The Itchyworms dedicate new song “Panic In My Mind” to Chino Singson

The upbeat, ‘60s-inspired track can also be interpreted in many ways, according to lead vocalist and drummer Jazz Nicolas

The Itchyworms are back with an upbeat, retro-pop tune that deals with the dread of knowing that your loved one will be moving away to a different place for good.

Their new single “Panic In My Mind” was specifically written for their bandmate Chino Singson, who moved to Canada with his family to start a new life.

But according to Jazz Nicolas (lead vocals, drums, piano, keyboards, and keytar), who wrote the song based on a real-life event, the meaning behind “Panic In My Mind” can be taken in multiple ways. “The second half of the song shifts the narrative to a bitter person whose ex-partner in now with someone else, and is having a jealous existential crisis because of that.”

The Itchyworms' signature sound lives on in "Panic in My Mind," which blends intricate vocal harmonies and colorful melodies with ‘60s-style pop. A perfect accompaniment for its lyrics, which talk about pining over someone in a world where they are the anomaly, the arrangement turns up the excitement a few more notches with its nuanced musicality. It’s done with effortless grace and less of theatrics.

“We were going for a more organic sound with acoustic instruments as opposed to our previous album, Waiting For The End To Start, which had a lot of electronic elements,” Nicolas explains. “It also has a ‘60s vibe due to the jangly guitars and three-part harmonies.”

“Panic In My Mind” is produced by Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso. The latter is a long-time friend and collaborator, who is now officially part of the band.
“He co-produced the song with us, played various instruments, and sang harmonies,” Nicolas adds.

The Itchyworms are set to embark on their first US tour, dubbed “Akin Ka Na Lang, Amerika.”

The multi-city concert kicks off on March 24 in New York City, New York and will wrap up on April 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here are the official dates and venues:

March 24 - New York (D'Haven),

March 25 - Fort Worth (Ridglea Theater)

March 26 - San Antonio (The Grand Event Center),

March 29 - Houston (Gerry's Grill),

March 31 - San Francisco (Bal Theater):

April 1 - Los Angeles (The Noypitz DTLA)

April 2 - San Diego (Lola Happy Bistro)

April 5 - Chicago (Michella Terrace)

April 7 - Las Vegas (Diversion Amusements)

For more information about the tour, visit the band’s official social media pages and revamped website: www.itchyworms.com

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The Itchyworms’ “Panic In My Mind” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

P-Pop star MONA recalls memories of being a fan on new single “Tagahanga”

“Tagahanga” is produced by K-Pop/P-Pop producer OhWon Lee and written by MONA herself.

Filipino singer-songwriter MONA channels the inner thoughts of a fan girl on “Tagahanga,” her official second single under Sony Music Entertainment.

The song tells the story of a passionate fan who rallies around her idol, hoping to connect with them in a meaningful way and get noticed. It was also penned by MONA herself, who admitted that her experiences as a fan inspired the storytelling.

“To an extent, I’d say that these memories come from a place of love and adoration,” MONA shares. “I took the experience to heart when I decided to start a career in music, because at some point in my life, I know how it feels to be a fan.”

On “Tagahanga,” the promising songstress transforms her positive energy into a euphoric pop anthem. She delivers the material produced by K-Pop/P-Pop producer OhWonLee with a balance of introspection and enthusiasm, singing as if she’s fully committed to the essence of the narrative.

“The producer prominently highlights the bass and guitarparts, creating a driving rhythm that encourages dancing and movement,” the Always Remember act adds. “This, in turn, sets the tone of the track, adding a layer of fun and excitement.”

MONA recently joined Sony Music Entertainment’s esteemed roster of P-Pop talents, which also includes KAIA, Fourth Impact and SB19 among its lineup. With more than 18 million followers on TikTok and a growing portfolio as an influencer, the breakthrough artist hopes to conquer the local music scene with her vocal abilities and solid pop instincts.

MONA’s new track “Tagahanga” serves as a follow-up to her debut single “Always Remember,” a song that values the importance of self-worth and preservation in facing one’s fears.

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

Source: Nyou

Filipino singer-songwriter syd harthatransforms trauma and darkness into healing on debut EP, gabay

The 6-track release is written by syd herself, and produced by constant collaborator Brian Lotho

Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha addresses her personal battles in life on gabay, her debut EP under Sony Music Entertainment.

In touch with her own fragilities, syd hartha digs deeper into her experiences with trauma, heartbreak, pandemic stress, and healing on an EP that feels more than just a warm balm.

According to the young musician, gabay is crucial in reclaiming her identity as it helps her confront emotional truths in a way that is freeing and empowering. The folk-pop act explains, "My new EP is a compilation of different stories from my adventures and misadventures as a young woman. It mainly talks about healing and taking control over your own destiny; letting go of the past, and getting to know yourself again.”

Produced by Brian Lotho, gabay features an esteemed list of collaborators and guests, including Pat Sarabia on drums, Raisa Racelis on bass, and Bea Fabros for the lead guitar parts in "kung nag-aatubili.” Incorporating delicate melodies and deceptively simple arrangements with her folk-pop sound, syd hartha leaves listeners mesmerized on gabay, a record that recognizes the importance of asserting creative agency while inviting meaningful collaborations into the fold.

The 6-track EP was originally intended for an earlier release, but due to circumstances beyond her control, sydhad to start from scratch and rethink things through. “My band and I were already scheduled for the recording of the whole EP in March 2020,” the paruparo singer-songwriter shares. “The pandemic happened, and it caused significant disruption to our plans. But everything happens for a reason. It gave me room to explore and grow at my own pace.”

syd hartha’s gabay spins tales from a confessional standpoint, moving into gloomier territory when needed and finding light and hope amidst the arduous process.

The 22-year-old artist reveals, "pakay, kung nag-aatubili, and 3:15 are songs I wrote years ago when I was in a dark place,” she said. "gabay and lipad were written during the pandemic, a time where we were all stuck inside four corners, seeing ourselves every day. I reached a point where I saw myself in the mirror and realized I didn’t recognize her anymore. I knew I was sick of treating and talking negatively to myself and started to decide I wanted to create a new life for myself. I realized that I had to zoom out of my little box of self-loathing and see things through from a different perspective. During those moments, I realized that I wouldn’t even be alive forever, I might as well just have fun in this whole life thing, right?”

syd hartha’s debut EP, gabay is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

KAIA brims with magnetic confidence on empowering pop anthem “5678”

The P-Pop quintet celebrates International Women’s Month with a bop that aims to inspire women to never give up on their dreams

P-Pop girl group KAIA celebrates International Women’s Month with the release of “5678,” a dance-pop track about preparing to face everything your way, no matter what anyone else says.

Penned by the members of KAIA with the help of OhwonLee, PaperPlanet, and LEO, “5678” stands out as a fired-up anthem aimed towards inspiring women everywhere to never give up on their dreams.

“This is a living testament that we’re always trying to make it on our own terms, one step at a time, without looking back,” shares KAIA in a statement. “We are thankful for the opportunities that are presented to us, and we promise to deliver a message of positivity and hope in our songs, as a way to give back to our supporters.”

Uplifting and brimming with magnetic confidence, the song sends the pop quintet’s message of self-love and empowerment with lines (“Hingang malalim, lahat tatahakin / Hindi na ako maliligaw” trans: dbreath, ready to conquer the roadmap / This time, I won’t get lost) that will surely resonate with generations of listeners from all around the world.

“5678” is produced by Ohwon Lee, whose career-spanning work includes songs from some of the biggest names in K-Pop. His sonic approach fits KAIA’s energetic defiance, with a synth intro immediately signaling that something explosive is about to arrive, and frantic beats building up throughout the song to “effectively convey the girls’ unstoppable strengths towards the trials they face.”

The song will also be part of KAIA’s debut EP, which will be released sometime this year. It will be accompanied by a music video helmed by director Raymond Fabian, assisted by Jonathan Tal Placido, under the production house of Studio 79th. The visuals will drop on March 25, Saturday at 6pm.

KAIA adds, “Working with the production house is a smooth process because it’s a collaborative effort between the production team and the members of KAIA, and they are very open to the ideas of KAIA.”

KAIA’s “5678” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou