The track blends a confessional songwriting style with a soul-stirring, crossover sound.
Filipino singer-songwriter Patricia Heart is ready to captivate the mainstream audience with her authenticity and musical talent. The CamSur-based recording artist has recently signed with Sony Music Entertainment, the home to an all-star roster of OPM acts such as Ben&Ben, SB19, Clara Benin, Ace Banzuelo, Denise Julia, O Side Mafia, Demi, and dwta—to name a few.
Apart from being the newest addition to the growing family of the international record label, the promising newcomer sets her sights on representing her hometown on the global stage while showcasing her individuality through music.
Her debut single “Kahit Di Ako ang Gusto Mo” hints at an even brighter future as Patricia Heart defies expectations with her unique brand of charisma and songwriting chops. Buoyed by a suspenseful intro of synthesized strings and dramatic instrumentation, the soulful ballad reveals her experience as a young woman trapped in a toxic relationship, struggling to find light at the end of the tunnel.
Patricia Heart explains, “This song was written after losing one’s self to an obsessive, toxic relationship and eventually realizing the need to walk away from it to reclaim my sense of self-love. I have been in this kind of situation before. But you know: it takes two to tango, so no matter how badly we want to keep that relationship, if the other person is not as invested as you or you keep on sacrificing your worth as a person, it will never be saved.”
The emotional single showcases Patricia Heart’s confessional songwriting style, infusing even more unfiltered woundedness into her sonically rich sound. Showcasing drama and, to an extent, dark humor to the mix, the budding pop/alternative talent marks her debut with an earworm that will surely gain traction among listeners of all ages, who can relate to her earnestness as a singer-songwriter.
“There’s so much that I can offer as an artist, and I hope the general public will love Kahit Di Ako ang Gusto Mo,” Patricia Heart shares. “It’s a song that comes from a place of hopelessness and trauma, but it’s also a cautionary tale that encourages the listener to never put other people’s feelings above your own, especially when you’re constantly losing your person in the process.”
“Kahit Di Ako ang Gusto Mo” will be part of her upcoming debut EP, Songs of Siren, to be released soon. The highly anticipated release will contain five songs and is “poised to cast a spell on listeners once they hear the siren sing.”
Patricia Heart’s “Kahit Di Ako ang Gusto Mo” is now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
The heartfelt tune marks the second time the two artists have worked together on a project—the first being a reworked version of the streaming hit “Lihim”.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter dwta teams up with chart-topping newcomer Arthur Miguel on “Tahan Na,” out today via Sony Music Entertainment.
Capturing the universal experience of longing for love and connection, “Tahan Na” expresses the realities of harboring unrequited feelings for someone not capable of reciprocating the same level of affection.
According to the Bicolano recording star, the heartfelt track illustrates the beauty of not giving up hope for love despite being constantly let down by circumstances.
She adds, “Tahan Na tells us to acknowledge our feelings of longing and heartache but also to remember that our value isn’t based on someone else’s feelings. In the end, it’s a song about staying strong, not giving up, and believing in the transformative power of love.”
The stripped-down, alt-country song was written by dwta in 2022. It has gone through multiple iterations since then, with Brian Lotho co-producing the tune with the young singer-songwriter under one condition: capture the immediacy and emotional vulnerability of the moment when the latter first conceived the material in her bedroom. Nothing more, nothing less.
dwta or Jhasmine Villanueva in real life, explains, “To recreate that cozy vibe, we recorded the acoustic guitar while sitting on the floor, mirroring the casual and intimate setting of my bedroom, where I often find inspiration. We wanted the song to feel like a comforting hug for anyone who listens to it. At first, we weren’t sure if we should make it sound like a lullaby or a grand melancholic dance within a castle. But then we thought, why not blend both elements? So, we incorporated strings like the violin, reminiscent of a grand ballroom, while still maintaining the gentle strums of the acoustic guitar and the soft melodies of the keyboard, blending them to create something special.”
“Tahan Na” marks the second time that dwta and Arthur Miguel have worked together on a project. The two accomplished solo artists linked up last year on the reworked version of “Lihim,” which blends Tagalog and Bicolano with captivating results.
Villanueva emphasized that working with Arthur Miguel has always been a remarkable experience. Having great connections and chemistry in writing, collaborating, and performing songs as a duo, dwta is grateful to the budding crossover act for allowing her to experiment with different musical elements and expand her skills as a songwriter and performer.
“I realized that his singing style and emotions would add a lot to the song’s meaning and make it even more heartfelt,” dwta muses. “Our collaboration has opened up new opportunities for growth and exploration in our music. Working with Arthur Miguel is enjoyable for me, and every time we work together, there’s always something new to learn, some adventure, and lots of fun moments.”
dwta and Arthur Miguel’s “Tahan Na” is now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Multi-instrumentalist and singer Abby Clutario invites listeners on a journey with love with the release of her album “Lambing” under AltG Records on February 23.
“’Lambing,’ for me, is a genuine feeling of love. If you look in the dictionary, it doesn’t have a direct meaning in English. It’s a Filipino word na puwede natin gawing pamparamdam na nagmamahal tayo sa isang tao. I want it to be more than just an album but a journey for the listeners. Each song tells a story and explores a different aspect of love,” shares Abby.
The album features five tracks, two original songs, and three covers, which delve into the depths of love and emotion.
Among the original tracks on the album are “Laho” and “Naglalambing,” which showcase Abby’s songwriting prowess and her ability to craft melodies that listeners can relate to. The album also includes Abby’s cover of “Tadhana” by Up Dharma Down, Voltes V theme song “Chichi Wo Motomete,” and Mulawin’s theme song “Ikaw Lang.”
“’Laho’ holds a special place in my heart. It’s a song that speaks about the fear of expressing one’s feelings and the longing for connection. ‘Naglalambing,’ on the other hand is inspired by the 90s OPM. We wanted to have a song na parang kumikiliti doon sa OPM flavor. It’s a typical story that tackled the feelings na puwede mong maramdaman kapag bigla mong naalala ang ex mo,” she says.
Abby is also set to have an album tour for “Lambing” starting with the launch gig this February 22 at 88 Fryer. Guest performers include Plume, Pido, and Charlene Ong, among others. The tour continues on March 2 at 70s Bistro. On March 12, Abby will be at 19 East, and the tour wraps up on March 22 at Tago Jazz Bar.
Stay tuned for Abby Clutario’s album “Lambing” set to release this February 23 on digital platforms worldwide.
The young multi-hyphenate will be launching his latest record on February 21 at Balcony Music House in Makati City! Listen to the album’s new single “LML” and bonus track “AOLID”.
Filipino singer-songwriter and producer raven unravels the colors of life that appeared to have beautifully bloomed in the new album, Kinulayan, out now via Sony Music Entertainment.
According to raven, Kinulayan refers to someone whose dull, boring life brightened up after crossing paths with the person worth the risk in love.
The rising phenom wrote and produced Kinulayan with the utmost purpose of conveying happiness that radiates with positive emotions and expressions. A free-spirited record that bursts with hues and energy, Kinulayan allows listeners to find great pleasure in embracing the simple joys of life and the escape that it offers.
“The songs in the album reflect the different stages in a relationship,” the Balcony Music Entertainment act shares. “From catching feelings to wanting to spend the rest of your life with the other half, the record traces these developments from a romantic standpoint.”
Tracklist
The young newcomer’s second studio album features nine songs, with the addition of the bonus track “AOLID.” raven explains that the etymology of “AOLID” comes from the word “solid,” which he tends to mistype quite often. “It’s is my way of reclaiming the term in all its imperfect glory, while embracing the expression to lift others and rise against the odds.”
Other songs in the album include the focus track “LML,” which was penned during a very tumultuous phase in his personal life. On the bedroom-pop ditty, raven turns moroseness into a source of inspiration, paying tribute to that special someone who helped him recover from the rock bottom and gave him a reason to make meaningful memories again.
Check out the tracks from his new album:
May Sasabihin Lang
Tayo Parin Talaga
Sinta
Sunday
Biyahe
LML
Pangako
AOLID (feat. Kvrt & Nichimi)
Pangako (with Angela Ken)
Album Launch
raven will officially launch the deluxe version of his second studio album, Kinulayan this Wednesday, February 21, at Balcony Music House in Makati City, from 7:00 PM onwards.
The open-genre act will be performing some of the songs from the album live for the very first time, as well as some previously released tracks. Support acts include ALYSON, Maki, Nichimi, TALA, and weekends. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m.
raven’s Kinulayan is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
P-Pop star Josh Cullen joins forces with Filipino rapper Yuridope for the official remix of “Get Right.”
Instantly hitting it off with undeniable chemistry, Josh Cullen and Yuridope rocked the remix with an insatiable drive to flip the beat, get the verses turned up, and deliver a performance that is equally compelling as the original.
“I’ve been eyeing a remix for ‘Get Right’ with a local artist, and boom, Yuridope pops up,” the lead rapper and vocalist of SB19 reveals. “The dude is not just talented; he is genuine. And that verse of his? It was like he blinked and boom, and it was done. Literal na naglabada lang. (He literally washed it out).”
The remix treatment serves as a collaborative effort with multi-talented producer Cursebox, who brought a reinvigorating spin to the source material and helped Josh realize his vision. The result is an inter-genre tweak that pushes the envelope forward as far as production is concerned.
Josh recounts, “Cursebox deconstructed the beat, experimenting with sounds and rhythms to breathe new life into the track. Throughout the process, we provided feedback, ensuring the arrangement aligned with our vision. In the end, Cursebox’s unique touch added depth to the song, elevating it to new heights while respecting its roots.”
Serving as a gateway to bridge the gap between hip-hop enthusiasts and his captured market, the reimagining of “Get Right” provides an exciting opportunity to introduce new elements to the music while also inviting fans from different genres to experience Josh’s sound in a fresh light.
Josh adds, “This collaboration opens doors to new connections and possibilities, enriching our musical journey and expanding our reach. And with this remix, we’re kicking off a larger journey, pioneering a unique sub-genre I’d like to call ‘hip-pop,’ which promises to bring even more innovation and excitement to the music scene.”
“Get Right” finds the SB19 rapper and vocalist embracing his music journey while navigating the challenges of making a dent in a highly competitive industry as a solo act. The original version was written and helmed by Josh Cullen himself, with collaborators Ocho the Bullet and UK-based indie icon No Rome assisting with the production.
Josh Cullen and Yuridope’s remix of “Get Right” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
joem’s “Nakaraan” official music video might just be the push you need if you’re still thinking if whether to watch Enrique Gil’s “I Am Not Big Bird” comeback movie.
While “Nakaraan” is your perfect soundtrack while riding on a bus and dramatically staring out the window— the official music video teases fans of the antics of Enrique’s comedic quartet (Nikko Natividad, Red Ollero, Pepe Herera, plus the King of the Gil himself) and their colorfully complicated “iyak-tawa” experiences in Bangkok. Enrique is also seen in tear-jerker scenes in the music video, because you know, moving on is not linear.
The song has been making waves since its release on February 9, captivating fans who attended the movie’s promotional mall tour where joem gets to perform “Nakaraan” in front of thousands of viewers. This was followed by massive airplay from Manila’s largest radio stations, full-blown media pick-ups, TV, and physical guestings. On February 13, joem also had an appearance at the “I Am Not Big Bird” premiere night. These are definitely the most exciting times for a young artist. The future does shine bright for joem.
Watch joem’s Nakaraan (From “I Am Not Big Bird”) official music video here:
After eight months, HORI7ON is coming back with a new single and exciting events for ANCHORs!
HORI7ON (Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, Marcus) will start promoting their comeback on March 2 with the digital release of their song “DAYTOUR,” according to management company MLD Entertainment.
“DAYTOUR,” a new song by HORI7ON, is a catchy confessional hit that captures the feelings of seven lads for their loved ones. Expect a vibrant and colorful stage as HORI7ON’s members, each with their distinct charms, express seven vivid loves through punk pop.
Furthermore, on March 2 at 6 p.m. in Manila, Philippines, HORI7ON will host a comeback showcase for about a thousand fans. (PHT), and after that take part in a mall tour organized by SM Supermalls, the largest shopping mall brand in the Philippines. It is anticipated that HORI7ON will provide unique performances and gifts for its fans during their mall tours, which will take place in different SM malls across the Philippines.
Following their announcement of their return, HORI7ON is hard at work preparing for a grand comeback tour, which will include activities related to Korean music shows and offline and online promotions in the Philippines.
HORI7ON extensively promoted their first full-length album, “Friend-SHIP,” which they released in July of last year. The album swiftly shot to the top of the iTunes album rankings in the Philippines, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates. The title tune, “SIX7EEN,” was one of the songs of the album. Additionally, they have wrapped up a fruitful official launch in South Korea, where nine days after their debut, they were nominated for the top spot on Korean music shows.
In addition, HORI7ON, who recently revealed the success of their sold-out fan event and solo performance in the Philippines, has demonstrated their international ascent by winning the “AAA Focus Award” at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards IN THE PHILIPPINES and the “Global Artist of the Year” award at the POP AWARDS 2023.
This coming March 2, at noon, HORI7ON’s digital single “DAYTOUR,” will be made available through several online music sites.
The empowering track showcases the duo’s effortlessly sultry side while maintaining their individuality throughout the process.
Filipino R&B stars Denise Julia and DENȲ link up on the soulful, sultry jam “don’t matter”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment.
The track marks the first time the two rising phenoms worked together on a music project. In an Instagram post last week, Denise Julia confirmed that the idea of collaborating with each other started three years ago when they were trying to make it big in the music scene.
Produced by J. Greg, Duaneinsane, and Denise Julia, and composed by the latter with DENȲ, “don’t matter” finds them trading verses over a delicate, laid-back groove.
With Denise Julia’s powerhouse vocals blending perfectly with DENȲ’s sensual coos in the most exciting way possible, the song transforms into a charming, sing-along bop that’s centered on empowerment, freedom, and self-love—three virtues that triumph over the prospect of everything going wrong in a leap of faith.
The arrival of “don’t matter” comes off the heels of the duo’s recent accomplishments for their music releases: Denise Julia becoming the most streamed Filipino female artist for several months, thanks to the enormous success of her 2023 EP, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1), and DENȲ reaching more than a million monthly listeners on Spotify on the strength of her acclaimed crossover album, LOVES7AGE.
A week ago, Denise Julia dropped the music video for her new single “Sugar n’ Spice.” Helmed by award-winning filmmaker Samantha Lee, the visuals depict sweet sapphic moments that a lot of adolescent queer women can relate to, regardless of category and experience. To date, the music video has racked up nearly four hundred thousand views on YouTube in less than a week and has peaked within the top 10 of the video-sharing platform’s ‘Trending for Music’ charts.
DENȲ, on the other hand, has wrapped up 2023 with a record-breaking milestone. Her new album, LOVES7AGE was a hit among fans and critics and even yielded memorable hits such as “Alam Ko Na,” a collaboration with Just Hush and Third Flo’, and the Arthur Nery-featured “Sabik.”
Both OPM darlings have set their personal bests on creative and commercial terms while maintaining their individuality in an overly saturated and hyper-competitive musical landscape.
Denise Julia and DENȲ’s “don’t matter” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
joem brings yet another soul-stirring single, “Nakaraan” featured in the highly anticipated comeback comedy film, “I Am Not Big Bird,” starring Enrique Gil.
After garnering almost half a million streams for his track, “Pangako”, Davao’s singer-songwriter, joem returns with an even more heart-wrenching track, “Nakaraan” released today, February 9, a week before “I Am Not Big Bird” becomes available on theaters nationwide on Valentine’s Day.
In the movie, Enrique Gil plays Luis, a 30-year-old virgin who is going through a breakup by traveling to Thailand, but finds himself unwittingly caught up in a case of mistaken identity. “I Am Not Big Bird” is poised to be a comedic piece, and joem’s “Nakaraan” lends a counterbalance, delivering a cathartic experience for the viewers.
“Nakaraan” captures the journey of Luis and the people who recently find themselves at the end of a relationship, more painfully, being the ones who had been left behind. It delves into the struggle to move forward when one’s heart remains anchored to the memories of a lost love. Its relatable theme makes it a poignant anthem for those still navigating broken relationships.
Support Filipino music. Listen to joem’s “Nakaraan” out now worldwide: joem.lnk.to/nakaraan
In 2023, the local music scene witnessed an influx of incredible music and promising artists. Some of these talented new musicians started performing at small venues and gradually made their way up to huge festivals and arenas, providing a glimpse into what the future of Filipino music holds.
Looking ahead to 2024, we can expect the emergence of a new generation of talented artists as Yellow Room Music — led by Monty Macalino (Mayonnaise), one of the most renowned musicians in the Filipino music industry– announces the signing of new artists from various genres. Each artist brings their unique style into the spotlight, promising to make an impact in the music industry.
“Sobrang ganda ng music industry ngayon, sobrang lawak na ng landscape. Napaka swerte ng panahon ngayon because of the digital streaming. Pwede kang kumita sa maraming social avenues at marami na di-discover lalo na mga local acts, nagkakaroon na ng direct collaboration with foreign artists. Now is the time to take advantage of that availability and possibility,” Monty Macalino shared.
Yellow Room Music Philippines was established in 2013 as an independent music label by the Filipino rock band, Mayonnaise. After working with bigger labels for over a decade, the band released their music independently. In 2021, the label rebranded and changed its name to YR Music. The new name was chosen to highlight exceptional talents in the music industry and expand its roster of artists.
“For Yellow Room Music in 2024, we’re definitely releasing more materials for up and coming artists as well as mga artists na meron nang pangalan na ma-solidify pa sa industriya,” Macalino added.
Be on the lookout for these local musicians, ranging from well-known names such as SUD, Autotelic, and FIONA to promising newcomers like Ultraviolet, NaÏV, and Tamara. They are all set to significantly progress in the music industry this year. Step inside their thought processes, then explore Yellow Room Music’s new roster of talents, as each story has a sound all its own.
AUTOTELIC
Autotelic is a popular pop-rock band that has cemented its standing in the local music scene. The band debuted in 2016 with the release of the album “Papunta ‘Pabalik’” under MCA Music, which eventually received a platinum record certification. This success led to the release of their 5-track EP “Takipsilim” in 2018. Both albums received accolades from Awit Awards and Star Awards for Music. In June 2021, Autotelic released their latest single, entitled “Iwan.”
The band was formed in 2012 and consists of Josh Villena (guitars/vocals), Neil Tin (guitar), EJ Edralin (synth), Timothy “Pabs” Vargas (bass), and Gep Macadaeg (drums). Autotelic has become one of the most decorated outfits in the age of social and streaming, replete with citations from mainstream channels (Awit, Myx, Jam 88.3), independent critics (Vandals on the Wall), and even brands (Jack Daniel’s).
SUD
When one of the tracks from SUD’s debut album in 2016, “Sila,” their only Tagalog song at the time, was able to penetrate the mainstream audience – it was one of the first local indie artists to do so. The five-piece act from Metro Manila has released music with genres ranging from alternative soul, alt-rock, indie pop, and alt-pop/ballad. Other hits include “Dumadaloy” (2021), “Baliw” (2019), and ”Di Makatulog” (2017). The band’s current lineup consists of Sud Ballecer (vocals, guitar), Kohl Aguilar (keyboard), Carlos de la Fuente (saxophone), and Raisa Racelis (bass).
FIONA
FIONA’s musical prowess was showcased when they emerged as the overall champion of Sky Cable’s Bikes Boards Bands in 2013, proving their ability to deliver exceptional live performances.
Fast forward to 2024, and the band has just signed a deal with Yellow Room Music, to release their upcoming second EP – a fresh approach with the same distinctive intensity that defines the group.
FIONA is a power-pop alternative rock band established in 2010. They’ve performed with notable Filipino artists and international sensations such as Love Me Butch, Dia Frampton, Tiffany Alvord, and Tanner Patrick. Their hits include “Better Together” (2016), “Panganib,” and “Charades,” paving the way for their self-titled EP album. They’ve also released “Haraya” in 2019 and “Goodbye” in 2022. You may check FIONA’s music here.
ULTRAVIOLET
ULTRAVIOLET recently released a new song called “Paraiso” via Yellow Room Music. When asked about the inspiration behind their new single, Raina, one of the band’s composers, said they wrote “Paraiso” as a reminder that we can take a break from reality and escape to our paradise whenever we need it. “As a writer who sometimes experiences an existential crisis, I wanted to share this message with others. We are all human, and taking care of ourselves is important,” Rayna added.
Hailing from Las Piñas, ULTRAVIOLET comprises Rayna Dane Dela Cruz as the lead vocalist, Emman Ramos as the guitarist, Vesper Gareza as the bassist, Ronn Balmedina as the drummer, and Marco Salvacruz as the keyboardist. The band was formed in November 2022. They describe their music as pop-funk with a touch of psychedelia.
On Feb 23, dive into NaÏV’s latest single with Yellow Room Music, “Ikaw Lang Talaga”– a heartfelt expression of deep love, capturing that moment when you just know someone is ‘the one.’ As described by the synth-pop trio, the song is a musical journey dedicated to those experiencing the early stages of love – where logic takes a back seat, and you find yourself surrendering to the overwhelming feeling of affection. “If you’ve ever wondered why that special someone stands out, ‘Ikaw Lang Talaga’ beautifully encapsulates that sentiment. Let the music speak to the unspoken emotions of love in its purest form, “ the band added.
Naiv’s music is a unique blend of synth-pop characterized by vibrant melodies and hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Based in Metro Manila, NaÏV is a band formed by three talented individuals, Mae, Gynn, and Joe, who came from different backgrounds but shared a common love for music.
TAMARA
Tamara’s career took off at 18 when she won a jingle competition. There, she caught the attention of Champ Lui Pio from the famous rock band Hale. Since then, she has performed at various events and bars, showcasing her skills as a singer and songwriter. In 2019, she debuted with the single “Ngayon,” a love song she wrote when she was 17. Tamara has collaborated with bands like Hale and Soapdish. Tamara is eager to demonstrate her musical talents whenever possible. You may check out Tamara’s songs here.
In the Philippines, acronyms aren’t just confined to boardrooms; they find their way into the heart of music. Filipinos, known for their love of succinct expressions, infuse songs with clever acronyms, turning melodies into linguistic puzzles.
Singer-songwriter Vilmark continues the tradition with his latest single, “INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),” a soul-stirring and powerful ballad that delves into themes of loss and finding the strength to move forward.
“INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),” is under GMA Music and is currently available on all major digital platforms.
A song that serves as a sequel to his previous song “Lisan,” INOWY is a deeply personal project for Vilmark, who wrote it as a way to cope with the death of his father in 2022.
At the online media launch for the single, Vilmar explains, “This song is about sharing with people that it’s okay not to be okay. Because it’s a phase that you need to go through to move forward and start anew. Until you accept the reality that you’re not okay, you’ll keep masking your true feelings. I wrote this song from a place of pain, but I hope it can bring comfort and hope to others who are going through tough times. It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s important to remember that we are not alone.”
He also shared some of the challenges he faced while creating this song, with the primary one being that it is the first English song he has written.
VILMARK’S SONGS AS SOUNDTRACKS Vilmark’s earlier composition, “Lisan,” gained further recognition when selected by Jennylyn Mercado for her latest GMA Prime series, “Love. Die. Repeat.,” with Xian Lim.
Expressing his gratitude for the unexpected opportunity, Vilmark recalled, “I was so excited. I watched Ms. Jennylyn sing the song on All-Out-Sundays. She told me that it was a beautiful song and was perfect for ‘Love. Die. Repeat.’ He hopes to have the same thing happen with “INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),”
Despite working as a full-time engineer on a night shift, Vilmark continues to balance his professional life with his passion for music.
The artist looks forward to the future, expressing the desire to release more singles, working towards a full album. He also dreams of having his own concert someday and would like to write songs for other songs!
Vilmark’s dream collaboration is with Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, and he hopes to write a duet with her.
For more updates on your favorite Kapuso artists, just go to www.gmanetwork.com
The sonically captivating track marks another collaboration with his real-life brother Josue of Radkidz, who also co-produced viral hits “Determinado” and “Gento”.
After championing the resurgence of the rap-rock genre with the release of “Determinado” a few weeks ago, SB19’s PABLO continues to exceed expectations with another banger that doesn’t sound quite like anything he has released so far.
On “AKALA,” the P-Pop star drops a hard-hitting track that blends hip-hop sensibilities with trap beats and atmospheric production. Sonically captivating and heartfelt, PABLO surprises at nearly every turn with a song that hints at a new level of creative inspiration—songwriting and production-wise.
The track also marks another collaboration with his brother Josue of Radkidz, who is also responsible for co-producing his previously released track “Determinado,” and SB19’s viral smash “Gento.”
PABLO, on the other hand, brought improvements in structural developments and dynamics and penned the majority of the lyrics. He shares, “I added some singing parts and a hook and gave the song a resolution in terms of musical arrangement. We wanted it to be a song that’s easy to listen to and sing along to, just like how it is when friends gather and sing together.”
According to PABLO, “AKALA” was conceived during the pandemic when Josue had him listen to one of his beats with a partially written verse about finding an escape from getting wasted. While both of them have different perspectives about alcohol consumption, the SB19 leader and main rapper found it intriguing and interesting enough to revisit the track and improve some parts of it.
“Even though we have different practices in terms of drinking, we agree on the idea that alcohol is not the answer to problems,” the talented multi-hyphenate explains. “I asked him if I could also write my verse in the song and tweak some parts, and he agreed. I didn’t want the song to just be about getting wasted, so I thought of a way to introduce my perspective by rearranging the letters of ‘alak’ and that’s how ‘Akala’ materialized. My mother also pitched in a line in the song and it made more sense.”
The breakout artist behind La Luna sums it all up: “Everything that I have released so far features intense and heavy instrumentation, but ‘Akala’ follows a completely different direction this time around. It has a more laid-back, dreamy vibe to it.”
PABLO’s “AKALA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
The new album, ‘Everything I Thought It Was’ is to be released on March 15th!
Multi-award-winning artist Justin Timberlake releases his new single “Selfish” alongside the music video via RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment.
The pop-infused offering is driven by its infectious melodies and features his iconic soulful vocals. Written by Timberlake, Louis Bell (Taylor Swift, Post Malone), Cirkut (Maroon 5, The Weeknd), Theron Thomas, Amy Allen and produced by Timberlake, Louis Bell, and Cirkut, “Selfish” is the first taste of solo music from Justin since his 2018 Man of the Woods record.
The video, directed by Bradley J. Calder (SZA, Tinashe), brings the introspection of the song to life by pulling back the curtain on the production process and blending the line between performance and reality. It’s a raw and honest portrayal of Justin as an artist and person.
Justin’s sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was is out March 15th. Pre-order HERE.
About Justin Timberlake:
Justin Timberlake is a multi-talented entertainer, recording artist, record producer, songwriter, and actor. Throughout his career, he’s sold over 54 million albums and 63 million singles globally, and a further 70 million records as the lead vocalist of *NSYNC.
Justin has won ten GRAMMY Awards across the pop, dance, and R&B genres, including his successful solo albums Man of the Woods, The 20/20 Experience, FutureSex/LoveSounds, and his debut solo album, Justified – as well as his collaborations with Jay-Z. He’s garnered over 23 billion audio and video streams globally and won four Emmy Awards for his memorable stints on “Saturday Night Live.”
On the big screen, he’s lent his voice to DreamWorks’ animated franchise phenomena TROLLS, including the third installment, 2023’s TROLLS BAND TOGETHER. His hit record “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” from TROLLS was nominated for “Best Original Song” at the 2017 Academy Awards.
Justin Timberlake’s new single “Selfish” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/Columbia Records. Watch the music video here.
Japanese pop-rock trio SKYGARDEN, comprised of Ryoichi “Ryo” Rivera Nagatsuka, Hiro Ozaki, and Iwaki “Iwa” Maegawa, is back with a brand-new single under Alt G Records entitled “HISTORIA,” which is now available on all digital platforms.
The JaPinoy rock song follows the trio’s debut single “KOKOA,” and promises to capture hearts once again with its message of love, loss, and finding strength in the past.
“Historia” is a deeply personal song for the band, inspired by member Iwa’s past relationship. It tells the story of two college sweethearts who are forced to break up due to the challenges of the pandemic. Despite their love for each other, Iwa decides to let his girlfriend pursue her dream of working abroad, sacrificing his own happiness for her future.
“It took me two years to move on from that relationship, and I will always love her. In those two years, I moved here in the Philippines, and we started SKYGARDEN. It was a really big decision, but I’m okay now. Sometimes, I think what would happen if I chose a different path,” shares Iwa.
“Even though Iwa and his girlfriend love each other, there’s this situation that made them break up,” explains Ryo. “Iwa lost his job during the pandemic, and he doesn’t want to hold her back. So, he makes the difficult decision to let her go, even though it hurts him deeply.”
Hiro, on the other hand, narrates the group’s experience recording the song for the first time in GMA Music’s studio. “It was our first time, and GMA Music has really good equipment. It made us appreciate the song even more, especially with the guidance of Sir Kedy Sanchez (GMA Music’s Artist and Repertoire Manager and in-house producer).”
The song is not just a tribute to Iwa’s past love, but also a message of hope and resilience. It encourages listeners to embrace their own “historias,” the memories that shape who they are, even if some of them are bittersweet.
The music video directed by Njel de Mesa, set for release on January 26, will further amplify the song’s message with a cinematic portrayal of the story.
Dive into SKYGARDEN’s “HISTORIA” when it drops this January 19 on digital platforms worldwide.
For more information on your favorite GMA Music artist, visit www.gmanetwork.com.
SB19’s PABLO is back with another bop! Blending hip-hop with rock music influences, the prolific songwriter/producer teams up with his brother Josue on this astounding new jam.
Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Pablo blurs the line between hip-hop and rock on the new single “DETERMINADO,” his first offering this year under Sony Music Entertainment.
Produced by his brother Josue, the genre-averse track pushes experimentation as far as it can go while retaining the La Luna act’s distinct qualities as an artist who is comfortable in his own identity and sonic direction.
Speaking highly of his favorite collaborator, PABLO praised Josue for infusing game-changing ideas during the incubation period of the track and allowing him to shine with a solid production style that doesn’t necessarily have to be confined to trends.
“We’re a team, we always work hand in hand, always learning from each other, and drawing inspiration back and forth,” said the multi-talented soloist. “We grew up in the same environment so we just vibe and connect easily.”
Integrating dense instrumentation with gloomy synths and booming, confrontational beats, “DETERMINADO” not only impresses listeners with its scale and ambition but also reveals a different side of the SB19 vocalist and main rapper: someone who finds moments of vulnerability and strength in the face of chaos. In the words of PABLO himself, “It’s a realization when we find the courage to actually do what we want, and what kind of artist we aspire to be. We are confronting our fears and roadblocks, but still moving forward.”
Determined to jumpstart a new phase in his career, PABLO is more confident in his undertaking as a musician, going to a sonic space that remains untouched even by his contemporaries and peers.
He adds, “Our music is not just the output; it’s a collective of all the micro-things that happen behind the scenes and throughout the process. We are more assertive now. Also, this song marks a departure from our previous releases; it’s a blend of hip-hop and rock genres.”
Aside from “DETERMINADO,” PABLO is also gearing up for a more exciting 2024. He’s looking into dropping more solo releases apart from his work with SB19, and possibly a debut album to be released soon.
As the prolific artist puts it, “Again, going back to the song title, we are indeed on this journey. I have so many things planned to do in 2024, and definitely one of those is to release my own album.”
PABLO’s “DETERMINADO” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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