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ATARASHII GAKKO! ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM AG! CALLING OUT JUNE 7 VIA 88RISING

REVEAL PT. II OF THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 2024 WORLD TOUR 

🎧ྀི Listen HERE
🏷️ Buy Tickets HERE

Download Press Images HERE

“Encapsulating the spunky vigour of youth, which is Seishun in Japanese, they present a refreshing take on Japanese pop and in the grander scheme of things, a fresh outlook on girl groups. One that isn’t manufactured or pigeon-holed.” - Vogue Singapore 

“ATARASHII GAKKO! are singularly, unapologetically themselves” - Nylon

Tokyo-based and wildly special progressive-pop girl group, ATARASHII GAKKO! formally announce their upcoming album AG! Calling out via 88rising on June 7. Fans can pre save the music on their website HERE. 

They have also unveiled a highly anticipated PT. II of their 2024 World Tour. As the talented group wraps their Europe and Asia legs in June, this Fall they will make their way to major North American cities, encompassing large statement plays from the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago to Pepsi Center in Mexico City.

Various fan presales begin Thursday, May 9th at 10am local time and end 10pm local time. General on sale tickets are available starting Friday, May 10th at 10am local time. Tickets to both legs of the tour may be purchased HERE. See below for full routing. 

AG! Calling explores the theme of "Calling," drawing from the dual meaning of the word "korin [降臨]" in Japanese, signifying both "calling" and "to descend" or "to arrive." This linguistic nuance serves as the album's backbone, symbolizing ATARASHII GAKKO!'s presence as they descend into various aspects of our lives. Visualized in the cover art, the girls metaphorically "land" in different dimensions of existence, serving as steadfast companions and empowering cheerleaders. Their message resonates with encouragement and support, inspiring confidence and resilience in listeners to embrace their unique potential.

The album follows a series of far-reaching, breakthrough singles that put ATARASHII GAKKO! on the global stage. Earlier this week, it was announced that a new song from the album, “Fly High,'' will serve as the opening theme for the Netflix crossover animated film Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura, out June 7. It showcases the battles between iconic characters from Keisuke Itagaki’s “BAKI” and Yabako Sandrovich’s “KENGAN ASHURA.” 
 

Coachella Press Photo, credit @lindseyblane — download HERE

These new tour dates follow on the heels of absolutely epic performances at Coachella 2024, including solo sets closing out Gobi stage both weekends and an appearance in 88rising Futures. The crowd’s reaction to the girls' inimitable stunts and iconic dances was palpable. The solo sets were filled with surprises including an appearance from taiko drummers, the USC marching band joining in for “Tokyo Calling”. Los Angeles Daily News raved, “For sheer smile-on-your-face fun it was hard to beat ATARASHII GAKKO! at Coachella.” While The Japan Times echoed, “The four members delivered a nonstop burst of pop energy spiked by the sort of thrills Coachella crowds love.” 

ATARASHII GAKKO! World Tour admat — download HERE

ATARASHII GAKKO! WORLD TOUR PT. I & II DATES: 

JUNE 1 - BARCELONA - PRIMAVERA FESTIVAL
JUNE 3 - BRUSSELS - LA MADELEINE
JUNE 5 - PARIS - BATACLAN
JUNE 7 - COLOGNE - LIVE MUSIC HALL
JUNE 8 - BERLIN - METROPOL
JUNE 10 - LONDON - INDIGO AT THE O2
JUNE 12 - AMSTERDAM - MELKWEG MAX
JUNE 19 - SEOUL - YES24 LIVE HALL
JUNE 21 - KUALA LUMPUR - ZEPP
JUNE 23 - BANGKOK - SAMYAN HALL
JUNE 25 - HONG KONG - MACPHERSON STADIUM
JUNE 27 - TAIPEI - ZEPP NEW TAIPEI
JUNE 29 - SINGAPORE - THE THEATRE AT MEDIACORP
SEP 26 - VANCOUVER - PNE FORUM
SEP 27 - SEATTLE - SHOWBOX SODO
SEP 29 - SAN FRANCISCO - THE WARFIELD
OCT 01 - MEXICO CITY - PEPSI CENTER
OCT 03 - CHICAGO - BYLINE BANK ARAGON BALLROOM
OCT 06 - TORONTO - HISTORY
OCT 09 - BOSTON - ROADRUNNER
OCT 11 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - THE ANTHEM
OCT 13 - ATLANTA - THE EASTERN
OCT 15 - AUSTIN - ACL LIVE
OCT 17 - DALLAS - THE FACTORY IN DEEP ELLUM

ATARASHII GAKKO! (literally meaning “new school” in Japanese) are a group of four young women who are redefining what it means to be a girl group. They wear sailor-fuku (sailor suits) uniforms in a style that were worn by Japanese students back in the 70s and 80s with long skirts and pulled-up socks, and staunchly refuse to be objectified. Their aggressive and expressive dance moves, which they choreograph themselves, are a hybrid of the energy of Japanese butoh dance, heavy metal headbanging, and hip-hop street dancing. Musically, AG! She brings together elements of modern J-Pop, Showa-era kayokyoku, rap, punk, dance music, but it would be pointless to try to categorize them in any genre. Their global reach is undeniable, with their theatrical music promoting individuality and self-expression transcending language and cultural barriers. After a highly successful year of firsts, with a debut on U.S. television with “Tokyo Calling” on Jimmy Kimmel Live and a TikTok of the same track joined by Megan Thee Stallion, ATARASHII GAKKO! are primed for their farthest-reaching album yet.

ABOUT 88RISING:
88rising is a global entertainment powerhouse focused on celebrating Asian stories, talent, and culture. Their roster includes Rich Brian, Joji, Higher Brothers, Niki, Jackson Wang, and more. 88 is trailblazing the way for groundbreaking content and is  a leader in progressive music and the apex of youth culture worldwide.

CONNECT WITH ATARASHII GAKKO!:
WEBSITE | X | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

For more information, contact blackstar

Source: Blackstar

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Ben&Ben to release new single “COMETS” this Friday!

Ben&Ben is slated to release “COMETS,” their first official single of 2024.

Written by Paolo and Miguel Benjamin, the song tackles the fleeting nature of a love lost.

“COMETS” also marks the first time that Ben&Ben co-produced a song with acclaimed producer Petra Sihombing, whose work the band has gotten to know and love in such a short span of time.

“He flew in to help us bring the song to the next level, with his own additions in both the arrangement and post production of the track,” shares the nine-piece collective. “The band probably had about 90% of the song down, but it was Petra's very weighty 10% that really helped make the song what it is now.”

Sihombing is an Indonesian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is also known for his work as a music producer, working with many international musicians hailing from Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Teaser and Cover Art

The teaser of “COMETS” is making the rounds on several digital billboards across Metro Manila, hinting at how the visual representation evokes a spectrum of emotions.

Ben&Ben reveals, “COMETS is a song that we've had and performed a few times since 2021 but haven't officially released yet, it's been shrouded in quite a bit of mystery and intrigue. The teasers are meant to slowly raise the curtains and give our keen listeners what they've been waiting for.”

This also explains why the cover art appears to have produced a burst of light at a captured photograph, which, according to the band, “encapsulates the essence of the song with how it likens people in our lives to these bright, beautiful yet fleeting flashes of light. This was conceptualized as a group effort by our very own excellent team of creatives.”

“COMETS” will be released on all digital music platforms worldwide this Friday, May 10, 2024 via Sony Music Entertainment. Pre-save the song here.

 Source: Nyou

STEVE AOKI ANNOUNCES 9TH STUDIO ALBUM OUT THIS JUNE

FEATURES COLLABORATIONS WITH With Ne-Yo, Lil Jon, KIDDO, AND MORE

Aoki Discusses Album in Exclusive Billboard Magazine Cover Story

🎧ྀི Listen to “3 Days” HERE
🎬 Watch Music Video HERE

2x-Grammy-nominated artist and producer Steve Aoki announces the forthcoming release of his 9th studio album, set to drop June 28. Aoki disclosed details in an interview with Billboard Magazine for their AAPI Issue cover story. Aoki shared that the album includes collaborations with artists such as Lil Jon, Ne-Yo, among others. Marking a return to Steve's musical origins, this forthcoming release is a dancefloor-focused record. It will also further expand upon the HiROQUEST world that Aoki has recently introduced through his music, trading cards, and a newly released graphic novel. From the studio to the stage, Aoki's passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic landscapes shines through in every track. This is the first part of a two-part project, and more details will be provided soon.

To coincide with the album announcement, Aoki reveals his dynamic collaboration “3 Days” with rising star Kalan.FrFr. The track, which is produced by Steve Aoki and The Stereotypes, the Grammy-winning producers who have crafted hits including Justin Bieber's "Somebody to Love (feat. Usher)”, Bruno Mars' "That's What I Like," and "24K Magic," starts with a lively Afrobeats rhythm, transitioning smoothly into a relaxed hip-hop groove in the latter half for Kalan to glide over with his charming rap. With its infectious energy and innovative sound, “3 Days” previews what listeners can expect from Aoki's upcoming album. Filmed while on the road, the official music video features live footage of Aoki and Kalan performing “3 Days” live during multiple shows including Aoki’s March Ultra Music Festival headline performance. Additionally, the single includes a festival-season remix by Aoki, which you can listen to HERE.

Since March, Aoki has been on his Heavenly Hell Tour, teasing new material for audiences in each city he visits. The tour wraps with four big shows at San Francisco’s Midway, The Criterion in Oklahoma City, The Armory in Minneapolis, and a record-release party at Brooklyn Mirage. Dim Mak artists, including Callie Reiff, Deorro, Nostalgix, Pickle, Cheyenne Giles, Yetep, Ookay, Henry Fong, and Wolfgang Gartner, are set to appear on select stops. 

For more information and tickets, please visit official website HERE. 

Steve Aoki - Heavenly Hell Tour Dates
May 25 - San Francisco, CA - Midway
May 31 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Criterion
June 7 - Minneapolis, MN - The Armory
June 28 - Brooklyn, NY - The Brooklyn Mirage

ABOUT STEVE AOKI:
Counting nearly 3 billion music streams to his name, Steve Aoki is a true visionary. Billboard described the 2x-GRAMMY-nominated music producer, artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, NFT futurist, and Dim Mak Records founder as “one of the most in-demand entertainers in the world.” A Guinness World Record holder for the “Most Traveled Musician in a Single Calendar Year,” Aoki has performed at nearly every top festival around the world, including Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Fuji Rock Festival, Tomorrowland, and Electric Daisy Carnival. Aoki also graced recent covers of Entrepreneur Magazine, Success Magazine, Electronic Musician, and Adweek as their “Visionary of the Year.” 
 
As a globally successful cross-genre solo artist, Aoki has collaborated with an impressive list of varied artists, including BTS, Maluma, Snoop Dogg, Linkin Park, blink-182, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Uzi Vert, 2 Chainz and Daddy Yankee, on top of having released three Platinum singles, six Gold singles, and over ten Top 10 radio records. After unveiling four Neon Future albums, Aoki recently released HiROQUEST 2: Double Helix, the second in his HIROQUEST series, featuring collaborations with Paris Hilton, Galantis, ERNEST, Akon and more. 
 
Aoki approaches each new endeavor with the same sense of dedication he’s put into his past achievements, including the Grammy-nominated Netflix documentary I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2016) and his memoir BLUE: The Color of Noise (2019). In 2012, he also founded THE AOKI FOUNDATION to support organizations in brain science and its research. His influential record label Dim Mak, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2021, is known for being a launching pad for the careers of prominent acts like Bloc Party, The Chainsmokers, Bloody Beetroots, The Kills, Zedd, and Diplo. Most recently, Aoki created the A0K1VERSE, an NFT membership community, powered by the Passport, that welcomes his fans to both virtual and real-world experiences. In whatever space Steve Aoki enters, the multi-hyphenate innovator continues to set trends and inspire creativity on a global level
 
ABOUT KALAN.FRFR:
If you want to get a sense of how deeply respected Kalan is among his peers, just look at the shortlist of his collaborators, a who’s who of modern West Coast hip-hop and R&B: Ohgeesy, 
Blxst, G Perico, Mozzy, Dom Kennedy, BlueBucks Clan, 1TakeJay, and Westside Boogie. As 
 
Pitchfork once said: “when you’re talking about L.A.’s new wave of shit-talking, designer- obsessed rappers, Kalan.FrFr should be included....”
 
On the Los Angeles asphalt, he’s a mythological figure who has somehow avoided corny myth-making. We can list his hits starting from when “Right Wit It” became a mandatory drop at every house party from San Diego to Seattle or mention the “Hot N’ Ready Freestyle,” where Kalan proved that he could spit as hard as any rapper in your Top 5. We can talk about his scene-stealing performance on Destiny Rogers’ “West Like,” where Kalan comes off like a young Roger Troutman. We can cite his melodic reveries on the Puma Mixtape. But when new EP drops, the overarching vision will become crystal clear. The story of how he got here isn’t as important as where he’s going.

CONNECT WITH STEVE AOKI:
Website | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

CONNECT WITH KALAN.FRFR:
ONLINE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
 

Source: Blackstar

For more information, contact blackstar

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$5 Billion Asian Development Fund Replenishment Agreed to Support Most Vulnerable in Asia and Pacific

TBILISI, GEORGIA (3 May 2024) — Donors and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have agreed to a replenishment of $5 billion for ADB’s Asian Development Fund (ADF) 14 and Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF) 8. The commitment was made during ADB’s 57th Annual Meeting. 

The ADF is ADB’s largest source of grants for operations in its poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries and is replenished every 4 years. ADF 14—marking the 13th replenishment since the fund’s establishment—will support grant operations during 2025­­­–2028. The ADF 14 replenishment is about 22% higher than the $4.1 billion available in ADF 13, and will provide eligible ADB members with the largest-ever volume of ADF grants. TASF 8 will provide grants that help prepare projects, build capacity, and provide technical or policy advice.

“Grants are more important than ever as our poorest and most vulnerable members seek to reverse recent development setbacks and take urgent action to combat the climate crisis,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa. “This remarkable replenishment demonstrates ADF donors’ continued partnership with ADB to address the pressing development challenges of those most in need.”

ADF 14 prioritizes dedicated assistance to small island developing states that are particularly vulnerable—especially to climate change—and to countries in fragile and conflict-affected situations.

ADF 14 will continue to play a critical role in supporting climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. It will enable expanded assistance for regional cooperation and regional public goods, and for transformative gender action. It will also provide agile assistance in the event of emergencies through its crisis response window.

More than $2.5 billion, or 51%, of the replenishment will be funded by contributions from donors including two new countries: Armenia and Georgia. ADB will significantly increase its net income transfers to ADF, from just under $1.2 billion in ADF 13 to almost $1.6 billion in ADF 14, an increase of 35%. The remaining $0.9 billion will comprise transfers from earlier ADF cycles and income from liquidity investments. In parallel, ADB intends to provide $16.7 billion in concessional loans, which have very low interest rates over long repayment periods, during the ADF 14 period. Overall, ADB will be able to provide more than $8 in grants and concessional loans for every $1 in donor contributions.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Notes:

The following donors announced contributions to ADF 14: Armenia; Australia; Austria; Canada;  Denmark; Finland; France; Georgia; Germany; Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Luxembourg; Malaysia; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; People’s Republic of China; Philippines; Portugal; Republic of Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Taipei,China; Türkiye; United Kingdom; and United States.

The following developing member countries are the primary recipients of grants from ADF 14: Federated States of Micronesia; Kiribati; Kyrgyz Republic; Maldives; Marshall Islands; Nauru; Samoa; Solomon Islands; Tajikistan; Tonga; Tuvalu; and Vanuatu. Grants will also be available to support the people of Afghanistan and Myanmar, and for transformative projects in Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; Cook Islands; Fiji; Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Mongolia; Nepal; Niue; Pakistan; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Sri Lanka; Timor-Leste; and Uzbekistan.

ADB President Press Conference Opening Statement

Good afternoon and thank you for joining us today for this Annual Meeting press conference.

I am grateful to the Government of Georgia and city of Tbilisi for their excellent arrangements as hosts of our meeting. It is an honor to hold our first Annual Meeting in Georgia and only our second in the Caucuses. 

The theme of this year’s Annual Meeting is “Bridge to the Future,” recognizing Georgia’s location as a crossroads between East and West. It reflects the linkages between Asia and Europe, highlighting the physical, financial, and economic connections now and for the future.  

We meet amidst multiple challenges that impact human and economic development, where progress has stalled for many. It is incumbent on us to intensify efforts to address the climate crisis, eradicate poverty, and foster inclusive socioeconomic development. The Asian Development Bank, alongside other multilateral development banks, plays a pivotal role in these efforts.  

With this in mind, I am pleased to announce that yesterday we concluded the pledging session for the Asian Development Fund 14, or ADF 14. I am very grateful for the generous pledges from donors, which helped to deliver a replenishment of $5 billion.  

This remarkable replenishment marks the largest ever commitment to ADF’s grant operations. It demonstrates ADF donors’ continued partnership with ADB to address the pressing development challenges of those most in need. It makes ADF’s 50th anniversary a golden anniversary indeed. 

Established in 1974, ADF is dedicated to eradicating poverty and enhancing the quality of life in Asia and the Pacific’s poorest and most vulnerable countries. ADF combines contributions from ADB members with net income transfers from ADB’s ordinary capital resources.  

After 50 years, ADF funding remains as crucial as ever. Our ADF grants are more important than ever as our poorest and most vulnerable members seek to reverse recent development setbacks and to spur urgent action to combat the climate crisis.  

My visits to ADF projects have reinforced the transformative impact of this support. 

There are several key features to ADF 14. Let me highlight a few: 

First is continued support for the vulnerable. ADF 14 prioritizes small island developing states, which are among the most vulnerable, especially to climate change.  

Second is ADF’s transformational agenda. ADF 14 focuses on climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, promoting gender equality, and driving forward regional cooperation and integration, including regional public goods. 

Third is responsive assistance. ADF 14 remains ready to respond to disasters, health emergencies, and large cross-border displacements in a flexible manner.  

And fourth is crisis support. ADF provides essential support to the people of Afghanistan and Myanmar to focus on their basic needs.    

Our discussions with donors over recent months have shaped a robust vision of ADF’s next four years, reflecting our collective commitment to a sustainable future. We greatly appreciate the strong and continued support from our donors, including Georgia. 

The generous backing from our donors not only fuels these initiatives but fosters a spirit of international cooperation that is crucial in times of global crises. This collaboration enhances our collective capacity to face challenges that no single country can overcome alone. Our efforts will pave the way for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable region, ensuring that the Asian Development Fund remains a powerful tool for change. 

Thank you once again for joining this press conference for ADB’s 57th Annual Meeting. Let me end here to allow time for your questions. 

Source: ADB; photo from ADB

NIKI ANNOUNCES THIRD STUDIO ALBUM BUZZ SET FOR RELEASE ON AUGUST 9TH, 2024

KICKS OFF WITH FLIRTATIOUS NEW SINGLE + MUSIC VIDEO

“TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING”

(“Too Much Of  A Good Thing” artwork — download HERE)

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

– NPR ​

“NIKI has returned with a gorgeous piece of folk-pop that’s wise beyond its years.”

– PAPER

“a sonic time capsule of a breakup album that explores heartache in perhaps its most devastating form”

– Vanity Fair

“NIKI has gone from self-made YouTube artist to a history-making star.”

– GRAMMY.com

Today, Jakarta-born, LA-based singer-songwriter and producer NIKI announces her third studio album Buzz due August 9thvia 88rising. To tide fans over, she also unveils the project’s lead single “Too Much Of A Good Thing.”

The flirty new track is infused with sardonic, all-too-honest lyrics that effortlessly convey the feelings that come with having a new crush. Set to sinewy bass guitar and a steady beat, she starts off by professing,“Well, you look like you’re gonna break my heart /and I look like a tough shot in the dark on a good day.” The song is notably co-produced with NIKI’s friend and producer Ethan Gruska, who previously penned songs with the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, Kimbra, and more.

NIKI says, “‘Too Much Of A Good Thing,’ is this fun, tongue-in-cheek song about desire, imagination and the playground of excitement and irreverence they create. It’s about that initial anticipation we all know and love where there’s a little extra pep in your step, which I feel translates even sonically, with that timeless, stroll-along-to-the-tempo groove you get when you are momentarily invincible. I wrote it with my very talented friend Ethan Gruska when I was listening to a lot of Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles, and it was one of the earliest ideas that catalyzed the rest of this album.”

Strutting down New York city streets with slicked-back hair and a leopard print fur coat, NIKI screams confidence personified in the “Too Much Of A Good Thing” music video. Directed by Alexandra Thurmond and shot on 16mm film, its gritty, black-and-white visuals feel more like the makings of a short film - and an introduction to NIKI’s new sonic universe.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING”

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO HERE

CLICK HERE TO PRE-SAVE/PRE-ORDER BUZZ

What eventually became Buzz, the third studio album by singer-songwriter and globally-renowned star NIKI, started with an urgent quake from the innermost core of her being. What surfaced in its wake was a collection of warm, stirring folk-rock songs, which crackle and flare like a bonfire between close confidantes. “I went through an identity crisis,” says the 25-year-old of Buzz. “It took a lot of trial and error, and I just stumbled upon pieces of myself along the way. I named it Buzzbecause it feels like I'm on the precipice of something about to happen.”

For NIKI, things have been happening progressively since she was a high schooler in Jakarta, Indonesia. As a student at an international academy, she cut her teeth scribbling lovesick poems in English class and performed acoustic guitar covers of American pop songs on YouTube. With a six-string in hand, and her family and classmates cheering her on from the audience, Nicole Zefanya then staked her claim to global stardom as NIKI.

And claim it she has - with over three billion streams worldwide, sold out shows on multiple continents, massive sets at festivals across the globe, front row seats at Paris Fashion Week, four songs on a Marvel film’s soundtrack, and some of the most phenomenal, confessional songs being released in 2024, NIKI has already established a veteran’s resume before the age of 25.

On Buzz, her songwriting remains as intimate as ever. In her initial sketches of songs for Buzz, NIKI took cues from other lane-paving women with confessional, honest lyricism soundtracked by guitars. “Joni Mitchell is my songwriting north star,” she says — and uncompromising feminist luminaries like Stevie Nicks, Carly Simon and Liz Phair. To match the wandering spirit of Buzz, NIKI cultivated her own elastic approach to guitar.

To further harness this creative and personal sea change, NIKI began enlisting producers who had worked with her favorite contemporary singer-songwriters. She tapped Tyler Chester, who’d captured tracks with Madison Cunningham and Sara Bareilles; she also recruited Ethan Gruska, who counts Fiona Apple and Phoebe Bridgers as collaborators.

Buzz reverberates with the hard-earned wisdom of a young woman who charges dauntlessly towards her dreams — but can still spare a laugh if she stumbles.  

Source: Blackstar

(Buzz Album Cover — download HERE)

FOR MORE ON NIKI:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Acel Bisa, Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise and more to join Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert

Check out the “first batch” of music guests for Kitchie’shomecoming concert

Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Lougee Basabas, Hannah Romawac, Acel Bisa, and Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise are joining the first batch of guests for SAME GROUND: KitchieNadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert, happening on June 2, 2024 (Sunday), at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

Kitchie Nadal’s fellow contemporaries in the local music scene recently teamed up with her in a display of solidarity for the sold-out TANAW concert at the Solaire Theater in 2022. Monty, on the other hand, will also perform with the Y2K alt-rock royalty for a special number.

“We’ve prepared a showstopping collaboration with musicians who also happen to be good friends of mine,” said the Bulonghitmaker. “I look up to these artists whose work resonates with me on an intimate level. It doesn’t feel like work at all when you’re surrounded with likeminded individuals who share the same goals in life and career.”

Aside from the inclusion of TANAW girls and Monty, KitchieNadal will soon announce the final group of guest acts for her 20th anniversary concert, which includes some of the biggest artists of the current generation.

“I can’t reveal anything at the moment, but I’m excited to explore other possibilities other than the usual,” shares Nadal.

Aside from guest artists from various generations, SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert will also feature several surprises that fans of the pop-rock icon would surely love.

“Expect quality music, surprise OPM artists, and most of all, a Filipino-led world-class production that will bring back memories of Kitchie Nadal’s classic hit music,” RolandoGarcia Jr., Chairman/Founder of Rolling Gum and the Executive Producer of Kitchie Nadal’s upcoming concert, explains. “We’ve realized the importance of working with artists who match our values and goals, especially producing quality music that Filipinos deserve. And Kitchie is one. Her unwavering passion for music has brought her to the OPM pedestal and to these 20 years of giving music hits.”

SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20^th Anniversary Concert is presented by Big Brew and Rolling Gum, in partnership with GNN Entertainment Productions. This event is supported by: B Hotel, JB Music, and Southbay Studios.

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide and via their website. Check out the ticket prices below.

SVIP - ₱4,000.00 (with Meet and Greet + signed poster)

VIP - ₱3,500.00 (with signed poster)

ORCHESTRA CENTER - ₱2,900.00

ORCHESTRA L&R - ₱2,500.00

LOGE - ₱2,000.00

BALCONY - ₱1,200.00

Source: GNN Entertainment Productions

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SB19 drops new single "Moonlight," with acclaimed producers Ian Asher and Terry Zhong

The catchy dance track is SB19’s first release since 2023’s global smash “Gento”

SB19 delivers another club anthem just in time for the summer!

The P-Pop powerhouse links up with US-based producer/DJ Ian Asher and Chinese electronic producer Terry Zhong for their new single “Moonlight,” released today under Liquid State/Sony Music Philippines.

Infused with sweat-spangled beats and deep, infectiousgrooves, the dance-pop banger channels romantic desires in the best way possible. As the chorus sums it up, “Doing what we do in the moonlight / I’ll be loving you, baby all night,” the award-winning pop quintet expresses the song’s sensual pining with remarkable finesse, basking in the glow of the night’s blissful moment.

According to the P-Pop kings, working with Ian Asher and Terry Zhong was truly an inspiring experience, and it gave them an entirely different perspective when it comes to music-making.

“We’ve met Ian Asher during our tour in the US, and we were surprised at how talented and prolific he is at such a young age,” SB19 shares in a press statement. “This kind of music is new to us. The production is very current yet experimental, but it also gives us room to explore and expand our horizons as artists. The collaboration really brought out the best of all worlds, and being part of the process, really opened our creative realm to exciting new possibilities.”

“Moonlight” was produced by Ian Asher, Terry Zhong, and Lenno Linjama, with mixing by Serge Courtois, who has worked with some of the biggest music stars, including Carly Rae Jepsen, Alessia Cara, Nick Jonas, LANY, Madison Beer, and more.

The release of “Moonlight” comes with a music video conceptualized and directed by SB19’s Justin De Dios. The minimalist vibe of the MV is paired with slick choreography that finds the multi-talented boyband embracing a fun but eclectic persona in all their ‘poker face’ glory.

Justin explains, “The song has euphoric undertones lyrics-wise, so I wanted to play around with that concept and inject a little bit of craziness and out-of-this-world treatment. It’s a very simple but minimalist take, but the dance choreography really elevates the visuals to a different level. I can’t really explain the concept without revealing too much. I’m just excited that this MV is in a totally different lane from anything that we’ve done in the past.”

"Moonlight" serves as SB19’s first release since 2023’s “GENTO,” which became a viral sensation on TikTok and other similar platforms in the Philippines and Asia.
The P-Pop group recently wrapped up their successful “PAGTATAG!” World Tour in Japan on April 29, and is currently gearing up for a two-day concert in Manila on May 18 and 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

SB19’s “Moonlight” (with Ian Asher and Terry Zhong) is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Liquid State/Sony Music Philippines. The official music video will drop tonight at 7 p.m.

Other photos:

SB19:  

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GBu_Ya43r7eg0drB_tZbLj-pG2vVVzIR?usp=sharing

Ian Asher:

https://sm01.box.com/s/72w97fa6r1aoc58csp74m6nbe0a8h4s3

Terry Zhong:

https://sm01.box.com/s/q2n79aixgyacg4g8ga40yk9tyxe2rdqh

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About Liquid State

Liquid State, founded by Sony Music and Tencent Music Entertainment, is the home for electronic artists from the Asia region and internationally. The label focuses on developing and showcasing the abundant existing local talent across the continent, while providing unrivalled support for international electronic artists. Since its inception in 2018, the label has over 15 billion streams across its catalogue, with original music releases from the likes of JVKE, Alan Walker, Alesso, R3HAB, Stray Kids, Steve Aoki, Jolin Tsai, Zhou Shen, BOBBY (iKon), CORSAK, Lay Zhang, Imanbek, WUKONG, Monsta X and Kang Daniel among many more.

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here. 

Source: Nyou

Thai R&B duo PURPLECAT links up with Filipino siblings act YSANYGO for collab single “Sunny When I’m With You”

The smooth, laid-back track marks the first collaboration of Purplecat with an international artist

Thai duo Purplecat teams up with Filipino siblings duo Ysanygo on “Sunny When I’m With You,” a new single that celebrates the magic of being in love.

The smooth R&B track showcases the best of both worlds, inviting listeners into a realm where every moment is a little more illuminated—a little sunnier.

Delivering a captivating mellow sound with lightheartedarrangements and lo-fi beats, “Sunny When I’m With You” exudes the beauty of being romantically swept away by someone whose company brings light and sunshine to your everyday routine.

“This is a love song written from a place of honesty and confidence,” Purplecat shares in a collective statement. “It expresses the feelings of falling in love with someone at first sight and relishing in the excitement of spending time together with the person you’re pining for.”

For their part, Ysanygo came up with the melody of the chorus first and produced the song for Purplecat, who in return, penned the lyrics that entail situations of going on a date with the subject of affection.

The eclectic duo adds, “We’re really grateful to Ysanygo for being open-minded throughout the entire process. We love their work so much that we don’t want to change anything, except for a few parts.”

“Sunny When I’m With You” serves as Purplecat’s first international collaboration and marks the duo’s plan to expand their reach on a global scale, particularly in Southeast Asia where there’s demand for their music. The R&B duo is composed of Mon Napasin Chaisri on vocals, who provides soulful delivery with a touch of melancholy, and Palm Pholrutt Sirirutt, who injects cool synthesizer sounds and rap verses to the mix.

Ysanygo is a genre-fluid sibling duo from the Philippines, composed of Ysabel and Yñigo Ferraz. The alt-pop pairing is part of this year’s Spotify RADAR, an annual program committed to bringing emerging talent to the forefront of the global music landscape.

Purplecat and Ysanygo’s “Sunny When I’m With You” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou

LAUFEY: 'BEWITCHED: THE GODDESS EDITION' OUT NOW

LISTEN HERE: laufey.ffm.to/goddessedition

ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER ASIA TOUR DATES PRE-SALE ON 6 MAY

Photo credit: Gemma Warren

NEW SINGLE “BORED” VISUALIZER WATCH HERE

Singapore – 'Bewitched: The Goddess Edition', the new release from GRAMMY®-winning   Icelandic-Chinese   artist,   composer,   producer   and multi-instrumentalist Laufey, is now available worldwide via AWAL. The expanded edition featuresfour brand-new original songs that Laufey wrote in the wake offinishing her 2023

critically celebrated album 'Bewitched', including “Goddess” and new single “Bored”. Fans can watch the official visualiser for "Bored" here and stream 'Bewitched: The Goddess Edition' here: laufey.ffm.to/goddessedition

Additionally, Laufey recently starred in a short film for “Goddess”, directed by Academy Award-nominated, Golden Globe-nominated and Spirit Award-winning director Celine Song (Past Lives). The picture also features Will Gao (Netflix’s “Heartstopper” and Wasia Project), and was shot in Brooklyn, NY on 35mm film. Watch it here: laufey.ffm.to/goddessvideo

'Bewitched: The Goddess Edition' is also available on vinyl, cassette, and CD. The expanded package includes dark blue vinyl, an updated booklet, and a custom board game.

On the heels of her upcoming sold-out back-to-back shows in Manila (with Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, 28-29 May) and herheadline slot at this year's Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta (25 May), Laufey just announced that she is bringing her sold-out "Bewitched: The Goddess Tour" to the rest of Southeast Asia in August with pre-sales starting on 6 May.

Laufey's "Bewitched: The Goddess Tour" 2024: Southeast Asia

Pre-sales: 6 May General sales: 7May

26 August – Bangkok – Summer Sonic

27 August – Kuala Lumpur – Plenary Hall, KLCC 29 August – Hong Kong – AsiaWorld Expo Hall 10 31 August – Taipei – TICC

2 September – Manila – SM Mall of Asia Arena

4 September – Singapore – Singapore Expo

Get tickets for Bangkok Summer Sonic here Get tickets for the rest of the shows here

Laufey - "Bored" (Official Visualiser)

2023 was a standout year for Laufey. 'Bewitched' was the biggest debut for a jazz album on Spotify in history. It debuted at #2 onSpotify’s Global and U.S. Album Charts, as well as #23 on theBillboard 200, #1 on Billboard’s Independent Albums Chart,and #1 on Current Traditional Jazz Albums Chart. The album’s hit single “From The Start” is now RIAA-certified Platinum. In February, Laufey won the 2024 GRAMMY® for “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album”, the youngest person to ever win in that category.

Los Angeles-based Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy) was raised between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C. with annual visits to Beijing. In 2020, while still a student at Berklee College of Music, Laufey released her debut single “Street by Street”, which went on to top the Icelandic radio charts. In 2022, she released her debut full-length, 'Everything I Know About Love', which reached #1on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart. The album featured the RIAA-certified Gold singles “Valentine”, which peaked at #1 on the Spotify Jazz Chart, and “Let You Break MyHeart Again”. Today, she has over 2 billion streams across all platforms and is the biggest streaming artist from Iceland in the world.

Watch "Bored" here

Stream 'Bewitched: The Goddess Edition' here

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For more information: Secret Signals | AWAL

Follow Laufey: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook| Website

Source: Secret Signals

Developing Asia and the Pacific Unprepared for Challenges of Aging Population

TBILISI, GEORGIA (2 May 2024) — Developing Asia and the Pacific is unprepared to secure the well-being of its rapidly aging population as the growing share of older people in the region faces challenges from low pension coverage to health problems, social isolation, and limited access to essential services.

While longer lifespans reflect the region’s development success, comprehensive policy reforms are urgently needed to support the welfare of older people, according to Aging Well in Asia: Asian Development Policy Report, released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at its 57th Annual Meeting.

The number of people aged 60 and older in developing Asia and the Pacific is set to nearly double by 2050 to 1.2 billion—or about a quarter of the total population—significantly increasing the need for pension and welfare programs as well as health care services. At the same time, economies have an opportunity to reap a “silver dividend” in the form of additional productivity from older people, which could boost gross domestic product in the region by 0.9% on average.

“Asia and the Pacific’s rapid development is a success story, but it’s also fueling a huge demographic shift, and the pressure is rising,” said ADB Chief Economist Albert Park. “Governments need to prepare now if they’re going to be able to help hundreds of millions of people in the region age well. Policies should support lifetime investment in health, education, skills, and financial preparedness for retirement. Family and social ties are also important to foster healthy and productive populations of older people and maximize their contribution to society.”

According to the report, 40% of people over age 60 in Asia and the Pacific lack access to any form of pension—with women disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to do unpaid domestic work. As a result, many older people in the region have no choice but to work well beyond retirement age to survive. Among those still working at age 65 or older, 94% work in the informal sector, which typically doesn’t provide basic labor protections or pension benefits.

Physical and mental health challenges also increase with age. Around 60% of older people in Asia and the Pacific do not attend or receive regular health checks, while 31% report depressive symptoms owing to illness, social isolation, and economic insecurity. Older women in the region are also more likely than older men to suffer from ill health, from depression to diabetes and hypertension. 

The report recommends a wide range of policy measures to support healthy and economically secure aging. Among these are government-assisted health insurance and pension plans, improved health infrastructure, and free annual check-ups and lifestyle evaluations. Policy makers should aim for universal health care coverage, while basic labor protections should be extended to older informal workers, according to the report.

By making mandatory retirement ages more flexible, helping older people stay healthy, and providing them with suitable work opportunities as well as lifelong learning and skills development, economies in the region can help older people stay productive longer.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Source: ADB; photo by ADB

Mama Mary and Her Children Book 8

My story is part of this book! Buy our book here: https://shope.ee/7Uu8FIQNY6 🙏🏼

May is the Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary! Read about her unfailing intercession in “Mama Mary and Her Children: Book 8” 🙏📿💙

Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ started the book series in 2008. The 8th installment features a foreword by Fr. Victor Y. Apacible and 41 true stories from Marian devotees, including Mary Grace Dimacali of Mary Grace Cafe. 📚❤️

Order online on our official stores on Lazada (bit.ly/AnvilLazada) and Shopee (bit.ly/AnvilShopee). It’s also available on www.nationalbookstore.com and in select National Book Store branches nationwide. 🛒

#iReadAnvil #MamaMaryAndHerChildren #BlessedVirginMary #MotherMary #MamaMary #catholic #book #booksph #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #addtocart #shoponline @rowiejuanmatti @anvilpublishing

Taytay Dress from Shopee

This dress can go from day to night! Buy it here: https://shope.ee/7Uu8Dn2UHL 👗 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam @blusaatbpbysasha

Japanese alt-rock band Hitsujibungaku to perform in Manila for the first time in July 2024!

The trio behind the ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ finale song are set to headline a four-city tour across Asia

It’s official: Japanese alternative rock trio Hitsujibungakuwill be staging their first headline show in Manila this July 6, 2024 (Saturday) at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Their upcoming Philippine debut will be part of a four-city Asian tour, which includes major stops in key cities across Asia, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

Tickets will be available on May 1, 2024 via bit.ly/hitsujibungakuph, from 12 noon onwards.

Hitsujibungaku: Live in Manila is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions and The Rest Is Noise PH. The two production outfits recently teamed up to bring Taiwan’s Elephant Gym last year, which sold out in less than a month of availability.

About Hitsujibungaku

Hitsujibungaku is composed by Moeka Shiotsuka (vocals, guitar, songwriting), Yurika Kasai (bass) and Hiroa Fukuda (drums).

Melding dreamy vocals with shoegaze riffs and syrupy, noise-pop arrangements, the critically adored band has gained cult following thanks to the popularity of their song “More Than Words,” which served as the finale song for the S the second season of the hit anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen. In December 2023, the globally renowned band released their fourth studio album, 12 hugs (like butterflies), which was received with universal acclaim from both music critics and fans.

Source: Nyou