The debut solo single of Bradley Simpson, ‘Cry At The Moon’, occupied a rarely explored sweet spot between styles: classic ‘70s Americana with a surging intensity that 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 Simpson 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 something is amazing about it that keeps you coming back. You always hope that things will 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 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 Simpson. 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.
Geoff Mabasa isn’t your typical newcomer to the music industry.
Some might remember him as the quirky, fun, and driven entrepreneur from his viral stint on the Shark Tank-like reality show called “The Final Pitch,” where he won the grand prize of millions of pesos in investment from the likes of AirAsia Philippines for his tech start-up in 2018, being featured in the likes of Esquire and Tech in Asia for his journey as the golden boy of the startup community in the Philippines. Shortly after tinkering in the business world though, Geoff has decided to pivot back to his roots as he has been quietly crafting his musical identity.
While many may see this shift into music as sudden, Geoff’s journey has been a gradual evolution through the years, Geoff has already prepared himself as a songwriter and producer with his collaboration with other musicians and even blended his expertise in tech as he released the first NFT-music single in Asia back in 2020 under an independent record label founded by him and his peers in college.
His knack for creating captivating music content on platforms like Soundcloud and YouTube back when he was in his teens also earned him a dedicated following with millions of streams racked up long before his official debut this year. With an educational background in Music Production from De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, Geoff’s musical journey has been years in the making. Now he’s ready to unveil his latest single inspired by his favorite Latin-American singer-songwriter Omar Apollo: “Killing Me”, a sultry fusion of alternative rock sung in both English and Spanish to bring listeners through a psychedelic sonic experience.
Geoff has also been busy building his musical team, sourcing only from the best in the industry to help him kickstart his career in the Philippines as a lead singer: “(I’m) blessed and stoked to be allowed to work with some of the best in the local industry today.” He proudly mentions the track was mixed and engineered by Nik Amarnani, who also worked on Juan Karlos’ mega-hit: “Ere”.
In addition to “Killing Me”, Geoff has big plans for the future of his music. Drawing inspiration from his time residing and traveling around in Europe, he’s set to introduce an entire genre to his audience in the coming months. With his diverse range of influences and experiences, Geoff is poised to push the boundaries of the current music landscape in the Philippines. Stay tuned for more bops and surprises from this rising star as he continues to captivate audiences with his unique sound and talent. “Killing Me” by Geoff Mabasa will be available to listeners on all music platforms starting May 10 at midnight!
Follow Geoff on his musical journey on Instagram and TikTok @samjopsal.
The emotionally captivating track is penned by Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin, and co-produced by Indonesia’s Petra Sihombing.
Multi-awarded Filipino band Ben&Ben invites listeners on a journey of self-introspection with the release of their new 2024 single “COMETS,” out today via Sony Music Entertainment.
“COMETS” is an emotional track that conveys the ephemeral nature of relationship fallouts and disconnections. While the song looks back at memories with mixed feelings of loss and pensiveness, the experience that it brings offers a bright promise of hope and acceptance, no matter the result.
“Though mostly dwelling on that feeling of loss, the song ends with the hopeful realization of gratitude—being thankful for ever having experienced any of it at all,” Ben&Ben explains in a press statement.
According to Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin, the songwriters’ behind “COMETS,” the pop-rock tune was inspired by the many losses of people that they’ve encountered in different parts of their lives over the past four years: breakups, end of friendships, parting ways with professional relationships.
“With each loss comes a painful process of asking why the nature of life is as such,” reveals Ben&Ben. “The answer is hardly ever straightforward but reveals itself over long periods of time. COMETS is an expression of that very journey, and hopes to help the listener through these realities in their lives too.”
“COMETS” has undergone several iterations since the band started jamming it together in late 2021. The Filipino band admits that it’s one of the songs they’ve spent the longest trying to fine-tune and play around with, in terms of arrangement and song structure. Eventually, Ben&Ben found the right musical direction and vision for the song, pulling from their own experience of loss to settle on a version that they’re most comfortable working with.
The Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay hitmakers eventually recruited Indonesian producer Petra Sihombing to be part of the project, adding final but pivotal touches to the track.
“He flew in to help us bring the song to the next level, with his own additions in both the arrangement and post-production of the track,” the nine-piece collective recounts. “The band probably had about 90% of the song down, but it was Petra’s very weighty 10% that really helped make the song what it is now.”
A message to LIWANAG
The band hopes that LIWANAG, their fanbase, would resonate with the parting words of the song, particularly the lines, “though these nights are turning gray, still I am thankful for what’s passed I know there will come a day when I will finally understand.” For Ben&Ben, gratitude and hope can come without totally understanding the “whys” behind it all.
“We’re on the same journey of finding these answers ourselves — of why life is fleeting. And with that hope comes the strength and courage we need to keep going, to keep loving, and to keep on finding meaning in our experiences.”
Ben&Ben’s “COMETS” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
In the wake of the global success of “Run Back to You” with Lauv, Asian megastar Lay Zhang is set to captivate the music world once again with his latest single, “Psychic”. 2024 through Warner Music China, “Psychic” is the second lead single from his highly anticipated English album set to debut this year.
This release underscores Lay’s commitment to his international audience, offering English,Chinese and Korean versions of the track, signaling the expansive journey ahead with this album project. Crafted by the collaborative genius of Lay, Rykeyz, Sean Douglas, JHart, and Kyle Reynolds, with Grammy-nominated Rykeyz at the helm of production – a producer renowned for his work with Skip Marley, H.E.R., SAYGRACE, Demi Lovato, Chris Brown, and Bebe Rexha – “Psychic” is a testament to Lay’s artistic evolution. The track is a vibrant fusion of high energy, garage and bass rhythms, and R&B chordal movements, marking a significant milestone in Lay’s global music career. Rykeyz’s production expertise, honed across various genres and notable collaborations, brings a unique depth to the song, blending diverse musical elements to create a sound that’s both innovative and resonant. Lyrically, “Psychic” delves into the realm of predestined and magical connections, exploring themes of intense understanding and anticipation that border on the psychic.
Continuing his global music journey, audiences are transported to Dubai, where the music video was filmed, featuring an eclectic mix of cast and crew from more than 20 different countries. With “Psychic”, Lay invites audiences on a journey of artistic exploration and global connection, promising a track that not only showcases his musical versatility but also his ability to bridge cultures and languages through his art.
The video is a visual odyssey as Dubai’s stunning and diverse landscapes lend itself perfectly to the story, showcasing Lay’s mesmerizing dance performance, weaving through spellbinding landscapes in pursuit of a narrative that echoes the song’s exploration of magical connections. Shot over two intense days, the video showcases the city’s rich culture, across diverse areas including the Dubai desert, The Lost Chambers Aquarium (featuring underwater immersive passages), Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (key heritage site), The Green Planet (Dubai’s very own tropical rainforest), and even features Lay doing his own stunt and special effects to create falling scenes through the iconic cityscape of Burj Khalifa and Atlantis, The Palm. The music video is directed by Los Angeles-based director Andrew Donoho, who has previously worked with artists including Twenty-One Pilots, Bella Poarch, will.i.am, Janelle Monáe, Paul McCartney and more. Known for his ‘dreamlike’ approach, ability to marry dance with cinematography and seamlessly combining digital and physical realms through expert visual effects, Donoho felt like the perfect fit to bring Lay’s vision to life.
Released through Warner Music China, “Psychic” is poised to be a pivotal moment in Lay’s career, further establishing him as a global music icon. “Psychic” will be available on all major streaming platforms from April 17th 2024, marking a new chapter in Lay’s illustrious career and offering a glimpse into the musical journey that lies ahead.
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 album 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 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, the 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.
The jazz-infused pop track is a cover of a Maroon 5 hit.
Thanks to its growing popularity and demand among music fans, Justin’s “sunday morning” is now available on all streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
The track reimagines the Maroon 5 classic with a jazz-infused flavor and finds the SB19 member on top of his game. Over funky, irresistible melodies and lighthearted arrangements, Justin delivers a smooth serenade to brighten up the weekend.
The song is produced by RADKIDZ’s Josue, who turned the 2004 smash into a contemporary jam complementing Justin’s personality as an artist.
“sunday morning is one of my personal favorites and it’s one of my go-to karaoke staples since childhood,” the multi-talented pop act said. “I was supposed to perform the song in the Asian leg of the PAGTATAG! World Tour, but the shows got canceled as we were resolving some internal issues. We took the chance to drop it as one of my solo releases and the rest, as they say, is history. The response from the fans was so overwhelming that we decided to release it officially on DSPs. We owe it up to our supporters for the positive reception.”
Earlier this year, Justin De Dios shared the cover with a performance video set against a backdrop of scenic mountains and blue skies. The video has racked up nearly 800,000 views on YouTube.
The SB19 singer and creative director also teased the pre-save link of “sunday morning” last Friday, April 12, with a cover art capturing a photo of him wearing a black beret hat and preppy, long sleeves.
“sunday morning” serves as the second song released by Justin as a solo recording artist, following the success of his first single, “surreal,” which has amassed more than three million streams on Spotify alone in less than two months. The latter serves as Justin’s ode to meaningful coincidences and dreams.
“MASC” music video featuring Teezo Touchdown, out now!
GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat drops her deluxe album, Scarlet 2 CLAUDE via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment. With this new release, Doja Cat also unveils the music video for her new track off the album, “MASC” featuring Teezo Touchdown. The music video was directed and shot in Los Angeles by Doja Cat and Jamal Peters and made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, and MTV Biggest Pop, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards.
Scarlet 2 CLAUDE Tracklist
ACKNOWLEDGE ME
DISRESPECTFUL
URRRGE!!!!!!!!!! feat. ASAP Rocky
OKLOSER
MASC feat. Teezo Touchdown
PISS
HEADHIGH
Last year, Doja Cat released her highly anticipated and critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Scarlet. The album featured smash hits such as “Attention”, “Paint The Town Red”, “Agora Hills”, and more. Her hit single, “Paint The Town Red” spent three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart at No. 1; that marked the first rap song to hit No.1 on the Hot 100 Chart last year. In addition, the song was No. 1 for a total of four consecutive weeks on the Billboard Global 200 Chart. Furthermore, Doja Cat’s fan-favorite track “Agora Hills” went No. 1 on Top 40 Radio in February 2024 making it her eighth No. 1 in the format. “Agora Hills” also peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
Towards the end of 2023, Doja Cat completed her first-ever North American headline tour, The Scarlet Tour. This year, Doja Cat is set to headline the 2024 Coachella Music Festival on Sunday, April 14th, and April 21st. At the start of this summer, Doja Cat will be embarking on the European/UK leg of her Scarlet Tour and performing at various UK music festivals starting on June 9th in Manchester, England before wrapping at the Wireless Music Festival on July 14th.
Today, world renowned rapper, singer, dancer and style icon, LISA (Lalisa Manobal) and LLOUD Co. announce a new partnership with RCA Records. Under the deal, LISA will release new solo music with RCA Records and have full ownership of all her recordings. This artist-first approach further demonstrates LISA’s ability to push boundaries in the music industry.
On signing with RCA Records, LISA shares: “I’m super excited to be joining the RCA family and I am confident they are the best team to create a bigger movement in my solo career. Looking forward to showing the world everything we have been preparing.”
“We are incredibly proud to partner with LISA and LLOUD CO.! LISA is a multidimensional talent and an irrefutable global force. We are thrilled to welcome her and her team to the RCA Records family” adds Peter Edge, Chairman & CEO, RCA Records & John Fleckenstein, COO, RCA Records.
In signing with RCA Records, LISA continues to solidify her place as a global force as the label is home to some of the world’s most prominent and creative artists from around the world including A$AP Rocky, Becky G, Doja Cat, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, KAYTRANADA, Latto, Mark Ronson, P!NK, Steve Lacy, SZA, Tems, Tate McRae, Victoria Monet, WizKid, and many more.
LISA is best known as a member of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, one of the most popular girl groups in history. With this new partnership, and the announcement of LLOUD CO., she is ushering in a new era as both an artist and entrepreneur. Launched earlier this year, LLOUD CO. was founded by LISA in an effort to create a platform to showcase her overall vision in music and entertainment that pushes boundaries.
Beyond her success with BLACKPINK, LISA has broken several records globally as a solo artist. With the release of Lalisa in 2021, she was the first female artist to sell nearly 750,000 copies in the first week in South Korea. “Lalisa” and “Money” charted in the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200, while “Money” also holds the record as the longest-charting song by a solo female K-pop artist on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and on the U.K. Singles Chart. LISA broke three Guinness World Records in 2023 as the most Instagram followers for a K-pop artist (currently at 102 Million followers on the platform), she is also the first solo K-pop winner at both the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV European Music Awards.
Outside of music, LISA is set to star in the upcoming season of the hit HBO Original series, The White Lotus, season 3. This role will mark her major on screen debut and is filming in her native Thailand.
Along with her global dominance in music and unparalleled stage presence, she is known for her unique fashion sense and trendsetting style, making her a prominent force in the global fashion industry. She has had several major partnerships and is currently the face of Bulgari.
The eighth studio album, from the world’s most innovative artist, arrives after a monumental two-song release as a no-holds-barred, multi-genre nod to Americana country culture.
Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, COWBOY CARTER is taking the world by storm with its top-notch songwriting and production, as well as incredible commercial success. The critically acclaimed record is expected to land at No. 1 on several countries for the tracking week, particularly in major markets worldwide.
The album arrives following the successful release of two lead singles, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES.”
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” landed across nine different genres on US music charts including Pop, Hot AC, Country, Rhythmic, Urban, and R&B, and making history with Beyoncé becoming the first Black female artist to reach No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart and No. 1 on the Hot 100 Chart with a Country song. It also spent four weeks at the top of the UK music charts.
COWBOY CARTER, executive produced by Beyoncé, is about genres, all of them, while deeply rooted in Country. This is the work of an artist who thrives in her freedom to grow, expand, and create limitlessly. It makes no apologies, and seeks no permission in elevating, amplifying, and redefining the sounds of music, while dismantling accepted false norms about Americana culture. It pays homage to the past, honoring musical pioneers in Country, Rock, Classical, and Opera.
The album is a cornucopia of sounds that Beyoncé loves, and grew up listening to, between visits and eventually performances at the Houston Rodeo – Country, original Rhythm & Blues, Blues, Zydeco, and Black Folk. The album wraps itself in pure instrumentation in a celebratory authentic gumbo of sounds using among others, the accordion, harmonica, washboard, acoustic guitar, bass ukulele, pedal steel guitar, a Vibra-Slap, the mandolin, fiddle, Hammond B3 organ, tack piano, and the banjo. There’s also plenty of handclaps, horseshoe steps, boot stomps on hardwood floors and yes, those are Beyoncé’s nails as percussion.
“The joy of creating music is that there are no rules,” says Beyoncé. “The more I see the world evolving the more I felt a deeper connection to purity. With artificial intelligence and digital filters and programming, I wanted to go back to real instruments, and I used very old ones. I didn’t want some layers of instruments like strings, especially guitars, and organs perfectly in tune. I kept some songs raw and leaned into folk. All the sounds were so organic and human, everyday things like the wind, snaps and even the sound of birds and chickens, the sounds of nature.”
And the inspiration further takes into account Southern and Western culture beyond music, the Rodeo, Western films, and the stories of the original cowboys of the West. It was at the Rodeo where she first saw diversity and camaraderie among people who love Country music and an Americana lifestyle, steeped in community, culinary offerings, grills, and Western gear. And it was for everyone. Among the crowds were Black, Hispanic and Native American Cowboys, who made their valuable, authentic allowances to the culture. Their stories are synonymous with American history.
The music is wrapped around an outpouring of passionate, bold storytelling that captivates the listener with Beyoncé’s familiar, powerful voice at the center. Her vocals shine a blinding light on a narrative steeped in truth-telling, revealing hidden histories, and reveling in all the magic you seek when you take an intentional journey back to your roots. Beyoncé is a student of history, and she continues the American music masterclass that started with act i RENAISSANCE in 2022, that was a deep dive into dance music and its creators, and the celebration of those who lived in joy despite being made to feel like outliers.
On COWBOY CARTER the work of an artist who created on her own terms, in the absence of rules, persists boldly. The songs caress, cradle, and encourage the listener’s curiosity through 27 gifts of revolutionary surprises, erasing the limitations placed on genre-based music. As a producer, Beyoncé explores and experiments with chord and key changes effortlessly mixing genres, bending, and blending the unexpected to break down every wall of musical confinement. It is a rare body of work that could so seamlessly hosts remakes of classics like “BLACKBIIRD” by The Beatles and “JOLENE” by Dolly Parton with sonically diverse creations like “SWEET HONEY BUCKIN,” “RIIVER DANCE” and “II MOST WANTED.”
“My process is that I typically have to experiment,” Beyoncé says. “I enjoy being open to have the freedom to get all aspects of things I love out and so I worked on many songs. I recorded probably 100 songs. Once that is done, I am able to put the puzzle together and realize the consistencies and the common themes, and then create a solid body of work.”
The album is an experiment indeed. Each song is its own version of a reimagined Western film. She took inspiration from films like “Five Fingers For Marseilles,” “Urban Cowboy,” “The Hateful Eight, “Space Cowboys,” “The Harder They Fall” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” often having the films playing on a screen during the recording process. Some aspects of the percussion were inspired by the ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ soundtrack, where it was more Bluegrass. This body of work undulates from singing cowboy and Blaxploitation to Spaghetti westerns and fantasy with Beyoncé weaving between personal experiences, honoring Black history, to exaggerated character building. The limited-edition vinyl depicts a microphone in the shape of a gun ala Thelma and Louise running from the law, but the gun is invisible, hyper exaggerated reality.
The character, Cowboy Carter was birth from these experiences and inspired by the original Black cowboys of the American West. The word cowboy itself was used in a derogatory way to describe the former slaves as “boys,” who were the most skilled and had the hardest jobs of handling horses and cattle, alike. In destroying the negative connotation, what remains is the strength and resiliency of these men who were the true definition of Western fortitude.
While RENAISSANCE was a stated rebirth after the Pandemic, COWBOY CARTER is a declarative frequency and academic shift, as the world prepares to shift again, that redefines and rebuilds what is Country and Americana, and who gets to be included. The album opens with “AMERIICAN REQUIEM,” a hymn-like alarm that incinerates old ideas about art and the people who create it.
Beyoncé ensconced herself with a stellar group of collaborators, including The-Dream, Pharrell, NO I.D., Raphael Saadiq, Ryan Tedder, Ryan Beatty, Swizz Beatz, Khirye Tyler, Derek Dixie, Ink, Nova Wav, Mamii, Cam, Tyler Johnson, Dave Hamelin, and Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter to find the secret gems in each song. The process, sometimes years in the making, often meant combining pieces of different recordings, changing the instrumentation here, adding a snare there, to land at the perfect spot in the right time.
“This album took over five years,” she says. “It’s been really great to have the time and the grace to be able to take my time with it. I was initially going to put COWBOY CARTER out first, but with the pandemic, there was too much heaviness in the world. We wanted to dance. We deserved to dance. But I had to trust God’s timing.”
And the musical alliance here includes contributions from an impressive list of artists as vocalists, musicians, and orators, including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Linda Martell, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Berry, Mylie Cyrus, Post Malone, Jon Batiste, Rhiannon Giddens, Nile Rodgers, Robert Randolph, Gary Clark, Jr., Willie Jones, Brittney Spencer, Shaboozey, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy.
COWBOY CARTER is the musical concoction you did not expect from the world’s most innovative artist and producer, who has made it the norm to push the boundaries in delivering art that challenges the senses. It’s about culture, legacy, and a critical addition to the American songbook from the most important and creative talent in a Century.
“I think people are going to be surprised because I don’t think this music is what everyone expects,” Beyoncé says, “but it’s the best music I’ve ever made.”
Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER is available now via Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records and Sony Music Entertainment.
‘TYLA’ is now available, featuring Travis Scott, Tems, Gunna, Becky G, Skillibeng, and more!
A record-setting finish to 2023 set the stage for Grammy award-winning Amapiano pop-R&B superstar Tyla to step firmly into her stardom in 2024, and today the South African superstar makes it official. Tyla’s self-titled debut album, “TYLA”, featuring guest appearances by Travis Scott, Tems, Gunna, Becky G, Skillibeng, and Kelvin Momo is now available.
Along with her debut album, Tyla releases a brand-new music video for the remix of her chart-topping single, “Water,” featuring Travis Scott. The original music video saw its dance choreography garner viral success globally, spawning over 5.6 billion views and 4 million creations just on TikTok in the Southeast Asian region.
In the Philippines alone, “Water” has amassed 3.1 million creations and 3.3 billion views on TikTok, making it the top contributor on the platform. The “Pop-piano” sensation also went viral in Philippine mainstream media late last year, with Filipino superstars Sarah Geronimo and Kathryn Bernardo attracting headlines with their cover performances of “Water.”
Tyla is a 15-track affair and the first full-length offering from the singer, who struck gold (and platinum) with her hit single, “Water,” one of 2023’s biggest hits that has accomplished 766 Million Streams worldwide to date. Across Southeast Asia, the single achieved 4X Platinum certification in Singapore and Malaysia, and Gold certification in the Philippines.
On her debut album, Tyla introduces her supporters to the full scope of the African pop star within, taking each listener on a journey driven by Amapiano and interpolated with a multitude of the genres that have inspired Tyla throughout her young life, including Hip Hop, Pop, and R&B.
Tracks like “Safer,” “Truth Or Dare,” and the Becky G-featured “On My Body” will recall the timeless energy of “Water,” while elsewhere, Tyla expands her range. Gunna and Skillibeng join her for a high-octane Hip Hop anthem, and “Butterflies” is a viscous R&B ballad devoid of Tyla’s customary upbeat tempos.
“When I listen to the album, I’m so proud of it,” Tyla told Rolling Stone last week. “I just see our sound going so far: the culture, the words, the slang. Even just Joburg — the thought of people now singing about Joburg.”
The release of Tyla follows a historic second half of 2023 for Tyla, who became the highest-charting female soloist in African history on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 when “Water” peaked as the #7 song in the nation. Along with this accolade came an RIAA Platinum certification and Tyla’s first GRAMMY nomination. In February, that became a GRAMMY victory, for “Best African Music Performance,” in a crowded field that included Davido, WizKid, and Burna Boy.
“The Tyla story is one that has already inspired millions of people,” says Ezekiel Lewis, President of Epic Records. “Her young star is on the rise, and this project marks one more step towards the achievement of a global music fan base rooted in the touch and feel of Amapiano, R&B, and Pop. Her music is an export of African music and culture “The Tyla Way”, and we are eager to share this amazing body of work with the world. Stay Tuned.” Fans in search of the full suite of the TYLA album experience are encouraged to check out the singer’s merch bundle, which includes autographed vinyl options, streetwear, and, in true pop star fashion, an album poster. Shop the TYLA capsule here.
Tyla’s self-titled album, TYLA is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/Epic.
P-Pop star Josh Cullen and prolific rapper Al James come together in “Yoko Na,” their collaborative new single released under Sony Music Entertainment.
Lyrics-wise, “Yoko Na” expresses the words left unsaid in the middle of a relationship fallout. It acknowledges how a kind of love that was once full of life and promises could suddenly fall apart even after trying one’s best to stick it out until the very end.
The song bears the hallmarks of a summer anthem, thanks to its infectious rap verses from both artists, an inescapable chorus, and a vibrant arrangement that blends modern hip-hop and R&B sensibilities with emotional flair.
Brian Lotho, who co-produced the track with Josh, captures the essence of the lyrics with steely defiance, adding an extra layer of authenticity by injecting unique elements such as the sound of bottles shattering, tables flipping, and other little sonic details that evoke irreparable brokenness.
“Well, Yoko Na is like the product of a soul-baring session with my producer, Brian Lotho,” Josh Cullen explains. “For this particular jam, we traded cliched love stories with messy, real-life situations that ordinary people encounter on a daily basis: the frustrations and struggles from past relationships, and somehow confronted it with a more mature take. It’s a song that’s raw, honest, and straight from the heart.”
The partnership came to fruition after realizing that Al James’ style of laid-back rapping somehow fits the demo that Brian and Josh have been working on for months. Josh admits that he mustered the courage to ask the viral hitmaker to be part of the track despite the short notice. Luckily, Al James said yes and sent his verse a few days ahead of the deadline.
When asked about how Al James is as a collaborator, he said nothing but praise for the Pa-umaga act. “He’s very chill. He submitted the reworked track ahead of time and recorded his parts in less than an hour. I really admire his level of professionalism. After that, we just bonded instantly and went on a food trip.”
Josh Cullen and Al James’ “Yoko Na” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Plume releases enchanting debut single “Beautiful” AltG Records’ newest artist Plume is taking the music scene by storm with the release of his debut single, “Beautiful,” on digital platforms on March 1.
The acoustic ballad delves into the world of young love and serves as a window into Plume’s high school days as he sings about his feelings for a special someone.
The song, described by Plume as “very straightforward,” uses vivid imagery to compare his admiration to the most captivating things around him. The lyrics, rich with descriptive language, paints his feelings for the girl he likes.
“The song is just me trying to associate the girl I like with the most beautiful things around me. The lyrics of the song are mostly descriptive words for the girl I love, expressing my feelings for her through imagery and emotion,” explains Plume.
A Computer Science student at the University of Baguio, Plume’s foray into music might seem unexpected. While initially drawn to a music course, he opted for a more practical career path. “Beautiful” marks the beginning of a promising musical journey for him. His ultimate aspiration lies in taking pride in every song he creates and becoming his biggest supporter.
“The goal that I set for myself when I signed was that as much as possible, I hope that the songs I release or the songs I will make are something I can be proud of. I want my listeners to feel relaxed when they listen to my song, that’s the main thing I want the sound of my entire discography to be,” he says.
Catch Plume’s debut single under AltG Records on March 1 on digital platforms worldwide. For more information, visit www.gmanetwork.com
The P-Pop star also features Radkidz’s PABLO and Josue on production and Gelou of Pinoy girl group YARA on harmonies and backing vocals!
SB19’s Justin marks his official debut as a solo recording artist with the release of his new single “surreal,” out on February 29, 2024, via Sony Music Entertainment.
Written two years ago, the laidback track reflects the beauty of meaningful coincidences and dreams and how the impossible becomes a reality when a huge shift takes place, thanks to the perfect mix of timing, perseverance, and hard work.
For his part, the P-Pop star penned the lyrics with the tactile vulnerability of someone conveying his thoughts and projections straight to the listeners. Justin explains, “It’s all these scenarios that are unlikely to happen in the real world, but you find them as an escape from reality, so you continue to dream and dream… And surprisingly, you found someone who enjoys imagination as much as you do.”
“surreal” serves as a collaboration with Radkidz’s PABLO and Josue, with both producers adding dynamism to Justin’s compelling brand of introspection. The duo is instrumental in ensuring that Justin’s vision is carefully brought to life with subtlety and warmth while capturing the most exciting place the production can go.
“At first, when I wrote the lyrics with an initial melody, I thought they’d just tweak it,” shares Justin. “But the beautiful track they did, rich in harmonies and embellishment, sounds so fresh and new to my ears that I somehow forgot I wrote it in the first place. Both of them really enhanced my demo with a song that exceeded my expectations.”
The summery but easygoing song also features Gelou of Filipino girl group YARA on the bridge and the last chorus part. A friend and colleague of Justin, Gelou injected more flavor and depth into the material with her additional vocals.
“surreal” will also be released with a music video conceptualized and directed by Justin himself, along with his college batchmate and now-Creative Manager of 1Z, Xi-Anne Avanceña. As a Filipino visionary artist at the crossroads of various creative disciplines, Justin sets his heart on sharing his artistic vision with the song he can rightfully claim as his own, while also being open to the ideas and strengths of his trusted collaborators.
Justin adds, “surreal’s MV is a collaboration with the most creative team I know. Joining us are Alan Ante and Stephanie Joy Cea as directors of photography for this project. They were very fun and nice to work with. They understand what the song is trying to say.”
When asked about the reason for releasing “surreal” and debuting his solo project, Justin explains that he was scared to do things alone at first, but because of the support of the people around him, the SB19 member finally found the courage to put his work where it’s most needed.
Justin’s “surreal” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
After eight months, HORI7ON is ready to make their highly-awaited return with new music in March!
HORI7ON has released concept photographs for “LUCKY,” the first installment of the “DAYTOUR” series, demonstrating what a true youthful hi-teen standard is.
Photo from MLD Entertainment
With their youthful and endearing looks, Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus not only nailed the colorful casual appearance but also flawlessly won over the hearts of the worldwide fandom in the photographs that were made public. The boy group impressed fans with their professionalism and sportiness in postures, setting the stage for their next stages, which will undoubtedly showcase their cohesion and teamwork.
The new song “LUCKY” by HORI7ON is a high school confessional song that eloquently conveys the sentiments they have for the person they love. Their new song is intended to enthrall “1020 Generation Zalpha (Gen Z + Gen Alpha)” by inspiring excitement and curiosity in Generation Alpha while prompting Generation Z to reflect on the bygone, nostalgic days of analog technology.
Photo from MLD Entertainment
Additionally, 800 fans have been invited to HORI7ON’s Comeback Showcase, which will be place in Manila, Philippines on March 2 at 6 PM (PHT), to witness their impending comeback. Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus will perform playfully and provide a phenomenal performance, celebrating their debut anniversary and spending time with their fans, ANCHOR.
Moreover, beginning in Davao, HORI7ON will be collaborating with SM Supermalls, the largest shopping mall brand, to organize fan signing sessions as part of a nationwide promotion. Many are excited to see HORI7ON’s new side when they return and interact with their global fan base through a variety of events.
This coming March 2, HORI7ON will make available their title track, “LUCKY,” which has been tipped as the greatest good luck song of 2024 via various online music streaming sites.
Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records’ 4x-time Grammy award-winning artist SZA, releases a 5-track audio bundle for “Saturn.”
The bundle includes the live version of “Saturn,” first heard during the 2024 GRAMMY Awards in a stunning performance from Mastercard’s GRAMMY House; plus the main, sped-up, a cappella and instrumental versions.
The reception for SZA’s new single has been positive so far. Variety praised the track for its dreamy and hazy qualities, noting that it’s “SZA in classic SZA form, singing of the despair and helplessness plaguing the world at large and setting it against rich, enveloping production.” Billboard calls it an “enchanting” new single which finds “the superstar disappointed with the world around her and wonders if life would be better if she could start over on Saturn.”
The main version of “Saturn” was written and produced by SZA, Carter Lang, Rob Bisel, Solomonophonic, and Monsune.
Next month, SZA will set sail overseas for several festival dates, including Lollapalooza Argentina on March 16, Festival Estéreo Picnic 2024 on March 22, and more. For all upcoming tour stops, please visit https://www.szasos.com/tour/.
SZA’s Saturn is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/ Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records.
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