One of the multi-talented artist in the entertainment industry, a precious jewel has finally found her home in the Kapamilya Network.

Lovi Poe is now officially a Kapamilya following her contract signing ceremony with ABS-CBN executives on Thursday (September 16).

The actress marked her first day as a Kapamilya by setting foot in the ABS-CBN compound, where she had a red carpet welcome led by ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO of broadcast Cory Vidanes, group CFO Rick Tan, and Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal. Lovi’s talent manager Leo Dominguez also joined the contract signing ceremony.

Soon, Lovi is set to do her first Kapamilya drama series with ultimate heartthrob Piolo Pascual. It is Lovi’s second ABS-CBN project overall, after she starred in the 2020 iWantTFC original movie “Malaya,” for which she clinched a Gawad Urian Best Actress nomination.

A rare and precious gem in showbiz, Lovi’s timeless charm and versatility as an artist have enabled her to take on diverse projects, from acting in film and TV to being a successful recording artist and style icon. ABS-CBN provides a perfect fit for Lovi’s talents, with many opportunities for her to shine on its multiple media platforms and ecosystems.

The RISE Artists Studio talent—whose spontaneous cover of “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita” that had several key alterations recently blew up on social media—will finally get to showcase more of her vocal prowess through a full-length album.

“Nag-pursige kami ng The Gigi Vibes band na gumawa ng sariling songs. Dun kami nag-grow at dun kami nag-start, so meron po kaming ilalabas na album,” Gigi shared, adding that she will drop her first single on September 24.

She is also set to headline her first “YouTube Music Night” concert in December that promises to be full of surprises.

 

Fresh off the release of her last single 'Bad Medicine', 'Cigarette' is FLØRE’s poignant follow-up to ‘Bad Medicine’—an electro-pop bop with enormous potential for massive appeal. Layered with FLØRE's signature haunting falsettos and an addictive chorus that is bound to loop in your head or get you humming, 'Cigarette' is the next chapter from FLØRE's sophomore EP 'Romaniac'.

A soft contemporary ballad brimming with soothing keys and ethereal harmonies, 'Cigarette' promises to transport listeners to another world and hits the nail recounting feelings of toxic love and the lasting side effects of its hold on its victims. 'Cigarette' is a leap towards showcasing FLØRE's pop sensibilities that place the German singer-songwriter in the wagon towards becoming a bonafide superstar with the capability to package vulnerability and pain in a palatable, memorable tune.

Speaking about the upcoming single “Cigarette”, FLØRE explains, “The song focuses on the self-destructive side of love. I often do things just to write about it and being hurt just keeps the fire going. So I like to lighten up sometimes and ‘Cigarette’ is the ‘Bad Medicine’ for something that does not need to be fixed. Being wasted is just something I'm attracted to artistically. So always coming back to the same pattern, felt like an addiction, I hurt myself on purpose. The outro in the song on the other hand, shows the vulnerable side of it and feels like the rehab in the story.”

 

Updating our blog today with this news from the singer-songwriter Brian Gazmen as he awakens to the painful remains of a love that was in his latest single “Panaginip” released under ABS-CBN’s Star Pop label.

Brian—who completes Star Pop’s male vocal trio “Chill Guys” with Jose Vitug and Bryce Manzano—wrote, composed, produced, and arranged the pop/R&B track all on his own.

“Panaginip” thematically tackles a person’s bitter realization that a cherished relationship is now over. Despite its tragic premise, Brian said the song still hopes to send out a positive message about love.

“Although you’re not really sure who you will be spending your life with until you die, there will be a time that you’ll just feel it. It might not be right now, but that time will come,” he said.

“Panaginip” was listed in the “New Music Friday” playlist of Spotify Philippines. Prior to his newest release, the 21-year-old singer-actor has dropped the singles “Sinta” early this year and “Perfect as You” in 2020, which currently has almost 225,000 streams on Spotify.

Brian has also released the single “Ako Para Sa’yo,” which he recorded with “Chill Guys.” The group has also covered HIMIG 11th Edition’s 2nd Best Song “Kahit Na Masungit.”

Let go of a past love by coming to your senses and listening to Brian’s “Panaginip,” out now on ABS-CBN Star Music’s YouTube channel and on various digital music platforms. For more details, follow Star Pop on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starpopph) and on Twitter and Instagram (@starpopph).

This August, Australian artist-producer Dru Chen will be dropping a 4-track EP containing 2 new tracks – ‘Our Story’ and ‘Hold You,’ and 2 re-released tracks – ‘Eiffel Tower’ and ‘Replay.’ The focus track, ‘Our Story,’ is an indie-pop song dealing with all facets of the human experience and the yearning for acceptance that we all seek. As Dru aptly puts it, “When the people have gone and left the party, and you’re all alone once again; how do you cope with the emptiness?”

At first listen, the track’s production portrays a kind of quiet joy - one that you feel when hanging out with friends you've known for years. With its cascading rhythm and sweet guitar chords, it’s difficult not to find yourself doing the signature TikTok hand-to-chest, head nod routine. However, when you give the lyrics a closer listen, we hear a deeper meaning - one about solitude and the introspection that comes along with it.

‘Our Story’ was written by Joel Tan, Paul McMurray and Dru Chen, and produced by the artist himself. As shown in this verse, “Drowning in sorrows / Is not for tomorrow / When laughter is borrowed / It’s no fun at all”, ‘Our Story’ is the answer to the truth and hurt you're seeking to overcome. With patience and understanding for the self, it is possible for us to reset on the mistakes we’ve made in the past. We can’t make sense of our breakdowns, but we can slow it down, let it ride and come back to ourselves.

“This song was my way of dealing with that feeling—that existential dread. It felt like therapy writing this song,” shares Dru, and we hear that clearly in the production. The distinct guitar chords and subtle percussion that punch through the hook helps listeners absorb the subject matter in a light-hearted way. It makes you feel like even when you're in your bedroom alone with the headphones on, you feel safe knowing you have the unconditional love and acceptance of your family, friends and community close to your heart.

 

Eight-piece reggae collective We Got has released the official music video of their new single “Panahon.”

Directed by Shai Advincula, the story takes place in the time of pandemic, where a woman in isolation found unexpected companionship in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

According to Advincula, the concept behind the music video revolves around the idea of isolation and the crazy things that we do to cope with the loneliness that comes with it. She explains, “Over the past year, our lives have shifted by being stuck at home most of the time. There are a lot of things that we’re missing from our pre-pandemic life, one of which is the affection we get from a companion. But how do we cater to our need for affection in a socially distanced world? The music video shows a bizarre but refreshing take on coping.”

Vocalist and guitarist Mack Dela Cruz reveals that it was the band’s first time to work with Advincula. “She’s very professional, and her ideas blew our minds. We had so much fun and it was a great experience for us working with such a tremendous team.”

Written by the band’s guitarist Mike Quebral and arranged by vocalist and guitarist Mack Dela Cruz, “Panahon” was recorded at Kodama Studio with the goal to produce a calm, soothing piece of music that finds worth in spontaneity, and not having to waste life worrying about the daily grind. “We know a lot of people suffering from depression, so I wrote this song to remind people that there is hope, and slowly but surely, you’ll be able to get past it with a renewed perspective in life,” Quebral shares.

The song is part of We Got’s debut EP, Hiwaga, which was released on all digital music platforms worldwide last week. Produced by Raymund Marasigan and mastered by Shinji Tanaka, the 7-track release delivers infinitely hummable jams that prove to be both fun and heartwarming. f

Stepping into the spotlight with staccato chords, infectious horns, and syncopated rhythms, the mini album features five previously released tracks, and two new songs: the effervescent jam “Kakaiba Ka” and the EP’s lead single “Panahon.” The latter brings some exciting new energy to this season’s predictable nature, taking into account the importance of weeding out the negativity to enjoy what life has to offer.

We Got’s debut EP, Hiwaga is available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Its lead single “Panahon” has a music video that you can watch via YouTube.

 

Here's something new from the Island! 

 

We’re halfway through 2021, and Filipina-American R&B sensation H.E.R. (who is halfway to EGOT status), has not let her foot off the gas! The Grammy and Academy Award winner has finally released her highly-anticipated full-length album, Back of My Mind, via MBK Entertainment/RCA Records.

Clocking in at 21 tracks, Back of My Mind includes a star-studded lineup of guest features by Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Cordae, Lil Baby, Thundercat, Yung Bleu, DJ Khaled, Bryson Tiller, and YG.   Producers Hit-Boy, Kaytranada, Cardiak, Rodney Jerkins, DJ Camper, and more provide lush and repeat-worthy productions, leaving adequate space for the four-time Grammy Award winner’s pristine vocals (and guitar shredding skills) to shine throughout. R&B at its core, Back of My Mind showcases H.E.R.’s unique versatility as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

“This collection of songs comes from feelings and thoughts that I’ve had in the back of mind,” says H.E.R. “That’s where I live sometimes. Some things I talk about in my music and other things I may have been afraid to say or admit. I’m finding freedom in being truthful with expression.”

H.E.R. kicked off 2021 in the most stellar of ways by winning two Grammy Awards - Song of the Year for “I Can’t Breathe” and Best R&B Song for her contribution to Robert Glasper’s “Better Than I Imagined,” plus an Academy Award for her powerful song “Fight For You” from the Warner Bros. Pictures’ film Judas and the Black Messiah.  Her recent show-stopping performance with Chris Stapleton on the CMT Music Awards was proceeded by equally impressive performances on the Billboard Music Awards with DJ Khaled and The Migos, iHeartRadio Music Awards’ Elton John Tribute, Oscars: Into The Spotlight special, Super Bowl LV, and more.  

Currently gracing the cover of Variety, H.E.R is starring in her own special episode of Amazon’s Prime Day Show, featuring music from the new album. On June 21, iHeartMedia will host the iHeartRadio Album Release Party with H.E.R. featuring an exclusive performance and an intimate conversation with Angie Martinez. The event will stream on the FOXSOUL YouTube channel and FOXSOUL.tv., and broadcast across iHeartMedia’s R&B, Rhythm and select Hip Hop radio stations at 9pm ET/6pm PT.

The dynamic performer will return to NYC’s Rockefeller Center on June 25 for her second Today Show summer concert, followed by performances at the BET Awards on June 27, and her first-ever concert with the LA Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl on August 13 & 14.

Listen to Back Of My Mind and stay tuned for more exciting news from H.E.R.

Back Of My Mind track list:
01 We Made It
02 Back of My Mind feat. Ty Dolla $ign
03 Trauma feat. Cordae
04 Damage
05 Find A Way feat. Lil Baby
06 Bloody Waters feat. Thundercat
07 Closer To Me
08 Come Through feat. Chris Brown
09 My Own
10 Lucky
11 Cheat Code
12 Mean It
13 Paradise feat. Yung Bleu 14 Process
15 Hold On
16 Don’t
17 Exhausted
18 Hard To Love
19 For Anyone
20 I Can Have It All feat. DJ Khaled & Bryson Tiller
21 Slide feat. YG
 
Links:
Back Of My Mind - https://smarturl.it/BackOfMyMind
Hi-Res Photos/Cover Artwork -  https://www.rcarecords.com/artist/h-e-r/
Connect with H.E.R.:
https://twitter.com/HERMusicx
https://www.instagram.com/hermusicofficial/
https://www.tiktok.com/@herofficial
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFwC3Ryue6CorFm2xCEG0Aw
http://www.her-official.com/

H.E.R.’s Back Of My Mind is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via via MBK Entertainment/RCA Records/Sony Music.

 

Kyle Echarri is welcoming a fresh era in his music journey with the release of his second full-length album “New Views,” out now on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and other digital music platforms.

"'New Views' because I'm turning 18 and I think it's time for people to see my new views on life, who I am as a person, and new views on my love life, stuff like that," he shared.

A major shift from his debut album in 2016, the young artist personally wrote and composed all seven original tracks included in the album from ABS-CBN’s Star Pop label, and was also heavily involved in the production of most of the songs. Label head Rox Santos served as the album's supervising producer.

"I can say mismong puso ko na siya, it's part of my heart kasi I was able to write the whole thing and produce the whole thing. Sinadya ko talaga kasi I really wanted the fans to feel my heart," Kyle said.

Its key track “Liligawan Na Kita” is a writing collaboration between Kyle and his “Huwag Kang Mangamba” co-stars Seth Fedelin and Andrea Brillantes. The song, produced by Kyle and co-performed by Seth, talks about one’s willingness to wait and court someone very special.

Kyle’s 2020 single “I’m Serious” is also included in the album’s track list along with “Dyosa” which was produced by JayR. Other tracks such as “Mahal Nga Kita” featuring rapper Arvey, “Panaginip,” which is currently featured in the original soundtrack (OST) of anthology series “Click, Like, Share,” “As Long As You’re Mine,” and “Fuego,” which he co-wrote with close friend Darren Espanto—were all self-produced by Kyle.

Meanwhile, in time for his 18th birthday and as a show of gratitude to his fans who have supported him throughout his six years in the entertainment industry, Kyle is set to hold a digital birthday fan con on Sunday (June 20), 7 pm via his kumu account (@echarripapi). Fans can also expect live performances of the “New Views” tracks during the virtual event.

Join Kyle as he reaches new grounds by streaming his latest album “New Views,” now available on various digital music streaming services. For more details, follow Star Pop on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starpopph) and on Twitter and Instagram (@starpopph).

Bradley continues to perform regularly online via Kumu. His previous release was the song "Damhin."

Thankfully, technology is friendly enough to get through us right before the pandemic that is why after realizing that we won't be having physical concerts and events for a time being, technology pave way for a new norm of enjoying music. 

With or without pandemic SB19 is sure a hit not only here in the Philippines but in the international music scene as well. Fresh from scoring a 2021 Billboard Music Awards nomination for Top Social Artist along with some of the world’s most celebrated pop acts, SB19 continues to push the envelope with the release of their new song “MAPA” under Sony Music.

In a complete 180-degree turn from the colossal banger that introduced the upcoming album era, “MAPA” takes the form of a rousing ballad that captures SB19 at their most emotionally expressive element. It’s hellbent on returning home with a heartwarming tribute to every parent out there, who has brought direction to our lives every time we feel lost and in need of a north star.

The title, which is a Filipino term that translates to “map” in English, is a portmanteau of “mama” and “papa.” Combining both words, Pablo penned the track to “inspire people to be appreciative of everything that our parents did for us and to give back.”

The multi-talented member of the acclaimed pop group also explained the inspiration behind the song’s title. “It implies that our parents serve as our guidance and direction in life. We released this song to show gratitude and appreciation for helping us survive all the challenges and difficulties that we’ve encountered growing up.”

Inspired and triggered, these up-and-coming Filipino singer KHIMO and rapper Dotty have worked together to bring original hip-hop R&B tune, “Where The Sun Goes,” the latest release of ABS-CBN’s Old School Records.

KHIMO is a singer-songwriter who previously joined “Tawag ng Tanghalan” season 3 as a contender as well as “Your Moment” as part of the duo called Binary.

Meanwhile, Dotty f.k.a. marc is a UAE-born Pinoy bedroom musician who came out with his five-track EP “poster boy” last year. He recently enlisted with Tarsier Records and released his collab with Subzylla entitled “regardless.”

A euphonious lament first written in May 2020, it was inspired by songwriter Nhiko Viktor’s experience during the community quarantine. “It’s a metaphor about not knowing why the soul feels so dark at night,” he said.

Dotty’s rap part came along early this year, which Nhiko affirmed to have brought a “different perspective to the song,” with focus on one’s struggle in keeping the demons out when the sun goes down.

“Where The Sun Goes” is one of the new tracks released under Old School Records, an ABS-CBN Music label that highlights sounds bearing the ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s sound with a contemporary twist.

Check out KHIMO and Dotty’s “Where The Sun Goes,” out now on various music streaming services. For more music updates, follow Old School Records on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

New music topic for today, as global superstar Doja Cat unveils the first taste of Planet Her. 

OFFMUTE is going to be a new avenue to bring music across the Southeast Asian region. Sony Music Entertainment just recently announced the launch of its new pan-regional label, OFFMUTE. Its focus is to champion new and emerging talents in the Southeast Asian region supported by the combined experience of Sony Music's entire Southeast Asian Team.

The Southeast Asian region has been mute for quite a time already, and it is about time to off that sound plug and let the musically talented people of the Region be heard by many.

Directed by Dano Cerny, the video features both Sam and Demi set within a train carriage, showcasing them going about their own lives, but with a unity of emotion that highlights the song’s message of being alone together. Written by Sam before his single“This City” became a global hit, it was a song he always knew would be a duet and was blown away when Demi Lovato became the perfect person to accompany him on vocals.

Penned about a feeling of being alone and not wanting to let people down, the pairing takes two different lives and perspectives and unites them in one message of human experience, emotion, and togetherness. With other 5 million worldwide streams since its release last week, is a truly special track with a powerful, moving, and relatable chorus and is Sam’s first official single release since “This City.” 

Aside from my idol, Gary V, I'm in all praises to the King of Pinoy Rap. The very first artist who made rap with real Filipino flavor - Francis M. The Pinoy Rap wouldn't be as it is today without the name Francis M. After that first shout of that iconic line 'Mga Kababayan!' It became the starting point of Pinoy Rap History. And like what they say, the rest is history.

Now, let's get into this new and viral Pinoy Rapper who's making a buzz in the music scene. Not only here in the Philippines, but probably, the world.

The Beginning

A few days after the release of his guesting in Wish Bus USA, the uploaded video went boom, massively, with its views, in other words, it went viral. People started talking about the video first, and then everyone starts asking who this rapper is. Who is EZ Mil? Pronounced as letter E and letter Z with the Mil.

The Music

Hearing the intro of the song actually reminded me of my elementary days. The Folk dances that we used to study and practice at school. Fortunately, I'm also one of the dance troops that moves my feet into folk dances. So the music is familiar, and probably every Pinoy students know the melody.

The Singer

Honestly, I don't know EZ Mil was, not until I started looking for his background. And thanks to technology and the internet, it is much easier to check pieces of information that happened decades ago. What I have heard, EZ Mil is the son of the lead vocalist of a band in the 90s. Paul Sapiera, the leader and vocalist of the band called Rockstar.

Side info about the band, they made a few song hits in the past. 

 

Elha Nympha, is coming and assert more about confidence, finesse, and maturity on “Do It,” her comeback single under MCA Music Inc.

Now exploring a more sophisticated take on R&B, pop, and neo-soul, the former champion of The Voice Kids Season 2 reasserts confidence and sass in delivering a romantic confession that appeals beyond her particular demographic.

When she sings, “Come on over a little closer / Take me where I’ve never been,” she takes full control of the quiet storm brewing: her voice fluttering effortlessly over dreamy arrangements and soft keyboard tones, taking the spotlight with ease.

“Do It” is a suave R&B jam that tackles the beauty of taking bolder steps when it comes to love. Upon hearing the song for the first time, Elha got excited to record the material as it barely sounds like anything she’s recorded in the past. “I’m happy with where the direction of my music is going,” the 16-year-old star said in a statement. “Do It unravels a more vulnerable side of my artistry, and this is exactly the kind of music that I want to keep making—something that is young and current, but very much me.”

“Do It” has earned comparisons with the likes of SZA, Jhené Aiko, and H.E.R., embracing the fundamental agency of womanhood and young love in all its messiness and glory. While Elha is elated with the feedback that she’s been getting from her mentors and music listeners, she wants to forge a path of her own and make music that is distinctly a product of her own sense of style and adventurousness. The promising pop sensation admits, “As a fan, I can definitely see myself doing the same kind of music. But there’s more to my sound than being pigeonholed into a category. For now, I’m ready for where this journey would take me, musically. I’m definitely looking forward to creating something that is original and unique.”

Elha Nympha’s “Do It” is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via MCA Music Inc.

Kapamilya artist Jona is ready to bring reimagined versions of well-loved OPM songs on the concert stage a week ahead of Valentine’s Day in the first “YouTube Music Night” event in the country dubbed “Love, Jona,” streaming live for free this Saturday (February 6) at 8 pm.

“This is the first time that I’ll have a digital concert,” she excitedly shared during the “Love, Jona” virtual media conference. “Because Valentine’s Day is coming soon, my lineup for the concert will be pure OPM and it makes me proud to be able to showcase some of the best songs in the industry, ranging from the late 80s, 90s, to the current hits.”

Aside from performing her own music, the ABS-CBN talent will also cover songs of Moira de la Torre and will likewise do a medley of Daniel Padilla hits. Viewers can catch the virtual concert exclusively on the YouTube channels of ABS-CBN Star Music, MOR, MYX, and One Music.

Jona feels overwhelmed to become the first Filipino artist to headline “YouTube Music Night.” “Nakaka-surprise, nakaka-happy! I feel honored because out of the many talented artists here, I'd pioneer this. The trust is overwhelming but I wanna enjoy the moment,” she revealed.

Joining the Star Music artist on this one-night show are special guests Bugoy Drilon, Jeremy G, and JMKO, who will render heartrending tunes as a pre-Valentine’s treat for viewers.

“Love, Jona” will be directed by Frank Mamaril and will be hosted by MYX VJ Ai dela Cruz and “Kwentong Barber” host Edward Barber.

The show officially kicks off the “YouTube Music Night” events led by leading video platform, YouTube, and produced by ABS-CBN Music. The first staging of the project in Southeast Asia is expected to deliver breathtaking performances amid top-level production.

It will be followed by a back-to-back “YouTube Music Night” concert led by Juris and Jed Madela entitled “Hearts on Fire: Juris and Jed,” happening on February 13 (Saturday).

Embrace all the feels in “YouTube Music Night’s” must-see concert, “Love, Jona” this Saturday (February 6) at 8 pm. Catch the show live on ABS-CBN Star Music, MOR, MYX, and One Music’s YouTube channels.