RICH BRIAN SHARES NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO “BUTTERFLY”

NEW ALBUM WHERE IS MY HEAD? DUE MAY 23RD

“Butterfly” video still

“Butterfly”

LISTEN: https://richbrian.lnk.to/Butterfly

WATCH: RichBrian.lnk.to/Butterfly-MV

(April 25, 2025) - Rich Brian shares “Butterfly,” the latest glimpse into his forthcoming third studio album WHERE IS MY HEAD? that is set for release on May 23rd. First teased during a Twitch livestream with d4vd, the self-produced single highlights Rich Brain’s artistic growth and creative evolution, a key theme of WHERE IS MY HEAD?. The single captures the emotional chaos of a toxic relationship that Brian grapples with and considers walking away from. Musically, the song builds on the analog sounds of lead single “Little Ray of Light,” once again produced by Brian himself.

Speaking on the single Brian shares, “This is one of the most beautiful & hardest song I’ve ever made, I wrote this about someone that brought out so many flaws out of me that I didn’t know I had, it’s basically me talking about how insecure I am over a beat that sounds like Human Nature if it had 808s.”

The song arrives alongside a Jared Hogan-directed music video that serves as a visual continuation of its contemplative predecessor “Little Ray of Light,” this time told from the perspective of the maestro, the mastermind that controlled the Brian present in the previous video. The video sees maestro Brian conducting his half-human, half-animal ensemble in the cinematic offering. He balances two versions of himself – the romantic and introspective as well as the bold and unfiltered at the narrative’s climax, showcasing his growth as a musician and storyteller.

Both “Butterfly” and “Little Ray of Light” mark a bold reintroduction to one of the brightest-burning stars of the 2010s – the product of someone who was ubiquitous for nearly 6 years only to go quiet for the last 3. WHERE IS MY HEAD?, Rich Brian’s first full-length album since 2019, the Indonesian-born artist redefines and staggeringly coheres his vision. He asks: “How can I continue to make music that I love more than anything else?” On WHERE IS MY HEAD? Rich Brian answers that question on each and every track.

Listen/watch “Butterfly” above now and stay tuned for more from Rich Brian coming soon.

Connect with Rich Brian

Instagram | X | TikTok

For all Rich Brian press inquiries please contact Mark Bonifacio at blackstar PH -  mabuhay@blackstar.space

Alt-R&B Duo Emotional Oranges Team Up with South Korean Act Jaehyun of NCT on Latest Single "Call It Off"

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credits: Kimmoondog

April 25th, 2025 – Manila, Philippines – Critically acclaimed R&B/pop duo Emotional Oranges return with "Call It Off (feat. JAEHYUN)", the latest single to arrive from their highly anticipated upcoming debut album 'Orenjii', set for release on May 16, 2025.

Continuing their streak of standout collaborations, the track features JAEHYUN, the renowned South Korean artist and member of K-pop powerhouse, NCT, whose soulful vocals bring a fresh energy and cross-cultural depth to the duo’s signature smooth R&B sound. With 'Orenjii' drawing heavily from South Korean and Japanese influences in both sound and aesthetics, this release stands out as a particularly special moment on the album thanks to the involvement of JAEHYUN.

"JAEHYUN and I met back in 2024 when we linked to work on his song "Flamin' Hot Lemon". It was iLL to get to know someone who grew up on the other side of the world but influenced by similar things. He was inspired by a lot of the same boy bands, both R&B and Pop, that came out of the 90's so I thought of him when V and I were working on "Call It Off".

This one is giving Popstar Papi 2stepping in Seoul energy LOLLLL. Sending lots of love to my boy and can't wait until he gets out of the army so we can celebrate! "
– Azad of Emotional Oranges

Blending the smooth, groove-laden style of Emotional Oranges’ A+V with JAEHYUN’s soaring vocals, "Call It Off" bridges the worlds of K-pop and R&B, resulting in a dreamy, genre-blurring track that’s both globally resonant and uniquely intimate. Speaking on the make up of the album, Emotional Oranges share: “If there was one word to describe Orenjii, it would be juxtaposition. We wanted to blend worlds that typically don't belong together or aren't viewed as complementary and create a new feeling.”

Emotional Oranges continue, “'Orenji' means “orange” in both Korean and Japanese. The time we’ve spent in Seoul and Tokyo over the past few years have had a strong influence on our overall taste and helped inspire the album title and concept. That coupled with how they embraced our music and art, sometimes faster than other cultures, is something we always took note of. With that said, lyrically this is a record rooted in love of self and love for others. When it came down to it, we just wanted to make a collection of music that would give the younger versions of ourselves hope.” 

This single follows the success of recent releases "CANDY GUM" and "Out The Blue", both of which garnered widespread acclaim and strong editorial support, including placements in Spotify’s R&B Weekly and Channel-X, and coverage from top global outlets such as The Line of Best Fit, Wonderland, F Word, TMRW, UPROXX and more.

With "Call It Off" marking just one of the many high-profile collaborations on their upcoming album, Emotional Oranges are setting the bar high. As anticipation builds, the duo continues to prove why they’ve become a beloved force in global music, bringing people together through sound, style, and culture.
 

Listen to "Call It Off (feat. JAEHYUN)" here: orcd.co/eocallitoff
 

DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT

About Emotional Oranges
Not much is known about Emotional Oranges, the LA-based R&B-Pop male/female duo comprised of Azad Naficy and Vali Porter. Described by critics and fans alike as experimental and futuristic, Emotional Oranges are the physical manifestation of alternative R&B, Soul and Funk. Provocateurs extraordinaire, they have been unanimously lauded everywhere from Complex, Highsnobiety to Hypebeast, BBC1, Triple J, MTV, and more.

The duo burst onto the scene in 2019, immediately gaining a cult following with their debut singles “Motion” and “Personal”. Since then, their beloved trilogy, The Juice Vol. I, Vol. II, and Vol. III have amassed over 400 million streams globally, and built a passionate fan base across the globe. No stranger to Southeast Asia, Emotional Oranges' Top 10 Streaming Markets worldwide include the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Emotional Oranges expanded their sonic universe in June 2021 with 'The Juicebox', a collaborative mixtape featuring artists like Vince Staples, Channel Tres, Kiana Ledé, and Becky G, further shattering genre boundaries. In 2024, Emotional Oranges unveiled their 'Blended' EP featuring Nonso Amadi, and embarked on a wildly successful five-show run across Australia and Asia, including a performance at Seoul’s YES24 Live Hall that sold out in 24 hours, and their debut headline in Jakarta at the LaLaLa Festival. Not stopping in their tracks, Emotional Oranges are set to return to Asia this May for a headline performance at Seoul Jazz Festival.

With six project releases under their belt, multiple sold-out world tours, and over 675 million cumulative streams, Emotional Oranges have established themselves as one of the most exciting new acts without ever truly revealing themselves. The juice is certainly worth the squeeze.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS | AVANT GARDEN

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SB19 concludes EP trilogy with Simula at Wakas

The 7-track EP reflects SB19’s complex humanity and evolving artistry, while dealing with the constant pressures of fame, identity, and public opinion 

[ Press photos ]

Celebrating a journey marked by shared experience, invaluable wisdom, and artistic growth, SB19 returns with the release of their third EP, Simula at Wakas—out on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Their highly anticipated body of work captures the band’s evolution as artists and individuals, honoring the past while stepping boldly into the future.

“It’s our way of saying thank you and showing how much we’ve evolved,” P-Pop kings share in an official statement. “Simula at Wakas encapsulates everything we’ve been through: the struggles, the growth, the milestones. We hope it speaks not only to those who’ve been with us from the start but also welcomes new listeners into our world.”

As the final installment in a trilogy that began with 2021’s pagsibol and 2023’s PAGTATAG!, Simula at Wakas chronicles the Filipino pop group’s artistic and personal transformation while signaling a bold, forward-looking direction. The EP explores the universal themes of closure and renewal, portraying the life of an artist as they navigate fame, pressure, and identity. The band further shared personal anecdotes and reflections on their journey to Simula at Wakasin the This is SB19 playlist on Spotify.

The P-Pop trailblazers explain, “It’s both a celebration of our journey so far and a declaration of what’s to come. We’re the same group as when we started. It's just that we’ve matured, evolved, and grown into artists who are more confident in our voice and purpose.”

Simula at Wakas showcases the DAM hitmakers' captivating and universally relatable sound, all while remaining true to their values as human beings. From emotionally resonant lyrics to innovative, genre-bending soundscapes, the EP offers a meaningful experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The 7-track release is written and produced by SB19 with their trusted pool of international and local collaborators, including Xerxes Bakker, Alawn, August Rigo, Simon Servida, and Josue (RADKIDZ). The EP features the full creative involvement of all five members. SB19 admits that they took a hands-on approach in shaping every aspect of the project and were very deliberate in contributing not just musically but also creatively—from the narrative of each track to its visual interpretation, from the choreography to music videos.

“We held meetings almost every day to carefully discuss how each song would come together, from conceptualizing and message to planning how we could execute and promote the EP in ways we’ve never done before,” SB19 explains. “This is the first time after how many years that every member has been this hands-on. Everyone was involved in conceptualizing, producing, and writing the songs. But we also owe a lot to our collaborators who helped us push our ideas further and elevate the project on both the technical and creative sides.”

The envelope-pushing EP cements their position as one of the vital forces behind contemporary pop music in the Philippines and Southeast Asia for the last decade, providing a riveting insight into less explored paths and a thrilling outlook for future developments. Simula at Wakas contains 7 songs, including the now-viral single “DAM” and the focus tracks“DUNGKA!” and “Time.” The latter will be released with a music video at 12 noon.

The anthemic ballad “Time” essays the inevitability of time’s passing—an undeniable and unavoidable reality. As the lyrics go, “One day we’ll run out of time,” the song reveals a sobering reminder of life’s impermanence, yet one that inspires purpose and presence. “Hindi naman kami forever SB19,” acknowledges the five-piece act. “Nothing is permanent in this world, even from where we are at this point.Time will run out soon. All we can do is try our best and make the most out it.”

“DUNGKA!,” another focus track, vaults SB19 back to their experimental phase: evangelizing pop music in unrecognizably exciting form and embracing maximalist production with rave and hyper-pop elements. It’s easily one of the biggest surprises of the EP, standing its ground as both a sonic rebel and revelation.

To complement the EP’s release, SB19 introduces the DAM Tree, an immersive public art installation, now open to the public in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) until May 4, 2025. As part of the promotional campaign, fans can experience the world of Simula at Wakas through hanging parabolic sound domes where A’TIN first heard exclusive track previews from the EP. Beyond the immersive listening experience, visitors also get the chance to win exciting prizes, quickly becoming a hotspot for fan frenzy.

“A tree, by nature, reflects life’s different stages, starting from a seed, growing roots, eventually branching out and bearing,” the group explains. “That aligns with the message of DAM and the EP as a whole: acknowledging where we began, embracing how we’ve evolved, and looking ahead to what’s next. The DAM Tree is not just a design; it’s an experience. We wanted people to feel connected to the music in a more immersive way. It’s our way of turning the emotions behind Simula at Wakas into something you can actually see and feel.”

Further solidifying this milestone, SB19 will kick off the ‘Simula at Wakas’ World Tour with two landmark concerts at the iconic Philippine Arena on May 31, 2025, and June 1, 2025, with the first one already sold out. The tour will span across major cities in Taiwan, the United States, Canada, Singapore, and the Middle East from June to October this year, with additional stops in Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong to be announced.

“We’ve been working on new arrangements for some of our songs, and we’re really excited for fans to hear them,” the group shares. “We’ll be performing tracks from our latest EP, Simula at Wakas, and we can’t wait to share the energy and emotion behind each song. Every performance has been thoughtfully prepared, and we’re really looking forward to seeing how our fans react to these new versions of our music. Each day will be a different experience!”

Listen to ‘Simula at Wakas’ Track list:

1. DAM

2. Time

3. 8TonBall

4. Quit

5. Shooting for the Stars

6. DUNGKA!

7. DAM (Extended Ver.)

SB19’s EP, Simula at Wakas is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Stay tuned for the release of the “Time” music video to be released at 12 nn.

Day 2 tickets to the Philippine Arena concert is still available via SM tickets.

Watch out for their upcoming Listening Party on Spotify (to be announced on SB19's socials soon). 

---

Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

Source: Nyou

TECNO unveils the CAMON 40 Series and introduces its New Brand Ambassador

One tap, perfect snap! The flagship CAMON 40 Series unlocks a new level of AI that delivers innovative snapshot FlashSnap photography

No more missed moments for the popstar royalty and Filipinos – FlashSnap every moment perfectly

MANILA/ APRIL 2025 Innovative AI-driven technology brand TECNO today launched the new CAMON 40 Series – its latest flagship imaging product and most advanced AI smartphone ever - with popstar royalty and FIlipino icon Sarah Geronimo as brand ambassador.

The three models (CAMON 40 Premier 5G, CAMON 40 Pro 5G, and CAMON 40) are equipped with cutting-edge AI imaging technology and practical AI features, delivering industry-leading performance and enhanced experiences in imaging, creativity, and efficiency for users worldwide.

“Sarah Geronimo and TECNO CAMON 40 Series are a perfect match. Her star power, relatability and ability to inspire millions of Filipinos align with TECNO’s passion to bring innovative smartphones to Filipinos so they can embrace and capture life’s best moments. With the TECNO CAMON 40 Series, even hard to catch, motion filled moments can be captured with sharp focus and clarity,” said Nana Chen, TECNO Region Marketing Director.

“I love the TECNO CAMON 40 Series because I can now take tons of photos of my fur baby. We share fun times playing, running around and hugging. Sometimes everything is just a blur. I’m excited to take more photos of my dog using TECNO CAMON 40,” said Sarah.  “Our team also can’t wait to take FlashSnaps during my performance. We can share more photos with my followers. I can share more perfect moments with them,” Sarah added.

With TECNO and Sarah's partnership, the CAMON 40 Series will not just give perfect snaps, but also bring Filipinos closer with their loved ones and favorite popstar - perfect moments, captured.

AI One-Tap FlashSnap Enables Ultimate Snapshot Photography

The CAMON 40 Series redefines mobile snap photography with the power of AI. At its core, the AI-driven FlashSnap mode seamlessly integrates with a powerful camera and a handy One-Tap Button, allowing users to instantly capture life’s most vibrant moments.

The series leverages AI to revolutionize mobile photography through FlashSnap technology. With FlashSnap, AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing reduces noise and enhances details for sharper images. Additionally, the BestMoment AI algorithm intelligently analyzes motion patterns, automatically identifying and selecting the best frames to ensure precise captures in dynamic scenarios, offering users an unprecedented imaging experience.

One-Tap FlashSnap revolutionizes snapshot photography 

The CAMON 40 Premier 5G and CAMON 40 Pro 5G push AI-driven imaging innovation to new heights. The CAMON 40 Premier 5G’s 50MP Sony LYT-701 Ultra Night Camera collects over 56.25% more light than competitors and produces crystal-clear shots. A super-tuned shutter captures over 2600 times faster than the speed of a human blink for rapid action.

Beyond One-Tap FlashSnap, the CAMON 40 Series also comprehensively improves the overall imaging experience. The CAMON 40 Premier 5G features a new 50MP Ultra-wide Angle Camera, a 50MP Periscope Telephone Camera and a 50MP AF Front Camera and is capable of 4K 60fps Pre-ISP Ultra Night Video with independent imaging chip, while the whole series is equipped with all-new wide-angle cameras with 50MP eye-track selfie.

The CAMON 40 Pro 5G stands out with an exceptional camera score of 138 from DXOMARK, ranking No.1 in DXOMARK’s Global Photography Ranking Under $600 and the first smartphone of 2025 to receive DXOMARK’s Smart Choice Label.

TECNO’s Most Advanced AI Smartphone Revolutionizes AI Experience

The CAMON 40 Series is TECNO’s most advanced AI smartphone to date, setting a new standard for AI-driven productivity, creativity, and efficiency. Through TECNO AI, the series introduces practical AI applications, offering smarter and more localized innovations for a seamless AI user interaction experience. Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity Ultimate Processor, the CAMON 40 Series solidifies its position as TECNO’s most intelligent and capable lineup to date. The CAMON 40 Premier 5G is the first to debut the premium MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate AI Processor, delivering an astounding 330% boost in AI performance.

TECNO AI makes life more creative, convenient and efficient for global users 

The CAMON 40 Series redefines AI-driven communication with the world’s first phone with AI-Powered 360° AI Call Assistant. This includes TECNO's pioneering Call Noise Cancellation, an exclusive industry-first innovation for enhanced clarity, along with Call Translation for real-time multi-language communication, Auto Answer to prevent users from missing important calls, and Call Summary for transcribing calls into text.

The CAMON 40 Series produces creative and professional imaging with outstanding AI Imaging Creation features based on local insights into global users’ imaging needs. It is the first to feature TECNO’s updated Universal Tone technology, letting users shoot portraits that capture diverse tones in even more true-to-life and inclusive representations. The AI Image Extender is also new for the CAMON 40 Series, letting users extend photos and restore details in complex scenes. For easier editing, the series also features upgraded AI Eraser 2.0, AIGC Portrait 2.0, AI Perfect Face and AI Sharpness Plus, further elevating the creativity and clarity of images.

Integrated with advanced AI capabilities, TECNO AI further enhances its ecosystem with smarter, more intuitive interactions. TECNO AI’s AI Efficiency tools enhance everyday productivity with features such as AI Writing for effortless content creation, Google-integrated Circle to Search for seamless online searching with just a swipe of a finger, and AI Translate, which offers the first real-time simultaneous translation with Bluetooth headphones on an Android device. The series also features the Ella AI Assistant with One-Tap Screen Query and Ask Ella, enabling users to make calls, create schedules, identify images and text, navigate, and perform various tasks, all while minimizing the need for manual input.

Durability and Craftsmanship: Engineered for Strength and Elegance

The CAMON 40 Series not only excels in intelligent features but also stands out with its robust and durable design, ensuring long-lasting reliability in any environment.

With IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, the CAMON 40 Premier 5G, and CAMON 40 Pro 5G are built to withstand extreme conditions, including hot-water exposure. Meanwhile, the CAMON 40 is IP66 certified, offering reliable water-splash resistance for everyday protection. Equipped with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i, the CAMON 40 Series (Premier 5G/Pro 5G/Pro) offers outstanding protection against the elements, from dusty sandstorms to high humidity or snowfall. The whole series is SGS 5-Star Certified and features 360-degree Drop Resistance, providing superior protection against everyday impacts. The CAMON 40 Premier 5G and CAMON 40 Pro 5G also guarantee 72-month lag free performance with TÜV Rheinland certification.

The CAMON 40 Series features a strong yet stylish design 

As well as durability, the series also reimagines classic CAMON design in a sleek and stylish upgrade. Retaining the classic Side-axis design, the series now features an elegant Swan-neck Curve adding a unique and sensory touch. Offering users design choice, the CAMON 40 Premier 5G features a striking Space Ring camera with watch-grade 3D precision textures, emphasizing professional imaging capabilities.

When it comes to multimedia entertainment, the CAMON 40 Series delivers an immersive experience with its Ultra Bright AMOLED screen, Stereo Dual Speakers, and Dolby Atmos, bringing movies, games, and music to life. And the fun never has to end for long, thanks to the CAMON 40 Series’ powerful, long-lasting battery with a 5-year durability and the huge storage of up to 256GB+12GB. The CAMON 40 Premier 5G stands out with its 5100mAh battery, supporting up to 70W Ultra Charge.

As TECNO’s most advanced AI-enhanced smartphone ever, the CAMON 40 Series represents a new generation of devices and a breakthrough in practical AI that genuinely improves technology and life experiences for users. As well as creative and productive TECNO AI functions, the new CAMON 40 Series’ groundbreaking combination of enhanced snapshot capabilities and powerful AI imaging algorithms solidifies the series position as a premium and flagship imaging device for photography enthusiasts now and into the future.

Be among the first to own a CAMON 40 Series smartphone

Priced competitively from PhP9,999 to PhP21,999, the CAMON 40 Series will be available from April 24. CAMON 40, CAMON 40 Pro 5G, CAMON 40 Premier 5G will be available on TikTok, Shopee and Lazada. CAMON 40 and CAMON 40 Premier 5G will also be available in retail stores start from April 24, CAMON 40 Pro 5G will be available offline after May 10 .

CAMON 40 will be priced PhP9,999 while CAMON 40 Premier 5G will be on sale for PhP21,999 on all online platforms and retail shops.

Priced at PhP12,999, the CAMON 40 Pro 5G 8+256 will be on offer for only PhP10,999 during the exclusive first sale on TikTok from April 24 to 30. First sale buyers will likewise receive limited edition CAMON premium gift sets which include Bluetooth speaker & power bank worth PhP1,999 .

With a standard retail price of PhP14,999, the CAMON 40 Pro 5G 12+256 will only cost PhP12,999 on its first sale on Shopee from April 24 to 30. Buyers will also receive limited edition CAMON premium gift sets.

CAMON 40 is available in glacier white and galaxy black colors. CAMON 40 Pro 5G is available in glacier white, galaxy black and emerald lake green colors. CAMON 40 Premier 5G is available in galaxy black and emerald lake green colors in Philippines.

Offline Pre-order and get exclusive perks

Pre-order the CAMON 40 Pro 5G from April 24 to May 10 in all TECNO offline stores and receive exclusive discounts and a CAMON premium gift set. The claiming period is from May 11 to 25, 2025.

Pre-order the CAMON 40 Pro 5G 8+256 and get PhP1,000 off the price plus 2,000 Boosted T-Spot points. Enjoy a PhP1,500 discount, as well as a Boosted T-SPOT points to 2,500 when you pre-order the CAMON 40 Pro 5G 12+256. Check this website to pre-order: https://wap.tspot.tecno.com/webApp/OrderPrePH?channel=SCAN_CODE_ON_SHOP

Purchase offline from April 24-May 10, 2025 throughSpecified installment payment and receive extra 500php for the whole CAMON 40 Series; CAMON 40, CAMON 40 Pro 5G and CAMON 40 Premier 5G. Up to a 12-month loan term with 0% interest per month, pay as low as PhP27 per day! Combined with CAMON 40 Pro 5G offline pre-order policy, up to PhP2,000 in discounts for CAMON 40 Pro 5G customers can get!

Source: TECNO Philippines

Glen Check Unveils X-Dreams: A Three-Part Musical Journey Beginning April 25

Focus Track  “Good Times” music video

Glen Check is a South Korean duo of Kim June One and Zayvo, whose musical experimentation and innovation have established a unique presence both domestically and internationally. Initially formed as a duo in 2011 by June One and Hyuk Jun (who later left the band), they have been recognized for their creative approach, seamlessly blending electronic and rock with various genres like synth-pop to hip-hop, R&B, and jazz. Continuously pushing musical boundaries, Glen Check has been praised for their bold and genre-defying sound.

Since their formation in 2011, they have captivated audiences with their sleek production and genre-defying sound. Their early albums, “Haute Couture” and “YOUTH!”, established them as a force in the Korean music scene, earning them multiple Korean Music Awards for Best Dance & Electronic Album.

Their music has gained international recognition, with “The Glen Check Experience EP” (2017) landing on Billboard’s 20 Best K-pop Albums of 2017, “Runaway” being featured in the League of Legends World Championship, and “Dazed & Confused” and “4Ever” included in Netflix Japan's series The Boyfriend. With electrifying live performances and a growing global fanbase, Glen Check continues to push musical boundaries, solidifying their place as one of South Korea’s most innovative acts. Building on this momentum, they are now set to embark on their next chapter with “X-Dreams”, their fourth full-length album that will be released in three parts, first of which is this EP slated for release on April 25.

Glen Check photos

The First Chapter of Their Fourth Full-Length Album “X-Dreams”

Marking the beginning of an innovative three-phase rollout, this EP embodies the bright and free-spirited essence of summer and sets the tone for the exciting journey ahead. As June One explains, “If our previous album “Bleach” was a ‘reset’ from a blank slate, then “X-Dreams” is the journey that follows into an exploration of free-flowing dreams and the world beyond. “X-Dreams” stands for ‘crossed dreams,’ symbolizing the intersection of Glen Check’s diverse influences, genre-blending creativity, and the clash between artistic dreams and reality, all woven into a cohesive and epic narrative. With this album, Glen Check merges reggae, dub, trip-hop, breakbeat, shoegaze, and Madchester, creating a fresh and distinctive musical identity. “All of these elements intertwine within a single track, while some songs stem from something as simple as the image of sunlight," adds June One.

The focus track, “Good Times” is a summer anthem that layers reggae, dub, gospel choruses, and psychedelic synths into a vibrant soundscape. As June One sings "together we stay young and free, I can feel the miracles, we can be unbreakable", this song is about emerging from failure and lethargy, stepping once again toward the light. The group chorus in the track serves as a symbolic ritual of healing and solidarity. The "Good Times" music video was shot in Phuket, Thailand, with the aim of capturing the vibrant vibes of the song.

Blending psychedelic rock, surf aesthetics, and dreamy textures, “Sunkissed” captures the fleeting romance of a midsummer beach and its lingering afterglow. The lyrics “what if something is wrong with my heartbeat, am I falling in love?" convey an emotion that is the true narrator of the story.

“Odd Girl” is a fusion of shoegaze-style guitars and breakbeat rhythms that tell a story about a young boy mesmerized by a mysterious, unfamiliar presence. Perhaps, the "odd girl" is none other than the artist himself, and this song is a tribute to the beauty of emotions that feel misaligned and unfamiliar.

Like a hand slicing through air, the rhythms build and explode in “In The Air”, a festival-ready highlight track, merging trip-hop beats with a collective sense of liberation. More than an individual act of resistance, this song channels a communal surge of energy, breaking free from oppression and embracing freedom together.

Set against the laid-back fusion of '90s boom-bap beats and California-style guitar sounds, “Head In The Sun” paints a picture of youthful confusion while chasing dreams. A mix of daydreams, the rough edges of reality, and the lingering desire to keep pursuing dreams, this song drifts between cool despair and effortless longing.

Staying true to their DIY approach, Glen Check composed, recorded, and mixed every track of “X-Dreams” themselves. Using vintage analog gear like old Mackie mixers and SSL consoles, they’ve crafted a sound that is both nostalgic and vibrantly alive. More than just a finished product, “X-Dreams” represents an ongoing journey. June One wants to express, “An album is not something that’s completed in an instant. It grows and evolves over time. If you choose to be part of this journey with us, we believe it will become even more meaningful.”  With the second and third releases still to come, the album will unfold into a larger narrative, inviting fans to be part of the creative process through collaborative experiences.

Discography

2011.02.11  EP Disco Elevator

2012.03.06  LP Haute Couture

2012.09.28  EP Cliché

2012.12.11  EP ‘84

2013.11.19  LP YOUTH!

2017.08.13  EP The Glen Check Experience EP

2022.03.03  LP Bleach

2023.05.23  EP Pulp

2024.03.22  LP Electronic Live System 2024

Official | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok 

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

Indonesian sensation Pamungkas and Thai duo Scrubb to headline GNN’s 10th anniversary this weekend!

Tickets are now available via Helixpay

MANILA, Philippines – Southeast Asian music takes center stage as Indonesian superstar Pamungkas and Thai alt-pop duoScrubb return to Manila for a special show this Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 123 Block in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City.

Pamungkas recently released his fifth studio album, Hardcore Romance, which serves as an “important marker of his musical journey” being one of the most commercially successful singer-songwriters in Indonesia. He’s known globally for his smash single “To The Bone,” peaking at No. 5 on Spotify Philippines Top 50 chart.

Scrubb, on the other hand, is a phenomenal music act whose music reached global popularity thanks to their enormous contributions to the official soundtrack of 2gether The Series, the biggest Boy’s Love hit ever released worldwide. The OST to the series includes 18 songs from SCRUBB, along with few notable ones from the main actors. A prolific music act composed of Thawatpon Wongboonsiri and Torpong Chantabubpha, SCRUBB has produced six studio albums throughout the course of their career, and has performed in sold-out shows across Asia, including Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Singapore, and Taipei.

Both artists are headlining #GNN10 Presents: Pamungkas and Scrubb Live in Manila, a one-day event that also doubles as a landmark celebration of regional talent, curated by GNN in honor of its tenth anniversary. In addition to its international headliners, the lineup includes Filipino acts The Ridleys and Shirebound.

Marking a decade of unforgettable music productions and concerts, GNN’s anniversary show is not just a milestone, but also a reaffirmation of the company’s mission to create inclusive, community-rooted experiences that amplify both local and international voices in the music industry.

Founded in 2015, GNN, most popularly known as Gabi Na Naman Productions, is a Filipino music events and multimedia company that brings memorable and one-of-a-kind experiences to a diverse spectrum of audiences. Its diverse portfolio spans from intimate showcases to large-scale concerts at venues such as the Philippine Arena, Circuit Makati, New Frontier Theatre, Solaire Theater, Newport Performing Arts Theater, and Music Museum—to name a few. Over the years, GNN has also brought international acts to the local shores: Indonesia’s Pamungkasand Reality Club, Thailand’s SCRUBB, Singapore’s Regina Song, Ysa Yaneza and Club Mild, Taiwan’s Elephant Gym, and Japan’s Hitsujibungaku.

#GNN10 Presents: Pamungkas and Scrubb Live in Manila is made possible with the support of Astroria Plaza (Official Home), JB Music Philippines (Tech Partner), and major sponsors Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico and Greenwich. The event is also supported by community partners Neon Oven, Linya Linya, 123 Block, Mandala Park, and The Rest Is Noise PH.

Tickets to #GNN10 Presents: Pamungkas and Scrubb Live in Manila are available via https://scrubbpamungkas.helixpay.ph.

Source: Nyou

XG Becomes the Only Japanese Artist at Coachella 2025, Delivering an Unforgettable Performance

(credit: XGALX)

For immediate release — Hip hop/R&B-inspired girl group XG made their debut appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2025, one of the largest music festivals in the US. Headlined by Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone, XG was announced as a second headliner, making history as the only Japanese artist to perform at this year’s event. 

On April 13th and 20th, XG closed as the final act on the SAHARA STAGE, performing to a combined audience of 30,000 the two weekends. The group made a stunning debut in custom-designed Coachella ensembles, opening with “HESONOO + X-GENE” from their debut mini album NEW DNA. The energy soared when their viral all-rap single “WOKE UP” - which dominated the Global Japan Songs (excl. Japan) chart for nine consecutive weeks and topped YouTube’s trending charts in 19 territories - sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The performance continued with the groundbreaking “GRL GVNG”, the first song by a Japanese artist to top Billboard's Hot Trending Songs chart, and featured a dynamic chair routine that captivated the audience. 

Additional highlights included “LEFT RIGHT”, recognised as the first song by a Japanese girl group to chart on US Mediabase Top 40 Radio Airplay for 13 consecutive weeks - a record for an Asian girl group. 

The final segment of XG’s set featured a string of high-energy tracks, including “TGIF”, “PUPPET SHOW”, “MASCARA” and “IYKYK” culminating in a climactic moment with their viral Shiseido Anessa campaign song “IS THIS LOVE”. The group closed the night with “NEW DANCE” and “SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT” before delivering a sensational grand finale with the hit song “SHOOTING STAR”.

The 13-song setlist, enhanced by live band arrangements and exclusive choreography, kept the audience immersed in an unrelenting wave of excitement. XG left behind an electrified crowd - a resounding testament to the immense success of their Coachella debut. 

XG’s Coachella 2025 Setlist (Week 2, April 20th):

1. HESONOO + X-GENE

2. WOKE UP

3. GRL GVNG

4. SHINOBI (DANCE BREAK) 

5. LEFT RIGHT

6. TGIF

7. PUPPET SHOW

8. MASCARA

9. IYKYK

10. IS THIS LOVE

11. NEW DANCE

12. SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT

13. SHOOTING STAR

XG recently released their new single “IN THE RAIN”, accompanied by a visually stunning music video. It opens with a striking scene of JURIA closing an umbrella in the rain at night, then artfully transitions to scenes of each member in solitary settings, and gradually converging into a powerful symbol of unity, set against a greyscale backdrop that exudes timeless elegance.

XG is currently on their first world tour, XG 1st WORLD TOUR – The First HOWL, which spans 35 cities across 18 countries and regions, with a total of 47 shows. The tour, which kicked off in Japan in May 2024, has seen overwhelming demand with upcoming stops in São Paulo and Mexico City, culminating in a highly anticipated finale at Tokyo Dome on May 14th. On the same day as the Tokyo Dome concert, XG will also release their new single “MILLION PLACES”.
 
About XG

XG (Xtraordinary Girls) is a seven-member hiphop/R&B girl group consisting of JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA. Their name reflects their mission to inspire and empower people worldwide through their unique music and captivating performances.
 
Since debuting in March 2022 with the single “Tippy Toes”, XG has achieved global recognition, becoming the first Japanese artist to rank No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter chart and the first Japanese girl group featured on the cover of Billboard magazine.
 
In 2024, they embarked on their inaugural world tour, XG 1st WORLD TOUR – The First HOWL, and later released their second mini album AWE, marking their debut on the US Billboard 200 album chart. In April 2025, XG continues to break new ground as the only Japanese artist performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

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GLOBAL SUPERSTAR LUKAS GRAHAM DROPS THE FEEL-GOOD ANTHEM OF THE SUMMER WITH NEW SINGLE “YOU YOU YOU” OUT NOW

LOS ANGELES, CA — With three GRAMMY nominations, billions of streams, and global hits like “7 Years” and “Love Someone” under his belt, multi-platinum artist Lukas Grahamreturns just in time for summer with a bright, soul-pop gem, “You You You” (Virgin Music Group). Full of soulful energy, sing-along charm and a dose of summertime magic, “You You You” is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Danish pop powerhouse.

“You You You” Live Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dubOBxLH4sw

The new single also marks a powerful reunion with longtime friends and collaborators Stefan Forrest and GRAMMY-winning producer Morten “Rissi” Ristorp (Beyoncé, OneRepublic, Julia Michaels, FLO), the songwriting and production duo behind many of Lukas’ biggest hits - including the breakout smash “7 Years” which recently surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify. Their creative chemistry is woven into the fabric of Lukas’ sound, from early classics like “Mama Said” to global favorites like “Love Someone.”

Fittingly, “You You You” is a heartfelt tribute to the people who brighten our lives — those rare souls who lift us up and make the ordinary feel extraordinary. “‘You You You’ is about the people in your life who have that invisible superpower — the ones who make everything lighter, brighter, and a little more magical,” Lukas shares. “It’s a love song, a friendship song, and a celebration of those who bring the sunshine, even on the rainiest days.”

The track is already striking a chord with fans around the world after a string of surprise pop-up shows in major cities like Berlin, London and New York, plus a special hometown concert in Copenhagen’s Freetown Christiania.“It’s been really moving to perform these songs so up close, face to face,” says Lukas. “We brought ‘You You You’ to the streets because it’s a song made to connect — it’s built for singing along, smiling, and feeling something together. And that’s exactly what’s been happening.” The release comes ahead of a high-energy European summer tour, signaling a fresh new chapter for one of Scandinavia’s most beloved international artists.

###

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For further information on Lukas Graham, contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

Addison Rae releases new single “Headphones On” alongside dreamy new video

Photo Credit: Bella Newman

Assets here

Pop superstar, songwriter, actress, and cultural phenomenon Addison Rae has released her latest single, "Headphones On," via Columbia Records, accompanied by a brand-new music video available for streaming on all digital platforms today. Listen to the song and watch the video, directed by Mitch Ryan, here.

The song arrives shortly after Addison’s surprise appearance during Arca’s Coachella set this past Sunday night, where the duo performed "Arcamarine," Arca's take on Addison’s single "Aquamarine."

The official new video takes fans to Reykjavik, Iceland. Directed by Mitch Ryan—who also directed the video for "High Fashion"—Addison is shown daydreaming in a mundane grocery store before being transported to the fantasy-filled vast countryside of Iceland, devolving into a mind-bending trip. The song is produced by her trusted collaborators Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd, who co-wrote the track alongside Addison. This marks the first track released under Addison’s new publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing.

Since the release of "Diet Pepsi" in October, Addison has cemented herself as one of pop’s most promising new voices. The track became her most-streamed song to date and marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Following closely was "Aquamarine," whose Paris-shot music video served as a fashion spectacle. On Valentine’s Day, Addison released "High Fashion," with a video shot in her home state of Louisiana. Along with "Headphones On," these tracks will appear on Addison’s highly anticipated debut album.

Photo Credit: Bella Newman

Assets here

ABOUT ADDISON RAE

Addison Rae has become one of the most recognizable young stars in Hollywood. In August, she released "Diet Pepsi," marking her first collaboration with Columbia Records. The single made a significant impact, becoming Addison's first to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Released alongside a music video directed by Sean Price Williams and under the creative direction of Mel Ottenberg, "Diet Pepsi" continues to cement Addison’s growing influence in music. She followed “Diet Pepsi” with “Aquamarine,” which featured a dazzling music video shot in Paris, France. Then, with her third single, “High Fashion,” PAPER Magazine declared that Addison had gone “three for three,” calling the new track “hypnotic and euphoric.” Last year, she released her long-awaited debut EP, AR. The EP gained 10 million streams in its first week and features the hit song “2 Die 4,” featuring Charli XCX. Continuing her collaboration with Charli, Addison joined her on the remix of the viral hit song “Von Dutch” this past summer. On the film side, Addison was recently announced as a star in Legendary’s R-rated live-action hybrid Animal Friends, opposite Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, Dan Levy, and Aubrey Plaza. She was also recently seen in Eli Roth’s horror film Thanksgiving, opposite Patrick Dempsey. The film debuted in theaters globally and was later added to Netflix, where it quickly hit #1 (marking her second film to achieve this milestone). In 2021, Addison starred in Netflix’s He’s All That, directed by Mark Waters. The film, a gender-switched reboot of the 1999 cult classic She’s All That, premiered as the #1 movie on the platform in 80 countries. Since the beginning of 2020, Addison has amassed over 88 million followers on TikTok, with over 5.8 billion likes, and 34 million followers on Instagram.

Source: Nyou

RADWIMPS Releases Brand New Song "Tamamono", The Theme Song of NHK Drama Serial 'Anpan'

LISTEN HERE

April 21st, 2025 - Philippines – Continuing the celebration of their 20th anniversary, acclaimed Japanese rock band RADWIMPS keeps the momentum going with the release of their brand new single, “Tamamono”, a theme song of the NHK Drama Serial ‘Anpan’. Fans can listen to the song here. 

‘Anpan’ is a story based on the lives of Yanase Takashi, the creator of ‘Anpanman’, a famous Japanese anime character, and his wife Nobu. It depicts how two individuals overcame countless hardships to create ‘Anpanman’, embodying the idea of ‘justice that never wavers’ and inspiring love and courage that make the joy of living well up from within. ‘Anpan’ is available worldwide for fans to watch on NHK World Premium.
 

Yojiro Noda expresses, “We are honored to have this opportunity to contribute the theme song for ‘Anpan’. Since we received the offer last spring, I read the script, which arrived little by little like letters and the song slowly took its shape. As I read, I grew to love Nobu, Takashi and each of the characters in the drama, and at times I became helplessly bitter. The more I fell in love with them, the more I got lost as to what kind of music would be a perfect fit. My goal was to write a song 1) that can give you the strength to crawl out from under the covers in the morning, 2) has a fresh vitality like Nobu, and 3) that is challenging and adventurous. We are excited to see how the song grows as the drama unfolds for the next 6 months”.

Bringing that sentiment to life visually, the colorful and dynamic opening sequence—now available on YouTube—offers a glimpse into the emotional landscape of the drama. Directed by Ray Wakui and powered by vivid VFX, the sequence follows Mio Imada’s character as she sprints through the chaos of today’s world, setting the tone for the heartfelt journey ahead.
 

To commemorate the 20th anniversary, the band will be releasing their past albums on vinyl. Kicking things off with ‘Batsu To Maru To Tsumi To' from 2013 which will drop on May 7th, 2025, a new title will drop each month through September. Preorders for ‘Batsu To Maru To Tsumi To’, ‘Zettaizetsumei’, ‘Arutokoroni No Teiri’, ‘RADWIMPS 4 -Okazu No Gohan-’ and ‘RADWIMPS 3 -Mujintou ni Motteikiwasureta Ichimai-’ LPs are now available for fans to preorder here. All titles are limited edition so make sure to preorder to secure your copy.

Stream "Tamamono" here: https://lnk.to/rad_tamamono 
Pre-order the vinyls here: https://shop.radwimpsofficial.com/

About RADWIMPS
Formed in 2001, RADWIMPS made their major label debut in 2005. Soon after, they garnered a broad fan base, with the younger generation at the core. The band has released nine studio albums thus far. The band's creation of music for Shinkai’s previous record-breaking animated feature films "Your Name" and "Weathering with You" led to recognitions at the Japanese Academy Award for Best Original Score. 
 

In November 2021, the band released their studio album “FOREVER DAZE” and went on the road for a nationwide Japanese tour to support the album. “FOREVER DAZE” was written and recorded throughout the pandemic and speaks to the musical challenges the guys faced, their hopes moving forward and features a diverse group of collaborators and experimental elements. In 2022, Radwimps teamed up with highly acclaimed film music composer Kazuma Jinnouchi to create the perfect soundtrack and score for award-winning auteur director Makoto Shinkai’s latest film “Suzume”. To coincide with the movie release around the world, the band went on the road for their 2023 sold out North American, European, Australian and Asian tours leading to additional 2024 tour dates across Latin America and Asia, including Singapore, Manila, Hong Kong, Taipei, Jakarta, and Bangkok.

For more info, visit RADWIMPS official website here.

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Gary Valenciano and RJ Dela Fuente team up for an uplifting rendition of “Blessings”

The inspirational track is released just in time for the Holy Week

Acclaimed pop-balladeer RJ Dela Fuente have joined forces with Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano for a moving and heartfelt rendition of Laura Story’s “Blessings”—released just in time for the Holy Week.

Their powerful duet offers a fresh take on the iconic Christian ballad, serving as a timely reminder of hope, healing, and unwavering faith in God amid life’s trials.

Known for bridging the worlds of pop and gospel music, both artists bring a depth of emotion and sincerity to the song that resonates deeply with listeners. “But more than our styles complementing each other, it’s our united stand, belief, and faith in Jesus that I believe has made it a perfect fit. Probably one of my favorite duet recordings in my lifetime,” shares Gary Valenciano.

The track was produced and arranged by Mon Faustino, Gary’s musical director for more than 35 years, in collaboration with recording consultant Mike Jamir. Considered by both as one of their favorite Christian songs, “Blessings” stands as a personal anthem for each of them: a source of comfort during Gary’s own medical battles and a guiding light for RJ during his journey through grief, healing, and spirituality.

Gary reflects, “Not every blessing comes in an ideal, joyful, happy, celebratory manner. Blessings can come hidden behind trials that come in various forms, and our prayer is that our listeners will know that not all disappointments are failures but surely sometimes delays that God allows to hone our character into becoming more like His before we are given that which we have asked of Him.  Big blessings may require heightened responsibilities on our part and God can use the trials to deepen our personal walks with Jesus and strengthen us for more battles and blessings we will surely face in the future.”

RJ Dela Fuente shares how the song’s message of unexpected grace resonates with his own story. “The original artist, Laura Story, talked about how her husband was faced with a brain tumor and health conditions, which was the story behind this song. She talked about how she had to find comfort and had to depend on God during that tough time. I myself also had to find peace and comfort in Him when my family and I were grieving the loss of my stepmom due to cancer. Tito Gary also had to face cancer and a heart problem and is a type 1 diabetic.”

Through the song’s message, RJ believes that God has a bigger plan for us and we can still find comfort and peace in Him. “He won’t ever leave us and will be alongside us if we allow him to be. We can still find His “blessings” through tough times.”

The two artists first performed the duet as a surprise during CBN Asia’s Beyond Measure concert, held at the Araneta Coliseum last year.

The collaboration also serves as an important milestone for both Gary Valenciano and RJ Dela Fuente, who are involved in separate projects under Sony Music Entertainment and WATERWALK RECORDS, a music label focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation.

RJ, on the other hand, will be releasing an EP with the help and support of Sony Music Entertainment, WATERWALK RECORDS, and Manila Genesis.

RJ Dela Fuente and Gary Valenciano’s “Blessings” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and WATERWALK RECORDS.

Source: Nyou

SINGAPORE'S INDIE SENSATION SHYE DIVES DEEP INTO THE MIDPOINT OF LOVE AND LOSS IN NEW SONG "WAITED FOR YOU"

LISTEN HERE

SET TO PERFORM HER FIRST EVER HEADLINE SHOW
IN THAILAND ON APRIL 26

April 15th, 2025 — Singapore's indie pop darling, singer-songwriter and producer Shye unveils her latest single, "Waited for you", a soul-stirring track that explores the emotional turmoil of being caught in the "in-between" of a relationship. The song, which embodies the space between holding on and letting go, takes listeners on an intimate journey through love, doubt, and self-discovery. Fans can stream the song HERE. 

"Waited for you" encapsulates the poignant moment of being stuck in the in-between—caught between holding on and letting go. It addresses the complexities of waiting, hoping, and questioning, "Are you worth it?" The song captures the anxiety of toxic ties, symbolised by the lyric "I drown in your goodbyes," as they appear and disappear on their terms, playing games with your heart and mind.

Shye – "Waited for you" (Official Video)

"Through the melodies and lyrics, I hope to provide a sense of comfort and understanding for those who are in toxic situations, reminding them to stop blaming or doubting themselves. More important than anything, I want them to know that it's okay to take the time to process their emotions and to encourage them to choose themselves."

— Shye

Drawing a parallel to the phases of a day—morning, afternoon, and evening—the song represents the afternoon: the midpoint between beginnings and endings. Shye reflects on the beauty of this transitionary space, recognising that it's the decisions made during this phase that hold the power to shape the outcome. "The afternoon doesn’t last forever and eventually, we will find the strength to close this chapter and step into the next." says Shye.

For Shye, "Waited for you" marks a shift in her usual songwriting process. Rather than starting with chord progressions, the melody and first line of the chorus came to her like a spark of inspiration. "I immediately recorded it on my phone, then searched for the right chords. Everything just flowed naturally from there," she explains.

Through this release, Shye hopes to connect with listeners who may be stuck in the emotional "afternoon" of their own relationships—caught in the uncertainty of waiting, questioning, and holding onto something that feels increasingly fragmented. "Waited for you" is a poignant reminder to trust ourselves, take the time to heal, and ultimately embrace the courage to let go when it's time to move on.

Stream "Waited for you" here
Watch the official video here
 

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About Shye

Shye is an independent singer-songwriter and music producer from Singapore. She oversees the creative process of writing, recording and production from home and is also the mixing and mastering engineer responsible for all her music. Shye's music is inspired by a mixture of dreamy indie/electronic pop and alternative rock.

A self-taught artist, Shye began her music journey at the age of 16 when she entered a music competition for fun and emerged unexpectedly as the winner, with music from her debut EP 'Augus7ine' in 2018. Shye followed up with her 14-track debut album 'days to morning glory' in 2020. In the following year, Shye released her second EP 'hello TRINITY' followed by 'idk it’s complicated' in 2022. Her next body of work, '9LIVES' followed suit in October of 2023 and she continued to drop singles throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Shye has supported international acts such as Daniel Caesar, Clairo, Superorganism, Sales, Men I Trust, and The Chairs during their tours in Singapore. She has also performed at music festivals such as Tiger Den SXSW in Austin Texas (2023), Axean Festival in Singapore (2023), Asia Rolling Music Festival in Taiwan (2022), Urbanscapes in Malaysia, (2019), Baybeats in Singapore (2023, 2019), Asiya Festival in the Philippines (2024), and virtually for Music Lane Okinawa (2021) and Bangkok Music City (2020). Shye performed at the swearing-in ceremony of Singapore's new Prime Minister in May 2024, and wrapped up a performance at The Alex Blake Charlie Sessions in December 2024 alongside international acts. She recently performed at Taiwan's Emerge Fest and will be taking the stage for her first ever Thai headline show in Bangkok, this April.

Shye was named 'Best New Act from Asia' at the 2022 BandLab NME Awards and received the 2022 KKBOX 'Rising Star Award'. She also took part in the China music reality show《青年派计划》broadcasted on Mango TV, where she emerged a finalist. Last year, Shye had participated in the idol survival show Chuang Asia Thailand.

Shye has also been added to the lists of Forbes Asia 30 under 30, Tatler Asia's Gen. T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024, Dazed 100 Global and Asia and most recently Prestige 40 under 40. Shye was invited by Chanel to attend her first overseas fashion show, the Chanel Cruise Replica Show in Hong Kong last November, an event attended by celebrated musicians such as G-DRAGON and Angèle. She also attended her maiden Paris Fashion Week show with the brand in March. Shye has graced the covers of magazines such as FEMALE, Men's Folio, Prestige, Her World, Grazia and Aplus. She has also collaborated with numerous fashion brands.

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Gerard Pizarras Transforms Into “Preso” in CBN Asia’s Holy Week Special, Tanikala

Seasoned actor Gerard Pizarras takes on the challenging role of a drug-addict-turned-inmate in CBN Asia’s highly anticipated Holy Week Special, Tanikala presents “Preso”—airing thisGood Friday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. on GMA.

Preso follows the true-to-life story of Wendell Tolibas, a man whose life spirals into chaos after witnessing a traumatic incident. Consumed by pain and anger, he turns to rebellion, drug addiction, and crime while living in Davao. Arrested and publicly shamed in 2017, he found himself trapped behind bars and at rock bottom.

“When I first read the script, I said, ‘This person’s story is inspiring. Lord, thank You for this story because it encouraged me,’” Gerard recalled.

Having portrayed similar roles of incarcerated men in the past, Gerard found Preso to be unique. Unlike other stories that dwell solely on the suffering inside prison walls, this telecine inspires viewers that true redemption is possible and that there is life after prison.

Alongside his talented co-stars—his wife, veteran actress Jan Marini, and actor-influencer Jericho Arceo—Gerard brings to life a character whose struggles resonate not only with actual prisoners but with anyone who feels imprisoned by their addiction, past hurts, and difficult circumstances.

“Many people can relate, even if they’re not in prison. A lot of us feel trapped by mistakes, by tragedies. But this story gives hope.”

He adds, “This film is perfect for Holy Week. It’s a time for reflection—an opportunity to look back, acknowledge past mistakes, and make things right with God.”

Preso is directed by Timmy Yee, who also co-wrote the film with Gilbeys Sardea. The director hopes that this year’s offering will help anyone who watches it be ‘freed’ from anything that makes them feel trapped.

“During this Holy Week, it’s time to reflect on our lives and the areas that need freedom. Hopefully, this story will serve as a ‘trigger’ for everyone who watches it, that it would set us free from the things that have imprisoned us,” he shared.

This Holy Week, break free and embrace new beginnings. Watch Tanikala presents Preso this Good Friday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. on GMA.

 Source: CBN Asia

NERIAH PRESENTS THE SOUNDTRACK TO MOVING ON WITH "NAPOLEON COMPLEX"

Photo Credit: Savanna Ruedy

April 11th, 2025 – Back with another heart-stirring release, rising starlet NERIAH unveils the soundtrack to moving on – “Napoleon Complex". Fans can stream the song here and watch the music video here.

“Napoleon Complex” is the perfect soundtrack to celebrating confidence, self- growth, and letting go of the past. This song is for anyone who’s been manipulated, gaslit, or made to feel like they were the problem when they weren’t. It’s empowering, catchy, and once you hear it, you won’t be able to stop listening. 

NERIAH shares, “"Napoleon Complex" is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written. It came from that freeing moment when I finally moved on from my ex and realized I wasn’t going to let him take up any more space in my head”.
 

NERIAH - "Napoleon Complex" (Official Music Video)

Leading up to the release, NERIAH has been teasing the track during her tour with live performances that sparked multiple viral moments on TikTok, racking up millions of views.  “Napoleon Complex” is proving to be the ultimate heartbreak anthem to be blasted in your car with your friends as you finally move on from that toxic ex who never deserved you in the first place.

This is only the beginning for NERIAH, as she continues to rise and solidify her place as a powerful force in the industry

Stream "Napoleon Complex" here: https://symphony.to/neriah/napoleon-complex
Watch the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0w220YbrMM

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About NERIAH

NERIAH is best known for her fearless lyricism and unapologetic honesty. The rising independent pop artist has carved out her own lane, with every song she releases rooted in real life, real relationships, real exes, and real chaos. And she’s not interested in censoring any of it.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, NERIAH has become the voice of a generation tired of playing it casual. With a growing discography of emotionally charged, addictive anthems, she has built a cult like fanbase by doing what most artists won’t— telling the unfiltered truth. She writes every lyric herself, pulling directly from her own experiences, and she’s not afraid to name names.

NERIAH has previously performed at two iHeart festivals and joined North American tours supporting Alexander Stewart, Eaj, and Madison Beer. NERIAH shows no signs of slowing down following the release of her 2023 debut album, 'Cause of Death', which propelled her combined catalog streams to 100 million.

Recent single releases include “Only Always” with Jake Miller and “Gone Girl”, which has garnered massive support with over 375k streams and more than 46 global editorial playlist placements. Now, she is preparing for the release of her viral single “Napoleon Complex”, which has already amassed millions of views across social media.

NERIAH has recently wrapped up her debut headline tour, which spanned 19 dates across North America, the UK, and Ireland, including a sold-out performance in Los Angeles. In May, she will hit the road again as direct support for Daniel Seavey on his highly anticipated UK and EU tour, performing across 13 shows.

No stranger to the spotlight, NERIAH's top streaming markets include the Philippines (#3), Indonesia (#4), and Malaysia (#7). 

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Peder Elias releases new single “Call My Name”

Norwegian artist and songwriter Peder Elias Eriksrud Kjørholt releases “Call My Name” via Sony Music.

“Call My Name" is a song about wanting to be there for someone, especially if they’re going through hard times. I lead a busy life, but it would really break my heart if the people closest to me didn’t trust me to drop anything to be with them if they need me.”

The 28-year-old wrote “Call My Name” in London with Alex Charles, Ryan Bickley and producer Freedo (Zara Larsson, The Chainsmokers) and shared that the collaboration and creative process was seamlessly organic.

“We work well together, and the whole creative process felt right from the start. Not because it’s effortless, but because I feel challenged in a good way. And on a personal note, it feels as if Call My Name shows how I’m maturing as a person and a songwriter.”

Pop music is a surprisingly common source of comfort for a lot of people. Both directly with how the music makes them feel, and how they relate to the lyrics, but also the sense of community from knowing that someone else has gone through similar things and felt similar emotions.

“As much as I rely on talking with those closest to me when life overwhelms me, I’ve always taken a lot of comfort in the music. Making it and listening to it. And that’s what I hope my music can do for others. I can’t describe how motivated and privileged I feel when fans share stories of how my music and lyrics has touched them and even impacted their lives. It is such an honour to know that my music helps them through difficult times”.

After recently showcasing his sense of humour with “If I Got a Dollar” , “Call My Name” is even closer to Peder Elias’ heart and he’s excited to share it with whoever needs to tell someone that they are here for them, or who simply needs to feel comforted.

Peder Elias is currently touring Southeast Asia playing for fans in new cities and countries.

“On the day of release, I’m actually travelling between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Manila in the Philippines. I’ve never been to Malaysia before, but I visited the Philippines last year and had a great time doing promo and meeting fans. And tasting the fantastic desserts. I think I’d like to celebrate the release with leche flan and halo-halo which I’ve craved since I first tasted it.”

“Call My Name” by Norwegian pop-sensation Peder Elias is out everywhere on Friday 11^th April.

#####

About Peder Elias

Credit: Ida Bjørvik

Download assets here

Peder Elias (Peder Elias Eriksrud Kjørholt, born in Trondheim, Norway on 14th January 1997) is an internationally award-winning artist and songwriter. He debuted in 2018 and had his international breakthrough with «Bonfire» in 2020. Since then, he’s had several million-streaming hits in South-Korea, ROC Taiwan and China. In ROC Taiwan he was the most streamed international artist in 2023 and again in 2024.

There is also increased support in other Asian markets such as India, Indonesia, the Philippines, as well as Central- and South America, with his social media growing with over a million followers this last year.

Peder Elias enjoys visiting Asia to tour, play festivals, meet fans and the media. In 2024 he did his biggest tour of Asia so far, playing for fans in several cities in mainland China for the first time as well as in Seoul and Taipei.

He released his multi-platinum certified debut album «Love & Loneliness» in 2022 and followed up with platinum certified «Youth & Family». Topping the charts in several markets with songs such as «Bonfire», «Good ForYou», «Loving You Girl», «Paper Plane», «Row Your Boat», «Better Alone», «While I’m Still Getting Over You», «Twinkle Twinkle», and «Hey Hello» with CHA EUN WOO. He wrote and featured on smash hit «7 PM» by K-pop sensation BSS (Seventeen) and featured on the Alan Walker-hit «Who I Am».

A popular guest on national radio and TV wherever he travels, as well as at home in Norway, Peder Elias has been on the cover of both GQ and Rolling Stone Korea. He has collaborated with, amongst others, artist and actor CHA EUN WOO, Keenan Te, SURAN, Hkeem, Paige, Yuqi from K-pop phenomenon (G)I-DLE, Yuheng Wu, and – fun fact – has been namedropped by Jungkook from K-pop icons BTS on several occasions.

In December of 2024 fan favourites «Row Your Boat» and «Twinkle Twinkle» both went viral on TikTok and Instagram, amassing thousands of new followers and fans across the globe. Peder Elias closed a very successful year by joining stars such as Bibi, TWICE, Jay B and MINA as part of the Asian launch of Meta Loves Music in Seoul in December.

On the Southeast Asia tour in April 2025 Peder Elias visits Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines to perform in concert for the first time.

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Double GRAMMY-Winning Bon Iver Unveils Boundary-Pushing First Album in 6 Years 'SABLE, fABLE'

LISTEN HERE

WITH SPECIAL LOCAL COLLABORATIONS
AND EARLY ALBUM LISTENING EVENTS

Photo Credit: Graham Tolbert

April 11th, 2025 — Today, Bon Iver, the Grammy-winning musical project fronted by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, begins a beautiful new era with the release of 'SABLE, fABLE'. Out now on Jagjaguwar, the project's first album in six years is both a hard path of healing and a lush story of love, embodying the clarity, focus, and honesty that comes when your eyes are locked with another's. Fans can stream the new album HERE and watch the music video for the focus track "There's a Rhythmn Here" HERE.

Through the transformation of these twelve songs — 'SABLE,''s darkness giving way to 'fABLE''s radiant light, pain turning to purpose and possibility, stark reflections setting the table for vibrant pop music — there exists a common tale, in which one person becomes two.

From the ashes of 'SABLE,''s fear, atonement and sadness comes the embers of 'fABLE''s overwhelming joy and infatuation ("Everything Is Peaceful Love"), irrepressible desire ("Walk Home"), and the strength it takes to be the best version of yourself ("If Only I Could Wait (feat. Danielle Haim)"). While 'SABLE,'' captures the walls closing in, 'fABLE' swings the doors open and rolls the windows down. But fables are not fairy tales, and sometimes endings needn't be happy. As the album winds to a close with "There's A Rhythmn", the shadow of 'SABLE,' rears its head, but rather than erasure, Justin Vernon seeks an alternative, acknowledges the need for patience, and pledges to keep putting in the work. As the future unfolds, what comes next remains a question — a partner, new memories, maybe a family? Regardless, he is ready to find that pace.

Bon Iver – "There's A Rhythmn" (Official Music Video)
** OUT 11 APR, 10:00 PM (GMT+8) **
Justin Vernon walks from a Wisconsin cabin to a bright California

Alongside today's album release, Bon Iver has launched a series of special collaborations and partnerships to bring the salmon-coloured world of 'SABLE, fABLE' to life. These collaborations with local partners offer fans a chance to engage with the album's vibrant themes and visuals in a uniquely tangible way as they immerse themselves in a multi-sensory exploration of 'SABLE, fABLE' that deepens their personal connection to the music through art, flavour, and shared experiences. Participating businesses in Southeast Asia include: HATS Bar (Jakarta, Indonesia), Looozer (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), and Naga House (Singapore). Find the full list of partnerships on boniver.org/releaseday.

Earlier on Wednesday, April 9th, fans had the unique opportunity to hear the entire record early in a global series of location-specific listening events, fABLE sPACEs. Building upon the community-driven listening experiences of '22, A Million' (2016)'s mural-based boombox gatherings, and 'i,i' (2019)'s record store and photo booth events, fABLE sPACEs brought 'SABLE, fABLE' to dozens of scenic, outdoor settings chosen by the band and fans. Utilising location-based technology and crowd-sourcing, listeners arrived at one of the geographically-defined destinations and unlocked a full preview of 'SABLE, fABLE' via their smartphones. With the album playing on repeat for three hours, fABLE sPACEs fostered shared moments within a personal listening experience, mirroring 'SABLE, fABLE''s shift from isolation to connection. The six official listening locations across the region included: GBK City Park (Jakarta, Indonesia), UP Sunken Garden (Manila, Philippines), KLCC Park (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), The Meadow @ Gardens by the Bay (Singapore), Daan Park (Taipei, Taiwan), and Lumphini Park (Bangkok, Thailand).

Produced by Justin Vernon and Jim-E Stack, engineered by Ian Gold and Justin Vernon, mastered by Heba Kadry, and primarily recorded at Vernon’s April Base, 'SABLE, fABLE' includes contributions from: Alaina Rose Brown, Alan Good Parker, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Asher Weisberg, Ben Lester, BJ Burton, Blake Morgan, Carter Faith, Chris Messina, Cory Henry, Denise Stoudmire, Dijon, Eli Teplin, Greg Leisz, Jacob Collier, Jenn Wasner (Flock of Dimes), Joshua Brown, Kacy Hill, Matt McCaughan, Michael Gordon (Mk.gee), Michael Lewis, MonoNeon, Rob Moose, Ryan Olson, Sam Tsang, Sean Carey, Tobias Jesso Jr., Trever Hagen and more, with art direction by Justin Vernon, Ruben Nusz and Miles Johnson. Find the full credits at boniver.org.

'SABLE, fABLE' Tracklisting:
1. THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS 
2. S P E Y S I D E
3. AWARDS SEASON
4. Short Story
5. Everything Is Peaceful Love
6. Walk Home
7. Day One (feat. Dijon and Flock of Dimes)
8. From
9. I'll Be There
10. If Only I Could Wait (feat. Danielle Haim)
11. There's A Rhythmn
12. Au Revoir

Stream 'SABLE, fABLE' here: bon-iver.lnk.to/SABLE-fABLE
Watch "There's A Rhythmn" music video here
 

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Queen Of Asian Hip-Hop Awich Makes Her Global Mark With New Track "Butcher Shop" Featuring Rap Icon FERG

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April 11th, 2025 – Expanding her global reach, the  queen of Japanese Hip-Hop, Awich, is back with her new track "Butcher Shop" featuring NYC rap icon, FERG. After making waves in Asia with “ASIAN STATE OF MIND”, Awich now sets her sights on hip-hop’s birthplace — the U.S. — with this new release. Fans can listen to the song here. 

“Butcher Shop” is produced by none other than RZA—the legendary founding member of the iconic hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan and a towering figure who has left an indelible mark on hip-hop history. The combined force of Awich, FERG, and RZA results in a powerful track that merges international flair with the soul of old-school hip-hop.

When asked about the track, Awich expresses, “”Butcher Shop” is a place where three of my realities intersect—Okinawa, where I was born and raised; Tokyo, where I live now; and New York. Together with a legend like RZA and a true embodiment of the streets like FERG, we cut through the noise with sharp words and beats to capture the spirit of this borderless era. This song is a crossroads—Japan and NYC, culture and fashion, luxury and play, sin and consequence.  Everyone brings their own ‘meat’ to the table, and we slice into the truth. Welcome to our Butcher Shop”.

This collaboration—transcending genre, borders, and generations—signals Awich’s bold entry into the U.S. hip-hop scene. It marks the birth of a historic track where the roots and future of Japanese hip-hop resonate with the heart of American rap.

A music video featuring Awich and FERG will be released on April 14th, 2025, at 7:00PM (SGT).

Listen to "Butcher Shop" here: https://lnk.to/Awich_ButcherShop
 

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About Awich

Growing up on her home island of Okinawa, Awich, short for “Asia Wish Child” is a name she created to reflect her passions. She debuted with the EP 'Inner Research' in 2006 and moved to Atlanta, Georgia in the US around the same time. In her time in Atlanta, Awich produced her first full album 'Asia Wish Child' and released it in 2007. After moving back to Japan, Awich faced endless internal questioning and this intense process of introspection was cathartic and helped her reevaluate a more profound meaning of life, love, and forgiveness. Shortly after, she released another full album, making it her first in a decade. Her 2022 album, 'Queendom', reached #1 on Apple Music's overall album chart in Japan while her single, "Rasen in Okinawa" topped multiple charts. That same year, she held her first solo concert at the prestigious Nippon Budokan. In 2023, she embarked on her first national Zepp tour and released the album 'THE UNION'. In November, she headlined her first arena show, 'Queendom -THE UNION-' at K-Arena Yokohama, which sold out.

Awich’s ability to submerge herself into multiple global perspectives while also adding her signature feminine touch allows her to create music that is singular but relatable across the world. Awich has proven herself on the world stage by being the first Japanese rapper to perform at Coachella and continues to expand her presence internationally. 

About FERG

A rapper hailing from Harlem, New York, FERG began his career as a core member of the A$AP Mob. He made his solo debut in 2013 with the album 'Trap Lord', which became a major hit, bringing widespread attention through standout tracks like “Work” and “Shabba”. Throughout his career, FERG has collaborated with renowned names such as Future, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex and Pharrell Williams.

While rooted in trap music, FERG is known for his stylish, high-energy flow and bold approach to fashion, earning him a place as an icon in the hip-hop scene. Formerly known as A$AP Ferg, he now goes by simply “FERG” and continues to thrive as a solo artist on the global stage.

About RZA

A producer, rapper, and film composer from Staten Island, New York, RZA is best known as the founding member and musical mastermind behind the legendary hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. Active since the early ’90s, he revolutionized the sound of hip-hop with his raw, heavy beats and a production style that fused Eastern philosophy and cinematic influences. He is also active as a solo artist and film director, continuing to influence artists around the world across genres.

RZA’s versatility as a producer also shines through his work on film soundtracks. From the dynamic scores of 'Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2' to the high-energy beats of 'The Protector (Tom-Yum-Goong)', he demonstrates a unique ability to adapt his sound to a film’s tone and intensity. 'Afro Samurai: The Soundtrack' further cements his range—seamlessly weaving between cinematic orchestration and rap-heavy compositions. Whether the mood calls for raw emotion or pulse-pounding action, RZA delivers with precision and creativity.

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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”.
 

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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

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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