SB19 and Gloc-9 join forces on uplifting new single “KALAKAL”

The collaborative track pushes their artistry in a bold direction

OPM is abuzz with excitement as P-Pop kings SB19 and legendary rapper Gloc-9 drop their joint single “KALAKAL” today on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

The monumental collaboration finds both music titans taking their creative direction to previously uncharted places and harnessing their gifts with a balance of star power and dynamism.

According to SB19, they reached out to Gloc-9 first for a potential partnership after performing together on the well-received PAGTATAG! Finale concert, which was held at the Araneta Coliseum a few months ago.

“What sets this collaboration apart from anything that we’ve done before is that we took it upon ourselves to be as involved as possible from the beginning of the creative process,” the GENTO hitmakers share in a press statement. “Aside from brainstorming from scratch, we were really hands-on in sharing our melodic and lyrical ideas. Sir Gloc-9 also approached the material with his own creative stamp and further solidified the storytelling aspects of our final output. The result is something that we’re excited to share with our music fans: a rousing chantthat brings out the best of both worlds in uniquely inspiring ways.”

All members of SB19 and Gloc-9 contributed individual songwriting parts and verses on “KALAKAL,” while putting their collaborative hats together in coming up with the chorus and hooks. The five-piece pop act admits that theiconic hip-hop star’s presence motivated them to write from a place of vulnerability and truth, while taking into consideration the anthemic aspects of the production.

“We’ve always wanted to make a song that resonates with people of varying generations, a material that will encourage them to beat their chests out and sing along in their full emotional glory,” SB19 explains. “KALAKAL, with its impactful instrumentation and earworm appeal, was made in pursuit of authentic human connection.”

More than shining a light on unique Filipino consumerism, “KALAKAL” is a powerful track that showcases their journey of empowerment and longevity. It also chronicles their story of building their legacy as artists through years of hard work, perseverance, humility, and pure talent.

Gloc-9 adds, “This song is all about believing in your own craft. Despite being years ahead of them, I was actually inspired by SB19’s level of dedication and confidence. I also admire their willingness to learn and explore ideas that may not necessarily reflect the way they work. I would love to collaborate with them again, if given a chance.” 

Stream SB19 and Gloc-9’s new single “KALAKAL” via Sony Music Entertainment.

As part of their ongoing campaign to promote “KALAKAL” on a grassroots level, SB19 partnered with select local businesses to engage its followers in exploring the deeper meaning behind the song through the member’s individual preferences. For more information, check out the social media pages of SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment Philippines on how to join for a chance to win a special prize. 

Source: Nyou

Filipino artists Maki, Munimuni, crwn, bird. and Muri to join AXEAN Festival 2024 in Bali, Indonesia

The inaugural event unveils its initial round of programming, which includes the addition of a songwriting camp

August 6, 2024 – Bali, Indonesia – After mounting successful in-person events in Singapore for two consecutive years (2022-2023), AXEANannounces its return in a new tropical destination thousand miles away from its former homebase.

Filipino artists such as chart-topping R&B artist Maki, indie-folk collective Munimuni, electronic producer crwn, dream-pop band bird.and soul-jazz chanteuse Muri lead the first wave of acts performing at the international music festival which will take place in Bali, Indonesia, from September 28-29, 2024.

The first intra-regional music showcase event in Southeast Asia gears up for another meaningful convergence at the Jimbaran Hub, located on the southern tip of the island, and surrounded by breathtaking greenery and sunset views.

First time in Bali

“It has always been our vision to make AXEAN a regional traveling festival, changing host countries every year, or even having multiple smaller editions in different countries,” AXEAN Festival co-founder and team leader Piyapong Muenprasertdee reveals. “The reasoning stemmed from us seeing that most Southeast Asian music markets are either very domestic, or receptive towards only western or K-pop artists when it comes to international artists. Thus, if we could help domestic artists cross borders within the region, there could be more opportunities for them to grow an international fanbase. After 2 years being in Singapore, we felt it was the right time to try a new place, and Bali being a tropical paradise with a growing music scene, we think it is the perfect location for artists, delegates and music-lovers alike.”

The festival activities will kick off with a music industry mixer and a private music showcase of Balinese talents on the day prior to the festival. It will be followed by a two-day music conference with networking activities in the morning and a music showcase festival featuring more than 50 music acts from Southeast Asia and beyond.

First wave of lineup

This year’s edition of AXEAN Festival takes pride in its diverse but strategically curated lineup from different parts of Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.

The lineup includes: At Adau (MY), Batavia Collective (ID), bird. (PH), Common People Like You (TH), COTERIE (AU), crwn (PH), Dialog Dini Hari (ID), Funkindustry (FR), Gabe Watkins (TH), Grrrl Gang (ID), HARIKUYAMAKU (JP), I’mdifficult（TW)，Josh Makazo (SG), lightcraft (ID), Linying (SG), LUSS (TH), M-Fatt (KH), Maki (PH), Milledenials (ID), mindfreakkk (TH), Munimuni (PH), Muri (PH), Norith& YuuHai (KH), Puman (CN), Rangga Jones（SG), RuthKo（KH)，San & The Workshop (SG), Skandal (ID), The Dinosaur's Skin (TW), The Hertz (HK), Tuimi (VN), Uudee's Swashbuckling Dandies (MN), Vanthan(KH), VVAS (TH).

International songwriting camp

The acclaimed international showcase festival will wrap up with a private songwriting camp, the newest addition to its diverse and extensive range of programming. The initiative aims to foster a spirit of creativity and inclusivity in a globalized setting while nurturing cross-cultural collaboration amongst the finest and most promising songwriters, producers, and artists in the ASEAN region and also from other regions of the world.

AXEAN Festival co-founder and co-director David Siow advocates for a more DIY approach to the songwriting camp, backed by its purpose of empowering and connecting a community of music creatives from all around the world, while ensuring equitable outcomes and opportunities from the series of collaborative sessions.

“For us, it’s all about enabling artists and furthering their careers; for Bali, it just made sense to do a camp and create good vibes, memories, and tracks for all involved,” Siow explains.

Muenprasertdee, the festival’s co-director, also emphasized the importance of the songwriting camp, not just in breaking barriers literally and metaphorically, but also in producing strategic collaborations that have proven to help artists enter new markets by sharing fanbases. He cited Flower.far from Thailand with Fern. from Philippines; and Vũ Thanh Vân from Vietnam with H 3 F from Thailand as some of the recent success stories.

“We hope a songwriting camp will help create an environment to foster more artistic collaborations and cross-border fanbases. Apart from some of this year's showcasing artists, we have also invited some alumni, guest songwriters and producers to make it more fun and productive! Be on the lookout for new music coming out from our camp!”

Get your tickets here: https://axeanfestival.com/buy-tickets/

About AXEAN Festival

Birthed in 2020 as a virtual music showcase festival, AXEAN Festival – formerly named ASEAN Music Showcase Festival or AMS launched into the “real world” in 2022 and grew to become an internationally recognized platform that features musical talents from Southeast Asia and beyond whilst providing a place for artists and music industry professionals from around the world to connect through genuine face-to-face networking opportunities.

The latest edition (AXEAN 2023) was held at Goodman Arts Centre, Singapore between 27-29 October 2023 and was participated by:

·  50 artists including 39 artists from all 10 countries of ASEAN and 11 international artists from France (1), Hong Kong (3), India (1), Japan (2), South Korea (1) and Taiwan (3) were featured on 2 outdoor and 2 indoor stages;

·  74 international talent buyers or “delegates” from 16 countries located in Southeast (38), East (14) and South (3) Asia; Australia (8); Europe (9) and North America (2) – plus over 14 Singapore-based delegates; and

·  More than 7,700 audiences estimated by automatic body counters installed at the venue’s entranceways over the course of 2 days.

 Source: Nyou

ANTI-EDM STARS ISOKNOCK DROP SURPRISE ALBUM 4EVR - THE DEBUT LP FROM THE COUNTERCULTURE ELECTRONIC DUO OF ISOXO AND KNOCK2

THE EIGHT TRACK PACKAGE IS A DEXTEROUS SHOWCASE OF THRASHING TRAP BEATS, EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES, AND GRIPPING DANCE MUSIC EUPHORIA

4EVR RELEASES VIA RENOWNED LABEL/COLLECTIVE 88RISING

4EVR FOLLOWS ISOKNOCK’S ACCLAIMED SAHARA TENT PERFORMANCE AT COACHELLA 2024, SOLD OUT SHOWS IN BROOKLYN AND SEATTLE, AND FOUR CONSECUTIVE SOLD OUT SETS AT LA’S SHRINE AUDITORIUM

Out now across platforms

Pain is temporary, ISOKNOCK is 4EVR

ISOKNOCK - the boundary-pushing duo composed of ISOxo and Knock2 - have just released their surprise debut album, 4EVR, an unexpected drop that exemplifies the pair’s fervent drive to redefine the next decade of dance music.

4EVR is an eight-track masterclass on radical, runaway imagination. The album sees ISOKNOCK flip electronic convention on its head, filtering thrashing trap beats, experimental production, and vintage dance-pop through a punk rock lens - a genre-defying approach that leads to a bracingly-original body of work.

4EVR is an album for the current moment, using potent maximalism to speak to the disaffected youth. ISOKNOCK are asking their audience to embrace life’s pains and wear their hearts on their sleeves - a vivid sense of empowerment transmuted by the duo’s grungy, moshpit-inducing production. In a scene often muddled by aimless positivity, ISOKNOCKare disrupting the status quo of mainstream dance music through rare subversive expression.

Alongside the release of 4EVR, ISOKNOCK have unveiled a special short film and music video for the album’s title track, both co-directed by Mitchell Mullins and Zach Okami.Exploring a mysterious relationship between a biker and a young woman falling in love at an underground party, the short film premiered at a gallery exhibit and album release event at Los Angeles’ Hubble Studio on Wednesday, July 31.

The gallery exhibit traced the parallel timelines of ISOxo and Knock2’s rise from their humble beginnings, and was capped off by a surprise ISOKNOCK performance of the new LP.

The event was a fitting celebration for the rapturous album, capping years of unceasing momentum for the joint collaborative project - a duration that’s seen the long-time friends conquer the electronic music world.

Credit: Evers Pund @ev.ers + Zach Okami @zachokami

The San Diego-natives first met at the San Diego County Fair as young teenagers (while performing at the same local stage), forming an immediate bond defined by a shared desire to shake-up the foundations of dance music - a passion that informed their parallel trajectories leading into this momentous debut LP.

As the two artists ascended as individuals - playing packed-out renegade shows, performing at major international music festivals, and collaborating with icons such as Skrillex and RL Grime - they’ve also evolved across multiple iterations ofISOKNOCK. Stemming from humble beginnings as a b2b SoundCloud guest mix back in 2019, the pair have recently culminated with four consecutive sold out shows at the Shrine Auditorium last fall, their packed-out, primetime Sahara Tent performance at this year’s Coachella, as well as two sold out sets at Seattle’s WAMU Theater and Brooklyn’s Under The K Bridge in May.

Now, with their 4EVR album, ISOKNOCK share a full-length project that showcases their inextricable creative sensibilities. Reflecting the duo’s rockstar attitude, 4EVRtranslates ISOKNOCK’s dramatic visual flair and reputation for extravagant live musical set pieces into a raucous album listening experience. As a result, the duo circumvent expectations of what an electronic act is supposed to look and sound like, all while solidifying themselves as an iconoclastic model for a new generation of electronic music fans.

4EVR releases via renowned label/collective 88rising - the revolutionary imprint that has paved new ground for AAPI artists, making it the perfect home for these dance music disruptors.

Credit: Evers Pund @ev.ers + Zach Okami @zachokami

Listeners unwittingly got their first taste of 4EVR with the surprise LP’s spontaneous single, “SMACK TALK” - a collaboration with trap pioneer RL Grime. The track follows RL Grime’s years of organic synergism alongsideISOKNOCK, including his electric b2b set with Knock2 at this year’s Ultra Music Festival (which also featured an impromptu appearance from ISOxo). Recontextualizing the classic festival trap sound, ”SMACK TALK” represents a passing of the torch: a symbolic undertaking that sees ISOKNOCK taking RL Grime’s pioneering formula and revolutionizing it for a new age.

EMBED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA8KhVs0Rfw

ISOKNOCK’s genre deconstruction continues on the title track “4EVR,” which features sigilcore vocalist cade clair. Kicking off with futuristic synth melodies before introducing cathartic dance-pop bass stabs and infectious emo vocal crooning from cade clair, “4EVR”  builds with Jersey Club drum rhythms and panoramic trance synth chord progressions. The track then drops into a thumping, Eurodance-inspired instrumental before transitioning into a rage-inspired trap beat and closing out with an epic, cinematic synth lead - concluding a song that twists a host of modern and vintage aesthetic tropes into a decidedly fresh, modern perspective.

The tracklist for 4EVR begins with “THRASH (PARTY STARTER),” an appropriately-titled song that kicks off with harrowing sirens and heart-dropping, euphoric synth melodies. The track then builds into its explosive trap drop, a section filled to the brim with visceral distortion, trunk-rattling kick drums, and snappy, reverberating snare hits. Continuing the album’s characteristic genre traversal, “TRASH (PARTY STARTER)” finishes with a cacophony of palpitating rave hardcore elements, wrapping the track with a warehouse party atmosphere.

The album continues with “ENERGY,” a collaboration with Zimbabwe-bred vocalist Bantu that filters bass house formulas and Afrobeat-inspired drum rhythms through ISOKNOCKS’s signature maximalist approach.

4EVR is then rounded out by the propulsive, percussion-oriented “PAIN”; the futuristic, climatic trap banger “SIGNAL,” featuring vocalist Dava; and the emotional, R&B-inspired “BLIND,” featuring vocalists Araya and Sur Black.

Audacious, grandiose, and stacked with vivid production details, 4EVR positions ISOKNOCK as pop stars ready to be the face of electronic music’s future. More than that, the album acutely translates the duo’s close creative synergy - a chemistry made possible by their long-standing friendship and mutual artistic institincs. 4EVR takes listeners across a gauntlet of music genres throughout its tracklist, but it never loses sight of ISOKNOCK’s finely-tuned creative and thematic vision - a precise execution that proliferates a timeless aura around the entire project, ensuring it to inspire electronic music fans for years to come.

ISOKNOCK tour dates

9/1/24: Chicago, IL - North Coast Music Festival

CONNECT WITH ISOKNOCK

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SoundCloud

CONNECT WITH ISOXO

Facebook

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CONNECT WITH KNOCK2

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Twitter

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 Source: Blackstar

NOBITA releases “Gitna,” a song inspired by Cong and Viy’s love story

The heartwarming track was the band’s wedding gift to the influential vlogger-couple

Filipino pop-rock outfit NOBITA is back with another heartfelt ballad that expresses a vow of lifelong commitment and eternal love.

NOBITA claims that they wrote their new single "Gitna" specifically for celebrity vloggers Cong and Viy, who recently tied the knot last month. The breakthrough band initially performed it in front of the newlyweds as a surprise gift.

“When we wrote the track, we thought of a scenario where Viy was walking down the aisle, and Cong was patiently waiting, trying to make sense of his feelings at that moment,” shares NOBITA in a collective statement, who also happened to be good friends of the online personalities. “We want to capture the buildup of excitement and anticipation, but most of all, the journey leading to the romantic milestone.”

The band adds, “Their love isn’t perfect by all means, but we’ve witnessed through the years how they’ve managed to work their differences together and make room for adjustments and compromise to reach this far. This prompted us to compose a song that perfectly fits the narrative.”

Buoyed by swoony instrumentation and emotionally riveting arrangements, NOBITA’s “Gitna” makes every wedding feel like an enormous love fest. Musically speaking, the track showcases the band’s penchant for sentimental lyricism, made more impactful by soaring choruses and earworm melodies of the first-rate caliber.

NOBITA is a five-piece band composed of JaesonFelismino (vocals, acoustic guitar), Sam Aquino (lead guitar), Mark Quintero (bass), Richmond Bancolita(keyboards), and Jonathan Agbanlog (drums). The alternative rock/pop band recently broke records with “Ikaw Lang,” which was the most streamed OPM song in 2022.

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

Source: Nyou

TECNO SPARK 20 Pro 5G Now Official

Manila, 30^th July. Innovative technology brand TECNO unveiled SPARK 20 Pro 5G, the first 5G device in the SPARK 20 Series in the Philippines at 9,999 PhP. As a powerful new 5G smartphone, the latest addition to the Series offers compelling performance boosted by an outstanding high-speed 5G processor, a 108MP Ultra Sensing Main Camera, and a sleek new appearance with Lamé Curve camera design. For the fisrt live sale on Bugoy Carino and Louiejay’sTikTok Live on July 31, the price will be lower to 7,999 PhP with a mega discount.

Unforgettable Entertainment Empowered by a Powerful Processor

The SPARK 20 Pro 5G is powered by the remarkable MediaTek Dimensity 6080 5G processor – a highly efficient octa-core 6nm chip with an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of about 430,000. Connectivity options on the SPARK 20 Pro 5G will be fluent and robust. The Smart 5G functions intelligently adjust between 4G and 5G  according to the scenario and network environment, boosting speeds and reducing power consumption, while UPS Ultra Power Signal improves signal strength, stability, and data rates. It also supports Linkbooming 1.0 which allows up to 25% reduction in latency enhancing the overall connectivity experience, and Super Wi-Fi for faster speeds and lower battery consumption.

With SPARK 20 Pro 5G, every moment of entertainment is a thrilling spectacle. It features both Hi-Res certified stereo dual speakers and Dolby Atmos, bringing movies, games and music to life like never before. The device also brings the ultimate calling experience with 400% Big Volume delivering a huge boost to the sound output. Ensuring entertainment looks as good as it sounds, a 120Hz FHD Hole Screen delivers bold and beautiful visuals, while TECNO’s latest Smart Refresh algorithm intelligently uses the most appropriate screen display refresh rate according to the usage scenario to deliver the ultimate user experience while saving battery life.

Introducing a Sleek New Look with High-Quality Finishes

SPARK 20 Pro 5G introduces a freshly upgraded design language that highlights the beauty of technology while retaining the SPARK Series’ stylish flair. The minimalist Lamé Curve Camera Island Design seamlessly balances square and circle on the delightfully sleek back cover. The sophisticated design is available in three colors – Startrail Black, Glossy White and Neon Green – with each infusing the device with a unique personality. As well as a stunning appearance, SPARK 20 Pro 5G also has a high-quality finish with a wristwatch-grade nano-etched texture, usually seen in luxury watch design, creating a fine look and feel. Finally, the device features the luxurious, skin-friendly Tech Art Leather inspired by high-end car interiors with a delicate texture excelling in form and function.

Bringing Next-level Features to the Mid-Range Bracket

For photographing every detail up close and from afar, SPARK 20 Pro 5G packs an impressive 108MP Ultra Sensing Main Camera with 3x lossless in-sensor zoom and 10x digital zoom. Whether outdoors in nature or in gloomy indoor settings, the camera, with cutting-edge features like 9-in-1 Adaptive Pixel technology and Super Night Mode, lets SPARK fans capture their world with amazing clarity. To make sure SPARK 20 Pro 5G users never miss a chance for the perfect shot, the device has a 1600 cycle long-life 5000mAh battery with 33W Super Charge and a range of intelligent charging modes delivering long-lasting power; and with a huge 256GB ROM+16GB RAM*(8GB+8GB Extended), there’s even more memory for those amazing shots. The device also features TECNO’s HiOS 14 operating system based on Andriod 14, bringing further useful functions and a fluent user experience.  

SPARK 20 Pro 5G, with its stunning appearance, striking imaging and smooth performance, offers Philippine users a 5G experience that stands out in its class. With advanced technologies and high-end design, the new device reflects TECNO’s ongoing mission to go above and beyond in delivering captivating innovation and value for TECNO fans.

Catch the first sale and spark beyond

From July 30, the SPARK 20 Pro 5G will be available for purchase for PhP9,999 at TECNO Mobile PH in TikTok Shop, TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Lazada, TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee. and TECNO Partner Retail Stores nationwide.

Get your own SPARK 20 Pro 5G now and don't miss the exclusive first sale at TECNO Mobile PH in TikTok Shop and PH Official Store in Shopee for a special discounted price of PhP7,999 with limited stock available.

## END ##

About TECNO

TECNO is an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 countries and regions across five continents. Since its launch, TECNO has been revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging global markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies. Today, TECNO has developed into a recognized leader in its target markets, delivering state-of-the-art innovation through a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and newest technologies for forward-looking individuals. By creating stylish, intelligent products, TECNO inspires consumers worldwide to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: https://www.tecno-mobile.com/ph/

Source: TECNO Philippines

Halsey releases new single "Lucky"

Music video directed by Gia Coppola

Written by and starring Halsey

GRAMMY^® nominated, genre-blending artist Halsey has released her highly anticipated new single, “Lucky.” The song, produced by Michael Uzowuru (Frank Ocean, SZA, Rosalia), features an interpolation of Britney Spears’ “Lucky” in the chorus, as well as the No. 1 Billboard Hot100 Hit, “Angel of Mine” in the track’s production.

Alongside Halsey’s first single in over 2 years, she shared the video for the new track. Directed by Gia Coppola (Palo Alto, Mainstream) with cinematography by Alexis Zabe (The Florida Project), the video stars Halsey and features a cameo from actor Simon Rex.

Last month, Halsey shared that she had been diagnosed nearly 2 years prior with Lupus and a rare T-cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder, and has been struggling with her health privately. After the announcement, Halsey issued a statement thanking her fans for their overwhelmingly positive support.

Halsey has amassed more than 50 billion global streams, with over 75 million RIAA-Certified adjusted singles and all 4 of her previous albums RIAA-Certified. She is one of the only artists ever to have four different songs hit 1-BILLION streams on Spotify. As well as have 2 RIAA-Certified-Diamond records.

Source: Nyou

Bizarre Bar Captivates International Patrons for Showcasing Local Heritage with Exquisite Cocktails

On a mission to showcase the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines to the world, Poblacion’s Bizarre Bar recently hosted friends from various embassies for its highly praised cocktail degustation. Foreign guests were treated to an extraordinary blend of Filipino heritage and innovative mixology, enhanced by the warm Filipino hospitality. The atmosphere was enriched with original Filipino music, creating a truly authentic ambiance.

Yukari Koike, Political Officer of the Japanese Embassy and a seven-year resident of the Philippines, was particularly impressed. “I’ve experienced Filipino cuisine in many restaurants, both modern and authentic, but Bizarre Bar’s creative presentation of local flavors and ingredients is truly unique. A big ‘arigato’ to the entire Bizarre team for this exceptional experience. The high-class Filipino cocktails and dish pairings were incredibly distinctive. I will definitely returnwith colleagues and friends to share this wonderful experience,” Koike said. Other foreign guests echoed Koike’s sentiments, praising Bizarre Bar for its unique tasting experience and expressing their intent to return with friends and colleagues to further explore the art and elegance of Filipino fine drinking.

Leading Bizarre’s cocktail degustation was Beverage Director Ian Libang, a decorated mixologist with numerous international accolades. Libang, integrating his globally recognized skills into Bizarre’s mission to showcase Filipino culinary heritage shared, “The whole goal for Bizarre is to do something different. We don’t just transform Filipino ingredients into a cocktail. We incorporate our local traditions and culture. We have a whole concept of storytelling featuring common ingredients in a Filipino kitchen, sharing to our dear guests how it is to be Filipino in a very unique and refined way.”

Libang was joined by renowned culinary chef and Bizarre’sFounder, Mikel Zaguirre. Through delectable bar bites, Zaguirrecomplemented Libang’s cocktails, expertly guiding the guests’ palates without overshadowing the drinks. Their culinary synergy has proven them to be a formidable duo. Zaguirreshared, “The term Filipino is loosely tagged to different things like food. I would rather call our approach ‘Pinoy’ because it encapsulates the heart of our heritage rather than just our local ingredients. By building Bizarre in a Pinoy way, people will see and feel our FIlipino-ness through our menu. This makes us unique.”

For the cocktail degustation, Libang and Zaguirre presented “The Roots,” a five-course menu described as a “celebration of the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines through timeless flavors infused with contemporary twists.” Guests were welcomed with “Quezo,” a tapioca snack paired with kesongputi, signaling the beginning of Roots.

The cocktail degustation commenced with “Atchara,” a vibrant orange cocktail inspired by the popular Pinoy sour side dish, mellowed by Aperol spritz, spices, and ripe papaya. This first cocktail, tagged as a favorite by Libang and Zaguirre, was paired with “Inihaw,” premium-quality roasted kurobota pork, tenderloin, and chicken thigh.

Next was “Sawsawan,” featuring patis (fish sauce) and topped with calamansi sorbet. This sour-driven treat became the crowd favorite of the evening. “Kinilaw,” seasoned raw tanigue with leche de tigre and fried shallots, completed the flavorful sea adventure.

“Binhi,” the main course, followed. Inspired by rice grains, this malt whiskey-driven cocktail was garnished with chocolate bitters. Paired with a creative twist on kare-kare, the “Kinunot” ox-tail pie with a bagoong demi sauce was the crowd’s most-loved food pairing of the evening.

“Ni-yog” introduced the dessert portion of the night, a piña colada-esque cocktail featuring tequila, leche flan, and coconut, blended into tablea colada foam and torched for a delightful temperature contrast. Paired with “Nilupak,” a cashew-coconut tart topped with pineapple and coconut cream, salted by artisanal asin tibuok from Bohol, it was a delightful conclusion to the meal.

“Ampaw” capped off the degustation, a celebratory toast inspired by the local deep-fried tutong (burnt rice) treat. This cocktail featured mesoyi and ampaw sorbet in milk-washed bourbon, exquisitely washing guests’ palates and cementing their enjoyment of the elevated Filipino drinking and dining experience.

Libang and Zaguirre, champions of Filipino culinary heritage, offer a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience that ranks among the best in mixology and cuisine. Their unique approach has garnered praise from international guests, solidifying Bizarre Bar as a must-visit destination for cocktail connoisseurs and gastronomes alike.

Experience cocktails and bar bites at their finest at Bizarre Bar, located in the heart of Makati: Poblacion. Book a table today through http://www.thebizarrebar.com.

Source: Nyou

XG Drops new single ""SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT"" and unveils accompanying music video

XG has unveiled their latest single, “SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT”, accompanied by a captivating music video that has premiered on their YouTube channel.

“SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT” serves as the first pre-release track from the global girl group’s highly anticipated second mini album, slated for release on November 8th. The song exudes a retro vibe, built on a Garage rhythm and features an addictive refrain that showcases the unique personalities of each of the seven XG members. Its minimalistic soundscape is rich with hidden intricacies.

Produced by JAKOPS (SIMON JUNHO PARK), the visionary representative and general producer of XGALX, the track merges an energetic 90s-inspired beat with XG’s distinctive originality, promising music that will make everyone dance.

The accompanying music video is based on the intriguing concept of “XG hiding their alien instincts while living everyday lives”. It portrays the members in human form suddenly discovering special abilities, leading to chaos in the city. The video beautifully captures unknown anomalies and secrets hidden in everyday life, perfectly complementing the track title “SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT”.

Watch “SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT” music video here

The upcoming mini-album is scheduled for release on November 8th, and comes about a year after debut mini album NEW DNA. It aims to connect more deeply with the world through music, evoking a sense of awe as it explores the psychological journey by the emergence of a new presence.

CD-Preorder here

XG 2nd Mini Album Special Website here

XG’s previous single “WOKE UP” topped the US YouTube trending chart and maintained the top spot on the “Global Japan Songs excl. Japan” chart for seven consecutive weeks.

Currently, XG is on their first world tour, "The first HOWL", performing across approximately 30 countries across Asia, North America, the UK and Europe, including upcoming stops in Manila, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in August. Additional shows in Nagoya, Tokyo, Fukuoka and Osaka were recently announced for 2025. Check the official tour information here.

###

About XG

XG is a seven-member HIPHOP / R&B girl group consisting of JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA. They debuted in March 2022 with their first single "Tippy Toes" under the global entertainment production company "XGALX," which aims to promote bold culture worldwide and produce artists with unique worldviews.

In September 2023, they released their first mini-album "NEW DNA," which topped the Billboard JAPAN "Hot Albums" chart. In November of the same year, they held their first solo live concert with an audience, "XG 'NEW DNA' SHOWCASE in JAPAN," at Pia Arena MM. XG operates primarily on the global stage, participating in major music festivals in countries such as the United States, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. They achieved numerous milestones, including ranking first as the first Japanese artist on the Billboard "Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter" chart and becoming the first Japanese girl group to grace the cover of the U.S. "Billboard" magazine.

In 2024, they announced their first world tour, "XG 1st WORLD TOUR 'The first HOWL'." The group name "XG" stands for "Xtraordinary Girls." Through their unconventional music and performances, they aim to empower people from various backgrounds around the world.

 Source: Blackstar

Follow XG

Official Website | XG OFFICIAL FANCLUB 'ALPHAZ' | IG | YT | TikTok | Weverse | X | FB | XGALX

NIKI UNVEILS LOVE-STRUCK SUMMER SINGLE “TSUNAMI”

NEW ALBUM BUZZ OUT AUGUST 9

(NIKI press photo — download HERE)

“If NIKI's last album, Nicole, kept big emotions at bay with an atmospheric pop mood, it seems like the forthcoming Buzz will shake everything loose.”

-NPR

“88rising‘s leading lady is gearing up for what looks to be a promising new album.”

-UPROXX

Today, Jakarta-born, LA-based singer-songwriter and producer NIKI ushers in her lover girl era with new single “Tsunami.” The track marks the third single off her upcoming album Buzzout via 88rising on August 9.

In “Tsunami,” the act of falling in love is compared to a roaring tidal wave; unexpectedly, NIKI is swept off her feet and ready to embrace it. The lush and breezy song is paired with a grainy beach-side visualizer that sees her twirl in the sand. “Tsunami” is the perfect soundtrack to a summer romance.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “TSUNAMI”

WATCH THE VISUALIZER HERE

CLICK HERE TO PRE-SAVE/PRE-ORDER BUZZ

The track follows the astrologically-inspired song “Blue Moon,” and flirty lead single “Too Much of a Good Thing.” NIKI plans to celebrate her upcoming album Buzz on with a comprehensive fall world tour. Tickets may be purchased HERE. See below for full routing.

NORTH AMERICA

Sep 5, 2024 - Toronto ON - Budweiser Stage

Sep 7, 2024 - Boston MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway

Sep 8, 2024 - Washington DC - The Anthem

Sep 12, 2024 - Philadelphia PA - The Met

Sep 13, 2024 - New York City NY - SummerStage in Central Park

Sep 16, 2024 - Charlotte NC - Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sep 17, 2024 - Atlanta GA - Coca-Cola Roxy

Sep 19, 2024 - Houston TX - 713 Music Hall

Sep 20, 2024 - Austin TX - Moody Amphitheater

Sep 21, 2024 - Dallas TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Sep 25, 2024 - Chicago IL - Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

Sep 27, 2024 - Minneapolis MN - The Armory

Sep 29, 2024 - Denver CO - Fillmore Auditorium

Oct 1, 2024 - Salt Lake City UT - The Union Event Center

Oct 3, 2024 - Berkeley CA - The Greek Theatre *

Oct 8, 2024 - Phoenix AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre

Oct 10, 2024 - Las Vegas NV - The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan

Oct 11, 2024 - Los Angeles CA - The Greek Theatre

Oct 12, 2024 - Los Angeles CA - The Greek Theatre

Oct 14, 2024 - San Diego CA - Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Oct 17, 2024 - Portland OR - Alaska Airlines’ Theater of the Clouds

Oct 18, 2024 - Seattle WA - WAMU Theater at Lumen Field

Oct 19, 2024 - Vancouver BC - Rogers Arena

* Non-Live Nation Date

EUROPE

Oct 27, 2024 - Brussels BE - La Madeleine

Oct 29, 2024 - Cologne DE - Palladium

Nov 1, 2024 - Paris FR - L’Olympia

Nov 2, 2024 - Tilburg NL - Poppodium 013

Nov 6, 2024 - Manchester UK - O2 Apollo Manchester

Nov 7, 2024 - London UK - OVO Arena, Wembley

Nov 10, 2024 - Dublin IE - 3Olympia Theatre

ASIA

Feb 9, 2025 - Hong Kong

Feb 11, 2025 - Manila

Feb 12, 2025 - Manila

Feb 14, 2025 - Jakarta

Feb 15, 2025 - Jakarta

Feb 18, 2025 - Singapore

Feb 20, 2025 - Taipei

Feb 22, 2025 - Bangkok

Feb 25, 2025 - Kuala Lumpur

Feb 26, 2025 - Kuala Lumpur

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Mar 5, 2025 - Perth AU

Mar 7, 2025 - Brisbane AU

Mar 9, 2025 - Sydney AU

Mar 13, 2025 - Melbourne AU

Mar 15, 2025 - Auckland NZ

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.  

(“Tsunami” artwork — download HERE)

FOR MORE ON NIKI:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

 Source: Blackstar

Please Donate to the ABSCBN Foundation!

Please donate 🙏🏼 The @abscbnfoundation accepts donations as low as ₱20 for the victims of Typhoon Carina. Click here to donate: https://ph.shp.ee/bxnbp3H 🇵🇭🙏🏼

WARREN HUE: 88RISING STAR DROPS "BLACKONBLACK FREESTYLE", AFTER HIS VIRAL ON THE RADAR PERFORMANCE EARLIER THIS WEEK

(artwork and press photo courtesy of 88rising)

Jakarta-born, Los Angeles-based rising star, Warren Hue, responds to the demands of his fans with the official release of his “BLACKONBLACK FREESTYLE,” which is out today on all platforms. Warren first performed the freestyle on the popular channel, On The Radar, generating lots of fan commotion who were excited to see Warren rapping after recent genre-bending releases like “RODEO” and “SPLIT.” “BLACKONBLACK FREESTYLE was created during a transit from Japan to Los Angeles,” Warren shared on his process. “With my headphones on, I searched for type beats, feeling the need to prove myself. The verses explore various topics, including the lifestyles in LA and Jakarta, and touch on themes of motivation.” The music video was filmed, directed and edited by Warren himself. Watch the video hereand listen to “BLACKONBLACK FREESTYLE” here.
 
Gearing towards the release of his TUNA mixtape, Warren’s been demonstrating his growing artistry with singles like the mid-2010 inspired “RODEO,” and the alternative hip-hop track, “SPLIT.” Recently, Warren was featured on Good Morning America, detailing his journey as a pioneering Asian artist. He made great contributions to 88rising’s latest music endeavor, 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, where he contributed to five tracks on the recent album, hella (˃╭̣ ╮˂̣)✧♡‧o· ̊, alongside Offset, Amaarae, De La Soul, Cuco and MILLI earlier this year. As a fixture in the 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE music collective, Warren has continued to push his music in exciting new directions and usher new fans into 88rising’s world.
 
Warren Hue has catapulted from hometown hero to international sensation in less than two years since making his artist debut with his album, BOY OF THE YEAR, in the summer of 2022. His most conceptual project to date, BOY OF THE YEAR, which included features from tobi lou and yvngxchris, displayed Warren’s versatility and starpower. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia and now based in Los Angeles, the Gen Z star has run up an impressive highlight reel, including being named one of Forbes Asia 30 Under 30, all prior to turning 21. He has also been named one of “NME 100: Essential Emerging Artists” for 2022, one of the “18 Emerging Artists To Watch Out For In 2022” by Bandwagon, and one of the “25 Artists To Watch In 2022” by Ones To Watch. His biggest accolades include his recent features on the album, Hella, released earlier this year, with the music collective 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, which brought together the industry’s biggest names, such as Offset, Rick Ross, Ghostface Killah, Busta Rhymes and more. Warren was also featured in four songs on Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings official soundtrack and has partnered with brands like Honda, GUESS, Samsung and Microsoft. Warren made his Coachella debut during the Head in the Clouds Forever 2022 set. Last year, he performed at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, opened for Rich Brian’s sold out arena tour (10k fans per stop) in China, and was on the line-up for both Head in the Clouds Festivals in New York and Los Angeles. This summer, he will be returning to the festival in New York. A multi-hyphenate artist, Warren draws his inspiration from niche art forms to create his ever-evolving sound. From R&B to house, electronic, alternative hip-hop and industrial genres, Warren is unafraid to explore and veer towards the unconventional, while sharing his journey of self-discovery. His latest offers, “RODEO” and “SPLIT,” detail Warren’s growing confidence as a star in the making.

Discography :
 
“RODEO” (MV)
“SPLIT” (MV)
“TENNESSEE” (MV)
 
BOY OF THE YEAR (2022)
 
“IN MY BAG” (with tobi lou) (MV)
“HANDSOME” (MV)
“W” (with yvngxchris) (MV)
“RUNAWAY W ME”  (MV)
 
Other Highlights :
 
1999 WRITE THE FUTURE (2024)
Amaarae, Warren Hue - “cOoL WATeR foR thE nIGHT” (MV)
Cuco, Warren Hue - COuGhDrOPs (,,Ծ‸Ծ,, ) (MV)
Rich Brian, Zion.T - WORLD STOP TURNING (feat. Warren Hue) (MV)
Offset, Warren Hue - SLOPES (MV)
MILLI, & Warren Hue - WOWoW! ✎ (❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) (MV)

Audience:

• 150M+ total streams

• 188K Instagram  followers

• 35K TikTok followers, 600K+ likes

• 500K+ Spotify monthly listeners

CONNECT WITH WARREN HUE:
YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Source: Blackstar

For more information, contact blackstar

justin wows the crowd as he performs his newest single ‘kaibigan’ at U.P. Town Center Katipunan last July 19, 2024

© Bernard Lopez

WATCH HERE/ICYMI: justin of SB19 serenades casuals through a surprise busking performance at U.P. Town Center, singing all his tracks including his latest single — ‘kaibigan’ for the first time ever!

WATCH/DOWNLOAD THE SURPRISE BUSKING HERE 1 | 2  © Bernard Lopez

VIEW FAN POSTS HERE 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Justin’s “kaibigan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Source: Sony Music Entertainment

JADE drops debut solo single “Angel of My Dreams”

"What I'm going for is a relentless, huge pop punch to the face. I want people to be like 'oh my god, I didn't expect that' – but then want to listen to it again.” 

JADE, a.k.a. Jade Thirlwall of multi-platinum selling, BRIT Award winning pop phenomenon Little Mix, today releases her highly anticipated debut solo single, “Angel of My Dreams.”

JADE co-wrote 'Angel of My Dreams' in LA alongside Steph Jones (Sabrina Carpenter's Espresso), Pablo Bowman (Calvin Harris' Miracle) and producer Mike Sabath (RAYE). The track is a frenetically shapeshifting, gloriously OTT banger that explores her love/hate relationship with a pop industry she's been at the heart of since 2011.

“I didn't want to do a safe first single, that was really important to me,” JADE states. “I'm setting the tone of who I am as an artist on my own. I want people to hear it and be like 'what the fuck is that song?'. My worst nightmare is for someone to hear my song and go 'that's nice'.” 

The lyrical themes are brought to life via an eye-popping video that takes the song's playful storytelling and blows it up into big neon letters. Directed by Aube Perrie (Harry Styles, Megan Thee Stallion), and filmed over four days (“the budget was budgeting” laughs JADE), it's a visual feast, inspired by the Fifth Element, Showgirls and Black Swan, that stars various versions of Jade all scrapping for the spotlight. 

“There’s 11 looks in the video! The concept is sort of rags to riches It was emotional actually because for one bit I’m busking and walking past a Sainsbury’s Local. When I was 16, I would stand outside my local Sainsbury’s and sing Christmas songs.”

It's been a long, carefully chosen path to get to 'Angel of My Dreams'. When Little Mix announced their hiatus in 2022, JADE started to set her solo career in motion across multiple studio sessions with collaborators including MNEK, Cirkut, Lostboy, RAYE, Lauren Aquilina and Dave Hamelin alongside Mike, Steph and Pablo. 'Angel of My Dreams' immediately jumped out as the lead single. Built around a cheeky, knowing sample of Sandie Shaw's 1967 hit 'Puppet on a String', lyrically JADE wanted to reflect on her time in an industry that has brought her both unimaginable highs and deep lows. 

“It's about how obsessed I am with the industry – so there are lyrics like “love when you call me a star” – but also there's the dark side that comes with that. It's not as glam as it seems.”  The sample, which JADE had wanted to use in a song for years, was chosen very specifically. “In the beginning of our career you do think you are this puppet, but at the same time it isn't true – we wrote a lot of our songs, and we were behind a lot of what we put out there. I resented that as a statement. So it felt natural to take that and show that it can be true and untrue at the same time.”

The track is Jade delivering Big Pop Girl Energy. It is, as she says, doing the most; it's OTT, it's ridiculous and it's gloriously WTF.

“This dawn of pop girls giving people everything is so exciting. It couldn't be better timing for my music. I'm so proud of it and I can say that with chest. The fans have waited long enough so now we just want to give it to them".

Source: Nyou

Grammy-nominated global star Madison Beer releases “15 MINUTES”

Photo by Christina Bryson

Madison Beer continues her summer reign with the launch of her new music video and single, “15 MINUTES,” available now. Madison Beer teased “15 MINUTES” at her recent performance at Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Stage, as well as small snippet at the end of her latest video “Make You Mine.” Most notably, she has introduced snippets a handful of times on social media much to the delight of her fans, who feverishly viewed the previews in excess of three million times. Now, the thrilling new record is available to stream, and watch.

[Watch: Madison Beer, “15 MINUTES”]

[Get: Madison Beer, “15 MINUTES”]

“15 MINUTES” features Madison Beer as she weaves a romantically thrilling tale that incites feelings of jubilee and intense curiosity - simultaneously. The cinematic video feature, directed by Madison Beer and Aerin Moreno, continues the storytelling theme found in Madison Beer’s recent video work, as the video finds Beer at the climax of a highly suspenseful escape room scene.

“15 minutes ago I was laying in bed / Then I had a crazy thought in my head / So I took the keys and got in the car / Don’t know how I got here but baby here we are,” she sings, meshing the lyrics with the unpredictable atmosphere of her new video. Viewers will need to buckle in. 

“15 MINUTES” follows Madison Beer’s immensely successful last single, “Make You Mine,” which ascended to the #1 slot on the Billboard Dance Airplay charts in May, marking her first-career chart-topper as a solo artist. Its video, a feature inspired by the cult classic film Jennifer’s Body, earned Beer critical acclaim from outlets like Uproxxand Billboard, who raved of Beer’s dedication to creativity and intentional nostalgia. 

It’s been quite a year already for Madison Beer, who received her first-career GRAMMY nomination at this year’s ceremony in February, a “Best Immersive Album” nod for her sophomore LP, Silence Between Songs. Subsequently, she released “Make You Mine,” a certified Dance hit, and just weeks later in April, she embarked on her 52-date Spinnin Tour, and released the “Make You Mine” video just before the first night of the tour’s North American leg. 

During this run, Beer sold out the legendary Radio City Music Hall and Greek Theater venues, creating viral moments to last for her highly engaged audience, evoking headlines and in-depth coverage from Teen Vogue, Miami New Times, Vegas Sun and more. Most importantly, the live trek allowed her to reach her fans in ways Beer had been yearning to. 

“I want to be honest with people. I feel like that’s why I have such a strong connection with my fans, because I am honest with them, and I want them to know that it’s not all just sunshine and rainbows.” she told Teen Vogue, which attended Beer’s performance at this year’s JBL Fest in Beer’s home state of New York.

Next up: a brief tour of Asia and Australia, beginning in Japan at the Tokyo Summer Sonic Festival on Aug. 17 and concluding in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 2, with stops in Indonesia, Singapore and Brisbane along the way. Tickets are available here. Full tour routing below:

Aug 17: Tokyo Summer Sonic Festival – Tokyo, Japan
Aug 18: Osaka Summer Sonic Festival – Osaka, Japan
Aug 22: Expo Hall 7 - Singapore
Aug 24: Indonesia LALALA Festival – Jakarta, Indonesia
Aug 28: Fortitude Music Hall – Brisbane, Australia
Aug 30: Hordern Pavilion – Sydney, Australia
Sept 2: Margaret Court Arena – Melbourne Australia

Source: Nyou

NERIAH RADIATES SUMMER VIBES WITH NEW SINGLE "DRIVING WEATHER"

SECOND SINGLE OFF HER LONG-AWAITED SOPHOMORE ALBUM OUT THIS FALL

Photo Credit: Josh Ryan

Rising singer-songwriter NERIAH releases her second single,“Driving Weather”, from long-awaited sophomore album set to drop this fall. "Driving Weather" exudes a feel-good retro Cali vibe, blending ethereal harmonies and playful lyrics reminiscent of a summer love. The perfect track to listen to with your car windows rolled down. Listen here: https://symphony.to/neriah/driving-weather

"I wrote this song about the summer I fell in love with this guy in Malibu,” stated NERIAH. “He was my summer crush for years, but everything felt more real when we would be driving the PCH with the windows down. Whenever it was nice outside, he called it Driving Weather, and this song brings me back to being young, carefree, sun-kissed, and in love."

“Driving Weather” signifies a fresh, vibrant chapter in NERIAH’s career, as she celebrates her newfound independence. She is stepping away from her previous heartbreak ballads and embracing her 'Lover Girl' era. With a more refined, softer look, featuring pastel colours, she’s ready to light up your summer playlist with uplifting music. Her upcoming project heralds the dawn of a new, empowered NERIAH, reflecting the happiest time of her life.

Following her time opening for Madison Beer’s 'Spinnin Tour'West Coast shows, NERIAH kicked off this new chapter with the release of the first single from the album, "First Time". An 80's-inspired synth-pop track that perfectly captures the exhilarating feeling of falling in love and reminiscing about those unforgettable, heart-racing moments.

Stay tuned for more updates on her upcoming album.

ABOUT NERIAH

NERIAH, breakthrough singer/songwriter puts everything - the good, the bad, and the ugly, honest truth into her music. From happiness and love, to hardships and heartbreak, NERIAH’s music takes you on the rollercoaster of emotions that everyone goes through, with each song letting her audience know they’re not alone on this unpredictable and beautiful adventure of life.

Having received praise from Rolling Stone, Travis Mills, Zane Lowe, People Magazine, Flaunt Magazine, and more, NERIAH is embarking on this new and exciting era. With an audience of nearly 1 million monthly Spotify listeners, complemented by 249K Instagram followers, she has opened for Madison Beer’s 'The Spinnin Tour' West Coast shows, and co-signs from influential artists like SZA, Halsey, and Ashe. Goes to show that NERIAH's influence radiates far and wide.

Her previous singles have been picked up by top radio stations across Southeast Asia, driving growth in audience engagement. This popularity is reflected in her rankings in key markets, including the Philippines 🇵🇭 #5, Indonesia 🇮🇩 #6, and Malaysia 🇲🇾  #9.

Stream "Driving Weather" here: https://symphony.to/neriah/driving-weather

###

For more information: Secret Signals

 Source: Secret Signals

Follow NERIAH: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Website

BLXST RELEASES ANTICIPATED 20-TRACK DEBUT ALBUM ‘I’LL ALWAYS COME FIND YOU’ ON RED BULL RECORDS/EVGLE

Photo Credit: Amy Lee

NEW SINGLE “I NEED YOUR LOVE (FEAT. TY DOLLA $IGN)"
OUT ALONG WITH OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

July 19th, 2024 – West Coast emblem and Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Blxst releases his highly-anticipated debut album, 'I’ll Always Come Find You' on Red Bull Records/EVGLE. Executive produced by Grammy-winning producer Sounwave (previously produced for Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé), the project spans 20 tracks at nearly an hour in length, weaving a cohesive story across four chapters.

Reviving the art of the concept album, Blxst builds a cinematic world around a character named Birdie, a young man who inherits his father’s chauffeur car service upon his sudden passing. While Birdie’s focus is on the destination ahead, he’s confronted with a constant reminder of the life lessons his father instilled in him as experiences unfold in the backseat. 'I’ll Always Come Find You' is the soundtrack to Blxst and Birdie’s introspective journeys, analysing the twists and turns of love and relationships, personal identity, and self-reflection on their drive through life. 

Showcasing his multi-dimensionality, Blxst balances his signature LA-rooted R&B sound with a diverse array of genres, styles, and instrumentation, ranging from rhythmic reggaeton to house beats. Determined to make the album he’d always dreamt of, he pulled inspiration from a melting pot of his greatest influences. The featured artists seamlessly guide moments in the storyline, with Offset appealing to Birdie’s young sense of adventure in “Risk Taker,” while Anderson .Paak warns him of falling too fast on the groove-laden, “Dance With The Devil.” Nights turn into mornings with Feid & Becky G on the cross-cultural number, “Rewind,” and just as Birdie’s ready to head home, Ty Dolla $ign steps in with another Platinum-worthy joint, “I Need Your Love.”

Blxst - “I Need Your Love (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)" (Official Music Video)

On the official music video, Blxst adds, “I look at Ty Dolla $ign like my sensei in music. Being from LA, he was one of the few that took sonic risks and it always inspired me to do the same. Full circle, to have a record like “I Need Your Love” that pushes taste palates and isn’t confined to one region, that was one off my checklist.”

Blxst debuted songs from 'I’ll Always Come Find You' live for fans in New York earlier this week, at the inaugural Red Bull On The Record. Blxst shares on his debut full-length that “Growing up, I was always a fan of concept albums – ‘Get Rich or Die Trying’, ‘The Carter’, ‘Graduation’ – and particularly, the “hero’s journey” storyline. On ‘I’ll Always Come Find You’, the character Birdie and I have gone through similar experiences but in alternate universes. It’s my way of telling a relatable story while protecting my privacy. This album can be anyone’s story, just hop in the backseat and come along for the ride.”

The car and driver motif is omnipresent throughout the project, whether in the detailed artwork and visuals by Creative Director, Amber Park (previously worked with Gunna, Sabrina Carpenter, Kehlani), or in the sound bites of car doors slamming, engines revving, and faux radio DJs. The narrative elements bring the story to life, with real actors like LaRoyce Hawkins of Chicago P.D. reading the part of Birdie’s father, Big E, and rap pioneer, E-40 playing the role of 95.5 40-Hour Radio host. Hip-hop’s favourite hype man Fatman Scoop also lends his iconic voice to “Too Many Friday Nights,” while the legendary Snoop Dogg’s unmistakable chops introduce “dedication hour” on “To The Moon”.

While Birdie might, Blxst never veers off course on 'I’ll Always Come Find You'. Every sound bite is charged with intention and listeners get a front-row seat to his multi-dimensional artistry. As the journey nears its finale, it’s clear that Birdie has found a version of himself he never knew existed. On “Ten Summers or Better,” the warmth of Kamasi Washington’s grand arrangements in the 21-piece live orchestra signal brighter days ahead, on this note, Blxst says that “sometimes we’re so focused on the destination that we get distracted by everything that’s happening in the present,” he says. “There’s so much beauty around us in real time and if you don’t appreciate it, you’ll never grasp that moment.”

The attention to conceptual details allows the listener to feel like they’re riding in Birdie’s car for the duration of the album, and for West Coast fans, they get to experience just that as Blxst leads a convoy of chauffeured cars across the city of Los Angeles tomorrow. The fleet of vehicles will make their way to Supervsn Studios on Slauson Ave for a celebratory album release party.

About Blxst

The world has come to know Blxst as a culture-shifting multi-hyphenate — singer, rapper, producer, songwriter, executive, Grammy-nominated artist — and a master of all. Leading the new wave of L.A. hip-hop since 2020’s billion-streaming 'No Love Lost' EP, he’s earned multiple career-defining awards, nominated for multiple GRAMMY's, collaborated with global greats, and has always kept his foot on the gas.

He has changed his pace a little bit with his debut album, 'I’ll Always Come Find You': slowing down to reflect on his journey thus far while he looks out to the open road, Blxst has both hands on the wheel and knows exactly where he’s going. Pegged as an “Artist to Watch” by Billboard, Complex, Pigeons & Planes, UPROXX, and more, Blxst continues to traffic in a lane of his own, bringing the game with him now to a new chapter with his new album finally out for the world to hear.

'I’ll Always Come Find You' Tracklist

Act 1/Side A
1. Paper Route (feat. 2 Chainz)
2. “Evgle & Son”
3. Long Way (feat. Amanda Reifer)
4. Want You To Know
5. Selfish Ways

Act 2/Side B
1. Too Many Friday Nights (feat. Fatman Scoop)
2. Reason
3. Risk Taker (feat. Offset)
4. Private Show
5. How Many

Act 3/Side C
1. Bad Idea
2. Thousand Hours (feat. Joony)
3. Dance With The Devil (feat. Anderson .Paak)
4. I Had To
5. Rewind (feat. Feid & Becky G)

Act 4/Side D
1. Better Off Friends
2. Always Something
3. I Need Your Love (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
4. To The Moon
5. Ten Summers Or Better (feat. Kamasi Washington)

 Watch “I Need Your Love” music video here: https://blxst.ffm.to/ineedyourlovemv
Stream 'I’ll Always Come Find You' here: https://blxst.ffm.to/alwayscomefindyou

DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS | RED BULL RECORDS

FOLLOW BLXST

Website

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

TikTok

Source: Secret Signals

Rex Orange County announces new album, The Alexander Technique; releases 2 new singles and music videos

Rex Orange County by Clare Shilland

The Alexander Technique

PRE-SAVE: https://roc.lnk.to/TheAlexanderTechnique

ORDER: https://ROC.lnk.to/xStore

“Alexander”

LISTEN | WATCH

“Guitar Song”

LISTEN | WATCH

Rex Orange County announces his new album The Alexander Technique for release on September 6th via RCA Records. The album was produced entirely by Rex himself alongside Teo Halm (Rosalía, SZA, Beyoncé) and Jim Reed, the latter a member of the Rex Orange County touring band since its inception, in addition to James Blake who produced and features on “Look Me In The Eyes.”

To coincide with the announcement, Rex is sharing two new singles with accompanying music videos, "Alexander" and "Guitar Song," that showcase two distinctly different sides of the album. Album opener "Alexander" arrives with a Nick Walker-directed music video that introduces the inspiration for the album's title while the video for "Guitar Song" features footage of Rex filmed by Alexandra Waespi at Decoy Studios in England during the album's creation.

The Alexander Technique is named for a therapeutic practice in which back pain is treated in order to address deeper health problems, and it’s an apt name for Rex's most raw album to date: what may have begun as a simple exercise in changing the purview of his writing ended up becoming his most confessional, open-hearted album. Stripping back his sound to a skeletal mixture of stream-of-consciousness R&B and indie-folk, while retaining the orchestral lushness that’s become his trademark, The Alexander Technique marks the beginning of Act Two of Rex Orange County's career: a new chapter on which he lays everything bare, no matter how painful that might be.

“The Alexander Technique is very much a look into my own brain and experiences over the last few years – it’s almost a diary,” he says. Longer than any project he’s ever made and more musically varied, The Alexander Technique was made over a matter of years, started before and finished after 2022’s WHO CARES?; listening to it feels like watching an artist grow in real-time, and face all the attending growing pains that come alongside. “I’ve made a lot of love songs over the years, and I feel as though this is the first time I’m trying to make a project about everything in life. In my mind, it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted to make.”

Listen to and watch "Alexander" and "Guitar Song" above now and see below for all The Alexander Techniqueinformation.

The Alexander Technique album artwork

Rex Orange County

The Alexander Technique

(RCA Records)

September 6, 2024

1. Alexander

2. Guitar Song

3. 2008

4. Therapy

5. 4 In The Morning

6. Jealousy

7. The Table

8. Pure

9. One of These Days

10. Carrera

11. Much Too Much

12. Sliding Doors

13. Lost For Words

14. Look Me In The Eyes featuring James Blake

15. New Years

16. Finally

Source: Nyou 

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Justin defies expectations with Radkidz-produced track “kaibigan”

The P-Pop solo act stars in the music video, along with Nicole Omillio of One More Chance stage adaptation and RJ Cruz of The Juans

More photos here

Justin delivers another track with an unfiltered creative pulse.

The promising P-Pop star releases “kaibigan,” an anthemic track that finds the sweet spot most solo artists only dream of: staying true to their roots while harnessing their fully realized potential.

The song channels the agony and frustration of expressing one’s true feelings to a friend—a familiar premise that ends with an intriguing twist to its own brand of storytelling.

“To be honest, there’s no actual or specific inspiration behind the song,” Justin reveals. “I wrote this tune from the perspective of an observer and wanderer: a person who enjoys movies with coming-of-age slant.”

Radkidz collab

Layered with sonic complexities and refreshing builds, “kaibigan” simply defies expectations by giving Justin more room to experiment. Credit goes to Filipino production duo Radkidz (SB19’s Pablo and his brother, Josue), who reconciled Justin’s pop sensibilities with their envelope-pushing ideas. Both Pablo and Josue worked with Justin on his previously released solo tracks, “surreal” and “sunday morning.”

“Similar to surreal, I let them hear my demo in its ukulele version,” Justin shares the production process behind his new track. "At first, it was more of a solemn and calm song, but as we navigated deeper through the collaboration and explored the material and its story, we came up with something that ripped out the emotional layers in the latter part."

The charismatic member of SB19 specifically praised Radkidz for guiding him towards honing his sonic instincts while sticking to the brief.

“They added some interesting builds on the bridge, and made me even scream towards the end. I personally don’t see myself doing that, but there’s always total payoff in accepting the challenge without giving in to your sense of inhibition. I’m actually thrilled with the final output.”

About the music video

SB19’s Justin himself conceptualized the visual narrative that accompanies the track's release. While he is responsible for the flow, the talented multi-hyphenate doesn’t want to take all the credit for the MV, as he takes pride in the collaborative nature of filmmaking. He shares captainship with his team, particularly in coming up with the storyboard and the shot list.

“For the direction of the MV, other than the rough storyboard, we make sure the producer knows the story behind it and what feeling we want to convey. I even sent movies and not just music video pegs for them to really understand what we wanted to achieve,” the 1Z Entertainment act adds.

The music video for “kaibigan” stars theater actress Nicole Omillio, who recently made headlines as Basha on the stage adaptation of the hit movie One More Chance, and RJ Cruz of alternative pop band The Juans.

The concept of the MV captures the complexities of human connection. As the team puts it, the newest single from justin is a reminder that some things are better left unsaid: “kaibigan is an embrace for the unrequited.”

Justin admits, “To be honest, the music video is very easy to digest. And that's what I want: for people to relate to it and feel the story of the music and the music video.”

Justin’s “kaibigan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

Stream Maki, Moira, Johnoy Danao, Ice, VXON, and other PhilPop Himig Handog finalists!

Maki, Moira, Johnoy Danao, Ice, VXON, Ferdinand Aragon, and more, join this year’s esteemed roster of interpreters

Download the other photos here

PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Competition has released a compilation featuring the top 12 songs that made it to the final round.

The diverse selection of fully produced tunes was handpicked by the two music institutions (PhilPop and Himig Handog), who have made history by teaming up to find the next wave of global superstars and industry titans.

According to Jonathan Manalo, the creative director of ABS-CBN Music, the final roster of tracks was determined through a rigorous adjudication process. The selection of songs involved direct consultation with the songwriters to determine the creative direction of their respective material and identify collaborators who aligned with their overall vision for the competition.

Manalo explains, “We then shortlisted possible interpreters for each track, and a lot of things had to be considered or fall into place. The next steps include choosing an artist that fits the genre and production schedule. We couldn’t simply pick someone based on name value. They had to make sense in terms of style, the songwriter’s vision, and overall commitment to the song, among others.”

Some of the artists who interpreted the songs include chart-topping R&B sensation Maki, award-winning singer-songwriters Moira and Johnoy Danao, folk-pop icon Ice Seguerra, recording pop artist Jolianne, Cebuano pride Ferdinand Aragon, P-Pop boyband VXON, and newcomers: KHIMO; LykaEstrella, Annrain, and Geca Morales; Kurt Fick; Noah Alejandre; Shantel Cyline and Extrapolation; and FANA and Tiara Shaye.

Dinah Remolacio, PhilPop Executive Producer, also emphasized the importance of finding the right team of producers when developing the final version of the songs.

“Respect for language was also taken into consideration as we wanted artists who naturally spoke the languages that are not necessarily Tagalog and not someone who would pretend to sing in a language that he or she wasn’t familiar with. Overall, the production was a process that required a lot of components to fall into place, as well as a lot of patience and dedication. But we’re excited for people to finally hear these songs.”

The shortlisted entries explore the different facets of OPM in a modern, globalized setting while retaining its unique storytelling style and individuality. Based on the final output alone, the pioneering batch of PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Competition stays true to its unwavering commitment to promoting OPM on a scale that’s never been done before: break new territories

and captivate the international audience with music that is distinctly global yet very Pinoy.

As Manalo puts it, “The Top 12 have been very proactive and collaborative in their tracks. They really care about the final output of their songs, and there’s a drive to achieve their vision for their respective tracks. There was definitely a conscious effort, not just to make these songs globally competitive but also to make them a beautiful reflection of this generation’s stories and context. I think what we’ll hear for this batch is a representation of the current landscape of OPM that’s very diverse, young, and vibrant.”

Remolacio adds, “I think you can expect a fresh batch of pop songs that have the ability to break borders globally and represent the diverse but interconnected culture of our country. We hope that through these tracks, our local fandoms will be proud of our music, and we hope that these songs will strengthen the local music scene and the music breaking borders movement.”

Check out the Top 12 entries in alphabetical order:

1. ATM

Composer: Francis Contemplacion

Interpreter: Ice Seguerra

2. Buhi

Composer: Keith John Quito

Interpreter: Ferdinand Aragon

3. Dili Na Lang

Composer: Relden Campanilla

Interpreter: Jolianne

4. Ghostwriter

Composer: Kevin Yadao

Interpreter: KHIMO

5. Kurba

Composer: Alvin Serito

Interpreter: Maki

6. Langit Lupa

Composer: Geca Morales

Interpreter: Lyka Estrella, Annrain, and Geca Morales

7. MHWG

Composer: Rob Angeles

Interpreter: VXON

8. Papahiram

Composer: Rinz Ruiz

Interpreter: Moira Feat. Johnoy Danao

9. Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)

Composer: Jimmy Ricks

Interpreter: Kurt Fick

10. Taliwala

Composer: Maric Gavino

Interpreter: Noah Alejandre

11. Tulala

Composer: Shantel Cyline Lapatha

Interpreter: Shantel Cyline and Extrapolation

12. Wag Paglaruan

Composer: Tiara Shaye

Interpreter: FANA Feat. Tiara Shaye

PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival is an initiative of PhilPop Music Foundation and Himig Handog and ABS CBN Music. This year’s game-changing event remains unwavering in its obligation to come up with innovative approaches in music-making and songwriting that are at par with international standards. The event is co-presented by Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., and in partnership with TuneCore.

Stream the top 12 on Spotify and all digital streaming platformsworldwide. 

Source: Nyou

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili appreciates simple things in life on new single “River By The Sea”

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili marvels with childlike wonder on the release of her new single, “River By The Sea.”

Produced by The Ringmaster’s Francis Lorenzo, who has worked with artists such as Clara Benin, UDD, and Ang Bandang Shirley, the lush, folk-pop track finds joy in exploring nature and igniting one’s curiosity about the simplest things in life.

Leah considers her recent travel trip to Yosemite Park with her family two summers ago to be a songwriting inspiration for the track. “We were all in awe of this majestic place. We had witnessed everything from the peaks through the canyons, cliffs, rivers, and lush green meadows.”

She adds that the song expresses her willingness to learn, heal,and see more of the world’s beauty, not wanting to miss out on anything while still being capable of experiencing the best things that nature has to offer.

“River By The Sea” expands her capabilities as a musician by further embellishing her sound with a more organic approach. Accompanied by stripped-down guitars and minimal keys, the song incorporates percussive elements like banging on wood and using an acorn to add a natural aspect to her sonic tapestry. The result is a rich, rewarding material that showcases her more genuine and adventurous take on musicality and production—of course with guidance from her producer Francis Lorenzo.

Also contributing to the songwriting aspects of the track is Leah Halili’s partner, Nikee Bañares, who laid down a melodic guitar as she was writing the song in its initial stages.

“He had made a beautiful melody to which he asked me to add my lyrics, and we worked on the demo together,” Leah reveals. “It took a while for us to record the song, as we wanted to wait until it was recorded in an actual studio.”

The song will be part of a 6-track EP to be released by the end of 2024 or early next year.

The Changes act explains, “I do plan to release an EP as soon as I have all my singles remastered and find a common concept. I am currently writing more songs to add and as much as I want to give more details, I want to leave room for surprise! I hope people can stay tuned and continue to support my love for creating music.”

Leah Halili’s “River By The Sea” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou