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Denise Julia strikes new ground with charismatic EP, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Denise Julia

The 9-track record also features collaborations with Filipina R&B star DENȲ, Vietnamese-American star thuy, and R&B King of the Philippines Jay R

Denise Julia asserts her position as one of the most important voices in Filipino R&B with the release of her new EP, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2), exclusively distributed by Sony Music Entertainment.

The 9-track release brings a new level of sophistication to her songcraft, touching on the familiar themes of her 2023 EP, while navigating wisdom and emotional honesty that go beyond her years.

“The stories are more real, the production has these rich new textures, and overall, it’s way more intimate,” says the prolific recording star. “This chapter is me opening up more about who I am, especially after coming out earlier this year. I think my writing’s gotten a little more reckless and freer—I’m just saying what I want to say without holding back."

Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2) embodies every aspect of Denise Julia: the real person stepping out of the limelight and online fanfare, stripped to the core with nothing but life lessons and bittersweet endings. On her latest EP, she candidly expressed the feelings of being vulnerable and in love, and putting on a brave face even when confronted by the difficult times.

Denise Julia's songwriting, characterized by unsparing confessionals that explore her sexuality and the messy nature of adolescent life choices, shines brighter this time around—a proof that there’s a silver lining in openness. In Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2), the R&B/soul vixen doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out, but she knows that through her storytelling, she would inspire more women and queer folks to go with their gut feel and embrace the love and respect they truly deserve.

“I wanted to capture those bittersweet moments of love and self-discovery—the real stuff we don’t always put into words,” DJ adds. “My inspiration was a mix of personal experiences, growing into myself, and just the feelings people keep bottled up but wish they could say out loud."

Denise Julia’s latest EP draws a lot from classic R&B but doesn’t shy away from embracing its modern edge. Whether it’s a sensual bop straight from the Aaliyah/Brandy playbook or a confessional ballad that reveals moments of unfiltered fragility, the B.A.D. hitmaker knows when to lurch forward or snap back with her chameleonic but sultry singing style. For this EP, she hones her contemporary R&B sound with touches of soul and pop, going for something that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Some of the highlights of the EP include the focus track “sweet nothings,” a collaboration with Jay R, the R&B King of the Philippines. Propelling the narrative forward with transcendent moments of harmony and sensual bliss, the song tackles the honeymoon-phase feeling in a relationship where everything feels so good that you don’t want to let go.

According to the ‘Patron Saint of Situationships,’ as the fans often call her, working with Jay R was a dream come true. “He understands R&B on such a deep level, and having his influence really elevated the song. I feel like if you told young Denise that she would collaborate with the King of R&B in the future, she would have never believed you, so this is such a monumental thing for me. He’s the best at what he does, and I hope to take what I’ve learned from working with him into my own craft.”

Other notable collaborations in the EP were the DENȲ-assisted “don’t matter,” which showcases the duo’s effortlessly sultry side while maintaining their individuality throughout the process, and “twin flames,” which features Vietnamese-American artist thuy. Denise Julia considers both artists an inspiration, with each adding their own flavor to the material.

Here is the track list for Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2):

1. better than he does
2. sweet nothings (feat. Jay R)
3. thinkin’ bout you
4. twin flames (feat. thuy)
5. (boy it’s just) attraction
6. inhibitions
7. bet
8. there’s no way you’d want me back
9. don’t matter (feat. DENȲ)

Denise Julia’s new EP, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2), is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Denise Julia is also slated to headline her solo concert soon! For future announcements and details, visit www.denisejulia.com.



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Henry Moodie releases debut EP, good old days

Sunday, October 6, 2024


Future global pop superstar Henry Moodie releases his highly anticipated new EP, good old days, released via Robots & Humans (UK) and Columbia Records (US). The release of the EP follows the single releases of two incredible tracks, ‘beat up car’ and ‘bad emotions’. good old days is available to stream here.

Also released today is the focus single from the EP, ‘still dancing’. On ‘still dancing’, Henry delivers yet another epic ballad - his exquisite vocals flourish as the crux of the new single, accompanied by sublime production. It is beautiful and charming in equal measures, holding a deep relatability that fans and new listeners will no doubt resonate with.

Speaking about his new EP good old days, Henry said: 

“‘good old days’ is an EP about navigating growing up. from songs about mental health, friendship, childhood, first love & first heartbreak. this EP captures what my late teens felt like”

At just 20-years-old, Henry Moodie has already achieved more than 572 million streams worldwide, landed in the Top 10 most viewed UK artists on TikTok in 2022 and been named amongst Amazon Music's Artists To Watch in 2023. Following the completion of a songwriting diploma at music school BIMM, Henry found his voice as a solo musician and songwriter, oozing a level of emotional vulnerability, and sweeping, timeless lyrics. Henry released his debut EP, ‘in all of my lonely nights’, in the winter of 2023. With a combined 450m streams across tracks including self penned and produced ‘you were there for me’, global top 100 hit 'drunk text' and the heartfelt ‘pick up the phone’, a track which received 350k streams in it’s first day alone. Henry’s debut headline UK and European tour sold out in days - including an incredible show at London’s KOKO - and he recently performed throughout the summer at festivals across the UK, 
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Shanne Dandan announces the release of her debut album, Kung Iyong Mamarapatin

Shanne Dandan

The indie-folk singer-songwriter will be launching her album with a special live set on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City

Filipino singer-songwriter Shanne Dandan has announced the release of her highly anticipated debut album, Kung Iyong Mamarapatin—officially due out on October 25, 2024 via Viva Records.

The 10-track album serves as both an elegy for the unrealized self and a hopeful anthem for what is yet to come. Shanne penned and recorded the upcoming release after experiencing profound sadness and struggling to give herself the grace and acceptance she deserves.

“Growing up, I’ve always sung what my mother and grandmother listened to,” says the indie-folk act. The way a singer uses their voice to tell a story has always resonated with me. Kung Iyong Mamarapatin is about saying goodbye to my broken dreams in hopes of creating new, brighter ones.”

To celebrate the release of her debut album, the "Iyakin" recording artist will perform the new songs for the first time, with some live sonic surprises and a bigger backing band. The album launch will take place at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City on October 25, 2024, starting at 7 p.m. Joining Shanne Dandan are some of her music peers in the local music scene, including syd hartha, Coeli, jikamarie, and ALYSON.

“I think there will be a lot of crying to expect from my album launch,” Shanne adds. Be it happy tears or not, I want to make people feel however they want to feel through my music and just let all their emotions flow. For that night, I will be performing with a bigger band than usual. I’ll be playing all the songs from the album with the people I recorded the album with.”

Shanne Dandan: Kung Iyong Mamarapatin Album Launch is presented by NYOU. Early bird tickets are available at PHP500 via bit.ly/shannedandanalbumlaunch.

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KAIA gets confidently poppy with catchy new single “Walang Biruan”

Thursday, October 3, 2024

KAIA Walang Biruan

KAIA continues to cement their status as one of the most sonically adventurous pop groups in the Philippines with the release of their new single, "Walang Biruan," out today via Sony Music Entertainment.

The iridescent, bubblegum-pop track boldly reassures one's feelings without fear of judgment, channeling the playful side of young love. As KAIA explains it, “The song is about telling someone how much you like them in a sweet and honest way. It has a catchy tune and lighthearted vibe, making it easy to relate to and enjoy.”

Giving listeners a taste of summer with a fun, lightweight take, “Walang Biruan” embraces an effortlessly flawless sound with Y2K pop, Jersey club, and UKG influences. KINDRED’s Luis Montales and Kenneth Amores co-produced and co-wrote the track with the members of KAIA, motivating the Dalawa act to tap into their full potential as songwriters.

According to the five-member group, the initial stages of recording “Walang Biruan” entailed so much spontaneity that it enabled them to take charge of their creative pursuits and get more involved in the process.

“We spent a while on how we can arrange the song and make it more palatable to our audience,” shares KAIA. “Alexa took part in writing the rap verse, and the four of us, Charlotte, Sophia, Charice, and Angela, exchanged ideas on how we can make the song longer and more beautiful.”

The song will be released soon with a music video directed by Jonathan Tal Placido of Toothless. The MV conveys the material’s effervescent vibe while taking a tour of what happens inside a person’s mind during a pivotal moment of reawakening. It’s also shot entirely on an iPhone—a first among the P-Pop music scene.

KAIA reveals, “There are playful scenes showing how your imagination runs wild when you're nervous, but once you finally confess, it's like a huge weight is lifted. Suddenly, you feel free, at peace, and everything just feels brighter and more colorful.”

KAIA’s “Walang Biruan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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Halsey releases new single “Ego”

Monday, September 16, 2024


GRAMMY® nominated, genre-blending artist Halsey has released her latest single, “Ego”. Alongside the new single, Halsey also premiered the 90’s-inspired video for the song, which she directed and plays both lead roles.

Halsey unveiled the artwork and trailer for her forthcoming 5th studio album, The Great Impersonator, which will be released on October 25th. The Great Impersonator, described as a “confessional concept album” is an exploration of time and fate, and what type of artist Halsey would be if she existed in different decades.

As an extension of the concept, for the album artwork reveal, Halsey shared clues to fans to discover time capsule boxes hidden around the world. The first cover was located in London, with four additional decade themed covers found in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Sydney. The additional covers are available for pre-order as vinyl variants.

Additionally, her cover of PAPER MAGAZINE, in celebration of the publication’s 40th anniversary was released last week.

“Ego” follows the releases of “Lonely is the Muse”, “Lucky” and "The End". Halsey is set to perform “Ego” at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 11th at 8 p.m. ET/PT from New York’s UBS Arena.

Halsey has amassed more than 50 billion global streams, over 75 million RIAA-Certified adjusted singles, with all 4 of her previous albums RIAA-Certified. She is one of the only artists ever to have four different songs hit 1 Billion streams on Spotify, as well as have 2 RIAA-Certified-Diamond records.
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Kai Del Rio announces first headline show in nearly a decade

Monday, August 19, 2024

Kai Del Rio
Photo by Dee Cruz


The indie artist is also set to launch her back-to-back singles “Ang Nag-iisa” on September 13, 2024 and “Storm Like Me” on September 20, 2024

Filipino singer-songwriter Kai Del Rio (formerly known as Kai Honasan) gears up for an electrifying comeback with her first solo headline show in nearly a decade. 

The former The Voice of the Philippines season 2 semi-finalist will perform her dual singles “Ang Nag-iisa” and “Storm Like Me” for the first time live on September 13, 2024 (Friday) at Sari Sari Cocktails in Makati City.

The back-to-back songs highlight Del Rio's versatility and range, with "Ang Nag-iisa" (to be released on September 13, 2024) revealing her grittier version with blues and alt-rock influences and "Storm Like Me" (to be released on September 20, 2024) taking listeners back to her stripped-down roots.

Kai shares that both tracks have the same message and heart at the core of it all, but are musically different by intention. 

“When I considered returning to my solo work, I always envisioned releasing a double single as a way to showcase my duality right off the bat. Nagagalit tayo at nasasaktan tayo. When you experience so much pain, you eventually experience hope. These two songs show the spectrum of rage and sadness and how it manifests differently within the same person.”

The official launch will not only include the performance of the new original songs, which Underdog Music will release on all streaming/digital platforms on September 13 and 20 respectively, but it will also serve as a reintroduction of the indie singer-songwriter, complete with a new moniker, a new record label and management team, and a fresh perspective on the music-making process.

“I took my time because I wanted it to be as real, as sincere and as authentic as possible,” the Liwanag act explains. “These will be my first solo songs in a decade and I wanted to take my time with them from crafting the songs to building the team. That included finding the right musicians, the right group to work with, the right time. Everyone who has worked on these two singles are authentic, decent, good people, but above all they are insanely talented.”

Kai Del Rio is co-producing the official launch alongside GNN Entertainment Productions and Locked Down Entertainment, with backing from Lightfirst and Underdog Music.

“For this reintroduction, trust and history were very important to me. Both the teams behind Gabi Na Naman and Locked Down have been there at the first few years of my career in the indie scene, after the Voice and my time in a band. They know my story and are equally as invested as I am, and I could not ask for more from partners in this first chapter. In addition to them, this event will also be co-presented by Lightfirst, which is a lovely company that focuses on helping make high quality educational content available to schools all over the Philippines.”

Kai promises that the show will be worth the wait, as she’ll be performing alongside some of her peers and idols in the local music industry, as well as playing with a special setup for the headline show happening next month. 

“It’s very different from the ukulele or keytar girl you might have met before, but I hope you’re ready for the ride,” shares Kai. “It’s going to get real, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Tickets to KAI DEL RIO: “ANG NAG-IISA x STORM LIKE ME” Double Single Launch are now available on bit.ly/kaidrlaunch.




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Meghan Trainor releases sixth album, Timeless

Monday, June 24, 2024


Pop sensation Meghan Trainor has gifted the world her much-anticipated sixth album, Timeless. With 16 tracks that span from soulful ballads to high-energy bops, this album truly has something for everyone. Fans can dive into Timelessnow and experience the magic firsthand.

Meghan’s Heartfelt Message to Fans

Meghan Trainor expressed her excitement about the album's release, sharing, “Timeless is finally yours and I still can't believe it!! This album means so much to me! I got to work with so many incredible people to bring this album to life, and I’m so grateful for all of them and all the fans for showing so much excitement over it. I can’t wait to play these songs for you on the Timeless Tour! I’ll try not to cry every night with happy tears.”

Early Hits and Collaborations

Before the full album drop, fans were treated to three standout singles: “Been Like This” with T-Pain, “To The Moon,” and “I Wanna Thank Me” featuring Niecy Nash. These tracks showcase Meghan’s exceptional talent in both production and songwriting. The doo-wop inspired “Been Like This” is irresistibly catchy, while “To The Moon” offers a bass-heavy delight.

To celebrate the release, Meghan is kicking off the week with a performance on the TODAY Show Citi Concert Series, followed by appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohenon June 11 and June 12, respectively.

Emotional Depth and Playful Vibes

Meghan’s vulnerability is on full display in tracks like “Forget How To Love,” where she addresses a lack of empathy with a powerful choir backing her. The playful yet biting “Whoops” proves Meghan’s prowess in creating anthems for every mood, even breakup songs, despite her happy marriage to Daryl Sabara.

The title track “Timeless” wraps up the album with a beautiful message, promising that while life may not last forever, true love endures.

Exclusive Merchandise for the Timeless Era

To mark this new era, Meghan has released a special crewneck and a range of music products and apparel available on Meghan-Trainor.com. Highlights include the Timeless Transparent Light Blue Vinyl, exclusive variants like the Timeless Sapphire Vinyl on Meghan’s TikTok Shop, and retailer-specific editions such as the Target Exclusive TimelessCD with a bonus track “Bite Me” and the Walmart Exclusive Timeless CD with an alternate cover.

The Timeless Tour

This fall, Meghan Trainor is hitting the road for the Timeless Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on September 4 at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH. With 24 shows lined up, the tour includes iconic venues like Madison Square Garden in New York, the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO.

Joining Meghan on tour are fellow pop powerhouse Natasha Bedingfield for select dates, and “Lil Boo Thing” singer Paul Russell for the entire tour. Special guests Chris Olsen and Ryan Trainor will bring their unique charm and humor to the stage. Fans can expect to hear new tracks from Timeless along with beloved hits from Meghan’s previous albums. Tickets are available now at Meghan-Trainor.com.

Timeless Tracklist

  1. To The Moon
  2. Been Like This with T-Pain
  3. Crowded Room
  4. Whoops
  5. Crushin’ ft. Lawrence
  6. I Wanna Thank Me ft. Niecy Nash
  7. Love On Hold ft. T-Pain
  8. Forget How To Love
  9. Rollin'
  10. Maybe
  11. I Get It
  12. Sleepin’ On Me
  13. Hate it Here
  14. Bestie
  15. Doin' It All For You
  16. Timeless

Don't miss out on the musical journey of a lifetime with Timeless. Listen to it HERE. 


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Muri Documents Life Away from Home on New Single "Afternoon"

Tuesday, June 11, 2024


The violinist-singer/songwriter expresses cultural adjustments in sophisticated jazz-pop number


London-based, Filipino indie-pop artist Muri releases “Afternoon,” the first official single off her upcoming debut EP.

The track chronicles the adjustments of living in a new, unfamiliar place away from home, something that the Filipino singer-songwriter has dealt with in recent years after deciding to pack her bags and pursue a music career in Europe.

“I was constantly comparing here and home, which created this sometimes dark cloud of bitterness, desolation, and frustration, without really realizing that that was an unhealthy thing to do,” tells Muri, the violinist-singer of Philippine-based indie-folk collective The Ransom Collective. “And it really takes a lot out of you, until you realize you can redefine your own reality for yourself. Afternoon is kind of that journey. Both the dark, and the good that you find when you lean into it differently. Whether that’s realizing there’s something, someone, you’re missing, whatever it is that may have given comfort and is now gone. And then finally learning to see what or who is in front of you that shifts your whole perspective.”

Muri penned “Afternoon” and collaborated with rising French producer Sacha Arnaud, whom she met and connected with in Paris over a cup of coffee. The promising newcomer admits that she reached out to Arnaud after seeing a video of his performance online.

“It was an interesting process because it was our first time working together,” says Muri. “And the process kind of also reflects my nomadic life. We’d exchanged files remotely between France and Italy and had mixed-in-person sessions in Paris and in the countryside outside of Lyon. We must have worked on this song in at least four different locations.”

Complementing her confessional songwriting style with a vignette of soothing soundscapes and luscious melodies, “Afternoon” showcases a more vulnerable side of Muri. The soul-infused, jazzy pop tune documents her bouts with uncertainty as she figures out her own place in a world that gets bigger and bigger by the day.

The Awit Award-nominee reveals, “It feels like also opening my world to listeners: Who I am from the Philippines, and who I’ve grown to be here in Europe. Who we are or can be, when we shed skin, or discover new perspectives. What the music captures at this moment of time, and who I’m collaborating with. Hints of my old identity, and taking on new ones as an artist. This song was written more from the heart than the mind with raw feelings and thoughts.”

Muri’s “Afternoon” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.
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Breakout artist Dhruv announces release of debut album, Private Blizzard

Saturday, June 8, 2024


New song “Speed of Light” out now!


Private Blizzard, the debut album from breakout vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dhruv, is slated for release August 23 via Little Worry/RCA Records. 

Recorded in Nashville with Grammy-nominated producer JT Daly (Noah Kahan, Bully, Benson Boone), Private Blizzard reflects the full range of emotions Dhruv felt as he set out to make his debut album from a place of creative honesty. “I started in a place of numbness, and I didn’t really understand why I felt that way,” Dhruv shares. “The songs that I started out with were trying to help me unpack that feeling. The further along I got, I started feeling better—I just felt lighter.”

Allowing intuition to guide him more than in the past, Dhruv focused on developing his vocal range to give himself a larger canvas to express his changing emotions. From a sonic perspective, he and Daly worked together to arrive at a sound that incorporates classic live elements while retaining a modern feel. The result is an album that, above all else, feels true to Dhruv. 

Aside from the announcement of the upcoming album release, Dhruv has also debuted a “Speed of Light,” a new song from his forthcoming album. “‘Speed of Light’ is about this ‘limbo state’ of being heartbroken over someone who clearly had no trouble moving on from the relationship,” Dhruv shares. 

“Speed of Light” follows previous album offerings “How?” and “Tragedy,” Dhruv’s first new music of 2024 which he performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for his late night T.V. debut in February. Additionally, Dhruv performed a sold-out headline show at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre last night, following a sold-out headline show in London and a performance at New York’s Head In The Clouds Festival earlier this month. 

Born and raised in Singapore and of Indian descent, Dhruv’s fascination with music dates back to the age of five, hearing Bollywood soundtracks on the T.V. at his grandmother’s house. After years of writing songs privately, he put his studies at Yale on hold to make a go of music in earnest and began producing from his bedroom. 

Dhruv burst into the spotlight after his 2019 single “double take” exploded globally, racking up hundreds of millions of streams worldwide. Soon after, he signed with Little Worry and RCA and, in 2022, he released his debut EP Rapunzel. He’s toured with Joji, sold out headline stops across the U.S. and the U.K. and a handful of dates in Asia in 2023, including two rare headline shows in India. NME praised Dhruv for creating “vital, anthemic” pop, while PAPERcelebrated the power of his “intimate love songs” and CLASH hailed his “open and completely relatable” songwriting. 

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dwta yearns for the comfort of someone she calls home on new single “Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)”

Monday, June 3, 2024

Jhasmine Villanueva

The catchy, stripped-down track showcases the best of both Filipino and Bicolano language, lovingly combined to express her authentic storytelling style

Dwta (stylistically spelled as dwta), or Jhasmine Villanueva in real life, has released her new single “Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)” via Sony Music Entertainment.

The upbeat pop track expresses the breakthrough star’s excitement of going back home and experiencing a love filled with comfort and security. Written as a paean to her hometown and as a love letter to the person she considers her greatest confidante, “Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)” showcases dwta’s earnest songwriting style, which combines Filipino and Bicolano language to convey a narrative that is both inclusive and personal.

“Since I speak both languages fluently, why not just mix them?,” dwta reflects. "When they hear a Bikol verse, it instantly transports those who don't understand Bikol into a different world, creating a magical feeling. It’s like letting them experience Bicol through the song.”

The track stands out with the acclaimed folk-pop artist’s ability to turn sharp-witted and conversational lines into a compelling piece of storytelling—a signature quality that’s present in most, if not the majority, of her songs.

According to dwta, she penned the stripped-down tune the night before going back to Bicol. Inspired by her yearning to return home to be with her loved ones and family, Jhasmine picked up a guitar and started writing the song. In less than two hours, she was able to finish “Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)” with an effortlessly charming arrangement that blends acoustic elements with pop and bossa nova influences.

“Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang) is a song where not only the lyrics but also the melody tells a story,” the young singer-songwriter reveals. “It transports you back home or into the arms of your loved ones. The song talks about the feeling of wanting to go home or just wanting that person beside you wherever you go forever; the excitement of seeing your loved ones or tasting their home-cooked meals. This feeling was what I felt upon writing the song.”

Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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Keiko Necesario opens up about overcoming challenges in married life on “Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari”

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Keiko Necesario

Filipino indie singer-songwriter Keiko Necesario finds renewed strength in love and spirituality amidst unjust social conditions on her new single “Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari,” out on all digital streaming platforms worldwide this Friday, May 31, 2024.

The irresistible pop-rock confessional shows Keiko’s resilience and vulnerability in disarmingly bold ways as she chronicles her story of overcoming a challenging season in her married life—thanks to God and her husband, who never left her side during a tumultuous ordeal. 

According to Keiko, she penned the track at a time when she and her partner struggled to make ends meet while reflecting on what truly matters for her and between them.

“Last year, it came to a point when we only had 700 pesos in our bank account, and we had to figure out what to do because there were bills to pay and other things to think about,” shares the multi-talented solo artist. “During that difficult time, we chose to have faith because we knew and believed that seasons come and go. God was, and is our provider, so because of that whole experience, I got to write and finish the song.”

Keiko Necessario wrote and co-produced the song, with her bassist Charles Bautista assisting with the overall production. Capturing a pivotal change in both her sound and sonic perspective, Keiko delivers a sterling earworm that isn’t afraid to share a piece of her with the public, no matter how imperfect and devoid it is of rosy disposition. This time around, she wants to celebrate her newfound courage through a track that sees optimism and joy even in the darkest of situations. 

With its pulsating guitar riffs, melodic arrangements, and charismatic songwriting, “Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari” brings music fans to the glory days of late ‘90s and early 2000s OPM alternative rock where female-fronted bands ruled the airwaves. Made more exciting with her newfound chops and contemporary acoustic leanings, Keiko turns nostalgic pieces into fodder for inspiration and finds new ways to make them her own. 

The indie folk/pop recording artist reveals, “The process was just so much fun because I honestly love spending time in the studio and getting lost in choosing the right elements for a new song. Working with Charles as a co-producer is a refreshing kind of experience because he’s so excellent, and what I love about working with him is that he’s always present and focused. I already told him this and even mentioned it to my husband: that I appreciate Charles’ work ethic because, as busy as he is with other musicians and other things in his life, when you work with him, it’s as if he’s not doing anything else.”

Keiko will be launching her new song live at the Brewing Point Music Lounge in Fisher Parkway, Quezon City on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 7:00pm onwards. Tickets are available here. The event will include performances by Keiko Necesario, and special guests: Barbie Almalbis, Janine Tenoso, Clara Benin, and Cheenee Gonzalez.

Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari” is out now on all DSPs.
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KAIA chronicles personal journey to stardom on “You Did It” music video


KAIA has officially released the music video of their new single “You Did It.”

Helmed by Raymond “Pabi” Fabian and Francis “Kiko” Magundayao, the visuals mark the five-member group’s transformation from the debut years to their more confident and refined phase. It also features the origin story of the dragonfly, a metaphorical symbol of their journey as a Filipino girl group trying to make it in the competitive music industry landscape.

As the MV puts it, KAIA, with their wings spread, is now on a journey to explore greater distances.

The P-Pop group reveals that they’re also more involved in the concept of the music video, even going as far as embracing darker themes and injecting ideas inspired by their personal experiences. 

“We really like being involved because it helps us interpret our songs better and perform with more passion,” shares the Dalawa act in a press statement. “We made sure that everything, from outfits to the set design and even our facial expressions, aligned with the music's theme. The goal was really to elevate the message of the song through visuals, so we put in extra effort for this MV.”

KAIA also credited their two MV directors, “Pabi” and “Kiko,” for bringing immense creativity to the project and being highly collaborative with the visual storytelling.

The acclaimed pop act explains, “They were able to translate what we envisioned, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable. Their direction made us feel comfortable and confident on the set. Because of this experience, we were able to focus on our performances while they take care of the bigger picture. Overall, it was a collaborative effort that we are very proud of.”

“You Did It” is a dance-pop track that brims with Persian-style instrumentation and modern pop sensibilities. The song was produced by Oh-won Lee, Michael James Down, Will Taylor, and Primoz Poglajen, with lyrics by Jonell "J.O" Sarmiento, a former Z2Z member. KAIA also contributed to the overall concept and narrative of the track.

Through this song, KAIA aspires to be the voice or instrument of people who can't speak up and who don't have the courage to stand up for themselves. “So that when they listen to the song, they'll feel more confident and empowered,” adds the feisty five-piece collective.

KAIA’s “You Did It Here” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.
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Global pop sensation Henry Moodie captivates audiences across Southeast Asia

Friday, May 24, 2024

Henry Moodie

 Sony Music Southeast Asia is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of Henry Moodie’s recent promotional tour across Southeast Asia. The up-and-coming global pop superstar has captured the hearts and minds of fans across the region, demonstrating his star power and cementing his status as an artist to watch.

Moodie’s inaugural visit to Southeast Asia met with overwhelmingly positive receptions in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where his mall busking and showcases attracted a massive turnout of over 6,500 fans in total across all 3 performances. 

TikTok videos featuring Henry's audio clips have tripled over the past month, resulting in a 132% increase in consumption to 7.9 million views on the platform. Collaborations with content creators across tour markets have generated over 42 million video views to date, demonstrating the high engagement inspired by Moodie’s music across social media.

Amid fervent fan support, the artist saw a considerable increase in Spotify streams across Southeast Asia. Average daily streams in the Southeast Asia region has peaked at 1.5 million, indicating a meaningful surge in audience engagement with the artist's catalog throughout the tour.

“The Asia promo trip was up there with one of my favourite experiences so far in my life. Southeast Asia has shown me so much love over the past couple of years so it was so nice to finally see everyone in real life and have a sing along! I’m so grateful for all the support and I can’t wait to come back!”, says Henry Moodie. 

As a testament to his rising popularity, Moodie’s hit single “drunk text” saw exponential growth on Spotify charts during the tour:

● Peaked at #88 on Spotify’s Global charts

● Holding strong at #1 for 8 weeks in Indonesia

● Returned to #1 in Malaysia following his performance in Kuala Lumpur

● Now at Top 20 in Singapore and Top 200 in Thailand and Philippines

Moodie's dynamic stage presence and vocally impressive live performances have evidently connected strongly with fans. 

The tour marks another global milestone for the breakthrough singer, who is on the path to becoming one of the most popular international artists in Southeast Asia following widespread airplay success over the past year. 

Further expanding his footprint into Asia, Moodie will be performing at We The Fest in Jakarta, Indonesia (20th July), Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (21st July) and Summer Sonic in Bangkok, Thailand (25th August). Fans can also expect his highly anticipated new EP due for release later this year while he takes his tour globally to the US and the UK.

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Bradley Simpson shares new single “Picasso”

Bradley Simpson Picasso

Bradley Simpson’s debut solo single ‘Cry At The Moon’ occupied a rarely explored sweet spot between styles: classic ‘70s Americana with a surging intensity which echoes the swaggering spirit of the indie-rock greats, but also with the contemporary, pop-tinged edge that can only come from an artist who has headlined London’s 20,000 capacity O2 arena on multiple occasions. From that compelling introduction, Bradley now powers into the release of his new single ‘Picasso’.

Produced by the two-time Grammy nominee BOOTS (Beyoncé), with a dreamy undercurrent of ‘60s psychedelia and wonky bedroom pop, ‘Picasso’ is symbolic of what Bradley does so well: creating songs with an instant appeal, yet with lyrical nuances that provide a relatability for people to forge a deeper connection with. Its striking lyric “turning torture into art” commands attention and inspires deeper investigation of the narrative behind it. 

Bradley says, “‘Picasso’ is about one of those toxic loves that you know is bad for you, but there’s something amazing about it that keeps you coming back. You always hope that things are going to turn out for the best, so you keep giving chances when maybe in hindsight you should’ve stopped early doors. You also come across people who can find dress-up those hardships as part of romance. That song allowed me to exorcise those experiences and move past them.”

‘Picasso’ and ‘Cry At The Moon’ set a high watermark for more to come from Bradley. Many of his upcoming songs were written in the comfortable confines of his home studio: a converted loft space accessible only by a rickety ladder. Recording sessions were similarly modest, with the grimy, graffiti-clad exterior of New York’s Flux Studios opening to reveal a space steeped in history, its collection of vintage gear and stale cigarette haze the place where The Strokes recorded their classic debut ‘Is This It’. 

But while the locations were unassuming, his key collaborators were top tier. In addition to super producer BOOTS, Bradley spent much of the process writing with kindred spirits in the shape of Andrew Wells(YUNGBLUD, Halsey) and Anthony Rossomando (Liam Gallagher, and a founder member of Dirty Pretty Things with Carl Barât). They shared his admiration for Queens of the Stone Age, The Raconteurs, Them Crooked Vultures and The Black Keys which helped to unlock the creative process, while Bradley’s lyrics became intimate, diaristic snapshots of intensely personal experiences rich with precise details that can only be written after they’ve been lived through.

Bradley Simpson’s “Picasso” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

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Thai R&B duo PURPLECAT links up with Filipino siblings act YSANYGO for collab single “Sunny When I’m With You”

Monday, May 6, 2024

 Thai R&B duo PURPLECAT

The smooth, laid-back track marks the first collaboration of Purplecat with an international artist

Thai duo Purplecat teams up with Filipino siblings duo Ysanygo on “Sunny When I’m With You,” a new single that celebrates the magic of being in love.

The smooth R&B track showcases the best of both worlds, inviting listeners into a realm where every moment is a little more illuminated—a little sunnier. 

Delivering a captivating mellow sound with lighthearted arrangements and lo-fi beats, “Sunny When I’m With You” exudes the beauty of being romantically swept away by someone whose company brings light and sunshine to your everyday routine. 

“This is a love song written from a place of honesty and confidence,” Purplecat shares in a collective statement. “It expresses the feelings of falling in love with someone at first sight and relishing in the excitement of spending time together with the person you’re pining for.”

For their part, Ysanygo came up with the melody of the chorus first and produced the song for Purplecat, who in return, penned the lyrics that entail situations of going on a date with the subject of affection. 

The eclectic duo adds, “We’re really grateful to Ysanygo for being open-minded throughout the entire process. We love their work so much that we don’t want to change anything, except for a few parts.”

“Sunny When I’m With You” serves as Purplecat’s first international collaboration and marks the duo’s plan to expand their reach on a global scale, particularly in Southeast Asia where there’s demand for their music. The R&B duo is composed of Mon Napasin Chaisri on vocals, who provides soulful delivery with a touch of melancholy, and Palm Pholrutt Sirirutt, who injects cool synthesizer sounds and rap verses to the mix.

Ysanygo is a genre-fluid sibling duo from the Philippines, composed of Ysabel and Yñigo Ferraz. The alt-pop pairing is part of this year’s Spotify RADAR, an annual program committed to bringing emerging talent to the forefront of the global music landscape. 

Purplecat and Ysanygo’s “Sunny When I’m With You” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.


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Henry Moodie to perform in Manila for the first time and admission is FREE!

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Henry Moodie

Henry Moodie is coming to Manila in a few days!

As announced on the social media pages of Sony Music Philippines, the future global pop superstar will be holding a free busking session on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at MOA Sky, Level 3, Entertainment Mall.

Moodie will also participate in an exclusive meet and greet (M&G) and question and answer (Q&A) with select Filipino music fans who have been supportive of his music journey since day one.

Aside from Manila, the international music star is slated to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 5 to 6, and Jakarta, Indonesia, from May 7 to 8, 2024, for similar engagements.

The promising newcomer became a formidable name in the Asian region, thanks to the crossover success of his previous single “drunk text,” which peaked at No. 1 on streaming platforms in Malaysia and Indonesia, and charted across Southeast Asia. The aforementioned song also gained traction and virality in the region, with notable covers from NCT (popular K-Pop boy group) member Chenle, Paolo of Ben&Ben, and Paolo Sandejas.

Following the significant attention and acclaim that “drunk text” received in Southeast Asia, Henry Moodie released the alt-pop gem “beat up car” on March 29, 2024, on all digital streaming platforms worldwide. This year, he will be performing at several music festivals across Asia, such as Summer Sonic in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan.

Admission to the Henry Moodie: Busking in Manila is FREE. Check out the PH announcement of his upcoming Manila visit via TikTok.

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Luke Hemmings ushers in new era with the release of new EP, boy

Monday, April 29, 2024


Acclaimed singer-songwriter Luke Hemmings has released his highly-anticipated new EP, boy, via Arista Records. The record, co-produced with longtime collaborator Sammy Witte (Maggie Rogers, Harry Styles, Freya Ridings), is a concise and cohesive 7-track coterie of songs, each offering a new sense of maturity, growth, and humanity for Hemmings. Arriving alongside the project is a stunning official visual EP consisting of all seven tracks which premiered globally for eager fans on YouTube at midnight. Watch here. Hemmings today also released his deeply felt single “Benny” and its companion visualizer. “Benny’s” dreamy soundscape is an ode to family, but one that aches with the loss of a life sometimes lived on their periphery.

“The song is about guilt I spend a lot of time away from my family and live in a different country than them. As you get older and life moves on, things happen at home and it’s the guilt of not being there and missing moments. It’s hard to miss the good moments, but even harder to miss the bad moments. You can’t be there to fix it all and be there for the ones you love,” revealed Hemmings. Watch here.

boy’s 7 dynamic new tracks, showcase Hemmings' lyrical and sonic evolution right from the start with the EP’s opener, "I'm Still Your Boy." Launching with the hazy strum of an acoustic guitar and lashings of stacked vocal tracks, the production ebbs outwards, contracting for the pre-chorus before exploding out on the chorus, Hemmings, mantra like, repeating the phrase: “I’m still your boy.” Lyrically, the track anchors the EP’s larger narrative theme of the liminal space between youth and adulthood. Guided by an introspective Hemmings, still grappling to hold on to his fading boyhood, each subsequent song draws listeners further into the artists dreamlike realm where themes of youth's departure, fear, solitude, and hope reverberate powerfully throughout the project.

When asked about the inspiration for boy, Hemmings explains, “The majority of the songs for boy were written at a time in my life when I was a stranger to stillness. The songs were born on planes and hotel room notepads, muttering under my breath while walking through new cities each day. I was disoriented and overwhelmed by the world and my place in it. Those emotions weaved themselves through this project. The longing for more emotional understanding within myself, the isolation, grief, love, sadness and hope. They’re not intended to be consumed as autobiographical facts, but as an overly dramatic, cathartic, poetic stream of my consciousness. As if you’ve opened my diary and can only read a line from each page.”

boy Track List

1. I'm Still Your Boy
2. Shakes
3. Benny
4. Close My Eyes
5. Garden Life
6. Close Enough to Feel You
7. Promises

Today’s multiple releases not only usher in a new and exciting sonic era for Luke Hemmings and his fans around the world but they lay testament to an evolving artist, who as Dork Magazine proclaimed, “bares his introverted soul, creating a love letter to nostalgia and a quest for self-discovery.”


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Crwn teams up with Jason Dhakal on new single “Good Enough”

Friday, April 26, 2024

King Puentespina


The R&B singer-songwriter is the first artist featured from the Séance universe

After a long wait, King Puentespina, also known as crwn, finally unveils "Good Enough," his first single release in over a year. As anticipation mounts for his debut album set to hit shelves in May, crwn introduces his first featured artist, Jason Dhakal, signaling the start of the unfolding universe of Séance.

The track offers a glimpse into the album's dance-centric theme, showcasing crwn's iconic production style intertwined with Jason Dhakal’s introspective exploration of self-doubt. Together, they effortlessly draw listeners into a deeply personal narrative.

Crwn introduces Jason as one of his old collaborators featured on his debut album through an illustration that is reminiscent of a tarot card. The card, aptly titled "The Doubter," serves as a mirror to the central character of the song "Good Enough." When flipped, it unveils a message: "Looks inward where cracks reveal the beauty of vulnerability," inviting listeners to explore the depths of self-discovery.

The first single of the album came to life during a sit-down session in crwn's home studio. As Puentespina laid down a beat, Jason Dahkal channeled his emotions, drawing from personal experiences of betrayal to write the lyrics. The resulting intimacy of the writing perfectly complemented the track's bouncy and upbeat production, creating a head-bopping track. This exemplifies their undeniable chemistry, further solidified through collaborations like "XX:XX," released in 2020.

The rest of the collaborators are rumored to share the same deep connection, having already worked with the Manila-based producer over his notable 11-year career.

Crwn is expected to reveal details about his much-awaited album in the upcoming weeks, building anticipation among fans and critics alike. Adding to the excitement, Jason is said to be joining crwn at his album launch party this May 11th at Nokal, Makati. Secure your spot now with early bird tickets available at bit.ly/seancebycrwn

'Good Enough' is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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Little Mix’s Perrie goes solo with the release of new single “Forget About Us”

Friday, April 19, 2024

Perrie


Global music superstar Perrie finally unveils her long-awaited debut solo single “Forget About Us.”

“Forget About Us” is a bittersweet uptempo pop song co-written by Perrie with Ed Sheeran and legendary songwriter David Hodges (“Because of You”—Kelly Clarkson, “A Thousand Years”—Christina Perri) and Steve Solomon.

The euphoric track is the introduction to Perrie as a solo artist, highlighting her stunning vocal talent. “I don’t want you to ever forget about us in the front seat / listening to songs that made you think about me,” she sings, in this remembrance of previous relationships. 

Perrie says: “I look back on past relationships and do think happily about those times. Do I want to be there now? No. It didn’t work out that way and if it was supposed to be it would have happened. Relationships have been a huge part of my life and they've made me who I am now. I think it’s a nice sentiment to be honest about and it’s super relatable.”


The beautiful video for the song, coming soon, was directed by Jake Nava (Beyonce, Britney Spears) and shot recently in Cape Town.

The world might know her as the self-assured Perrie from Little Mix, a group that boasts 3 Brit Awards over 17.49 million albums sales globally & 29.6 billion worldwide streams. However, her experience in one of the best-selling girl groups of all time was also transformative for a younger girl who was naturally shy and unsure of her immense talents. Previously, Perrie shied away from songwriting in Little Mix as she didn't have the confidence in her abilities, but through working on her upcoming debut album, her extensive songwriting contributions surprised even her. 

Across the eclectic and diverse record she had a heavy hand in creating, there are nods to her rock n roll-influenced childhood, motown, disco, country, 80s and, of course, bright, bold pop. The unifying thread is Perrie’s strong, soaring vocals that fearlessly grapple with each melody and top note. "Going into sessions as a solo artist now and being able to say what I want and I feel is just the most amazing experience. I never had the confidence to do that before, but this process has allowed me to believe in myself and explore all my different emotions and different parts of my life.”

Nearly all of the highly personal album was written and recorded at Perrie’s North London home, a place she feels the safest. Her fiancé Alex suggested they turn their unused dining room into a home studio, which he had built for her with everything she needed to lay down the tracks. “All of the content that I’ve done documenting the album has been made at home too—all the fans are commenting like, ‘Does she ever leave the house?’” Perrie laughs. As well as being embedded in her sanctuary she also explored working with producers and co-writers—the elite squad of which included artists Ed Sheeran and Raye as well as Johnny McDaid, Feli Ferraro (BTS, Normani) and Jon Bellion (Maroon 5, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber)— which allowed her to be as vulnerable and creative as possible for this debut product.

“I’m so proud of what I’ve done and created. I wanted it to be fun above anything else and showcase my singing through ballads and big vocal numbers,” she says, with her sights now set on taking her music out in front of the world and performing live with a band. “Having people singing your songs back to you is the best natural high in the world. I’m just so excited to see how fans react to my music now.” Whether sensitive or powerhouse - Perrie's distinctive vocals stand proud as she emotes her way through songs that tell her story so far.

Perrie’s “Forget About Us” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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