Renowned global sensation, Halle, has taken the music scene by storm with the highly anticipated release of her inaugural single, "Angel." Crafted under the masterful guidance of Theron "NeffU" Feemster, an illustrious name in the realm of music production, songwriting, and composition, boasting accolades such as the prestigious GRAMMY® Award, the track unfurls an immersive auditory experience. A fusion of cinematic allure and a pulsating R&B rhythm, adorned with sweeping orchestral arrangements, envelops the listener. Amidst this symphonic tapestry, Halle's vocal prowess soars to unprecedented heights, her mellifluous tones harmonizing with the poignant lyrics that resonate: "Heaven knows your wings can weigh you down, but angels make a way somehow."

Basking in the aftermath of fervent discussions sparked by The Little Mermaid, Halle's "Angel" extends an introspective narrative. It becomes a manifestation of Halle's unwavering dedication to embolden and elevate the aspirations of young women across the globe. Amidst the ebb and flow of life's challenges, the song's lyrical refrain reinforces the message of resilience, painting a vivid canvas where even in adversity, we find ourselves cushioned by the embrace of clouds. In this musical revelation, Halle not only showcases her musical prowess but also offers a heartfelt testament to her vision of empowerment. Listen to the anthemic track HERE.

The track arrives with an exquisite official video directed by Wendy Morgan (Alicia Keys, Janelle Monae, Lous And The Yakuza), watch HERE. “Angel” made its global premiere on BET Soul, BET Her, MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop and across MTV’s global network of channels, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards.

Chart-topping sensation and GRAMMY laureate, Doja Cat, ignites the music scene once again with an electrifying revelation: her latest single and its accompanying visual spectacle, "Paint The Town Red," is unveiled today under the banner of Kemosabe Records / RCA Records. The directorial prowess of Nina McNeely (noted for her work with luminaries like Miguel and Fergie) joins forces with Doja Cat herself in crafting the music video, a captivating masterpiece that materialized against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, CA. Embodied within this visual opus are three meticulously crafted paintings by Doja Cat, which serve as the quintessential foundation for each meticulously recreated scene within the video. Rewind to last month, and witness the artistic maestro in action as Doja Cat, adorned with a painter's spirit, conjured the single's artwork right before her fans' eyes during an enchanting Instagram Live session – a tantalizing sneak peek into the auditory and visual marvel that is now unfurled before us.

This is the first official single from Doja Cat since she announced her first North American headline tour, The Scarlet Tour beginning this fall with special guests Ice Spice and Doechii. Previously, Doja Cat dropped her track and video, “Attention” via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records to mass critical acclaim with Rolling Stone calling it “scorching.” Doja Cat was also featured on the cover of V Magazine last month for “The Global Music issue.”

 Earlier this year, Doja Cat was featured alongside label mate, SZA on the remix of her #1 Hot 100 song, Kill Bill. On the remix track, Doja Cat received high praise for opening the song with a badass rap verse, followed by SZA’s original chorus; Billboard proclaimed “Doja’s inclusion on the track injects a new excitement: the superstar opens up the remix with detailed rap storytelling.” She also was named one of TIME100’s Most Influential People of 2023, where she graced the cover of one of the four global TIME Magazine April issues as well as being recognized as an honoree and performing at the exclusive TIME100 Gala. 

 

Australian pop artist Ruel, who recently held a free mall show in Taguig City, will be presenting his inaugural Manila concert on May 26, 2023 (Friday) at the Samsung Hall, starting at 8:00 PM.

The promising newcomer is slated to perform in several Asian cities, including Manila, for his 4TH Wall World Tour.

As a treat to the loyal fans who have been instrumental in making Ruel’s debut full-length album, 4TH Wall a huge crossover success, Sony Music Entertainment is running a Southeast Asia-wide campaign ona TikTok from May 3 to 19, 2023.

Filipino fans who would be using his TikTok filter can get the chance to win a ‘meet and greet’ session with Ruel at his upcoming Manila show this month.

Here are the mechanics for the contest:
1. The sound “IF AND/OR WHEN” must be used as audio for the video.
2. The entry must include the hashtags #IAOWPH and #Ruel4thWallContest in the caption.
3. There will be 5 winners (who will be chosen based on the videos with the most views). The contest is limited to those 18 and above, Philippine residents, and must be ticket holders. The promo runs on TikTok only.

For the full mechanics, please check out the Sony Music Philippines link.

Ruel’s “IF AND/OR WHEN,” a song off his new album, 4TH Wall is currently going viral in the Philippines and the rest of Asia, peaking at No. 23 on Spotify’s Viral 50 – Philippines chart.

The song is part of Ruel’s new album, 4TH Wall, which debuted at No. 3 in Australia and peaked at No. 10 in New Zealand. The Australian singer-songwriter’s new album received positive acclaim from music critics, with Clash Magazine praising it for “hauling down the walls while letting fans into his world.” Music publication Milky Milky Milky gave Ruel’s debut record, 4 stars, calling it “a multi-faceted body of work that cements his place as one of Australia's most engaging contemporary acts.”

RUEL 4TH Wall: Live in Manila is presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets are available via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

 

On April 30, 2023 at 2:30 PM, the Loboc Children's Choir is scheduled to perform at the lobby of Manila Prince Hotel, followed by a performance at the grand lobby of The Manila Hotel on May 1, 2023 at 2:30 PM. Hotel guests are invited to witness the choir's special performances, and admission is free.

The renowned Loboc Children’s Choir has captivated audiences far and wide with their musical talent. Having won national and international competitions, the choir has grown into one of the Philippines’ most outstanding choirs today.

 

To celebrate International Women's Month, P-Pop girl group KAIA has released "5678," a dance-pop track that encourages listeners to face anything that comes their way and pursue their dreams, despite what others may say. The song, co-written by the members of KAIA with Ohwon Lee, PaperPlanet, and LEO, serves as an anthem to inspire women to never give up on their goals.

According to KAIA, "5678" is a testament to their determination to achieve success on their own terms, one step at a time, without looking back. The group expresses gratitude for the opportunities presented to them and promises to deliver a message of positivity and hope to their supporters through their music.

With its uplifting and confident lyrics, "5678" sends a message of self-love and empowerment to listeners. Lines like "Hingang malalim, lahat tatahakin / Hindi na ako maliligaw" ("Taking a deep breath, I'll conquer everything / This time, I won't get lost") are sure to resonate with listeners from around the world.

The song is produced by Ohwon Lee, known for his work with some of the biggest names in K-Pop, and the energetic beats and synth intro effectively convey KAIA's unstoppable strength and defiance. "5678" is also set to be included in KAIA's debut EP, which will be released later this year, and the accompanying music video, directed by Raymond Fabian and assisted by Jonathan Tal Placido, will be dropping on March 25th.

KAIA expressed their appreciation for the collaborative process with Studio 79th, who produced the video, and their openness to the ideas of KAIA. "5678" is available now on all digital music platforms worldwide through Sony Music Entertainment.

 

HORI7ON is now a certified Kapamilya and MLD artists as ABS-CBN and management company MLD Entertainment continue their ongoing partnership to co-manage the group's career in becoming the next global pop group last Friday (March 10).

The seven-member group released its pre-debut teaser for "Dash,"composed by "Dream Maker" Korean mentor and hit composer Bull$eye.

Get ready to buckle up and brace yourselves for a musical extravaganza like no other! The talented Gigi De Lana and the Gigi Vibes band are taking the stage at The Theatre at Solaire on February 18th (Saturday) at 8 PM, to bring you on a wild ride of emotions through music.

After wowing audiences on their "Domination" concert tour last year in Manila, the Middle East, and the US, Gigi and her bandmates (Jon Cruz, Jake Manalo, Julius Traqueña, and Romeo Marquez) are back and ready to steal your hearts with their original tunes and incredible covers that have taken the internet by storm.

 

Mixing with a new breed, Filipina American H.E.R. (an abbreviation of ‘Having Everything Revealed’) is in Manila to celebrate the long Christmas season with her family.

Also known as Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson or Gabi for short, H.E.R. is currently one of the most celebrated and accomplished twentysomething singer-songwriters in the international music industry.

To celebrate her many successes, ABS-CBN Global and MYX hosted an exclusive Mixer Event attended by partners, personalities from the music industry, and the country's leading entertainment press last December 27th at Sheraton Manila Hotel.

ABS-CBN Global Chief Operating Officer Aldrin M. Cerrado also welcomes the opportunity to showcase Filipino talent to the country and the world. “We’re very happy that H.E.R. is in town for the holidays. ABS-CBN Global and MYX are very excited about the projects we will work on together in the coming months,” he says.

The 25-year-old San Francisco Bay Area native daughter of a Filipina American mother and African American father has landed in many headlines recently highlighting new career heights in music and film/TV.

With 25 GRAMMY nominations and 5 wins to date, H.E.R. has had an incredible journey, punctuated with inspiring projects and accolades that have quickly ascended her to superstar status. In 2021, her powerful song “Fight For You” from the Warner Bros. Pictures film Judas and the Black Messiah won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

H.E.R. was also covered by global media for her groundbreaking role as the beloved character Belle in Disney's reimagined and reinvented part-live action, part-animated "Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration" anniversary special which will be streamed in the Philippines via Disney+ in January 2023.

The promising solo act marks her debut as a recording artist with “Always Remember,” an effervescent cut that champions the value of self-worth and preservation in an attempt to bravely face the world and conquer everything. Capturing the unabashedly colorful spirit of K-Pop and J-Pop with commanding confidence, Mona Gonzales aims to uplift listeners with her anthemic and captivating delivery—doing it like a seasoned pro.

“The way I personally describe it is something like a soft pop rock for me,” says the promising TikTok sensation turned P-Pop star. “The sound of electric guitar with a pop style beat is dominating through the whole song. The style is not really new, but the sound is unique in its own way. It’s a little different from the OPM that we’re used to. I think that makes it interesting.”

Produced by Oh Won Lee, an industry veteran who has helmed tracks by K-Pop icons Stray Kids, SHINee's Taemin, and Wanna One, and the country’s very own SB19, “Always Remember” is an inspirational track that pushes the envelope of modern pop production with breezy, summer hooks and a minimalist instrumentation. The end product is a mesmerizing take on P-Pop, one that is creatively boundless and flows with so much effortlessness.

As Mona Gonzales puts it, “Pinoy Pop Music doesn’t really have a certain and specific style and sound. Most of us new artists want to be unique. That’s true for me, but I want to add a new flavor and variety along with the existing Pinoy pop music right now. And with every Pinoy music artists, we will prove that P-POP can expand. And then people will talk about how the Pinoy pop music has evolved, its potential and where it can go.”

The release of the song comes with a vibrant music video that metaphorically follows Mona Gonzales’ journey as an artist with so much to explore and grow on. Shot in multiple locations that showcase the beautiful scenery of the Philippines, Mona Gonzales dances, sings, hops, and walks with the excitement of someone ready to navigate the world on her own terms.

Mona Gonzales’ “Always Remember” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and ShowBT Philippines Corp. Watch the music video below.

This is probably interesting. Cryptic billboards and posters around the Metro and its alluding to a new Ben&Ben release have recently appeared in strategic locations all over Metro Manila.

The material, which contains discarded film photos with texts exposing some personal thoughts, is said to be part of the lyrics of an upcoming Ben&Ben song to be released sometime next week.

A few days ago, the nine-piece Filipino collective tweeted what looks like a snippet of lyrics offering an intimate take on the painstaking process of letting go. Ben&Ben also dropped a performance video of “Stand By You,” featuring Indonesian superstar Pamungkas. The collaborative visuals, which were recorded earlier this month at SoundCheck Studio, have racked up more than 220,000 views as of press time.

Set to conquer the international stage with their first North American tour, the Paninindigan Kita music act will be performing in iconic and key venues across nine cities in the US and Canada—ahead of their send-off concert on September 3 at the CCP Open Grounds.

 

Valentina Ploy breaks down walls between herself and listeners in “Berlin”, her second single with Warner Music Asia. The track will drop across all digital streaming platforms at midnight of 9 June 2022.

Coming back with yet another upbeat tune, Valentina Ploy has a way with radiating her sunshine personality even when singing to a lyrically sad song. We see people build walls as a coping mechanism while they are in relationships. As the track title suggests, ”Berlin” expresses the frustration of being with someone who puts up walls as high as The Berlin Wall. Co-written with Richard Craker, the upbeat pop tune takes listeners on a relatable journey in trying to break down and cross these walls built up by the person that they love.

“Berlin” will be accompanied by an entertaining music video starring Valentina Ploy herself, and renowned Thai actor, Benjamin Joseph Varney. Brace yourself for an unseen side to Valentina Ploy, as she proves to be a multi-dimensional artist, and shows her relatable quirky side to fans in this visual feast. Fans can also anticipate yet another endearing dance routine in the music video as Valentina Ploy encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone and embrace every part of themselves.

Warner Music Asia announced on 21 April 2022 that it has formed a strategic alliance with Thailand’s premier independent record company What the Duck by signing Valentina Ploy, one of its most accomplished singer-songwriters.

This deal will see Warner Music Asia add the established Bangkok-based star to its roster of prominent singers, and will serve to support the What the Duck label in its work to elevate Valentina’s career to new heights. Warner Music will be harnessing the support of Warner Music Thailand to strengthen her domestic fan base, and utilizing the Group’s regional network to introduce her work to music lovers throughout Asia and beyond.

 

After more than two years, it was my first Friday night experience again. It feels like the first time I spent a fun Friday night listening to a band. It sure brings back memories of my younger years in this JUST MUSIC NIGHT, a night filled with beats and emotions where TJ Monterde released his latest single, "Walong Bilyon," together with the other singer-songwriters, Kenji, Patrick Quirros, and NKD.

Just Music is a sub-label of CS Music that caters to different talented singer-songwriters. And these four performers are just a few of the many talents of Just Music.

 

Raised in Southern California, singer/songwriter Cassy London embodies a dynamic mix of razor-sharp strength and resonating grace; delivering a distinctive melodic style and euphoric tone. Cassy’s artist DNA combines her LA alt-rock roots with multiple genres across modern pop, resulting in a sound that is so uniquely her own. Now the artist returns with fresh offering ‘New Age’, a bold, uplifting and unifying pop anthem.

“The message of ‘New Age’ has always been really important to me, especially right now. It’s about feeling powerful, not powerless in the face of change; holding onto optimism and rooting everything in love.” Cassy London shares.

Produced by global multi-platinum producer Harry Sommerdahl (Red Velvet, Lil Wayne, Steve Aoki) the song was created during a writing trip to Stockholm, Sweden.

“The day of the session, I remember waking up and having a sense something really special was going to happen! I walked into the studio on a super cold day and sat down with the other writer and producer and began sharing my iPhone notes, voice memos, and the overall vision I had for a song called ‘New Age’” Cassy adds.

 

Filipino singer-songwriter Jarlo Bâse is ready to carve his own lane in the music industry with the release of “Kalapati,” his first official single under Sony Music Philippines.

Recorded at Sonic State Audio, “Kalapati” doesn’t sound like a total diversion from his previous releases, but it has a more pristine quality to it as far as production is concerned. The laid-back tune finds the promising newcomer embracing a lighthearted but soulful direction while remaining adept in making accessible R&B/pop music that yields ecstatic returns.

Lyrically, the song deals about “loving someone for reasons that actually matter,” and as Jarlo Bâse puts it, “accepting them for who they are now, not for who they were, and definitely not for who we want them to be someday.” With Jarlo Bâse’s signature smoothness adding an element of a much-needed chill, “Kalapati” makes for an exhilarating listening experience: a bop that is ready to redefine romance in an exciting, youthful way.

While the song was initially conceived four years ago, it was only in 2021 when Jarlo Bâse was able to record the track in a professional studio. “I had to be patient,” the multi-talented artist reveals. “Waiting for the availability of studio was the most challenging part for me. It was all about timing, and making sure I was ready when an opportunity would arise. If my memory serves me right, I finished the song around four years ago. Most of what we did was re-record the different stems of the track, and polish what needed polishing.”

 

KTX.ph, the leading digital events platform in the country, kicks off its spectacular concert series in 2022 with performances by three of country’s most popular artists, Belle Mariano, Morissette Amon, and Angeline Quinto.

Asia's Pheonix Morissette will celebrate her tenth anniversary in the music industry via the digital concert, "Phoenix," on January 23 (Sunday). It highlights her journey as a performer through the years. Morissette's fans can still purchase P1,999 VIP tickets that include a meet and greet with Morisette, P999 regular tickets.

Angeline Quinto's "10Q: Ten Years of Angeline Quinto at the Metropolitan Theatre" continues this year. Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano and Kapamilya teen heartthrob Darren Espanto will join the Queen of Teleserye themesongs in her anniversary concert on January 28 (Friday), while she will have Ogie Alcasid as guest on January 29 (Saturday).Also on January 30 (Sunday), Angeline will reunite with her co-Divas, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, and Yeng Constantino. Tickets are still available for P499 per concert.

Rising teen superstar Belle Mariano marks her first major solo digital concert, "Daylight" on January 29 (Saturday). After just two minutes, "Daylight" had sold P300,000 tickets and within 30 minutes, it had sold P500,000. The SVIP and VIP tickets have already been sold out, but regular tickets sold at P195 are still available. For those who cannot make it on January 29, fans can still purchase a ticket to watch it on January 30 (Sunday).

Aside from the concerts of these three phenomenal artists, watch out for the re-run of the "One Dream: The BINI and BGYO concert version 2022" on February 12 (Saturday) or 13 (Sunday). For 700, they can experience the one-of-a-kind sibling concert once more with exciting surprises for the Blooms and ACEs.

To book tickets and get more information on the events, visit www.ktx.ph. For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

 

Another Asian music release for your playlist. 

 

Music has indeed pierced through hearts and for this versatile musical charmer Jeremy G welcomes the New Year with a soul-pop ballad about longing for a loved one entitled “someday.”

The latest Star Pop release is his first composition, which was inspired by his yearning for those who mean to him the most. “I wrote ‘someday’ during a time when even the closest of people felt the farthest away. The pandemic has made us miss the people we care about and love the most,” said Jeremy, who rose to fame after becoming a finalist in “The Voice Teens Philippines” season 1 under the team of his coach, Sharon Cuneta.

The Kapamilya singer also dedicated the song to “those who are missing ‘their person’ and are hoping that ‘someday’ everything will be okay.” He worked with Star Pop label head Rox Santos to co-produce the album.

Along with the release of the single, the music video premiered on ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel, depicting the struggles of someone who is separated from his love, evoking hope that one day they will be reunited again. “someday” music video also stars Magui Ford.

Jeremy’s most recent release kickstarts his projects for 2022, which includes an all-original extended play (EP). He is also set to star in the musical series “Lyric and Beat,” an ABS-CBN and iQiyi production, alongside Darren Espanto, Angela Ken, Seth Fedelin, Andrea Brillantes, Sheena Belarmino, and AC Bonifacio. He is currently a mainstay of “ASAP Natin ‘To.”

Check out Jeremy G’s “someday,” now available in music streaming services. For more details, follow Star Pop on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starpopph) and on Twitter and Instagram (@starpopph).

Last December 30, 2021, the last day of the 3-day Album Launch and mini-concert series of Madhouse Music Record Label, Kwento Ni Toto witnessed and met four (4) talented and fascinating artists. The said album launch, which started on December 28, 2021, was held at the Social House in Circuit, Makati.

The solo artists and songwriters launched are Soleil Misalucha, Angelica Sengco, Reiner Espiel, and Joel Jabelosa. During the launch, they showcased their talents to their fans and followers. Their performances were captivating and soothing to the ear. Their compositions were also astonishing the beat, the lyrics, and the theme was captivating.

Soleil Misalucha made a jaw-dropping performance while playing her guitar. She also let the audience hear her talent in rapping. What's more interesting is that aside from being a talented singer-songwriter, Soleil is also a teacher.

Angelica Sengco, just like Soleil, is also a teacher with a captivating voice, and some of her compositions are interestingly witty, experiential, and with a nice rhythm to follow. Her presence on stage is a delight while she sings her pieces.

This third artist, Reiner Espiel is probably the Jack-of-all-trade, with his voice, talent, and being a musician, makes him an engaging artist. Especially, when he performs on stage. With a genius songwriter and musician like him, there's no dull moment when he's on stage.

The last artist is Joel Jabelosa, he is a songwriter who aims to give inspiration through his song and music.

Aside from the four (4) that were launched, there were also performances from selected artists like Choy Zablan, Reymart Titong, Seryosing Rockers, Ivee Madamba, Hunyo, Alvin Murillo, ang bandang Souldrift at The Yellow Cassette, and of course from the Founder of Madhouse, Mr. Rannie Raymundo.

Though they are all singers and composers, each of them has different genres and themes in the creation, plus the individuality they put every time they perform.

During the interview, Mr. Rannie Raymundo made an emphasis on the new breed of talents that needs to be put up to raise again that Filipino spirit in line with the music. He also said that they are campaigning to coin Filipino music as OFM which describes as Original Filipino Music.

Mr. Raymundo is right we need to have that spirit again, the love for Filipino 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.”