We Are Imaginary mines colorful, redemptive journey in new EP, Swan Songs for Drifters

The 7-track release turns internal monologues into generation-defining anthems

Filipino indie rock quartet We Are Imaginary marks their fifteenth year of existence as a band with their fourth studio release, Swan Songs for Drifters—out on April 28, Friday via floppydisks.

 

According to lead vocalist/guitarist Ahmad Tanji, the songs off their new EP capture the long stretches of time in silence and reflection from 2018 to 2020—a defining era in his personal life before the entire world slowly crumbled apart due to the uncertainty of the pandemic.

 

“It really brought a lot of existential questions about why we are doing this,” Tanji explains. “For a moment after celebrating our 14th year as a band, I thought this is it; we are done. That moment also gave me the realization that everyone is lost – basically a drifter looking for the next pitstop.”

 

Despite the difficulty of finding inspiration and getting back on track, Tanji decided to reassemble the group at the height of the new normal, record two new tracks from the original lineup of five, and close ‘that’ chapter of his life with renewed perspective and wisdom. The result is a 7-track EP that is more of a vibe than an actual album, but leads listeners through on an otherwise colorful, redemptive journey.

 

On Swan Songs for Drifters, We Are Imaginary turns internal monologues into generation-defining anthems, showing a flair for drama and recklessness when it needs to, and stripping things back to introspective places when there’s no way out but feel the words in its state of unrecognizable frailty.

 

The EP contains the legacy-turning “Dekada,” originally released in 2018, as well as the pensive tune “Kawalan,” which was initially considered to be part of their third album, Death to Romanticism. Other tracks include “Durden,” a melodic, ‘90s alt-rocker with widescreen choruses and indie pop breakdowns on the verses; and “Swan Song,” a lilting folk number that captures the changes that the album longs for.

Tanji adds, “There was a conscious effort to make the vibe more cohesive this time around, compared to the previous releases where a chop suey of genres is compiled in one package. The songs are all conversations with myself with hummable choruses in reverb-drenched production.”

All of the songs in Swan Songs for Drifters were written by Ahmad Tanji, except for “Shimmer” which was co-written by his brother Khalid Tanji. The new album is also produced, mixed, and mastered by RJ Mabilin of Redverb Studio.

Swan Songs for Drifters track list:

1. Dekada
2. Motion Sickness
3. Do You Mind?
4. Shimmer (to Your Touch)
5. Durden
6. Kawalan
7. Swan Song

Listen to We Are Imaginary’s Swan Songs for Driftershere.

About We Are Imaginary

We Are Imaginary gets off on marrying jangly noise with bittersweet vignettes since 2008. Think of the band Versus or Popsicle with a Morrissey fixation, if that makes sense. The Manila-based band,  formerly known as Your Imaginary Friends, has already come out with two locally-acclaimed EPs before changing their name because of a trademark issue. Unfazed, they signed with the indie label Wide Eyed Records to release their highly anticipated debut LP Death to Romanticism in 2016. Bent on always challenging themselves, they came up with their first Filipino single Dekada in 2018 to celebrate their 10th year in the business. After a long break caused by the pandemic, 

this indierock quartet is releasing its 4th album under the exciting new label floppydisks.


The band has been everywhere – from representing their country at the 2015 Grass Tone Sound Festival (Thailand), Rocking the Region 2017 (Singapore), and 2017 Archipelago Festival (Indonesia) to opening for renowned indie pop acts such as Club 8, Moonpools & Caterpillars, and Beach Fossils – and they are itching to visit more foreign shores.

We Are Imaginary, composed of Apa Rubio (drums), Khalid Tanji (guitars), Vhall Bugtong (bass, vocals), and Ahmad Tanji (vocals, guitars), still believes in saving the world with pop songs and kebabs.

We Are Imaginary socials:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/weareimaginary

Instagram: www.instagram.com/weareimaginary

Source: Nyou

Australian singer-songwriter Ruel stages major concert in Manila as part of the 4TH Wall World Tour

A Southeast Asia-wide campaign on Tiktok is also making rounds, featuring the young artist’s viral track “IF AND/OR WHEN”

After visiting the Philippines a few months ago for a free mall show in Taguig City, Australian pop artist Ruel will be staging his first major concert in Manila on May 26, 2023 (Friday), at the Samsung Hall, from 8:00 PM onwards.

The promising newcomer is slated to perform in several Asian cities, including Manila, for his 4TH Wall World Tour.

As a treat to the loyal fans who have been instrumental in making Ruel’s debut full-length album, 4TH Wall a huge crossover success, Sony Music Entertainment is running a Southeast Asia-wide campaign ona TikTok from May 3 to 19, 2023.

Filipino fans who would be using his TikTok filter can get the chance to win a ‘meet and greet’ session with Ruel athis upcoming Manila show this month.

Here are the mechanics for the contest:

1. The sound “IF AND/OR WHEN” must be used as audio for the video.

2. The entry must include the hashtags #IAOWPH and#Ruel4thWallContest in the caption.

3. There will be 5 winners (who will be chosen based on the videos with the most views). The contest is limited to those 18 and above, Philippine residents, and must beticket holders. The promo runs on TikTok only.

For the full mechanics, please check out the Sony Music Philippines link.

Ruel’s “IF AND/OR WHEN,” a song off his new album, 4TH Wall is currently going viral in the Philippines and the rest of Asia, peaking at No. 23 on Spotify’s Viral 50 – Philippines chart.

The song is part of Ruel’s new album, 4TH Wall, whichdebuted at No. 3 in Australia and peaked at No. 10 in New Zealand. The Australian singer-songwriter’s new album received positive acclaim from music critics, with Clash Magazine praising it for “hauling down the walls while letting fans into his world.” Music publication Milky MilkyMilky gave Ruel’s debut record, 4 stars, calling it “a multi-faceted body of work that cements his place as one of Australia's most engaging contemporary acts.”

RUEL 4TH Wall: Live in Manila is presented by WilbrosLive. Tickets are available via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

 

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.

  

Follow Ruel:

TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | Website

Source: Nyou

WATERWALK RECORDS drops worship-themed compilation album, Sambahan

The 11-track release is written and composed by worship leaders from various Christian congregations in the Philippines

WATERWALK RECORDS, a music label focused on championing faith-based entertainment artists to the new, streaming generation, has released a compilation album filled with strong declarations of faith, worship, and love.

Dubbed SAMBAHAN, the new record compiles 11 inspirational tunes that are sung, composed, and produced by worship leaders of different Christian Churches and congregations.

“SAMBAHAN is a compilation of original Tagalog worship songs written and composed via the KONEKOLAB Worship fellowship of Church-based songwriters, and interpreted by worship leaders,” says Jungee Marcelo, the label’s main producer and A&R. “The concept was developed within the KONEKOLAB ‘worship’ endeavor —- a convening of like-minded music artists who ‘connect and collaborate’ in an unconventional lab setting.”


According to Marcelo, the songs were pitched to WATERWALK Records, and eventually got the greenlight of the executives. He considers the project a blessing as it is created for the sole purpose of glorifying the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He reveals, “The plan is to release one song every week in a compilation aptly entitled SAMBAHAN. Initially, it was dubbed as ‘Worship’ but Sony Music Philippines head Roslyn Pineda thought it was better to come up with a project title in Filipino since all the songs are in the local lingo. We ended up with the nomenclature ‘SAMBAHAN’ which in essence has three distinct context definitions: a. act of worship, b. communal worship, liturgy, c. a place of worship.”

Marcelo, who also happens to be the founder of KONEKOLAB, narrates that SAMBAHAN initially started when he posted an invitation to a group of grassroots, Church-based songwriters back in December 2022 for a collaborative take on a worship song. What was initially a one-time endeavor grew into more work being submitted by participants in the pool, with Marcelo having to filter the choices down to forty participants. The Lord, as Marcelo recounts, provisionally led him to selecting 40 potential songwriters and divide them into 10 teams, 4 per team.

 


“The late evenings and early mornings of December were invested in daily online songwriting collab-turned-mentoring sessions, a team at a time, rotating in shifts,” he shares enthusiastically. “By the end of December, the songs were finally completed --- praise God for His wisdom and enabling.”

Containing music styles that naturally complement each individual and communal preferences, SAMBAHAN features themes that adhere to the overall concept of worship. The songs were produced by Jungee Marcelo himself, and were arranged with each musician providing personal inputs to enhance the overall sound texture of the material, resulting into a wonderfully crafted piece of worship offering. 

 

Check out the SAMBAHAN Tracklist:

 

1. “MANLILIKHARI” by Gianne Hinolan

2.  “O AMING DAKILA” by James Reyes

3.  “KARANGALAN NAMIN” by Poleane Carmen & KeylMizpah

4.  “MAMAMALAGI” by VENTT

5.  “YAHWEH TANGGULAN” by Dana Algabre

6.  “SUMASALANGIT” by Judah Vibar

7.  “SAMO” by Nicole & Carlo

8.  “SA ‘YONG SAMYO” by Sheena Lee

9.  “UNANG NAGMAHAL” by Louie Anne Culala

10. “PAGDULOG” by Cherise Katriel

11. “SAMBAHAN” by Lee Simon Brown

“SAMBAHAN” is out now on all digital music platforms via WATERWALK RECORDS.

For more updates on the new tracks, artists, and upcoming events, please follow:

 

WATERWALK RECORDS: Facebook | Instagram

Source: Nyou

Vietnamese Superstar Sơn Tùng M-TP Marks New Era with his Highly-Anticipated English Single "MAKING MY WAY," Setting Sights on International Success

Brand New Single Released

Out Now Via The Orchard

HO CHI MINH, Vietnam (5th May 2023) - Vietnamese superstar Sơn Tùng M-TP has released his highly-anticipated new single "MAKING MY WAY" via The Orchard today. Recorded entirely in the English language, "MAKING MY WAY" showcases his dynamic vocals and innovative sound - a unique blend of Vietnamese and Western influences - while delivering a heartfelt message of determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

Stream “MAKING MY WAY” here. 
Watch “MAKING MY WAY” Official Visualiser here.


Sơn Tùng M-TP on his latest work:

When we’re young, we always let so many people into our lives without thinking. And when they end up hurting us, it’s a shock, and we close ourselves off. And most of the time, we forget how to believe in our decisions because we keep feeling guilty for everything that went wrong.

"MAKING MY WAY" is meant to tell us that it’s time to move on and get back on our feet. It’s all about cutting off negative elements from our lives, believing in ourselves again, and making our own way forward.

Joy and success only come after a whole lot of pain and challenges. You will see nothing but pure happiness waiting ahead, but only when you can let go of past pains, fight your demons, and make your own way.

"This is a song that means a lot to me because it makes me forget about everything that’s wrong in my life and reminds me that I should do whatever my heart tells me to do and go wherever my music tells me to go. So I really hope this song finds its way to your hearts too!

MAKING MY WAY - Sơn Tùng M-TP (download here)

Known for his electrifying performances, Sơn Tùng M-TP has captivated local audiences at home and beyond. He was the first Vietnamese artist to reach 10M subscribers on YouTube as well as chart on the Billboard Global (excl. US) chart. His music video for "HÃY TRAO CHO ANH" featuring Snoop Dogg, which currently boasts over 260M views, was the fastest video to reach 100M views in Vietnam, and trended in multiple countries such as Vietnam (#1), South Korea (#1), Canada (#3), USA (#3), Australia (#5) and Germany (#5). His musical documentary Sky Tour: The Movie, available globally on Netflix, showcases the singer-songwriter’s artistry and passion as well as how his music transcends borders.

With a broad social media reach of 14M followers on Facebook, 7.4M followers on Instagram, 10.2M subscribers on YouTube, 4.2M followers on TikTok, and 166K followers on Twitter, Sơn Tùng M-TP is very much a sought-after celebrity by brands and has collaborated on campaigns of household names such as Levi’s, Pepsi, Free Fire, and Tiger Beer.

As Sơn Tùng M-TP makes further inroads to the international music scene, fans can expect more exciting announcements from the Prince of V-pop, who is set for a series of live dates in the US and plans for the same in Asia.

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Connect with Sơn Tùng M-TP

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK

Source: Blackstar