Category: Music

PhilPop Himig Handog releases a 12-song compilation on streaming platforms worldwide! Maki, Moira, Johnoy Danao, Ice, VXON, Ferdinand Aragon, and more, join this year’s esteemed roster of interpreters.

PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Competition has released a compilation featuring the top 12 songs that made it to the final round.

The diverse selection of fully produced tunes was handpicked by the two music institutions (PhilPop and Himig Handog), who have made history by teaming up to find the next wave of global superstars and industry titans.

According to Jonathan Manalo, the creative director of ABS-CBN Music, the final roster of tracks was determined through a rigorous adjudication process. The selection of songs involved direct consultation with the songwriters to determine the creative direction of their respective material and identify collaborators who aligned with their overall vision for the competition.

Manalo explains, “We then shortlisted possible interpreters for each track, and a lot of things had to be considered or fall into place. The next steps include choosing an artist that fits the genre and production schedule. We couldn’t simply pick someone based on name value. They had to make sense in terms of style, the songwriter’s vision, and overall commitment to the song, among others.”

Some of the artists who interpreted the songs include chart-topping R&B sensation Maki, award-winning singer-songwriters Moira and Johnoy Danao, folk-pop icon Ice Seguerra, recording pop artist Jolianne, Cebuano pride Ferdinand Aragon, P-Pop boyband VXON, and newcomers: KHIMO; Lyka Estrella, Annrain, and Geca Morales; Kurt Fick; Noah Alejandre; Shantel Cyline and Extrapolation; and FANA and Tiara Shaye.

Dinah Remolacio, PhilPop Executive Producer, also emphasized the importance of finding the right team of producers when developing the final version of the songs.

“Respect for language was also taken into consideration as we wanted artists who naturally spoke the languages that are not necessarily Tagalog and not someone who would pretend to sing in a language that he or she wasn’t familiar with. Overall, the production was a process that required a lot of components to fall into place, as well as a lot of patience and dedication. But we’re excited for people to finally hear these songs.”

The shortlisted entries explore the different facets of OPM in a modern, globalized setting while retaining its unique storytelling style and individuality. Based on the final output alone, the pioneering batch of PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Competition stays true to its unwavering commitment to promoting OPM on a scale that’s never been done before: break new territories and captivate the international audience with music that is distinctly global yet very Pinoy.

As Manalo puts it, “The Top 12 have been very proactive and collaborative in their tracks. They really care about the final output of their songs, and there’s a drive to achieve their vision for their respective tracks. There was definitely a conscious effort, not just to make these songs globally competitive but also to make them a beautiful reflection of this generation’s stories and context. I think what we’ll hear for this batch is a representation of the current landscape of OPM that’s very diverse, young, and vibrant.”

Remolacio adds, “I think you can expect a fresh batch of pop songs that have the ability to break borders globally and represent the diverse but interconnected culture of our country. We hope that through these tracks, our local fandoms will be proud of our music, and we hope that these songs will strengthen the local music scene and the music breaking borders movement.”

Check out the Top 12 entries in alphabetical order:

1. ATM
   Composer: Francis Contemplacion
   Interpreter: Ice Seguerra
2. Buhi
   Composer: Keith John Quito
   Interpreter: Ferdinand Aragon
3. Dili Na Lang
   Composer: Relden Campanilla
   Interpreter: Jolianne
4. Ghostwriter
   Composer: Kevin Yadao
   Interpreter: KHIMO
5. Kurba
   Composer: Alvin Serito
   Interpreter: Maki
6. Langit Lupa
   Composer: Geca Morales
   Interpreter: Lyka Estrella, Annrain, and Geca Morales
7. MHWG
   Composer: Rob Angeles
   Interpreter: VXON
8. Papahiram
   Composer: Rinz Ruiz
   Interpreter: Moira Feat. Johnoy Danao
9. Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)
   Composer: Jimmy Ricks
   Interpreter: Kurt Fick
10. Taliwala
    Composer: Maric Gavino
    Interpreter: Noah Alejandre
11. Tulala
    Composer: Shantel Cyline Lapatha
    Interpreter: Shantel Cyline and Extrapolation
12. Wag Paglaruan
    Composer: Tiara Shaye
    Interpreter: FANA Feat. Tiara Shaye

PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival is an initiative of PhilPop Music Foundation and Himig Handog and ABS CBN Music. This year’s game-changing event remains unwavering in its obligation to come up with innovative approaches in music-making and songwriting that are at par with international standards. The event is co-presented by Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., and in partnership with TuneCore.

Stream the top 12 on Spotify and all digital streaming platforms worldwide.

SB19, who recently made headlines by surpassing 100 million views on their official lyric video for “MAPA,” is back to “THE FIRST TAKE” with a new performance of another hit song.

Following their viral hit “GENTO,” which they performed during their debut on the YouTube channel “THE FIRST TAKE” on July 1st, their second performance video for “MAPA” premiered on July 15th (Monday) at 9:00 pm, Manila time.

For their second performance on THE FIRST TAKE, SB19 will showcase the emotional song “MAPA,” a stark contrast to the explosive “GENTO.” In this performance, attention should be given to their performance and heart-warming lyrics dedicated to their parents and parent figures.

“We’re excited to share a different version of MAPA to the local and international audience through THE FIRST TAKE,” shares SB19 in a press statement. “We’re honored to showcase Filipino music on a music platform with a reputable track record of elevating the global presence of the artists performing. Mad props to THE FIRST TAKE for giving us a chance to impart a piece of our cultural and music sensibilities in ways that could be challenging but exciting.”

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

“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 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. They recently trended on X after announcing their return to “THE FIRST TAKE.”

SB19, who held their first concert in Japan at Tokorozawa Sakura Town on April 29th (Monday) and achieved great success, continues to grow their fandom both domestically and internationally. Following their debut performance of “GENTO” on “THE FIRST TAKE” as the first Filipino artists to be featured, the video has surpassed 2 million views. In response, the members released a thank-you video to their global fans, saying, “We were able to come this far thanks to the support of all the A’TIN.” This generated even more attention ahead of their return.

Check out their gratitude post about their recent performance of “THE FIRST TAKE.”

＼＼＼＼｜｜｜｜｜／／／／

　㊗️200万回再生突破🎉

／／／／｜｜｜｜｜＼＼＼＼

THE FIRST TAKEでの「GENTO」
パフォーマンスが200万回再生を突破した#SB19 から喜びのコメントが到着🗯

今すぐチェックしてね✅

SB19 – GENTO / THE FIRST TAKE
▷https://t.co/lKKO2GqtQ1#THEFIRSTTAKE pic.twitter.com/YnOB53rUPl

— ソニーミュージック洋楽 🌞 (@INTSonyMusicJP) July 8, 2024

About “THE FIRST TAKE”

“THE FIRST TAKE” is a YouTube channel that captures the performance of musicians and singers performing in a single take.

The channel started on 15 November 2019 and has now hit 9.69 million subscribers (as of 7 June 2024). Total views have exceeded 1.4 billion, and content has been viewed from over 220 countries and regions around the world. Growing as a comprehensive music platform, new initiatives have been launched and become viral content. THE FIRST TAKE INTERNATIONAL features international music stars such as Harry Styles, Avril Lavigne, V from BTS, Jason Chan, and Jolin Tsai, having them give their 1TAKE performance exclusively on the channel.

Follow “THE FIRST TAKE” on socials:
Website: https://www.thefirsttake.jp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_firsttake
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_FirstTake
X: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_first_take
THE FIRST TIMES: https://www.thefirsttimes.jp

ABOUT SB19

SB19 is a multi-awarded five-member boy group from the Philippines. The group is composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin and debuted in October 2018 with their single ‘Tilaluha.’ They gained popularity with their second single ‘Go Up’. Since their debut, SB19 has amassed fans (A’TIN) across the globe and was recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the Philippine Youth Ambassador. The “SB” in SB19 stands for “Sound Break,” which represents their aspirations of disrupting the music scene and bringing Filipino music and culture into the international spotlight. SB19 broke into the global spotlight as the first Southeast Asian and Filipino act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards as Top Social Artist in 2021. They are also the first Filipino act to land on the international Billboard Social 50 and Next Big Sound Charts. Their latest release, “GENTO”, debuted at #8 on the Billboard World Digital Sales Charts.

SB19 is self-managed by 1Z Entertainment, a company built and managed by the members of SB19.

Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg
X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

Actress-singer Belle Mariano is back with a new extended play (EP) “BELIEVE,” a collection of inspiring tracks about accepting one’s fate, overcoming pain, and making big dreams and an exciting prelude to her sold-out concert of the same name happening this July.

The mini-album has five songs including “Biglaan,” ‘Pakisagot,” “Little World Changer,” “I, Save, Me,” and “Apelyido,” all produced by StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos.

Belle is set to perform these tracks in “BELIEVE: The Belle Mariano Birthday Concert” happening on July 13 (Saturday), 8 pm at The Theatre at Solaire produced by ABS-CBN Events and StarPop. Fans may also catch its livestream via iWantTFC mobile app and website or through iWantTFC Tickets for only P599.

Joining Belle as her special guests are Donny Pangilinan, Moira dela Torre, Denise Julia, and Martin Nievera.

The Kapamilya star couldn’t contain her astonishment at doing a concert as big as this at this time in her life. “Hindi ko siya na-visualize. It was too grand for me,” Belle said in disbelief.

“I used to sing in the videoke with my lolo and it feels like I’m not just fulfilling my dream, I’m also fulfilling his,” she added.

Preparing for the musical event however has made her have more faith in her capability as a performer. She said, “The process of the concert made me believe in myself. This marks a growth of who I am in the industry.”

She is also introducing a more mature sound and storytelling in her latest music offering.

“Biglaan,” which speaks of destiny finding its way to bring something more than what is expected, serves as the “BELIEVE” EP’s focus track. Another empowering track, “Little World Changer,” is a dreamy ode to a young person’s big aspirations.

“Pakisagot” is about a girl weeping in prayer and demanding answers on why terrible things happen to good people, “I, Save, Me” is about processing heartache and false hope, and “Apelyido” is about that special moment when one finally finds the right person.

As a music artist, Belle opened up about how she wants to be remembered whenever music listeners hear her songs.

“I want to make the listeners, the audience, believe in themselves,” she said.

“BELIEVE” EP follows the New Gen Phenomenal Actress’ previously released albums “Daylight” and “Somber and Solemn.” Among her hit songs are “Sigurado,” “Kahit Na, Kahit Pa,” “Tanging Dahilan,” and “Bugambilya.”

This year, she received the Listener’s Choice award in Billboard Philippines’ Women in Music and was named Spotify’s Lullaby Artist Awardee.

Belle’s “BELIEVE” EP is now out on various streaming platforms.

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.”

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 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.”

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

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 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.

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:

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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

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.

“Yoooo! Maririnig 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 musika, yung 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”

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.”

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.