Monthly Archives: January 2022

Music

George Ezra announces new album, “Gold Rush Kid”, out June 10

Leave a comment

BRIT Award-winning, multi-platinum selling musician George Ezra today announces his hugely anticipated new album Gold Rush Kid, due for release on 10 June via Columbia Records.

The Gold Rush Kid era begins today with the release of its euphoric first single and album opener ‘Anyone For You,’ available to stream and download now. The song arrives alongside a video that introduces the Gold Rush Kid to fans for the first time, whilst today also sees the announcement of a trio of intimate shows in Edinburgh, Manchester and London for February and March.

“The Gold Rush Kid? That’s me,” says George, reflecting on the title of his third record – a 12-strong suite of marvellous, transporting, elevational songs, that more than anything “sound like me. That’s what ties them together.”

After two blockbuster albums – Wanted On Voyage (2014) and Staying At Tamara’s (2018), both of which reached number 1 in the UK and sold millions around the world, and the latter of which earned him his first number 1 single in ‘Shotgun’ and won him the 2019 Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist – it was time to return to heart and hearth, with an album written and produced entirely in London with longstanding collaborator Joel Pott. “‘Anyone For You’ is a patchwork of lyric ideas found in old notebooks and chance moments shared between musicians in the studio,” explains George. “It’s joyous and infectious, and I can’t help but smile every time I sing it.

Going through those notebooks, one of the first scribblings that caught his eye was a verse he’d written when he was 23, before even he’d begun work on his second album:“Tiger Lily moved to the city, she’d just turned 21, and I said: here’s my number, hit me up, if you’re needing anyone, and then I can be anyone anyone anyone anyone anyone for you…”

It kicks off a sparkling song that speaks of support and encouragement, and builds to a glorious singalong-a-George chorus:“Let me be your light!”

The song’s bounce, spring and sunny disposition belies its completion, then its recording, in Pott’s studio in southeast London in 2020. But like the album as a whole, it’s as if Ezra has alchemised the darkness of the last two years into revivifying, invigorating light.

The singer-songwriter will debut some of the album’s songs for the first time at a handful of intimate shows announced today.

George Ezra – intimate shows, Spring 2022

27 February – Manchester Opera House

28 February – Edinburgh Kings Theatre

2 March – London Palladium

Following the release of Gold Rush Kid, Ezra will play his biggest headline show to date, a special all day event at London’s Finsbury Park on 17 July 2022. Joining George at his first live show in almost three years, presented by Festival Republic, will be special guests Blossoms and Holly Humberstone, with more to be announced. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

The shows will be George’s first headline performances since two very special charity shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall in aid of Mind, in autumn 2019. Those shows marked the end of the mammoth Staying At Tamara’s tour which included two critically acclaimed sold out shows at London’s o2 Arena.

Not content with topping the album charts, in recent years George has also launched two podcasts, both of which reached number 1. George Ezra & Friends saw George in conversation with some of the world’s biggest pop stars, including Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Sir Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers, Lily Allen, Craig David, Shania Twain, Lewis Capaldi and many more. Its episodes have been played in excess of a million times and won the Bronze Award at The British Podcast Awards, in the Listeners’ Choice category voted for by the public. It was followed by a new series, Phone A Friend, co-hosted by George and his long-time friend Ollie MN. When George and Ollie both experienced issues with mental health, they found comfort in opening up to one another about what they were going through. Phone A Friend captures their candid and light-hearted chats, with the intention of encouraging the listener to start conversations of their own. Each episode, George and Ollie share the ups and downs of their week and discuss how to balance mental health concerns with the other stresses of daily life.

Music

SB19’s PABLO gets up close and personal on his debut single “La Luna”

Leave a comment

SB19’s PABLO embarks on his journey as a solo artist with the release of his debut single “La Luna”—out today via Sony Music Philippines.
The eclectic banger, which the 27-year-old artist composed and produced himself, is all about freeing yourself from the need to meet society’s unrealistic expectations.


As PABLO sums it up, the song is about learning to embrace imperfections in pursuit of achieving acceptance and self-love. “We all have flaws and we need to accept those imperfections because those are what make us who we are.”


The prolific singer-songwriter and producer adds, “to be mentally healthy, we need to come to terms with ourselves, that what we feel is valid. We shouldn’t suppress it just so we can please everyone and avoid confrontation. There will always be black in white and white in black. We should maintain balance within us. That’s how we remain sane and alive.”

“La Luna” cements PABLO’s foothold as one of the most imaginative figures in P-Pop and a creative force with a knack for ambition. Aiming for a grander, more cinematic-sounding track, PABLO rips through the speakers with punchy cadences over a hard-hitting bed of bass, strings, wind instruments, hip-hop-inspired drums, and choral harmonies.
“I always like the cinematic feeling the music scoring bring upon movie scenes,” the SB19 member reveals. “It amplifies the emotion that is currently being portrayed. I decided to incorporate that in my music. I want it to be grand and full to bring out the intensity of the song’s emotion.”


In an official statement, PABLO’s decision to release “La Luna” is a way for him to confront his personal battles. He considers making his own music as an outlet to express all his emotions in its messily beautiful but unfiltered state.


“Its focus is mostly about myself, my feelings, my beliefs, how I view the world and how it affects me,” the certified hitmaker explains.
“La Luna” marks PABLO’s first official release after teasing the public with an unreleased song titled “???” last week. Outside his stint as a leader of SB19, PABLO has done exemplary work as a producer/composer, and has even won the top prize at last year’s Djooky Music Awards for his collaboration with rapper Josue on “Determinado.” He also wrote all the songs from SB19’s 2021 EP, Pagsibol.


PABLO’s “La Luna” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Music

Rex Orange County announces new album, Who Cares?

Leave a comment

Rex Orange County returns to announce his forthcoming album WHO CARES?, which is due March 11th via Sony Music. Along with the announcement, Rex also shares the new album’s lead single and its accompanying video in “KEEP IT UP.” In the video, Rex is seen dancing his way through Amsterdam’s busy city center as he performs the track alongside musician Benny Sings, with whom he created WHO CARES? over the course of a few sessions in Sings’ Amsterdam studio.

Today’s release is Rex’s first since 2020’s Live at Radio City Music Hall EP taken from his two sold-out shows at the venue in 2020 just before his international Pony tour was cut short in Berlin due to Covid-19. As it turns out, however, that tour being cut short is part of the genesis of this album. After spending the bulk of 2020 quarantined back home in the UK, Rex made the trek to Amsterdam that fall to record with Benny Sings, with whom he crafted the 2017 platinum selling breakout single “Loving Is Easy.”

What started as sessions without expectations turned into an incredibly productive 48-hour window of recording with Benny, prompting a follow-up trip to Amsterdam. The subsequent 10 days of work together produced his fourth album, made in close partnership with Benny, that is a playful record by an artist in a playful mood. The album also finds Rex reunited with one of his earliest champions, Tyler, The Creator, who contributes a verse to “OPEN A WINDOW,” which marks the first time the two have collaborated since Tyler’s 2017 album Flower Boy.

Listen to and watch “KEEP IT UP” above, find full album details below and stay tuned for more from Rex Orange County coming soon.

WHO CARES?
Rex Orange County
March 11th, 2022
Sony Music

  1. KEEP IT UP
  2. OPEN A WINDOW (Feat. Tyler, The Creator)
  3. WORTH IT
  4. AMAZING
  5. ONE IN A MILLION
  6. IF YOU WANT IT
  7. 7 AM
  8. THE SHADE
  9. MAKING TIME
  10. SHOOT ME DOWN
  11. WHO CARES?
Music

Zack Tabudlo and Billkin take “Give Me Your Forever” to the next level

Leave a comment

Zack Tabudlo, whose debut album Episode (2021) spawned hits like “Binibini” and “Habang Buhay,” is releasing a new version of his English-language hit from that album, “Give Me Your Forever.” This time, he brings on board the Thai artist Billkin to give new life to the pop and R&B ballad. This collaboration features subtle touches that discerning listeners of the original will enjoy.

Zack chalks up his collaboration to the Southeast Asian success of “Give Me Your Forever,” where he says that its popularity in countries such as Thailand and Indonesia and its virality on social media platforms such as TikTok drew the attention of Billkin’s team. Billkin’s label, Nadao Music, also happens to be distributed by Universal Music Thailand, Zack says. The two labels got the two artists to work together on “Give Me Your Forever”.

Zack wrote, recorded, and produced the track here in Manila, while Billkin recorded and sent his vocals over for the former to include in the final mix. This edition of “Give Me Your Forever” retains the original lyrics. Zack says that the lyrics were inspired by seeing an old couple in their 70s walking hand in hand and smiling to each other. He wanted to imagine how their love story would be like.

Despite all the challenges people everywhere are going through now, Zack and Billkin agree that this track is something that they hope will bring happiness and joy. The upbeat, “love wins” message of “Give Me Your Forever” becomes stronger thanks to the blend of the two artists styles which will, in Billkin’s words, “generate new feelings for the fans.”

Foreign, Music

Bryan Adams releases “Never Gonna Rain, new song and video out now

Leave a comment

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Bryan Adams releases his new song “Never Gonna Rain”. The melodic rock song is the latest release off his forthcoming studio album So Happy It Hurts, due March 11, 2022 via BMG.

Of the track, Adams states, “The ultimate optimist is someone who keeps on expecting the best, even in the face of the worst. Living in the moment, instead of in fear. Turning the negatives into positives. Taking the rain and turning it into a gift.”

So Happy It Hurts, marks Bryan Adams’ 15th release and features 12 new songs co-written by him, including recently released “So Happy It Hurts,” “On The Road,” and “Kick Ass”. The album will be available on all digital platforms, as well as in a variety of physical formats including standard CD, deluxe CD with a lenticular cover and hardbound book and vinyl. Exclusive color vinyl and a limited edition box set which includes the deluxe CD, vinyl, hardbound book and signed photo are also available for pre-order here.

Online Events

Belle, Morissette, Angeline kickstart KTX.ph’s line-up of concerts this 2022

Leave a comment

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

Music

Maris Racal teams up with singer-songwriter/rapper raven on sparkly pop anthem “Pumila Ka”

Leave a comment

After making headlines with generation-defining songs that celebrate individuality and empowerment, Maris Racal is back with another track that fits cohesively in the country’s ever-diversifying P-Pop music landscape.


Featuring up-and-coming singer-songwriter and rapper raven, Maris Racal’s latest single “Pumila Ka” asserts the internet-breaking star’s knack for capturing the zeitgeist and shaking up outdated conventions in mainstream music.


On “Pumila Ka,” the recording artist claps back at those who use their privilege and entitlement for all the wrong reasons. The empowering tune emphasizes that people need to be more aware and considerate of those around them – that it’s okay to aim high as long as you won’t be hurting or do anyone wrong in the process.

In an Instagram post, Maris Racal dedicates the song to everyone who had to line up and work hard in order to achieve their goals. “Time will come that you’ll get through your destination and live up your dreams,” the Ate Sandali hitmaker said.


“Pumila Ka” is accompanied by a colorful music video that bursts with the 24-year-old singer-songwriter/actress’ chameleonic persona. Helmed by veteran filmmaker Treb Monteras, the visuals offer a choreography-heavy spectacle that brings listeners back to the era of early 2000s pop music, led by artists such as Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera.


Upon the release of the music video, “Pumila Ka” instantly climbed the iTunes Philippines chart at No. 3, and trended on Twitter Philippines at No. 1 for several hours. As of press time, the MV has racked up more than 100,000 views.


The unapologetic bop is written by Maris herself and singer-songwriter/rapper raven, with production by Rico Blanco. According to raven, who happens to contribute a verse on the multihyphenate star’s 2022 single, working with Maris was a fun and exciting experience. “I used to watch her in PBB, and I’m glad that I got to collaborate with someone as talented as Maris. The verse that I’ve written for her was based on a true story.”


The bedroom musician shares that it was his first time appearing in a music video with backup dancers and a more elaborate setup. He also praised Maris Racal and Rico Blanco’s work ethic as collaborators, and their kind gesture of making him comfortable during the entire shoot. “At first, I felt intimidated by Maris and sir Rico, because I’m not used to working with artists of their caliber. Good thing they were approachable and very accommodating on the set. I’ve learned a lot of things from them.”


“Pumila Ka” marks Maris Racal’s first release of 2022, and continues the journey of her previous singles “Ate Sandali” and “Asa Naman.” Both tracks earned positive feedback from music critics and fans for steering pop music forward with exciting new ideas.
The song also serves as raven’s latest offering since 2021’s Lika Na album, a collection of songs that put refreshing spin on ‘90s indie rock, lo-fi hip-hop, folk, and bedroom pop. The record includes hits and absolute gems such as “Ngayon Lang ‘To,” “Paraluman,” “SUKI (which includes Rico Blanco on production),” and “Kung Tayo, Tayo.”
Maris Racal and raven’s “Pumila Ka” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Online Events

Belle poised to dazzle viewers in “Daylight: The Concert” on January 29

Leave a comment

Rising star Belle Mariano is ready to illuminate 2022 with her vibrant performances as she headlines her first-ever digital concert “Daylight,” happening on January 29 (Saturday) via KTX.ph and TFC IPTV.

“Daylight: The Concert,” presented by ABS-CBN Events and Star Pop, is set to make Belle’s star shine even brighter as she exhibits her talent in performing following the release of her highly-successful debut album last year.

Finally able to fulfill her dream of staging her own concert, Belle said, “Grabe po, as in hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala, everyday I’m just grateful. Despite the anxiety because I’ll be performing, it’s more of excitement kasi magagawa ko na ‘yung pinapangarap ko.”

Directed by Alco Guerrero under the music direction of Iean Iñigo, the virtual offering promises to be a light and intimate affair for audiences worldwide.

Image

“I want everyone to connect so kahit virtually lang, gusto ko na ma-feel nila ‘yung ambiance, na despite all these rains happening in our lives, we still have to see daylight,” the Star Magic artist and RISE Artists Studio talent said.

She also teased the fresh arrangements of the songs that she will perform during the concert. “Meron akong different takes, hindi siya ‘yung usual na naririnig natin. Babaliin namin so I’m really excited and sana magustuhan ng mga manonood.”

Aside from her solo performances, viewers can look forward to Belle’s must-see collaborations with her guests—which include fellow ABS-CBN artists Trisha Denise, SAB, and Jayda, who all composed songs for her album.

Belle will also perform alongside Kyle Echarri, OPM band Ben&Ben, and her on-screen partner Donny Pangilinan, with whom she will reunite in the upcoming second season of “He’s Into Her.”

Regular tickets for “Daylight: The Concert” priced at P195 which gives viewers access to the main concert link is still available, while the SVIP and VIP tickets priced at P795 and P495 respectively have already sold out in December.

See the light of day with Belle in “Daylight: The Concert” 8 PM on January 29 (Saturday) via KTX.ph and TFC IPTV, with a replay the next day (January 30) at 11 AM. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Foreign, Music

Rich Brian drops a surprise new EP “Brightside”

Leave a comment

Indonesian rapper, singer, and producer Rich Brian has released a surprise new EP titled Brightside. The four-track project is out now HERE via 88rising.

On the EP, Brian said, “this project started from me making New Tooth and realizing how much I missed rapping, while doing melodies are fun I wanted to remind people that I still love to rap. It’s short, it’s not an album but I see it like a mental note of how the past year has accelerated my growing-up process as an artist & a person.”

Directed by the reggies (bbno$ & Rich Brian, Zack Fox, Kenny Beats, Aluna, Kaytranada) Brian also releases a new music video for the project’s high-energy focus track “Getcho Mans” which features 88rising labelmate Warren Hue and was shot completely on film. The fast-paced music video captures the Indonesian rappers trading bars in a surreal visual that intensifies as clones of Rich Brian and Warren Hue invade the scenes and culminates into an all-out brawl.

On focus track “Getcho Mans,” Brian said, “I remember hearing this beat for the first time and immediately astral projecting, me and Warren were very caffeinated in the studio that day and decided to Dragon Ball fusion on this track, this song has a lot of words in it but it’s okay because it makes me feel invincible & I hope it makes you feel the same.”

The 22-year-old paved the way for Brightside with the November release of “New Tooth.” The track has already amassed 7.5M+ streams across platforms and over 2.7 million YouTube views on the theatrical self-directed music video. HYPEBEAST described how he takes “an introspective look at himself and encounters his feelings of self-doubt head-on, dropping bars at a rapid-fire pace.” Meanwhile, HipHopDX dubbed it “his best song yet,” writing that “‘New Tooth’ makes the most out of its nearly 4-minute runtime, ending with an outro that makes for a solid cliffhanger.” Not to mention, Bandwagon Asia hailed it as “hard-hitting, introspective, and thrilling.”

Making headlines, Brian recently graced the stage at 88rising’s Head In The Clouds Festival at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. MTV praised the experience as “pure jubilance,” and wrote, “During headliner and early label-signee Rich Brian’s performance of flamboyant track ‘Edamame,’ backup dancers popped and locked while dressed up as the titular soybean.” He will also make his debut performance at Coachella this April.

Brian recently made history by becoming the first Indonesian artist to attract 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Stay tuned for more soon.

Brightside EP Tracklist

  1. New Tooth
  2. Lagoon
  3. Getcho Mans ft. Warren Hue
  4. Sunny
Music

Alexa Ilacad lays down all the questions inside her heart and head in her new single, “Paano”!

1 Comment

Alexa Ilacad will be taking you on a journey of heartbreak with her new pop ballad single, “Paano”, out on Spotify, Apple Music and all digital streaming platforms this Friday, January 21, 2022.

For people familiar with Alexa’s music, her catchy pop tunes and high pitch vocals are one of her trademarks when it comes to her songs. She proves not only to be a versatile actress, but also a talented singer who can give life to every song she performs, especially the ones she wrote herself.

“Paano” was written by Alexa Ilacad in one sitting during a rainy car ride. Just like the downpour outside, Alexa poured out all her feelings and the questions running through her head after getting blindsided by the person she trusted the most. “Where did it all go wrong? Was any of it real? What did I do wrong?” These are just some of the questions Alexa asks herself but never got any answers to.

“I wrote ‘Paano’ because I had no other way and place to channel my emotions. I kept it with me for so long until I was ready to share my pain.” said Alexa. It was then she reached out to her best friend and vocalist of Gracenote, Eunice Jorge, to help her turn this pain into the beautiful song that it is today.

Aside from acting, as of now, she’ll be focusing on releasing more music to her fans.

Although “Paano” is a pop song, its lyrics and vocals express nothing but hurt and sadness – a pain that Alexa demands you to feel with her. Who could have ever hurt her this much? We may never know. One thing is for sure, not even Alexa Ilacad is exempted from heartbreak.

For more news and updates on Alexa Ilacad, follow her on

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube

For more news and updates on Off The Record, follow Off The Record onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube