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Self-proclaimed online action star. Loves music, food and travel. You can see him in concert venues. Live event correspondent. Follow Kevin Pableo on Twitter: @kevin_pableo
Foreign, Music

Jamie Miller unveils debut Broken Memories EP

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Pop singer-songwriter Jamie Miller is proud to unveil his debut EP, Broken Memories, available now via Atlantic Records/Geaux Uptown Records at all DSPs and streaming services HERE. Broken Memories sees Jamie affirming his talent for transforming heartache into songs with a profoundly uplifting power.

Today’s EP release is further celebrated by the anthemic single, “It Is What It Is,” produced by Louis Schoorl (5 Seconds of Summer) and Cal Shapiro (Timeflies), and co-written by Miller, Schoorl, and Shapiro. The guitar-driven anthem is joined by an official music video.

“‘It Is What It Is’ is what I tell myself anytime something doesn’t go my way,” Miller says. “It means that whatever happens, you can get through it and move on. It was important to me to include that song on the EP and let my fans know that even when things are dark, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The six-song Broken Memories includes the Wales-born, Los Angeles-based artist’s breakthrough hit, “Here’s Your Perfect,” along with such radiant new tracks as “Last Call“ and “I Lost Myself In Loving You.” Jamie’s heartfelt debut TV performance of “Last Call” on the Emmy Award-winning Kelly Clarkson Show. Currently boasting over 380M global streams and over 93M video views via YouTube thus far, “Here’s Your Perfect” proved a monumental triumph following its April 2021 release, spending 13 weeks on Billboard’s “Global Ex-US” chart amidst acclaim from major outlets like Rolling Stone on the strength of Miller’s fearlessly confessional songwriting and warm yet commanding vocal work. Now with well over 21M global streams, “I Lost Myself In Loving You” is joined by an official music video currently approaching 7M individual views via YouTube. These tracks and more have help Jamie earn over 480M global streams, 2.5 million TikTok followers, and 220 million YouTube views.

Recently named among PEOPLE’s “Talented Emerging Artists Making Their Mark in 2022“ and featured in a GRAMMY® Museum Mini Masterclass Jamie will mark the arrival of Broken Memories with his first-ever full US live run. The dates, which see him supporting Jesse McCartney’s “The New Stage Tour 2022,” get underway May 3rd at Cincinnati, OH’s Bogart’s and then travel through late June. For complete details, please visit www.jamiemillermusic.com.

Music

Unit406 releases “Sa Kabila Ng Lahat”

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This song is about a relationship that is on the verge of collapse due to challenges presented within and with-out the relationship. Though the dynamic of their relationship has changed in the way they treat each other, the song talks of the partner being their light through dark times, insisting their partner to keep holding on until they find their way back home (a moment of peace and security in relationships).

Unit 406 is a Manila-based band that delivers an alternative pop/rock flavor with finesse.
Unit 406 is Gabriel Tagadtad and Chen Pangan on vocals and guitars, Timothy Sison on drums, Ash Vanguardia on bass , TJ Hollon on keys.

Stream “Sa Kabila Ng Lahat” by Unit406 on all music streaming platforms!
https://Unit406.lnk.to/SaKabilaNgLahat

Music

Here’s a playlist for your post-valentines high

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If actions speak louder than words, music amplifies feelings ten times over. This love month, you’ve probably seen a lot of couples dedicate their favorite love songs to their significant others. Or you might have been one from the receiving end. Regardless of what your relationship status is or what month it is, you deserve a love song dedicated to you. Here are some of the best songs to listen to (Valentines or not):

Let Somebody Go by Coldplay feat. Selena Gomez
Did you ever find a love you thought that would never end? Have you ever heard of the saying: Right person, wrong time? Well, this might just apply to you. It’s complex and better said than done but maybe you’re better letting go and moving forward. Maybe someday, somewhere, you’ll meet each other again… Listen to Let Somebody Go by the legendary Coldplay and Selena Gomez, and you might just realize the signs.

I Love Myself In Loving You by Jamie Miller
Remember the 5 stages of grief? Healing is probably the hardest yet most fulfilling of all. There will be ups and downs to a person’s healing process but what’s most important is you’re doing it. Acknowledge the pain. Open yourself to joy. Take it one step at a time. Time is always meant to heal the fall. Take it from Here’s Your Perfect hitmaker, Jamie Miller in his brand new song I Love Myself In Loving You.

Line Without a Hook by Ricky Montgomery
Hey, every person has needs. You have Mr. Maslow detailing it out for us. It’s not a sin to need someone – craving for physical intimacy or mental stimulation or just someone to understand you. Take a break from being strong and independent, and sing your lungs out to Ricky Montgomery’s Line Without a Hook.

Real Thing feat. Tori Kelly by Pink Sweat$
You know when you first realize you’ve found your person? That feeling like you’re floating in heaven because you got the real thing? This song is exactly that. Pink Sweat$ and Tori Kelly serving you with their beautiful vocals and runs over a chill, acoustic duet. It just makes you sigh and think… Ahhhhh, love.

I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
Do we have to explain this? If we could put all Jason Mraz songs in here, believe us we would. His album, Lalalalovesongs, perfectly documents everything we feel when we’ve been hit by Cupid’s arrow. You can’t debate with us on this – I’m Yours is a classic and will stand the test of time as being one of the best love songs ever. Period.

I’ll Never Not Love You by Michael Buble
If there’s ILYSB, then there’s INNLY. Our resident crooner, Michael Buble, lists down all the things he’ll never do (and not do) to the love of his life – and maybe you should to! This one is quite new but we’re already seeing this as a future classic. And have you seen the music video? He said it serves as the sequel to his Haven’t Met You Yet video 12 years ago. Absolutely brilliant!

abcdefu by GAYLE
You must have heard this one from TikTok. It’s not exactly a love song for someone but maybe for yourself? Are you done with all the bull – your broke-down car, so-called art, everything but your dog? Express your angst!!! GAYLE, a seventeen-year-old singer-songwriter from the US, wrote this song for you and the others who streamed this song 421 million times.

I Love You So by The Walters
Is it complicated? Need to give it structure? If you dare, send this song (or better yet, sing it) to that person and check their reaction. The Walters’ I Love You So is TikTok-trending for a reason.

lowkey by NIKI
If you like to keep your relationship lowkey, that’s great. If you don’t, that’s great too! You do you! Shout it for the world to hear and see. Love for a long time, not just every summertime.

Love It When You Hate Me by Avril Lavigne
If you think love sux (!!!) and you can’t help but get angry or sad or disappointed about what went wrong, don’t fret, your feelings are valid. Should you need to let some steam out, try shouting every single word from Avril Lavigne’s new tracks, Bite Me and Love It When You Hate Me feat. blackbear. Wear your black liner too for added effect. Or maybe, crank up the volume and listen to her whole album, Love Sux, out February 25.

Whatever you’re feeling, there’s a song out there to help you express it. Here’s a playlist of all our inner monologues: wmp.lnk.to/hotandrising

Music

Hiphop maestro Gloc-9 teams up with Yeng Constantino anew for an explosive collab single “Paliwanag”

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We all aspire to live the ideal life where we can be safe, be content, and be at peace. But while having these all may be wishful thinking; we can always look forward to better days by the choices we make. Our fate, after all, has always been in our hands. Nevertheless, here’s a sheer reminder that our choices really matter.


Gloc-9’s latest single “Paliwanag” featuring Yeng Constantino is a refreshing rap track filled with cryptic poetry, non-specific, yet filled with truths regarding life’s many pitfalls, yet hopeful as it alludes that we are the masters of our destiny. It is all a matter of choices; hopefully, the right ones.


“Sabihin mo / Darating ba ang araw / Na di ka takot iwanan ang mga mahal mo / Sa bahay na hindi sila mababasa tuwing malakas ang bagyo / Darating ba ang araw na ‘di kailangang itago ang mga yapak mo / Kailangang lumayo yumuko mag pasawalang kibo / Pag tinatanong ang karapatan mo…,” the Makata sa Pinas reflects.


When asked how he was able to write this new masterpiece, Gloc-9 shared that he just weaved his poetry based on his own daily observations, with so much empathy towards our ordinary countrymen. He also clarified that “Paliwanag” isn’t not trying to be preachy or self-righteous.


“Triny ko lang din hukayin kung ano ‘yung malamang na nararamdaman ng karamihan sa mga kababayan natin. If you listen to the song ‘di ko rin ine-exclude ang sarili ko pagdating pag-ako ng mga mistakes sa nakaraan. Kasama ako doon. Ayun din naman ang lagi kong goal, I try not to be preachy sa mga kanta. Kung mayroon man talaga akong gusto kong ihatid ay kung ano talaga ang nararamdaman ko at malamang nararamdaman din ng mga marami sa mga kababayan natin,” the rapper explains.


Yeng shares, “We have the power bilang mamamayan to decide. And siguro nga parang ‘yon ‘yung parang naging impact sa akin. Noong natanggap ko na ‘yung final mix nito, ‘pag pumupunta ako ng work pinapatugtog ko ‘to lagi tapos walang palya, every time lalo na doon sa pinaka passionate part ng kanta which is ‘yung sa huli, talagang naiiyak ako. And ‘yon ‘yung gusto natin na impact. I agree with kuya Gloc na we’re not here to preach to anyone kasi iba-iba ng pinaniniwalaan.”
She also hopes that people will find this song just as impactful and eye-opening. “Kung ano man ang maging interpretasyon ng mga tao sa kantang ‘to, may it lead to something beautiful and maghahango sa kanila sa kung saang dilim sila naroroon. Yung mga questions na ‘ano ba ang kaya kong gawin at this moment as a powerful person, sa desisyon ko na maglelead din sa change rin ng life ko,” Yeng adds.


This is Gloc-9’s first release as he comes back home to Universal Records after his two-year stint as an independent artist. Also, it’s his second official collaboration with Yeng after over a decade. The two teamed for an equally socially aware song “Bugtog” off the rapper’s acclaimed Talumpati album in 2011.


Thyro Alfaro helmed the musical arrangement of “Paliwanag”, while the concept of its dazzling music video was from the guys of Youmeus MNL and was directed by Amiel Kirby Balagtas.


“Paliwanag” is now out on all streaming platforms. The song is just one of his many releases this year under UR so watch out for more singles later this year.


And guess what, you’ll hear this one here first. This is just the first track of his upcoming 25th anniversary album which will be titled PILAK.

Music

Grammy nominated artists, Saweetie, visits the Philippines in new music video ‘Closer’ feat. fellow Fil-Am award winning artist, H.E.R

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Grammy-nominated star and Filipino-American Saweetie teams up with fellow Filipino-American and R&B chart-topper H.E.R. for a breezy, sensual new single, “Closer.” The dance-infused track finds the duo serving up playful lines and seductive melodies, reaffirming Saweetie’s penchant for making hits that feel nostalgic, yet uniquely hers. Listen to “Closer” on ICY/Warner Records HERE. They also unveiled the blockbuster music video to the track last February 15, a post-Valentines treat to all their lovely fans in the Philippines and across the world!

In the music video (directed by Hanna Lux Davis), Saweetie and H.E.R. take themselves (and their icy friends) on a trip around the world via ICY Airlines! Saweetie pulls stops at Paris, Tokyo and of course, the Philippines – living life to the fullest – with whirlwind romances and lots, and lots of shopping involved! To date, the video has accumulated 4.6 million views on YouTube!

Coasting above funky electric guitar, Saweetie lays out a blueprint for fun: “I wanna fall in love for the weekend/Three boyfriends I don’t know where I’m sleeping/We be thuggin’, clubbin’, f*ckin’/Order room service when we done, that’s the sequence.” H.E.R.’s breathy, emotive hook is a fitting accompaniment. With a beat designed to soundtrack a dancefloor, and lyrics that call you there, “Closer” is a mesmerizing single that demands to be repeated. The track is also yet another reason to be excited about Saweetie’s forthcoming debut album, Pretty Bitch Music.

“Closer” only continues Saweetie’s recent streak of dynamic hits. Before this, she unloaded “Icy Chain,” a glitchy, self-assured song she performed on Saturday Night Live in November. Over the past couple of years, she’s also built momentum with infectious tracks like “Best Friend” with Doja Cat and “Back to the Streets” with Jhené Aiko. She also recently contributed “Get It Girl” to Issa Rae’s Insecure: Music from the HBO Original Series Season 5. And in 2021 she shared “Attitude,” a confident track that appears on the soundtrack to Halle Berry’s Bruised.

It’s all proof of Saweetie’s knack for club anthems filled with memorable hooks and aspirational images of wealth — a.k.a., an Icy Girl lifestyle. Since breaking out with her 2017 single “Icy Girl,” she’s unloaded an almost uncountable number of hits expanding her vision of what that lifestyle entails. Her undeniable impact has led to plenty of GRAMMY® Awards buzz with two nominations for Best Rap Song “Best Friend” and Best New Artist, making Billboard, Variety, and more nominations prediction lists. In addition to partnerships with McDonald’s, MAC, Crocs, and more, Saweetie won a 2021 MTV VMA for Art Direction on “Best Friend,” 2021 BET Hip-Hop Award for “Hustler of the Year” and was nominated for an American Music Award and a People’s Choice Award. With “Closer” at her back and her debut album, Pretty Bitch Music, on the way, Saweetie is in a prime position to make 2022 her best year yet.

News

Zack Tabudlo claims the top two spots in Billboard’s first-ever ‘Hits of the World: Philippines’ Chart

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Zack Tabudlo, the hitmaker behind songs such as “Binibini” and “Nangangamba,” has claimed the top two spots in Billboard’s newest worldwide chart ‘Hits of the World’. This weekly chart ranks the top 25 songs in more than 40 countries based on streaming and digital sales.

Zack’s song “Pano” claims the #1 spot, while “Habang Buhay” follows at #2. His other songs, “Binibini” and “Nangangamba,” also entered the chart at #13 and #18 respectively. This makes Zack the first Filipino act with the most tracks simultaneously charting on Hits of the World: Philippines.

Zack has also announced that he will be performing on the main stage of the Expo 2020 Dubai on Sunday, February 20th, 2022. The Expo 2020 Dubai is a World Expo that inspires people by showcasing the best of collaboration and innovation from around the world. It is currently happening from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

News

Clara Benin appears on billboard in New York City’s Times Square

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A month ahead of International Women’s Day, Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin lands on a Times Square, New York billboard as part of Spotify’s EQUAL Campaign.


The global movement, which serves as an initiative of the music streaming platform to amplify the work of outstanding women and gender-nonconforming musicians, turned its spotlight on Benin as this week’s cover artist of Spotify EQUAL Playlist in the Philippines, with two of her songs, “blink” and “Araw’t Gabi” occupying the top two slots.


“I feel really humbled to be featured on a Times Square billboard in New York and to have my songs be part of Spotify’s EQUAL playlist alongside these lovely and talented women,” the folk-pop phenom shares in a statement. “I really hope our music reaches and inspires more people from all over the world.”


Having amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone, Clara Benin is the first Filipino signed under Sony Music’s OFFMUTE— a Southeast Asian record label that’s entirely dedicated to giving artists a voice, an audience, and an opportunity for cross-collaboration within the region.


Benin recently released a new single called “blink,” which was produced by acclaimed electronic/indie artist The Ringmaster, and features prolific multi-instrumentalist Gabba Santiago on drums. Honoring memories like a fundamental aspect of human nature, the song finds refuge in reliving Benin’s past without any hint of regret.
She is also currently working on several new songs to be released soon. “I’ve been writing a lot the past two years and very excited to work on them this year for an upcoming album.”