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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

More importantly, it brings a great opportunity for new artists to breakout in the music scene.

The covers record, which features shortlisted entries from music fans remaking select hits from 6cyclemind’s acclaimed pop-rock catalog, contains three tracks that were rearranged and given a fresh new spin to contrast or complement with the band’s distinct sound.

Released as digital singles a few months earlier, Bianca’s “Biglaan” and Twenty-Nine Eleven’s “I” took creative liberties in terms of arrangement and interpretation, but retained the original’s melodic sensibilities as a way to preserve and recognize its timeless appeal.

To date, Bianca’s version of “Biglaan” has racked up 1.6 million streams on Spotify, while Twenty-Nine Eleven’s version of “I” has amassed more than 3 million streams on the same platform.

Payapa Project, composed of Dan Billano (Vocals), Jepoy Almario (Percussion), Tatit Escolano (Guitars), Choi Gonzales (Bass) and Raf Gonzales (drums), completes the trifecta of releases from the Sige, I-cover Mo Lang! Project. The alternative rock outfit, through their vocalist’s powerful voice, was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to render their own version of “Kasalanan,” a chart-topping song from the album, Project 6cyclemind. Their infectious take officially drops today as the third and final single of the tribute compilation.

It is now part of our history, the Philippine Musical history, as singer and songwriter Moira Dela Torre made a clear mark as the very first OPM artist to receive 11 platinum certificates from her successful hit songs. 

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 

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).

Photo Credit -- Olya Shevchenko

It seems that more and more music is being released in the market and most of them are from Singapore, like this one from Jean Tan. Her latest single is “Oak Cherry Wine” which shows her continuing strong in a signature, bluesy vein, dropping on 24 July on all major digital streaming platforms via Leeway. This is Jean’s third and final single before the anticipated 5-song EP is released in fall 2020, produced and arranged by Singaporean R&B artist and multi-instrumentalist Dru Chen.

So is this just another love song? Definitely not. Though familiar themes of courtship and romance feature like they do in the previous singles, this is perhaps Jean’s most personal release to date. This is an ode to love, but a deeper kind – one that grows better with age, holds steady in both the valley and mountain moments. It is a lettre d'amour to the lover who decides to stay for better and worse, richer and poorer, in sickness and in health.

This is, after all, a song born out of Jean’s own story – her personal health struggles with kidney disease and the man who married her despite the uncertainty of a lifetime together. Perhaps it’s why it feels so powerful despite the simple instrumentation of keys and a couple of guitars. Everything is felt so keenly from the moment Jean whispers 1, 2, 3, 4 in your ear at the start to the soaring, dulcet tones of the chorus: I love you / and it’s funny how / I’ll need you and breathe you / Be with you every moment now…

Even in the simplicity of the arrangement, the listener is taken on a journey as the melodies of the two guitars dance around each other like two binary stars. Seventh chords. A walking, no, skipping the bass line. An unexpected twinkling of the electric piano right at the end to bring it all home.

The song offers endless contrasts and complexity in so few elements that it’s hard not to be intrigued. It is sentimental but fierce. Sweet but not saccharine. A glass of oak cherry wine, tilted to the lips – bittersweet, familiar, true.

Listen to “Oak Cherry Wine” at Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/6JGHcOtPz6FElgJozjJquf or Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/oak-cherry-wine-single/1522550239?ls=1

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/

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.