JENNIE RELEASES NEW SINGLE “LOVE HANGOVER” FEATURING DOMINIC FIKE

WATCH THE CINEMATIC VISUAL HERE

FIRST STUDIO ALBUM RUBY ARRIVESMARCH 7

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE HERE

SET TO PLAY INTIMATE SHOWS IN LOS ANGELES, NYC AND SEOUL

Today, JENNIE has released her brand-new single “Love Hangover” featuring Dominic Fike out via ODDATELIER/Columbia Records. Listen HERE. Lifted from her forthcoming album Ruby, due March 7, “Love Hangover” explores an undeniable attraction to someone who’s both toxic and intoxicating. With raw, confessional lyrics and a sound that balances vulnerability and intensity, the song captures the struggle of breaking free from a connection that won’t let go.

“Love Hangover” arrives alongside an official videodirected by Bradley & Pablo (Harry Styles, Lil Nas X), which was shot in Mexico City. The cinematic visual finds Jennie in a series of dates with the same guy, played by Charles Melton¸ each encounter ending in the same tragic fate, perfectly capturing the cycle of temptation and heartbreak that defines the song's narrative. Watch HERE.

Featuring “Love Hangover”, “ZEN”, as well as previously released single “Mantra”, Ruby, takes listeners on a sonic experience that explores variety of genres and showcases JENNIE truly stepping into her own as a global force. The eagerly anticipated album also features collaborations with Childish Gambino, Doechii, Dominic Fike, Dua Lipa and Kali Uchis. Ruby is available for pre-order/pre-save HERE.

To celebrate the release of Ruby, JENNIE will be performing a few intimate shows. The Ruby Experience kicks off in LA on March 6 at the Peacock Theater, before making its way to the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City on March 10, and Seoul’s Inspire Arena on March 15.  JENNIE will also be making her solo Coachella debut where she will have prominent sets on Sunday of both weekends.

The Ruby Experience Dates:​

Thursday, March 6​Los Angeles, CA​Peacock Theater

Friday, March 7​Los Angeles, CA​Peacock Theater​

Monday, March 10​New York, NY​​Radio City Music Hall​​

Saturday, March 15​Seoul, South Korea​Inspire Arena

Pre-order/Pre-save Ruby HERE

FOLLOW JENNIE

Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | X

 Source: Sony Music

Jolianne navigates self-discovery and emotional growth in coming-of-age debut EP, Plain Girl

The rising pop/R&B star tells her story of young love, independence, and finding her place in the new world in this 6-track project

Cebuana singer-songwriter Jolianne releases her debut EP, Plain Girl, via Sony Music Entertainment and Careless Music.

Written between the ages of 16 and 20, the coming-of-age record captures the transformative period of a young woman navigating the complexities of teenage life, embracing both the charm and chaos of self-discovery. It also explores the trials, triumphs, and messiness of stepping into adulthood while confronting the uncertainties of love, identity, and independence.

Drawing from her own experiences as she graduated from high school, moved to a new city, and began her journey as an artist, Plain Girl serves as a celebration of self-discovery. The EP blends R&B-infused pop with a sense of whimsical nostalgia, revealing the beauty of her formative years.

“My life flipped entirely,” admits the Halfway There act. “I awkwardly stumbled my way through first encounters with emotions and challenges I’d never faced before. Those years were as much about growing as a person as they were about developing as an artist. It was a time of trial and error, giving myself the permission to fail and figure things out along the way. Or, as the saying goes: “f*** around, find out.”

The album, which Jolianne describes as a “story of self-discovery,” finds her thrusted into a larger, more complicated world. She adds, “It's about a girl who has lived in her own bubble, untouched by the complexities of life and love, suddenly finding herself on the brink of transformation. Through these songs, I wanted to capture the innocence and uncertainty of taking those first steps into a bigger, more complicated world—opening her heart to love, embracing vulnerability, and navigating emotions she’s never felt before. It’s a story of growth, self-discovery, and the beauty of experiencing the unknown, all through the eyes of someone who is just starting to find her place in it all.”

Plain Girl (EP) showcases Jolianne’s ability to seamlessly integrate pop sensibilities with a modern R&B vibe, while incorporating elements of Disney whimsy. The introspective project features an all-star roster of producers and collaborators, including JGreg for “Maybe I’m Yours” and “Afterthought,” RJ Pineda for the self-titled track and “I’ll Be Somebody You Want,” jonahbru as well for “Plain Girl” and De’La for “Let Me Down Easy,” and Isagani Palabyab for “Are You Happy Now (Take One).”

Despite the diversity in production, Jolianne and her team successfully maintained a cohesive artistic vision throughout the record. “Thankfully, they all made sure to put my artistic identity at the forefront, and because I had worked with them previously, they already had a strong understanding of my vision,” the rising Careless Music starshares. “Collaborating with such a diverse group of producers was refreshing. Each brought their unique takes to the table, and it was so inspiring to dive into their creative worlds, pick their brains, and witness their process in real time.”

The lead single, “Let Me Down Easy” is a soulful piano-driven ballad that highlights Jolianne’s remarkable vocal prowess. Inspired by the emotional complexity of an unfulfilled relationship, the song essays the feeling of witnessing a relationship fade while grappling with the uncertainty of where things stand.

Jolianne reveals, “At its core, it’s a plea for closure and kindness: If you’re gon’ let me down, then let me down easy, asking for a gentle goodbye when love feels like it’s coming to an end. This, I wrote about a boy I never even dated. Even ‘situationship’ is too big a word for what we had. It was simply a ‘situation,’ but I’m a girl with big feelings, so I got a song out of it anyway.”

Jolianne’s debut EP, Plain Girl is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The live performance video of “Let Me Down Easy” drops at 8 pm on Jolianne’s official YouTube channel.

Source: Nyou

Sasha Alex Sloan Brings New Depth to Arcane’s Soundtrack

New Single Will Be Featured On Deluxe Extended Album Dropping In Spring 2025

Soundtrack Has Already Amassed Over 1.1 BillionGlobal Streams

WATCH & STREAM “WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO US” HERE

Riot Games and Virgin Music Group reveal a stirring new version of “What Have They Done to Us,” featuring the haunting and enigmatic vocals of Sasha Alex Sloan. This transformative take on the standout track from Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 (Soundtrack From The Animated Series)breathes fresh emotion and depth into the original composition by Mako and Grey. The single will be featured on a deluxe extended edition of the season 2 soundtrack, which will be released in spring 2025 and will include several additional remixes and features.

Sasha’s version unfolds like an intimate duet, offering fans a fresh perspective that captures the essence of the song’s narrative. A longtime fan of Arcane, Sasha’s inclusion in the deluxe edition of the soundtrack feels like the perfect harmony between artist and series.

“I’m a huge fan of the show, and when I got presented with the opportunity, I was SO excited! I’ve been patiently waiting for this to come out, and I feel so lucky to be involved in such an amazing project. I hope people enjoy my small part in this incredible show,” said Sasha Alex Sloan.

The Arcane season 2 soundtrack has already achieved remarkable success since its full release on November 22, 2024, and has amassed over 1.1 billion global streams. The original track by Mako and Grey has already achieved remarkable success, amassing over 17.2M global streams, including an impressive 1.5M streams from Southeast Asia alone since its release on November 23, 2024. The soundtrack made a strong debut at #26 on the Top 200 Albums chart, solidifying its impact on the global music scene.

Featured during a pivotal moment in Arcane, the track underscored the emotional reunion and complex stories of Vander/Warwick, Vi, and Jinx/Powder, adding depth to their intricate relationships. Its haunting melodies and evocative lyrics resonated deeply with fans, amplifying the tension and heartbreak of the scene, making it an unforgettable part of the series' storytelling.

The second season of Arcane debuted at #1 on Netflix on November 9, 2024 and reached the global top 10 English TV in 91 countries. Across both seasons, Arcane has spent a total of 15 weeks in the global Top 10 English TV list. The animated series, one of Netflix’s most successful animated series ever, is created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee. Executive producers include Linke, Marc Merrill, and Brandon Beck. Fortiche Production directed and produced the Arcane animation, under the direction of the founders Pascal Charrue and Arnaud Delord.

ABOUT RIOT GAMES

Riot Games was founded in 2006 to develop, publish, and support the most player-focused games in the world. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, which has gone on to be one of the most-played PC games in the world (150M monthly players). In the years that followed, Riot released VALORANT, Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, and League of Legends: Wild Rift. Riot’s titles have led to the creation of some of the most-watched and widely recognized esports in the world, culminating in events like the League of Legends World Championship and VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), which are watched by millions of fans each year. Riot has also expanded its IP through multimedia projects across music, comic books, board games, and Arcane, its Emmy-winning animated series.

ABOUT RIOT GAMES MUSIC

Riot Games Music (RGM) builds on Riot’s fandom at the intersection of gaming and music — fostering partnerships with artists who can take the global player experience to the next level through music, live events, and IP expansion. RGM has amassed a catalog of nearly 1,000 songs including 11 original Esports Anthems for the annual League of Legends World Championships, which have collectively amassed over 10 billion streams across DSPs. These anthems have been performed by superstars including Linkin Park, Lil Nas X, Imagine Dragons, Zedd, NewJeans and many more.

Most recently, RGM and Virgin Music Group released Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 (Soundtrack From The Animated Series), the soundtrack to the second season of Riot’s hit Emmy-winning Netflix series Arcane. The album has amassed over 1.1 billion global streams and features tracks from a diverse group of artists including Linkin Park co-vocalists Mike Shinoda & Emily Armstrong, Twenty One Pilots, Imagine Dragons, Stromae, Stray Kids, d4vd, Ashnikko and more.

Riot Games Music is also known for being a leader in virtual artistry including artists like K/DA, a record breaking K-Pop inspired girl-group based on some of the most popular female champions in League of Legends, whose music has received over 1.2 billion streams. Their single “POP/STARS” recently was certified platinum by the RIAA, and they have amassed over 3 million followers on Spotify. Other Riot virtual artists include Riot’s newest band HEARTSTEEL, heavy metal band Pentakill, hip-hop band True Damage, DJ Sona and Seraphine.

ABOUT VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP

Virgin Music Group is the world’s leading partner to independent music companies and artists who require a standalone team with global infrastructure and local expertise in every major music market around the world. Virgin Music Group offers compelling, efficient, and highly  flexible global solutions with the most advanced marketing technology available for independent record labels, artists and entrepreneurs who want to succeed. www.virginmusic.com

ABOUT FORTICHE PRODUCTION

Founded in 2009 by Jérôme Combe, Pascal Charrue, and Arnaud Delord, Fortiche Production is a multi-award-winning animation studio, with a unique graphic signature and staging style that blends 2D and 3D techniques and aesthetics. With ambitious directing, the studio creates captivating content aimed at adult and young adult audiences.

One of its most notable achievements is the critically acclaimed series Arcane, based on the RIOT Games’ IP “League of Legends” and available on Netflix and Tencent. Prior to developing the series, the studio produced cinematic videos including League of Legends: Rise, League of Legends: K/DA - POP/STARS, and League of Legends: Warriors - generating billions of views on YouTube - as well as music videos for Coldplay and Gorillaz, and the Rocket & Groot series for Marvel Studios.

With a focus on pushing creative boundaries and exceeding expectations, Fortiche Production aspires to create new cinematic experiences at the intersection of animation, live-action filmmaking, and pop culture in all its forms.

Based in Paris, with additional studios in Montpellier and Las Palmas (Spain), Fortiche's teams are composed of hundreds of professionals (up to 450 for Arcane Season 2) covering all stages of development, direction, and production of animated films.

ABOUT SASHA ALEX SLOAN

Sasha Alex Sloan is a powerhouse singer-songwriter redefining modern indie-pop with her raw, heart-wrenching lyrics and effortlessly cool sound. Breaking out as a songwriter for pop giants like Camila Cabello and Charli XCX, Sasha quickly carved her own lane with a signature blend of melancholy and magic. Her hauntingly beautiful voice and brutally honest anthems like Dancing With Your Ghost and Lie have earned her a cult following, racking up over billions of global streams and landing her on major festival stages like Lollapalooza and Coachella. With multiple RIAA Gold-certified hits, collaborations with artists like Kygo and Sam Hunt, and a dedicated fanbase hanging onto every lyric, Sasha proves she’s not just a songwriter—she’s a generational voice turning heartbreak into gold. Her latest album, "Me Again," released in May, showcases her most candid work to date. Currently, Sasha is captivating audiences worldwide on her "Me Again" tour, bringing her raw and beautiful lyricism to stages across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Connect with Sasha Alex Sloan:

YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Connect with Mako:

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Connect with Grey:

Instagram | Facebook | X

Please contact mabuhay@blackstar.space for more information.

Source: Blackstar

Tanaw Collective releases their first official single "Landslide"

Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas bring new meaning to a timeless classic

Photo by Kris Rocha. Download more photos here

Manila, Philippines – Tanaw Collective, a newly formed supergroup comprised of celebrated singer-songwriters AcelBisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas, releases their first official single, “Landslide,” today across all digital music platforms worldwide.

A poignant and minimalist cover of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic 1975 hit, “Landslide” represents their shared sentiment of letting go and embracing new beginnings both in careers and personal lives. The track conveys a collective journey of maturity, acceptance, and spiritual growth, marking another chapter in their musical evolution.

“Landslide is a song that we all know and love,” shares Barbie Almalbis. “I think each of us has covered it at some point. The first version I actually heard was the Smashing Pumpkins cover. I was in high school, and I immediately connected with it. The song’s themes of life, love, and the shifting seasons have only deepened in meaning for us as we’ve all grown older together.”

Aia de Leon recalls the pivotal moment when Hannah Romawac sparked the idea to record the song. “This seems to have launched the habit of us recording songs after we have jammed it,” the Sundo act explains. “I can’t stress enough how awesome it truly is to be able to have all these tools and technology available to artists nowadays. All of us have recording capabilities at different levels. For this track, we recorded in different places—Barbie’s home studio became the hub for Acel, Lougee, and Hannah, while Kitchie recorded her vocal takes with her trusty Rode condenser mic in her home in Spain. I also recorded my vocal tracks here from home on the south side.”

Almalbis adds, “Recording with the girls is always such a fun experience—50% work and 50% catching up. It’s a blessing to do something we love with people we love.”

The stripped-down version of “Landslide” was mixed and mastered by Angee Rozul and is being distributed via House of Tunes.

Tanaw Collective stands as a testament to the power of women-led collaborations, with this new initiative set to explore a wide range of creative ventures, including collaborative music releases, live performances, and other projects that amplify female voices in the music industry.

Fans can look forward to hearing the special arrangement of “Landslide” live at the Tanaw: The Repeat concert, scheduled for February 9, 2025 (Sunday), at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City at 8:00 PM. The sold-out concert celebrates the enduring bond between the iconic artists and their devoted fans, offering new interpretations of their beloved original songs and enhanced by a symphonic backing from The Manila String Machine on select tracks.

Tanaw: The Repeat is presented by Newport World Resorts, co-presented by GNN and Wow Fiesta, with official hotel partner Holiday Inn Express. Major sponsors include JB Music, Ming’s Pei Pa Koa Candy, David’s Salon, Apartment8, and Globatronics, while minor sponsors include Greenwich, Palladium, UGEC, Payaba, and Meiji Chocolates.

This concert marks a monumental moment for TanawCollective, as it brings together the talents of these women whose individual and collective contributions have profoundly shaped the Pinoy rock scene for decades.

Source: Nyou

Imago marks new music chapter with the release of “Gulong-Gulo”

The alt-rock quartet Imago joins Sony Music Entertainment’s esteemed roster

Filipino alt-rock band Imago has officially signed with Sony Music Entertainment, joining an impressive roster of local acts. The signing marks a significant milestone for the band, who are set to embark on an exciting new venture with the renowned global label.

To kick off their collaboration, Imago will release their much-anticipated new single, “Gulong-Gulo” on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 12:00 AM (midnight).

The dreamy track is a sonic exploration of love’s complexities, blending lush textures with crystalline guitar tones and subtle drumming. Lyrically, “Gulong-Gulo” explores the emotional tug-of-war in choosing to fight for a relationship rather than letting it fade instantly. The band admits, “It's more of a reflection of how a relationship can be. There will always be highs and lows, and it's about knowing that your relationship is bigger than the occasional fights, so you fix it.”

Produced by Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, the track also features an arrangement by Zabala, with contributions from Badjao de Castro of IV of Spades, who adds a fresh and distinct approach to drumming. The understated groove and remarkable sophistication in the rhythm section perfectly complement the band’s musical evolution, offering a richer listening experience for the streaming audience.

Imago is composed of Kharren "Kurei" Granada(vocals), Myrene "Maps" Academia (bass), Tim Cacho(guitar), and Mervin Panganiban (drums). For more than two decades, the pop-rock quartet has solidified their presence as one of the most influential bands for the last two decades—thanks to their uncompromised versatility and top-notch musicality. Their debut album, Probably Not But Most Definitely was regarded by critics as a game-changing release for merging alternative rock with ethnic, world, and Celtic music influences.

The follow-up albums, Take 2 and Blush yielded more hits for the band, including chart-topping songs “Akap,” “Anino,” “Taralets,” and “Sundo.” With lineup changes and an ever-evolving sound, the band has managed to maintain their legacy with music releases that showcase emotional vulnerability and depth. Imago is currently working on their forthcoming EP, which will be released soon.

Imago’s “Gulong-Gulo” will be available for streaming on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Pre-save here.

Source: Nyou

Peaceful Gemini delivers a message of strength, divine wisdom and progress on new single “Piece of Gem”

With the new track, the Filipina rapper/songwriter continues to prove herself as one of the most promising new voices in modern hip-hop

Peaceful Gemini, the acclaimed Filipina rapper and songwriter, returns with her latest single “Piece of Gem,” out today via Sony Music Entertainment. With this new track, the multi-talented artist takes another step in her music journey as she embraces the growth, resilience and clarity she’s gained along the way, while getting rid of deceitful energies that no longer serve her purpose.

Known for her authentic approach to storytelling, Peaceful Gemini reflects on her evolution as both an artist and an individual on her latest song, grounding her success in struggle and perseverance.

“It’s all about making moves—making a commitment to progression and growth,” shares the Warrior Princessherself. “This song allowed me to acknowledge the strength and resilience that was shaped by my origins, environment, and the challenges I’ve faced. It’s a reminder that wellness comes from a holistic perspective: tapping into ancestral guidance, trusting God’s divine timing, and embracing life’s natural cycle as we rise with the sun.”

The acclaimed Filipino emcee also reveals that fame and external validation don’t define her at all. With this song, she leans into the lightness and warmth of love, offering a rare, unfiltered glimpse into her artistry and philosophy.

“What matters to me is sharing my message to listeners who can resonate with it or feel recognized or represented by the music,” she adds.

“Piece of Gem” is written by Peaceful Gemini herself, and produced by Mesklun, whose work fuses the energy of boombap with contemporary hip-hop elements. Marked by a unique bounce and refined sensibility, Mesklun’sproduction style complements Peaceful Gemini’s effortless flow, resulting in a track that feels both suave and grounded.

“This track stands out because it diverges from the classic PG boom bap sound and flow,” says the acclaimed hip-hop artist. “It’s more refined, modern, and polished — an evolution of my artistry — and I absolutely love it.”

Peaceful Gemini’s “Piece of Gem” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

Crossover J-Pop superstar Kenshi Yonezu releases new song Bow and Arrow, theme song for the anime series Medalist

Japanese hitmaker KENSHI YONEZU, released a new song “BOW AND ARROW”, a song written as the theme song for the coming new anime series Medalist, streamed by Disney+ worldwide from Jan.4.

"I’ve been an avid fan of the original manga. When I saw that the manga was going to be made into an anime, I couldn’t resist reaching out to offer my music. That’s how it led to the creation of “BOW AND ARROW”. It's a great manga, I urge every human being to read this manga series. I'm also anticipating the anime as just a viewer. Wait there for the song as well.” Yonezu shares.

A brand-new anime series from Japan, Medalist, which tells the story of figure skating coach Tsukasa, who is a man haunted by his past failures, works tirelessly to mold his latest student into a championship medalist. The series is based on an award-winning manga by TSURUMAIKADA, which won the first place in The Next Manga Award 2022, an award for manga series presented by Kadokawa, and the Best General Manga at Kodansha's 48th annual Manga Awards in May, 2024. Yasutaka Yamamoto (Noblesse) is directing the anime at ENGI. Jukki Hanada (Love Live! Sunshine!!) is in charge of the series composition and screenplay. Chinatsu Kameyama (In Another World With My Smartphone) is designing the characters. Yuki Hayashi is composing the Ost music. The former Olympic skater Akiko Suzuki is choreographing the skating routines in the anime, in collaboration with retired figure skater Yuhana Yokoi and active competitive figure skater Hinano Isobe.

Medalist is out on Disney+ around the world and on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in the United States on January 4^th, the video of the opening of the anime with the “BOW AND ARROW” is also viewable now with the main characters in all their dynamism. Watch Here.

Following an extensive 20-date run across Japan, the multitalented Japanese hitmaker and singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu will head to his first U.S., Asia, and European performances of his career, with historic shows produced in Shanghai by STARGROUP, Taipei by BIGART, and all others by Live Nation. Shanghai for two consecutive shows on March 8th & March 9th at Mercedes-benz Arena, Taipei on March 15th & March 16th at Taipei Arena, the tour continues in Seoul on March 22nd & March 23rd at INSPIRE Arena. The European leg begins March 30th at London’s Eventim Apollo and April 1st at Paris’ Zenith. The tour will then move to the U.S., with a performance at the world-famous Radio City Music Hall in New York on April 4th and at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater on April 6th.

ABOUT MEDALIST:

Medalist, the story of figure skating coach Tsukasa, who is a man haunted by his past failures, works tirelessly to mold his latest student into a championship medalist. The series is based on the original manga by TSURUMAIKADA, which appeared in the Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon seinen manga magazine. Yasutaka Yamamoto has directed the show, which has been created by the animation studio ENGI. Stars Natsumi Haruse, Takeo Otsuka, Kana Ichinose, Yuma Uchida and Makoto Koichi. Medalist is out from January 4^th, 2025, on Disney+ around the world and on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States.

ABOUT KENSHI YONEZU

After gaining success with Vocaloid music under the stage name Hachi, Kenshi Yonezu began producing under his real name in 2012. In addition to music, he has attracted attention for his album cover illustrations and video productions. The video for his hit single “Lemon”, the long-running theme song for the TV series Unnatural, is the most-viewed music video in Japan, and topped Billboard Japan’s year-end charts for two consecutive years, leaving a mark on music history both in Japan and abroad.

His 2020 album STRAY SHEEP set a record of 1.9 million copies sold with the highest-placing Japanese artist ever to appear on the IFPI year-end global ranking chart. He continued to work tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic, including performing as the first Asian in a virtual concert hosted by the online game Fortnite. Collaborated globally with UNIQLO on their UT collection with the storefront collaboration displays in NY and other 8 UNIQLO stores worldwide. He was awarded an AAC Award, listed in Forbes’ 100 Asian Digital Stars, and received the Minister of NEWS RELEASE Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists.

In 2022, he released “M87” as the theme song for the film Shin Ultraman, and “POP SONG” as the theme song for a PlayStation commercial. His single “KICK BACK,” the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, made Spotify’s Global Top 50, and became the first Japanese-language song certified Gold by RIAA®. He was also selected as the first and only Japanese artist to be a part of the “RIAA Class of 2023”, with which the association summarized the artists who had flourished in the year.

In 2023, Yonezu released “Tsuki Wo Miteita - Moongazing” as the theme song for the RPG game Final Fantasy XVI, and “Chikyugi - Spinning Globe” – the theme song Studio Ghibli’s animated film The Boy and the Heron (Academy Award Winner for Best Animated Feature, 2024), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

In August 2024, Yonezu wrote “Garakuta – JUNK”, the theme song of the movie LAST MILE, and released his sixth studio album, LOST CORNER. In September, Yonezu released an exclusive line of graphic tees in collaboration with Uniqlo, as part of their ongoing UT series celebrating pop culture from around the world. After 11 years, Hachi (Kenshi Yonezu) himself created a new illustration for the VOCALOID song “Donut Hole”, and a fully animated music video based on the illustration. Original chocolate was also released from Godiva Japan as the “GODIVA x HACHI Donut Hole Collection” from October as the first time for Godiva worldwide to create a chocolate collection lineup in collaboration with an artist. In November Yonezu released “Azalea”, a song written as the theme song for the global Netflix series Beyond Goodbye.

In 2025, Yonezu is heading to a world tour – KENSHI YONEZU 2025 TOUR / JUNK – following an extensive 20-date run across Japan, Shanghai and Taipei, the tour continues in Seoul for two consecutive shows on March 22nd & March 23rd at INSPIRE Arena. The European leg begins March 30th at London’s Eventim Apollo and April 1st at Paris’ Zenith. The tour will then move to the U.S., with a performance at the world-famous Radio City Music Hall in New York on April 4th and at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater on April 6th.

As for Yonezu’s music videos, “Lemon” has surpassed 900 million views, continuing to break the records of Japanese artists.  It is one of the 16 music videos of his songs that garnered him a commanding record of surpassing 100 million views each (“Lemon,” “Eine Kleine,” “LOSER,” “Peace Sign,” “Haiirotoao (+Masaki Suda),” “orion,” “Flamingo,” “Kanden,” “Fireworks,” “Paprika,” “Shunrai,” “Uma to Shika,” “Spirits of the Sea,” “KICK BACK,” Foorin’s“Paprika” and Masaki Suda’s “Machigaisagashi”). He has over 7.48million subscribers on his official YouTube channel.

 Source: Nyou

XG to Drop Remix Project XDM Unidentified Waves on 31 January

Trailblazing hip-hop/R&B-inspired girl group XG has announced their new release, XDM Unidentified Waves, arriving this Friday, 31 January.

Under the visionary direction of XGALX founder and Executive Producer JAKOPS (SIMON JUNHO PARK), XDM Unidentified Waves takes XG's signature sound to uncharted territory. The project reimagines their music in genres like Jersey Club, Big Room, Future House, Trance, Piano House, and Hard Rock, offering a fresh and bold musical dimension.

Highlighting their signature "X" as the creative cornerstone, this release presents listeners with an extraordinary X-POP experience, blending reimagined sounds that transcend boundaries. XDM Unidentified Waves is a sonic journey into the unknown, aligning with XGALX's ethos of "New Breed, Breaking Boundaries," and their mission to break down barriers and create new cultural movements.

2024 was a landmark year for XG. Their second mini-album, AWE, debuted on the U.S. Billboard 200 and topped the Billboard Heatseekers Album chart. Their first world tour, XG 1st WORLD TOUR ‘The first HOWL’, covered 26 cities with 29 performances, captivating over 200,000 fans across Asia, North America, the UK, and Europe.

The momentum continues in 2025, with additional performances in Japan (Nagoya, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka), Australia (Sydney, Melbourne), and China (Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu). A South American tour is also in the works.

This April, XG will achieve another milestone as the only Japanese act confirmed to perform at the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2025, cementing their status as a global phenomenon.

Mark your calendars: XG’s groundbreaking project XDM Unidentified Waves will be available on all major digital platforms on 31 January.

Download album artwork here

XDM Unidentified Waves Tracklist

1. HESONOO + X-GENE x XDM

2. GRL GVNG x XDM

3. WOKE UP x XDM

4. SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT x XDM

5. TGIF x XDM

6. PUPPET SHOW x XDM

7. TIPPY TOES x XDM

8. NEW DANCE x XDM

###

About XG

XG is a seven-member HIPHOP/R&B girl group consisting of JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA. The name "XG" stands for "Xtraordinary Girls", and through their dynamic music and performances, XG aims to inspire and empower fans from diverse backgrounds around the globe.

Debuting in March 2022 with their single “Tippy Toes”, XG is part of the global entertainment production "XGALX", an organisation committed to fostering bold culture and nurturing artists with unique worldviews.

In September 2023, XG released their first mini album, NEW DNA, which soared to the top of the Billboard Japan "Hot Albums" chart. The same year, they held their first solo live showcase, "XG 'NEW DNA' SHOWCASE in JAPAN", at PIA Arena MM. With an emphasis on global reach, XG has performed at major music festivals across the Unites States, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, and more. They’ve made history as the first Japanese act to top Billboard’s "Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter" chart and became the first Japanese girl group to feature on the cover of Billboard magazine, achieving multiple groundbreaking milestones internationally.

In 2024, XG launched their first-ever world tour, XG 1st WORLD TOUR 'The First HOWL', and released their second mini-album, AWE, which marked their debut on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

In April 2025, XG will make history as the only Japanese artists set to perform at the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, one of the largest and most renowned music events in the United States.

Follow XG

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

 Source: Blackstar

For more information please contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

LISA ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE “BORN AGAIN” FT. DOJA CAT AND RAYE OUT FEBRUARY 6

Photo credit: Jacob Webster 

(January 24, 2025) – Today, world renowned rapper, singer, dancer, and style icon, LISA announces her new single “Born Again” ft. Doja Cat and Raye. The highly anticipated single will be released on February 6, 2025 - pre save HERE and see the announcement HERE. 

“Born Again” ft. Doja Cat and Raye will be featured on LISA’s highly anticipated debut solo album, Alter Ego, out February 28. Pre-order/save the album HERE. 

2025 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for LISA. In addition to releasing her new album, she will be making her debut acting role in season three of HBO’s The White Lotus which premieres on February 16. And in April, LISA will return to the desert, this time to make her solo debut at Coachella. 

FOLLOW LISA: INSTAGRAM 

About LISA 

LISA is a rapper, singer, and dancer best known as a member of the globally renowned K-pop girl group, BLACKPINK. Beyond her success with BLACKPINK, LISA has made a name for herself as a solo artist and has  broken several records globally with singles “Lalisa” and “Money” charting in the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200. “Money” holds the record as the longest-charting song by a solo female K-pop artist on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and on the U.K. Singles Chart. LISA broke three Guinness World Records in 2023 as the most Instagram followers for a K-pop artist (currently at 104 Million followers on the platform), she is also the first solo K-pop winner at both the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV European Music Awards.

In 2024, LISA launched her own management company, LLOUD CO., in an effort to create a platform to showcase her overall vision in music and entertainment that pushes boundaries. In partnership with LLOUD Co. and RCA Records, LISA released her first solo single under the partnership, “Rockstar” which was produced by Ryan Tedder and Sam Homaee. She then joined forces with GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Rosalía to release her second single,  “New Woman,” followed by her third single, “Moonlit Floor.” She first teased “Moonlit Floor” during  her solo festival debut at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City and following the song’s official release, she had a showstopping performance at the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. 

Along with her global dominance in music and unparalleled stage presence, she is known for her unique fashion sense and trendsetting style, making her a prominent force in the global fashion industry. LISA graced the cover of ELLE Magazine’s highly coveted September issue in 2024 and Louis Vuitton announced LISA as their newest House Ambassador and she continues to be the face of Bulgari. 

Outside of music, LISA is set to star in the upcoming season of the hit HBO Original series, The White Lotus, season 3. This role will mark her major on screen debut and is filming in her native Thailand.

LISA will release her highly anticipated debut solo album, ALTER-EGO, on February 28 and make her solo Coachella debut in April. 

For more information on LISA, please contact The LEDE Company :

Christopher Iacullo | chris.iacullo@ledecompany.com 

Kristin Somin | kristin.somin@ledecompany.com

Alex Labrie | alex.labrie@ledecompany.com

Emily Leonard | emily.leonard@ledecompany.com

For more information on RCA Records, please contact:

Jamie Abzug |  jamie.abzug@rcarecords.com

Source: Sony Music Philippines

Number_i Celebrates 1st Anniversary with New Single "GOD_i" to Inspire Courage and Connection

LISTEN TO GOD_i

WATCH GOD_i OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Download artwork here

J-pop sensation Number_i, comprising Hirano Sho, Jinjuji Yuta, and Kishi Yuta, has released their highly anticipated digital single, "GOD_i," worldwide. With a heartfelt theme of "Wishing to give courage to take a step forward," this track showcases a fresh sonic direction for the group, blending a melancholic top line with an addictive chorus beat.

The release of "GOD_i" marks another milestone in Number_i’s remarkable journey. Over the past year, the group has successfully completed their nationwide "Number_i LIVE TOUR 2024 No.I", made their debut appearance at the prestigious 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen as well as celebrated their 1st anniversary on January 1, 2025.

Member Comments:

Hirano Sho: “'GOD_i' has been released!! We were also eagerly waiting for this track to be out. It's one of our favorite songs, and it’s a really great song! It would make me happy if you enjoy listening to it.”

Jinjuji Yuta: “I think this song has an incredibly deep message. Even now, as we listen to it, we feel its depth. I believe the meaning will resonate even more depending on the listener’s emotions at that moment. Please enjoy listening!”

Kishi Yuta: “Enjoy the fresh new sound of Number_i! It’s the perfect song to kick off 2025! I hope you will have it on repeat! I’m really looking forward to seeing your reactions!!”

Alongside the single, the group has released a new music video on YouTube. Fans are also invited to visit the commemorative "GOD_i Special Website" (https://god-i-official.com), which features interactive elements designed to deepen their connection to the band and the single’s theme.

A highlight of the site is a feature inviting fans to share their dreams, aligning with the single’s core message. Selected dreams may even be incorporated into the band’s future content, providing a unique opportunity for fans to feel personally connected to Number_i’s journey.

The release is complemented by behind-the-scenes footage from the Number_i album photoshoot, offering a glimpse into the group’s creative process. This video, uploaded to their official YouTube channel on January 3, 2025, has already garnered significant attention: Watch Here.

Continued Success with No.I (Deluxe)

Number_i’s debut album, No.I (Deluxe), continues to break records. Its lead track, "HIRAKEGOMA," surpassed 20 million streams in just one month, cementing the group’s status as a global J-pop powerhouse.

About Number_i

Number_i consists of Hirano Sho, Jinjuji Yuta, and Kishi Yuta. The group name embodies feelings of "being one of a kind," "love," and the desire to “continue this journey together with those who support us.” The group made their debut on January 1, 2024, with the release of their single "GOAT.”​​​​

On September 23, 2024, they released their 1st full album, No.I, which reached #1 on the Billboard Japan JP Albums chart and earned 4th place on Spotify’s TOP ALBUMS DEBUT GLOBAL chart.

On January 27, 2025, they released their new digital single, "GOD_i," worldwide.

Follow Number_i:

Website | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok

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

 Source: Blackstar

Tate McRae releases “Sports Car,” off her upcoming new album, So Close To What

Her highlighly anticipated album drops on February 21, 2025

(Download HERE - Photo Credit: Beth Saravo)

Multi-platinum pop sensation Tate McRae is set to release her highly anticipated third album So Close To What on February 21^st via RCA Records. Through unfiltered lyricism and raw emotions, So Close ToWhat represents the journey of growing up when the road ahead feels infinite and the destination increasingly elusive. It’s an introspective exploration of self-discovery, love, and searching for balance in moments of uncertainty. Pre-save HERE. 

Today, Tate releases her irresistible new song “Sports car” alongside the official music video. It’s written and produced with hitmakers Ryan Tedder (Taylor Swift, Beyoncé), Grant Boutin (Meghan Trainor, One Republic) and Julia Michaels (Selena Gomez, Dua Lipa). 

The provocative video is directed by Bardia Zeinali (Sabrina Carpenter, Troye Sivan) and styled by Brett Alan Nelson (Doja Cat, Karol G). It follows Tate as a viewer into her own dynamic world intertwined with high fashion moments and different characters. In a society that is constantly watching and judging, Tate becomes the observer and takes back control. Through her perspective, we are immersed in a powerful interplay of style and identity, where fashion becomes more than just clothing— it’s the canvas for her evolving identity. Each look tells a story, reflecting a different persona she embodies. Check out Vogue’s exclusive first look of the video HERE. 

“Sports car” follows “2 hands” and “It’s ok I’m ok” which hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Pop Songs chart and earned the star her highest-debuting song of her career on the Billboard Hot 100.  

In March, Tate will embark on her world ‘Miss Possessive Tour’ spanning South America, Europe, UK, and North America. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on March 18^th in Mexico City at Pepsi Centre, with shows in São Paulo, London, Amsterdam, Prague, New York, Nashville, and many more before wrapping up in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum on September 26^th. Benee will be joining as support on all Europe and UK dates while Zara Larsson will join Tate across all US and Canada dates.

‘Miss Possessive Tour’ 2025 Dates: 

Tuesday, March 18 - Mexico City, Mexico - Pepsi Centre

Saturday, March 22 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Lollapalooza Argentina*

Sunday, March 23 - Santiago, Chile - Lollapalooza Chile*

Tuesday, March 25 - Santiago, Chile - Teatro Coliseo

Thursday, March 27 - Bogota, Colombia - Estereo Picnic*

Saturday, March 29 - São Paulo, Brazil - Lollapalooza Brazil*

Wednesday, May 7 - Lisbon, Portugal - MEO Arena

Friday, May 9 - Madrid, Spain - Palacio Vistalegre

Monday, May 13 - Stuttgart, Germany - Schleyer-Halle

Wednesday, May 14 - Antwerp, Belgium - Sportpaleis

Friday, May 16 - Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena

Saturday, May 17 - Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena

Monday, May 19 - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena

Tuesday, May 20 - London, UK - The O2

Friday, May 23 - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro

Saturday, May 24 - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live

Tuesday, May 27 - Paris, France - Accor Arena

Wednesday, May 28 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome

Friday, May 30 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Royal Arena

Sunday, June 1 - Stockholm, Sweden - Avicii Arena

Tuesday, June 3 - Hamburg, Germany - Barclays Arena

Wednesday, June 4 - Berlin, Germany - Uber Arena

Friday, June 6 - Lodz, Poland - Atlas Arena

Sunday, June 8 - Vienna, Austria - Wiener Stadthalle – Halle D

Tuesday, June 10 - Prague, Czech Republic - O2 Arena

Wednesday, June 11 - Munich, Germany - Olympiahalle

Friday, June 13 - Bologna, Italy - Unipol Arena

Monday, June 16 - Koln, Germany - Lanxess Arena

Wednesday, June 18 - Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion

Monday, August 4 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena

Tuesday, August 5 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena

Thursday, August 7 - Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place

Saturday, August 9 - Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Centre

Wednesday, August 13 - Saint Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center

Friday, August 15 - Chicago, IL - United Center

Saturday, August 16 - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena

Tuesday, August 19 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena

Wednesday, August 20 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena

Friday, August 22 - Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre

Sunday, August 24 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre

Tuesday, August 26 - Boston, MA - TD Garden

Wednesday, August 27 - Boston, MA - TD Garden

Friday, August 29 - Cleveland, OH - Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Sunday, August 31 - Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena

Wednesday, September 3 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden

Thursday, September 4 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden

Saturday, September 6 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center

Tuesday, September 9 - Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena

Thursday, September 11 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena

Saturday, September 13 - Orlando, FL - Kia Center

Sunday, September 14 - Orlando, FL - Kia Center

Tuesday, September 16 - Austin, TX - Moody Center

Thursday, September 18 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center

Saturday, September 20 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena

Wednesday, September 24 - San Francisco, CA - Chase Center

Friday, September 26 - Los Angeles, CA - Kia Forum

Saturday, September 27 - Los Angeles, CA - Kia Forum

*Festival 

(Download HERE - Photo Credit: Charlie Denis)

About Tate McRae:

Singer, songwriter, and dancer triple threat Tate McRae has garnered over 12.4 billion career streams and multiple #1 Top 40 hits. She’s received countless accolades including Artist Of The Year at the 2024 JUNO Awards, nominations for five Billboard Music Awards, three MTV VMAs, multiple People’s Choice Awards, and iHeartRadio Music Awards among others. She’s been featured on Variety’s 2022 Power of Young Hollywood list, Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list for four consecutive years along with Forbes 2021 30 Under 30 list where she was the youngest musician on the list. 

Tate’s #1 RIAA certified 4x Platinum single “you broke me first” has amassed over 2.4 billion streams since its release in 2020. She’s collaborated with various artists including Regard & Troye Sivan on their #1 dance hit “You,” along with Khalid on their track “working,” Tiësto’s “10:35” and Jeremy Zucker on her viral single “that way.” Her 2022 debut album, i used to think i could fly landed at #1 on Spotify’s Global Top Albums Debut Chart and charted in the Top 10 in multiple countries upon its release. Featuring her certified Platinum single “she’s all i wanna be,” the stunning album received praise from the likes of Billboard who said “…Tate McRae steps into stardom on her long-awaited debut album” while GRAMMY.com stated, “…each track shows McRae is ready to be one of her generation's most raw-and-real superstars.”

The Calgary native released her sophomore album THINK LATER in 2023, catapulting Tate into pop stardom. It debuted at #4 on Billboard’s album chart and has garnered over 4.2 billion streams worldwide. Steeped in pop appeal and infectious toplines, the album features her certified 3x Platinum single “greedy” which earned the star #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, Global Excl. US chart, Spotify’s Global chart, and hit #1 at Top 40 radio. The Los Angeles Times stated that she’s “…poised for pop stardom” while Vogue declared she’s “Taking Over the World.”

Tate’s versatility as a performer has captivated audiences around the world. Whether she's delivering a powerful vocal performance or executing high-energy choreography, Tate brings a unique blend of artistry and authenticity to every stage.

Follow Tate McRae:

Official Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

 Source: Nyou

dwta and SB19’s justin reimagines “Sampung Mga Daliri” into a tale of doomed romance

The duo recently performed the unreleased track at the 10^th Wish Music Awards last January 19, 2025

Rising singer-songwriter dwta links up with SB19’s justinfor a striking new collaboration, “Sampung Mga Daliri,” a folk-pop lullaby that captures the degradation of a love that was once formidable and promising.

Released under Sony Music Entertainment, the track reimagines the classic Filipino nursery rhyme into a poignant tale of doomed romance, with no way to save it.

“Sampung Mga Daliri” deals with the heartbreaking realization that love is no longer enough to make two people stay together. The song eloquently shows how the simple act of holding hands loses its meaning when there’s no one left to hold.

According to dwta, “Sampung Mga Daliri” was an unfinished track that she was working on in 2023. An opportunity to revisit the draft came in when she met justinin a gig at Cozy Cove last year, prompting the idea of pitching a collaboration with him.

“I thought it was a long shot, but I asked my team if there was any chance we could work on something together,” says the award-winning Bicol-based act. “Even before it was confirmed, I was already looking through my notes, trying to find a song that would match both our voices or maybe even writing something new. That’s when I stumbled upon Sampung Mga Daliri. It felt like the song was calling me, so I picked up my guitar, rewrote it, and finally finished it. I actually gave them two other options, but Sampung Mga Daliri just felt right. It was the one.”

The collaboration came as a pleasant surprise to justin, who was immediately drawn to the song’s emotional depth. “Aside from being labelmates under Sony Music Philippines, when I heard Sampung Mga Daliri, it immediately felt like the right fit,” admits justin. “Out of all the songs sent to me, this one really stood out. It had something special.”

While their busy schedules prevented them from recording together in person, both dwta and justin worked closely throughout the creative process. The two attended online meetings, fine-tuned the song, and ensured that their connection came through in every note.

“After everything, we finally got to bond in person during shoots and trips, and that’s when I really got to know him,” shares dwta. “You know how famous people can sometimes feel intimidating or hard to approach? justin’sthe total opposite. It’s like working with a sibling from a different parent. We just clicked, both musically and personally.”

Produced by dwta and frequent collaborator Brian Lotho, “Sampung Mga Daliri” draws inspiration from the haunting arrangements of The Paper Kites’ “Bloom,” but with a distinct twist that reflects both artists’ unique sound. The result is a stunning, emotionally honest song that explores brooding vulnerability, something dwta and justin had yet to explore in previous releases. The track allows them to push beyond their comfort zones, creating something fresh, evocative, and deeply moving.

As dwta puts it, “Since our styles are pretty similar and we share the same vision for the song, it was easy for us to agree on every idea we pitched. The whole process came together so smoothly. I’m really happy with how it turned out in such a short time.”

To introduce their new collaboration, dwta and justinrecently debuted the unreleased song live at the 10^th Wish Music Awards last January 19, 2025. Ahead of the release, both artists teased the song’s arrival, sharing snippets of "Sampung Mga Daliri" chorus on their respective social media channels on January 16 and 18. The teaser included a compelling single cover, where from a window, justin tries to reach for dwta’s hands, only for her to be reluctantly disengaged—an image that perfectly captures the song’s theme of love slipping through your fingers.

In addition, dwta has been releasing a series of live performances called "dwta series: Magka-Ibigan" that tie into the narrative of “Sampung Mga Daliri,” offering fans a deeper look into the song’s story before its official release. This heartfelt collaboration marks a new chapter for both artists, as they explore the delicate balance of love and loss through music.

“Sampung Mga Daliri” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video on dwta’sofficial YouTube channel at 8 pm. Stay tuned for the short-form miniseries featuring dwta and justin on the former’s YouTube and social media pages.

Source: Nyou

Culture Wars visits Manila for the 2nd time armed with hit singles

Fast-rising alt-rock band Culture Wars is back in Manila, this time as part of Maroon 5’s Asia Tour (Tour Stops: Manila - January 29, Jakarta - February 1, Kuala Lumpur - February 12, Kaohsiung Taiwan - February 14). The Texas-based band first visited the Philippines last October as LANY’s opening act at the Philippine Arena, and if their second visit here within just a few months of their first is any indication, it’s that they are ascending in popularity and demand at bullet speed.

Just months after Culture War’s single Miley played on Philippine radio and TV and introduced the band to us, their latest single It Hurts promises to endear them even more to Filipino music fans. Made up of Alex Dugan, Caleb Contreras, Dillon Randolph, David Grayson, and Josh Stirm, the band is clearly doing a lot of right things to get invited to tour with some of the world’s biggest bands. In fact, it won’t be surprising at all to see them headline their own major concert tour soon with the way things are going. The song-writing talent, the musical prowess, the energetic live performances—Culture Wars has them all in abundance, and yet this group of guys is as down-to-earth as you’ll ever get to see in a rock band. Sounds too good to be true? Check out their easy-going and candid interviews, and more importantly, try listening to their music.

It Hurts comes alive with a jangly guitar and driving bassline that music fans would surely love to blast in their cars—it’s addictive and nostalgic. The track, off of the band’s upcoming debut album which was mostly recorded by the band in Los Angeles, California, is playing now across music streaming platforms.

ABOUT CULTURE WARS:

Austin’s Culture Wars’ debut album arrives ready to connect with a generation starved for authenticity and provocation in their rock bands. Recorded at Sonic Ranch Recording Studio, 30 minutes outside El Paso, Texas; Hollywood’s United Recording (Sinatra, Radiohead); and Sunset Sound (The Doors, Prince), the young group’s moving debut album is set to be a breath of fresh air full of ambition and pure intentions. As the band’s name implies, seemingly disparate passions battle within the songs, somehow beautifully making peace.

Culture Wars initially built a following through word-of-mouth and energetic live performances. Songs like “Heaven”, “Faith” and “Lose Money” blew up on streaming services, contributing to the group’s widening audience. “Leave Me Alone,” featured on the GRAMMY-nominated Bill & Ted Face the Music soundtrack, enjoyed an organic boost from mega-influencers and became Culture Wars’ first Top 30 Alternative Rock hit.

Their new work combines the past, present, and future with bold swagger. They make honest, expertly crafted, ambitious rock music built to resonate with a diverse audience. The sound Culture Wars developed blends the most vital rock and alternative music elements, earnestly emphasizing actual guitars.

Find CULTURE WARS online:

Official https://culturewars.io/ 

IG https://www.instagram.com/culturewars   

YT https://www.youtube.com/@culturewars   

TT  https://www.tiktok.com/@culturewars 

X https://twitter.com/CultureWars_  

FB https://www.facebook.com/culturewars

 Source: Mark Bonifacio 

IFPI Launches Official Philippines Chart, with Marilag by Dionela becoming first ever official # 1 track

Launched by IFPI and backed by the recorded music industry, the Official Philippines Chart will be available alongside official weekly rankings from five other ASEAN markets

23^rd January 2025 – IFPI, representing the recording industry worldwide, has today announced the launch of The Official Philippines Chart, bringing official, industry-backed weekly music charts to the country for the first time.

Marilag, the hit song by Filipino R&B star Dionela, has the honour of being the first ever Official #1 track in the Philippines. The song, released in November 2024, soundtracked the remainder of the year and has continued its strong streaming performance into 2025.

The Official Philippines Chart Top 20 will be announced every Tuesday, and will showcase the most popular tracks from local and international artists based on streaming across all major platforms. The Official Philippines Charts will be available alongside Official Charts for five other ASEAN markets at the Official Southeast Asia Charts website (www.officialseacharts.com), and via the related social media channels on Instagram and Facebook, allowing music fans to engage with trending tracks and emerging artists across the region.

Locally, Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) is working together with IFPI to ensure that the Official Philippines Chart is accessible to Filipino consumers. The charts will be available in their website (www.prm.com.ph) and all social media platforms.

Reacting to the news, Simon Seow, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at IFPI, said:

“A huge congratulations to Dionela and everyone involved in making Marilag the first ever Official Philippines Chart #1! It is wonderful to see a Pinoy artist claim this milestone, and is a testament to the wealth of talent and artistry in the country. We look forward to reporting on further success and celebrating more artists in the coming weeks and months.”

Celebrating the launch of the chart Roslyn Pineda, General Manager Sony Music Philippines and PRM board member, said:

“We are delighted to announce the launch of the Official Philippines Chart, which will shine a light on the consumption habits of music fans across the country and provide an important platform to showcase the vibrant and growing local music scene. Combining the Official Philippines Chart with others in a regional hub gives fans an insight into how their favourite tracks are performing in other countries, and will aid the discovery of new hits.”

Supported by the recorded music industry, the Official Philippines Chart combines streams from global platforms Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify and YouTube. The charts are managed by IFPI and are built on data prepared by BMAT, in accordance with IFPI’s global charts principles and methodologies.

As well as the weekly charts updates, music fans in the region can look forward to a host of exclusive artist content at www.officialseacharts.com, the official music hub of Southeast Asia.

About the Official Southeast Asia Charts

The Official Southeast Asia Charts are a collection of weekly streaming singles charts – the Official Indonesia Chart, Official Malaysia Chart, Official Philippines Chart, Official Singapore Chart, Official Thailand Chart and Official Vietnam Chart. The data collection week runs from Friday to Thursday, with the charts released at www.officialseacharts.com and on the Official Southeast Asia Instagram and Facebook accounts each Tuesday.

In addition to the official charts for each country, four speciality charts are also delivered each week. In Indonesia, the Official Indonesia Domestic Chart, in Malaysia the Domestic and Chinese Charts, and the Regional Chart in Singapore.

All charts include chart-eligible streams from Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify and YouTube, while the Official Indonesia and Indonesia Domestic Charts also include Langit Musik. In accordance with IFPI’s global chart principles, streams from each market are weighted to take into account the difference in economic value between the free and paid tiers of streaming services. This delivers charts which reflect the volume and the value of streams across the region, celebrating the biggest songs of the week.

About IFPI

IFPI is the voice of the recording industry worldwide, representing over 8,000 record company members across the globe. We work to promote the value of recorded music, campaign for the rights of record producers and expand the commercial uses of recorded music around the world.

About PRM

Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) is a non-stock, non-profit, joint music licensing organization that represents members who are the Producers and Performers of sound recordings. PRM’s purpose is to give credit to where credit is due. We license commercial establishments that play the sound recordings of our members and distribute these royalties directly to artists and labels.

www.prm.com.ph

About BMAT

BMAT is a music innovation company with a mission to index all music usage and ownership data. In addition to its role in compiling official streaming charts around the world, they help music companies better their data operations to make sure artists get paid for their plays. Every day BMAT delivers 27 billion matches and 80 million identifications to CMOs, publishers, record labels, broadcasters and DSPs globally.

www.bmat.com

For further information please contact:

press@ifpi.org | +44 (0)20 7878 7979

 Source: Nyou

A New Era of Women-led Music: Tanaw Collective to release debut single “Landslide” ahead of February Concert

Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas forge new paths forward with exciting collaborative projects, including new music releases in the future

Manila, Philippines – Ahead of their much-anticipated repeat concert next month, Pinoy rock queens Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas have officially launched Tanaw Collective—a supergroup that celebrates the power of women-led collaborations. This new initiative will explore exciting ventures including collaborative music releases, live performances, and other creative projects that amplify female voices in the music industry.

In addition to the serialized Tanaw shows, the six-piece force will release their first official single “Landslide,” on Friday, January 31, 2025 across all digital music platforms worldwide. A stripped-down reimagining of the iconic Fleetwood Macclassic, the song was self-recorded by the artists, and mixed/mastered by Angee Rozul. Fans can expect to hear a special arrangement of “Landslide” live at the Tanaw: The Repeat concert, taking place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on February 9, 2025 (Sunday), at 8:00 PM.

The reunion concert, which serves as a heartfelt celebration of the enduring bond between these iconic artists and their dedicated fans, will feature new interpretations of their beloved original songs, complemented by symphonic backing from The Manila String Machine on select cuts. Tanaw: The Repeatmarks a significant moment for these women, whose individual and collective careers have shaped the Pinoy rock scene for decades.

The title TANAW (translated as “to gaze” or “to look out”) captures the reflective essence of the event. Whether revisiting the past with gratitude or looking ahead with excitement, this concert embodies both personal journeys and the collective sisterhood that binds these powerful voices. For Acel, Aia, Barbie, Hannah, Kitchie, and Lougee, Tanaw: The Repeat is more than just a reunion; it’s a chance to share new, meaningful musical expressions that honor their legacies while forging new paths forward.

Presented by Newport World Resorts, Tanaw: The Repeat is co-presented by GNN and Wow Fiesta, with official hotel partner Holiday Inn Express. Major sponsors include JB Music, Ming’s Pei Pa Koa Candy, David’s Salon, Apartment8, and Globatronics, while minor sponsors include Greenwich, Palladium, UGEC, Payaba, and Meiji Chocolates.

With less than 100 tickets remaining, fans are encouraged to secure their seats now by visiting:https://tanawtherepeat.helixpay.ph.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable musical experience.

Source: Nyou

Filipino artist MURI to perform at 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival

She is the only Philippine-homegrown artist confirmed at this year’s roster

Photo credits: Franco Maigue

Filipino rising artist MURI is set to take the stage at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival in Austin, Texas, from March 10-15, 2025.

The AXEAN Festival alumna joins an impressive roster of international talents, showcasing her unique blend of soul, indie, and jazz-pop music to a global audience.

“I feel incredibly honored to have been chosen and to be representing the Philippines on such an international stage,” MURI shares in an official statement. “I’m excited because SXSW is one of the biggest festivals for artists to showcase in,and it’ll be my first time going. Aside from playing, I’m also pretty excited to be there as an attendee, watch other artists perform, and attend all the cool talks and presentations.”

As she prepares for this significant milestone, MURI hints at even bigger plans for her music in 2025, including collaborations, new music releases, and performances all around the world. “I’m working on a few collaborations and new music this year. I’m planning to do more shows and perform in more stages around the Philippines and Europe.”

As the resident violinist of Filipino indie-folk band The Ransom Collective, MURI has recently stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist with the release of her debut EP, 11ème. The project, which deals with themes of personal growth, loss, and discovery, takes listeners on a journey through the artist’s experiences across different cultures and cities. Blending soulful pop with intricate storytelling, 11ème serves as a deeply personal reflection of MURI’s travels and relationships.

With her upcoming appearance at SXSW 2025, Muri is poised to introduce her music to a broader international audience, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year of artistic growth.

Follow Muri:

Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / TikTok / Twitter

Listen to the album here:

Album link

Source: Nyou

Crossover J-Pop superstar KENSHI YONEZU debuts “Plazma”, theme song to the new film Mobile Suit Gundam Gquuuuuux - Beginning -

Global J-pop superstar KENSHI YONEZU releases “Plazma,” a new single and the official theme song to the latest installment in the iconic Gundam franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-. The track features electrifying vocals from Yonezu alongside high-tempo synths and electronic rhythms to match the vibrant universe of the mecha and their epic space battles. Today’s track is the latest in a string of prolific theme songs by Yonezu following his contributions to Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, the Final Fantasy XVI video game, and his global hit theme for the Chainsaw Man series.

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuX -Beginning- premiered in a total of 426 theaters, including IMAX® theaters in Japan on January 17th, as a re-edited version title comprised of some of the episodes. The TV anime is scheduled to premiere later on in 2025 worldwide. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuX -Beginning- is already a huge hit, grossing over 598 million yen (3,829,801 USD) at the box office and drawing over 350,000 viewers in just 3 days, hitting the top of the X trends chart for the entire day, with many enthusiastic comments being posted, waiting for the release of Yonezu’s new song “Plazma”. Today, along with the song release, a new promotional reel is out on official Gundam YouTube channel.

“Plazma” is a song written, composed, and arranged by Yonezu. The cover art is drawn by Yonezu himself, as an illustration of Amate Yuzuriha (Machu) and Nyaan, two of the main characters of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuX -Beginning-. Yonezu announced the release of “Plazma” on the opening night of his 2025 Japanese tour, performing the new song live and giving fans an exclusive preview of the unreleased track. Rounding out a massive 2024 that included the release of his sixth studio album LOST CORNER, Yonezu kicks off 2025 with an extensive run of Japanese tour dates before gearing up for his first-ever run of international dates across Asia, Europe and the US, with stops at New York City’s world-famous Radio City Music Hall and Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater.

ABOUT Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX

Amate Yuzuriha is a high-school student living peacefully in a space colony floating in outer space.

When she meets a war refugee named Nyaan, Amate is drawn into the illegal mobile suit dueling sport known as Clan Battle.

Under the entry name "Machu," she throws herself into fierce battle day after day, piloting the GQuuuuuuX. Then an unidentified Gundam mobile suit pursued by both the space force and the police appears before her, along with its pilot, a boy named Shuji.

Now their world is about to enter a new era. 

ABOUT KENSHI YONEZU

After gaining success with Vocaloid music under the stage name Hachi, Kenshi Yonezu began producing under his real name in 2012. In addition to music, he has attracted attention for his album cover illustrations and video productions. The video for his hit single “Lemon”, the long-running theme song for the TV series Unnatural, is the most-viewed music video in Japan, and topped Billboard Japan’s year-end charts for two consecutive years, leaving a mark on music history both in Japan and abroad.

His 2020 album STRAY SHEEP set a record of 1.9 million copies sold with the highest-placing Japanese artist ever to appear on the IFPI year-end global ranking chart. He continued to work tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic, including performing as the first Asian in a virtual concert hosted by the online game Fortnite. Collaborated globally with UNIQLO on their UT collection with the storefront collaboration displays in NY and other 8 UNIQLO stores worldwide. He was awarded an AAC Award, listed in Forbes’ 100 Asian Digital Stars, and received the Minister of NEWS RELEASE Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists.

In 2022, he released “M87” as the theme song for the film Shin Ultraman, and “POP SONG” as the theme song for a PlayStation commercial. His single “KICK BACK,” the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, made Spotify’s Global Top 50, and became the first Japanese-language song certified Gold by RIAA®. He was also selected as the first and only Japanese artist to be a part of the “RIAA Class of 2023”, with which the association summarized the artists who had flourished in the year.

In 2023, Yonezu released “Tsuki Wo Miteita - Moongazing” as the theme song for the RPG game Final Fantasy XVI, and “Chikyugi - Spinning Globe” – the theme song Studio Ghibli’s animated film The Boy and the Heron (Academy Award Winner for Best Animated Feature, 2024), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

In August 2024, Yonezu wrote “Garakuta – JUNK”, the theme song of the movie LAST MILE, and released his sixth studio album, LOST CORNER. In September, Yonezu released an exclusive line of graphic tees in collaboration with Uniqlo, as part of their ongoing UT series celebrating pop culture from around the world. After 11 years, Hachi (Kenshi Yonezu) himself created a new illustration for the VOCALOID song “Donut Hole”, and a fully animated music video based on the illustration. Original chocolate was also released from Godiva Japan as the “GODIVA x HACHI Donut Hole Collection” from October as the first time for Godiva worldwide to create a chocolate collection lineup in collaboration with an artist. In November Yonezu released “Azalea”, a song written as the theme song for the global Netflix series Beyond Goodbye.

In 2025, Yonezu is heading to a world tour – KENSHI YONEZU 2025 TOUR / JUNK – following an extensive 20-date run across Japan, Shanghai and Taipei, the tour continues in Seoul for two consecutive shows on March 22nd & March 23rd at INSPIRE Arena. The European leg begins March 30th at London’s Eventim Apollo and April 1st at Paris’ Zenith. The tour will then move to the U.S., with a performance at the world-famous Radio City Music Hall in New York on April 4th and at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater on April 6th.

As for Yonezu’s music videos, “Lemon” has surpassed 900 million views, continuing to break the records of Japanese artists.  It is one of the 16 music videos of his songs that garnered him a commanding record of surpassing 100 million views each (“Lemon,” “Eine Kleine,” “LOSER,” “Peace Sign,” “Haiirotoao (+Masaki Suda),” “orion,” “Flamingo,” “Kanden,” “Fireworks,” “Paprika,” “Shunrai,” “Uma to Shika,” “Spirits of the Sea,” “KICK BACK,” Foorin’s“Paprika” and Masaki Suda’s “Machigaisagashi”). He has over 7.47million subscribers on his official YouTube channel.

CONNECT WITH KENSHI YONEZU

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | X | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Source: Nyou

K-Indie Act Peach Luffe Shares Introspective New EP of Dream-Pop Bliss, 'Back To Me'

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Michael Friedman

January 20th, 2025 – Singapore – Korean indie act Peach Luffe has released his new EP, 'Back To Me'. The project is the vision of classically trained singer-songwriter Jong Lee, who was born in Seoul, South Korea, and is now rooted in Toronto, Canada. The new record was written, produced, and mastered by Jong, with contributions from Peach Luffe band members Michael Friedman, Henry Stein, and Yifan Wu.

The release follows the poignant single “When You Hold Me”, which captures the uncertainty of love through heartfelt questions, and builds on the dreamy album focus track “What’s On Your Mind”, exploring the raw need for honesty in relationships. “You’re begging them to speak their mind. Curse you out. Why let you off so easily?” Jong shares about the song.

With a background in classical music, Peach Luffe’s expertise on the violin immediately makes him stand out from the pack, allowing him to craft detailed, layered compositions that take his strain of dreamy pop into completely immersive territory. For the new record, he uses this strength to help listeners nurture their inner child with his unique, whimsical sound. “Violin is like my cheat code,” Jong explains, never fully sidelining the instrument that sets him apart.

“But I just want to make music that people enjoy — people are multi-faceted, and I want to help them rediscover what they enjoyed when they were younger in particular.”

Peach Luffe - "What's On Your Mind" (Official Lyric Video)

Known for his unique blend of dream-pop and K-indie, Jong leverages his classical foundation to craft lush soundscapes that transport listeners. Peach Luffe began as a solo project in Lee’s bedroom during the pandemic and slowly grew to be a full band with numerous collaborators.

A prolific songwriter, Jong released his first EP, 'Shimmer', in 2020, his debut album, 'Everything is Peachy', in 2022, and five other EPs in less than four years, including 'Honey'. Singles from the upcoming EP have received early support from tastemakers across Asia like Bandwagon, and from key playlists like Indie Shuffle and ORG. on Spotify Asia. Spotify also selected him for a billboard in Toronto’s Dundas Square for Asian Heritage Month in May of 2023 and again in March with the release of 'Honey'. 

As music out of South Korea has grown in popularity around the globe in recent years, Peach Luffe is ready to continue acting as an ambassador for the diverse types of artistry that are possible — his 2020 single “Shimmer” was featured in Korean advertisements and the 2022 film Swearing Jar. “I’ve listened to K-Indie music since I was younger, and it’s exciting to see it get more popular,” he recalls, always searching for new ways to expand what’s possible in the genre. “It makes me wonder what’s next.” 

Though based halfway across the globe, Peach Luffe's Top 10 Streaming Markets worldwide include Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.
 

“dream pop wunderkind.”
– CBC

“K-Indie rising star.”
– Melodic Magazine

“wondrous indie pop – his dynamic, soulful vocals and glistening instrumental work never fails to send shivers down the spine.”
– Atwood Magazine

'Back To Me' Tracklisting

1. Just a Thread
2. Better Off
3. What’s On Your Mind
4. Before I Met You
5. When You Hold Me
6. Your Everything
7. Just A Thread (Acoustic Version)
8. Better Off (Acoustic Version)

Stream the EP 'Back To Me' here: 
peachluffe.ffm.to/backtome
 

DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT

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Source: Secret Signals

Central Cee teams up with 21 Savage for impactful new single "GBP"

Following a monumental year, Central Cee, the UK’s global rap heavyweight, kicks off 2025 with his unexpected new single, "GBP," featuring 21 Savage. This surprise collaboration is sure to whip fans into a frenzy, serving as yet another statement of intent from Cench as he gears up for the release of his

debut album Can’t Rush Greatness on January 24th, 2025.

"GBP" sees Central Cee and 21 Savage trade razor-sharp verses, seamlessly blending UK and US rap cultures. Over a hypnotic vocal sample and hard-hitting beat, Cench draws on 21’s cutthroat energy to reflect on his journey—from humble beginnings to global superstardom—while staying rooted in the

realities of street life and generational struggle. With lines like:

"We ain’t got generational wealth / Got a couple of mil for my unborn child"

Cench delivers unfiltered lyricism that captures his rise to success and the contradictions of his world—where wealth, struggle, and loyalty intertwine."Red carpet in my trackie and Air Max / They want a boy with a London style."

This lyric references Central Cee’s iconic appearance at the 2023 British Fashion Awards, where he made headlines by stepping onto the red carpet in a tracksuit—a moment that epitomised his unapologetic embrace of London’s street culture.

The single lands alongside a trade-mark CC visual, filmed in Atlanta and directed by esteemed director Cole Bennet/ Lyrical Lemonade, who also directed the video for Cench’s hit single “Doja.”

WATCH THE COLE BENNETT DIRECTED VISUAL HERE: centralcee.lnk.to/GBP/youtube

21 Savage, an icon in US rap, adds his signature flow to the track, delivering gritty lines that complement

Cench’s introspective storytelling. Together, the duo creates a cross-Atlantic anthem that bridges

London’s raw energy with Atlanta’s unmistakable sound.

"GBP" arrives as a pivotal moment in the lead-up to Can’t Rush Greatness, a project that promises to

solidify Central Cee’s legacy. Fresh off the success of his viral SYNA merch bundle and collaborations with global powerhouses like Nike and Trapstar, Cench continues to push boundaries both musically and culturally.

Central Cee’s ability to cross over internationally has propelled him to an ever-growing US audience, cementing his status as a global force in rap. The new single follows a historic year for Central Cee.

Named the highest-streaming UK rapper on Spotify in 2024, Cench dominated the charts with his chart-topping single "Band 4 Band" with Lil Baby, which broke records in the USA. “Band For Band” reached Number 3 on the UK Chart and spent 12 weeks there. It is now the biggest selling UK rap song of 2024, amassing over 390 million global audio streams & peaking at #18 on the US Billboard Chart - the highest-charting UK rap single on the Billboard Hot 100 and a dominant force on Urban and Rhythmic radio.

The release of "GBP" reaffirms Central Cee’s position as a pioneer of UK rap, capable of bridging cultures and reaching audiences worldwide. As he prepares to drop Can’t Rush Greatness, "GBP" serves as a reminder that Central Cee’s journey—from the streets of London to global dominance—is far from over.

"GBP" is now available on all major streaming platforms. Pre-order Can’t Rush Greatness at

centralcee.com.

Source: Nyou

Trailblazing producer Knock2 unveils highly-anticipated debut LP "nolimit"

The turbo-charged, 17-track project reimagines dance music through a vintage, genre-defying lens - combining classic Y2K pop sounds with larger-than-life, hip-hop inspired production

Include Miami Bass banger “dance or dead” with Thai pop sensation MILLI

nolimit is out now across platforms

Check out the ‘Dash Generator’ - where fans cancustomize their own version of Dash, the faceless mascot of the nolimit universe

Knock2 will celebrate his debut LP with a 25+ date global headlining tour next spring, stopping through cities like New York, Sydney, Chicago, Toronto, Denver, Austin, Vancouver, Perth, and more 

Tickets for Knock2’s global ‘nolimit TOUR’ are on sale now

“nolimit is my debut album. It has so many different meanings to me. It’s a model I've created for myself to be the artist I want to be. An unconditional expression of my production, musical journey and care for dance music. My homage to the artists and music I grew up on, and a bridge to connect electronic music with the scenes I'm inspired by.

I wanted to channel my personal experiences as DJ and producer.

from my early days as an open format DJ to bootleg remixes to mainstage festival performances —this project is a culmination of all of those years and highlighting those parallels.

Aside from my motives and explanation of the sonic world, I want to enable and encourage others to be authentically themselves.

Anyone can embody this type of expression and belief. ‘nolimit to what we could do,’ ya kno?”

Ascending electronic producer Knock2 has unveiled his long-anticipated debut album, nolimit - a 17-track, genre-defying odyssey that caps off a breakout 2024 for the San Diego-native. The banner year that saw the 25-year-old artist deliver a legendary b2b with RL Grime at Ultra Music Festival, command a packed Coachella set as half of ISOKNOCK, and sell-out the self-produced, two-night San Diego 4EVRfestival - an event contributing to ISOKNOCK’s total of 50k tickets sold in California in 2024. These accomplishments have set the stage for 2025, where fans can now immerse themselves in the nolimit universe - an album experience that encapsulates Knock2’s unique mastery of blending festival-ready bombast with intricate, experimental production.

Photo cred: @pattrickle

Since the height of the electronic music boom, the dance scene has witnessed young fans lean away from festival grandeur into more niche, Internet-based communities - at least until Knock2's arrival. In the years following his ubiquitous smash hit "dashstar*", Knock2 has become a global sensation, breaking out of his local San Diego and SoundCloud circles onto international Main Stages. As a result, Knock2 has injected fresh blood into electronic music and attracted a cohort of young fans in the process - taking the torch from his big room predecessors to ensure the culture of large-scale electronic music endures for future generations.

The nolimit LP is the culmination of this cultural revival. The album’s tracklist combines vintage progressive and electro house with Y2K pop influences, infusing those elements with boundary-pushing, hip-hop-inspired sonics. Additionally, the album’s expansive rollout has rewarded fans with an immersive, unfolding narrative and retro-futuristic visual palette. The result: a full-length, multimedia project that merges digital and real-life realities, drawing in newer dance music fans while encouraging them to experience the album at the biggest stages possible.

Inside the nolimit Multiverse: Key Interactive Elements

● nolimitmusik.net - a unique interface that’s a cross between an old-school Windows media player, Nintendo Gameboy, and portable radio. Leading up to nolimit,different stations have transmitted snippets of audio from the album

● LP release day video

● Dash Generator -  A generator that allows fans to customize their own version of Dash, the faceless mascot of the nolimit universe

● “hold my hand” music video - a video for nolimit’s second single, directed by 3D animator Alec West in his trademark, low-poly animation style

● “come aliv3” visual teaser  - one of many promo bumps that fleshed out the nolimit visual world

Photo cred: Evers Pund (@ev.ers)

Fans got their first taste of the nolimit universe with three anthemic singles: “feel U luv me” (press release), “hold my hand” (press release), and the RL Grime collaboration “come aliv3” (press release) - tracks that revitalize, early 2010s electronic music aesthetics within a fully singular, contemporary context.

This sonic ethos extends across the rest of nolimit’s tracklist. On “crank the bass, play the muzik” and “shake!the!city!”,Knock2 blends infectiously catchy vocals with blazing, progressive-inspired chord progressions and incendiary house beats. On “dance or dead,” Knock2 enlists Thai pop sensation MILLI for a Miami Bass banger that infuses fiery vocal deliveries with explosive hip-hop-inspired production.

Knock2 with MILLI

The genre-blending continues with drum n’ bass on “select@” and techno/hardstyle on “shyne 4 me”, a massive collaboration between producer Holly, rapper Warren Hue, and vocalist PIAO. On “my melody,” featuring Sophia Gripari, Knock2 taps into his jungle sensibilities for an elegant, soft-spoken pop song; and on the eponymous LP closer,  the artist delivers an epic conclusion with his signature melodic production seeped in a cinematic atmosphere.

The nolimit LP and accompanying visuals embody a DIY, renegade aesthetic -  a stark visual style that tells the story of Dash, a character who hosts a pirate radio station in a dystopian world where loud electronic music has been outlawed.

Fans can experience this immersive, interactive world firsthand during the global ‘Knock2: nolimit TOUR,’ which kicks off in Vancouver, British Columbia in February 2025. Featuring brand new stage production titled “The Stack,” the tour will see Knock2 take center stage at acclaimed venues such as Terminal 5 in New York City, Mission Ballroom in Denver, Radius in Chicago, and many more - providing fans with a live show that reflects the bold spirit of the nolimit era.

‘Knock2: nolimit TOUR’

2/7/25: Vancouver, BC - PNE Forum

2/8/25: Vancouver, BC - PNE Forum

2/12/25: Salt Lake City, UT - Rockwell at The Complex

2/14/25: Denver, CO - Mission Ballroom

2/18/25: Austin, TX - Emo’s

2/19/25: Austin, TX - Emo’s

2/21/25: Dallas, TX - The Factory in Deep Ellum

2/22/25: Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall

2/23/25: Oklahoma City, OK - The Criterion

2/25/25: Fayetteville, AR - JJ’s Live

2/27/25: Atlanta, GA, - The Eastern

2/28/25: Atlanta, GA, - The Eastern

3/1/25: Tampa, FL - Jannus Live

3/4/25: Washington, DC - Echostage

3/6/25: New York, NY - Terminal 5

3/7/25: New York, NY - Terminal 5

3/8/25: New York, NY - Terminal 5

3/9/25: Boston, MA - Roadrunner

3/12/25: Montreal, QC - MTELUS

3/13/25: Toronto, ON - HISTORY

3/14/25: Detroit, MI - Russell Industrial Center

3/15/25: Chicago, IL - Radius

3/16/25: Chicago, IL - Radius

4/4/25: Sydney, AUS - Roadhouse

4/5/25: Perth, AUS - Metro City

4/10/25: Adelaide, AUS - Hindley Street Music Hall

CONNECT WITH KNOCK2

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Source: Blackstar