P-Pop has found its bright new star as new boy group BGYO’S music video for its debut single “The Light” continues to rake in thousands of views and positive reviews following the group’s grand launch.

The music video already has a combined total of over 700,000 views from its official YouTube channel and Facebook page, which continue to grow.

Composed of Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate, the group was initially known as SHA Boys, which first got TV audiences and netizens’ admiration as the group made the rounds of television shows. Their “It’s Showtime” performance has over a million views and earned praises for its outstanding precision.

As the music video premiered at the launch, the group got the chance to show off their skills once more. For the boys, it was a result of many hours of hard work.

“All the hardwork was worth it, now that I’m seeing the video for the first time,” Akira said.

For group leader Gelo, it was the culmination of their long and daunting journey. “Nakakaiyak yung Makita mo yung journey naming leading to this,” he said.

Meanwhile, fan energy for the group was strongly felt at the launch as they stormed social media with tweets that showered the five young men with praises for their talent and refreshing presence in the music scene.

Rosa Diaz said, “Those vocals and choreo. Plus points their visuals! Complete package. ABS-CBN hit a jackpot here.”

"Madaming ibubuga. Yung charisma nila sa stage (ung swag) andoon. Their visuals are all superb. Good voice too. Hindi ko makalimutan ung sa Asap! Doon ako unang naamaze sa kanila. How well they performed despite their struggle w/ their lapels," @poreveryoung posted.

With an aim to create music that resonates with the youth today, BGYO’s debut single “The Light” is a song about empowerment, hope, and self-love. 

 

In 2020, Bryan Estepa released two new songs, continuing on from the success of his exceptional 2019 album Sometimes I Just Don’t Know. The second of those singles, ‘Admit Now, Pay Later’, received a video premiere on Rolling Stone Australia, was featured on NME Australia and had strong national radio airplay - including selection as one of the featured Singles of the Week on 2ser FM in Sydney. Now the Sydney-based Filipino songwriter reveals the second of his collaborative efforts with multi ARIA and APRA award-winning Australian songwriter Josh Pyke.

Estepa has always had an undeniable ear for hooks. Combined with classic pop and rock arrangements, (like his heroes You Am I, The Beatles and Wilco) his songs always possess a timeless quality. He’s proved it over and over again across six acclaimed albums and live shows in Australia, Japan, the USA, UK, Spain, Sweden and the Philippines.

On 'Trick of the Light', Estepa combines heavenly melodies and a melancholic air on this irresistible slice of indie guitar pop, singing about acceptance, letting go and allowing yourself to feel whatever it is that comes out while you’re treading new waters. As always with his songwriting, there are layered poetic brushstrokes in the way Estepa blends and informs his songs with multiple meanings, as he explains. “I also like the idea that the presence of light does not necessarily signal happiness or life but can also mean that emotions and perception can be blurred by its appearance.”

Working with Pyke, Estepa was impressed with the producer’s instinct and ability to enhance the inherent strengths of Estepa’s songs. “It's exciting watching Josh work! You sense that his creative light is always on and he needs to get his ideas out quickly before it starts to flicker. He takes on what I think the song’s direction might be but adds a couple of detours that are normally right on the money.”


Pyke is quick to reciprocate the praise. “Bryan’s a great writer and collaborator. He’s got a classic pop sensibility but is really open to feedback and experimentation which made my job as producer really fun and free.” Sonically, there’s a beautiful weightlessness to the production and instrumentation that gracefully carries the song. Guitars sparkle and lightly jangle amid some sublime piano, backing vocals and percussive elements that add unique detailing to the melodic richness of the track.


About Bryan Estepa
Born in Cubao, Quezon City in the Philippines, Estepa and his family moved to Sydney, Australia in 1987. It was there, at the age of 15, that he began to pursue the craft of songwriting before starting his adult musical journey fronting indie pop band Swivel in the late-90s pub scene. He recorded his inaugural CD with the band, which paved the way for his solo career. A year of travelling across the USA and performing at open mic nights inspired songs for his debut EP, Start Again in 2003 and since then Estepa has gone on to release six critically acclaimed solo albums (All The Bells And Whistles, Sunday Best, Vessels, Heart Vs Mind, Every Little Thing and Sometimes I Just Don’t Know). Read more about Estepa’s musical and life journey in this piece he wrote for SBS.

Bryan Estepa’s ‘Trick of the Light’ is now available on all streaming and digital platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.

From SHA Boys to BGYO. 

All eyes are on new P-Pop boy group BGYO as they make a big splash at their grand launch on January 29 (Friday) on KTX.PH. 

Dubbed as “Be The Light: THE BGYO Launch,” the online event will be packed with treats for fans as it features the five boys in an exciting performance, never-before-seen videos of their journey, as well as the debut of the music video of their first single, “The Light.”

The launch will also serve as the group’s very first fan conference, which will offer fans the chance to interact with their idols and join in fun games. Priced at P499 for those who want to be a part of the virtual audience and P299 for the general audience, tickets to this highly anticipated event are now up for grabs on KTX.PH.

Formerly known as the SHA Boys, BGYO is composed of Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate. They are graduates of the Star Hunt Academy, which prepares and trains talents who are groomed for international stardom.

Follow BGYO through their official media accounts: bgyo_ph on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, @officialbgyo on Tiktok and BGYO Official on YouTube. Each BGYO member can also be followed on their personal social media accounts, all with the official BGYO logo as their profile pictures with “ofcbgyo” in their usernames.

The group’s television performances via “It’s Showtime” has been viewed over two million times. They have also appeared in “ASAP Natin ‘To,” ABS-CBN’s “Ikaw ang Liwanag at Ligaya” Christmas special as well as the KTX: Ang Babait Ninyo Christmas Special pre-show, and the PBB Connect Opening Night.

BGYO is among the latest additions to the roster of Star Magic talents, along with their sister group BINI, who also trained under Star Hunt Academy for two years. They were also welcomed last year to the Star Music family.

After a few decades, Julie Vega's debut single "Somewhere In My Past" will finally be revived. If you're one of the 80's generations you'll probably remember that this song was composed by Doc Mon del Rosario and sung by Julie Vega. Remember that the composer, Sir Mon, is very meticulous when it comes to this particular song, and no wonder it took decades before it was given a chance to be sung again by someone else. This time the great passionate voice of the Revival King, Jojo Mendrez, captured the essence that Doc Mon is looking for.

So, what were the criteria considered in picking the singer who will sing this song? One is the quality of voice - one that possesses a high level of competency as a singing artist and the next one, which is a hidden criteria, is the personality of the artist - he or she should be a likable person even outside the song. And it was clear that Jojo Mendrez possesses these criteria. 

Singapore hip-hop/visual artist Ihasamic! and producer Wovensound show their creativity in full force with the release of REPACK out today on all digital platforms worldwide via Umami Records.

Redefining the visual album format with infectious lo-fi sounds and impeccable direction, the 4-track EP and short film tell the journey of a person struggling with his mental health and how sometimes life can fall into what feels like an endless loop, the same experiences, and conversations you have with yourself repackaged into different days.

“These 4 tracks were meant to be like a short, reflective therapy session,” Wovensound shares. “They cover the theme of repetition and mundane cycles that we go through daily, on a much more personal level - an internalized conflict instead of an externalized struggle. Ihasamic! wanted it to play like a slice-of-life story that loops daily, when repackaged into a different vessel, will you be able to tell the same shit apart on different days? That’s the question that pops in our head during the entire production process.”

Featuring local artists CHAE, Shai, and Raina Sum, the visual EP meld surreal visuals with an incisive commentary on mental health awareness. Rap artist Ilhasamic! adds, “Sonically the EP is played in a cinematic way, four acts one after another, and makes sense when repeated start to end in a loop. The visuals of the accompanying short film complete it.”

Directed by Ihasamic!, the 10-minute short film weaves the entire EP into a visual story that mirrors the musical journey of REPACK. It premiered to fully sold-out screenings on 7 January 2021 at the UltraSuperNew Gallery, Singapore.

Wovensound and Ihasamic! are also collaborating on their 6-track debut EP Vertigos Fulfilled, dropping in June 2021.

Listen to REPACK via Umami Records: https://www.umamirecords.sg/repack/

There's no heavy downpour of rain that will stop the Revival King, Jojo Mendrez in visiting and paying respect to Julie Vega's grave, which happened on January 3, 2021, at the Loyola Memorial Park. 

Surprising and interesting, does this visit of Jojo Mendrez is an indication that he has been chosen to revive the song "Somewhere in My Past," which was popularized by Julie Vega? Or probably, he simply wanted to visit since, like many, the singer-actress is idolized by the Revival King? Whatever the reason for this visit I'm sure it is very interesting. 

Aside from entertaining some of these questions, it can really be assumed that Jojo was really chosen to sing the famous song of the '80s. The visit could also be indicative of gratefulness to the singer-actress, or out of respect to the 80's famous teen star, to ask blessings of permission to revive her beautiful song. 

Four of the former housemates collaborate together to come up with the newest official soundtrack of this year's Pinoy Big Brother season. Kiara, Shawntel, Jem, and Lie wrote and sang the official soundtrack of “PBB Connect” which was titled “Connected Na Tayo.”  According to them, they created the song during the pandemic. 

Kiara shared her experience working on the song during the pandemic. “Isang karangalan po talaga na makapagsulat or makagawa (ng song for PBB). Even just singing the theme song of PBB is a great opportunity na for us, for me. Kahit magkakalayo-layo kami, si Shawntel that time nasa Baguio, si Jem sa Pampanga, magkasama kami ni Lie, pero connected pa rin talaga kami doon sa song,” she shared.



For updates, visit https://app.kumu.ph/PBBabscbn or follow “PBB” on Facebook (PBBABSCBNTV), Twitter (PBBABSCBN), and Instagram (PBBABSCBNTV), and subscribe on YouTube (Pinoy Big Brother). For more news, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

I love music, and I love hearing new songs and rhythms from different artists, most especially the indies. Yes, remember the band that I have featured before, the Arkos? Well, I think they are still an indie band. What I like about indies or underground music is that most of them are not limited to the type of music that they are playing. They have this distinct sound and artistry with them that makes them more interesting to listen to.

This time we're featuring another talent, a singer and songwriter, a shy-type of person but blessed with so much beauty and talent, Camina Topacio. Yes, I know some of you might tell 'I have seen her before' and yes, she has been in the limelight before, and probably that was a decade ago. Now, she's back with her latest single entitled "Guilt Stricken."

So, for those who don't know her yet, well, her name is Carmina Topacio. She is an indie singer-songwriter based in Manila, beautiful as you can see and a well-talented musician because she can play the piano, guitar and take note she's the one who produces all her songs. Like I mentioned earlier, Carmina has been in the limelight before, and that was when she was still 17 when she started her own Youtube Channel. She was known for her cover songs like Avenged Sevenfold's 'Afterlife', 'Gunslinger,' and 'Eyes on Me' from the Final Fantasy 8 soundtrack. She also wrote some original compositions like 'I don't want to love another' and 'It's always been you,' all were released on YouTube.

About her song, "Guilt Stricken," is an old school alternative rock type of music. It was inspired by a toxic relationship she had in the past. According to Carmina, "... when a person you love continues to hurt you, the question that keeps repeating in your head is how they could do it and live with it. You wonder if they feel any remorse. The song talks about that, but it could also be interpreted and seen from the perspective of the person who has done wrong and is experiencing the unsettling feeling of guilt. I want to share it because I think a lot of people could relate to it."

Carmina ventured out to Spotify with the first song that she released entitled "By my side," which is basically about long-distance relationships. Since the lockdown, many relationships were affected, and some couples got to experience what it was like being in a temporary LDR. this was released during Carmina's birthday last July 1.

Now, her "Guilt Stricken" song was added to the Official Spotify Playlist, Fresh Finds Philippines. It is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, and other music platforms.

Last August 27, She premiered her self-produced homemade music video. She shot her scenes with a little help from her siblings and learned how to use Adobe Premiere to edit.

So, that's our featured artist for today, CARMINA TOPACIO. Follow her on her social media or visit her website.

Carmina Topacio Website
Spotify 

The fame and existence of an artist is not just because of his or her works or artistry because of the people supporting the artist, these are the fans. Even the smallest artist in industry has its own fans that supports him or her all the way and because of them that artist does the best in every performance.

Jayda Avanzado, one of the blooming artists in the music industry, is now a certified member of the growing family of Palmolive Girls. She is now part of the long lines of celebrities promoting long and beautiful hair like Janella Salvador, KC Concepcion, Julia Barretto, Carla Abellana, Janine Gutierrez, Kisses Delavin, Heart Evangelista, Megan Young, and Liza Soberano.

Jayda Avanzado is the offspring of Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragosa, and now you know where she gets the talent and the beauty. But of course, Jayda is making her way in the industry. Not just because she is an Avanzado but because of her personality. She is more likely a new gene of artist.

Meet the new #PalmoliveGirl in town, @jayda! “It really is an honor! I’ve used Palmolive products, especially their shampoos, since I was a little girl, so it’s definitely a dream come true for me to be named a Palmolive girl”, Jayda shared. We are so proud of this milestone Jayda! 🌟 @palmoliveph Video clips: @starmusicph
Posted by Cornerstone Entertainment Inc. on Sunday, August 9, 2020

I think most of the ladies are Palmolive users, and who would not know this brand, the Palmolive brand? I guess every ladies are hoping to be part of the Palmolive Girls. So as for Jayda, “It really is an honor! I’ve used Palmolive products, especially their shampoos, since I was a little girl, so it’s definitely a dream come true for me to be named a Palmolive girl."

So, we will be seeing more of Jayda in the coming days. Congratulations Jayda!

An interesting musical collaboration from two of the best voices of their generation. Young singers Darren Espanto and Jayda have partnered for the first time for the warm and rosy love song “Sana Tayo Na” produced under Star Music.

The two initially teased the collaboration by simply tweeting “Sana tayo na” and tagging each other’s accounts, which immediately sent Twitter abuzz with assumptions on what their posts meant. “SANA TAYO NA” even landed on the site’s Philippine trends list.

A feel-good love poem, “Sana Tayo Na” confesses two people’s hopes of being together in the future with assurance and stability. It’s a lighthearted take on expecting that the stars would align and unite two people in love someday.

The track is a revival of Jayda’s father Dingdong Avanzado’s composition, which was originally a part of his “Coming of Age” album. The new version was produced by Jayda and ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.

Jayda’s last collaboration was with “The Voice Teens” finalist Jeremy G in 2019 for the heartening track "Perfectly Imperfect" which she penned. Darren, on the other hand, is fresh from performing his latest single “Sasagipin Kita” at the virtual celebration of MYX Awards 2020.

Believe that you’ll eventually be with the one you love by listening to Darren and Jayda’s “Sana Tayo Na” on various digital streaming services. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph), and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

Joining GMA Artist Center is Ms. Aiai Delas Alas' way of paying homage to the network where she belongs. She's still the same comedienne, with the same entertaining spirit, and the same person who displays her personality, the only thing that has changed today is that she's doing this with a new partner, bringing more good vibes to her fans and supporters.

As she moves to a new phase in her life, signing a contract under GMA Artist Center, we can expect more fun.

“Nag-decide ako to join GMA Artist Center kasi it’s time I pay back. Since 1990, taga-GMA na ako talaga, sila ang nagbigay sa akin ng chance na makilala noong struggling artist pa ako, noong ako ay bago pa sa industriya. Dahil ngayon 30th anniversary ko and sumabay din ako sa 70th anniversary ng GMA, para terno!”

Present during the contract signing ceremony held at the 17th floor executive lounge of GMA were Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun Ferrer, and Senior Talent Manager Daryl Zamora.

According to Aiai, she still has a lot to bring to the table.

Aiai invites her fans to watch out for her upcoming projects, “Napaka-daming ganap. Mayroon akong soap, ‘The Clash Season 3,’ at mayroon din akong out of the country shows na hindi natuloy pero matutuloy na after COVID-19.”

Moreover, she hopes that this new partnership will open more doors for her. A few of her fellow Kapuso artists she looks forward to work with in the future are Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards, Rocco Nacino, EA Guzman, Sanya Lopez, among others.

Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable has nothing but praises for the Kapuso artist, "Siyempre masaya, there are so many reasons to celebrate, especially with all these things happening around us. She still has 'The Clash,' alam naman natin na talagang nilu-look forward ng audience 'yung pag-judge niya because she always comes up with the funniest, very constructive comments, and 'yung mga outfits niya. Aside from that, of course, she can do drama, we know that she won several awards. Maraming pwede gawin si Aiai, kahit online."

Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara said it’s an honor to have Aiai in their roster of stars, “We welcome Ms. Aiai delas Alas to GMA Artist Center. We are thrilled to work with her in her upcoming projects and to find more opportunities for growth."

Watch out for what’s in store for Aiai and remain updated through GMA Artist Center’s official social media pages

Singapore electronic producer Xinister collaborates with Los Angeles based Asian-American rapper Blahza on ‘Break,’ released via Singapore based indie label Umami Records.

The lo-fi rap tune emphasizes the importance of staying humble while grinding and hustling for that big break. Blahza shares, “Rappers nowadays feel like they have to be loud and obnoxious to get on. This song has a similar message, but approaches it in an opposite style. Plus, with the whole COVID-19 thing going on now, I feel hating is at an all-time high. People seem to be so quick to point fingers.”

Known for his intense, high-energy trap/dubstep tracks which have already been featured on Spotify’s Bass Arcade, Beast Mode, Dubstep Don, and Trap Mojito, ‘Break’ is Xinister’s first hip-hop production. “I want to be more versatile and to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone”, shares Xinister. “With ‘Break’, I was going for a chill COVID-19 stay home vibe. Blahza definitely killed it.”

In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, from their homes on opposite sides of the world in Singapore and Los Angeles, both artists went back and forth to write and produce ‘Break’ without ever having met each other in person. Xinister says, “it’s just two guys from different countries, only talking to each other online, yet we connected with each other instantly.”

“It was pure musical chemistry”, adds Blahza.

Xinister has 3 more singles planned for release in 2020, and Blahza will be releasing his LP, Sad Songs For Happy People over the next 12 months.

Listen to ‘Break’ by Xinister and Blahza everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/break/

Now we're sharing a new release in the R&B genre here which is from a Hong Kong based artist, Gareth.  Read the whole details below.

Hong Kong R&B artist Gareth.T has released his first single via Singapore based indie label Umami Records - ‘best me i can’. A smooth R&B song filled with lush harmonies and soulful grooves, ‘best me i can’ is about making the most of our short lives, and always striving to be the best version of ourselves.

Currently based in Boston while studying at Berklee College of Music, Gareth.T shares his personal story behind the song: “I wrote this song after my grandma passed away recently. Even though we weren’t that close and it didn’t emotionally affect me too much, it really got me thinking about how short and fragile life is, and that time doesn’t really stop for anyone. So in the song I kinda reflect on my 20 years of life, and I’ve come to a conclusion, that I’m going to try to be the best me I can, everyday.”

Being a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer allows Gareth.T the complete creative freedom to express his own unique style, and you can hear this throughout his repertoire. In this self-produced track, Gareth.T takes influences from 80s/90s R&B and combines them with modern elements like the drums and 808s, creating a novel blend of new and old.

“I think the line ‘best me I can’ would be the most important thing in the song, and the part I like the most as it’s a really simple concept to get. But with some lush harmonies and the soulful groove, the cheesiness of the line is taken away.”, said Gareth.T.

Gareth.T has been releasing a track every month in 2020 and will be keeping up this prolific pace moving forward.

Singapore pop artist Dominic Chin has released BETTER, the fifth single of his 7-track debut EP License To Cry, via indie label Umami Records.

BETTER is a poppy, free-spirited song about the joys of being high on love. Dominic Chin shares: “This song is inspired by love! There’s a quote that says ‘falling in love is the best high without breaking the law’, and I fully agree! The whole chorus talks about how flowers smell better, time passes much slower, the sky is BLUE-ER. How you don’t ever want time to stop when you’re with the person you love.”

Fun, playful melodies accompany Dominic’s beautiful and infectious vocals, leading up to unapologetically brash and compelling choruses which he proudly belts out. “I felt like it needed a quirky aspect too, and that's why I sang ‘You-you-you’ with a slight yodle. AND I love showing off my whistling skills. I have been practicing for years, finally I can properly show it off!” shared Dominic.

Dominic Chin invites us to embrace the unbridled joy and warmth that emanate in his song: “Sometimes we are afraid to love because we are afraid to be hurt, and we don't say what we feel as much, we don’t communicate enough. Let this song be a dedication to your significant other. Being in love is scary but it’s one of the most beautiful things in the world for humans to experience. ‘The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.’”

A music video follows this release, as well as a custom Instagram AR filter, which fans can use to get the same “hearts on face” makeup (without the mess) as seen in Dominic’s music video and album art. The rest of Dominic Chin’s EP will be released in the second half of 2020, leading up to his debut show at the Esplanade Singapore on 21 August.

BETTER by Dominic Chin is available everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/better/ Try out the Instagram AR filter here: https://instagram.com/ar/3717599598310896/

KwentoNiToto.com continues to share music from different genres and even different countries, so I do hope you would love to hear these kinds of music from these different artists.

Israeli singer-songwriter VANNA released a music video for her latest single titled 'Let Me Fall' via Umami Records.

Directed by award-winning independent filmmaker Matan Balalty and French-Israeli artist Noémie Dahan, the music video was shot at the Beit Talal In Jaffa and features four professional contemporary dancers.

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), Let Me Fall is an ambient-folktronica song about letting yourself fall completely in love, and embracing the vulnerability that comes along with that. “When you fall in love, you expose yourself to getting hurt. It’s an endless paradox. When you let someone enter your inner world, you’re allowing them to gently break down your walls and then amazing things can happen.”, shares VANNA, “I was scared that one day I’d lose this feeling, and when it really happened I felt so alone trying to move on. This is the risk you take for falling in love.

‘Let Me Fall’ by VANNA is available everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/let-me-fall/

Interesting news from one of the well-known artists in the music industry, Rico Blanco, who is by the way has finally dropped the official music video for his new solo single in four years.

With various footage taken here and abroad, the visuals for “This Too Shall Pass” take a closer look at how the pandemic has brought the entire world to a standstill.

Given the unprecedented uncertainty and challenges that COVID-19 poses, the video doubles as a tribute to the unsung heroes and frontliners leading the fight against an invisible enemy, showing us the true meaning of bayanihan in times of crisis.

Intercut with scenes of the “new normal” from around the globe, it also depicts the alt-rock icon performing the song at the confines of his home: devoid of flashy production designs and envelope-pushing concepts, but framed with an underlying message of resilience and hope.

Positive Reception
Two weeks earlier, “This Too Shall Pass” was released on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide under Sony Music.


The massive anthem has received critical acclaim from various publications in the country. MYX Philippines praised his work for giving listeners “a sense of reassurance, something we all need given the current situation.” Bandwagon Asia called the song an “ode to the light of the human spirit in dark times,” while GMA News described it as “a perfect source of inspiration.”

An Initiative for COVID-19 Response and Relief
To help fund the collective COVID-19 response in the Philippines, Rico Blanco is waiving his artist royalties for the music video of “This Too Shall Pass,” and Sony Music Philippines will be donating 100% of the global proceeds to www.puhon.ph for the first 6 months of release.

Puhon means “hopefully” in Visayan. The site contains inspiring stories and messages of encouragement to people at the frontline of fighting the pandemic.

Using the tagline #MakeHopeViral, to date, the site has raised P4.6M for personal protective equipment (PPEs) & nutrition support for frontline healthcare workers, COVID-19 testing kits, and relief goods for daily wage workers. Other SME Philippines artists with messages of support & encouragement on the site are SB19, Zelijah, Dionela, Nathan & Mercury, Alex Bruce, Ace Banzuelo & syd hartha.

The music video of Rico Blanco’s “This Too Shall Pass” is now out on YouTube.

Another interesting musical project from one of the known band in the country, 6cyclemind, will be doing their best and effort to show appreciation to the fans who have been through their musical journey, 6cyclemind recently teamed up with Sony Music Philippines for Sige I-Cover Mo Lang Project.

The initiative, which was supposed to be an independent project, encouraged fans to submit covers of their favorite songs from the band’s catalog.

“Throughout our career, we have been touring different parts of the country,” vocalist Tutti Caringal said. “We are lucky to witness how our audience, even from far flung areas, sing our songs with us. This is indeed a very magical feeling. Online, we can also view our fans cover our songs. This makes us feel that, somehow, through our music, we have touched their lives. This is the reason why we have decided to do this project.”

With number one singles, best-selling albums, and sold-out shows, 6cyclemind continues to gain foothold in the local music industry. Their latest project is a testament to their growing and respectable discography, a proof of their legacy as a band known for their heartfelt and rousing anthems.

Fan involvement

The five-piece pop-rock act did not set some specific criteria for the fan submissions, and accepted all entries—whether phone recordings, changed tempo or genre.

6cyclemind lead guitarist Herbert Hernandez added, “We gave them the freedom to interpret the song of their choice. While screening the entries, we followed our gut feel and looked for the cover that will move us. There were many entries that we really liked. It was difficult for the band to eliminate the other submissions because we had to limit it to just 3. Part 2, perhaps?”


2020 version of “Biglaan”

From the pool of submissions, Bianca’s stripped-down version of “Biglaan” stood out the most. It earned a spot as one of the first among the three winners of the all-covers record. “Whenever I want to cover songs, I usually just search for the chords and let myself feel the music,” the budding artist said. “I was pretty melancholic during these times so my general approach was to make the song softer and downcast which is what I usually do to songs I usually sing.”

According to Bianca, the project “was such a great platform to thank the band’s fans and also give opportunities to artists” like her.

The sixteen-year-old singer-songwriter recorded the song at Backdoor Recording Studio, and it was produced by 6cyclemind.

Bianca’s rendition of “Biglaan” is now available on various music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Okay, I've been busy lately and haven't been pretty into the music news. So, this is just something that I saw on my feed and got me curious enough to check it out. Why don't you check out what is this Doja Cat is.

With its effervescent disco sheen, attention-grabbing chorus, and inescapable vibe, Doja Cat’s “Say So” is shaping up to be a global smash. The song currently sits at number 32 on Spotify Philippines Viral 50 and has climbed steadily on the Billboard Hot 100 for more than a month since its debut. In a short period of time, it has reached more than a hundred million streams worldwide, becoming Doja Cat’s biggest hit on Spotify.

The song’s breakthrough could be attributed in part to its success on video-sharing social networking platform, TikTok, where it inspired various dance challenges from top Hollywood celebrities and social media influencers.

Fashion and entertainment magazine Nylon explains how the hip-hop/R&B star’s viral breakout made its way into the consciousness of the short-form video app: “In retrospect, Say So was destined to be a great TikTok fodder: the irresistible disco beat plus sassy lyrics which translate well into easy-to-learn dance moves,” writer Steffanee Wang shares. “At this point, it's fair to say that literally everyone has done the challenge, including James Charles and a girl on like, 20-foot stilts.”

Due to the song’s massive success on the platform, Doja Cat, along with Tyra Banks, recently headlined TikTok’s Black Creators Summit, where she capped off the event with a performance of her current dance craze.

Here in the Philippines, the American rapper, singer and producer’s latest chart-topper is also gaining traction on the aforementioned platform. Singer-actor Iñigo Pascual, ABS-CBN teen star Alexa Ilacad, and G-Force choreographer Yanyan De Jesus recently hopped on the bandwagon with their take on “Say So,” which individually went viral on the day of its release.

AC Bonifacio, another celebrity influencer based in Manila, has recently uploaded a teaser of her upcoming dance cover on various social media platforms. The young multimedia star is set to debut her version of the Doja Cat hit on February 27, Thursday.

And then there’s Filipina YouTube star Niana Guerrero racking up 397,000 likes on TikTok for her bubbly and infectious lip-sync and dance performance of the newest Doja Cat single. This clearly reflects Doja Cat’s rising profile in the country, reaping the rewards of this generation’s preference for meme-ready songs that appeal to youth and online culture sensibilities.

The highly anticipated music video of “Say So” will have its worldwide premiere on YouTube soon. The song is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

It's always great to watch out for something new and something different. With music there are plenty of possibilities to hear new and outstanding music.  Now we're sharing one news about this upcoming Singapore Electro-pop/ R&B band called "IN THE NOW." Yes, I know it's quite unusual to have a name like that but hey that's what they choose. Anyway and accordingly, they just freshly released their Debut song entitled "Fool". So, read on and get to know the band.

“Fool” is a song about unrequited love, where our hero is in denial, constantly clinging to the hope that one day the subject of his infatuation will change her mind, even though he knows he should move on. Layers of dark melancholic synths and dreamy electronic pads build into a heartfelt chorus, and when words are not enough, culminates in an unexpected drop. Topped off with a sprinkling of trap and future bass elements, the innovative production on this cleverly crafted track entices the ears with something special.

“I wrote this song hoping it would touch others who relate to the same heartbreak I felt”, shares Alex of IN THE NOW. “We wanted the song to sound really different from what we normally do”, said Dan, the producer of the group, “we experimented with many different versions of the drop before we got something we were all happy with, bringing together the right amount of contrast and energetic release.”


A music video directed and produced by Singapore creative collective YungTauFoo and Homies accompanies the release of this single.

IN THE NOW are four teenage friends and schoolmates from Singapore comprised of producer and vocalist Dan Rafael, and vocalists Akmal Hussein, Rahmat Damansari and Alex Gryffin. They are currently working on an EP of 6 songs to be released in 2020, written and produced by themselves, whilst also completing their tertiary education.

“Fool” by IN THE NOW will be available everywhere from Friday, 28 February 2020 (and for pre-save before) at this link: https://ffm.to/in-the-now-fool

Click here to listen to a private preview of “Fool” by IN THE NOW.

Once you hear it, tell me what can you say about their song and their beat.