Category Archives: Music

Entertainment, Music, News, Special Events

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

Leave a comment

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”

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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”

Leave a comment

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”

Leave a comment

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”

Leave a comment

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.

Music, New Music, News

Zack Tabudlo takes us to his loverboi era with the release of his latest single, “Pulso”

Leave a comment

Zack Tabudlo, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer, invites us on his journey from “sadboi” to his “loverboi” era with the release of his latest single, Pulso. This song shows Zack as a young adult experiencing love while flexing his musical evolution.

Dedicated to his binibini, Pulso is Zack’s musical love letter to “the one that keeps me safe, calm, and loved.” This song speaks about the sense of serenity that a person experiences when one is in a secure and healthy relationship. Amidst the chaos of the world, even with just one look from a significant other, there is a profound sense of calm and trust where you don’t need to hold back or pretend. Here, the connection goes beyond infatuation. Accompanied by his impeccable musical arrangement, Zack Tabudlo also emphasizes that truly, in the eyes of your lover, you are beautiful, every second of every day.

True to Zack’s vulnerable storytelling, Pulso doesn’t just focus on the giddy feelings associated with love. In the second part of the song, Zack discusses the uncertainty of being loved back at the same level or intensity. Yet, telling someone how much you adore them is a form of love.

As the saying goes, we should all start our year right. This 2024, Zack is inspiring you to tell your partner through words and his song, Pulso, how their presence makes everything brighter. and how they make you feel more alive when you are together. As for the rest of the year, will this mean an end to his gutting sad love songs? Well, that is for all of us to find out.

Whether you are about to confess your love, looking for a marriage proposal song, searching for music to walk down the aisle to or you just want to express how enchanting your significant other is today, Pulso is a sure hit, not just in the charts, but most importantly, to your lover’s heart.

Music, New Music, News

‘Until I Found You’ Hitmaker Stephen Sanchez Unveils Official Lyric Video Created by a Filipino Digital Artist

Leave a comment

Rising artist Stephen Sanchez, who is behind the viral hit ‘Until I Found You’, released an official lyric video for his new single “Only Girl” made by a Filipino digital artist, Ryan Tatlongmaria, known online as ‘Cube’ on TikTok. Immerse yourself in the emotion-filled journey of Sanchez’s soulful ballad.

Fans c contain their excitement by expressing their love and support and even manifesting for a concert in the Philippines.

Watch the Philippine official lyric video and experience an emotion-filled journey that tells a story about two lovers going on a first date which captures the essence of the song.

Entertainment, Music, News

9 REASONS WHY THE JBL PARTYBOX ULTIMATEIS A MUST-HAVE PARTY ESSENTIAL

Leave a comment

What makes a great party? A spacious venue, hearty food, flowing drinks, amazing company, and let’s not forget, booming, crystal clear music that can shake the floor and light up the night. After all, who wants a party where the music sounds like it’s playing from a tin can? If you’re nodding in agreement and planning the ultimate holiday bash, then look no further than JBL’s PartyBox Ultimate to ensure your next party is a sonic sensation.

In a nutshell, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate is a party speaker equipped with immersive booming surround sound, multi-dimensional light shows, splashproof design, and karaoke-slash-private concerts-enabling features.

Here’s how this party speaker can elevate your upcoming parties this holiday season and beyond:

Cover up to two basketball courts with immersive surround sound

Imagine covering a space the size of two basketball courts with music that doesn’t just play but envelops you. The JBL PartyBox Ultimate boasts Original JBL Pro Sound, featuring two drivers, mid-range speakers, dual tweeters, and subwoofers, boosted by a Dolby Atmos surround sound system. The result? A thunderous, 3D immersive spatial experience that you can not only hear but feel—ideal for when you and your guests feel like busting moves on the dance floor.

Enjoy a light show in sync with the beat

What’s better than amazing audio? Amazing audio with amazing visuals! From starry night effects to cool light trails and strobes, let the PartyBox accentuate every beat with a multi-dimensional light show, creating a sensory wonderland. Easily control the visual spectacle with user-friendly dials or the JBL One app, syncing the lights to your music for a party that’s as visually stunning as it is audibly pleasing.

Stream your music over Wi-Fi or connect via Bluetooth

Stream your party playlists in high-definition over Wi-Fi, or switch to Bluetooth when you’re on the move. Need to take calls or scroll through your feed? No worries—it won’t interrupt your music! Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, JBL PartyBox Ultimate ensures your music never misses a beat.

Roll the PartyBox Ultimate anywhere in your venue easily

Don’t be fooled by its size; the PartyBox Ultimate is designed for mobility. With its easy-to-grip handle and wide, sturdy wheels, you can roll this musical powerhouse anywhere your party takes you. No more struggling with cables either, thanks to a simple and effective cable management setup.

Pool party? No problem!

Worried about a wet and wild party? Fear not! The PartyBox Ultimate is IPX4 splashproof, making it the ideal companion for poolside gatherings or dancing in the rain. Keep the party going, come rain or shine.

Use the Multi-Speaker Connection for bigger events

Planning an epic party with the entire clan or all your friend groups? For an even more epic sound experience, pair two PartyBox Ultimates for a wider sound stage. And for those grand events, connect multiple PartyBoxes wirelessly. The more, the merrier!

Unleash your inner rockstar or diva

So the party people are clamoring for a night of karaoke. Give it to them! Want to showcase your live talents? The PartyBox Ultimate welcomes your inner rockstar With dual mic plus guitar inputs, karaoke EQ tuning, plus built-in lights, everyone can showcase their live talents and become superstars for the night.

Try DJ-ing

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a DJ? Try it out with the JBL PartyPad™! Take control of your party’s flow with the JBL PartyPad™ located on the PartyBox’s top panel. This interactive feature lets you tap, hold, and slide your way to DJ-quality sound effects and remixes.

Control the PartyBox wherever you are

Wherever you are, control your music, customize light show patterns, and adjust EQ settings with the JBL One App. Plus, the PartyBox Ultimate is smart enough to automatically tune itself to its surroundings, ensuring you always get the best musical experience no matter where the party takes you.

There you have it—nine ways the JBL PartyBox Ultimate can elevate your parties.

But that’s not all!

Aussie-Filipina girl group H3RIZON and Aussie DJ Tigerlily are in the Philippines for the launch of JBL’s PartyBox Ultimate and the upcoming JBL Sound Fest Manila 2023.

During the recently-held showcase of the JBL PartyBox Ultimate, H3RIZON graced the stage with their powerful vocals, followed by a Q&A session with the group. Additionally, there was a separate Q&A session with DJ Tigerlily discussing her involvement in the design of the innovative partybox.

What’s more, fans can catch H3RIZON and DJ Tigerlily at JBL Sound Fest Manila 2023, taking place at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on December 15! Other exciting performers include Kamikaze, Parokya Ni Edgar, Adie, and Al James.

Ready to party without limits? Then don’t miss the chance to own the JBL PartyBox Ultimate for a listening experience that promises unbeatable sound quality, deep bass, and a vibrant light display—turning any gathering into an unforgettable celebration!

PartyWithoutLimits! Shop the new JBL PartyBox Ultimate at SRP P79,999!

For more information, visit https://www.jbl.com.ph/. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on JBL Philippines’ social media pages: /JBLPhilippines on Facebook, @JBLPH on Instagram, @JBLPH on Twitter, and @JBLPH_official on TikTok.

Concerts & Music Festivals, Music, New Music, News

Jikamarie opens for Coldplay’s 2-night sold-out Music of the Spheres World Tour in Manila

Leave a comment

Breakout artist, Jikamarie has just been announced as the local act opening Coldplay’s sold out two-night Manila stop for their Music of the Spheres tour happening on January 19 and 20, 2024 at the Philippine Arena.

Jikamarie is the sensation behind the viral hit, “lutang” which made waves on TikTok during the pandemic. Garnering over 80,000 creations in the platform and skyrocketing to the top of the local and global Spotify viral charts at no.1 in less than a month, the track became the young Architecture major’s serious foray into music.

Raised in a musical family and already a longtime choir member, Jikamarie has always found comfort in songwriting as it helps her express and make sense of her feelings. “lutang” now with over 20M streams was written at the height of her emotions during the quarantine, wresting with stress and exhaustion just like any other human most especially during that era. This is probably why it resonated so well with her equally young community.

Since the success of her debut track, she’s gone on to perform at the first TikTok Philippines awards, released a few more singles with upwards of hundreds of thousands to millions of streams, and collaborated with other local artists. Being chosen as the opening act for one of the biggest artists in the world today is another career-defining milestone for the 23-year-old creative. Speaking about the moment she found out of the opportunity, Jika recalls feeling ecstatic, “I could not believe it! This is a band I’ve been listening to since I was in elementary! I didn’t have a phone then so I’d wait for their music videos to play on MYX. I cried so hard to my family because of how excited I am when I found out.” Like many Filipinos, Jika is a huge Coldplay fan, citing “Fix You” as her favorite song of the band because of its timelessness.

In preparation for her turn at warming up other Filipino Coldplay fans next year, Jika has started to drop a few more singles to add to her steadily growing repertoire of fresh R&B pop tunes. Beginning with “Hinahanap-Hanap” which she describes to be “a song that spoke about people who fall in love too fast and expect the same amount of obsession from the other person. I wanted to write a song that a lot of people experience—limerence and infatuation, and wondering if the person you like/love also thinks about you as often as you think about them.” Next up is a track called “lito”, an R&B trap song that about a friend giving mixed signals. And slated for next year is yet another one called “bawi na lang sa next life” – the idea of which she got from the popular catchphrase said by Gen Zs when something unfortunate happens. To her, “this is one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in songwriting since I did it with my (TikTok) followers in real-time.”

Reflecting on her past year as well as what’s to come in future, she takes inspiration from her successful debut – “The biggest thing I’ve learned from my entire career is to always take a chance. Had I not tried to release a song and let people hear it, I never would’ve known that this was something I could do – that I had a chance with my dream. I’m only just starting in my career and I’m excited to explore more of that with the people I love around me, and of course majika (official fandom name)”.

Get to know rising artist, Jikamarie by following her online bio.to/Jikamarie

Catch Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour happening on January 19-20, 2024 at the Philippine Arena – presented by Live Nation Philippines and delivered by DHL. Buy tickets via smtickets.com.