Category: Music

  • Barbie Almalbis confronts deep pain and longing in eclectic new song “Desperate Hours”

    Barbie Almalbis confronts deep pain and longing in eclectic new song “Desperate Hours”

    The song serves as the first single off her upcoming fifth album, to be released at the end of the year!

    After collaborating with indie-folk band Munimuni on “Tupa” and co-headlining the Mist Music Festival in Canada, Barbie Almalbis gears up for a new era in music with the release of her new song “Desperate Hours.”

    Barbie Almalbis

    Produced by La Ball’s resident arranger and studio whiz Nick Lazaro, who has done exemplary work for artists such as Clara Benin and BP Valenzuela, “Desperate Hours” serves as the first official single off Barbie’s upcoming fifth studio album, to be released at the end of the year.

    Coming across as an innovative tour de force in the mold of Bjork, Melanie Martinez, and St. Vincent, Almalbis’ avant-pop track refuses any easy categorization but unravels quite literally and figuratively as her most experimental work to date. Here, the two unlikely collaborators play around with unconventional guitar riffs, loose structures, and oddly charming noises, while showcasing an uncompromising vision that’s far from anything that Almalbis has released so far. It sounds like pop music in the strictest sense of the word, but not the type that is bound by rules and limitations.

    “I’ve dreamt of doing something like this for years but didn’t have the knowledge and courage, so meeting Nick has been a godsend because producing this way is something that seems to come so easily for him,” said the alternative rock icon. “It’s also a lot of work. He made me sing hard, do crow sounds, explosions, portamentos, and ‘witchy’ voices, and though it felt a little weird at times, I think it actually sounds good in context.”

    Apart from the sonic bombast and unthinkable surprises, Almalbis’ poetic songwriting shines even more on “Desperate Hours,” where she penned material in a time of deep pain and longing. According to the Dahilan act, the song was written during a very challenging point in her life, when she was going through anxiety and emotional struggles while having a hard time figuring out where it was coming from.

    “I couldn’t understand much about what I was going through, but I knew I needed to lean on God, and also sought the help of ‘last resort’ friends—like a last hope, “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” kind of friends,” Almalbis reveals. “One day, things were beginning to get better, and I had a bit of clarity. I woke up early and wrote the pre-chorus: I can feel the rescuer…finally, the war is over. It was more a song of faith, and soon enough, this struggle will indeed be over. Then it happened that later that morning, I was doing some reading and came across Psalm 18. I was surprised to find that it was about the same topic and even used similar metaphors. It made me feel like I was on the right track, and so the psalm became a guide to finishing the rest of the song.”

    Kate Bush and Bjork easily come to mind when listeners hear “Desperate Hours” for the first time, but there’s so much more to its quirks than meets the eye.

    “I’m almost always not trying to achieve anything,” Almalbis shares. “I’m not a planner. I really just try to follow my curiosity as an artist and express how I feel at the moment. I think Bjork and Kate Bush are very emotional writers, and I surely have listened to them a bunch over the years, so their musical ideas are floating around in my brain. To be doing music that’s kind of similar to them makes me feel like I’m going in the right direction as an artist.”

    Barbie Almalbis’ “Desperate Hours” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

  • Felip releases 7sins album, to hold concert on July 27

    Felip releases 7sins album, to hold concert on July 27

    Felip continues to develop his craft with his most recent album, 7sins.

    Although it is not a religious pilgrimage, 7sins is a path of admitting one’s own shortcomings. Through openness and acceptance of hidden thoughts and emotions, as well as the embrace of one’s actual self, the album will lead you on a journey.

    Felip releases 7sins the album on July 5, 2024. The album comprises nine songs, with “envy” as the title/focus track. With the album’s release on streaming platforms, the album will also be released on Felip’s YouTube channel. The other songs represent the other sins such as wrath, greed, and pride, and the album ends with a track called “ache,” which is about redemption and acknowledgment. 7sins is a genre-bending album with songs that show the different sides and stories of Felip.

    Despite being busy with SB19 engagements, shoots, and projects, Felip persevered and took a hands-on approach to writing, creating, and producing his album. The album took 7 months of work to write, record, and mix, with late-night sessions with Luke April of PLAYERTWO and Isagani Palabyab.

    The album also features collaborations with artists like Belgian-Filipino Cyra Gwynth, whom Felip looks up to as an artist. He and his producer felt it was an interesting and good blend to create a song or two together. Cyra Gwynth wrote “greed”, an emotional song about loving the wrong person that will surely resonate with a lot of listeners, she also co-wrote and features in the song, “lust.” We also got another collaboration with fellow Warner Music Philippines artist, PLAYERTWO, for the song “gluttony,” who Felip had previously collaborated with for the songs “FLYYY” and “Pagdali.”

    Felip

    The album release will lead up to Felip’s solo concert, 7sins the Album Concert on July 27, 2024. The concert will be held at the Space at OneAyala and thousands of fans are expected to attend. As Felip took creative control of the 7sins narrative, the fans will see and feel a lot of his influence, style, and artistry in the album as well as during the concert.

    Superior Pass tickets, valued at P10,000 each, were sold out within 2 minutes of the ticket selling last June 24, 2024. Each Superior Pass ticket comes with priority entry, stage tour, and post-show send off along with 7sins exclusive merch and freebies. Last few Gen Ad tickets are still available at felip.helixpay.ph and are expected to be sold out before the concert.

    LISTEN NOW: Felip – 7sins

  • SB19 Raises Philippine Flag in THE FIRST TAKE with Impressive “Gento” Performance

    SB19 Raises Philippine Flag in THE FIRST TAKE with Impressive “Gento” Performance

    P-Pop King SB19 continues to make the country proud as they wow with a special performance of the viral hit song “Gento” in THE FIRST TAKE.

    The latest episode of the YouTube Channel THE FIRST TAKE has been announced with Episode 449 welcoming SB19 for their first appearance on THE FIRST TAKE.

    SB19

    SB19 is the very first Southeast Asian artist to be nominated as Top Social Artist at the 2021 U.S. Billboard Music Awards, and they will be performing their song “GENTO,” which became a hit on TikTok for its addictive phrase and unique dance moves.

    Enjoy the song, which expresses the message that “it is the accumulation of small efforts that lead to success,” in a special version exclusively for THE FIRST TAKE.

    “It was a true first take, so we were very nervous and overwhelmed, but it was fun and an amazing experience,” SB19 shares. “Above all, we are grateful for this opportunity and for being able to represent the Philippines by performing our song here. We are honored to showcase our music and culture to the world through THE FIRST TAKE.”

    THE FIRST TAKE is a Japanese YouTube channel that invites top singers and artists from all over the world to perform a song recorded in one take. Videos on The First Take are filmed in a studio, with shots of the performing artist and a microphone, set to a background that is usually white.

    SB19 on the other hand, is the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino to be invited to the influential music media outlet. After the initial announcement, HALA THE FIRST SB19 skyrocketed to No. 1, 2, and 35 on X’s trend list in the Philippines, Japan, and Worldwide, respectively.

    Aside from this recognition, the Philippines’ five-member boy group also recently bagged a nomination for Favorite Asian Act in the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

    SB19’s performance is available via THE FIRST TAKE’s YouTube channel. Watch it here.

  • Watch SB19 and Apl.de.Ap as they host an epic house party on “Ready” music video

    Watch SB19 and Apl.de.Ap as they host an epic house party on “Ready” music video

    SB19 and Apl.de.Ap are throwing a massive house party on the music video of “Ready,” the dance-pop track released under Sony Music Entertainment.

    “The concept of the music video revolves around the guys being away for a while and returning home to mount a party of a lifetime,” Apl.de.Ap explains. “While shot in Manila, it’s designed to be purposely ambiguous in location, and the maximalist design is intentional. It represents the arrival of SB19 as an international act. It’s an honor to be celebrating with the next pride of the Philippines.”

    Working with Ben Mor

    American filmmaker Ben Mor, who has directed visuals for some of the biggest global pop icons in recent memory, including Katy Perry, Britney Spears, John Legend, NAS, and the Black Eyed Peas, helmed the MV. A good friend and frequent collaborator of Apl.de.Ap, Mor has always been fascinated by the design language of this country and has showcased it in many videos.

    Apl.de.Ap revealed, “We have worked together for years as he has shot many Black Eyed Peas’ videos. The shoot was a bit of logistical madness because immediately after this, he was off to Athens to shoot another cool music video.”

    Despite some logistical challenges, the 2 Proud act expressed satisfaction with the final outcome. The Filipino-American rapper also revealed that he wanted to showcase a visually cool part of the Philippines that was different from what people usually see on postcards and in films.

    “I believe the house has a real aesthetic and character. But I let the professionals take it from there.”

    A fun shoot

    SB19’s Pablo admitted that the creative process for the MV was different from anything they’ve done as a group. This time around, they’ve worked with a more Westernized approach, not completely relying on a storyboard.

    “Apl.de.Ap was fun to work with and very chill,” he said. “His energy was infectious! Even the dancers and the talents gave their all. There’s never a dull moment in the shoot.”

    Justin also raved about the experience of collaborating with Apl.de.Ap’s team. While they’re used to embracing story-driven concepts for an MV, the youngest member of the group shared in a statement that it felt great having fun on the shoot, as if it didn’t feel like work at all.

    “Somehow it offered a refreshing reprieve,” he said.

    “Ready” marks a monumental collaboration between P-Pop kings SB19 and international hip-hop superstar Apl.de.Ap. A shiny club number that captures the sound of summer effortlessly regardless of the season, the collaborative song was penned by the Black Eyed Peas resident rapper with Jean-Baptiste, Vince Nantes, and Denzel. SB19’s Pablo and Josue (Radkidz), on the other hand, contributed to the production of the track, adding final touches and subtle sonic elements.

    READ MORE: SB19 and Apl.de.Ap take Filipino music to greater heights with club anthem “Ready”

    SB19 and Apl.de.Ap’s “Ready” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the MV:

  • Up-and-coming Filipino singer Geoff Mabasa talks about his challenges as a queer musician in the Philippines

    Up-and-coming Filipino singer Geoff Mabasa talks about his challenges as a queer musician in the Philippines

    Geoff Mabasa

    Music has been one of the many outlets of creativity and expression for the LGBTQ+ Community and recently we supposedly celebrated PRIDE month with music, a concert to celebrate the community last June 22, 2024, at the Quezon City Memorial Circle with a mix of artists that represents the LBGTQ+ and groups who are openly supportive of the community with artists like BINI, Denise Julia, Juan Karlos, Cup of Joe, GLOC9 and a group of known Drag Queens in the Philippines like Marina Summers, and many more artists that are supportive of the community. Even though the event had to stop due to the bad weather. This is a visible improvement in the growing support and openness to the LGBTQ+ community in our country.

    With music, having more representation of the LGBTQ+ community as a musician is not as common as in the earlier years of music. It would always be straight and heteronormative musicians acting as a voice for the community inspired by their friends or family members’ experiences.

    We have rapper GLOC9 with “Sirena”, shining a light on the issues and struggles the LGBTQ+ Community faced and will continue to face in the future. This was a very personal song for his son, who is part of the LGBTQ+ community as to why he is more than open to being part of the PRIDE concert in support of his son’s community.

    Finally, now, we’re starting to have openly queer artists that debuted and released their music. Artists like Kio Priest who is openly gay, and Denise Julia who hinted that she is open to any gender and has written a song about her encounter with a woman who has made her feel a type of love and affection she never experienced before unlike with her other past relationships. We also have up-and-coming artist Geoff Mabasa, making his way back to the music scene to represent more for the community.

    Geoff Mabasa

    Geoff shared his journey in the music industry and how he struggled in writing music as someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ Community in his teenage years as a songwriter:

    “Noong college (back in college), in our songwriting courses, I would write music addressed to a ‘her’, even though I had a boy in mind when I wrote these songs. It affected the way I wrote, I was always reserved, and I was afraid of slipping, that people might find out I’m singing songs for boys, I always felt like it would not help me professionally if I wanted people to listen to me. It was only very recently that I decided to revisit the songs I wrote back then and change everything from the perspective of a gay man liking another boy.. And even though right now I’ve decided to start again, I can say that I am much happier, prouder, and excited to hear people sing my songs, using the pronouns I prefer to use. People are easy to dismiss others with pronouns, but you don’t know how much these “small things” impact other people’s lives.”

    Geoff also mentioned what he thinks about the representation of queer artists in the Filipino music scene has evolved over the years “The Filipino music scene is still in its early stages in representation but still more progressive than our neighbors, I know the Philippines is quite open with LGBTQ+ artists, however, I still feel like there’s an expectation to act a particular way when you’re an LGBT artist in this country”. Geoff points out that queer musicians are still a bit restricted when it comes to expressing themselves, but he’s pretty happy with the growth of queer OPM artists who are breaking through the music scene like himself and would love to see more in the future and would love to collaborate with a few artists in mind.

    Geoff is releasing a song called “Paramdam” on July 26. The song already sounds like a classic, with themes of nostalgia that bring you back to a sound familiar during the 2010s. He calls “Paramdam” as an open love letter to that straight boy he used to crush on in college. “If you’re in a silly situationship with someone giving you mixed signals, or maybe just feeling like delulu is the solulu because you’re already wearing your heart on your sleeve for this crush, Paramdam is the perfect song to dedicate to this person.”

    Adding to the excitement, Geoff mentions that he assembled a world-class team for the song, working with members of Southborder as well as one of the best young engineers in the country to brew his next opus, “Paramdam”.

  • Coldplay Announces New Album, Moon Music, Landing October 4

    Coldplay Announces New Album, Moon Music, Landing October 4

    Coldplay has announced the release of their highly-anticipated tenth album, Moon Music. The record will land in stores and on streaming services on October 4, 2024.

    The album’s first single, feelslikeimfallinginlove, will be released globally on Friday, June 21. The single can be pre-saved here. The band performed the song for the first time during their sold-out stadium show at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna – see video here.

    Moon Music, which was produced by Max Martin, is available to pre-order everywhere now, with a limited number of hand-signed editions available from the official Coldplay Store, at store.coldplay.com.

    NEW FORMATS AND NEW SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS

    In tandem with Coldplay’s ground-breaking sustainability measures on their current tour – which has so far produced 59% less CO2e emissions than their previous stadium tour – the band has gone to great lengths to make the physical release of Moon Music as sustainable as possible.

    This will be the world’s first album released as a 140g EcoRecord LP, with each copy made from 9 recycled PET-plastic bottles recovered from post-consumer waste. This will prevent the manufacture of more than 25 metric tonnes of virgin plastic, and provide an 85% reduction in manufacturing process CO2 emissions/kg compared to traditional 140g vinyl.

    Additionally, the band has collaborated with long-time partners The Ocean Cleanup to create an additional format: the Notebook Edition EcoRecord LP. The rPET for this edition comprises 70% river plastic, intercepted by The Ocean Cleanup from the Rio Las Vacas, Guatemala, and prevented from reaching the Gulf of Honduras and the Atlantic Ocean. Check out The Ocean Cleanup’s video about the process here.

    The CD editions of Moon Music will be the world’s first to be released on EcoCD, created from 90% recycled polycarbonate, sourced from post-consumer waste streams. This will provide at least a 78% CO2/kg emission reduction, and avoid the manufacture of more than five metric tonnes of virgin plastic.

    LIMITED FIRST EDITION RELEASE

    In an effort to reduce waste, the first edition run of Moon Music (both EcoRecord LP and EcoCD) will be strictly limited and produced at a higher specification than any future editions. All First Edition EcoRecord LP products will be individually numbered.

    Moon Music is available to pre-order now in four physical formats, all clearly marked as First Edition, with all EcoRecord rPET LP products individually numbered:

    • Standard EcoCD
    • Standard EcoRecord LP
    • Notebook Edition EcoCD
    • Notebook Edition EcoRecord LP + EcoCD

    The Notebook Edition (EcoCD and EcoRecord LP) comes as a casebound hardback book. The book is a faithful replica of Chris Martin’s original studio notebook, featuring 28 pages of unseen notes, lyrics and illustrations from the album’s writing and recording process. The Notebook Edition also includes additional voice notes and demos from the album’s recording sessions, providing a special insight into the music’s development.

    All formats are available to pre-order now on the band’s Official Store, with a limited number of hand-signed versions available, at store.coldplay.com.

    Moon Music is Coldplay’s first album since 2021’s Music Of The Spheres, which spawned the US Number One single with BTS, My Universe, and was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. Music Of The Spheres has already accumulated more than four billion streams.

  • LISA to Come Back with New Single “Rockstar”

    LISA to Come Back with New Single “Rockstar”

    LISA announces solo comeback with stunning visuals and more!

    World-renowned rapper, singer, dancer, and style icon, LISA (Lalisa Manobal) will release her new single, “Rockstar” on Thursday, June 27th. Pre-order/save “Rockstar” here. The new single will be released globally at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.

    “Rockstar” will be LISA’s first single she releases under the new partnership with her management company LLOUD Co. and RCA Records. Launched earlier this year, LLOUD CO. was founded by LISA to create a platform to showcase her overall vision in music and entertainment that pushes boundaries.

    LISA

    LISA first teased the new single earlier this month on social media through the launch of her TikTok account which set a Guinness World Record by gaining 1M followers in 2 hours and 18 minutes.

    On the afternoon of June 13th, Lisa (Lalisa Manobal) uploaded a content clip through her official global short-form mobile video platform TikTok account.

    In the video, Lisa is not only showing off her stunning aura with her OOTD but also her charming visuals, which quickly caught the attention of global fans. View the teaser here.

    Additionally, she left a music sticker with the word ‘TEASER’ in the content’s background music and announced that the new song can be pre-saved on Spotify and Apple Music with the words ‘COMING SOON’ on her official website.

    In April of this year, Lisa announced a new partnership with RCA Records, a division of Sony Music in the U.S., to expand her global reach. As RCA Records is home to a wide range of global artists, including A$AP Rocky, Doja Cat, and Justin Timberlake, the news of Lisa’s joining the label raised expectations for her to become a global pop artist with fans worldwide.

    Photo Credit: Mikey Asanin

    After a stellar career as a member of BLACKPINK, Lisa established LLOUD Co. and embarked on a full-fledged solo career. With “Lalisa,” she not only became the first female artist to sell approximately 750,000 copies in the first week of release but also became the longest-running K-pop solo artist with “Money,” which debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the U.K. Singles Chart.

    In addition to breaking the Guinness World Records by becoming the first K-pop solo artist to win the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV European Music Awards, Lisa, who has more than 103 million Instagram followers, has also announced her acting career with a recurring role in Season 3 of the HBO original series The White Lotus.

  • HORI7ON’s Kyler Starred in Lee Seung Chul’s “It’s Rainy Day” Music Video

    HORI7ON’s Kyler Starred in Lee Seung Chul’s “It’s Rainy Day” Music Video

    Kyler teamed up with Kal So-won to support Lee Seung Chul’s “It’s Rainy Day” music video which came out on June 11.

    Kyler from HORI7ON and actress Kal So-won are showing their support for Lee Seung Chul’s comeback.

    The announcement was made on the 10th by MLD Entertainment: “The music video for Lee Seung Chul’s new song ‘It’s Rainy Day’ features actress Kal So-won and HORI7ON member Kyler.” With their passionate acting, please anticipate the two working in unison.

    Kyler

    After nearly three years, Lee Seung Chul made a comeback to the music industry with the song “It’s Rainy Day,” a modern rock song with a medium tempo. In addition, it is the first single from a project that will culminate in the release of 13 full-length albums by Lee Seung Chul and a special album celebrating his 40th anniversary.

    The music video for “It’s Rainy Day” in particular is gaining attention since it stars actress Kal So-won, who gained a lot of popularity from the public for the movie “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” and Kyler from HORI7ON, who has been progressively making his way as a global rookie. The projected synergy of their work is eagerly anticipated.

    The preview for Kyler and Kal So-won’s “It’s Rainy Day” music video, which features scenes from a youth film, was enough to draw notice. Emotions are heightened by Kyler’s arresting graphics and Kal So-won’s novel interpretation that evokes memories of first love, piquing interest throughout the entire music video.

    In conjunction with the release of “It’s Rainy Day,” Lee Seung Chul will go on a “Rock’n All” national tour. Commencing on the 15th in Gunsan, the concert will occur in different parts of the country. During these performances, Lee Seung Chul intends to debut the live version of “It’s Rainy Day” and provide a varied repertoire to foster meaningful moments with the attendees.

    On the 11th at 6PM, the music video for “It’s Rainy Day” by Lee Seung Chul, which features Kyler and Kal So-won, has been released.

  • STELL’s ‘ROOM’ Single Showcase: A Theatrical and Musical Journey

    STELL’s ‘ROOM’ Single Showcase: A Theatrical and Musical Journey

    Stell, a key member of the popular Filipino boy band SB19, delighted his fans with a unique and memorable showcase for his latest single, ‘ROOM.’ The event, filled with surprises marked an important step in STELL’s solo career.

    The showcase began with an unexpected theatrical skit that immediately engaged the audience, and was incredibly appropriate that the location of his release is on the Teatrino Promenade, last June 21, 2024. The skit, which was closely tied to the music video released at 7 PM that same evening, set the scene for the song’s story and added a rich layer of depth to the overall experience. The creative mix of drama and music highlighted STELL’s versatility and commitment to providing an immersive experience for his fans.

    STELL’s journey to releasing ‘ROOM’ was a collaborative effort involving his SB19 bandmates. Pablo, known for his talent for songwriting, wrote the lyrics for ‘ROOM’, giving it personal and relatable themes. Justin, another talented member of SB19, directed the music video, ensuring that the visuals perfectly matched the song’s vibe. His bandmates’ hands-on involvement showed their strong bond and their collective dedication to producing high-quality music and visuals.

    Despite feeling initially unprepared, STELL decided it was the right time to release his solo work. As the last member of SB19 to launch a solo project, his decision was met with strong support from fans and peers alike. The result was ‘ROOM,’ a funky track that STELL mentioned he wanted to have his sound as that is inspired by musicians like Bruno Mars’ upbeat and infectious sounds. The song’s groovy beats and catchy melodies demonstrate STELL’s ability to blend different musical influences to create something uniquely his own.

    During his performance, STELL was able to showcase his impressive vocal range and control. His smooth vocals and powerful high notes added an extra layer of richness to the song. The overall reception has the potential to resonate with international audiences as it was a polished production, a catchy melody included with a well-known phrase, “Can you read the room?”, and the universal appeal of ‘ROOM’ make it a strong contender for an international hit.

    STELL also made an exciting announcement during his sit-down interview. He revealed that he is working on his first EP, set to be released in August. This EP will be accompanied by a nationwide tour, giving fans across the country the chance to experience his music live and see his growth as a solo artist.

    STELL’s ‘ROOM’ single showcase was not just a celebration of his new release but also a demonstration of his artistic journey and the support system within SB19. As he steps into this new chapter, A’TINs eagerly anticipate the fresh and innovative music that STELL will continue to deliver.

    Words by Arielle Elep

  • Shanti Dope Introduces Seven New Tracks In Latest Raw And Unfiltered EP

    Shanti Dope Introduces Seven New Tracks In Latest Raw And Unfiltered EP

    Rap Phenom Shanti Dope just dropped his latest EP called DRUGS

    It is a seven-track collection that takes listeners on an introspective journey through the artist’s personal experiences and societal observations. This latest release has already garnered significant attention, with the standout track “Thug”being featured on Spotify PH’s Bago Sa Kalye, Tatak Pinoy, and Kalye playlists.

    Following the release, Shanti Dope shared his heartfelt thoughts with fans on Facebook, expressing his excitement about this latest offering.

    YooooMaririnig niyo na sa Drxg$ EP na ‘to yung gusto isigawng espirito ni SHANTI DOPE nung mga panahong gusto ko ikwento yung amat sa’kin ng musikayung mga panahongnawala yung kaibigan ko, yung mga araw na di ko alam san akotatakbo hanggang ito na nga… sounds muna kayo jan habangrainy szn. Comment niyo na din ano favorite track and lyrics. Enjoy!”

    The “DRUGS” EP stands as a poignant reflection on contemporary society, where various forms of addiction often go unnoticed. Through his music, Shanti Dope illuminates how fame, vanity, and the pursuit of affirmation have shifted from niche experiences to widespread obsessions. The EP opens with “Lift Off Freestyle,” a track symbolizing the desire to escape reality’s constraints and explore new dimensions, mirroring a quest for liberation from societal pressures.

    Each song on the EP is characterized by its raw and unfiltered nature. Shanti Dope delves deep into his life, sharing the pain of losing friends to street violence, the heartache of betrayal by a lover, and even cinematic, almost fictional scenarios that offer a window into his unique perspective on various events. His candid storytelling and evocative lyricism ensure that every track resonates deeply with listeners.

    Shanti Dope’s evolution as an artist shines through in “DRUGS,” capturing the sensibilities of the new generation and solidifying his continued relevance in the music scene. This EP marks a pivotal phase in his career, showcasing his willingness to share unfiltered truths and engage with his audience on a profound level. With “DRUGS,” Shanti Dope aims to convey his message in its purest, most creative form, free from conventional constraints.

    As fans dive into the “DRUGS” EP, they are invited to reflect on their own experiences and the societal issues highlighted by Shanti Dope. The artist encourages listeners to share their favorite tracks and lyrics, fostering a deeper connection within his community of supporters.

    Stream this new EP on your favorite digital music streaming platforms. 

    DRUGS EP Tracklist

    Lift Off Freestyle

    Drxg$

    Coke and Marijuana

    Kaibigan Ko

    Soundcheck

    Thug

    High

  • ATEEZ dominates global charts with tenth mini-album “GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1”

    ATEEZ dominates global charts with tenth mini-album “GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1”

    South Korean boyband ATEEZ dominates this week’s cultural conversations with the release of their tenth mini-album, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1.

    The powerhouse group’s new record has reached No. 1 in more than 30 countries on iTunes, making it one of the best-selling K-Pop releases of 2024, globally.

    With a stylistic range that embraces new sonic flavors and exciting production approaches, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1 opens a new saga for the eight-member pop act to explore in terms of conceptual direction.

    As presented in the ideation for the latest era, ATEEZ begs the question, “What are we doing in the final moments of daylight right before the sun sets,” and interprets in a multitude of ways how everyone would feel experiencing the “golden hour” of their lives with a picture-perfect moment or lack of it.

    ATEEZ’s tenth studio album features the lead single “WORK,” which intuitively expresses the award-winning group’s continuous commitment to striving and facing challenges. Other standout tracks on the record include the energetic dance anthem “Blind,” the reggae-meets-EDM banger “Shaboom” and the bombastic upbeat song “Siren.”

    Tracklist:

    1. Golden Hour
    2. Blind
    3. WORK
    4. Empty Box
    5. Shaboom
    6. Siren

    ATEEZ’s global impact is undeniable. They made history as the first K-pop boy group to grace the stage of ‘Coachella,’ the largest music festival in the U.S. They’re also set to perform at Japan’s largest music festival, Summer Sonic, this August 2024. With their shining performances around the world, ATEEZ continues to be unbeatable in the game.

    With the release of their second studio album, THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL, in December last year, they topped the U.S. Billboard main chart, ‘Billboard 200,’ and ranked second on the UK ‘Official Album Chart,’ setting a career-high in the world’s two major charts.

    ATEEZ’s GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1 is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via KQ Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment.

  • Breakout artist Dhruv announces release of debut album “Private Blizzard”

    Breakout artist Dhruv announces release of debut album “Private Blizzard”

    New song “Speed of Light” out now!

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

    dhruv

    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 understand why I felt that way,” Dhruv shares. “The songs that I started 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 create a sound incorporating classic live elements while retaining a modern feel. The result is an album that, above all else, feels true to Dhruv.

    SEE ALSO: Manila Welcomes Rising Music Sensation DHRUV in an Unforgettable First Live Concert

    Aside from the announcement of the upcoming album release, Dhruv has also debuted “Speed of Light,” a new song from his forthcoming album. “‘Speed of Light’ is about this ‘limbo state’ of being heartbroken over someone who 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, when he heard 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 earnestly and began producing from his bedroom.

    Dhruv burst into the spotlight after his 2019 single “double take” exploded globally, racking 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 PAPER celebrated the power of his “intimate love songs” and CLASH hailed his “open and completely relatable” songwriting.

  • SB19’s Josh Cullen embraces emotional maturity and healing in R&B track “Sumaya”

    SB19’s Josh Cullen embraces emotional maturity and healing in R&B track “Sumaya”

    After announcing his participation at this year’s Round Festival in South Korea, Josh Cullen continues his winning streak with the release of his new single, “Sumaya” under Sony Music Entertainment.

    SEE ALSO: SB19’s Josh Cullen and Al James join forces in “Yoko Na”

    Josh Cullen

    Delivering a quiet rumination on heartbreak and acceptance, “Sumaya” comfortably repackages R&B, trap, pop, and bedroom hip-hop with minimalism that reveals rewarding folds and layers as it progresses. It’s a vulnerable track that expresses the ugly truths of a relationship’s aftermath but is written from a place of genuine care for the other person’s freedom and happiness.

    Josh shares, “Sumaya is about the heart-wrenching journey of accepting that it’s time to let go of someone and the memories you’ve shared. It’s a song that delves into the pain and sadness of moving on while still cherishing the good times you had together.”

    According to SB19’s lead rapper and vocalist, the lyrics tackle the bittersweet feeling of parting ways and looking back at a kind of love that once felt life-affirming and real. With the line, “kapag naihatid ka, di na kita susunduin,” Josh demonstrates, with nuance and skill, that he is capable of making songs that hit home.

    “The line really captures that final, painful goodbye,” he adds, crediting his good friend Kael Guerrero for helping him write the track. “We drew inspiration from our own life experiences and memories, which makes this song very personal and emotional for both of us.”

    In terms of production, Josh shares that he and his co-producer, Kael, were very careful in coming up with the initial groundwork to capture the emotional depth and bittersweet nature of “Sumaya.” He even added some final tweaks to make sure everything felt right, balancing form and intricacies with the genuine intent of his songwriting style. Then, the talented team at Tribute Collective stepped in to re-arrange it, adding their unique touch.

    “Kael and Tribute are real gems in this industry, and their combined efforts helped achieve a sound that is haunting and melancholic, perfectly matching the theme of letting go and the sorrow that comes with it,” Josh Cullen explains.

    The track’s release is accompanied by a music video featuring Josh Cullen as its lead star. The visuals depict the P-Pop superstar waking up from the relics of the past, allowing himself to journey back to a time when life was brimming with love and rosy optimism, but finally realizes that everything is just an illusion that he has to deal with.

    Josh shares, “In the music video for Sumaya, I wake up in a house filled with the most important memories of my life, memories of someone I love deeply. As I touch these objects, they start to disintegrate, and I realize it’s because of me. As I continue, I find myself shifting between reality and the void, struggling to escape the overwhelming chaos and emotions happening all at once. I don’t ever want to forget these memories, yet I know I have to accept and release what I can’t control.”

    The music video was directed by Josh Cullen and Jonathan Tal Placido.

    The Yoko Na act adds, “Big shout out to Miko del Rosario as well. He stuck with me during those late-night editing sessions. Despite the tight schedule and having no sleep at all, it wasn’t as stressful as I imagined. We were having fun, and their passion and dedication made the whole experience incredibly rewarding.”

    Josh Cullen’s “Sumaya” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the music video on Josh Cullen’s YouTube channel.

  • SB19 and Apl.de.Ap take Filipino music to greater heights with club anthem “Ready”

    SB19 and Apl.de.Ap take Filipino music to greater heights with club anthem “Ready”

    The ecstatic dance-pop track serves as SB19’s follow-up to their recently released bop “Moonlight,” featuring Ian Asher and Terry Zhong!

    After setting the dancefloor on fire with the euphoric banger “Moonlight,” SB19 returns with another monumental collaboration featuring Filipino-American hip-hop superstar Apl.de.Ap.

    sb19 x apl de ap

    The two powerhouse icons take Filipino music artistry to the next level with the release of “Ready,” a shiny club number that captures the sound of summer effortlessly regardless of the season.

    Going extremely hard with bombastic beats and exciting sonic builds, the track finds SB19 and Apl.de.Ap concocting a confident bop with global appeal and strong crossover potential. Keith Harris, a longtime collaborator of the Black Eyed Peas, produced the song. According to Apl.de.Ap, Harris did an amazing job blending pop music influences with electronic music elements, dance music, and Afrobeats.

    The resident BEP rapper also penned “Ready” with Jean-Baptiste, Vince Nantes, and Denzel. SB19’s very own Pablo and Josue (Radkidz), on the other hand, contributed to the production of the track, adding final touches and subtle sonic elements. With party-starting vocals gliding atop carefully structured production, “Ready” highlights the individual strengths of both SB19 and Apl.de.Ap while nurturing their chemistry with pure, instinctive joy.

    “We never got the chance to record together in a single booth, but Apl.de.Ap was such a great guy to work with,” shares SB19’s Justin. “It’s an honor to collaborate with a global superstar of his caliber. We’ve learned so much from his generosity and creative feedback.”

    SB19’s Stell was also ecstatic about sharing how game-changing the entire experience was. “It was something new for the group. We appreciate the chance to delve into new genres and production styles that come with unfamiliar territory. But with Apl.de.Ap at the helm of the creative process, we’re just blessed to take on this assignment. It’s not every day that you get to work with an artist you look up to.”

    SB19 and Apl.de.Ap’s “Ready” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

  • Tim Atlas drops new single “Stardust”

    Tim Atlas drops new single “Stardust”

    DEBUT ALBUM ‘ENCHANTÉ’ DUE OUT 31 MAY

    Filipino-American singer-songwriter and producer Tim Atlas, who boldly blends elements of R&B, neo-soul, alternative, and bedroom pop, releases his new single “Stardust” off his upcoming debut album, ‘Enchanté’, slated for release on May 31 via Nettwerk.

    “Stardust”, written and recorded during a trip to Los Angeles, balances ethereal keys atop a distinct beat.

    His voice echoes, “Like stardust falling out in the sky, that’s what it feels like when you’re mine.”
    “Whenever I go back to Los Angeles, my music becomes a little more sunshiny and California poppy,” Tim
    admits. “It was a different interpretation. We took a psychedelic approach, and we were thinking about David Bowie.”


    The forthcoming debut ‘Enchanté’, which includes previous releases “Le Soir”, and “Matinee” and some
    unheard gems, incorporates themes of love, insecurity, anxiety, trust, and more. Songs from the album have accumulated millions of streams, fueling anticipation among Tim’s loyal fanbase, with Asian countries comprising the majority of his top 20 streaming countries worldwide, including the Philippines at #2, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.


    “With every project I put out, I try to show a little more of myself. Enchanté is basically a reintroduction to me as a human and as an artist. For me, this record represents the different corners of my music that I haven’t showcased,” says Atlas.


    This fall, Tim is set to hit the road again, this time opening for LA-based indie pop duo slenderbodies. On
    tour, Tim has supported artists such as Jungle Giants, Magic City Hippies, and Goldroom, while his avid fan base has helped him garner over 150 million streams to date.

    Listen to “Stardust” here: Tim Atlas – Stardust (ffm.to)