Josh, Justin, Ken, Pablo, and Stell of the P-Pop boy group SB19 have lent their voices for the inspiring track “No Stopping You,” the theme song of the Star Cinema and kumu film “Love At First Stream.”

“No Stopping You” encourages the idea of being unstoppable in pursuing dreams, keeping the fire burning to achieve goals, and never letting mistakes define who someone is. It marks the first project of the trailblazing quintet with ABS-CBN Music.

A year after launching the successful OPM collective “KAIBIGAN,” Filipino-American music director Troy Laureta continues to shine a light on Filipino music in his new album, “GILIW: A Troy Laureta OPM Collective Vol. 2,” featuring more world-renowned singers such as Grammy award-winning artists All-4-One and Deborah Cox and “American Idol” season 2 winner Ruben Studdard.

The 13-track “GILIW” album includes a “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi” duet by Deborah and Ruben and a reimagined version of “Laging Tapat” by American singer Skylar Stecker. Also part of the newly released collective is male R&B and pop group All-4-One for the song “Paano Ang Puso Ko.”

KZ Tandingan, Asia’s Soul Supreme creates a global surge as she lands a coveted feature on Spotify’s EQUAL Global Playlist, as seen sky-high on the most prominent billboard in Times Square, New York City, positioned right above where the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.

“My heart is full. I don’t know what I did to deserve these people, achievements, and moments but I am grateful, Lord,” said KZ on Instagram, sharing photos of recent special moments in her life, including a snapshot of the Times Square billboard. “When I find myself doubting the path and questioning my abilities, I will look at these photos to remember that Your plans are always greater than mine.”

Unveiled last November 16, Spotify’s EQUAL feature aims to empower female artists from around the world and increase their music’s visibility. KZ’s newest single under Tarsier Records, “11:59,” amplifies her presence in the music industry as she is selected as the cover artist for Spotify Philippines’ EQUAL playlist for the month of November.

Launched last month, the soulful track “11:59” landed on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists in 10 territories, including Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Gulf, Korea, and the Philippines. KZ was also the top seed on keystone Spotify PH editorial playlists Tatak Pinoy and OPM Rising, her bold, red-clad likeness also gracing the latter as the featured cover artist. To date, the single has amassed 150,000 streams and counting on Spotify alone.

“11:59” was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Luigie “LUGO” Gonzalez with additional composition by Traci Hale, America Jimenez and Dennis Matosky. It was released internationally by Tarsier Records as part of ABS-CBN Music’s continued effort to showcase Filipino talents on the global stage.

Keep streaming KZ’s “11:59” single and watch the amazing, one-take music video on the Tarsier Records YouTube channel. For updates, follow Tarsier Records on various social media accounts @tarsierrecords.

If ever you missed the powerful vocal of Sheryn Regis, well, worry no more as she'll be having a show that will let you experience and hear once again. The first-eve digiital concert is set to stage  “Love United” via KTX.ph, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV on October 23 (Saturday) with a re-run the next day (October 24).

The grand musical event will highlight the Crystal Voice of Asia’s heartwarming performances promoting love, hope, and healing today.

“Maganda kasi mag-express ng songs na inspirational these days, like, you can give hope and love through a song. So the viewers can receive healing from the songs that we're going to perform as well,” she said in a MYXclusive interview.

Sheryn, who made her showbiz comeback this year through her songs “Tulad ng Dati” and “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” also admitted that it’s a challenge to not be able to connect with her audience eye-to-eye, but promised that the concert experience will still be special, nonetheless.

“Gusto kong i-assure na mafi-feel nila gaano mag-work ang mga puso namin through our singing, ma-feel nila na nasa harap lang nila kami. Na iba ito from just watching us on TV,” she guaranteed. "Digitally dadalhin ko kayo sa isang concert stage."

The Kapamilya singer will be sharing the virtual stage with rising and talented artists like viral sensation EZ Mil, Filipino pop-rapper H-BOM, child singing prodigy Kaela Francheska, former “Tawag ng Tanghalan” finalist Froilan Canlas, and the vocal trio of Francis Concepcion, Keifer Sanchez, and Mackie Empuerto aka the TNT boys.

“Love United” is presented by ABS-CBN Events and produced by MAK Entertainment. Tickets for the concert are now available online for P899/USD 17.99 (regular) and P1,4999/USD 30 (VIP with access to digital after party).

Find healing with Sheryn in “Love United,” streaming 8PM PhST via KTX.ph, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV on October 23 (Saturday) with a re-run the next day (October 24) at 10AM PhST. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Remember my blog about this lady being helped and now managed by Sir Wilbert? Well, the tides of change had come and things happen so fast. Read more of the details about what happened to her.

Rico Blanco, one of the OPM icons, unifies Filipinos through a spin of the hit Pinoy Big Brother theme song "Pinoy Ako". Renaming it to "Pinoy Tayo" This is after 16 years the song was first heard and eventually became an anthem of empowerment for many Filipinos.

Rico’s special anniversary version of the Orange and Lemons original “Pinoy Ako” will serve as the official theme song of the upcoming "Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Kumunity Season 10."

“It’s such an honor to do the song. Just what it stands for. The original version is so well-loved,” he said. “This is a chance to rediscover it.”

Now with vibrant elements of Filipino ethnic sound, “Pinoy Tayo” is a composition of ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo, Clem Castro, and Rico, who also produced the remake while Jonathan served as the surpervising producer.

Rico detailed his inspiration in making the new version. “Tinanong ko ang sarili ko ‘ano ba 'yung ako’ and I put in all the small elements that my songs had throughout the years,” he shared.

“Excited ako about that happiness na mabibigay ng kanta. It’s a very bright, upbeat song, and I kept that from the original version,” he added.

Aside from being this year’s PBB theme song, “Pinoy Tayo” will also serve as the lead single in the expansive 25-track album that will celebrate the music of Jonathan in the last 20 years.

The multi-awarded songwriter and producer remains in awe of how the song has become a statement on Pinoy pride and how it continues to uplift the spirits of generations of Pinoy audiences.


“I’m grateful to hear people saying that this song has become part of the soundtrack of their lives,” Jonathan shared. “As I embark on my 20th anniversary in the music industry this year, an icon, a legend who I look up to helped me kickstart the celebration by re-imagining this song with his genius.”

Jonathan also spoke about what the song “Pinoy Tayo” means to him. “Ito yung gusto naming ibigay sa audience na mapagaan man lang ang pinagdadaaanan nating lahat at magbigay ng hope at inspirasyon individually and as a nation. And also to remind us na maraming reasons pa rin to celebrate ang ating pagiging Pilipino,” he said.

Meanwhile, “Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10” has opened auditions for aspiring adult housemates age 20 to 40 years old until September 30. Just download the Kumu app and create an account. Upload a one-minute Kumu clip, introduce yourself, and explain why you deserve to become a housemate. Don’t forget the hashtag #PBBKUMUADULTS.

Be empowered with the reimagined track “Pinoy Tayo,” out on music streaming platforms worldwide. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

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.