Leah Halili releases introspective new track “Change”

The electronic-tinged pop song is produced by prolific musician Nick Lazaro, and penned by Leah herself

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili reflects on the difficulties of navigating the recent events in her life on her new single, “Change,” out on all digital music platforms worldwide this Saturday, January 13.

The introspective track serves as a love letter to the changes that one has to go through at some point in their adulthood, regardless of how drastic or trivial it is. As Leah Halili puts it, people need to overcome challenges in order to adapt to certain situations and welcome a sense of renewal. With “Change,” she wants to document her learnings through years of surmounting anxiety and fear, from embracing transformation in life without inhibitions to pushing a lever and switching paths—all in the name of new beginnings.

“The song touches on the brevity of life and the richness of experiences,” the Filipino singer-songwriter said. “It emphasizes the belief in enduring truths despite pain,  focusing on the positive and hope that surround us.”

Produced by prolific experimental/indie artist Nick Lazaro, “Change” integrates dreamy, textured guitar lines with electronic elements. Temporarily veering away from the stripped-down and folk vibe of her previous releases, Leah embraces a more eclectic side of pop music while retaining the confessional nature of her songwriting.

She adds, “For this specific track, I wanted to achieve something really different compared to my previous singles: ambient, soft sounds with echoey vocals and a little bit of electric, dancey vibe. But at the center of it all is a pop tune that fits well with my personality. It’s still very me.”

Leah Halili is set to perform her new single “Change” on January 12, 2024 (5:00 p.m.) at Jess and Pat’s in Quezon City. The music gig, which she produced on her own, serves as her debut performance as a solo artist, and will feature guest acts such as Leanne and Naara and her bandmates from The Ransom Collective, Lili and Muri. Dubbed “Change: Launch Party,” the show will be hosted by TRC’s very own Jermaine Choa Peck. Tickets are available at the door.

Source: Nyou

GLOBALLY-RENOWNED SINGER-SONGWRITER NIKI KICKS OFF 2024 WITH INTROSPECTIVE NEW SINGLE “24”

NIKI by Yudo Kurita | Download hi-res HERE

“Something NIKI does really well is get to the emotional heart of the matter.”

-NPR

“Indonesian ingénue scoring the sound of a generation.”

-V Magazine

(January 12, 2024 – Los Angeles, CA) Today, Jakarta-born, LA-based singer-songwriter and producer NIKI kicks off 2024 with the release of her incredible, intimate new single “24,” out now via 88rising.  The song points towards a new sonic era for NIKI, combining all of the things that have made her an international favorite - brilliant lyrics and outstanding melodic sensibilities - with a musical palette that, for NIKI, sounds like home.  Indeed, it’s early in the year, but we can guarantee you that you won’t hear a more beautiful, ornately-crafted song about a quarter life crisis this year.

About the track, NIKI shares “’24’ was heavily inspired by Joni Mitchell’s performance of “Both Sides Now” at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival. I came across that performance and was so unbelievably moved by it, it brought me to tears immediately. I felt struck by some lightning bolt of inspiration and just ran to my studio and picked up my guitar and out flowed the words to ’24.’ The song is essentially my attempt at synthesizing my early twenties, and the many humbling things I have learned up to this point in my life -- namely, learning to embrace nuance and the idea that life is rarely ever dichotomous. Everyone can be many things at once. Of the many takeaways I’ve gathered since turning 24, I think that’s the most freeing one.”

NIKI co-produced "24" with Grammy-nominated producer Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham's Revealer) and James Krausse.  NIKI plays guitar on the track - an instrument she’s been playing since she picked it up a decade ago - while lauded multi-instrumentalist Rob Moose (Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, The National) contributes and arranges strings. 

Although not yet 25 years old, NIKI has amassed over 2.1 billion streamsworldwide. Following the release of her highly lauded 2022 album Nicole, NIKI 2023 by storm. She made her NPR Tiny Deskdebut; embarked on a worldwide sold out tour spanning across North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia; performed at numerous festivals including Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and headlining slots at Head in the Clouds NYC & LA; and released her first live album Live at the Wiltern.  And that was just in one year….

With the release of “24,” NIKI is poised and ready for what’s to come in 2024….watch this space for more.

CONNECT WITH NIKI

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |YOUTUBE

ABOUT NIKI

Since breaking through with her 2018 EP Zephyr, NIKI has made a powerful imprint on the pop scene, amassing a devoted global fanbase with over 2.1 billion streams to date and making history as the first Indonesian artist ever to perform at Coachella. After delivering her critically acclaimed debut album MOONCHILD, the Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter arrived at her highly acclaimed 2022 sophomore album Nicole, a boldly self-possessed body of work written entirely by NIKI, spotlighting her finespun storytelling and warmly expressive vocals more fully than ever before. 

Following the release of her first live album Live at the Wiltern, the 24-year-old musician brought her live show to cities across the globe with The Nicole World Tour that spanned across North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The run also included performances at festivals such as Lollapalooza and Outside Lands, as well as headlining 88rising’s Head in the Clouds festivals in NYC and LA. NIKI has also asserted herself as a force to be reckoned with in fashion, as she has graced the pages of V Magazine, the cover of Vogue Singapore, and most recently attended Chanel’s Paris Fashion Week show in October.

Source: Blackstar

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Acclaimed Japanese composer SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] links up with K-Pop boyband TOMORROW x TOGETHER for SOLO LEVELING opening song “LEveL”

Listen here

SACRA MUSIC has released a new single from esteemed composer HIROYUKI SAWANO’s vocal project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] featuring global K-pop superstars TOMORROW X TOGETHER entitled “LEveL.”

Featured as the opening theme to the newly debuted TV animation SOLO LEVELING, the track includes a distinctive rhythm and addictive sound composed by Sawano and complemented by guest vocals from TOMORROW x TOGETHER, who perfectly match the series’ powerful, high-speed storyline.

Known for his musical contributions to numerous anime series, TV dramas and films including Attack on Titan, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash and Promare, Sawano was tasked with both Solo Leveling’s opening theme as well as the series’ original score music. The hugely anticipated series made its worldwide debut last weekend, and is based on the Korean novel and comic of the same name (Original Work: DUBU (REDICE STUDIO), Chugong, h-goon [D&C Webtoon Biz.]), which has become an international hit.

Of the song, HIROYUKI SAWANO says, “I feel very honored to produce the music for Solo Leveling and also the main theme as SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]. I am thankful for this opportunity to work with TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Their diverse vocal styles enhanced the track’s groove and the edge of the sound, and I was able to work feeling their talents on hand. It is a work that I look forward to seeing as a TV viewer myself, so I really hope people will enjoy the anime along with my music.”

WATCH A COMMENT VIDEO FROM HIROYUKI SAWANO HERE

TOMORROW X TOGETHER add, “LEveL expresses the main character’s strength with its dark and heavy feeling. Its distinctive and addictive rhythm really sticks to your head once you hear it, so please enjoy our song over and over along with the anime.”  

WATCH A COMMENT VIDEO FROM TOMORROW X TOGETHER HERE

HIROYUKI SAWANO PHOTO: DOWNLOAD

TOMORROW X TOGETHER PHOTO: DOWNLOAD

PLEASE USE CREDIT: (P)&(C) BIGHIT MUSIC

ABOUT HIROYUKI SAWANO

Music composer who mainly creates background music for TV drama series, animations, and films, but also writes and arranges songs for other artists. From Spring 2014, he started SawanoHiroyuki[nZk], a project focusing on vocal tracks.

His main works include Fate / strange Fake, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash, Promare, Attack on Titan, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, Kill la Kill, Guilty Crown, Blue Exorcist, Aldnoah.Zero, The Seven Deadly Sins, Team Medical Dragon, Mao, Platina Data, etc.

Hiroyuki Sawano Official Site

SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] Official Site

SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] YouTube

Hiroyuki Sawano Twitter

ABOUT TOMORROW X TOGETHER

TOMORROW X TOGETHER is a Korean boy group consisted of members: SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN and HUENINGKAI. Their name “TOMORROW X TOGETHER” was given with the meaning of “Each different one of us come together under one dream to build tomorrow together”. They were noted even before debut and when they actually debuted in March 2019, with “The Dream Chapter: STAR”, they quickly marked number 1 in iTunes Top ALBUM chart in 44 countries and areas, and they were crowned 10 rookie awards in Korea. In January 2020, they debuted in Japan with the single, “MAGIC HOUR”, and with their 1st album in Japan titled “STILL DREAMING” that was released in January 2021, they ranked #1 in the Oricon weekly album ranking, which was their 3rd consecutive #1.  And from there, until their most recent 3rd album “The Name Chapter: FREEFALL” released in October 2023, they had charted #1 for all 9 works in a row (as of October 23, 2023). This is a record for an overseas artist to reach #1 consecutively with their releases. “The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION” released on January 27, 2023 became a big success globally achieving #1 in the Billboard 200. They have already done 2 world tours, and performed at the ‘Lollapalooza’ in Chicago 2 years in a row, being invited as the headliner (first K-POP artist ever) in 2023. Their energetic performance and their music are creating trend all over the world. 

TOMORROW X TOGETHER Japan Official Site

Source: Nyou

FILIPINO-AMERICAN HIP-HOP ARTIST MBNEL RELEASES“8 TO INFINITY”TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES THIS JANUARY

MBNel has embodied the hunger and hustle of Stockton, California's 8th Street, and shared it with the world. The second-generation Filipino-American artist with nearly 40 music videos on YouTube and over one million views has only broadened through his most courageous release to date, late 2023's 8 To Infinity. The Muddy Boyz/EMPIRE album expands on Nel's melodies, musicality, and vulnerability. Songs like "Tear Drops" and "Restart" show MBNel's star power and his resonance with new global audiences on a project that features artists such as Mozzy, Yung Bleu, and Millyz. "I've been experiencing different things, and I'm telling a different story musically. I feel that I'm going to a new place creatively," Nel admits. He is bringing 8th Street along for the ride. The album also features the focus track “Bag Chasin.”

Nel is the oldest child of first-generation immigrants. He first applied his family's tireless work ethic to his endeavors in the street, then the studio. His father is a DJ, which exposed him to music at an early age. In his teens, Nel took to rapping. At 19, the Muddy Boyz artist looked for an alternative to a dead-end life in the street. He took money from a menial job to finance his "Love My Gang" music video. Through talent and a unique story, MBNel became a Stockton standout. Lil Baby followed him online. Say Cheese posted his videos. Thousands listened in.

Since his 2017 breakthrough, MBNel has shown that he is built to last. 2019's "Feelings" garnered over 35 million streams across platforms, while the "In My City" video achieved over 10 million views. Nel brought new attention to his Northern California city while attracting fans worldwide. His song "Born To Win" is often used by the San Francisco 49ers. He performed at Los Angeles' Rolling Loud after selling out his 2021 West Coast run, and did a packed London ‘22 set. In 2023, Nel shared the stage with Ez Mil for a sold-out show at New York City's SOB's as part of Filipino Heritage Month. The October event followed an appearance on Ez Mil's Shady/Aftermath debut, where executive producer Eminem also guested. "It was a crazy feeling," Nel recalls. "He is a dope dude," Nel says of Mil, who has cited him as an inspiration.

Inspiring and motivating others is core to MBNel's 2024 vision. He is visiting the Philippines for the first time since childhood. It marks his first time to visit as a professional artist, along with other planned stops in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. "I'm really excited to go back," he shares. "I want to shoot some videos. I want to meet the kids in the trenches," he adds, with plans to bring gifts to the youth who can see an international star with a shared identity. "A lot of my music is speaking on life experiences. It's like a journal that I express through music." Meeting people who can relate and benefit has only charged Nel's battery to make bolder, better songs.

Even as he grows his following and expands his range, he is true to his roots. He is planning to launch at least two Stockton business ventures in 2024. 8 To Infinity includes "Like Me," the latest Mozzy collaboration. Nel considers his Sacramento neighbor a Top 5 artist, and the two connected upon Mozzy's release to make a moment. He crossed the coast to bring New England's hard-nosed rapper Millyz as well as Mobile, Alabama's melodic Yung Bleu. Nel says, "I want to collaborate more, make different styles, and experiment."

Nel's gruff voice sounds rich and dynamic on 8 to Infinity, and it is all by design. "From starting where I come from, and taking it to a whole different height, was never seen," he explains. MBNel turns the "8" on its side to show that anything is possible, as he lives out that message and sets out to prove that opportunities for those who dream big are truly infinite.

Source: Empire

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FORMER KING & PRINCE MEMBERS SHO HIRANO, YUTA JINGUJI AND YUTA KISHI REUNITE AS NUMBER_I WITH NEW SINGLE “GOAT”

LISTEN TO THE SINGLE HERE

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEOHERE

Tokyo, Japan - Former members from powerhouse J-pop group, King & Prince, reunite to form a new sensational music group, Number_I. This dynamic trio composed of Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, is all set to leave their mark on the music industry, and they're doing it in style under the renowned TOBE record label.

The group's name, Number_I, carries profound meanings such as 'Only One' and 'Love', signifying not only a message but also a commitment to their fans to traverse this musical journey together.Number_I represents a thrilling new chapter for these exceptionally talented artists. With the release of their highly anticipated digital single, GOAT, they are set to embark on a journey that promises to redefine the current music landscape. The acronym "GOAT" stands for Greatest Of All Time, symbolizing not only the trio's fresh start but also declaring this upcoming track as the pinnacle of their musical careers.

This groundbreaking single is now available on various streaming platforms, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the innovative sounds of Number_I. Accompanying the release is a full-length music video, unveiled on the official YouTube channel of Number_I, providing a visual complement to the auditory experience.

Experience the magic of "GOAT" here and watch the captivating music video here. Join Number_I on their journey to set new trends and create musical history. 

Follow NUMBER_I:

Website | YouTube | 平野紫耀Instagram | 神宮寺勇太 Instagram | 岸優太 X Instagram

Source: Blackstar

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Journey to the Lunar Seas: Poetry for the Science Geeks

Mark Carascal’s Journey to the Lunar Seas is a recent release from Publish on Demand and Central Books. The book features beautiful illustrations by Maville Carascal. I enjoyed this book because it presents poetry written by a scientist. It is not everyday that I encounter scientific poetry. It is a fresh concept which is new to the Philippine literary landscape. It is also a brave attempt to marry science and art, which are not conventional partners. It is a celebration of feelings, which cannot be quantified through formulae and equations.

The author writes about friendship, love, loss, and regret. In science, these concepts are not discussed. It is through his poems that the author tackles matters of the heart in relation to the seas of the moon. The poems humanize him, because the author typically writes technical papers. Given his professional background, he incorporates scientific terms into his poems. While I am aware that these terms could be easily searched on the internet, it would have been nice if the author included a glossary of terms at the end of his book. It is also a must these days to have a disclaimer at the beginning of books that tackle alcohol and drugs. Not everyone is comfortable reading about substances after all.

Having said those remarks, I look forward to the author’s upcoming work and creative journey. I hope that he writes more poems, especially those that are infused with scientific concepts.

Scientists in the creative scene is an emerging trend, and the author shines a light on both his professional background and his poetic skill. The Philippines needs more creative scientists. Science and art should not be at odds with each other. Poetry, like what the author writes, might just be the avenue for creative scientific expression.

Journey to the Lunar Seas is now available!