Following the success of his debut single Bahagia dengan Mudah in January 2024, aajeebee returns with a new song, Membingkai Senyuman. Released on November 1, 2024, the track has already gained momentum, earning more than 22,402 streams on Spotify.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis is set to release her fifth studio album, Not That Girl, on Friday, January 10, 2025. The album will be available on all major digital platforms worldwide.

Not That Girl offers a glimpse into Almalbis’ personal journey, tackling themes of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. The album draws inspiration from her experiences with mental and emotional health, using music to open conversations about overcoming challenges and addressing the stigma surrounding depression.

To celebrate the release, Almalbis will perform live on the same day at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City. The intimate show will feature a mix of her greatest hits and tracks from the new album. Joining her onstage are notable local artists Kai del Rio, .bird, Twin Lobster, and Johnoy Danao, making the event a night to remember for music fans.

A few hours ago, Almalbis shared a vulnerable reflection on her experience with depression, emphasizing the importance of support and self-expression. In an Instagram post, she wrote: “But through it all, I was never really alone. I had the support of people who prayed for me, listened to me, loved me, and continually reminded me to remain in God. Their presence was a lifeline. In the midst of the pain, my friends encouraged me to write. And so, I did. The songs came so naturally, almost effortlessly. I was reminded of the days when I was a teenager, overwhelmed by emotions, and the only way I could process them was to pour them into my writing. It felt like I was reconnecting with something deep within me.”

Filipino music superstar James Reid has once again captivated fans with his latest single, "Hurt Me Too," marking his debut project under Sony Music Entertainment. This emotional ballad delves deep into the theme of heartbreak, showcasing Reid's talent for combining raw emotion with compelling storytelling.

With a career spanning over a decade, James Reid has become a key figure in contemporary pop and R&B music in the Philippines. His chart-topping records, sold-out tours, and successful brand campaigns have made him a household name. But it’s his ability to balance commercial success with artistic integrity that truly sets him apart.

In "Hurt Me Too," Reid presents a stripped-down ballad that hits hard emotionally. The song, produced by Tim Marquez, finds Reid at his most vulnerable, reflecting on past heartbreak with a mix of fondness and pain. "I wrote the song three years ago together with Seth Reger, an artist from LA," Reid shares. "He really helped me tap into these emotions that I didn’t even know I was feeling at that moment."

Reid's exploration of heartbreak in "Hurt Me Too" marks a significant shift in his musical direction. Known for hits like "Cool Down," "Turning Up," and "16B," Reid's previous work has often leaned towards upbeat, feel-good tracks. However, this new single introduces a more introspective side of the artist.

"For this next album I’m working on, I wanted to focus on the core of who I am as a songwriter with minimal but intentional music production," Reid explains. "Hurt Me Too is like a palate cleanser for me in a way that it introduces a change in sound and direction."

The heartfelt tune is complemented by a music video directed by Elena Virata, a close friend of Reid's. "The concept was simple but powerful, focusing on unreleased emotions and frustrations," he adds. The video’s simplicity allows the song's emotional depth to shine through, creating a poignant visual experience for listeners.

James Reid's music has always resonated with fans due to its authenticity and relatability. His ability to connect with listeners on a personal level is evident in his extensive catalog, which includes popular tracks like "Right There," "On Top," and "The Life." These songs, much like "Hurt Me Too," showcase his knack for blending heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies.

Reid's journey in the music industry began with his win on the reality show "Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010." This victory catapulted him into the limelight, leading to a successful career in both music and acting. Over the years, Reid has continued to evolve as an artist, consistently pushing the boundaries of his craft.

Joining Sony Music Entertainment is a significant milestone for Reid, aligning him with other prominent Filipino artists such as SB19, Ben&Ben, and Clara Benin. This partnership is expected to further elevate Reid's career, providing him with new opportunities to reach a global audience.

Reflecting on his career, Reid expresses gratitude for the support he has received from fans and collaborators alike. "I’m grateful for the journey and the growth I’ve experienced over the years," he says. "Each song, each album is a part of my story, and I’m excited to share this new chapter with everyone."

As "Hurt Me Too" gains traction on digital music platforms worldwide, fans are eagerly anticipating Reid's upcoming album. This next phase promises to delve deeper into his personal experiences, offering listeners a more intimate glimpse into his life and emotions.

James Reid’s ability to convey profound emotions through his music is a testament to his talent as a singer and songwriter. "Hurt Me Too" is not just a song; it’s a reflection of his journey, his struggles, and his growth. It’s this authenticity that continues to endear him to fans, old and new.

Reid's work stands out for its enduring impact. His songs have the power to evoke memories, inspire reflection, and provide comfort. With "Hurt Me Too," James Reid reaffirms his place in the music industry, proving that true artistry lies in the ability to touch hearts and minds.

James Reid's "Hurt Me Too" is available now on all digital music platforms. As he continues to explore new themes and sounds, one thing remains certain: James Reid is an artist whose music will continue to resonate for years to come.

 

Music label WATERWALK RECORDS has recently unveiled a new compilation album aimed at promoting faith-based entertainment artists to the modern streaming audience. The album is packed with powerful declarations of love, worship, and faith.

Entitled SAMBAHAN, is a new record that boasts 11 awe-inspiring tracks that showcase the talents of various worship leaders from different Christian churches and congregations.

SAMBAHAN is more than just an album; it's a project that embodies the spirit of collaboration and connection. The record features original Tagalog worship songs, written and composed by members of the KONEKOLAB Worship fellowship - a group of church-based songwriters. The tracks are then performed and interpreted by worship leaders, creating a diverse and dynamic collection of music.

 

Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate’s latest P-pop offering conveys the excitement and confidence in the program’s titular character, Darna played by Jane De Leon, who embodies heroism, love, and compassion for the people of the fictional Nueva Esperanza.

Released a day before “Darna” simultaneously premiered on television and online last August 15, the soundtrack has already earned over 136,000 streams on Spotify and almost 100,000 views on YouTube. It also charted as the leading song on iTunes in the Philippines, Singapore, UAE, and Saudi Arabia immediately after release.

BGYO performed the track in a live performance on “ASAP Natin ‘To” featuring the powerhouse cast of “Darna.”

J-Pop queen Hikaru Utada makes an impactful return with the digital release of her eighth studio album, Bad Mode on January 19, Wednesday—the same date as her birthday.

Delivering yet another pop masterpiece with sophisticated edge, the global superstar solidifies her iconic status with a string of envelope-pushing jams such as “One Last Kiss,” the theme song to EVANGELION:3.0+1.0 THRICE UPON A TIME; “PINK BLOOD,” the soundtrack to anime drama To Your Eternity; and “Face My Fears,” which was written and produced by Hikaru Utada alongside chart-topping producers Skrillex and Poo Bear—to name a few.

Utada’s new record contains four bonus tracks and three new songs, including self-titled “BAD MODE,” “Kibunja Naino (Not In The Mood),” and “Somewhere Near Marseilles.” The former is a euphoric electro-pop tune that is characterized by breezy melodies and soaring vocals, a quality that is rampant throughout her latest release. Its music video, directed by Joe Conner (Sam Smith’s” Pray” and Coldplay’s “Everglow”), is set to premiere during her online concert, "Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios.”

Hikaru Utada’s new studio album, Bad Mode will be available on CD format (February 23), and on vinyl format (April 27). Following its release, the best-selling Japanese singer-songwriter and producer will be reissuing all her beloved classic albums on limited-edition vinyl: First Love, Distance, and DEEP RIVER, will drop on March 10, while ULTRA BLUE, HEART STATION and Fantôme will be available for the first time on vinyl this April 27, as well as an encore pressing of the Hatsukoi vinyl.

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).

 

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.

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. 

 

“Asia’s Soul Supreme” KZ Tandingan and rising P-Pop boy group BGYO composed of Mikki Claver, JL Toreliza, Akira Morishita, and Gelo Rivera joined forces to encourage Filipinos to spread light to all through ABS-CBN’s “Feel Good Pilipinas” dance video and music video.

First revealed last Friday (May 7) on various ABS-CBN platforms, the two releases of “Feel Good Pilipinas” videos hoped to inspire Filipinos to find ways to be happy and connect with each other despite the challenges we are facing in this pandemic.

The lyrics of “Feel Good Pilipinas” were penned by Lawrence Arvin Sibug and Robert Labayen of ABS-CBN Creative Communication Management (CCM) while the music was composed by Thyro Alfaro and Francis Salazar. Maria Lourdes Parawan, also of CCM, provided the English translation.

The dance challenge, on the other hand, was choreographed by “Pinoy Big Brother” alumnus and dance master Mickey Perz.

For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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. 

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. 

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

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

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

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

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



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

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.

Is he really serious? Well, during the online media conference, Kyle Echarri showed and shared how serious he is about his craft. One proof that he is serious is that he's levelling up his singing career by not only singing but also crafting his own songs. 

A more mature Kyle Echarri was presented during the mediacon of his latest single release titled “I’m Serious,” which he wrote and produced under Star POP.

This project marks the young actor-singer’s first solo music project as a singer-songwriter and music producer. Label head Rox Santos served as the supervising producer of Kyle’s upcoming album which will include “I’m Serious.”

“I really wanted to let people feel who Kyle really is, so what I did was write all the songs in this album,” he teased.

“I’m Serious” is a straightforward love song in which a guy looks for a way to ease the girl’s worries by committing his faithful love only for her. It expresses deep affection for a special someone while also convincing her of his decent intentions.

Kyle said he wrote the song to address assumptions about him being a “chickboy.” “For me, the best thing to do now is just spread positivity and love to one another. When something negative was thrown at me, I guess I translated it into something positive. I just really wanted to spread love to everyone,” he explained.

Before the song’s official drop, 15 lucky fans who won Star POP’s contest on Twitter got first dibs on hearing the track via a virtual fan meet and listening party last Wednesday (September 9).

Kyle finished in the Top 6 of “The Voice Kids” season 2 in 2015. His most recent collaboration is with 16-year-old Singaporean talent Haven for the dreamy track “Imagine.” In 2018, the “Kadenang Ginto” breakout star released his hit song “Pangako,” which climbed to the top spot of iTunes PH’s Top 100 Songs Chart upon its release.

Trust real love and listen to Kyle’s new song, “I’m Serious” on various digital streaming platforms. For more details, follow StarPOP PH on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starpopph) and on Instagram (@starpopph). For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

This blog have been on tail on Maris Racal's stories, most especially during their Marnigo days, and we can say that her musical talent is interesting, whether she goes alone or with a partner. So, now we've got another story to share about Maris and this is about her newest single which is something to check out. She did create a name for herself and she has been one of the breakout young actresses of her generation. Maris Racal has successfully dabbled in writing her own songs and challenging industry expectations with her intimate and refreshing take on pop music. From penning the chart-topping confessional “Ikaw Lang Sapat Na” to collaborating with Rico Blanco on the city pop-influenced ditty “Abot Langit,” Racal is surprisingly an effective chronicler of love anthems for the modern age—a guitar-toting songstress known for balancing commercial appeal with artistic integrity. 

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

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

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

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

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