A2O MAY DEFINES “ZALPHA POP” WITH DEBUT ALBUM “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE”

October 24, 2025

Download “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE” cover artwork HERE
Buy/Stream "PAPARAZZI ARRIVE” HERE
Watch “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE” HERE

(Credit: A2O Entertainment)

The next-gen global girl group, A2O MAY, makes a bold return with their first album, “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE” releasing today on all digital streaming platforms. The 14-track release not only introduces A2O Entertainment’s original genre, “Zalpha Pop” - a fusion of Gen Z and Gen Alpha influences - but also showcases the group’s versatility through a dynamic mix of pre-debut songs, unit performances, and solo tracks. Earlier this year, the quintet captured international attention as the first Chinese idol group to perform at iHeartRadio’s renowned Wango Tango festival, marking both their U.S. stage debut and a simultaneous American television appearance on KTLA.

The debut album PAPARAZZI ARRIVE is anchored by its title track, a bold showcase of A2O MAY’s “Zalpha Pop.” Built on a striking siren-like synth riff and dubstep-inspired electro beats, the song delivers a message of confidence and ambition through the group’s dynamic vocals. Watch the accompanying music video here[1] . The project also includes their pre-debut single “Under My Skin (A2O),” the bass-driven “B.B.B,” the performance-focused “BOSS,” and the soulful R&B track “MELODY,” reflecting the group’s versatility and musical range.

The release further highlights individual members through solo and unit tracks. MICHE & KAT present “SWEAT,” a Latin-inspired song available in both English and Spanish; CHENYU delivers emotional depth in “Someone You Loved;” QUCHANG showcases her powerful range in “Black Sheep;” and SHIJIE adds smooth R&B flair with “Trip.” To extend their global reach, the title track also appears in English and Chinese versions, positioning A2O MAY as a rising force with international ambitions.
In just a few short months, A2O MAY has broken records and defied expectations in the U.S. Their pre-debut single “Under My Skin” made them the first Chinese group to enter the U.S. Top 40 Radio Chart, where it remained for two consecutive weeks. Their official debut single, “BOSS,” has now charted five consecutive weeks - rising from #35 to #32 - marking their second U.S. Top 40 entry and the highest charting placement in history by a Chinese girl group. The track has also amassed over 30 million views across Weibo and YouTube, fueled by the viral Jump Rope Dance featured in its chorus. With growing traction across both Asia and North America, A2O MAY is fast emerging as a leading powerhouse in global pop.

Backed by K-pop pioneer Soo Man LEE and launched under A2O Entertainment, A2O MAY is the first group to embody “Zalpha Pop”—a genre blending Gen Z emotions and Gen Alpha’s creativity. Their music fuses futuristic production with emotionally resonant storytelling, creating cultural bridges through sound and style. Highlighting their unprecedented debut, the group attended the star-studded Amazon Studios’ “Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop” premiere in Los Angeles, the feature documentary chronicling the enthralling life of a bold visionary. The red carpet sparkled with icons such as Girls’ Generation members and Taemin from SHINee, sharing the spotlight with the rising group primed for global dominance.

Buy/Stream "PAPARAZZI ARRIVE” HERE
Watch “PAPARAZZI ARRIVE” HERE

Tracklisting

PAPARAZZI ARRIVE (English Ver.)
B.B.B (Bigger Badder Better) [feat. A2O LTG] (English Ver.)
BOSS (English Ver.)
Under My Skin (A2O) (English Ver.)
PAPARAZZI ARRIVE (Chinese Ver.)
B.B.B (Bigger Badder Better) [feat. A2O LTG] (Chinese Ver.)
BOSS (Chinese Ver.)
Under My Skin (A2O) (Chinese Ver.)
SWEAT (MICHE & KAT) (English Edit)
SWEAT (MICHE & KAT) (Spanish Edit)
MELODY (CHENYU & SHIJIE & QUCHANG)
Someone You Loved (CHENYU)
Black Sheep (QUCHANG)
Trip (SHIJIE)

ABOUT A2O MAY

A2O MAY (AY-TWO-OH-MAY) is the first official girl group launched under A2O Entertainment, making their debut on December 20, 2024. The group is composed of five talented members — CHENYU (17), SHIJIE (18), QUCHANG (18), MICHE (20), and KAT (20) — who were selected from A2O Rookies’ HTG division. Hailing from Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hawaii, A2O MAY is a multicultural, bilingual group fluent in Chinese and English, representing a new generation of global idols. Each member brings a unique artistic identity shaped by passions such as fashion styling, piano, visual art, songwriting, and performance. A2O MAY is the first group to embody Zalpha Pop, a genre and cultural movement created by renowned producer Soo Man LEE, aimed at blending the emotional authenticity and storytelling of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Their debut single, “Under My Skin,” captures this vision with a rhythmic, synth-driven sound and introspective tone, offering a powerful glimpse into the future of youth-driven global music. As pioneers of A2O’s artist ecosystem, A2O MAY continues to connect with fans worldwide through digital-first content, dynamic visuals, and an open, evolving narrative of growth, self-expression, and creativity.

More than a name, A2O MAY signals the beginning of a cultural shift. Inspired by the season of full bloom and sharing its sound with the Chinese character 美 (Mei), meaning “beauty,” the name reflects not only outer elegance but inner strength — the quiet power behind every transformation. More than artists, they are a bridge — connecting culture to culture, generation to generation, heart to heart. Step into the world of A2O MAY. The future begins in May’s full bloom.

CONNECT WITH A2O MAY:
Instagram | Youtube | TikTok |X

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT blackstar
CONNECT WITH US AT OUR WEBSITE HERE

TYLA RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO “CHANEL”

October 24, 2025

WATCH AND STREAM NOW

TYLA EMBARKS ON HEADLINING ASIA TOUR NEXT MONTH

TYLA SHINES AS GLAMOUR’S GLOBAL COVER STAR FOR NOVEMBER’S WOMEN OF THE YEAR ISSUE

GRACING FIVE INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS:

US, UK, GERMANY, MEXICO & SPAIN

READ MORE HERE

“Talented, cool, and always dressed to kill, the South African superstar—one of Glamour’s 2025 Women of the Year—embodies the look and sound of a new generation.” - GLAMOUR

(Los Angeles, CA — Oct. 24)

Tyla, the GRAMMY®-winning multi-platinum global superstar who made Billboard chart history with her debut album cycle is getting ready to take the world by storm once again with her latest single “Chanel.”

The highly anticipated new single and music video from Tyla is officially available now and arrives just as she prepares to embark on her first headlining tour through Asia next month.

Stream and watch “Chanel” today.

[GET: Tyla, “Chanel”]

[WATCH: Tyla, “Chanel”]

[READ: Tyla’s Glamour Women of The Year Cover Story]

Tyla’s new feature, directed by Aerin Moreno, is a masterclass in elegance - from its fashion to its subtle theme and choreography. Her message is both metaphorical and simple: “You say you love me? Put me in Chanel.” Tyla’s creative method of making sure the girls get their flowers, the song pays homage to the centering and empowering of the women that make our worlds turn, with the inimitable Tyla leading the charge.

Tyla’s Amapiano roots, which have been the foundation of her rise to stardom, are unmistakably baked into the song’s production—courtesy of Ian Kirkpatrick & P2J —which confidently lures Tyla’s loyal fanbase out onto the dance floor.

Photocredit: Edwig Henson

Tyla’s new single event follows the release of her first-ever mixtape, WWP, which was released in July. The project spawned the successful and hotly coveted collaboration with WizKid, “DYNAMITE,” which generated over 10 million YouTube views and gave fans a taste of what to expect from Tyla’s publicized return to the studio. The project also spawned the undeniable summer anthem, “Is It,” which created a disruptive event with its own music video, amassing over 20 million views. Tyla has remained active and impactful on the feature circuit, supporting Cardi B’s chart-topping comeback album on “Nice Guy,” and linking up with hotshot Ghanaian singer-songwriter MOLIY on the new collaboration, “Body Go.”

Next month, Tyla will hit the road in Asia for a string of headlining dates starting with Tokyo on Nov. 11. The “Chanel” singer will perform live in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Manila and Singapore during the brief trek, which will run until December 5. Tickets information is available here. She will also be performing at this year’s annual Global Citizen Festival in NYC, beside some of the biggest names in music, including The Weeknd and Shakira.

On Wednesday, Tyla was announced as one of GLAMOUR Magazine’s Women Of The Year honorees. The coveted award also showcases Tyla on the cover of the November GLAMOUR Magazine in multiple global markets including US, UK, Spain, Germany and Mexico/Latin America.

Tyla has continued to climb the ranks of stardom. She hasilluminated Vogue and AdWeek headlines with her multi-faceted dominance, including scene-stealing appearances at the Met Gala, and a viral Coca-Cola campaign. She’s become a renowned brand ambassador, including an extensive relationship with Pandora that produced a limited-edition charm earlier this month, the “Tyla Tyger," named after her beloved fanbase. The charm, etched with Tyla’s trademark “tiger” insignia, is available exclusively via Pandora online retailers in North America.

Tyla has also been a reliable source of iconic pop culture moments, including her recent victory at the MTV VMAs, where she took home the award for “Best Afrobeats” for the second year in a row. This time for her critically acclaimed single “PUSH 2 START” and accepted the award draped in vintage Chanel and adorned with layers of Pandora medallions and necklaces.

The precision of her creative vision makes the arrival of “Chanel” even more urgent. Stream and watch Tyla’s latest single today.

Photocredit: Edwig Henson

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Source: Nyou

FOO FIGHTERS RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘ASKING FOR A FRIEND’

October 24, 2025

LISTEN HERE

2026 NORTH AMERICAN STADIUM TOUR ANNOUNCED

Foo Fighters are back with new single ‘Asking for a Friend’ and the announcement of a 2026 North American Stadium tour. Stay tuned for more dates added soon.

Featuring a decidedly darker melodic approach than the smash hit ‘Today’s Song,’ ‘Asking for a Friend’ ratchets up the energy and intensity of its predecessor in favour of hypnotic opening verses that build and explode into impassioned refrains of “What is real? I’m asking for a friend…” By the time the song's final breakneck rave-up screeches to a halt with a throat-shredding “Or is this the end?”, FF fans of all ages will find themselves joyfully bludgeoned into submission. Listen to ‘Asking For A Friend’ HERE.

Dave Grohl wrote at length about inspiration for the new music and upcoming tour, in a post that read in part:

"Since our return to the stage in San Luis Obispo five weeks ago, we have been reminded of why we love and are forever devoted to doing this Foo Fighters thing. From reuniting as a band and staring at a list of 30 years’ worth of songs to brush off, to reimagining versions with the incredible blessing of the one and only Ilan Rubin behind the drums, to reconnecting with our amazing fans and blasting them with everything we’ve got (no matter the size of the venue) because we would not be here without them, we have the most solid core. And the sun is finally rising over the horizon.

What better way to share the view than with close friends?

In 1992 I first saw the legendary Kyuss perform at the Off Ramp in Seattle and met Mr. Josh Homme. The band were friends of a friend, and before long their album Blues for the Red Sun became the soundtrack to that summer. 33 years later and with many miles behind us, I have shared some of my life’s most rewarding musical moments with my dear friend, Josh. A lifelong bond that goes far beyond the sound we’ve made together. So it is with great happiness that we can share this next chapter together with his almighty Queens of the Stone Age.

Take cover.

But none of this would be complete without new music to share from Pat, Nate, Chris, Rami, Ilan and I. ‘Asking for a Friend’ is a song for those who have waited patiently in the cold, relying on hope and faith for their horizon to appear. Searching for ‘proof’ when hanging by a wish until the sun shines again.

One of many songs to come…”

To read the full statement, go to https://FooFighters.lnk.to/DG-TakeCover

Alongside the single comes the call to start training for your local rock and roll marathon as Foo Fighters confirm their first stadium tour since the massive 2023-2024 Everything or Nothing at All run that sold out football and baseball fields the world over. Kicking off August 4 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, the new tour will see Foo Fighters bringing the maximum volume euphoria of the band’s recent surprise US club gigs and overseas outdoor / arena spectaculars to a total of 12 North American cities, concluding (for now) September 26 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. Queens of the Stone Age will be direct support on all dates except September 12 in Fargo.

FOO FIGHTERS 2026 Stadium Tour:

August 4 — Toronto ON — Rogers Stadium
August 6 — Detroit MI — Ford Field
August 8 — Chicago IL — Soldier Field
August 10 — Cleveland OH — Huntington Bank Field
August 13 — Philadelphia PA — Lincoln Financial Field
August 15 — Nashville TN — Nissan Stadium
August 17 — Washington DC — Nationals Park
September 12 — Fargo ND — Fargodome
September 15 — Regina SK — Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field
September 17 — Edmonton AB — Commonwealth Stadium
September 20 — Vancouver BC — BC Place
September 26 — Las Vegas NV — Allegiant Stadium

Foo Fighters are Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin.

Source: Sony Music

Sony Music Philippines artists dominate inaugural Filipino Music Awards with multiple wins

October 24, 2025

SB19 leads the label’s stellar night with six honors, including the coveted Artist of the Year

Sony Music Philippines artists emerged as the most-awarded acts at the first-ever Filipino Music Awards (FMA), collectively winning nine major titles.

Leading the charge was global pop phenomenon SB19, who swept a total of six awards, among them Tour of the Year, Concert of the Year, and the much-coveted Artist of the Year. The acclaimed Filipino boyband also clinched two People’s Choice Awards for Artist and Song, and another one for Pop Song of the Year—driven immensely by the wide-ranging appeal of their chart-topping single “DUNGKA!” from their latest EP, Simula At Wakas.

Another standout from the Sony Music roster, IV of Spades, made a triumphant return to the spotlight, earning Rock Song of the Year for their hit single “Aura.” A few months ago, the track debuted at No. 4 on the Spotify Philippines Top 50chart, marking a celebrated comeback for the band. Their upcoming headline concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, produced by Karpos, sold out two months in advance, a further proof of their enduring fanbase and musical legacy.

Rising Bicol-born singer-songwriter dwta also brought home honors for “Folk Song of the Year” with “Sampung Mga Daliri,” her collaborative track with SB19’s justin. The win underscores dwta’s growing prominence in the local music scene, following her recent contributions to the official soundtrack of Fatrick Tabada’s Flower Girl and co-writing credits on BINI’s viral hit “First Luv.”

The record label also bagged the prestigious Music Company of the Year, reaffirming its position as the country’s leading powerhouse in music.

“We’re deeply honored and proud of our artists whose stellar work has been recognized in a prestigious award-giving body like Filipino Music Awards,” says Kevin Foo, Managing Director – Southeast Asia, Sony Music Entertainment. “These wins are a testament to the extraordinary talent, creativity, and hard work of our artists, and to the collective passion of the Sony Music Entertainment team. Through this recognition, we remain committed in empowering Filipino musicians and showcasing the diversity and global potential of OPM as a music movement.”

“This achievement reflects the hard work and passion of our artists, their teams, and everyone at Sony Music who believes in the power of Filipino music,” shares Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Philippines, Sony Music Entertainment.“The success of SB19, IV of Spades, dwta, justin, and all our talented artists highlights the vibrant creativity and immense potential of our local music scene. We are excited to continue supporting and promoting these remarkable talents as they captivate audiences both locally and globally."

Beyond the recognition, several Filipino artists lit up the FMA stage with impactful performances featuring songs from the Sony Music Entertainment catalog. IV of Spades delivered “Aura,” Ely Buendia performed “Kandarapa,” and Gloc-9captivated the audience with “Upuan.”

The evening reached its peak with monumental finale featuring SB19 and Ben&Ben. SB19 energized the stage with “DAM,” followed by Ben&Ben’s moving performance of “Kapangyarihan.” The moment was made even more special as it marked the first-ever public performance of “Kapangyarihan” featuring both Ben&Ben and SB19 together, closing the night on a high and emotional note.

The Filipino Music Awards (FMA) is a landmark celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), which took place on October 21, 2025, 6 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The inaugural event gathered more than 500 artists, industry leaders, and executives, alongside thousands of music fans in a historic evening that celebrates the creativity, diversity, and global potential of Filipino music.

Catch the official telecast of the Filipino Music Awards on TV5 and via livestream on their Facebook page this weekend:

Part 1: October 25, 2025 / 9:45 PM

Part 2: October 26, 2025 / 9:30 PM

About Sony Music Entertainment

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

Source: Nyou

Jake Vargas steps into the spotlight as frontman for new band Dear Dina with their debut single “Nabighani”

October 24, 2025

Actor-musician embarks on a new creative chapter as he leads Dear Dina in their first release, “Nabighani” – an ode to young love and hesitation

L-R: Louise Bayas, John Abat, Jun Arbiso, Jake Vargas, Victor Guison, Jessie Talaboc

Photo by JC Javier and Spective Studios

[MORE PHOTOS HERE]

Actor and singer Jake Vargas is set to begin a new chapter as the frontman of Dear Dina. The six-piece band will make their official debut with the single "Nabighani." This track introduces Dear Dina's unique blend of sincerity, emotion, and laid-back charm, bringing a fresh, heartfelt, and youthful sound to OPM. "Nabighani" tells a story of love, shyness, and connection.

Inspired by Jake’s real-life love story with his girlfriend, actress Inah de Belen, “Nabighani” captures that moment when you meet someone who instantly draws you in - but nerves and hesitation keep you from confessing how you truly feel.

“The word ‘Nabighani’ has this beautiful Filipino charm,” the band shares. “It describes that unexplainable feeling of being drawn to someone. It’s tender, emotional, and authentic — just like the story behind the song.”

Sonically, “Nabighani” mirrors the soft, dreamy energy of being torpe - shy, in love, and hopeful. Its lyrics are simple yet sincere, like a conversation with your crush filled with quiet excitement and butterflies.

The song’s creation began with casual brainstorming sessions over coffee, where the band decided to write something that would be both relatable and true to their experiences. “Tinananong namin si Jake kung ano’ng naramdaman niya nung una niyang nakilala si Inah” the band shared. “Doon nagsimula ang song - ‘yung kilig, kaba, at ‘yung feeling na gusto mong magsalita pero pinipigilan mo.”

The writing process was deeply collaborative, with each member contributing their strengths. When the band first jammed “Nabighani,” new member Louise Bayas suggested the now-iconic “sasabihin ko sa’yo” melody for the chorus, which immediately stuck. She also added a groovy bass line that locked in with the drums, filling the track with warmth and rhythm.

They describe the process as DIY - from recording drums at Victor Guison’s space (Unknown13 Pub) to using Louise’s personal recording gear.

To refine their sound, the band sought the expertise of producer Xergio Ramos, who helped shape the song’s final arrangement and direction. “Since it’s our first single, we wanted it to be perfect but not complicated,” the band shares. “Xergio really guided us in finding the right balance and bringing ‘Nabighani’ to life.”

For Dear Dina, “Nabighani” represents more than just their debut — it’s a statement of identity. “This song shows kung saan nanggagaling ang banda - mga kwento ng love, longing, at youth. Sincere and emotional siya, pero lighthearted and fun din,” they say.

Each member brings different musical influences - from pop to rock to indie, but together they form a sound that’s uniquely Dear Dina: honest, cohesive, and deeply Filipino.

As Dear Dina prepares for their debut release, the band feels both excitement and gratitude for how far they’ve come. “It’s so fulfilling to see a song we built from scratch finally come to life,” they share. “This reminds us why we started making music - to tell stories, make people feel something, and enjoy the process together.”

With “Nabighani,” Jake Vargas and Dear Dina invite listeners to relive the sweet, nervous thrill of falling in love for the first time—a feeling that’s beautifully captured through music that’s real, relatable, and distinctly OPM.

Dear Dina’s “Nabighani” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

About Dear Dina

Dear Dina is a six-piece Filipino band composed of Jake Vargas (vocals), Louise Bayas (bass), Jun Arbiso (electric guitar/piano), John Abat (acoustic guitar/vocals), Jessie Talaboc (electric guitar), and Victor Guison (drums). Blending heartfelt lyrics with warm, melodic arrangements, the band creates music that captures the sincerity of OPM - honest, emotional, and deeply relatable. Their debut single, “Nabighani,” sets the tone for their sound: youthful, tender, and inspired by real stories of love and connection.

Source: Nyou

TAME IMPALA DEADBEAT OUT NOW VIA COLUMBIA RECORDS

October 23, 2025

LISTEN TO ALBUM OPENER “MY OLD WAYS” AND WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

US FALL TOUR KICKS OFF OCTOBER 27

Photo by Julian Klincewicz- download here

Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) has released his fifth full-length album, Deadbeat via Columbia Records today. Stream/purchase the album here. Tame Impala teased the release of Deadbeat with three advance singles, “Loser,” “End of Summer, and “Dracula” which broke into Billboard’s Hot 100 and saw an instant chart debut at AAA and Alternative - his biggest debuts yet. Today he shares a music video for the album opener “My Old Ways,” directed by Kristofski and featuring cinéma vérité footage the director took throughout the process of Parker making the record in various locations around the world. WATCH HERE

On Deadbeat, Parker sculpts a collection of wickedly potent club-psych explorations as a vehicle for some of his most direct, brain-wormy songwriting to date. The album is deeply inspired by Australian bush doof culture and particularly the local scene centered around Margaret River in Western Australia in the 90’s, recasting Tame Impala as a kind of future primitive rave act in the process. “In the past 15 years, arguably no other rock musician has straddled multiple worlds quite as well as Parker,” says critic Grayson Haver Currin in his GQ Hype cover story. “Tame Impala began as a modernized psych-rock band with exploding-world drums and skyscraping hooks that made it clear Parker also loved pop, soul, and hip-hop. As Tame Impala has steadily morphed into something stranger and self-renewing, where spoken-word stories about picking up laundry led to late-night confessionals, Parker has become a key collaborator to some of the biggest stars in the world. Deadbeat feels like a last act of resignation and acceptance, with Parker finally coming to terms with the person he has always been and may always be. He is suspended in an emotional stalemate, wondering if he can be more than he knows he is.”

Conceived in various locations over the last few years, the album was largely galvanized between Parker’s hometown of Fremantle and his studio, Wave House in Injidup, Western Australia in the first half of 2025. Deadbeat sounds like the work of an artist with a leveled-up mastery, crafted with a newfound embrace of spontaneity for the renowned perfectionist. How that manifests is a distinct minimalism and crunch, with timbres and textures that add an ineffably new dimension to the sound, as well as a richer, more playful vocal range than ever. .

Tame Impala will kick off his first tour in support ofDeadbeat on October 27 for the first of 4 shows at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The run wraps on November 17 with the last of three performances at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles.Tame Impala has also announced a major UK and EU tour starting spring of 2026. Full tour dates are below. All dates are listed below and tickets are on-sale here.

Kevin Parker has emerged as one of the most influential voices of the last decade. A singular artist renowned for carving out a distinct sound all of his own, Parker crafts transcendent genre-bending sonic landscapes, playing every instrument and acting as writer, producer, mixer and engineer on his projects. He has been nominated for four GRAMMY awards with one win for his collaboration with Justice on 2024’s “Neverender.” In his home country of Australia, he’s racked up an impressive 13 ARIA Awards and 27 Nominations. He’s won the BRIT Award forBest International Band and scored nominations for two Billboard Music Awards and an American Music Award. Tame Impala has had numerous US Alternative Radio Top 10 songs including two #1’s for “Lost In Yesterday” and “Is It True.” Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know The Better” is part of the Billionaires Club with over 2 billion streams and the project has racked up numerous gold and platinum certifications globally.

Tame Impala has headlined festivals and arenas around the world and released four full-length albums - InnerSpeaker, Lonerism, Currents and his most recent album The Slow Rush. The Slow Rush landed at #1 in multiple territories and was his highest charting album to date in both the US and UK, with 14 top 10 chart positions around the world. As a writer and producer Parker has collaborated with Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, SZA, Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Mark Ronson, Gorillaz, Thundercat, Kali Uchis, 070 Shake, Rhianna, Miguel, A$AP Rocky and many more.

Tame Impala Tour Dates

2025 - U.S.

10/27 - Barclays Center - Brooklyn NY - LOW TICKET WARNING

10/28 - Barclays Center - Brooklyn NY - LOW TICKET WARNING

10/31 - Barclays Center - Brooklyn, NY - SOLD OUT

11/1 - Barclays Center - Brooklyn, NY - SOLD OUT

11/3 - United Center - Chicago, IL - SOLD OUT

11/6 - Moody Center - Austin, TX - SOLD OUT

11/9 - Pechanga Arena San Diego - San Diego, CA - SOLD OUT

11/11 - Kia Forum - Los Angeles, CA - SOLD OUT

11/12 - Kia Forum - Los Angeles, CA - SOLD OUT

11/14 - Oakland Arena - Oakland, CA - SOLD OUT - LOW TICKET WARNING

11/15 - Oakland Arena - Oakland, CA - LOW TICKET WARNING

11/17 - Kia Forum - Los Angeles, CA - LOW TICKET WARNING

2026 - UK & EU

4/4 – Super Bock Arena - Pavilhão Rosa Mota – Porto, Portugal

4/5 – MEO Arena – Lisbon, Portugal

4/7 – Movistar Arena – Madrid, Spain

4/8 – Palau Sant Jordi – Barcelona, Spain

4/10 – LDLC Arena – Lyon, France

4/12 – Inalpi Arena – Turin, Italy

4/13 – Unipol Arena – Bologna, Italy

4/14 – Hallenstadion – Zurich, Switzerland

4/16 – Olympiahalle – Munich, Germany

4/18 – PreZero Arena – Gliwice, Poland

4/20 – O2 Arena – Prague, Czechia

4/23 – Barclays Arena – Hamburg, Germany

4/25 – Royal Arena – Copenhagen, Denmark

4/26 – Avicii Arena – Stockholm, Sweden

4/27 – Unity Arena – Oslo, Norway

4/29 – Uber Arena – Berlin, Germany

4/30 – Festhalle – Frankfurt, Germany

5/1 – PSD Bank Dome – Dusseldorf, Germany

5/3 – Accor Arena – Paris, France

5/4 – Ziggo Dome – Amsterdam, Netherlands

5/5 – AFAS Dome – Antwerp, Belgium

5/7 – The O2 – London, United Kingdom

5/8 – Co-op Live Arena – Manchester, United Kingdom

5/9 – Utilita Arena Birmingham – Birmingham, United Kingdom

5/11 – OVO Hydro – Glasgow, United Kingdom

5/13 – 3Arena – Dublin, Ireland

Deadbeat Album Art - Download Hi-Res HERE

Deadbeat tracklisting

1. My Old Ways

2. No Reply

3. Dracula

4. Loser

5. Oblivion

6. Not My World

7. Piece of Heaven

8. Obsolete

9. Ethereal Connection

10. See You On Monday (You’re Lost)

11. Afterthought

12. End of Summer

Follow Tame Impala:

Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

Source: Sony Music

GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER & PRODUCER ROSALÍA ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM LUX OUT NOVEMBER 7

October 23, 2025

LIGHTS UP SPAIN TO REVEAL ALBUM

Download here

Credit: Noah Dillon

ROSALÍA, the GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer shares the details of her immersive and innovative fourth full-length body of work, LUX, out November 7, 2025 via Columbia Records. The album was recorded with the London Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Daníel Bjarnason and features feminine voices including Björk, Carminho, Estrella Morente, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and the Escolania de Montserrat iCor Cambra Palau de la Música Catalana, Yahritza, and Yves Tumor.

Last night, she introduced this movement with a monumental takeover of Madrid's Gran Vía in which she turned off the lights across the area, plunged the city into darkness, and reignited it to reveal the official album artwork—all captured via livestream for fans around the world.

Watch HERE

This stunning global moment left fans in awe. It proved to be an apropos prelude of what’s to come, embodying the record’s exploration of themes of feminine mystique, transformation, and spirituality.

As the Executive Producer of LUX, the album traces a widescreen emotional arc of feminine mystique, transformation, and transcendence—moving between intimacy and operatic scale to create a radiant world where sound, language, and culture fuse as one.

The CD and vinyl editions of LUX feature three exclusive tracks, inviting listeners to experience the album in its most immersive form. Pre-save LUX here.

Track List

MOV I

1. Sexo, Violencia y Llantas

2. Reliquia

3. Divinize

4. Porcelana

5. Mio Cristo

MOV II

6. Berghain

7. La Perla

8. Mundo Nuevo

9. De Madrugá

MOV III

10. Dios Es Un Stalker

11. La Yugular

12. Focu ‘ranni [Exclusive]

13. Sauvignon Blanc

14. Jeanne [Exclusive]

MOV IV

15. Novia Robot [Exclusive]

16. La Rumba Del Perdón

17. Memória

18. Magnolias

MOTOMAMI made history as the first album by a Spanish artist to debut at #1 on Spotify’s Global Album Chart, delivered the strongest Billboard chart debut for any Latin album in 2022, and earned the year’s highest Metacritic score.

Beyond music, ROSALÍA has cemented herself as a fashion and cultural icon. She commanded worldwide attention at the 2025 Met Gala in a custom Balmain gown featured across Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and more. She also starred in Calvin Klein's Fall 2025 campaign and serves as a global ambassador for New Balance. ROSALÍA is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming third season of Euphoria in 2026.

Follow ROSALÍA

Instagram – Substack - YouTube – Spotify

ABOUT ROSALÍA

ROSALÍA is a two-time GRAMMY® and 13-time Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and producer redefining global pop with fearless musical fusion and singular visual language. Her breakthrough El Mal Querer reimagined flamenco for a new era and earned her a GRAMMY plus eight Latin GRAMMYs including Album of the Year, making her the first Spanish-language artist nominated for Best New Artist at the GRAMMYs. In 2022, she released MOTOMAMI, which she wrote, performed, recorded, and produced; it debuted at #1 on Spotify’s Global Album Chart, scored the highest Metacritic rating of the year, and powered her sold-out MOTOMAMI WORLD TOUR.

Source: Sony Music

BAD OMENS DELIVER ANTHEMIC NEW SINGLE “DYING TO LOVE”

October 23, 2025

LISTEN TO “DYING TO LOVE”

WATCH “DYING TO LOVE” MUSIC VIDEO

“SPECTER” ASCENDS TO #1 ON BILLBOARD MAINSTREAM ROCK CHART & MEDIABASE ACTIVE ROCK CHART

DOWNLOAD HI-RES PRESS PHOTO (Credit: Bryan Kirks)

Chart-topping rock band Bad Omens are back with their latest single, “Dying To Love,” an anthemic track that blends the band’s heavy roots with forward-thinking production. Out today via Sumerian Records, the song features passionate, soaring vocals from Noah Sebastian, whose angelic falsetto cascades across the production before giving way to guttural screams on the bridge, elevating the emotional stakes.

The single is accompanied by a dark, haunting video, directed by Noah Sebastian and Nico, their third collaboration which has set the stage for this next chapter in Bad Omens’ evolution. The cinematic, story-driven visual - a hallmark of the band’s creative identity - places the band performing deep within the pit of a condemned brutalist structure, surrounded by ominous spectators, while a parallel narrative follows a man wandering through an endless labyrinth of darkness.

Bad Omens kicked off their latest chapter with “Specter,” a cinematic single that has become the band’s fastest climb to #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay / Mediabase Active Rock charts, while also reaching #15 on Alternative Radio. With over 47 million global streams, the track continues to make waves with its anthemic hooks and cinematic intensity. Its follow-up, “Impose” pushes the band into bold new sonic territory, expanding their sound while maintaining the signature intensity that has earned them a devoted worldwide fanbase.

Bad Omens are taking that momentum to the stage, turning every performance into an event. Fans were captivated during recent headline sets at Louder Than Life and Aftershockfestivals, and now the band is set to kick off their Do You Feel Love European headline arena tour in Dublin on November 21. More dates across the globe are expected, hinting at what’s next from Bad Omens as they continue to build toward what’s to come.

TOUR DATES:

Nov 21 - Dublin, Ireland

Nov 23 - Glasgow, United Kingdom

Nov 26 - London, United Kingdom

Nov 28 - Manchester, United Kingdom

Nov 29 - Nottingham, United Kingdom

Dec 1 - Bruxelles, Belgium

Dec 2 - Paris, France

Dec 4 - Dübendorf, Switzerland

Dec 5 - Nuremberg, Germany

Dec 6 - Berlin, Germany

Dec 9 - Hamburg, Germany

Dec 10 - Oberhausen, Germany

Dec 12 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

ABOUT BAD OMENS:

Bad Omens are coming off a wildly successful three years with the explosive success of their breakthrough third studio album The Death of Peace of Mind (2022). Hailed as “a stunning fusion of dark, Weeknd-esque pop and industrialized metalcore” (Revolver), the project has garnered over 1.8 Billion Streams, with the catalog surging over 2.7 Billion Streams. The album is RIAA certified Gold.

The hardworking bands ascension was driven in part by the albums hit-single “Just Pretend” experiencing a viral TikTok moment that yielded a growing, dedicated fandom who catapulted them into the spotlight. Becoming the band's first RIAA-certified Platinum single, “Just Pretend” reached #1 at US Alternative Radio and smashed multiple Billboard Year-End charts coming in at #1 on Hot Hard Rock Songs, #6 on Alternative Airplay Songs, #11 on Rock and Alternative Airplay Songs, #11 on Mainstream Rock Airplay Songs, #14 Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, and #23 on Hot Alternative Songs. The genre-defyers continued their climb with the album's seductive RIAA certified title track, “The Death of Peace of Mind” reached the top 10 on US Rock and Alternative Airplay Billboard Charts. Their radio success also earned Bad Omens a nomination for Best New Artist (Alt & Rock) at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Gaining momentum online and over the airwaves, Bad Omens persistently surged ahead, captivating their rapidly expanding fanbase with electrifying live shows at numerous sold-out tours and festival performances worldwide. The band spent 2024 extensively touring, including UK dates with Bring Me The Horizon and the CONCRETE FOREVER European headline run with opener Poppy, with numerous US performances and a lineup of festivals into the 2025 season.

BAD OMENS ONLINE:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

BAD OMENS SEA PR Contact:

mabuhay@blackstar.space

https://blackstar.space/

Arkin Magalona joins Sony Music Entertainment as BARQ, releases debut single “Shake Dat Thang”

October 23, 2025

BARQ channels Y2K energy and modern swagger in his first official release

The next generation of the Magalona lineage is poised to make his mark.

Arkin Magalona claims his place into the limelight with BARQ, joining the esteemed ranks of exceptional artists at Sony Music Entertainment.

Coming from a family with a well-meaning music, film, and entertainment background, the rookie rapper launches his music journey in style with the release of his official debut single, “Shake Dat Thang.”

Produced by Kyleaux, the upbeat banger belongs to the Y2K revival wing: cinematic in its breadth but filled with sonic surprises.

BARQ shares, “We were vibing to music from the 2000s:Neptunes, 50 Cent, Timbaland, Pharrell, Kanye, and all the greats. It was our first time working together, and we just bounced off each other’s energy until everything fell perfectly into place.”

The youngest son of the late Francis Magalona reveals that he picked “Shake Dat Thang” as his lead single because it embodies his intent to disrupt, redefine, and celebrate modern hip-hop with authenticity and flair.

“I chose this as my debut single because I wanted to make a statement that I’m here and ready to shake things up in the scene. I want listeners to have fun, let loose, and enjoy this different side of me.”

He adds, “Shake Dat Thang represents that playful yet fresh sound I want to be known for. It’s about reminding people that having fun is one of the most important parts of making anything in life.”

BARQ recently debuted “Shake Dat Thang” at Balabagan saMic, an urban music event, delivering a performance that highlighted his charisma, stage presence, and talent. The short but powerful stint affirmed his arrival as an artist to watch, making every last moment count.

“I’m just getting started, and I can’t wait to share more songs, more collaborations, and a more confident version of myself with everyone,” BARQ points out.

BARQ’s “Shake Dat Thang” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video on Barq's YouTube channel on Oct 24, 12PM.

Source: Nyou

JO1 Global Boy Group Release New EP “Handz in My Pocket”

October 23, 2025

Featuring New Performance Video “Just Say Yes”

Download Handz In My Pocket artwork here
Buy/Stream Handz In My Pocket EP here

Download press image here (Credit: LAPONE Entertainment)

Chart-topping Japanese sensation JO1 has released their new EP, Handz In My Pocket on 22nd October, following the soaring release of their 10th single, “Handz In My Pocket”. This special release will include a performance video for the track, “Just Say Yes”, set to premiere at a later date. The project captures JO1’s unmistakable sound and expanding global reach, an evolution that continues to bridge J-Pop and K-Pop to international pop culture.

The emotions we’ve hidden, the skills we’ve honed, and the potential not yet revealed - these ideas form the core of the EP. “In My Pocket” doesn’t simply refer to space; it represents the confidence, potential, and tools we all carry to take our next steps. Showcasing stronger musicality and message than before, Handz In My Pocket embodies JO1’s conviction that “we are still evolving.”

With electrifying choreography, sleek production, and lyrics rooted in optimism and self-expression, “Just Say Yes” marks a bold new creative era for JO1. Its performance video, set to premier soon, captures the group’s dynamic energy and forward-thinking artistry.

The EP is available in four collectible formats, including an exclusive Fan Club Collectors Edition featuring 11 solo covers - one for each member. Details here.

Handz In My Pocket EP Highlights

1. Handz In My Pocket
Based on house and trap genres, this track incorporates syncopated bass and drum rhythms inspired by Brazilian baile funk. Its powerful beat and vocal effects highlight hidden confidence and ambition, using clever lyrical wordplay around “pocket” - a standout example of JO1’s witty and dynamic style.

2. Just Say Yes
A synth-pop track built around a piano-driven riff, blending pop sensibility with Gen Z’s direct expression of love. The track’s vibrant melodies and crisp vocals express bittersweet, heart-pounding emotions through a cheerful, youthful lens.

3. RUSH
A high-energy track that borrows from Miami bass and Jersey club influences, featuring stomping kicks and punchy rhythms. It conveys JO1’s unrelenting drive and determination to pursue their goals, pairing bold sonics with fearless lyricism.

4. INTO YOU
An ethereal dream pop blend opening with acoustic guitar and warm analog synths, wrapping listeners in an emotional embrace. The song conveys gratitude to fans, known as JAM, and captures the comfort of enduring connection and love.

5. ひらく(HIRAKU)
Serving as the theme song for the film Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Formula for Happiness starring Issei Mamehara, this original track was written by acclaimed singer-songwriter Hata Motohiro and arranged by Tomi Yo, a long-time collaborator. Opening with a tender solo vocal over gentle piano, the song gradually builds with Hata’s signature acoustic guitar arpeggios, creating a rich and emotional soundscape. A warm, medium-tempo ballad, the track beautifully complements the film’s themes of family, learning and quiet joy, while revealing a softer side of JO1.

Download Handz In My Pocket artwork here
Buy/Stream Handz In My Pocket EP here

Tracklisting

Handz in My Pocket
Just Say Yes
RUSH
INTO YOU
ひらく(Hiraku)
Handz In My Pocket (English ver.)

On 18th and 19th October JO1 held their first-ever solo outdoor live show, JO1 5th Anniversary ~Matsuri~, a two-day festival in Tokyo combining music, fireworks, exclusive merch and fan events to mark five incredible years. Following this milestone, the group is set to perform at the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong in November, and will make history as the first Japanese artists to perform at the 2025 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, taking the stage on 2nd December.

ABOUT JO1
JO1 is an 11-member global boy group on the rise to becoming worldwide stars. Emerging from PRODUCE 101 JAPAN on 4th March 2020, they have quickly made their mark with their remarkable talent, chart-topping hits, and dynamic performances. Consisting of 11 members – Sho, Ren, Ruki, Junki, Keigo, Takumi, Syoya, Shosei, Sky, Shion, and Issei, they were formed through 65 million votes by their passionate fans - the "nation’s producers" - JO1 is carving out a major presence not only in Japan but across the globe. JO1 has nine consecutive number-one singles on the Oricon charts, including the record-breaking debut single “Protostar”, which sold over 300,000 copies in its first week. They have eight number-one songs and two number-one albums on Billboard Japan, with “Wandering” achieving double platinum status. They’ve achieved three MTV Video Music Awards Japan, three MAMA Awards, and one Japan Gold Disc Award, including Favorite Asian Artist at the 2022 MAMA Awards.

CONNECT WITH JO1:
Official website | Instagram | Youtube | TikTok | X

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT blackstar
CONNECT WITH US AT OUR WEBSITE HERE

AXEAN Festival 2025 forges new connections and creative futures in Bali

October 22, 2025

From world-class performances to songwriting collaborations, business matchmaking to industry dialogue, this year’s edition proved that the true rhythm of Southeast Asia lies in its spirit of community, innovation, and collaboration

October 21, 2025 – Bali, Indonesia – AXEAN Festival 2025 recently concluded its most triumphant edition yet at Jimbaran Hub in Bali, Indonesia, attracting nearly 4,000 attendees and cementing its place as one of the region’s most influential music discovery platforms.

With glowing reviews praising its impressive curation and visionary programming, the sixth edition of AXEAN Festival 2025 delivered a dynamic fusion of discovery, dialogue, and community. The festival not only celebrated the region’s finest emerging talents but also fostered meaningful exchanges between artists, industry professionals, and delegates from around the world, reinforcing its reputation as a bridge between Southeast Asia’s creative energy and the global music stage.

A Celebration of Discovery and Identity

This year’s edition featured a lineup of more than 40 artists across three stages, culminating in one of the weekend’s standout moments—the Club SEA Showcase. Dedicated to the explosive rise of grassroots and club music across the region, the showcase ignited the dance floor with stellar performances by Singapore’s Fauxe, Thailand’s S.O.L.E., Philippines’ DJ Love, and Indonesia’s Feel Koplo x Toxicdev!.

Left to right: Fauxe’s set, DJ Love teaching budots dance moves, Feel Koplo x Toxicdev! props

With their unique tapestry of local textures, tropical rhythms, and theatrical flair, these artists embodied AXEAN’s ethos of celebrating regional identity in global contexts, leaving audiences in awe and critics calling it “a defining moment in Southeast Asia’s club culture.”

Beyond the stage: a Platform for Growth and Exchange

Now in its sixth year, AXEAN Festival has grown into far more than a music showcase. It has evolved into a comprehensive cultural and business platform, one that nurtures collaboration, facilitates cross-border partnerships, and accelerates the professional development of Southeast Asian artists.

Left to right: Welcome Party, Panel Discussion

The festival’s conference programming impressed attendees with its forward-looking themes and engaging discourse. Over two days, panels and networking sessions explored vital industry topics, including:

1. Beyond the Upload: Strategies for Long-Term Growth for Southeast Asian Artists

2. Rethinking Music’s Footprint: Practical Pathways for Southeast Asia’s Music Scenes

3. From Funkot to Budots: The Booming Wave of Southeast Asia’s Grassroots Dance Music

4. Across the Pacific: Strengthening Music Ties Between New Zealand and Southeast Asia

The conference’s business matchmaking sessions and structured networking activities drew enthusiastic participation from regional and international delegates alike, creating new touring partnerships, booking opportunities, potential signings, and collaborative projects that will continue to resonate beyond festival grounds.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” said Mahanugru Kinzana, Head of Business & Commercial of Jimbaran Hub. “The structured networking sessions created genuine opportunities for dialogue between artists, managers, and delegates. AXEAN has become a rare space where serious industry conversations can happen within a creative, inspiring environment.”

Songwriting Camp: Building the Sound of Tomorrow

In line with its artist-first philosophy, AXEAN Festival 2025 extended its creative spirit beyond the main event through its Songwriting Camp, which brought together select artists and producers from across Asia to collaborate, co-create, and push the boundaries of regional sound.

“The songwriting camp was overflowing with talent—truly a gathering of geniuses from across Asia,” said Kinzana. “What stood out was how naturally diverse voices blended to create something fresh, yet deeply rooted in our region’s identity. For me, it reinforced a bigger realization: Southeast Asian music doesn’t just have talent, it has a distinct character that deserves a clear and strong positioning in the global music scene. The camp captured that spirit in the most inspiring way.”

AXEAN co-founder Piyapong Muenprasertdee shared the same sentiment, adding, “By the third day, something magical happened—all the artists came together to create one collective track, a true regional collaboration. More than writing songs, they build friendships and creative ecosystems that will carry forward long after the festival.”

Local Roots, Global Reach

This year also saw AXEAN deepening its ties with the local creative community through new partnerships with Jimbaran Hub and Bali-based organizations. A co-organized local music competition led to the discovery of standout talents Morbid Monke and Gozal, whose performances captivated international delegates and underscored the island’s growing relevance in the regional music map.

“Originally, we planned to feature just one winner, but the quality of the artists was so outstanding that we added a second slot,” shared Muenprasertdee. “These unexpected highlights reminded us of the importance of creating genuine opportunities for discovery and exchange.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, AXEAN Festival reaffirms its commitment to Bali as its home base, with ambitious plans to expand regionally through satellite events and stronger artist export pipelines. The next edition aims to enhance audience experience, sustainability, and global visibility, all while staying true to its core of inclusivity, collaboration, and discovery.

“We’re committed to growing the AXEAN Festival in Bali,” Kinzana asserts. “Bali offers a perfect balance: an international destination that combines serious industry engagement with world-class hospitality. Our next focus is to strengthen the story and experience of AXEAN so that more audiences connect deeply with what we stand for.”

Muenprasertdee added, “We hope to establish a permanent home for AXEAN here while also developing satellite events across the region to strengthen local ecosystems and create touring routes for our artists. Looking ahead, our strategy focuses on three key areas: (1) strengthening artist export pipelines by deepening ties with international delegates, (2) expanding fan engagement so AXEAN grows into both an industry platform and a beloved cultural festival, and (3) enhancing sustainability—financially, socially, and environmentally—so the festival can continue to thrive and evolve for years to come.”

About AXEAN Festival

The AXEAN Festival is a prominent Southeast Asian music export platform, combining a music conference and showcase festival.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic by music professionals across Southeast Asia, AXEAN Festival has successfully hosted both virtual (2020-2021) and in-person (2022-2025) events. Over six editions, it has featured 200 artists from 20 countries, attracted 420 delegates from 32 countries, and reached over 46,000 virtual viewers, along with close to 18,000 live attendees.

With its growing international reputation, AXEAN has firmly established itself as Southeast Asia’s leading music export platform. Its first venture into a new market beyond its original home base in Singapore and Bali garnered widespread acclaim among attendees, music industry professionals, and participating artists.

Source: Nyou

2025 Golden Indie Music Awards announces global guest performers, “Best Asian Creative Artist Award” nominees, and ceremony highlights

October 21, 2025

South Korean indie rock band Silica Gel and Thai rapper AUTTA (featuring Taiwanese trio The Chairs) are both set to deliver distinct showcases

[More photos here]

The Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA), Taiwan's premier independent music award-giving body, will be hosting its grand ceremony on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Taipei Music Center, and it will be livestreamed in South Korea and Thailand.

This year’s edition puts a spotlight on international guest performers, including South Korea’s leading indie rock band Silica Gel and rising Thai rapper AUTTA, who will be sharing the stage with Taiwan’s folk-pop trio The Chairs in a rare cross-border collaboration. The highly anticipated teamup is centered on this year’s theme, “Brave,” and will feature four more acts from across Asia whose work reflects fearlessness in confronting expectations and expressing uncompromising truth in music.

On the Asian front, GIMA will be honoring the "Best Asian Creative Artist Award,” whose nominees illustrate the breadth of Asia’s independent music scene, crossing languages and genres while sharing a commitment to authenticity.

From 60 submissions across Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, the shortlist features South Korean electro-punk duo Fat Hamster and KANG New, rising South Korean R&B and neo-soul artist Jacqui, Indonesian indie group Lomba Sihir, socio-politically charged rock band. Feast, and Tokyo-born, Melbourne-based violinist, producer, and vocalist ELLE SHIMADA.

Now in its 16th year, the GIMA drew a record 4,052 submissions from across Asia.

Among the nominees, rapper and songwriter Hsien Ching (陳嫺靜) has emerged as one of the most talked-about figures, securing seven nominations for her twin albums, 《Ifwe can be happy happy every day, who wants to be sad:))》and《If we can be happy happy every day, who wants to be sad:＊》. Her work, defined by a non-conventional approach to hip hop and a distinctly female perspective, has made her a unique voice in Taiwan’s independent music scene. Close behind is the band Lilium (百合花), which blends Taiwanese language, traditional instruments, and rock elements in their album,《Everything Will Go Wonderfully》, earning six nominations and demonstrating the vibrancy of Taiwan’s cultural roots within modern music. The nominations also include works by prominent and emerging artists such as Enno Cheng (鄭宜農), Modern Cinema Master (當代電影大師), YELLOW (黃宣), Dinosaur’s Skin (恐龍的皮), and Andr, whose creations have likewise drawn significant attention.

For more details and a complete list of nominees for the 16^th Golden Indie Music Awards, please check out the GIMA’s official website or follow onFacebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Source: Nyou

POP ICON RUEL RELEASES SOPHOMORE ALBUM KICKING MY FEET

October 20, 2025

LISTEN HERE

MUSIC VIDEO FOR “WILD GUESS”

STARRING MARY BETH BARONE

OUT NOW

WATCH HERE

(photo credit: Erica Snyder)

From teenage sensation to global star, Ruel enters a bold new chapter with his sophomore record, Kicking My Feet, out nowvia Giant Music– Listen HERE. Across its 11 tracks, the project signals a bold new era for the 22-year-old artist, capturing his growth as a songwriter and storyteller while pushing further into the emotional honesty and sonic richness that continue to define his artistry.

Led by the focus track “Not What’s Going On”, the album puts Ruel’s heart on full display, wrestling with the weight of love that both lingers and leaves. Building on the stripped back vulnerability of recent singles “Wild Guess”, “I Can Die Now” and “The Suburbs”, Kicking My Feet finds him at his most raw and reflective. Throughout the record, he unpacks the highs and lows of love, from heartbreak, healing and self-sabotage to self-discovery and independence. At its core, it is a coming-of-age album that translates the defining years of his life into unflinching storytelling.

“With the lack of restrictions I gave myself, I still feel like I had the clearest vision I've ever had going into making a project. And there was a lot of certainty on how I wanted it to be perceived, the kind of artist that I want to be perceived as, and the things I wanted to say.” - Ruel

Earlier this week, Ruel released the official music video for “Wild Guess,” co-starring actor/comedian Mary Beth Barone (Overcompensating) and directed by Jackie Zhou (Chappell Roan “Hot To Go!”). Set in the Wild West, the tongue-in-cheek visual sees Barone as his ex, as the two are forced to reunite on set as actors who can’t quite put the past behind them. Between the bickering, eye-rolls and on-camera tension, the duo captures the hilariously messy reality of working with someone you once loved. Their undeniable chemistry and sharp comedic timing turn the whole thing into a rom-com gone deliciously wrong.

Barone on the experience, “I was so excited to play the ex loveinterest of a 22 year old in a music video. It’s just an honor to be thought of in that way as a woman in my 30s. I think it’s a step forward for filmmaking, storytelling, and culture in general. And the song being about a breakup, it just felt right.

My heart goes out to anyone who has to work with their ex, especially in an on set environment.

Ruel is a total professional and very kind so maybe the youth really will save us.”

As an extension of his recent releases, the Kicking My Feet leans into warm, folk-inspired textures while staying true to his pop roots. On “Wild Guess” he contemplates the slow unraveling of a relationship with quiet resignation, while the buoyant “I Can Die Now” celebrates a love so powerful it feels like the peak of existence. Tracks like “The Suburbs” and “No News Is Good News” dive into nostalgia and uncertainty, before the closer “dst (outro)” leaves listeners with a sense of acceptance. Honest lyricism pairs with the signature vocals fans know and love as Ruel evolves his sound into new territory. The result is a body of work that resonates both sonically and emotionally, blending sharp wordplay with melodies that linger long after the songs end.

To shape the sound of of Kicking My Feet, Ruel teamed up with an all-star roster of producers including Julian Bunetta (Sabrina Carpenter, One Direction), Kenny Beats (Dominic Fike, Ed Sheeran), Dan Wilson (Adele, Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton), Taka Perry (KATSEYE), and longtime collaborator M-Phazes(Eminem, Kehlani, Ruel’s debut album). Earlier this week, he was also announced to join the lineup for Lollapalooza’s South American run, with performances in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, as well as Colombia next March.

DOWNLOAD ALTERNATIVE PRESS IMAGE HERE

(photo credit: Erica Snyder)

Kicking My Feet Tracklist:

1. Only Ever

2. Wild Guess

3. When You Walk In The Room

4. I Can Die Now

5. Not What’s Going On

6. Destroyer

7. The Suburbs

8. No News Is Good News

9. Even Angels Won’t

10. Kicking My Feet

11. dst (outro)

About Ruel

Australia’s pop prodigy Ruel is growing up and it shows on his highly anticipated sophomore album Kicking My Feet, available Oct 17th via Giant Music. Pop’s newest It Boy has been on the rise since he was a teenager, adorning his studio walls are an ever-growing collection of platinum plaques and award statues from the likes of RIAA, MTV, ARIA and Nickelodeon.

He has amassed over three billion streams, sold out multiple world tours and regularly attends fashion shows at the invitation of luxury haute couture such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Away from the runway, Ruel’s admiration for unique, highly conceptualised style can be seen in his editorials with Prada and Fendi, and through his extensive list of features on the pages of Vogue, GQ, NME and The Face. Around the world, eyes have been keenly watching Ruel’s career ascent; notably by Sir Elton John and Zane Lowe, both of whom have sung the praises of the UK-born, Sydney-raised talent, calling him a "superstar."

Kicking My Feet showcases the 22-year-old’s sharpened songwriting as he explores the innocence and embarrassment of being young and in love, as the album title teases. Alongside frequent collaborator M-Phazes, the album has Ruel expanding his roster of creative partners, including Dan Wilson, Julian Bunetta, Kenny Beats and Taka Perry. The experimentation with his sound and artistry, has Ruel evolving himself into a bolder musician on an unmissable trajectory.

Instagram // TikTok // YouTube // Facebook

RUEL SEA PRESS CONTACTS:

mabuhay@blackstar.space

Website: https://blackstar.space/

Ely Buendia set to drop cinematic official music video for “Kandarapa”, collaborates with emerging visionary—set for a TikTok Live during premiere

October 20, 2025

Photo taken by Lawrence Del Rosario

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—At this point, solid listeners and the general public alike are already used to seeing Buendia's tenacity for acting as the perennial frontman has been on the big screen for “Pandamlagan (2025)”—a full-length period film featured at this year's Cinemalaya, the most prestigious independent film festival in the country. In this particular release, the “Bulaklak sa Buwan” hitmaker undeniably showcased his freshly-honed acting capabilities on his own very own material, “Kandarapa.”

“Kandarapa” exists as the third single of Buendia's latest solo oeuvre, “Method Adaptor”, an album that came from the depths of the artist's soul which relishes on narratives personal and deep from within, ultimately creating a meaningful 10-track masterpiece. But at this moment, we shift our attention solely to the single's official music video, furthering the plot of this new era of Ely Buendia.

Produced by the man himself, the “Kandarapa” music video is proudly “D.I.Y-ed” (do-it-yourself), with the help of Buendia's own record label Offshore Music, even directed by one of its own hired hands and in-house creative, Gada Nyssa Zayco.

“When I first heard Kandarapa, I felt the courage behind it. It takes a certain kind of bravery and strength to begin a song with an admission to say that you or something is not okay right from the first line, before any instrument even begins,” shares Zayco, detailing her initial reaction to the song. “I wanted the visuals to feel like a dream you’re half-aware of, caught between wanting to wake up but at the same time trapped.”

Zayco has done plenty of creative work in Offshore Music, most of which are for the internal side of the label and for its own impressive music roster, most regularly for official photos and visual collateral. But Zayco's prowess in directing, shooting, and editing for these types of work have already been out in the open as she also directed the extremely relatable music video for Pinkmen's song, “Di Pa Rin Sapat (Ang Sahod)”, a 5-minute mirror-to-society visualizer which heavily presents working class struggles through guerilla-style shots and political imagery, utilizing the song's explicit message about underpaid labor as base for the video.

In Zayco's terms, her directorial approach for “Kandarapa” differs from the mentioned music video through implementing more of an “art house” style in its overall concept, toying around with colors (and the lack thereof), significant props that borders on metaphors, and of course the most prevalent of them all, the ocean. “They all echo what it feels like to live through cycles,” the director says.

In the same breath, the young creative acknowledges the fact that this particular project holds a significant amount of weight, not only because she classifies herself as "fairly new” in her film journey, but also this marks her first time working on a project of this caliber with Ely Buendia. “He gives you space to create, yet challenges you to see things from a deeper place,” shares Zayco. “I used to see him as someone almost unreachable—a legend whose work defined generations.”

She also gets candid with her feelings, recalling the time when Buendia approached her to be the director of the single. She cites that the singer's simple act of trust became her compass throughout the project.

The Kandarapa Music Video is set to premiere on October 19 (Sunday), 6PM on Ely Buendia's YouTube channel. He also invites everyone to watch it with him through a livestream session on his TikTok accountwhere fans can ask questions right after the premiere.

Link to MV: https://youtu.be/OWnvT8oIxOE

About Ely Buendia

More than the usual string of superlatives, Ely Buendia is a storyteller. Not just someone with above-average verbiage, or a propensity to weave hastily rhymed couplets. But the genuine article. And whether it’s with the massively popular Eraserheads, or with any of his latter-era pursuits (the genre-bending rock outfit Pupil, rockabilly meisters Oktaves, or the soul/funk collective Apartel), listeners are assured of both pop smarts and an indefatigable sense of invention. Buendia’s canon is a ride to be relished. From landmark Eraserheads classics (“Alapaap,” “Magasin,” “Ang Huling El Bimbo”) to smashers by Pupil in the mid-aughts (“Nasaan Ka?,” “Disconnection Notice,” “TNT,”), the tunes serve as balm to the weary soul. But the lesser-known items is where we are given a picture of Buendia’s creative breadth: the one-off release Wanted Bedspacer; In Love & War (made with rap legend Francis Magalona); collabs with the Itchyworms (“Pariwara,” “Lutang”); and, more recently with indie rockers Cheats (“Plunder My Heart”). Buendia is also committed to guiding a new generation of artists in the OPM scene. As co-founder and CEO of Offshore Music Philippines, he has shaped the future of Filipino music. Now releasing a new single, "Bulaklak sa Buwan" from the new album “Method Adaptor” under Offshore Music, Buendia offers a glimpse of his currency as a songwriter and musician. Music that is sure to inspire new and old fans alike.

Ely Buendia Socials

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560884825570

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

X: https://x.com/elybuendia9001

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@elybuendia9000

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

Source: Sony Music

Tame Impala’s fifth full-length album ‘Deadbeat’ out now

October 17, 2025

Photo by Julian Klincewicz

Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) has released his fifth full-length album, Deadbeat via Columbia Records today. Tame Impala teased the release of Deadbeat with three advance singles, “Loser,” “End of Summer, and “Dracula” which broke into Billboard’s Hot 100 and saw an instant chart debut at AAA and Alternative - his biggest debuts yet. Today he shares a music video for the album opener “My Old Ways,” directed by Kristofski and featuring cinéma vérité footage the director took throughout the process of Parker making the record in various locations around the world.

On Deadbeat, Parker sculpts a collection of wickedly potent club-psych explorations as a vehicle for some of his most direct, brain-wormy songwriting to date. The album is deeply inspired by Australian bush doof culture and particularly the local scene centered around Margaret River in Western Australia in the 90’s, recasting Tame Impala as a kind of future primitive rave act in the process. “In the past 15 years, arguably no other rock musician has straddled multiple worlds quite as well as Parker,” says critic Grayson Haver Currin in his GQ Hype cover story. “Tame Impala began as a modernized psych-rock band with exploding-world drums and skyscraping hooks that made it clear Parker also loved pop, soul, and hip-hop. As Tame Impala has steadily morphed into something stranger and self-renewing, where spoken-word stories about picking up laundry led to late-night confessionals, Parker has become a key collaborator to some of the biggest stars in the world. Deadbeatfeels like a last act of resignation and acceptance, with Parker finally coming to terms with the person he has always been and may always be. He is suspended in an emotional stalemate, wondering if he can be more than he knows he is.”

Tame Impala will kick off his first tour in support of Deadbeat on October 27 for the first of 4 shows at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The run wraps on November 17 with the last of three performances at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Tame Impala has also announced a major UK and EU tour starting spring of 2026. Full tour dates are below. All dates are listed below and tickets are on-sale here.

Kevin Parker has emerged as one of the most influential voices of the last decade. A singular artist renowned for carving out a distinct sound all of his own, Parker crafts transcendent genre-bending sonic landscapes, playing every instrument and acting as writer, producer, mixer and engineer on his projects. He has been nominated for four GRAMMY awards with one win for his collaboration with Justice on 2024’s “Neverender.” In his home country of Australia, he’s racked up an impressive 13 ARIA Awards and 27 Nominations. He’s won the BRIT Award for Best International Band and scored nominations for two Billboard Music Awards and an American Music Award. Tame Impala has had numerous US Alternative Radio Top 10 songs including two #1’s for “Lost In Yesterday” and “Is It True.” Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know The Better” is part of the Billionaires Club with over 2 billion streams and the project has racked up numerous gold and platinum certifications globally.

Deadbeat tracklisting

1. My Old Ways

2. No Reply

3. Dracula

4. Loser

5. Oblivion

6. Not My World

7. Piece of Heaven

8. Obsolete

9. Ethereal Connection

10. See You On Monday (You’re Lost)

11. Afterthought

12. End of Summer

FOLLOW TAME IMPALA

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK

Source: Nyou

BBNO$ RELEASES HIS SELF-TITLED NINTH STUDIO ALBUM

October 17, 2025

(Photo credit: Olen Quinn)

LISTEN HERE

Today, Canadian artist bbno$ (pronounced "baby no money") releases his self-titled ninth studio album via Broke Records/CMG. LISTEN HERE.

The 21-track project is a testament to bbno$’s ability to work across different sounds, while delivering on his widely enjoyed, energetic rap style. The Canadian artist weaves through different pockets, from dance-heavy records like the Sammy Virji co-produced ‘yezzir’; to the soft, mellow serenade ‘main squeeze’. The focus track of the album, 'bing bong', features prominent social media creator Vanilla Mace first ever musical endeavouras VNLLA. The accompanying music video is pure entertainment gold, featuring Mace in a lavish role reversal where bbno$ transforms into her impeccably dressed, devoted butler within the opulent walls of a sprawling mansion. It's visual storytelling that perfectly captures the track's playful energy and bbno$ knack for turning expectations upside down.

WATCH “BING BONG” MUSIC VIDEO HERE

The album] also includes some of the internet’s most popular earworms of 2025, including ‘1-800’ with V-Tuber Ironmouse, ‘two’, and ‘it boy’. The project sees production credits from Diamond Pistols (DJ Snake, Rich Brian), Pink Slip (Katseye, Jason Derulo, Ty Dolla $ign, Lauv) and Y2K (Doja Cat, Young Gravy), plus assists on the pen from Jesse Saint John (Charli XCX, Brooke Candy, The Neighbourhood) and JBACH (LE SSERAFIM, Anitta, Ava Max).

This release is the culmination of a phenomenal year for bbno$, where he more than doubled his audience adding over 14 million new followers across his channels. It also comes on the heels of an ambitious 6-week album rollout campaign with 6 single releases, and a slew of content featuring cameos from the internet’s most recognizable faces, including jschlatt, Vanilla Mace, Jake Webber, Brandon Rogers, TheAnimeMen, Leeda Dong, Smosh, CG5, and The Content Machine. At this time, the campaign generated over 150M impressions on content across all platforms, not including user-generated content.

In the next few weeks, bbno$ will embark on his biggest global tour yet starting October 31st in Sydney, Australia. The tour will cover over 65 dates throughout Q2 of 2026, with venue capacities exceeding 7,000 in some of the major markets across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The tour will be landing at iconic venues in North America and Europe, including the O2 Academy Brixton in London, and it’s guaranteed to be a real rager of a party.

ALBUM TRACK LIST

1. bag TF up

2. bing bong (feat. vnlla)

3. gigolo

4. eat slay love (feat. Käärijä)

5. it boy

6. estrella

7. come to brazil

8. check

9. hot topic

10. yezzir

11. rich sexy ugly

12. 1-800 (feat. Ironmouse)

13. pump it

14. NSFW

15. F.U.N.K.

16. main squeeze

17. ADD

18. like this like that

19. two

20. boom

21. finally up

TOUR DATES

10/31/2025

Australia

Sydney

Hordern

11/2/2025

Australia

Sydney

Hordern

11/3/2025

Australia

Melbourne

Festival Hall

11/4/2025

Australia

Melbourne

Festival Hall

11/5/2025

Australia

Brisbane

Fortitude Music Hall

11/6/2025

Australia

Adelaide

Hindley Street Music Hall

11/8/2025

New Zealand

Auckland

Power Station

11/9/2025

New Zealand

Wellington

Meow Nui

11/11/2025

Australia

Perth

Metro City

11/12/2025

Singapore

SCAPE Theater

11/13/2025

Hong Kong

TIDES

11/14/2025

Taiwan

Taipei

Clapper Studio

11/16/2025

South Korea

Seoul

Musinsa Garage

11/17/2025

Japan

Tokyo

WWWX

11/22/2025

Brazil

Sao Paulo

Cine Joia

11/29/2025

Mexico

CDMX

Pabellón Oeste

2/14/2026

San Francisco, CA

The Warfield

2/18/2026

Los Angeles, CA

Palladium

2/19/2026

Anaheim, CA

House of Blues

2/20/2026

Anaheim, CA

House of Blues

2/21/2026

Phoenix, AZ

Arizona Financial Theatre

2/23/2026

San Diego, CA

SOMA

2/25/2026

Albuquerque, NM

The Revel

2/27/2026

Dallas, TX

The Bomb Factory

2/28/2026

Austin, TX

Stubb's

3/1/2026

San Antonio, TX

The Aztec Theatre

3/4/2026

St. Petersburg, FL

Jannus Live

3/5/2026

Orlando, FL

House of Blues

3/7/2026

Atlanta, GA

Coca-Cola Roxy

3/8/2026

Charlotte, NC

The Fillmore

3/10/2026

Philadelphia, PA

Franklin Music Hall

3/11/2026

Boston, MA

MGM Music Hall at Fenway

3/12/2026

Washington D.C.

Anthem

3/13/2026

New York, NY

Terminal 5

3/16/2026

Detroit, MI

The Fillmore Detroit

3/17/2026

Chicago, IL

Salt Shed

3/19/2026

Cleveland, OH

Agora Theatre

3/21/2026

Montreal, QC

Place Bell (Laval)

3/22/2026

Milwaukee, WI

The Eagles Ballroom

3/24/2026

St. Louis, MO

The Pageant

3/25/2026

Omaha, NE

Steelhouse Omaha

3/27/2026

Kansas City, MO

Uptown Theater

3/28/2026

Minneapolis, MN

Armory

3/29/2026

Des Moines, IA

Val Air Ballroom

4/2/2026

Salt Lake City

The Union

4/4/2026

Seattle, WA

WAMU

5/4/2026

Ireland

Dublin

National Stadium

5/5/2026

Ireland

Dublin

National Stadium

5/7/2026

United Kingdom

Manchester

O2 Victoria Warehouse

5/8/2026

United Kingdom

Manchester

O2 Victoria Warehouse

5/10/2026

United Kingdom

Glasgow

O2 Academy Glasgow

5/11/2026

United Kingdom

Glasgow

O2 Academy Glasgow

5/13/2026

United Kingdom

London

O2 Academy Brixton

5/15/2025

Switzerland

Zurich

Halle 622

5/16/2026

Germany

Cologne

E-Werk

5/17/2026

Germany

Cologne

Palladium

5/19/2026

Netherlands

Amsterdam

AFAS Live

5/20/2026

France

Paris

Le Bataclan

5/22/2026

Italy

Milan

Fabrique

5/24/2026

Czech Republic

Prague

SaSaZu

5/26/2026

Germany

Berlin

Columbiahalle

5/28/2026

Slovakia

Bratislava

Majestic Music Club

6/5/2026

Toronto

Budweiser Stage

ABOUT BBNO$:

bbno$ (pronounced “baby no money”) has quietly become one of the most astute observers and architects of digital music culture, operating at the intersection where viral moments evolve into lasting artistic statements. Beneath the irreverent surface lies a sharp understanding of how modern pop culture actually moves, an instinct that has made him one of the most consistently relevant independent artists of the last five years.

That instinct powered his latest breakout, “1-800” featuring VTuber sensation Ironmouse. Released in June 2025, the track quickly became his most daily streamed song to date and one of the year’s biggest independent hits. What could have been a novelty elsewhere became something forward-thinking, cementing bbno$’s role as a cultural translator between internet subcultures and global pop. The momentum now leads into his highly anticipated self-titled album, released on October 17, following a six-week internet-breaking marketing campaign.

bbno$’s career jumpstarted with “Lalala”, a record that didn’t just go viral but rewired TikTok’s musical DNA and ushered in a new era of digital-first pop. He followed with “Edamame” featuring Rich Brian, another multi-Platinum smash that proved his staying power. Since then, bbno$ has built an extensive body of work, from the collaborative “Baby Gravy” albums with Yung Gravy to a relentless stream of singles that, in just the past year, have generated 750 million video views, 1.4 million fan-made creations, 140 million DSP streams, and more than 2.5 million new followers.

His live presence has grown just as rapidly. What began with digital discovery now commands sold-out headline tours across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The upcoming world tour supporting his self-titled album will include career-defining performances at London’s O2 Brixton Academy and other legendary North American venues.

What distinguishes bbno$ from his contemporaries is not just his fluency in viral culture, but his ability to bend it toward his own creative vision. Unapologetically independent and irreverently inventive, he continues to redefine how artists build, engage, and entertain in the digital age. Above all, he proves that authentic connection with fans remains the ultimate currency in modern pop culture.

Follow bbno$

For more information, contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

Filipino - American Indie Pop Singer-Songwriter Labit Unveils Debut Album 'SOL'

October 17, 2025

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Erica Hernandez

October 17th, 2025 — Today, Filipino-American singer, songwriter, and storyteller Labit shares his debut album 'SOL'. Named in honour of his grandmother Solita ("Grandma Sol"), 'SOL' is a widescreen coming-of-age statement that turns kitchen-table wisdom, late-night truth-talks, and hard-won self-belief into vivid storytelling. Fans can stream the album HERE.

Across 18 tracks, Labit blends honeyed vocals, warm analog textures, and diaristic lyrics into songs that feel both lived-in and cinematic at once. Whether he's reflecting on family, identity, or the tender chaos of growing up, the result is a body of work that feels intimate yet expansive — rooted in real life, but resonating far beyond it.

"'SOL' is me taking stock of who raised me, what shaped me, and how to move forward with grace. These songs are about finding clarity: in love, in family, and in myself."

— Labit

In the advance singles, Labit had already started sketching out the album's emotional arc. "MANGOES AND RICE" is an intimate love letter to growing up Filipino-American; written as a conversation with his sister and brought to life in a video that foregrounds heritage, family, and community. With "CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE" (ft. Emily Rowed), Labit leans into radical honesty: "airing it out", tearing down walls, and choosing to rebuild. With "PARALLEL", he captures the a-ha clarity of finding love right beside you. The hazart-directed video reimagines an iconic "song-in-the-back-seat" moment inside a family Buick LeSabre, the same car that Grandma Sol drove him around in as a child, as another nostalgic nod to her influence.

The record's palette moves from soft-focus nostalgia to full-colour uplift: late-night confessions that spill into sunrise ("FEBRUARY"), the anxious comedy of trying to keep up ("ALL MY PLANTS ARE DYING"), and the quiet strength of choosing the right person in a chaotic season ("BETTER"). Throughout, recurring motifs—cars, kitchens, seasons—tie the chapters together, while Labit's upfront vocal and conversational writing keep the storytelling close.

'SOL' features the previously released singles alongside new standouts like title track "SOL", a quiet dedication to the grandmother whose name, counsel, and compassion echo throughout the album.

Reflecting growing regional momentum, Labit's singles leading up to his debut album have earned coveted placements on Spotify's New Music Friday playlists across Asia—including the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Asian markets dominate his Top 10 audience: #2 India, #3 Indonesia, #4 Philippines, #7 Thailand, #8 Taiwan, and #10 Malaysia and his Top 5 streaming cities are based in Southeast Asia. Since debuting in 2019, his ability to connect across borders and cultures is rooted in honest storytelling and a sonic versatility that transcends genre.

For Labit, 'SOL' captures that ongoing process of self-discovery—written as a personal journal while navigating the intricacies of adulthood, finding strength in vulnerability and grace in growth.

'SOL' Album Tracklisting:
1. STAY AWHILE
2. BREAK!
3. PRETTY
4. CLOUD
5. ALL MY PLANTS ARE DYING
6. CLICK
7. BET
8. WHO WE WERE
9. WYL
10. CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE (FT. EMILY ROWED)
11. MANGOES AND RICE
12. LEADS (ME TO YOU)
13. BETTER
14. FEBRUARY
15. PARALLEL
16. CODEPENDENT
17. ANYBODY’S GUESS
18. SOL

Stream 'SOL' here

About Labit

Stephen Ordoñez, aka Labit, is a genre-blurring, Los Angeles-based Filipino-American multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer, and artist. Known for his heartfelt lyricism, evocative melodies, and ability to make the deeply personal feel universal, Labit writes with unfiltered honesty and emotional depth, often drawing from the people and connections that have shaped his world. Through his music, he creates spaces where lived experiences and cultural memories intersect, inviting listeners into moments that feel both intimate and shared.

Since his first release in 2019, Labit's catalog has grown in generous authenticity, blending melodies that feel like being wrapped in a warm blanket with infectious hooks that linger long after they're heard. Whether soft and nostalgic or loud and spiralling, his songs speak to the messiness and beauty of being human.

Beyond his solo work, he's a versatile songwriter, known for pairing distinctive melodies with strong vocals and guitar playing. Ordoñez has penned numerous tracks across pop, rock, and R&B, including credits with Emei, BYRNE, and more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS

FOLLOW LABIT

R&B Duo CVIRO & GXNXVS Link with Nippa On New Single "Close 2 U"

October 16, 2025

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Michael Candrick

October 16th, 2025 – R&B producer and singer-songwriter CVIRO & GXNXVS have released their second single “Close 2 U” featuring breakout UK R&B artist Nippa on Red Bull Records. Fans can stream the song here.

A merging of two very distinct worlds, this track combines the best of the UK R&B scene with what CVIRO and GXNXVS do best. “Close 2 U” is perfectly timeless, weaving 90s/early 2000s R&B in with smooth beats and infectious melodies.

On the single, CVIRO & GXNXVS shared, “This song is about connection in its purest form. An AUS x UK R&B collab has been a long time coming, and "Close 2 U" is one of those moments where everything just clicked. Having Nippa be part of it brought it into a new dimension".

CVIRO & GXNXVS – "Close 2 U" (feat. Nippa) (Visualizer)

CVIRO & GXNXVS made their return as a duo earlier this year with the single “Were You Down?” – a bumping track with a club-ready energy. In between this new era and their previous project together the two kept busy, appearing on global releases with UK-based R&B singer H33RA and Toronto rapper JAHKOY – with this second collaboration receiving an enthusiastic shoutout on The Joe Budden Podcast.

CVIRO & GXNXVS continue to solidify their presence in the R&B scene, pushing boundaries with a multi-genre, global sound that’s destined to become timeless.

Stream "Close 2 U" here
Watch the visualizer here

About CVIRO & GXNXVS

A while back, vocalist CVIRO and producer GXNXVS met and instantly bonded over the sound and spirit of nineties R&B and soul. As if meant to make music together all along, GXNXVS showed up to their first encounter with his recording gear in tow. Not long after, the duo bubbled up out of Australia and into the international conversation by 2014. The breakout “Benjamins” announced their arrival, piling up 8.1 million Spotify streams and counting. “Problem” and “Lady” posted up millions of Spotify streams, and “Sober” eclipsed 8.2 million Spotify streams. Along the way, OVO Sound Radio and Beats 1 championed their music. Not to mention, global supermodel and style icon Bella Hadid played CVIRO & GXNXVS on her social media to tens of millions of followers.

Receiving widespread praise, Earmilk exclaimed, “Each new song possesses equally as much flava as the last,” and HYPEBEAST praised the single “Caught Up” as “reminiscent of 90s throwback R&B with its smooth but bouncy production and vocal delivery”. Perhaps, Acclaim put it best, “Their sound is smooth and sexy, a fusion of old school R&B sounds with modern neo-soul”. With EPs such as 'Now You Know' [2018] and 'The Sequel' [2020] under their belt, their collective work ethic simply never relented.

In 2022, they reemerged with 'Come On In', their debut EP on Red Bull Records, featuring the seductive standout “Nasty” with Jean Deaux. The following year, they delivered a bold reimagining of the project with the 'Come On In' (Remix EP) [2023], flipping select tracks into new sonic directions. Most recently, the duo teamed up with rising UK artist H3RRA for her 2024 single “Cardiac", lending their signature polish and mood-driven production to a buzzy collaboration that’s further cemented their status as global tastemakers in modern R&B.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS | RED BULL RECORDS

FOLLOW CVIRO & GXNXVS

FOLLOW CVIRO

FOLLOW GXNXVS

Costa Cashman redefines what it means to be a “Gangsta” in his most compelling single yet

October 16, 2025

From street survival to self-made success, Cashman flips the term into an anthem for growth and grit earned through real hustle

Rising hip-hop powerhouse Costa Cashman returns with a new single that flips the narrative of what it truly means to be a gangsta.

His new track, “Gangsta,” featuring Fern and produced by dot.jaime, celebrates transformation, discipline, and success earned through grind and growth.

On “Gangsta,” Costa Cashman continues to expand his distinct Cheke sound, a sonic signature that fuses grit with cinematic ambition. The track builds on the success of his previous hit “HUSS,” marking a refreshing pivot in Cashman’s storytelling: one that reflects his past struggles while embracing the victories of his present.

Gangsta, redefined

“Para sakin kasi, hindi na ‘gangsta’ yung pagiging agresibo o pagiging mapusok,” Cashman shares. “Para sa akin, ang‘gangsta’ na is yung nakakapag-provide ka, nagagawa mo yunggusto mo, nag-eenjoy ka at nagagawa mo yun ng sarili mo lang. Nagawa mo siya ng pinaghirapan mo. Ayun na yung ‘gangsta’ para sakin.”

Co-produced by dot.jaime, “Gangsta” delivers a hard-hitting yet expansive soundscape, anchored by a bass-heavy beat that mirrors Cashman’s confidence and creative clarity. Recording during a writing session in Bali with Fern, the track came together organically, combining effortless lyricism with raw, tender honesty.

“Natural lang siyang lumabas sa akin,” Cashman recalls. “Lumabas siya sa utak ko, tapos sinulat ko na siya. Sobrangsaya ko kasi parang yun yung pinaka-legit na nasulat ko. I mean, legit naman lahat ng sinusulat ko, pero ayun ung mas dama ko at mas personal siya.

Lyrically, “Gangsta” serves as both reflection and declaration. Cashman contrasts the grind of his early days, recording music in cramped spaces and dodging daily hardships. Thinking about it, the acclaimed newcomer takes pride in the fulfillment of having built something real and meaningful from nothing.

From the streets to the spotlight, “Gangsta” serves as an anthem for those still in the grind, reminding them that success doesn’t erase struggle; it redefines it. From TV features to magazine covers, Costa Cashman stands as a symbol of authenticity and ambition, embodying what it means to glow up while staying grounded.

UND x Costa Cashman

In tandem with the single release, Costa Cashman will debut a limited-edition capsule collection in collaboration with UNDRAFTED (UND)—a partnership aligning with the UND Anniversary celebration. The capsule embodies the same spirit of “Gangsta”: success born from hustle, crafted with intention and authenticity.

The UND x Costa Cashman capsule will drop around the same time as the single’s release, and will be available in limited stock. “This collaboration represents not just a fashion statement but a manifestation of Cashman’s evolution, from the streets of Malate to the forefront of Philippine hip-hop culture,” Justin Wieneke, CEO of Cheke, explains.

About Costa Cashman

Hailing from Malate, Batang M, Costa Cashman is a star in the Philippine hip-hop scene and a prominent member of the influential rap group, O-SIDE Mafia, which has 2.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Known for his infectious hooks, lyrical prowess, and dynamic energy, Costa has solidified his place in the industry with consistently high-performing tracks that garner over 1 million streams per release. His music embodies the essence of contemporary hip-hop while staying true to his Filipino roots, making him a fan favorite both locally and internationally, especially with the Filipino diaspora.

Source: Nyou

Rock royalty meets new wave rebellion in The Dawn and Sean Archer collab track “Delikado”

October 15, 2025

Bridging eras and emotions with cinematic intensity, “Delikado” tells a gripping father-and-son narrative wrapped in post-punk energy

Iconic rock legends The Dawn team up with rising alternative artist Sean Archer for their new single “Delikado”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment. The upbeat, guitar-driven track blurs generational lines and musical boundaries while making sure to retain their distinct music stamp in the mix.

Steeped in themes that revolve around tension, truth, and tenderness, “Delikado” is an emotionally charged anthem that explores the relationship dynamics between a father and a son, mirroring love, fear, and understanding. Beneath its edgy riffs and pulsating beats lies a more profound message: always look over your shoulder, and be mindful of what lurks in the night.

“When we signed with Sony, they encouraged us to collaborate with one of their artists,” shares Sancho Sanchez of The Dawn. “We sat down and watched videos of different Sony artists, and Sean Archer’s songs and music videos really appealed to us. It’s like his musical DNA is something we’re very familiar with.”

The Dawn’s resident guitarist Kiko Reyes adds, “We’ve always been on the lookout for interesting collaborations that challenge us on creative terms. Sean’s songs, especially “Patay,” had energy, wit, and great hooks. I think initially we were looking for an artist who was not in our area stylistically because we like different challenges and perspectives. But we couldn’t ignore how much we liked Sean’s songs and style.”

Though The Dawn and Sean Archer come from vastly different eras and creative processes, the collaboration flowed with surprising ease.

Actually, kahit ako nagulat din. Demo palang yungDelikado noon, and si Rico Blanco yung nagsend sakin ng demo at nagsabing gusto makipag collab ng The Dawn.

“Sa demo pa lang, solid na yung theme ng kanta eh,” Sean reveals. “Tungkol siya sa perspective ng nag-aalalang magulang, so naisip ko ang idadagdag ko naman ay yung perspective ng anak. Kumuha ako sa sarilingexperiences ko kasi madalas din ako inaabot ng gabi noon kaya madalas din mag-alala magulang ko.”

The result is a dynamic conversation in a song, a father’s protective concern clashing with a son’s yearning for independence. Both sides are fueled by love, but expressed through friction.

“Sean did an awesome job of answering my words, which represent the typical worry of a parent or elder,” says Jett Pangan, The Dawn’s frontman. “His lyrics complete the relatable narrative of a family living in dangerous times, plus his vocal style levels up that rebellious punch.”

Musically, “Delikado” sounds like a controlled explosion: a driving, post-punk-inspired track feels urgent yet artfully restrained. The Dawn’s cinematic guitars and pounding drums collide with Sean Archer’s modern edge and textured vocals, forming a sound that’s equal parts tension and precision.

Guitarist Francis Reyes explains, “I think we liked the post-punk sort of thing that we drunkenly messed around with. Initially it sounded very Gang of Four-ish or early Bloc Party-ish. Parts, specifically guitars, morphed during the recording. Bim was imagining a Billy Idol/Steve Stevens approach—aggressive guitars with synths in the background—so it has those references as well. On my end, I used a raw, semi-distorted guitar tone I’ve never used on any recording, which changed how I would normally write a guitar part. I figured if I went my normal route—either processed clean or high gain—I’d be mining familiar territory, and that would be boring for me. The song has a rawness, and I kept that in mind for my area of sound. There are quiet moments, including ambient spacey stuff from Sancho and me that we both love, but even those moments maintain the tension. The song is about two generations ‘arguing’ after all, with each side wishing to be understood. Jett and Sean really nailed a great narrative with their lyrics.”

The Dawn and Sean Archer’s “Delikado” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

15 days

Featured

May 19, 2017

Day 15: I'm Home

May 19, 2017

May 18, 2017

Day 14: Painting, Writing, Being

May 18, 2017

May 17, 2017

Day 13: Speakoutsam Serves

May 17, 2017

May 16, 2017

Day 12: Searching Through Sam

May 16, 2017

May 15, 2017

Day 11: Just Keep Writing

May 15, 2017

May 12, 2017

Day 10: Intersecting Ironies Intercepted

May 12, 2017

May 11, 2017

Day 9: Letter on Brush Strokes

May 11, 2017

May 10, 2017

Day 8: Lay Day

May 10, 2017

May 9, 2017

Day 7: Word Yearn

May 9, 2017

May 8, 2017

Day 6: Chutzpah

May 8, 2017

Buy my books on AMAZON

Buy my books on Amazon!

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15 days

CONNECT WITH A2O MAY: Instagram | Youtube | TikTok |X

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT blackstarCONNECT WITH US AT OUR WEBSITE HERE

CONNECT WITH JO1: Official website | Instagram | Youtube | TikTok | X

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT blackstarCONNECT WITH US AT OUR WEBSITE HERE

CONNECT WITH A2O MAY:
Instagram | Youtube | TikTok |X

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT blackstar
CONNECT WITH US AT OUR WEBSITE HERE

CONNECT WITH JO1:
Official website | Instagram | Youtube | TikTok | X

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT blackstar
CONNECT WITH US AT OUR WEBSITE HERE