Category: Music

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

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

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

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

Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2) embodies every aspect of Denise Julia: the real person stepping out of the limelight and online fanfare, stripped to the core with nothing but life lessons and bittersweet endings.

On her latest EP, she candidly expressed the feelings of being vulnerable and in love, and putting on a brave face even when confronted by difficult times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the tracklist for Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2):

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

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

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

OPM icon Ely Buendia marks an essential chapter in his solo career with the release of his sophomore album, Method Adaptor—out on Friday, November 8, 2024, via Offshore Music and Sony Music Entertainment.

Maintaining the sonic hallmarks that have made him a beloved figure in Pinoy rock, Ely Buendia’s new album examines memories, experiences, and social issues with both self-awareness and maturity. As someone who is known for unpacking cultural and personal narratives in ways that could be incisive but relatable, Ely has truly mastered the art form of reflection, especially when he weaves words and feelings with intricate instrumentation. On Method Adaptor, he delivers mastery in both restraint and complexity, often balancing both skills to create a sonic tapestry that instantly pulls listeners into its orbit.

As Ely explains it best, “I think all the songs have something to do with rebelling—be it from the disappointments and hardships of life or from the control that people want to have on your mind. I would say these are the most defiant songs I’ve written so far.”

Navigating through themes of sorrow, anger, joy, and triumph, the ten-track record shapes up to be one of the most captivating rock releases that came down the pike in recent memory. After being in the music business for more than 30 years, Ely admits that this album explores vulnerability that comes from a place of complicated humanity, revealing moments of fragility and darkness as he deals with the pressures of social expectations and career.

“Fame didn’t mix well with me,” Ely Buendia shares. “I just felt it got in the way of my trying to evolve as an artist and made me more guarded as a whole. Coming out for me means owning everything, both my failures and successes.”

Produced by Jerome Velasco and Audry Dionisio, with a little help from Erwin Romulo, Method Adaptor sounds consistently delightful from top to bottom, but with enough room to surprise or provoke.

“Kandarapa,” the album’s focus track and one of its highlights, is about fighting through the hard times not knowing if you can make it until the end. The music legend reveals that there are times when pressure in life can be a bit overwhelming, and all you want is to buckle and submit to the whim. “Sometimes you feel like you’re going to have to battle your way through the rest of your life.”

Other featured tracks in the album include previous releases “Tagpi-Tagping Piraso” and “Bulaklak Sa Buwan;” the somber piano ballad “Faithful Song,” the brooding, synth-pop tune “Kontrabando,” and the menacing stomper “Tamang Hinala”—to name a few.

Check out the Method Adaptor tracklist:

1. Faithful Song
2. Kandarapa
3. Bulaklak Sa Buwan
4. Tamang Hinala
5. Deadbeat Creeper
6. Sige
7. Tagpi-Tagping Piraso
8. Kontrabando
9. Chance Passenger
10. Esprit de Corpse

Ely Buendia’s Method Adaptor is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Offshore and Sony Music Entertainment.

On October 29, Ely Buendia held an intimate press conference to discuss his upcoming full-length album titled METHOD ADAPTOR. He is also set to an album launch concert at the 123 Block, Mandaluyong on November 8.

The veteran singer/songwriter/producer sat down with members of the media to candidly talk about his songwriting process, past insecurities, and his aspirations for the new album. As a bonus, he also gave us an advance copy of the album which he signed afterward. We’ll give a rundown on the first feel of Ely Buendia’s METHOD ADAPTOR – the main talking points, plus our impressions of the much-awaited album (without spoilers, of course).

It was a cloudy Tuesday afternoon, and around 20 media personnel huddled around the Sony conference room. In the center was the main character: Ely Buendia, with his bleached hair, and black polo matched with a black cap. Firstly, he apologized for being late, and then he sat down, ready to take on all the questions we had.

“I wanted to release a new album this year because I wanted to do something new,” he told us. “I don’t consider Wanted: Bedspacer an official release dahil kumbaga nag-experiment lang ako sa kwarto. I consider this the official album.” The aforementioned album was released in 2010, his solo voyage to test the waters, per se. From the get-go, he intended METHOD ADAPTOR to be the album defining his solo career.

SEE ALSO: Ely Buendia to launch new album, Method Adapter with a special full-length show

How did the album come about?

While touring different cities in the US with the Eraserheads last year, he started writing new songs. “The good thing about being on tour is that you can write anywhere. Ang daming downtime sa tour,” he said. Songwriting took him almost a year to complete. To confirm the rumors, some songs were taken from the baul.

Ely is also the type who finds inspiration in the chaos of being busy. “I’m glad that I have that sort of talent that I don’t have to isolate myself to be creative. I prefer busy environments, maraming tao,” he elaborated.

Why is the album titled METHOD ADAPTOR?

Ely said it depicts how the album was conceived – it was the strategy he sort of devised to write songs and create music. “It has been a while since I started writing new songs, and I experienced some sort of mild writer’s block. I just had to figure out how to be creative again and for me, that method was what I adapted,” he explained.

On October 29, Ely Buendia held an intimate press conference to discuss his upcoming full-length album titled METHOD ADAPTOR.

Why is the album titled METHOD ADAPTOR?

Ely Buendia said it depicts how the album was conceived – it was the strategy he sort of devised to write songs… pic.twitter.com/7lOSWtTfzK

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) October 31, 2024

Writer’s block and doubt

When prodded about his writer’s block, he responded that it was not severe. He was confident he could write, but he had certain doubts: “There was something at the back of my head: should I even do this? Will I be able to pull it off?”

He admitted that there was a time when he felt pressured by the expectations of Eheads fans which caused him to hesitate to write new material. This time, however, he fought off that line of thought. “Once I got that out of the way, and said bahala na! All you can do is be yourself and do your best, and medyo nagflow na yung ideas.”

What are the songs about?

So far, two songs from the album have been released to the public – “Bulaklak sa Buwan” and “Tagpi-Tagping Piraso”, both of which exude a certain amount of vulnerability at their core.

Ely Buendia shared that the lyrics are very personal. “Some songs in the album speak of my experience of being heartbroken, and not in a romantic sense.” The symbolism in the two songs could reveal disillusionment and frailty, exactly as he said.

“Bulaklak sa Buwan” is one song that he is very pleased with. “I pushed myself to write the song, make it more meaningful than what I’m used to writing,” he said.

Sound inspiration?

When asked about the musical inspiration he had, he answered, “I tried not to think about it too much when I was producing the album. I just try to set the stage like a director in a movie. I provide the environment for that, like choosing the producer.”

In line with his words, he chose his highly trusted music producers – Jerome Velasco, who has worked with him as the guitarist of bands Pupil and The Mongols, and Audry Dionisio, session guitarist and General Manager of Offshore Records, the record company he founded. He described them as people with whom he could bounce ideas naturally.

Does he care about what people think?

Over the years, the public has built this image of Ely Buendia being rather cold and enigmatic, but at this point, does he care what they think about his music especially now that he’s releasing a new album?

Ely paused a bit, staring off into space with a hand on his chin then said, “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care about what people think because I think music (and people) build empathy with one another. I admire artists who just do it for the art or their satisfaction. I find more satisfaction in communicating, in touching lives, that‘s the reason I do it.”

He continued, “I can write songs for myself, but what would be the point of that? This album is a form of reaching out to the community that I’m in and saying I’m still here.”

Does Ely Buendia care about what people think about his music?

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care about what people think because I think music (and people) build empathy with one another. (…) I find more satisfaction in communicating, in touching lives, that‘s the reason… pic.twitter.com/PwjTICwQIC

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) October 31, 2024

Was there a time when he didn’t care at all?

Short answer: Yes. There was a point during the press conference when he revealed that after the Eraserheads broke up, he just wanted to make more bands and write more songs that he liked, without caring about how people would react. “That was when there was a disconnect with my core audience,” he admitted. He then mentioned that he has now become more appreciative of what he has.

What was the idea behind the album cover?

Ely Buendia said that his team initially had a lot of ideas for it, but he decided to go for something simple: his portrait, explaining that “the songs are a portrait of me as a person now.”

What can the audience expect from the album release concert?

Without giving any room for spoilers, he replied, “A straightforward show – the audience to have multidimensional experience – that’s all I have to say about that now.”

The show will also feature his Offshore Music labelmates Alyson, Carousel Casualties, Aviators, Ligaya Escueta, and Pinkmen.

—

Near the end of the press conference, I also asked Ely Buendia, “What message do you hope fans would take away from your new music?”

His answer goes, “I guess I just want them to go back to the joy of hearing new music for the first time they like. That’s the tricky part – even though they know what to expect of me and they have preferences (of what they like from me) – I hope that I’ll still be able to surprise them.”

What message do you hope fans would take away from your new music?

“I guess I just want them to go back to the joy of hearing new music for the first time. That’s the tricky part – even though they know what to expect of me and they have preferences (of what they like from me)… pic.twitter.com/ziV65sRkc0

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) October 31, 2024

At home, it was past midnight when I put the CD on as I sat alone at my desk. With my earphones on, I waited patiently for the first hint of sound – “Faithful Song”. Right off the bat, I was taken aback. His words were spot on.

Without giving out any specifics, the album is worth listening to. Rid your mind of preconceived notions. It was fairly easy for me to be swayed into the melodies, interspersed with the lyrical rhythm and imagery that Ely Buendia is so great at. The album was a pleasant surprise – it transported me to the ‘80s stellar synth sound mixed with the grit of ‘90s guitar riffs.

What is the best way to listen to the album? Nothing beats hearing it live, of course! Don’t miss Ely Buendia’s METHOD ADAPTOR Album Launch on November 8 at 123 Block Mandaluyong. Get to see some amazing performances by Offshore Music artists ALYSON, Carousel Casualties, Aviators, Pinkmen, and Ligaya Escueta. Tickets are available at methodadaptor.helixpay.ph/

by Sandra Mae Laureano

Spotify will launch a bespoke RADAR campaign to continue to propel BABYMONSTER in the global music scene.

Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, announced that BABYMONSTER has been selected as the newest RADAR KOREA artist.

Spotify’s RADAR program is a global initiative created to support emerging artists on their journeys to superstardom. By providing tailored resources, RADAR helps artists at every stage of their development, while strengthening their connections with fans and new listeners. Since its inception in 2020, RADAR has spotlighted over 900 rising talents worldwide, including now international sensations such as The Kid LAROI, Lauv, Tyla, and Lil Baby. In Asia, the program has elevated artists in South Korea like NMIXX, Huh, LE SSERAFIM, Zior Park, RIIZE, and Filipino artists such as BINI, Maki, and Hev Abi.

Globally, RADAR artists have thrived under the program. They have been featured on more than 5,000 Spotify editorial playlists, and have, on average, seen a 40% increase in monthly listeners and a 30% growth in streams six months after becoming RADAR artists.

BABYMONSTER quickly captured attention with their powerful performances and unique edgy sounds, as seen with their hit songs like “BATTER UP” and “SHEESH”.

For their entry into RADAR, Spotify will support BABYMONSTER with its best-in-class editorial support and a bespoke campaign aimed at further broadcasting their talent and colors in the global music scene. In addition to fueling the discovery of the group’s music on playlists such as RADAR KOREA, Spotify will also release a host of exclusive content on its K-Pop ON! Spotify YouTube channel.

This November, fans can also look forward to catching BABYMONSTER at RADAR LIVE. An initiative under the RADAR program, RADAR LIVE was conceptualized to broadcast RADAR Korea artists to a broader audience through interactive experiences. RADAR LIVE is set to be held in Seoul and will be live-streamed for fans and listeners around the world. Listeners can stay tuned to @SpotifyKR on Instagram for updates and more details on BABYMONSTER’s RADAR campaign.

As of October 2024, BABYMONSTER has over 7 million monthly listeners and 2.6 million followers on Spotify, amassing fans from around the world in their rookie year. Just months after their debut, BABYMONSTER’s “SHEESH” ranked #5 on Spotify’s Global Impact List for South Korea, which recognizes the tracks by local artists that made the most global impact in the first half of 2024. The track is their most-streamed song on Spotify to date, followed by “BATTER UP” and “LIKE THAT”.

“The RADAR KOREA program bolsters Spotify’s mission of helping artists break through to global audiences by connecting them with new listeners worldwide,” said Jungjoo Park, Spotify’s Head of Music, Korea. “We are excited to welcome BABYMONSTER into RADAR, and can’t wait to see them continue to captivate even more fans with their incredible talent and charisma.”

“We are honored to be part of Spotify’s RADAR KOREA program and thrilled for the opportunity to reach more listeners across the globe,” said BABYMONSTER. “This is just the beginning of our journey, and we can’t wait to share more of our music with the world.”

The explosive track serves as the first single off their soon-to-be-released third album, The Traveller Across Dimensions.

Filipino band Ben&Ben heralds the start of a new era with the release of “Triumph,” the first single of their upcoming third album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, due out on November 29, 2024, via Sony Music Entertainment.

A massive rock anthem that defies sonic expectations, “Triumph” empowers listeners to work on quieting the voices inside their heads and not let anything or anyone hinder the progress that they’ve gained in reaching their goals and dreams.

The nine-piece act’s very own Paolo and Miguel Benjamin penned the stadium rouser, which was deeply inspired by the difficult struggles that the band has experienced over the years, particularly the kind that “would leave you running on empty and wondering how much longer things would have to go on feeling so unbearably heavy.”

The band explains, “Triumph is an anthem for those who are tired of being tired. It’s the fight song for the moments we have to be our own cheerleader, our own support system, our own best friend, our own defender. Even in our weakest moments, there are times we may feel the need to manifest victory, to speak hope into ourselves that we can emerge through any struggle triumphant.”

With a more theatrical approach to songwriting and production, Ben&Ben’s latest single achieves remarkable heights, driven by glam rock bombast and virtuosic instrumentation. It’s the first song that they’ve arranged and collaborated with their producer and friend, Ziv, whose expertise and skill added an invaluable layer of character and nuance to so many of their songs for the forthcoming album, including “Triumph.”

“For each song in the album, we would spend a day or two essentially conducting a workshop or brainstorming process to find what direction the song is pulling us towards,” Ben&Ben reveals. “As part of the democratic process, each band member contributes their ideas for the song while Ziv synthesizes and streamlines everything to gradually shape the final arrangement. After we settle on a band arrangement for the song, we head to the studio where even more details are meticulously fine-tuned.”

Pivoting towards a more multimedia approach for the next chapter of their music releases, Ben&Ben conveys a new dimension of storytelling through a fully 3D animated music video.

Introducing the character of Liwanag, the titular traveler from their new album, the music video of “Triumph” essays the story in a way that will have the audience immersed and curious about her journey. The concept of the MV was conceived by Paolo Benjamin, alongside Miguel Benjamin and the rest of the group, in collaboration with the extremely talented folks at Puppeteer Studios.

“We wanted to stray from the more reality-based music videos we’ve done so many of throughout our career, and as kids who grew up lovers of animation, video games, and all things fantastical, we really believe that animation is one of the most compelling ways to tell a story,” the critically acclaimed band shares in a press statement. “We naturally gravitate toward supporting characters who possess their own struggles, motivations, and emotions. Sometimes, we may find ourselves relating more to fictional characters than we do to real-life figures, as it often feels like life is stranger than fiction.”

Ben&Ben’s “Triumph” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

The delightful pop track serves as the third single off his upcoming EP “jgh,” to be released next month.

James Reid continues to earworm his way to pop ubiquity with the release of “Mirasol” via Sony Music Entertainment.

His latest single not only oozes undeniable charisma but also reinstates his potential as a hitmaker of first-rate caliber, boasting an impressive run of inescapable chart-toppers in the 2010s.

According to James, the song is about falling in love with a sunflower and how romance requires appreciation, protection, and understanding. “Love is an organic process and needs to grow naturally,” he adds.

“Mirasol” is co-written by James and Alison Shore, an R&B artist whose work brims with effortless cool and ‘90s suave. Both accomplished artists thought of using the sunflower as a metaphor “for a relationship that gives off an air of sweet summer romance and innocence.”

As James explains it further, “I want to connect on a different level with my fans that I haven’t been able to do before. Writing in Tagalog (Filipino) was a very welcomed challenge for me, and I’ve enjoyed it so much.”

One Click Straight’s Tim Marquez, a frequent collaborator of James himself, also brought a tapestry of effortlessly blissful sound that complements the romantic nature of the lyrics. The final product evokes the more commercial and critically acclaimed work of James Reid during the Diary Ng Panget era but is rendered with more sophistication and subtlety, production-wise.

“Mirasol” is the third single of his upcoming EP, jgh, which is slated to drop on November 22, 2024. The soon-to-be-released EP, which contains tracks such as “Sandal” and “Hurt Me Too,” is described to be a “return-to-form” record, touching on his softer, more vulnerable side and more pop-leaning direction.
James Reid’s “Mirasol” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and Careless.

After surprising fans with his story-driven conceptual single “The Other Side”, Bangkok-born singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit goes even deeper into the world of his alter ego Paul Vibhavadi on “Balter Baby”, the second single from his upcoming EP PAUL VIBHAVADI VOL. 1.

Released to streaming platforms on October 9, 2024, this dance-oriented piece is Phum’s first instrumental-only track that showcases another side of his musical tastes and capabilities. An animated music video for “Balter Baby” by Shea Oracheski and James Bedggood based on Phum’s concept will also debut on the official Phum Viphurit YouTube channel.

In terms of narrative, “Balter Baby” picks up just before where “The Other Side” left off, in which the lovable sloth Paul Vibhavadi is grappling with his newfound adulation amongst a sloth-worshipping tribe he stumbled upon during his journey in search of the magical forest of Himmapan. “I wanted to expand on a part of the previous music video when it shows the tribe worshipping him, almost like an Ari Aster, Midsommer-type dance,” says Phum. “So it’s showing Paul in the trance of that, what he was feeling in that dance sequence.”

Intriguingly, Phum opted to convey this chapter of Paul’s story via an instrumental track with no vocals, once again pushing the boundaries of his music in the process. “I’ve done instrumental-heavy music, but always with glimpses of my voice. This one’s purely for people to dance to,” says Phum. “Honestly, if you go through the last fifty of my liked Spotify songs, I would say 45 of them are instrumental music. When I’m looking for inspiration, I try to write lyrics over pre-existing instrumentals, and I wanted to deconstruct that method by, ‘Hey, what if I can capture someone’s attention or move their head along to this three-minute house track that’s guitar-based with some synths?’ It was an interesting challenge, but also fits within the theme of the story.”

Regarding the specific influences for “Balter Baby”, Phum says, “I listened to a lot of Modjo, a dance group from the 2000s. I also listened to a lot of Seventies Motown, funk, and disco. But most of it was led by the visual because I directed the ‘The Other Side’ music video and was pretty heavily involved in the animation process for the ‘Balter Baby’ video. So I was thinking of Paul’s story and what particular soundtrack would suit this scene.” Indeed, the music of “Balter Baby” perfectly complements the video that takes us into Paul’s mind as his immersion into this new world that has embraced him sees him grooving along like a retro dance video game character.

The choice of “Balter Baby” as a single also further emphasizes the boldness of Phum Viphurit’s exploration of the PAUL VIBHAVADI VOL. 1 EP, while still making sense within the context of the project. “I felt like it was going to introduce a new house-inspired song like ‘The Other Side’, I needed a bit of a continuation before I break from that tempo and texture, so ‘Balter Baby’ was the most natural selection to me,” he says. “It’s like, ‘Hey, it’s not just a one-off thing.’ I’m playing with the idea of trance, movement, and motifs throughout the whole EP.”

The end of the “Balter Baby” video sees Paul Vibhavadi enclosed in a glowing orb as he floats away from that tribe, and the audience is free to draw their conclusions – or look for more answers when the PAUL VIBHAVADI VOL. 1 drops on October 17. “I know it’s quite a conceptual piece of work, and there’ll be many different interpretations of it,” says Phum. “But I’m so excited to show my creativity and make people feel something again with this next piece of work.”

HORI7ON ups the anticipation for their return to the Philippine concert stage as the global boy group is set to reveal their newest song at the DAYTOUR: ANCHOR HIGH concert!

HORI7ON (Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus) will release a new song on November 3rd, according to their agency, MLD Entertainment.

This new song, which embraces the seven lads’ coming-of-age transition and displays their unexpected charms, stands out due to its hip-hop pace and potent rap lines. It signals a departure from the group’s youthful image. HORI7ON, who is renowned for bringing vivacious and energizing energy, is anticipated to welcome listeners worldwide with a more sophisticated persona than their prior concept.

Fans’ interest and eagerness are growing as the new song will be unveiled for the first time at HORI7ON’s second concert, “DAYTOUR: ANCHOR HIGH,” which will take place in Manila, Philippines.

HORI7ON had previously released and widely promoted a rendition of the iconic Filipino boy band The Boyfriends’ song “SUMAYAW SUMUNOD“. They exhibited their increased musical abilities and presented hopeful sentiments, establishing their place as “youth icons.”

In addition, HORI7ON recently made an appearance on KBS’s “Immortal Songs,” where they worked with their senior artist, the renowned vocalist Lee Seung Chul, to create a unique stage that touched people of all ages. The group’s forthcoming release and activities are eagerly awaited since they have been progressively garnering notice in a variety of disciplines.

On November 3 at 12PM KST, HORI7ON’s new song will be available on streaming platforms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arthur Nery is closing out 2024 with a bang, offering fans new music and a major concert.

R&B sensation Arthur Nery released his highly anticipated sophomore album titled “II: The second” on September 28, 2024. This will be his first album in five years, following the success of his 2019 debut, “Letters Never Sent.” Arthur’s signature soulful sound, blending R&B with pop and heartfelt lyricism, has captivated the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) scene, and fans are excited to hear what he has in store next.

The tracklist for “II: The second” has been revealed, promising a dynamic collection of songs:

• Na Naman
• I Gotchu
• Di Nakakasawa (feat. Kiyo)
• Lullaby (feat. Jolianne)
• Get Going (feat. Jon)
• O Ninanais
• Nasa’king Damdamin
• Segundo, Siguro
• Foolish
• Paalam Lang Ang Palagi

This new album comes with collaborations from artists like Kiyo, Jolianne, and Jon, creating a rich and diverse sonic experience. Certainly, fans can expect Arthur’s signature songwriting skills as he was also hands-on in producing and arranging the said album along with his smooth vocals, clever wordplay, and emotive melodies.

Adding to the excitement, Arthur Nery will headline a solo concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on October 25, 2024. This marks his return to the iconic venue following his sold-out show in 2022 at the New Frontier Theater. Known for his chart-topping hits like “Pagsamo” and “Take All The Love,” the concert will likely feature fresh tracks from his new album, making it one of the most anticipated events in the OPM scene this year.

Arthur Nery’s new album and concert solidify his status as one of the most exciting voices in Filipino music today. Fans will surely enjoy a soulful blend of R&B, pop, and heartfelt lyrics that Arthur has become known for, as he continues to carve out his own space in the music industry.

The official MV will be released here soon.

Acclaimed artist Phum Viphurit returns with a funky, cosmic pop track that marks his riveting transition in sound and character.

His new single “The Other Side” finds the Bangkok-born singer-songwriter exploring creative inspiration in different disciplines that encompass and connect storytelling, dance music, and humor. Phum himself will also debut a music video on the official Phum Viphurit YouTube channel.

The Loverboy act recently teased the arrival of “The Other Side” on his Instagram page, leaving his feed completely blank. He also dropped a couple of cryptic videos that show him transitioning into a different creature—a metaphor for a shift in musical direction and songwriting style for his new era.

Enter Paul Vibhavadi, the loveable anthropomorphic sloth you might recognize from the cover artwork of Phum’s second album. The Greng Jai Piece that has also become his logo and the main character of “The Other Side”. “He’s basically a hybrid of Sloth and human who tries his best to fit into city life and the pacing of it. But he’s a sloth, he’s not meant to be in the city,” says Phum, who’s so in tune with Paul that you can see him literally turning into the sloth in his recent hilarious Instagram posts. (That’s also Phum dressed up as Paul in The Other Side’s music video.)

“The Other Side” traces Paul’s quest to find somewhere he truly belongs. “He finds a mythical map to Himmapan, this magical forest in Buddhist culture that is neither heaven nor hell. It’s a peaceful limbo where time doesn’t move and he can just exist in peace and solitude, and that’s all a sloth wants,” says Phum. “He decides to leave everything behind and follows the directions, but before he makes it to the forest gateway, he stumbles across a tribe that worships sloths and they think he’s the Lisan al Gaib. He’s not, but he fakes it because he loves the attention even though he knows it’s wrong and he’s not the one they’re looking for. So ‘The Other Side’ is an introduction to the world of Paul Vibhavadi and the lyrics speak about the rules of the tribe and how a sloth should be.”

Besides introducing the audience to the world of Paul, “The Other Side” also showcases a musical style that Phum has always been a fan of but hadn’t had the chance to explore in his material until now. “For the longest time I’ve been into an early 2000s house and I always knew that I wanted to incorporate my guitar playing into that type of BPM,” he says.

This combination of new approaches makes “The Other Side” the perfect choice as the first single from Phum Viphurit’s upcoming EP PAUL VIBHAVADI VOL. 1, which is due for release on October 17. “I think it’s the perfect introduction that brings the audience gently into this weird and wacky world. And it also introduces the new sonic elements, the house music element of it all,” he says.

Overall, “The Other Side” is just the beginning of the surprises that Phum Viphurit has in store. Along with the other new tracks he will soon unveil, it’s sure to leave a deep impression on old and new listeners alike. “It feels like Act 1 of a movie I’m making, to look at it from a creative perspective,” he says. “I hope people interpret it however they want. That would be my greatest wish.”