, I read the book as a self-help work. There were references to Biblical verses which have supported the author during her challenging times, which were accompanied by testimonies from herself and her beautiful connections, who were her friends and family. Her life story was entertaining and educational, so while I normally shy away from religious works, I still found this appealing. It was an autobiography and self-help journey in one, and it was a privilege to have read it.
So, did I find the book to be an oasis in the middle of my busy schedule? I certainly did!
Beautifully Connected is available on Central Books’ website. Read it today!
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Beautiful For Me by Samantha Gail B. Lucas
Transit Dialog has published my article, Beautiful for Me. Here it is:
“𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵.”
𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲
𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴
I was once told that I am neither pretty or ugly. It was an unfortunate remark from a man who went on a date with me once. I never went out with him again, and I am now in a relationship with someone who finds me beautiful.
I was born to a family of tall and attractive people. I am not tall, and I am not classically beautiful. This reality has made me insecure.
Like most adolescents, I turned to my interests to compensate for my insecurities. As the years passed and I became a published author, I learned that people may be visual and notice imagery at the onset. However, first impressions are simply that — impressions.
There is more to life than being attractive. I built my career on my writing skills, and not through being beautiful. So, I became less insecure as I proved to myself that being a good person and a skillful worker are the key factors to getting ahead in life.
When I started dating, I observed that men would go for the beautiful ones. Dating apps made this more challenging for me. There were men who called me ugly. Good thing there is the option to block them. I dwelled on the fact that I was getting messages and comments that I was ugly left and right. But then, I learned that these comments reflected on their own insecurities rather than who I really am. So, I moved on, until I found the partner that I am with now.
Being beautiful is more than just what the world can see. My books get published because my original ideas resonate with others. I enjoy life because I try to be a good person, and I get everything that I share with others in return.
I am the best version of myself because I continuously work on myself. My life is far from perfect and my loved ones can attest to the fact that I have bad days every now and then. But I pick myself up and remind myself that I have come this far because I never gave up on myself.
Some people may criticize me for being over-confident. I beg to disagree. I think that beauty lies in the beholder, but it is more important to value your own beauty first. Rather than solely prioritizing beauty on the outside, we should all prioritize our inner beauty, too.
Education, not our looks, can make us qualified for a job. Being a good person can let us help ourselves and others in need. Loving ourselves can enable us to help ourselves and make us attractive to others. And being able to change the world by being kind can give us our own place in a cruel and judgmental world.
Take it from me, I was told by people that I was ugly, unattractive, and basically nothing. But I chose to listen to myself first and I kept going on. I chose to be beautiful for me.
I am beautiful for me because I know the value of education and hard work. I am beautiful for me because I know that relationships are built on trust and effort. I am beautiful for me because I believe in myself and the goodness of my heart. I may not be beautiful for everyone, but I do not mind that. That is already beyond my control.
The only thing that I control is my own self-perception. And for me, I am beautiful inside and out.
Source: Transit Dialog
FOR KING + COUNTRY scores multi-format hitwith “Love Me Like I Am,” featuring American R&B star Jordin Sparks
The Australian pop duo also expressed interest in going back to the Philippines sometime in the future
Multi-GRAMMY® award-winning duo FOR KING + COUNTRY is currently making waves with the crossover success of “Love Me Like I Am,” their current single featuring American R&B superstar Jordin Sparks.
Aside from topping Billboard’s Christian Airplay charts (dated February 25, 2023), the multi-format smash has recently entered Billboard’s Adult Top 40 charts at No. 31 and Billboard’s Adult Contemporary charts at No. 17, becoming one of the biggest hits in the US by an Australian act this year. To date, the soulful ballad has amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone.
The Christian pop duo, which recently headlined Manila’s Found Music Festival in 2019 at Circuit Makati, also expressed their intent of going back to the Philippinessometime in the future.
“You know, we hope to always come back to the places that we’ve been, because every country has its own individual culture—taking part in that was a thrill for us,” says Luke Smallbone, one-half of the award-winning music act. “By visiting different cultures around the world, you can learn something from each of them. We just enjoyed being able to spend time with our Filipino friends.”
Their song “Love Me Like I Am” will be serviced in Philippine radio soon, thanks to its crossover appeal and inspiring universality that resonate to fans all over the world. A soaring pop tune that recognizes the fact that we all make mistakes, “Love Me Like I Am” highlights the importance of seeking and practicing forgiveness.
Luke Smallbone reflects, “I think, sometimes in today’s society, we feel like if we make a mistake, that puts us at odds, and we can’t be loved anymore. The truth is if we all made mistakes, that means all of us would never be able to accept this wonderful gift called love. I think ‘Love Me Like I Am’ is obviously talking about heavenly love but I think it’s also a challenge for us to love our families that way. The gift of practicing forgiveness is probably the most important attribute of the world. And, I think, for us, that is what this song is talking about. Is love for people, mistakes, and all. And, look, people will live very differently when they recognize how deeply loved they really are.”
“Love Me Like I Am,” featuring Jordin Sparks, is part of FOR KING + COUNTRY’s chart-topping fifth studio album, What Are We Waiting For?, released via Curb | World Entertainment last year. The album reached No. 1 on iTunes in multiple countries, and debuted at No. 2 Billboard US’s Top Albums, No. 1 on Billboard US Top Christian Albums, and No. 7 on Billboard US Albums Chart.
About FOR KING + COUNTRY
FOR KING + COUNTRY is one of the music industry’s most respected and decorated duos. Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have been awarded four GRAMMY® Awards, seven GMA Dove Awards, a Billboard Music Award, and 16 K-LOVE Fan Awards; and their 11 No. 1 songs have produced an astonishing 2 billion career streams. The RIAA Platinum-selling act’s live show has been hailed as a must-see concert event that continues to wow sold-out crowds whether in the U.S., Australia, Germany, Netherlands, or New Zealand. FOR KING + COUNTRY’s WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? released this year, became the duo’s second Top 10 album on the Billboard 200; following their RIAA Gold certified album, BURN THE SHIPS, which also debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. The duo has had seven consecutive No. 1 songs including “For God Is WithUs,” “joy.,” “TOGETHER” (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly),” and the 11-week Platinum smash, “God Only Knows.” Featured on major networks including MTV, BBC2, ABC and more, the global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE, R3HAB, Hillary Scott and Timbaland, amongst others. www.curb.com
Source: Nyou