KOCCHI NO KENTO THE MOST SUCCESSFUL JAPANESE GLOBAL VIRAL HIT ARTIST’S NEW SONG

Kekka Orai

THEME TO GLOBAL ANIME SERIES

MY HERO ACADEMIA: VIGILANTES

SONG OUT NOW

MV OUT NOW

ARTIST PHOTO & COVER ART HERE

The most successful global viral hit J-pop artist KOCCHI NO KENTO releases a new song “Kekka Orai”, a song written as the opening theme song for the mega-hit anime series My Hero Academia spin-off series, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, streamed worldwide. “Kekka Orai” is released today worldwide on April 7, the first day of the anime's broadcast SONG OUT NOW, along with his new music video with his thoughtful comment “Living in a ‘place where I would not have been’, with ‘determination’” MV OUT NOW.

“I have enjoyed reading this manga so much that when the opportunity to write a song for the anime came up, I was both pleased and filled with gratitude that they had chosen me to write for it. This is also my first opening song for an anime. I am really blessed to be able to walk alongside the main character “Koichi Haimawari.” I am very proud of this song. I did my best to contribute to the anime “Vigilante”. I hope you will enjoy the anime along with “Kekka Orai”.” Says Kocchi no Kento.

With the slogan “Green Colored Multi-Talented Artist,” Kocchi no Kento is known for his wide range of talents including music production, video production, and designs. His 6th single “Hai Yorokonde” released on May 27, 2024, has reached the sum over 17 billion views on all platforms, streaming exceeding 240 million, and the music video exceeding 160 million. Released in May of 2024, the song not only went viral on TikTok, but also ranked in many Spotify Viral charts worldwide, along with topping the domestic charts in Japan. The song climbed to the top of Spotify’s Viral 50 Japan and multiple domestic Japan charts, as well as the BILLBOARD JAPAN HOT 100 chart and the top of the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs chart. The song climbed to the top of the Spotify’s Viral 50 charts in South Korea and Taiwan, and #14 on Global plus charted in 22 countries and regions. It also spotted #2 on the BILLBOARD JAPAN Global Japan Songs excl. Japan chart, which features the biggest Japanese hits outside of the country. In December 2024, he won the “66th Japan Record Award” as the best new artist and performed at the one of the largest ”75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen”.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, is an official spin-off series of My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi. It was written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and drawn by Court BETTEN and serialized in Shonen Jump+ from 2017 to 2022. Set in Japan several years before the story of My Hero Academia, the series depicts the illegal heroes’ “Vigilante” who cannot help but save someone even though they are not recognized by anyone, behind the scenes of “Heroes” who are recognized by the people.
 
ABOUT My Hero Academia: Vigilantes:
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is being produced by BONES FILM, the new outfit established by studio BONES. Kenichi Suzuki (Cells at Work!, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure) is directing, with My Hero Academia‘s Yōsuke Kuroda overseeing scripts. The freshly announced creative crew also includes character designer Takahiko Yoshida (Cells at Work!), art director Yukihiro Watanabe (Love Live! School Idol Project) and composers Yuki Hayashi, Shōgo Yamashiro and Yūki Furuhashi. Vigilantes builds on My Hero Academia, created by manga-ka Kōhei Horikoshi, which has turned into a global hit anime franchise through its popular series (ongoing from 2016) and big screen feature films, most recently last year’s You’re Next. The story is set in a world where individuals are born with special “Quirks” empowering them to become superheroes — or villains. The My Hero Academia anime is available streamed through Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu and other platforms. 

ABOUT KOCCHI NO KENTO:
With the slogan “Green Colored Multi-Talented Artist,” Kocchi no Kento is known for his wide range of talents including music production, video production, and designs. His 6th single “Hai Yorokonde” released on May 27, 2024, has reached the sum over 17 billion views on all platforms, streaming exceeding 240 million, and the music video exceeding 160 million. Released in May of 2024, the song not only went viral on TikTok, but also ranked in many Spotify Viral charts worldwide, along with topping the domestic charts in Japan. The song climbed to the top of Spotify’s Viral 50 Japan and multiple domestic Japan charts, as well as the BILLBOARD JAPAN HOT 100 chart. It also reached the top of the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs chart. The song climbed to the top of the Spotify’s Viral 50 charts in South Korea and Taiwan, and #14 on Global plus charted in 22 countries and regions. It also spotted #2 on the BILLBOARD JAPAN Global Japan Songs excl. Japan chart, which features the biggest Japanese hits outside of the country. In December 2024, he won the “66th Japan Record Award” as the best new artist and performed at the one of the largest ”75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen”.
 

KOCCHI NO KENTO IMAGE: DOWNLOAD

Follow KOCCHI NO KENTO:
INSTAGRAM | X | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

For more information, contact blackstar

Ben&Ben takes flight with “Saranggola,” a tender ode to friendship and nostalgia

The barkada-themed track premiered this week onPinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition

Fresh off the success of their heartfelt ballad “Tomorrow With You,” Ben&Ben returns with “Saranggola,” a moving tribute to the enduring power of friendship amidst life’s inevitable changes.

Exploring themes of nostalgia, emotional connection, and change, the anthemic song reflects on cherished moments shared with friends, while acknowledging the inevitability of growing apart. But amidst shifting seasons and distances, the track affirms how love and respect remain steadfast.

“Saranggola is inspired by the ever-changing seasons amongst a group of friends,” Ben&Ben shares in a collective statement. “It is about the fleeting nature of youth and the reality that while we may not always be ready for change, we eventually learn to embrace it. What has passed becomes something worth appreciating, both in the present and in hindsight.”

The song made its debut this week in an episode of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition and will be featured in the upcoming deluxe edition of The TravellerAcross Dimensions, set for release in 2025.

Written by Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin, and arranged and produced by the whole band in collaboration with long-time friend and producer Ziv, “Saranggola” marks a graceful return to form: reminiscent of their earlier works, yet imbued with the artistic depth and growth that they’ve nurtured over the years.

The multi-awarded band takes a minimalist approach at the outset with just an acoustic guitar, a cajon, and all nine members singing in unison, before gradually building into a soaring, guitar-driven jam worthy of a barkada sing-along.

“Coming from just having recorded and worked on a whole album, the experience of working on this song came by fairly smoothly,” the band explains. “Everyone focused on their own experience of what this song means to them, while maintaining a balance between melancholy, nostalgia, energy, and grit.”

Beyond the music, the track holds deep personal meaning for Ben&Ben. As they describe it, the song symbolizes their shared journey of “listening to the winds of fate and grasping the present moment.”

The nine-piece collective adds, “It's a reflection of the years we've spent together thus far and a reminder of the importance of every now and then going back to and rediscovering your roots.”

Ben&Ben’s “Saranggola” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Keep an eye out for the release of the song's visualizer on the band's official YouTube channel at 6 pm.

Source: Nyou

RIOT GAMES AND VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP RELEASE NEW VERSION OF STROMAE AND POMME’S “MA MEILLEURE ENNEMIE” FEATURING COLDPLAY

Riot Games and Virgin Music Group have released Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 Original Soundtrack (Extended Edition). The highly anticipated extended edition of the Arcane League of Legends animated series soundtrack features 9 additional tracks including a new version of Stromae and Pomme’s single “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” featuring Coldplay with additional vocals from Palestinian-Chilean R&B phenomenon Elyanna. Other tracks include a stirring version of Mako and Grey’s “What Have They Done To Us” featuring Sasha Alex Sloan, a demo version of King Princess’s “Fantastic,”an exhilarating remix of Stray Kids, Young Mikoand Tom Morello’s “Come Play” by Kordhell, a remix of Ashnikko’s “Paint The Town Blue” by Bloodpop, JVKE’s emotional ballad “Worlds Collide” that was inspired by the show and released December 2024, and previously unavailable live versions from Vevo.

"Together with Pomme & Riot Games, we wanted to give the fans a little extra gift by inviting an artist we admire," said Stromae. "Coldplay has been a big inspiration for me for a long time, so it immediately felt like the right choice. When I asked them to join the project, they said yes without hesitation. I'm beyond happy about this collaboration, and the result is something really special!"

“We love Stromae and Pomme and we love the beautiful song that they wrote for Ekko and Powder,” said Coldplay. “It’s an honour to contribute to this new version and to the Arcane and League of Legends universe.”

"The incredible response our players had to ‘Ma Meilleure Ennemie’ inspired us to create a new version to celebrate the release of Arcane season two’s extended original soundtrack,” said Maria Egan, Global Head of Music at Riot Games. "The song has been a global phenomenon since the release of the show and Coldplay's version of the track brings it to new heights with the addition of Chris Martin's brilliant English verse. Coldplay and Stromae have wanted to make music together for a long time, and this collaboration felt like a completely organic way to add a new dimension to this iconic song."

Recently, Riot Games and Fortiche Production released the music video for the original version of “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” from Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 (Soundtrack From The Animated Series) which trended at #1 on YouTube when it debuted on March 20th and has already garnered over 12 million views. Upon its initial release, the single marked the biggest streaming debut for Riot, Stromae and Pomme, and broke Spotify’s record for the most-streamed French language single within a 24-hour period. It peaked at over 10 million streams per day, reaching Top 3 globally on Spotify charts, and #1 on radio in France and Belgium. It is also certified Diamond in Belgium and France, #1 on the US World Music Chart, and #7 globally on Spotify charts. The track debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, a first for both Stromae and Pomme, and debuted on Billboard’s Global Excl. US chart at #8. It is both artists’ biggest career hit to date.

The Arcane season 2 soundtrack has already achieved remarkable success since its full release on November 22, 2024, and has amassed nearly 1.5 billion global streams. The soundtrack made a strong debut at #2 on the Spotify Global Album Charts and #26 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, solidifying its impact on the global music scene. The album also peaked at #2 on the Billboard Global 200 Soundtracks chart.

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 where it remained for 6 consecutive weeks. Across both seasons, Arcane spent a total of 15 weeks in the global Top 10 English TV list and recently won 7 Annie Awards at the 2025 ceremony, sweeping every category it was nominated for. 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.

Press materials for the deluxe edition of the Arcane season 2 soundtrack can be found here.

ARCANE LEAGUE OF LEGENDS: SEASON 2 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK (EXTENDED EDITION)

1. "What Have They Done To Us (ft. Sasha Alex Sloan)" - Mako, Grey, Sasha Alex Sloan

2. "Fantastic (demo version)" - King Princess

3. "Ma Meilleure Ennemie ft. Coldplay " - Stromae, Pomme, Coldplay, Elyanna

4. "Come Play (Kordhell remix)" - Stray Kids, Young Miko, Tom Morello, Kordhell

5. "Paint The Town Blue (Bloodpop Remix)" - Ashnikko, Bloodpop

6. "I Can’t Hear It Now (Live from Vevo)" - Freya Ridings

7. "Fantastic (Live from Vevo)" - King Princess

8. "Wasteland (Live from Vevo)" - Royal & The Serpent

9. “Worlds Collide JVKE (inspired by Arcane League of Legends)" - JVKE

10. “Heavy Is The Crown (Original Score)” - Mike Shinoda, Emily Armstrong

11. “I Can't Hear It Now” - Freya Ridings

12. “Sucker” - Marcus King

13. “Renegade (We Never Run)” - Stefflon Don, Raja Kumari ft. Jarina De Marco

14. “Hellfire” - Fever 333

15. “To Ashes and Blood” - Woodkid

16. “Paint The Town Blue” - Ashnikko

17. “Remember Me (Intro)” - d4vd

18. “Remember Me” - d4vd

19. “这样很好 (Isha's Song)” - Eason Chan

20. “Cocktail Molotov” - ZAND

21. “What Have They Done To Us” - Mako, Grey

22. “Rebel Heart” - Djerv

23. “The Beast - Misha Mansoor

24. “Spin The Wheel” - Mick Wingert

25. “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” - Stromae, Pomme

26. “Fantastic” - King Princess

27. “The Line” - Twenty One Pilots

28. “Blood Sweat & Tears” - Sheryl Lee Ralph

29. “Come Play” - Stray Kids, Young Miko, Tom Morello

30. “Wasteland” - Royal & the Serpent

31. “Enemy with JID (Opening Title Version)” - Imagine Dragons feat. JID

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

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.

In November 2024, 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 nearly 1.5 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 Productionis 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/STARSand 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 COLDPLAY

Coldplay are one of the most popular acts in the world, having sold more than 100 million albums and releasing a long line of hits such as “Yellow,” “Clocks,” “Fix You,” “Paradise,” “Viva La Vida,” “A Sky Full Of Stars,” “Hymn For The Weekend,” “Something Just Like This,” “Higher Power,” and “My Universe.”

The band’s acclaimed Music Of The Spheres World Tour, which began in 2022, is taking them to stadiums around the globe, with more than 12 million tickets already sold.

The tour is accompanied by a comprehensive set of sustainability initiatives which include a show powered by 100% renewable energy in almost all locations; the world’s first tourable battery system; kinetic dancefloors allowing fans to help power the show; solar panels and wind turbines at every venue; incentives to encourage fans to travel by green transport; and one tree planted for every ticket sold.

Their tenth album, Moon Music, was released in October 2024, and landed at Number 1 on album charts around the world, including the UK and the US. The album has so far spawned three singles: “feelslikeimfallinginlove,” “WE PRAY,” and “All My Love.”

ARCANE SEASON 2 SOUNDTRACK PRESS CONTACT

mabuhay@blackstar.space

XG Announces Release of Re-Worked Single “IN THE RAIN” on April 11th

Rising Hip-Hop/R&B girl group XGhas announced the release of their re-cut single “IN THE RAIN” from their second mini album AWE. The track will be available on all major streaming platforms worldwide at 12:00AM on April 11th. The group will also be unveiling a powerful new visual featuring the members dressed in sleek suits, adding a striking visual layer to the upcoming release.

Originally featured on AWE, which marked XG’s debut on the Billboard 200 album chart, “IN THE RAIN” is an R&B-inspired track that fuses the delicate sound of falling rain with gentle guitar melodies. The song captures the emotional aftermath of a breakup, evoking a sense of quiet melancholy that resonates deeply with listeners.

XG has been performing the track during their ongoing world tour, “XG 1st WORLD TOUR ‘The first HOWL’”, where it has received praise for its captivating stage choreography - featuring umbrellas as a symbolic and aesthetic element.

Alongside the original version, the single includes “IN THE RAIN x XDM”, an alternate take that injects the emotional depth of the original with high-energy EDM elements. The remix continues to expand the group’s evolving sound and marks another entry in their XDM Series.

This release follows the group’s recent success with “IS THIS LOVE”, the global campaign song for Shiseido’s ANESSA brand, currently airing in TV commercials.

XG is on tour across Latin America with stops in São Paulo and Mexico City in April, and Seattle shortly after. The group will conclude their tour with a highly anticipated final concert at Tokyo Dome on May 14th. On the same day, they are set to release their 6th single, “MILLION PLACES”.

Single: “IN THE RAIN”
Release Date: April 11th, 2025
Tracklist:
01. IN THE RAIN
02. IN THE RAIN x XDM
03. IN THE RAIN (Instrumental)

Pre-save / Pre-add HERE

ABOUT XG

XG is a seven-member Hip-Hop/R&B girl group composed of JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA,andCOCONA. Short for “Xtraordinary Girls”, the group is known for their mission to empower and inspire audiences worldwide through genre-defying music and boundary-pushing visuals.

Since debuting in March 2022 with “Tippy Toes”, XG has made history as the first Japanese act to top the U.S. Billboard “Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter” chart, and the first Japanese girl group to grace the cover of Billboard magazine.

Following the success of their 2024 mini album AWE and current global tour, XG is set to appear at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 13th and 20th, becoming the only Japanese artist in the lineup - solidifying their presence as one of the most exciting acts in the next generation of pop globally.

Follow XG

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

For more information please contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

Bon Iver is Inviting You to Hear SABLE, fABLE First 🐟

fABLE, sPACEs in Manila

Bon Iver's new album "SABLE, fABLE" will be available for you to hear in advance in one of the parks here in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Just go to fablespace.BONIVER.org, allow share location, and click on remind me for you to calendar the schedule when the album can be heard in the fABLE, sPACE.

Location: University of the Philippines - Sunken Garden
Date: April 9, 2025
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 PM (Manila Time)

Note: Website is only accessible through mobile devices. Please make sure you're using yours when you enter the link.

CHECK IT OUT

Source: Secret Signals

IMP. RELEASES "CHEEK TO CHEEK," THEME SONG FOR NETFLIX-STREAMED DRAMA STARRING MEMBER TAIGA SUZUKI

Watch the official music video here

Download press image here (Credit: ©TOBE Co., Ltd.)

April 7, 2025 – Tokyo, Japan – Seven-member J-pop group IMP. has officially released their latest single, Cheek to Cheek, now available on all major streaming platforms. The accompanying music video is also live on the group's official YouTube channel, showcasing IMP.'s signature dynamic energy and engaging choreography.

Cheek to Cheek has been chosen as the theme song for TBS Drama Stream’s "Two Husbands One Wife" (San-nin Fūfu), starring IMP. member Taiga Suzuki. The drama premieres on April 8, with some regional exceptions, while the first episode has already been made available for early streaming on Netflix since April 1.

A stylish and upbeat track, Cheek to Cheek delivers an infectious dance beat, with the titular phrase symbolizing warmth and closeness. The song is a motivational anthem, encouraging listeners to embrace life’s journey with positivity and support for one another. IMP. has also incorporated playful and easy-to-follow dance moves into the choreography, inviting fans to join in and make it a trend.

Download artwork here

LISTEN TO CHEEK TO CHEEK HERE

WATCH CHEEK TO CHEEK MUSIC VIDEO HERE

IMP. Shares Excitement Over "Cheek to Cheek" Release

IMP. expressed their enthusiasm for the new release, highlighting how the song embodies their lively and powerful performance style.

“In the music video of “Cheek to Cheek,” there's a part in the chorus where we all dance in sync at the desk. We think everyone can easily copy it, so we’d love for you to try it out,” the group shared.

Speaking about their growing international fanbase, IMP. also conveyed their gratitude: “We're really grateful for the support from people outside of Japan. We'll keep working hard and hope to create many opportunities to visit our fans in Asia and beyond!”

Download the thumbnail image here.

4th Single “Cheek to Cheek” set for physical release on June 23

IMP.'s 4th Single "Cheek to Cheek" is set for physical release on June 23 and pre-orders have started from April 7 at 00:00 JST, exclusively at the TOBE OFFICIAL STORE.

IMP. 4th Single ”Cheek to Cheek” Release Information

◼︎Title: Cheek to Cheek
◼︎Release Date: June 23, 2025 (Monday)
◼︎Pre-order Link: https://tobe-store.jp/pages/cheek-to-cheek

◼︎Limited First Edition A (CD + Blu-ray) - ¥1,870 (tax included)/ TBCT0758X

Product Specifications: Sleeve Jacket (Type A)/16-page lyric booklet (Type A)
Contents:

【CD】01. Cheek to Cheek  - plus 2 other tracks

【Blu-ray】01. Cheek to Cheek (Official Music Video)/02. Cheek to Cheek (Official Music Video) Behind The Scenes

◼︎Limited First Edition B (CD + Blu-ray) - ¥1,870 (tax included)/TBCT0759X

Product Specifications: Sleeve Jacket (Type B)/16-page lyric booklet (Type B)
Contents:

【CD】01. Cheek to Cheek  - plus 2 other tracks
【Blu-ray】01. Cheek to Cheek (Official Music Video)/02. Cheek to Cheek CD Jacket / Booklet Behind The Scenes

◼︎Standard Edition (CD) - ¥1,320 (tax included)/TBCT0760

Product Specifications: 12-page lyric booklet
Contents:  01. Cheek to Cheek  - plus 3 other tracks

IMP. 4th Single ”Cheek to Cheek”《with a special offer for purchasing 3 editions in bulk》

Ordering Limited First Edition A, Limited First Edition B, and the Standard Edition placed from ​​《with a special offer for purchasing 3 editions in bulk》will come with a special bonus: a mini jacket that can be chosen from three different versions:

・Original Mini Jacket (IMP. ver.)

・Original Mini Jacket (S.M.S ver.)

・Original Mini Jacket (K.M.Y.T ver.)

※The design will be revealed at a later date.

■IMP. 4th Single “Cheek to Cheek”  Pre-Order Bonus

Pre-order Period: April 7 (Monday) 00:00 JST– April 30 (Wednesday) 21:59 JST

Bonus: Original Sticker

※Limited to to those who pre-order from the 《with a special offer for purchasing 3 editions in bulk》page during above-mentioned period.

About IMP.

IMP. is a dynamic seven-member Japanese boy band that debuted on August 18, 2023, with the digital single "CRUISIN’." The song quickly gained traction, reaching #2 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 (overall song category) as of November 15, 2023. Since their debut, they continue to captivate audiences with their energetic performances and distinct sound.

On May 29, 2024, IMP. released their highly anticipated first album, "DEPARTURE," which achieved remarkable success—debuting at #2 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot Albums chart and securing the #8 spot on the Artist 100 chart. Shortly after, they held their first-ever solo arena concert, "DEPARTURE," at Tokyo Ariake Arena on June 13–14, 2024, marking a major milestone in their career.

Expanding their presence beyond Japan, IMP. has taken the stage at major international events. They performed at China’s largest outdoor music festival, Strawberry Music Festival (Chengdu), on April 21, 2024, and at MIXEDPOP BANGKOK 2024 in Thailand on July 7, 2024. Their growing global appeal is evident in their ability to connect with audiences across Asia and beyond.

In September 2024, their song "BAM-BOO" was selected as the official theme song for X Games Chiba 2024, held at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall. The group also delivered a live performance at the venue on September 21.

IMP. has also made its mark in the drama scene. Their song "Michishirube" was chosen as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo drama "Qros’s Woman" (Qros no Onna), which aired from October 7 to December 9, 2024. Notably, IMP. leader Takuya Kageyama starred in the drama.

Starting in October 2024, each member of IMP. will host their own regular program on seven different TV stations, further broadening their reach.

Their first solo live tour, "IMPERIAL LIVE TOUR 2025," kicked off on January 8, 2025, showcasing their electrifying stage presence across multiple venues.

Adding to their growing discography, IMP. released "Cheek to Cheek," which has been selected as the theme song for the TBS Drama Stream "Two Husbands One Wife" (San-ninFūfu). The drama, starring IMP. member Taiga Suzuki, premieres on April 8, 2025 (with some regional exceptions).

The group's official YouTube channel is updated every Monday and Wednesday at 20:00 JST, offering fans exclusive content, behind-the-scenes footage, and performance videos.

For more information contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

Grammy-Winning Artist Laufey Unveils Her Next Captivating Chapter with "Silver Lining"

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Emma Summerton

“Otherworldly artist”—TIME

“Laufey’s ascendency to major-league pop artist is one of the most heartening musical phenomena of the last couple of years”—Variety

“Laufey makes music that bridges generations”—Rolling Stone

“A celebration of modern girlhood”—Vanity Fair

April 4th, 2025 – Icelandic-Chinese artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Laufey returns with her highly anticipated new single, “Silver Lining”. The track is the first new original music since her GRAMMY®-winning breakthrough album 'Bewitched' and its companion expanded version 'Bewitched: The Goddess Edition', and the first taste of what marks a new Laufey era. Fans can stream the song here and watch the music video here. 

Of the song, Laufey explains, “"Silver Lining" is a love song about being able to set your true personality free when you fall in love. Your inner child comes out and you are emboldened by lust. Even if it takes you to hell, at least you’re with your partner”.

Accompanying the release is a captivating music video that brings the song to life. Shot on 35mm film, the video captures Laufey attending a fantastical masquerade ball surrounded by colourful characters and Rite of Spring-inspired choreography before the party quickly descends into a surreal hellscape, plunging Laufey into a chaos of her own making. The visual was directed by Jason Lester, who Laufey collaborated with on the videos for “From the Start” and “Santa Baby”.

Laufey – "Silver Lining"  (Official Music Video)

Laufey has captivated a generation with virtuosic songs of love and self-discovery by manifesting her vision of jazz-and classical-infused pop music. She has become a bridge for the older music she adores, from Chet Baker to Carole King to Ravel, by offering her bold interpretation to a younger crop of listeners who have become deeply connected over time. This was all by design — Laufey’s self-assigned raison d’être — and it worked, allowing her to bring to life the whimsical universe known as “Laufey Land”.

Raised between Reykjavik and Washington, D.C., she learned piano and cello as a child, later studying at Berklee College of Music. There, she wrote her debut EP, 2021’s 'Typical of Me', whose striking single “Street by Street” debuted at No. 1 on Icelandic Radio — the first of many achievements that have grown to include 4.25 billion global streams, a social media audience of 23 million, the biggest jazz LP debut in Spotify history and an album in Billboard’s Top 20 (both for Bewitched), a growing pile of Platinum plaques, a Forbes 30 Under 30 designation, and being named one of TIME’s 2025 Women of the Year. She’s sold out the Hollywood Bowl, Radio City Music Hall, and London’s Royal Albert Hall; performed backed by the LA Phil, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the China Philharmonic Orchestra; shared the stage with the likes of Jon Batiste and Raye; and collaborated on records with artists ranging from Beabadoobee to Norah Jones. Yet, still, her story is only getting started. 

Stream '"Silver Lining" here: laufey.ffm.to/silverlining
Watch the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbzJB36Z1F4

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About Laufey

Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy) is a 25-year-old Icelandic-Chinese composer, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who writes songs inspired by jazz greats and classical masters while possessing a point of view that could only be conveyed by a 21st-century twentysomething. “My goal is to bring jazz and classical music to my generation through a more accessible road,” she explains. 

Raised between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C. with annual visits to Beijing, Laufey grew up playing cello as well as piano and became hooked on the jazz standards of Ella Fitzgerald after digging through her father’s record collection. In 2020, while still a student at Berklee College of Music,  she released her debut single “Street by Street,” which caught the attention of young audiences worldwide and quickly garnered Laufey a dedicated fanbase online. In 2022, she released her debut full-length 'Everything I Know About Love', which reached #1 on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart while lead single “Valentine” reached #1 on the Spotify Jazz Chart.

Her 2023 sophomore album 'Bewitched' saw wild success around the world, winning the GRAMMY® Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, debuting #2 globally on Spotify and setting the record for the biggest Jazz debut in history on Spotify. The album received widespread critical acclaim with the Los Angeles Times calling her a “musical tour de force.” Off the back of the album’s massive success, Laufey’s tours immediately sold out worldwide, including dates at the Hollywood Bowl, Radio City Music Hall, Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House. Festival headline sets, editorial features in Vogue, appearances on late-night TV and at the 2024 Met Gala cemented her status as a “Gen Z It Girl” (The New York Times). 

Following her sold-out Asia tour last year, which included stops in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, and Taipei, Laufey continues to see strong streaming numbers in the region with the 🇵🇭Philippines at #1, 🇮🇩 Indonesia at #3, and 🇲🇾 Malaysia at #7 among her top global streaming markets. 

Today, she has over 3 billion streams across all platforms and is the biggest streaming artist from Iceland in the world.

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Joony Levels Up With New Single 'Dopa(MINE)'

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Sebastian Olaya

April 4th, 2025 – Maryland’s own triple threat rapper, producer, and songwriter, Joony continues his meteoric rise with the official release of his latest single, “Dopa(MINE)". Fans can stream the song here and watch the visualiser here. 

"Dopa(MINE)” is an introspective track that delves into the feeling of incompleteness without a significant other or personal vice—whether it’s a partner, social media, sex, or drugs. Joony explains, “It’s written from the perspective of your other half asking if you feel whole without them. The question is meant to make you think deeply about the relationship you have with your vices and determine whether or not it’s a healthy one”.

With the release of this track, Joony invites his devoted fanbase into a cinematic glimpse of his world in the accompanying visualizer. Through Super 8 film footage, the video finds Joony embracing nature, leaning against an old-school pickup truck before disappearing into the woods in search of solitude, an aesthetic that perfectly mirrors the song’s themes of  introspection and passion.

Joony - "Dopa(MINE)" [Official Visualizer]

This release builds on the momentum of his collaborative EP, 'JRNY', a five-track project with Jordan Ward that cemented the duo’s effortless compatibility with precise lyricism and genre-defying production and further proves that Joony’s rise in R&B has been nothing short of remarkable. His versatility has afforded him collabs with greats like Brent Faiyaz and Blxst, bringing the DMV to the world stage.

Alongside Leon Thomas and Joyce Wrice, he supported Blxst on his 'I’ll Always Come Find You' tour, drawing early crowds who sang along to every lyric. Now, as he continues to make waves, Joony is set to bring his unique brand of R&B to the desert with a special set in GV Black’s Party In My Living Room space at Coachella next week.

Joony first introduced "Dopa(MINE)" on The COLORS Show last month before officially dropping the track today. With his COLORS performance still gaining momentum online, he's gearing up for his highly anticipated next project, setting the stage for an unforgettable 2025 for his fans.

Stream "Dopa(MINE)" here: https://joony.ffm.to/dopamine
Watch the visualizer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW0YvczFxZM

About Joony

Joony, aka Jonathan Negero, is a first-generation Ethiopian-American recording artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur who exemplifies what it is to be a multi-faceted creative with art that emits every emotion. Joony uses his haunting vocal range to share truthful stories about love, fashion, and making it in music without much guidance. Having grown up in Silver Spring, Maryland, about 15 minutes outside Washington, D.C., Joony’s hometown pride is strong. His latest album, '#SHITUMSS', was an ode to the native sound that helped set the foundation for his start as an artist. His forthcoming Red Bull Records/Evgle debut project, 'MEMENTO', is an excellent next taste of the eclectic artist’s thinking. Joony’s free-flowing but calculated nature helps create a bevy of introspective lyrics that accurately illustrate the depths of his mind. 'MEMENTO' also proves that Joony is in a class of his own. He does not color inside the lines and allows himself to take risks musically while pushing the boundaries of rap in a way that the game-changing artists he draws inspiration from have done in the past.

Joony rose to recognition for his impeccable consistency and dynamic contribution to Brent Faiyaz’s record-breaking album, 'WASTELAND'. Since securing his first Billboard Top 100 hit with 'FYTB', the stage has been set for the SoundCloud-era-inspired emcee to further carve a lane for himself within music’s ever-changing landscape. His work with rising creatives like Jordan Ward ("IDC"), KELZ ("One Track Minded"), Highway ("Bad Time"), and more has led him to build up over 550K monthly listeners on Spotify. The “Baby Joon” recording artist has performed at various festivals, toured with Lancey Foux, and even completed an international headlining tour.

Furthermore, Joony has received co-signs from multi-platinum acts and A-list stars like BLXST, Kevin Durant, Shy Glizzy, Babyface Ray, and others. The writing is on the wall for his looming superstardom, and 'MEMENTO' is the only thing left to solidify him as a force within music. Joony’s talents and interests are beautifully conveyed throughout the 10-track EP. The project’s first two tracks, "INTRO(Hotel)" and "NEED IT", quickly set the tone for the sonic adventure that follows. The opener draws listeners into a movie-like scene featuring audio from a stranger interacting with Joony and his crew before quickly leading into the sobering track, "NEED IT". The passionate song boasts heartfelt lyrics about Joony’s journey to reach the fame and success he knows he’s destined for. Paving the way for the next generation of scene-shapers, Joony will not stop until he’s met his aspirations for love, success, and the desire to have it all.
 

As the newest artist from Red Bull Records in partnership with Blxst’s Evgle imprint and his own collective 211, Joony is putting underground rappers from the DMV on the map. Not many artists have the range and ability that Joony has cultivated, with his latest project driving his quest to create without bounds. Joony’s dedicated fan base anticipates excellence, and 'MEMENTO' rises to the occasion.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Miley Cyrus releases new global single & visual “End of the World” from Something Beautiful

Miley Cyrus unveils her new global single “End of the World,” the next chapter of her highly anticipated album, Something Beautiful, out May 30 via Columbia Records.

Listen to “End of the World” here.

“End of the World” arrives with another striking yet simple visual, which brings the project’s unique aesthetic to life. The official video showcases Miley in her element on stage with her microphone in hand, reminiscent of her 2024 GRAMMYs performance.

Miley is wearing an original custom Mugler by Casey Cadwallader. Each release unfolds as a fully realized artistic vision, blending music, film, and fashion into a singular cinematic experience.

Watch the official video for “End of the World” here.

Miley’s fans may recognize “End of the World” from her exclusive invite-only performances at the Chateau Marmont where she often experimented with performing unreleased, original music for a small, hand-selected audience.

Pre-order Something Beautiful here.

Source: Nyou

Kai Buizon captures the magic of romantic serendipity in new track “Milagro”

The song was inspired by the Japanese concept of Koi No Yokan, which reveals a more nuanced and intuitive take on “love at first sight”

Rising Filipino singer-songwriter Kai Buizon captures the wonder of unexpected connection in her latest single,“Milagro,” out via Sony Music Entertainment. So surprising yet profound, it feels like a miracle.

Co-written by Kai Buizon and her mother, Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon, the bossa nova-inspired track explores a love so unforeseen it feels almost supernatural. It delicately weaves a story of romantic serendipity, capturing the feeling of finding a love that feels like a rare blessing—one that brings a sense of safety and acceptance never felt before.

Buizon explains that the song speaks to someone who has never experienced love quite like this before. “When they finally find a love that makes them truly accepted in ways they never imagined, it does feel like a miracle,” she shares.

The lyrics draw inspiration from the Japanese concept of Koi No Yokan, which describes “the feeling upon first meeting someone that you will inevitably fall in love with them” or a more patient, intuitive version of love at first sight.

“It’s like having a hunch upon hearing the first few seconds of a song that you’re gonna love it,” Buizon adds. “That’s why in Milagro, even though the lyrics narrate the beginning of the connection as an initial attraction, it makes sure to say that the actual part of falling in love happened slowly. As the lyrics go, unti-unting umibig din.”

Buoyed by syncopated rhythms, lighthearted jazz arrangements, and sweet vocals, “Milagro” channels the influence of bossa greats João Gilberto and Astrud Gilberto while also embracing the modern indie aesthetics of Ginger Root and The Marias. Additionally, the promising young act cites Juan Tizol & Duke Ellington’s work “Caravan” as a sonic reference, pointing out how its subtle mix of warmth and nostalgia brought a different side of her, both as a vocalist and as a storyteller.

Interestingly, the song’s production took an unexpected yet organic turn when Raki Natividad, who Buizon invited to do the guitar solo, composed something entirely different from what was on the demo track. “My producer Rau Layug and I ended up liking the new solo so much that we decided to embrace the bossa-nova vibe throughout the rest of the track,” the artist explains.

During production, Rau Layug recorded himself scraping the surface of his wallet with a brush to evoke a scratchy percussive sound, adding a unique dimension to the overall appeal of the track.

Kai Buizon shares that Rau was such a joy to work with, complementing his Midas touch on the material. “I’ve always admired Rau for being talented in the mixing and mastering department,” adds Buizon.

Kai Buizon’s “Milagro” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch out for the lyric visualizer on her official YouTube channel.

Source: Nyou

YARA steps into R&B/hip-hop territory with sultry banger “Sabi Ko Na”

YARA reintroduces themselves as a fearless force in the local urban music scene

YARA steps boldly into a new era with a new sound that fuses Y2K nostalgia with modern hip-hop and R&B flavor.This time, the Filipino girl group leans into urban music with an unmistakably Pinoy flair, as evident in “Sabi Ko Na,” composed by JRoa and produced by Yung Bawal.

Characterized by lush melodies, hook-laden beats, and Darkchild-style atmospherics, the song finds YARA at their most confident—delivering attitude and sonic sophistication in equal measure.

Reintroducing themselves as a force in the Filipino R&B/hip-hop realm, YARA trades polished pop for a more sultry, expressive sound.

“This song was heavily inspired by 2000s R&B, expressing raw emotions as they are—no deep words, no hidden meanings, just pure feeling,” the group shares. “We also wanted to highlight the unpleasant emotions, as they, too, are a part of us and shape who we are.”

For this new sonic revamp, YARA enlisted the expertise of award-winning producer, songwriter, and recording artist JRoa, who crafted an effortlessly smooth, soul-infused anthem about love, deception, and the unnecessary baggage that comes with it. Although YARA wasn’t directly involved in the songwriting process, their synergy with JRoa was spot on. “One of the most memorable moments during recording was the pep talk he gave that day,” recalls the four-member act. ‘It really showed his passion and, of course, inspired us to keep pushing for what we love. Every time he demonstrated how to sing a line, we couldn't help but be in awe. We were fangirling the entire time, but we had to snap back to reality and focus on channeling that energy into a performance.

The result is a captivating mix of past and present—a song that honors classic R&B elements while redefining YARA’s musical identity. With Yung Bawal’s moody, after-hours production setting the stage, “Sabi Ko Na” succeeds in reclaiming the Filipino girl group’s space where they can truly shine.

“It’s not always easy to admit to yourself that someone special has fooled you, so we hope this song serves as both a reminder and a source of comfort—because, let’s be real, it’s a canon event,” the charismatic quartet reflects. “Kidding aside, we just want to be part of someone’s moving-on journey, and hopefully, this song helps them heal in the end.”

Earlier this week, YARA sparked intrigue with a social media blackout, signaling a pivot in their influence style not just for this particular release, but also for their overall sound and artist positioning moving forward. This move set the stage for the launch of “Sabi Ko Na,” a track that reintroduces the group as the next movers and shakers in the local R&B/hip-hop scene. Taking creative direction intotheir own hands, YARA delivers a bold and infectious banger that is rife with so much promise. “You can definitely expect more of this sound,” the group explains. “We had the best time creating Sabi Ko Na, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as we did.”

YARA’s “Sabi Ko Na” is now available on digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.Watch out for the track’s lyric video, which will be released today at 6 pm on their official YouTube channel.

The music video will also premiere on April 11 at 6 pm via the group’s official YouTube channel

Source: Nyou

MILEY CYRUS ANNOUNCES FIRST GLOBAL SINGLE “END OF THE WORLD” SET FOR RELEASE THURSDAY

WATCH THE OFFICIAL TEASER HERE

MILEY GIVES FANS A SNEAK PEEK OF UPCOMING ALBUM 

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL WITH FIRST TWO TRACKS

WATCH HERE AND LISTEN HERE

Miley Cyrus will release her highly anticipated studio album, Something Beautiful, on May 30, 2025, via Columbia Records. Executive produced by Miley Cyrus and Shawn Everett, the 13-track album will be accompanied by a visual film, premiering in June. The film is produced by Miley Cyrus, XYZ Films, and Panos Cosmatos in collaboration with Sony Music Vision, Columbia Records, and Live Nation, and directed by Miley Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, and Brendan Walter.

Today, Miley Cyrus introduced the first two tracks and visuals, “Prelude” and “Something Beautiful,” unveiling the opening moments of the album. These songs mark the beginning of a carefully structured journey, with each release following the sequence of the album and film. On April 3, she continues this progression with “End of the World,” reinforcing the project’s immersive, operatic approach.

WATCH & LISTEN:

• Listen to “Prelude” and “Something Beautiful” here

• Watch “Prelude” here and “Something Beautiful” here

• Watch the official teaser for “End of the World” here

The album artwork, shot by Glen Luchford, features Cyrus in archival 1997 Thierry Mugler couture, a piece also seen in the “Prelude” visual. Fashion is central to the film, with original custom designs by Casey Cadwallader for Mugler showcased in “Something Beautiful” and “End of the World.”

The visual film also features the largest loan of Thierry Mugler archival pieces ever granted to a single individual, alongside rare designs from Jean Paul Gaultier, custom Alexander McQueen, and Alaïa. Cinematographer Benoît Debie brings the project’s striking visuals to life, deepening its immersive storytelling.

With Something Beautiful, Miley Cyrus continues to push artistic boundaries, blending music, fashion, and film into a singular, cinematic experience.

Pre-order Something Beautiful here.

Source: Sony Music

Taiwanese band The Chairs to headline this year’s edition of All Of The Noise 2025

The Taipei-based soft-rock trio will be returning for the second time in Manila, joining Singapore’s San The Wordsmith, Philippines’ SOS and ena mori, Indonesia’s Logic Lost, and Thailand’s KIKI among the performers of the multi-format music event

[More press photos of The Chairs here]

Taiwanese indie pop trio The Chairs are set to headline this year’s edition of All Of The Noise (AOTN), a two-day music and culture event taking place at Astbury Makati on April 4-5, 2025.

Returning to the Philippines for the second time, the Taipei-based trio will be performing a special set for their Filipino fans, who expressed their excitement hearing The Chairs’ brand of ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired psych pop in an intimate live setting.

Known for their evocative songwriting that straddles between “somber love poems” and “joyful, laid-back summer anthems,” The Chairs have carved out a distinct space in the global indie music landscape, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. With four critically acclaimed albums to their name, the band’s artistry has been recognized with Best Group honors at the 30^th Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan's most prestigious music accolade.

The Chairs will share co-headlining duties with an eclectic lineup of international acts, including Thai alt-pop band KIKI, Singaporean hip hop artist San The Wordsmith, and Indonesian experimental electronic act Logic Lost. Other performers spread across two days include Manila-based acts ena mori, SOS, Pedicab, Waiian, obese.dogma777, Cheeky Things, Pette Shabu, Pixie Labrador, SVATG, and Fashion Island; Cebu-based acts Mandaue Nights, IIICCCYYY, and Novocrane; as well as the debut performance of Paul Yap (UDD) and Mario Consunji (Musical O)’s collaborative music project Double Shy.

All Of The Noise 2025 is presented by The Rest Is Noise PH (TRIN), a music curation and events production outfit based in the Philippines. Known for its fearless commitment to music discovery, cross-cultural dialogue, and creative networking, TRIN is expanding AOTN's programming in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Beyond its stellar live music lineup, AOTN 2025 will offer a diverse array of multi-format activities, including music-themed documentary screenings, panel discussions, and keynote presentations in the morning and afternoon, followed by a live music showcase each evening. The event will also feature a special exhibit titled welcome to the static, featuring the work of Karen De La Fuente, a prominent music photographer based in Manila.

All Of The Noise 2025 is also supported by its international and local community partners AXEAN Festival, SRM, Filla Killa, Coast2Coast, GNN, Nyou, Winery PH, Greenwich, Guevarra’s, Flying Lugaw, Ateneo Musicians’ Pool, and UP Music Circle.

Ticket Details

Tickets are available via https://bit.ly/aotn2025 with the following packages:

PHP 800 – Day 1 (access to April 4 program – Friday), inclusive of all programs

PHP 800 – Day 2 (access to April 5 program – Saturday), inclusive of all programs

PHP 1,400 – 2-Day tickets (access to Days 1 & 2), inclusive of all programs

Source: Nyou

JERGE joins Spotify RADAR Philippines 2025, releases new single “Kalul’wa”

The track captures the sound of quiet isolation, trauma, and healing

Rising artist JERGE proves that he’s more than just a viral sensation. Known for his comedy skits on TikTok, the multi-talented artist continues to expand his portfolio as a recording star, earning a coveted spot in Spotify RADAR Philippines Class of 2025. This achievement places him alongside the esteemed ranks of emerging Filipino artists, including Dilaw, Ena Mori, BGYO, ONE CLICK STRAIGHT, Costa Cashman, and more.

Expressing his disbelief and gratitude, JERGE took to Instagram to reflect on his journey. “Music has been my way to tell a story, express my emotions, and connect with people since day one. And now, with Spotify and the RADAR program, I get to share my world with even more listeners.”

With these recent developments, JERGE remains steadfast in his creative pursuit, recently unveiling his new single “Kalul’wa,” under evosound PH. Delicately woven with ethereal vocals and somber acoustic instrumentation, the song essays the lingering weight of past traumas and the painful yet necessary process of moving forward.

Rooted in personal experience, JERGE describes the track as a deeply confessional piece. “With everything I've been through these past few years, I've realized that there are really things you need to leave behind no matter how much you love them,” he shares. “Kalul’wa is about accepting that not everything is meant to stay; sometimes we just need to let go to protect our peace.”

Produced by Paulo Agudelo, the track carries a sense of warmth and solace, subtly embracing the listener with its cinematic sound. However, bringing “Kalul’wa” to life was not without challenges.

“Before we could even begin recording, I didn’t have a guitar to compose freely. I had to rely on MIDI from my laptop to create the demo,” JERGE recalls. “Once the demo was finalized, I worked with Sir Paulo Agudelo in the studio, where we recorded the instrumentals and vocals.”

Marked by an evocative sense of quiet isolation, “Kalul’wa” embodies both pain and healing: piercing yet tender, sorrowful yet cathartic.

JERGE’s “Kalul’wa” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via evosound PH.

Source: Nyou

Chris LaRocca Rewrites The Rules Of Alt-Pop With "ladybug", Announces Forthcoming EP 'dog years'

LISTEN HERE

ANNOUNCES FORTHCOMING EP 'DOG YEARS' 

ON RED BULL RECORDS/WONDERCHILD

Photo Credit: Ted Belton

March 28th, 2025 –  Canadian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Chris LaRocca has announced his next EP, ‘dog years’, which will arrive later this year on Red Bull Records/Wonderchild. Ushering in the new chapter of his artistry, the first single “ladybug” is out now via Red Bull Records/Wonderchild. Fans can stream the song here and watch the visualizer here. 

“ladybug"  introduces listeners to a version of Chris LaRocca that is raw, introspective, and just a little smitten. The track is reminiscent of a retro sound with modern indie influences, introducing a brighter, bolder era of LaRocca’s music.

Chris LaRocca shares, “When a ladybug lands on you, it’s supposed to be a sign of good luck. This is how I felt when my partner came into my life, seemingly out of nowhere. “ladybug” is an ode to unexpected love, and the places that kind of love can take you to. I wrote this song to honour a moment I will never forget, and to remind the world that the best things come when you least expect them.”
 

Chris LaRocca — "ladybug" (Visualizer)

Over the last year, LaRocca took a step back to reflect on the music of generational greats—The Band, The Byrds, MJ Lenderman—who have inspired him to create something just as timeless. Drawing from their influence while staying true to his versatile musicality, he infused the project with the sensibilities of '70s-era rock and the storytelling of rootsy americana, all while adding his own alt-pop twist. 

While sonically this era differs from his previous project, 'i cried my eyes out’, LaRocca’s authenticity and palpable emotion remains the same. That dynamic energy can be felt in "ladybug”, priming future audiences for the electric live shows he’s become known for. 
 

Stream "ladybug" here: https://chrislarocca.ffm.to/ladybug
Watch the visualizer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMlRmHYR1R0

DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT

About Chris LaRocca
 

In a previous life, Chris LaRocca was a fixture in Toronto’s DIY scene, playing sweaty basements around North America with his post-hardcore band. As that chapter of his sound slowly faded into the rearview, LaRocca transitioned from the stage to the studio, establishing himself as a dynamic producer and sought-after collaborator for top-shelf names like Kali Uchis, Bryson Tiller, Russ, and Stray Kids.

He soon caught the attention of GRAMMY-nominated, JUNO Award-winning producer, WondaGurl, joining her Wonderchild roster in partnership with Red Bull Records. His first full-length, 'i cried my eyes out', featured the song “linger”, which he brought to the screen in a heart-wrenchingly beautiful short film that won a Cannes Lion, among other accolades. 

While he’d come a long way from his DIY days, there was a part of LaRocca yearning for the music that reflected his authentic identity. “I started listening to a lot of The Band, Steely Dan, The Byrds – they were all such big influences, and I was looking for parallels between their world and mine”.

He found in a year of self-discovery, the music that was most true to his character wasn’t the chaotic, brain-melting noise of his early punk years. Instead, it was deeply rooted in introspective songwriting with notes of untamed exploration and refined energy. Going into 2024, he relocated from Toronto to the Canadian wilderness to follow the Americana, rootsy sounds that were calling to him. Stay tuned for a new era of Chris LaRocca.

LaRocca's top 10 streaming markets globally include #4 the Philippines 🇵🇭,  #6 Indonesia 🇮🇩,  #8 Thailand 🇹🇭, and #10 Taiwan 🇹🇼. 

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Source: Secret Signals 

MILEY CYRUS ANNOUNCES NEW VISUAL ALBUM, SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, OUT MAY 30, 2025

PRE-ORDER HERE

Miley Cyrus unveils the artwork for her highly anticipated ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, set for release on May 30, 2025, via Columbia Records. The album features 13 original tracks and is executive produced by Miley Cyrus and Shawn Everett. 

Captured by renowned fashion photographer Glen Luchford, the album artwork features Miley Cyrus draped in archival 1997 Thierry Mugler couture, a striking nod to the album’s bold aesthetic and visual storytelling.

Fans can pre-order Something Beautiful now in multiple exclusive formats, including signed vinyl & CDs, limited-edition vinyl, and two special box sets packed with must-have collectibles. Pre-order Something BeautifulHERE.

Source: Sony Music

Ace Banzuelo explores the hopeful, more meaningful side of love in “Kilala”

The track sets the tone for his new era in music

Ace Banzuelo examines the beauty of fleeting yet profound connections in his new single “Kilala,” released under Sony Music Entertainment.

A dreamy, melancholic pop track, “Kilala” revels in romantic longing: those heart-fluttering moments that often escape definition. In Ace’s universe, love doesn’t always require shout-from-the-rooftops kind of admission or grand declarations. Sometimes, it lingers in the quiet, unscripted moments that leave imprint long after they pass.

“You may not realize it, but it could be love,” he adds. “This song is about not wanting to lose someone you know you have a great connection with. A lot of people can relate to this.”

Set against a backdrop of minimal guitars, gentle synths, and electronic flourishes, “Kilala” delivers a vocal performance that is bright and hopeful, yet punctuated with emotionally incisive tone. The song proves that Ace thrives in the contemporary pop music realm, exercising his potential as a future visionary.

The Muli act speaks fondly about the creative process behind his new song, emphasizing his hands-on approach to songwriting and production. “I mixed real and digital percussive elements on this track and recorded with a new guitar. It’s my new baby, I love it so much. Kilala is one of the new songs I wrote and recorded in my new place/studio as well. I’ve been enjoying the view and making songs in that room.”

Having previous explored themes of heartbreak and missed connections, Ace is ready to embrace a different approach to songwriting, one that delves with the intricacies of love and emotional awakening. “Kilala” serves as a prelude to a new chapter in his release cycle, where he aims to channel these sentiments through his signature brand of alt-pop storytelling. It’s also his first release of 2025, which marks the beginning of his “love song” era.

“I’ve been coming out with a lot of heartbreak songs since my Red era,” admits Ace. “This time, I want to release songs that explore the softer, more optimistic side of love.”

Ace Banzuelo’s “Kilala” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.The track’s visualizer will be out today at 7 pm.

Source: Nyou

Culture Wars Pen Angry Letter on Rock n’ Roll Belter “Typical Ways”

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO HERE

3.28.25 AUSTIN, TX: Austin-based band Culture Wars have shared their shout-from-the-rooftops single “Typical Ways,” available to stream now on all DSPs worldwide.

Culture Wars layer guitars and stadium vocals on the band’s hardest hitting release to date about the cycle of addiction and falling into one's typical ways. Vocalist Alex Dugan wrote the song as an angry letter to himself - its explosive, belt-worthy chorus showcases a level of emotion and angst all but lost in modern rock n’ roll. The track comes on the heels of the band’s supporting Mexico run with 2000s icons Keane and Asia stadium tours with Maroon 5, LANY, and The Script, where “Typical Ways” consistently received the loudest cheers from virtually every crowd, carving out a global presence for Culture Wars.

Alex describes the song's unexpected origins: "Typical Ways” is a song that came out of thin air. Dillon came over and showed me a guitar riff and song idea he'd be working on, which I thought was cool but couldn't think of anything to sing to it. However, overnight I had written the whole thing in my sleep and woke up the next morning immediately singing the entire verse and chorus in my head. I quickly recorded it to my phone and showed it to Dillon. Since then, “Typical Ways” has consistently been the biggest roar from the crowd night after night on every tour across the world, which gave us a pretty clear indication we did something right. The earliest song from the album, “Typical Ways” was written in Austin, TX and later recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. The song was written from a time before I met my wife when I was not in a good mental state. I consider this song to be an angry letter I wrote to myself."

In addition to releasing new music, Culture Wars will support LANY at their upcoming Taiwan performance at Kaohsiung Music Center on June 1st.

Slated for 2025, Culture Wars’ forthcoming album arrives ready to connect with a generation starved for authenticity and provocation in their rock bands. The group’s energizing and unapologetically moving record 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. Combining the past, present, and future with bold swagger emphasizing mastery of actual instruments, Culture Wars oozes with honesty, ambition, and unabashedness built to resonate with diverse audiences. In 2021, the band released their widely praised debut EP teche, amassing 11 million+ streams independently, inciting a flurry of activity on TikTok, and charting top 30 at US alt radio. Highlights include tracks like “Faith,” “Lose Money,” and “Leave Me Alone,” which was featured on the GRAMMY-nominated soundtrack for Bill & Ted Face the Music. The band’s recently released tracks “Heaven” and “It Hurts” (top 20 US alt radio) have amassed over 10 million streams in just a few months, catapulting the band to new heights in 2025.

Fans can expect more new music from Culture Wars this year. For more information on Culture Wars, follow them at the links below.

Photo by Eliot Lee

Connect With Culture Wars Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website

Upcoming Tour Dates

6.1 Kaohsiung, Taiwan @ Kaohsiung Music Center (w/ LANY)

For media inquiries, contact Mark Bonifacio at mark.bonifacio25@gmail.com

KAIA collaborates with hitmaker Zack Tabudlo on the lighthearted pop banger “TANGA”

The song tackles a kind of love that borders on blindinnocence

Filipino girl group KAIA continues to deliver another inescapable bop in the form of “TANGA”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment. Produced and composed by Zack Tabudlo, one of the country’s most sought-after hitmakers, the track blends pop confection with a lightness and ‘90s R&B flair.

For the five-piece alphas, the opportunity to collaborate with Zack Tabudlo was a dream come true.

“At first, it was hard to believe that we were actually given the opportunity to work with him, especially since we’ve been fans of his music for so long,” the group shares in a collective statement. “From our trainee days and pre-debut era, we would sing along to his songs, and now, it feels surreal to have collaborated with him on TANGA. We've been preparing this song and keeping it a secret since last year, and we’re so excited to finally share it with you all soon.”

At its core, “TANGA” centers on a love that borders on naiveté, a relatable feeling that some people go through at some point in their life. Balancing a humorous, light vibe with a sense of introspection, the song tells the all-too-familiar story of choosing to ignore the red flags in a relationship just to hold on a little longer.

KAIA explains the rationale of interpreting a material that doubles as a cautionary tale. “When we first listened to the song, it made us feel less alone. It’s like a reminder that it’s okay to go through a phase where you feel ‘tanga’ in love, as long as you eventually find your way back. The contrast between the playful sound and the introspective lyrics makes the song even more special: it’s a journey of realizing your worth. And in the end, you see that the people who truly care for you, like your family and friends, have always been there to support you.”

Beyond lending his expertise as a songwriter and producer, Zack was integral in adding a unique dimension to KAIA’s well-roundedness, allowing them to showcase their range and versatility with a more nuanced approach.

According to the Walang Biruan phenoms, the award-winning chart-topper was very detail-oriented as a collaborator, pushing them to own their artistry in the recording booth, which it turns out, was actually his home.

“The whole process felt so organic,” KAIA describes the collaborative process between them and Zack. “He encouraged us to be looser and freer in creating our own ad-libs and melodies. Zack also introduced us to new styles and techniques, which made the experience even more exciting. Seeing how he works and how effortlessly he brings a song to life was truly inspiring.”

With “TANGA” marking a pivot to an interesting sonic direction for the girl group, KAIA is currently gearing up for their upcoming EP, which they hint will feature “new styles, fresh vibes, and music that truly represents us.”

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

Source: Nyou

SOS memorializes maturity in highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘It Was A Moment’

The second full-length album sees the band’s contemplative departure from the coming-of-age ‘Whatever That Was’ era

(CREDIT: RENZO NAVARRO)

PRE-SAVE LINK

March 28, 2025 (Manila, Philippines) — The highly anticipated sophomore album of SOS, It Was A Moment, is finally here.

Following the release of the carrier single, “Yumi & The Apocalypse” earlier this month, SOS’s latest 11-track project is characterized by the band as a complete departure from their beloved debut album, Whatever That Was, released in 2017. Whereas its predecessor is more reactive and immediate, It Was A Moment is lighter and less fussy in many ways, removing the proverbial chip on the shoulder. Technically, it’s as exacting as one can expect from the group—more sonically expansive and experimental, primarily thanks to the beautifully added sheen of synths and keys to classic SOS anthemic guitars—but thematically, It Was AMoment sees members Seña, Andrew, Anjo, King, and Ram become more deliberate spectators of others as much as themselves (“employing the ‘art of noticing,’” Seña remarks) while keeping the interior feel and unfading anxieties of Whatever That Was.

Of the shift in tone, Andrew explains, “Whatever That Was is a product of constant road-testing and weekly bar shows that shaped the performances of the tracks upon recording. It Was A Moment is more like a lab experiment.” King describes it as a reflection of “transitional stages” of their lives—entering into their 30s, with bigger worlds and more responsibilities. This also marks the band’s first full-length release since the addition of Ram in 2023.

The album includes four previously released singles, “Seryoso” and “Please Lang” (the only two Tagalog-language songs in the band’s discography so far), “Roses” and long-time fan-favorite “Amore” (which was finally released in October last year), as well as the carrier single, “Yumi & The Apocalypse.”

SOS continues to contend with weariness in “I’m Kidding” and “Money” while fighting off cynicism in “Yumi & The Apocalypse” and “It’s History.” Meanwhile, relationship woes become more bearable with faith in “Love Kept Us Warm,” but “French Exit” makes the case for knowing when to call it quits. While these binaries are broader, album closer and standout track “It Was A Moment” was described as “a love letter to SOS fans.” While it contains lyrical and sonic callbacks to past SOS eras, the title track dovetails the enduring appeal of the older SOS catalog with more adventurous production—and earns its longer runtime. It’s the kind of grownness that never punctuates, just evolves.

Following the album release, SOS is set to hit the road (and continue writing, according to Ram). “We’re planning on touring the album around Metro Manila first and we’ll probably have a few shows outside if time permits! We just want to share our journey as SOS and hopefully have the album resonate to people who need to hear our new songs,” shares King.

It Was A Moment was recorded at the band’s Bavarian Studios in La Union, mixed and mastered by Cholo Hermosa of 15D Studio Mix (“Please Lang” was mastered by Chris Gheringer), with vocal engineering by Eric Trono. Vocals recorded at Careless Complex, drums for “Amore” and “Love Kept Us Warm” recorded at Kwarto Studios. Trumpet on “Yumi & The Apocalypse” was performed by Kiddo Cosio.

It Was A Moment tracklist:

1. Amore

2. Roses

3. I'm Kidding

4. It's History

5. French Exit

6. Money

7. Please Lang

8. Seryoso

9. Yumi & The Apocalypse (carrier single)

10. Love Kept Us Warm

11. It Was A Moment

CONFIDENTIAL: STREAM IT WAS A MOMENT HERE

About SOS:

SOS (pronounced like “sauce”) is an alternative band from Manila, Philippines. Formerly known as She’s Only Sixteen, members Roberto Seña (vocals, guitar, synths), Andrew Panopio (guitar), Anjo Silvoza (bass), Ram Alonzo (keys, synths), and King Puentespina (drums, synths) derive their influences from genre- and era-spanning styles: juxtaposing occasionally anthemic, often inescapable rhythms with lyrical themes that explore realist jadedness in almost real-time weariness, as well as human complexities with lush, buoyant production styles. This irony is at the core of the band’s galvanizing live performances, where they project human fallibility—strikingly—with both tenderness and animosity. SOS has performed extensively in the Philippines and across Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan. Their sophomore LP, It Was A Moment, was released in March 2025 and the band is set to go on tour.

They SOS  is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sosbandforever. For media and booking inquiries, email at sosbandforever@gmail.com.

FOLLOW SOS

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Source: Nyou