Category Archives: Music

Music, News

Caren Tevanny sings about overcoming crossroads oh her new single, “PANO”

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Singer-songwriter Caren Tevanny has cemented herself in the music scene in her own right. Named one of the many influential female musicians by Billboard Philippines last December, she brings her spin to the ever-changing musical landscape in the country with her cutting-edge guitar playing and emotions that bleed through her songwriting. “Being featured among influential women in the music scene is truly an amazing honor. I am so proud to have maintained my influence even after embarking on a solo career,” she recounts. The past two years proved to be a solid year for the General Luna alumna, with her singles “Deliverance” and “Grid of Nines” out, and have been playing shows across the metro. This year, she’s going into full gear with new music and a few tricks up her sleeve.

Caren Tevanny releases her new single under Curve Entertainment, teaming up with acclaimed producer Brian Lotho to bring out her signature rock sound. “Pano” deals with emotions often felt in a relationship. In a short interview, she explains that the single can also be interpreted outside of a romantic lens. “On a deeper aspect parang syang mga gusto natin sa buhay na either di talaga para satin, or wala lang tayo ginagawa about it.” Writing “Pano” somehow made her enjoy making music on her own, as it gives her a sense of freedom to create material that solely belongs to her. “This time, I had the opportunity to collaborate with producers from various genres. There are no boundaries to hold me back,” she states, reflecting on the creative process of her new single. With her music out of the airwaves, she shares that it motivates her more to create a positive impact on her listeners- which is evident in her new single. “As they say, when something scares you, it’s usually worth it,” she quips.

As “Pano” drops on digital streaming platforms, the new single gets featured on Spotify Philippines’ Fresh Finds- highlighting gems such as Caren Tevanny in the music scene today. She will also play her new single for the first time at her single launch party, happening at Supersam BGC on February 8. Witness her live prowess onstage along with the support of today’s top and rising bands: Hilera, Mojofly, Suyen, Hey June!, Elliot Lemi, Modern Day Dream, and Here+Now. Walk-in tickets are available at the venue on show day.

Stream “Pano” now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other streaming platforms.

Music, New Music, News

Yellow Room Music announces new music acts to watch in 2024

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In 2023, the local music scene witnessed an influx of incredible music and promising artists. Some of these talented new musicians started performing at small venues and gradually made their way up to huge festivals and arenas, providing a glimpse into what the future of Filipino music holds.

Looking ahead to 2024, we can expect the emergence of a new generation of talented artists as Yellow Room Music — led by Monty Macalino (Mayonnaise), one of the most renowned musicians in the Filipino music industry– announces the signing of new artists from various genres. Each artist brings their unique style into the spotlight, promising to make an impact in the music industry.

“Sobrang ganda ng music industry ngayon, sobrang lawak na ng landscape. Napaka swerte ng panahon ngayon because of the digital streaming. Pwede kang kumita sa maraming social avenues at marami na di-discover lalo na mga local acts, nagkakaroon na ng direct collaboration with foreign artists. Now is the time to take advantage of that availability and possibility,” Monty Macalino shared.

Yellow Room Music Philippines was established in 2013 as an independent music label by the Filipino rock band, Mayonnaise. After working with bigger labels for over a decade, the band released their music independently. In 2021, the label rebranded and changed its name to YR Music. The new name was chosen to highlight exceptional talents in the music industry and expand its roster of artists.

“For Yellow Room Music in 2024, we’re definitely releasing more materials for up and coming artists as well as mga artists na meron nang pangalan na ma-solidify pa sa industriya,” Macalino added.

Be on the lookout for these local musicians, ranging from well-known names such as SUD, Autotelic, and FIONA to promising newcomers like Ultraviolet, NaÏV, and Tamara. They are all set to significantly progress in the music industry this year. Step inside their thought processes, then explore Yellow Room Music’s new roster of talents, as each story has a sound all its own.

AUTOTELIC

Autotelic is a popular pop-rock band that has cemented its standing in the local music scene. The band debuted in 2016 with the release of the album “Papunta ‘Pabalik'” under MCA Music, which eventually received a platinum record certification. This success led to the release of their 5-track EP “Takipsilim” in 2018. Both albums received accolades from Awit Awards and Star Awards for Music. In June 2021, Autotelic released their latest single, entitled “Iwan.”

The band was formed in 2012 and consists of Josh Villena (guitars/vocals), Neil Tin (guitar), EJ Edralin (synth), Timothy “Pabs” Vargas (bass), and Gep Macadaeg (drums). Autotelic has become one of the most decorated outfits in the age of social and streaming, replete with citations from mainstream channels (Awit, Myx, Jam 88.3), independent critics (Vandals on the Wall), and even brands (Jack Daniel’s).

SUD

When one of the tracks from SUD’s debut album in 2016, “Sila,” their only Tagalog song at the time, was able to penetrate the mainstream audience – it was one of the first local indie artists to do so. The five-piece act from Metro Manila has released music with genres ranging from alternative soul, alt-rock, indie pop, and alt-pop/ballad. Other hits include “Dumadaloy” (2021), “Baliw” (2019), and ”Di Makatulog” (2017). The band’s current lineup consists of Sud Ballecer (vocals, guitar), Kohl Aguilar (keyboard), Carlos de la Fuente (saxophone), and Raisa Racelis (bass).

FIONA

FIONA’s musical prowess was showcased when they emerged as the overall champion of Sky Cable’s Bikes Boards Bands in 2013, proving their ability to deliver exceptional live performances.

Fast forward to 2024, and the band has just signed a deal with Yellow Room Music, to release their upcoming second EP – a fresh approach with the same distinctive intensity that defines the group.

FIONA is a power-pop alternative rock band established in 2010. They’ve performed with notable Filipino artists and international sensations such as Love Me Butch, Dia Frampton, Tiffany Alvord, and Tanner Patrick. Their hits include “Better Together” (2016), “Panganib,” and “Charades,” paving the way for their self-titled EP album. They’ve also released “Haraya” in 2019 and “Goodbye” in 2022. You may check FIONA’s music here.

ULTRAVIOLET

ULTRAVIOLET recently released a new song called “Paraiso” via Yellow Room Music. When asked about the inspiration behind their new single, Raina, one of the band’s composers, said they wrote “Paraiso” as a reminder that we can take a break from reality and escape to our paradise whenever we need it. “As a writer who sometimes experiences an existential crisis, I wanted to share this message with others. We are all human, and taking care of ourselves is important,” Rayna added.

Hailing from Las Piñas, ULTRAVIOLET comprises Rayna Dane Dela Cruz as the lead vocalist, Emman Ramos as the guitarist, Vesper Gareza as the bassist, Ronn Balmedina as the drummer, and Marco Salvacruz as the keyboardist. The band was formed in November 2022. They describe their music as pop-funk with a touch of psychedelia.
Check out ULTRAVIOLET’s music here.

NaÏV

On Feb 23, dive into NaÏV’s latest single with Yellow Room Music, “Ikaw Lang Talaga”– a heartfelt expression of deep love, capturing that moment when you just know someone is ‘the one.’ As described by the synth-pop trio, the song is a musical journey dedicated to those experiencing the early stages of love – where logic takes a back seat, and you find yourself surrendering to the overwhelming feeling of affection. “If you’ve ever wondered why that special someone stands out, ‘Ikaw Lang Talaga’ beautifully encapsulates that sentiment. Let the music speak to the unspoken emotions of love in its purest form, “ the band added.

Naiv’s music is a unique blend of synth-pop characterized by vibrant melodies and hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Based in Metro Manila, NaÏV is a band formed by three talented individuals, Mae, Gynn, and Joe, who came from different backgrounds but shared a common love for music.

TAMARA

Tamara’s career took off at 18 when she won a jingle competition. There, she caught the attention of Champ Lui Pio from the famous rock band Hale. Since then, she has performed at various events and bars, showcasing her skills as a singer and songwriter. In 2019, she debuted with the single “Ngayon,” a love song she wrote when she was 17. Tamara has collaborated with bands like Hale and Soapdish. Tamara is eager to demonstrate her musical talents whenever possible. You may check out Tamara’s songs here.

For more information about Yellow Room Music, please follow the official social media accounts:

Facabook- https://www.facebook.com/YellowRoomMusicPH
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/yrmusicph/
TikTok- https://www.instagram.com/yrmusicph/
X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/yrmusicph
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@YellowRoomMusicPH

Local, Music, New Music, News

FRANCO returns with a fiery new single “The Fool”

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Though far from being a comeback since they never really left, Philippine modern rock stalwarts FRANCO – who have solidified their place in the annals of local music as being one of the most sought-after incendiary live acts in the country and regarded by peers, pundits and fans as a well-oiled hitmaking machine – are returning and offering an all-new single that is sure to be added to the lengthy list of anthems under the band’s collective belt.

Riddled with vintage elements of the band’s deft fusing of hard rock, reggae and power-pop sensibilities and an undeniably refreshed tightness and irresistible sonic groove, their latest track “The Fool” is exactly what fans have been waiting for: a well-crafted tune whose spirit can easily be imbibed and is sure to get people of all shapes and sizes moving to their unmistakably unique vibe and sound – not to mention its hypnotic and enchanting lyricism.

“It all simply started after an argument with the other half,” vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Franco Reyes reveals, when asked how the proverbial ball got rolling. “The song just came to me naturally, after that argument…” he finishes, when asked about the creative process behind the track. Reyes – alongside guitarist Paul “Poldo” Cañada, bassist Dave Delfin and drummer Victor Guison – are obviously still an effective creative force, as listeners will hear, despite their extended break from the studio these past years.

“There was a bit of a break from writing and recording due to the pandemic, but in the past year and a half, we were touring furiously in and out of the country as well… so we were busy trying to get the ol’ muscle memory going as far as playing live shows,” Reyes shares. “We also had personal time for ourselves, to explore other things outside of the band which pretty much kept us sane during the pandemic – and it proved to be a good balance for all of us before we were able to start things up again.”

Recorded at Tower of Doom studios under the expert helm of sound engineer Eric Perlas, “The Fool” is now available on all digital music platforms and streaming sites. And though it may seem a bit early to digress from the track’s momentous release, a nationwide tour behind behind the track (simply dubbed as The Fool Tour 2024) is currently in the works, and Reyes divulges that fans of the band have plenty to look forward-to.

“Hopefully, we’ll soon release a new music video for ‘The Fool,’ and release more songs this year… we’ve got two more songs in the can, so we’re definitely just as excited as everyone is.”

Music, New Music, News

‘Janine Berdin and Arthur Nery’s Anime Inspirations Unleashes a Moody Musical Collaboration in “Mikasa”

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Chart-topping artist Janine Berdin, known for her hit single “Sitwasyonship,” and Arthur Nery of “Pagsamo” fame is set to captivate audiences with their collaboration song titled, “Mikasa.”


Janine Berdin, an avid fan of manga and anime, drew inspiration from her favorite anime film, “Attack on Titan,” for her latest single, “Mikasa.” The song not only showcases Berdin’s artistic prowess but also features the remarkable collaboration with Arthur Nery, who shares Berdin’s passion for anime.


“‘Mikasa’ is a track I initially wrote myself, and as I worked on it with my bandmates – Kirk Basilio, Luke Casanova, and TJ Castillon – I couldn’t help but envision Arthur Nery on the track,” Berdin explained. “This is my first time reaching out for a collaboration, and I knew Arthur would be the perfect fit, being a fellow anime enthusiast. His support and contribution to the song have been nothing short of incredible, and we are honored to have him on board.”


Berdin shared that “The song is heavily inspired by Attack on Titan character Mikasa Ackerman’s point of view. It explores the theme of an unhealthy, one-sided love rooted in irrational desire, leading the lover to do anything, regardless of how unreasonable.”


Berdin further elaborated on the unique qualities of the track, stating, “It’s like a movie in a song. You can really feel the journey of pain and longing from the music to its dynamics. My personal favorite is the hauntingly desperate echoes in the bridge that go ‘I want, I need you’ on loop, complemented by a soul-stirring guitar solo by my bandmate TJ.”
Arthur Nery for his part jumped at the opportunity presented him by Janine Berdin, seeing that he himself is fan of the manga-adapted anime film “Attack On Titan.” The two have been friends since the pandemic and have been supportive of each other’s music.


Released Sunday, January 28, by Viva Records, the date coincides with the birthdate of both Janine Berdin and Arthur Nery. Fans can experience the emotional depth and musical brilliance of “Mikasa” on various streaming platforms.


About Janine Berdin
Janine Berdin is a multi-awarded singer and songwriter based in the Philippines. Known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt performances, Berdin continues to make waves in the music industry with her unique blend of genres and storytelling.


About Arthur Nery
Arthur Nery is a highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice and emotionally charged compositions that include the hits “Binhi” and “Pagsamo” among others. With more than 5 million monthly (on Spotify alone) Arthur Nery has established himself as a prominent figure in the Philippine music scene.

Entertainment, Music, News, Special Events

Filipinos can stream The 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards® with BlastTV!

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On February 5, 9AM (Philippine Time), Music’s Biggest Night®, THE 66TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS® presented by The Recording Academy®, will be streaming live exclusively on BlastTV in the Philippines.

Filipino pop music fans should watch out and see if their favorites will take home their very own gramophone trophy. Will we celebrate momentous first wins or will we witness another incredible GRAMMY feat in the making? Among the nominees for Record of the Year are Miley Cyrus (Flowers), Billie Eilish (What Was I Made For? [from the motion picture “Barbie”]) , Olivia Rodrigo (vampire), Taylor Swift (Anti-Hero), and SZA (Kill Bill).

While Billie Eillish, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Burna Boy, Luke Combs, and Travis Scott are among those who were announced to perform. Emmy® Award-winning, Golden Globe® Award nominated, and GRAMMY® Award nominated comedian Trevor Noah will return as master of ceremonies for the fourth consecutive year.

The 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy and is licensed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.


How to stream the GRAMMYs

BlastTV (blasttv.ph) is a streaming service by TAP Digital Media Ventures, launched in 2023. Subscribers of the app can enjoy over 1000 Hollywood blockbusters, TV series, TV channels, and live sports. With its partnerships with major content providers worldwide like NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, Paramount, UFC, WWE, and many more, there surely is something for everyone on BlastTV.

Viewers can also join the conversation online by using the hashtag #GRAMMYsonBlastTV. For more information and updates, follow BlastTV on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Tiktok @blasttvofficial.

BlastTV is only available in the Philippines.

Local, Music, New Music, News

Vilmark unveils emotional single “INOWY”

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Singer-songwriter Vilmark releases his latest single, “INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),” set to debut on January 26 under GMA Music, across major digital platforms worldwide. The soul-stirring track is a powerful ballad about dealing with loss and finding the strength to move forward.


A song that serves as a sequel to his previous song “Lisan,” INOWY is a deeply personal song for Vilmark, who wrote it as a way to cope with the death of his father in 2022.


“This song is about sharing with people that it’s okay not to be okay. Because it’s a phase that you need to go through to move forward and start anew. Until you accept the reality that you’re not okay, you’ll keep masking your true feelings. I wrote this song from a place of pain, but I hope it can bring comfort and hope to others who are going through tough times. It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s important to remember that we are not alone,” shares Vilmark.


Vilmark’s earlier composition “Lisan” was also selected by Jennylyn Mercado for her latest GMA Prime series “Love. Die. Repeat.” with Xian Lim. Vilmark expressed his gratitude for the unexpected opportunity, “I was so excited. I watched Ms. Jennylyn sing the song on All-Out-Sundays. She told me that it was a beautiful song and was perfect for ‘Love. Die. Repeat.’”


Despite working as a full-time engineer on a night shift, Vilmark continues to balance his professional life with his passion for music. The artist looks forward to the future, expressing the desire to release more singles, work towards a full album, and dreams of having his own concert. Vilmark’s dream collaboration is with Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, and he hopes to write a duet with her.

INOWY will be available on digital platforms worldwide on January 26.
For more updates on your favorite Kapuso singer, visit www.gmanetwork.com

Entertainment, Music, New Music

From mosh pits to silver screens: Godzilla versus Tokyo’s Pioneering Music Video Launch

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Imagine a world where the aggressive nature of underground metal collides with the glitz of a private movie theatre. This isn’t just a fantasy; it’s the reality crafted by Godzilla versus. Tokyo, an underground metal band known for their audacious sounds,catchy breakdowns and no holds barred lyrics full of profanity. In their latest venture, they’re set to make history with the launch of their music video, “Crimson Made Flesh,” in a private cinema – a first in their country’s music scene on January 26, 2024 at SinePop!.

The Revolutionary Launch

Why a private movie theatre, you ask? This isn’t just a launch; it’s an immersive experience, a testament to the band’s vision to blend music with digital and cinematic artistry, providing their fans with an unforgettable experience.

“Crimson Made Flesh” – A Glimpse into the Future

The music video itself is a spectacle. Set in a distant future where robots and artificial intelligence reign supreme, it tells a story of the human race’s resilience and ultimate triumph. This narrative isn’t just entertainment; it’s a reflection of the band’s ethos – challenging the status quo and reclaiming what’s theirs.

If successful, this launch will not only be a trophy in Godzilla versus Tokyo’s pedestal but also a groundbreaking moment in the music industry. It redefines the boundaries of a music video release and sets a new standard for how bands interact with their audience.

A daring move like this isn’t without its supporters. Leading the charge is Tasty Stacy – foods, providing an array of delicious treats for the event. Wicked Media promises full multimedia coverage, ensuring every moment is captured in “wicked” detail. Dgrave steps in as the wardrobe sponsor, adding a touch of style and edge to the band’s appearance. Eastside Events Place, not just a location sponsor, but the heart of the video’s backdrop. And the visionary behind the lens? X1-Digital, directed by the talented Cedric Hornedo, whose brilliance,vision and experience brings the story to life.

Conclusion

Godzilla vs. Tokyo’s “Crimson Made Flesh” is more than a music video; it’s a bold statement in the music industry, a blend of artistic vision and technological innovation. This event isn’t just a premiere; it’s a milestone, a testament to the band’s courage and creativity. It’s a narrative of the future, and the future is here.

Powered by: MiFamilia Collective

Local, Music, New Music, News

SKYGARDEN releases second JaPinoy rock single “HISTORIA”

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Japanese pop-rock trio SKYGARDEN, comprised of Ryoichi “Ryo” Rivera Nagatsuka, Hiro Ozaki, and Iwaki “Iwa” Maegawa, is back with a brand-new single under Alt G Records entitled “HISTORIA,” set to be released on digital platforms this January 19.


The JaPinoy rock song follows the trio’s debut single “KOKOA,” and promises to capture hearts once again with its message of love, loss, and finding strength in the past.


“Historia” is a deeply personal song for the band, inspired by member Iwa’s past relationship. It tells the story of two college sweethearts who are forced to break up due to the challenges of the pandemic. Despite their love for each other, Iwa decides to let his girlfriend pursue her dream of working abroad, sacrificing his own happiness for her future.


“It took me two years to move on from that relationship, and I will always love her. In those two years, I moved here in the Philippines, and we started SKYGARDEN. It was a really big decision, but I’m okay now. Sometimes, I think what would happen if I chose a different path,” shares Iwa.


“Even though Iwa and his girlfriend love each other, there’s this situation that made them break up,” explains Ryo. “Iwa lost his job during the pandemic, and he doesn’t want to hold her back. So, he makes the difficult decision to let her go, even though it hurts him deeply.”


Hiro, on the other hand, narrates the group’s experience recording the song for the first time in GMA Music’s studio. “It was our first time, and GMA Music has really good equipment. It made us appreciate the song even more, especially with the guidance of Sir Kedy Sanchez (GMA Music’s Artist and Repertoire Manager and in-house producer).”


The song is not just a tribute to Iwa’s past love, but also a message of hope and resilience. It encourages listeners to embrace their own “historias,” the memories that shape who they are, even if some of them are bittersweet.


The music video directed by Njel de Mesa, set for release on January 26, will further amplify the song’s message with a cinematic portrayal of the story.


Dive into SKYGARDEN’s “HISTORIA” when it drops this January 19 on digital platforms worldwide.


For more information on your favorite GMA Music artist, visit www.gmanetwork.com

Music, New Music, News

Leah Halili releases introspective new track “Change”

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The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili reflects on the difficulties of navigating the recent events in her life on her new single, “Change,” out on all digital music platforms worldwide this Saturday, January 13.

The introspective track serves as a love letter to the changes that one has to go through at some point in their adulthood, regardless of how drastic or trivial it is. As Leah Halili puts it, people need to overcome challenges in order to adapt to certain situations and welcome a sense of renewal. With “Change,” she wants to document her learnings through years of surmounting anxiety and fear, from embracing transformation in life without inhibitions to pushing a lever and switching paths—all in the name of new beginnings.


“The song touches on the brevity of life and the richness of experiences,” the Filipino singer-songwriter said. “It emphasizes the belief in enduring truths despite pain, focusing on the positive and hope that surround us.”
Produced by prolific experimental/indie artist Nick Lazaro, “Change” integrates dreamy, textured guitar lines with electronic elements. Temporarily veering away from the stripped-down and folk vibe of her previous releases, Leah embraces a more eclectic side of pop music while retaining the confessional nature of her songwriting.


She adds, “For this specific track, I wanted to achieve something really different compared to my previous singles: ambient, soft sounds with echoey vocals and a little bit of electric, dancey vibe. But at the center of it all is a pop tune that fits well with my personality. It’s still very me.”


Leah Halili is set to perform her new single “Change” on January 12, 2024 (5:00 p.m.) at Jess and Pat’s in Quezon City. The music gig, which she produced on her own, serves as her debut performance as a solo artist, and will feature guest acts such as Leanne and Naara and her bandmates from The Ransom Collective, Lili and Muri. Dubbed “Change: Launch Party,” the show will be hosted by TRC’s very own Jermaine Choa Peck. Tickets are available at the door.

Music, New Music, News

Globally-renowned singer-songwriter, NIKI, kicks off 2024 with introspective new single “24”

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Today, Jakarta-born, LA-based singer-songwriter and producer NIKI kicks off 2024 with the release of her incredible, intimate new single “24,” out now via 88rising. The song points towards a new sonic era for NIKI, combining all of the things that have made her an international favorite – brilliant lyrics and outstanding melodic sensibilities – with a musical palette that, for NIKI, sounds like home. Indeed, it’s early in the year, but we can guarantee you that you won’t hear a more beautiful, ornately-crafted song about a quarter life crisis this year.

About the track, NIKI shares “’24’ was heavily inspired by Joni Mitchell’s performance of “Both Sides Now” at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival. I came across that performance and was so unbelievably moved by it, it brought me to tears immediately. I felt struck by some lightning bolt of inspiration and just ran to my studio and picked up my guitar and out flowed the words to ’24.’ The song is essentially my attempt at synthesizing my early twenties, and the many humbling things I have learned up to this point in my life — namely, learning to embrace nuance and the idea that life is rarely ever dichotomous. Everyone can be many things at once. Of the many takeaways I’ve gathered since turning 24, I think that’s the most freeing one.”

NIKI co-produced “24” with Grammy-nominated producer Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham’s Revealer) and James Krausse. NIKI plays guitar on the track – an instrument she’s been playing since she picked it up a decade ago – while lauded multi-instrumentalist Rob Moose (Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, The National) contributes and arranges strings. 

Although not yet 25 years old, NIKI has amassed over 2.1 billion streams worldwide. Following the release of her highly lauded 2022 album Nicole, NIKI 2023 by storm. She made her NPR Tiny Desk debut; embarked on a worldwide sold out tour spanning across North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia; performed at numerous festivals including Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and headlining slots at Head in the Clouds NYC & LA; and released her first live album Live at the Wiltern. And that was just in one year….

With the release of “24,” NIKI is poised and ready for what’s to come in 2024….watch this space for more.