Category Archives: New Music

New Music

KAIA brims with magnetic confidence on empowering pop anthem “5678”

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P-Pop girl group KAIA celebrates International Women’s Month with the release of “5678,” a dance-pop track about preparing to face everything your way, no matter what anyone else says.


Penned by the members of KAIA with the help of Ohwon Lee, PaperPlanet, and LEO, “5678” stands out as a fired-up anthem aimed towards inspiring women everywhere to never give up on their dreams.
“This is a living testament that we’re always trying to make it on our own terms, one step at a time, without looking back,” shares KAIA in a statement. “We are thankful for the opportunities that are presented to us, and we promise to deliver a message of positivity and hope in our songs, as a way to give back to our supporters.”


Uplifting and brimming with magnetic confidence, the song sends the pop quintet’s message of self-love and empowerment with lines (“Hingang malalim, lahat tatahakin / Hindi na ako maliligaw” trans: dbreath, ready to conquer the roadmap / This time, I won’t get lost) that will surely resonate with generations of listeners from all around the world.


“5678” is produced by Ohwon Lee, whose career-spanning work includes songs from some of the biggest names in K-Pop. His sonic approach fits KAIA’s energetic defiance, with a synth intro immediately signaling that something explosive is about to arrive, and frantic beats building up throughout the song to “effectively convey the girls’ unstoppable strengths towards the trials they face.”


The song will also be part of KAIA’s debut EP, which will be released sometime this year. It will be accompanied by a music video helmed by director Raymond Fabian, assisted by Jonathan Tal Placido, under the production house of Studio 79th. The visuals will drop on March 25, Saturday at 6pm.


KAIA adds, “Working with the production house is a smooth process because it’s a collaborative effort between the production team and the members of KAIA, and they are very open to the ideas of KAIA.”


KAIA’s “5678” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

New Music

“RENT FREE” by Timmy Albert tells us that we don’t need to get a closure all the time

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For Timmy Albert, you don’t need to get a “closure” all the time to completely move on.

Infused by 2000s pop-rock sound, he crafted the song called “RENT FREE” inside his room.

Packed with a lively and infectious rhythm, the song is an open letter about a lingering ex and how you don’t need to stay around to get closure. For the young singer-songwriter who released songs like “TOTGA” and “Best Mistake”, it’s an anthem for people who already moved on and are in a good place – free from worries and stress of their previous relationship.

Furthermore, Timmy describes it as “The feeling of being free and confident about not needing your ex at all even if he/she still talks about you.”

Timmy really wrote “RENT FREE” live band set up in mind to signify his transition into his new sound this 2023. A reason why he tapped Bob Sadural of St. Wolf, LJ Panganiban of Brisom/Meryl, and Ryan Pineda of Carousel Casualties as his live band for this new era.

For the very first time Timmy Albert had a single launch event for “RENT FREE” February 21, 2023 at the newly revamped 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub. (WATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE)

Right now, the song is out on your favorite digital streaming platforms and is included in Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines playlists in countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and of course, Philippines.

New Music

SB19’s JOSH CULLEN reinvents himself as a Pop Star with debut single “WILD TONIGHT”

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SB19’s JOSH CULLEN steps out on his own as a solo artist inspired by neo-gothic elements and Victorian motifs. The Filipino pop/hip-hop star is ready to make headlines with the release of “WILD TONIGHT,” his new single under Sony Music Entertainment.


Packing a punch with innovative production and trap-laden beats, JOSH CULLEN’s debut offering is about letting loose and breaking free from the ties that bind you.


According to the talented artist, the song gives him the opportunity to take ownership of his craft. “The song is edgier and more provocative, and it’s a true reflection of my own personal style and creative vision,” Cullen adds. “Overall, I feel excited and fulfilled to be taking this journey of growth and discovery.”


Written and produced by JOSH CULLEN himself with Ocho, The Bullet, “WILD TONIGHT” combines elements of EDM, pop, and hip-hop with a dash of vampire slice. Josh initially thought of making a banger that people can enjoy, whether clubbing or chilling alone. “WILD TONIGHT” is the result of this artistic pursuit: a pulse of liberating joy that reveals a facet of Cullen’s personality beyond celebrityhood and public perception.


“First of all, it’s all me,” he asserts. “While I love working with my bandmates and creating music as a group, this solo project has given me the chance to showcase my true self.”’


Josh acknowledges that he is heavily involved in the creative process, from brainstorming and refining music ideas to writing lyrics and composing melodies, and even getting himself into co-producing the material with his cousin.


“I make sure that it aligns with the way I want it to be,” the young multi-hyphenate shares. “I take pride in the fact that I’m the driving force behind my own creative vision. I have the trait of being a control freak. When I have an idea, I want it to be executed exactly as I envisioned it, to the point where I almost feel like I’m ‘meddling’ with the different teams that work with me. But I consider myself fortunate and grateful, because they were extremely understanding and supportive of my artistic endeavors.”


Apart from the music-making aspects of the track, Josh also oversees the choreography and creative direction for the music video of “WILD TONIGHT,” a brooding visual spectacle that pushes the boundaries of his work. The music video takes an inside look at the lifestyle of a rich vampire royalty inspired by the character of Nosferatu. Known for its immortality, the vampire character was shown in different incarnations: from his early years living in a Victorian mansion to enjoying the modern club life like every human does.


The MV also features cameo appearances by members of various P-Pop groups such as KAIA, 1st. One and DIONE.


Collaborating with a handful of trusted people for his visuals, the lead rapper of SB19 accomplishes something that is uniquely his: a captivating character that is equal parts dark and light, affirming his position as a chameleonic star with sinister edge and thought-provoking ideas.


JOSH CULLEN’s “WILD TONIGHT” is out on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Music, New Music, News

Rakuten Viber Brings Filipino Music Idols and Their Fans Closer Together with Backstage Music Pass Channel

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Filipino singer-songwriter and producer Zack Tabudlo is taking over Viber’s Backstage Pass Channel, just in time for the launch of his anticipated sophomore album, Z∀CK: FOR ∀LL, on Valentine’s Day.

Backstage Pass, with now over 1.2 million subscribers, is a space where artists like Zack and their fans can have a good chat. It gives music enthusiasts access to never-before-seen photos, videos, and other content that’ll allow them to get to know their favorite stars better. It’s where fans can ask their ults questions and get messages straight from them too!

As part of the takeover, fans of the 2021 hit song Binibini music genius can expect not only to exchange messages with him, but they also get to enjoy exclusive sticker pack and custom Viber Lens. The musician is also expected to hold a group video call event with his fans through Backstage Pass.

Zack is one of the top artists of UMG Philippines that serves as a regional branch of multinational music corporation, Universal Music Group (UMG). At only 21, he has been crowned as the most streamed local artist in the Philippines on Spotify with 7.5 million monthly listeners and the third overall, trailing behind global pop behemoths Taylor Swift and BTS.

Known for his melancholic songs and tunes about falling in and out of love, Zack got his big exposure as a contestant in the first season of The Voice Kids when he was 12. While he didn’t make it to the finals, he still pursued music and started a solo career in 2018, eventually signing with UMG to release his debut album, Episode, in 2021. His hits include Nangangamba, Habang Buhay, Asan Ka Na Ba, and Pano.

Z∀CK: FOR ∀LL marks a new era for Zack, offering music that fans haven’t heard from before. Fashioned with 70s soul, R&B, funk, and a bit of pop, the 10-track album serves as an ode to the artists he grew up listening to. As a writer and producer who has poured his heart and soul in each track, Zack hopes that his new sound will get listeners dancing and grooving.

“I’m happy to connect with my fans in new ways through Viber’s Backstage Pass, especially now that I have released my second album,” says Zack. “The fans have been part of my journey as an artist so it’s great to keep this connection going. Thankful to Viber for making this happen.”

“Viber has always been rooted in connecting people. Backstage Pass is a channel created specifically for our music-loving Viber users,” adds David Tse, Senior Director APAC at Rakuten Viber. “We’re excited to have Zack Tabudlo on board. As one of the brightest stars of Filipino music today, we know that he has been a favorite among Viber users. We’re glad that we’re able to provide a platform where the artist and his fans can deepen their connection and create fun memories together.”

Get all the updates about Zack and his new album drop, subscribe to Backstage Pass Channel on Viber now!

New Music

JC Regino dedicates a self-composed song ‘Idolo’ to the supporters of the April Boys

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Singer-songwriter JC Regino, the only son of hitmaker “Idol” April Boy Regino, collaborates with April Boy’s two brothers Vingo and Jimmy in releasing the latest single under GMA Music titled ‘Idolo.’

JC wrote the song six months after his father passed away, but he wasn’t able to finish it. Then after his birthday last year, he was missing his dad so much, and he remembered the song. That’s when everything came to him, and he was able to finish the song in September 2022.

JC is thrilled to finally release his thanksgiving song to his dad’s fans, “Sobrang saya ko po kasi hindi ko po inexpect na tatanggapin ng GMA ‘yung awit namin. Talagang worth it ‘yung pagod, hirap, at oras sa paggawa ng awit na ito. Ang balak lang po namin nung una is ilabas lang sa Youtube para marinig po ng mga tao. Kaya naman malaki po ‘yung pasasalamat namin kay God dahil sa pamamagitan po ng GMA, mas maririnig po ng maraming tao at mas maaabot po ng mga tagahanga ni Dad at ng April Boys ‘yung mensahe ng kanta.”

JC Regino’s “Idolo” debuts at #1 on iTunes PH”s Top 100 songs on its release

According to JC, he wrote ‘Idolo’ to give thanks to his dad’s fans for the neverending love and support they’ve given and shown to the April Boys, that without them, there would have been no April Boys.  He feels that the fans/supporters deserve to have a song dedicated to them.

“Ang kantang ito ay para po sa mga tagahanga nina Dad at ng April Boys. Isa itong paraan upang magpasalamat sa pagsisilbi nilang inspirasyon. Kung wala po sila, wala po ‘yung April Boys at si April Boy Regino. Tapos kaya ‘Idolo’ ang title nito dahil ang mga tagahanga ay may iniidolo. Kaya salamat po sa kanila kasi tinangkilik nila ‘yung mga awitin. Para sa’min, ‘yung mga tagahanga po talaga ang tunay na idolo,” he added.

He then shared the process of creating the song and doing it with his uncles, “‘Yung proseso po ng paggawa namin ng kanta ay mas mahirap po sa normal kasi ‘yung mga uncle ko po, sina Ninong Vingo at Tito Jimmy, ay nasa America po at tumigil na rin po sa pagkanta. Kinausap ko po sila na samahan ako sa paggawa ng kantang ito. Nag-record po sila sa America tapos dito na po inayos. Bago mawala si daddy, nagka-ayos na po sila ng April Boys kaya dapat kasama talaga si Dad sa pagkanta ng awit pong ito. Sobrang nagpapasalamat po ako na pumayag sila na sumama sa pagkanta nito kasi mas makahulugan po kapag kaming tatlo po ‘yung kumanta.”

In the end, JC expressed his plans for his music career, “Ipagpapatuloy ko lang po ‘yung pagsusulat ko ng mga kanta para makapag-contribute rin po ako sa OPM. Syempre po pangarap din namin ni Daddy na makabalik po ako sa music. Marami na po akong naisulat na awitin so sana biyayaan ako ni God at ng GMA ng marami pa pong pagkakataon na mailabas ang mga ito.”

Tune in to JC Regino and the April Boys ‘Idolo’ which will be available on all digital streaming platforms worldwide on February 24.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.

New Music

Listen, Think, Feel, with the new song from The Dawn

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love still a thing?”

This can easily be a line in a love song. But, this is a question raised by one of the country’s original rock bands, The Dawn, in their new song “Earth.”

Known for its anthem songs like “Salamat” and “Iisang Bangka,” “Earth” asks the existential question especially in the midst of all the political, social, and even personal uncertainties.

The Dawn frontman Jett Pangan explains, “We, as human beings, when we’re faced with troubles that seem insurmountable, we tend to look the other way. Maybe not to say we’re in denial, it’s more of the fear of the unknown. It’s been a struggle to be a human being. There’s always the question, can we go on like this? Is this the way we’re supposed to deal with things? Is there a better way?”

He pointed out that it’s not condescending but, in fact he asks himself the same question. The pandemic also raised that big question. “We’re all hoping that after all these we become better people,” he said.

Trust The Dawn to come up with a song that is timely and relevant. The society has seen a rise in mental health concerns among the youth. In fact, in a study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), it highlighted that between 2013 and 2021, there are twice the number of young Filipinos who felt loneliness, sadness, and being disliked.

One of the band’s guitarists Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez, emphasized that “Is love still a thing,” can also be read as “is empathy still a thing?” Sanchez said that with the mode of communications now, it’s easy to be snarky. Their hope is that through this song and with this one powerful line, people will pause, reflect, and hope that they can be a little kinder.

Apart from the significance of its lyrics, there are a lot of reasons that make “Earth” distinct.

It was recorded during the pandemic and every member of the group had to record individually. The Dawn drummer JB Leonor shared he made a story with the drum parts alone. There’s a reason for every note of the drum.

“Earth” is the last song that their bassist Mon Legaspi recorded before he passed away. And it was an ode to him that they committed to finish the track.

Sanchez was the last one to record the guitar parts. “I lost the recordings when my hard drive failed. We had to ask permission from Mon’s sister and asked a friend to help extract his parts. It was really difficult for me to record my parts,” he said.

The song itself went through a lot and now that it’s here, it is definitely a treat not only to the loyal fans of The Dawn but to everyone who appreciates great music.

The reception to “Earth” inspires the band to keep on going. Credit goes to Francis “Kiko” Reyes, one of the guitarists, who said that during the pandemic, the band continued to connect creatively. Pangan enthused that with all his rally calls and with the reception to the new song, all fingers point to a new collection of songs, or an EP.

Recognizing also how dynamic the music industry is these days, The Dawn wants to make sure they are a part of it. He added that the labels and genres now are blurred and people are more accepting when they listen to music. They do not specify if a song is too rock or too hiphop.

Through the years, The Dawn has been blessed with a platform to be heard and this time, it’s their new song “Earth.” There’s no line to cross now that music has melded in all genres. And The Dawn has a lot to offer and being a true rockstar that they are, they are just going where music takes them. No pigeonholing, just true love for music.

Listen to The Dawn’s Earth now on Spotify and YouTube.

Local, New Music

Arthur Nery croons on romantic new release “o ninanais”

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Arthur Nery just dropped a new single titled “o ninanais”. Said song, which premiered on all music streaming platforms midnight Friday, February 17, is the much-awaited new song from R&B singing star.


Here, Arthur Nery veers away a bit from his usual lo-fi flavored R&B sounds and dabbles in some jazzy sounds on this piano-driven love song. Listen closely though and you’ll still hear the vocal stylings–the falsettos, the mellow bedroom mode vocals–that made Arthur Nery the biggest male solo act of his age, here in “o ninanais.”


The song is the much-awaited new single from the R&B star who spent much of 2022 performing behind his monster-hit “Pagsamo.” To date, said song has over 133 million streams on Spotify alone. Over at YouTube, the official “Pagsamo” videos have reached more than a 120 million views. Arthur’s previous single, “Isa Lang” is also a big hit with more than 87 million streams on Spotify, and its official videos reaching more than 50 million views on YouTube. 2022 also saw his first solo sold out show at the New Frontier Theatre.


Fans are hoping that “o ninanais” will be the first of a handful of new songs from Arthur Nery for 2023.


Written and arranged by Arthur Nery, the track is also co-produced by the singer with Su Ganade and frequent collaborator Axel Fernandez. New single “o ninanais” was recorded with real strings that featured violinists Lea Rodriguez, Bryan Matias, Sophia Chua and cellist Vanette Villanueva. Studio musicians include Ian Fajarito on piano, guitarist Miguel Mejia and bassist Mike Bayas.


The official visualizer video for “o ninanais” was subsequently released on YouTube by Arthur Nery’s parent label Viva Records. An official music video for the song is forthcoming.

New Music

‘Janine Teñoso x FourPlay wear hearts on sleeve on emotional “Bukas”’, launched the song at 70s Bistro

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The new single, titled “Bukas,” finds Janine Teñoso trading emotional lines with FourPlay on a sadboi-styled song about hoping and heartbreak. Written by FourPlay’s vocalist Pio Bagnol, “Bukas” is a mid-tempo song driven mainly by the full-tilt, heart-on-sleeve delivery of Janine and Pio’s singing.


FourPlay–with vocalist Pio Bagnol, guitarists Tin Garcia, Lawrence Luna, bassist Bogart Calubayan, keyboardist Stephen Dela Cruz and drummer Marc Jacob Pacifico—have always wanted to collaborate with the “Pelikula” singer.


FourPlay shared how the collaboration came about in a post collectively said in a post: “From the time na sinulat ni Pio yung ‘Bukas’ (back) in 2020, gusto na talaga n’ya sanang may maka-collab for the song dahil sinulat nya yung kanta na may female perspective. Isang araw na nagmeeting ang banda, nag-isip kaming lahat, kung pipili kami ng makaka-collab for the song, eh sino nga kaya?”


“Lahat kami ang sagot namin, si Janine Teñoso. Kasi alam naming iba yung emosyon na kaya n’yang dalhin para sa kanta. At di nga kami nagkamali kasi nabuo n’ya yung kanta kung paano namin ineexpect. Pati kami nasaktan eh.”


“Hindi din naman namin inexpect na papayag s’ya to work with us kaya sobrang na-enjoy namin yung process sa pagbuo ng kanta. Sobrang galing kasi kung paano n’ya kinanta yung sinulat ni Pio, ganun din namin na-imagine yung magiging kalalabasan, mas hinigitan n’ya pa nga.”
FourPlay x Janine Teñoso launched and performed “Bukas” for the first time at 70’s Bistro on Valentine’s Day 2023.


Released under Viva Records, “Bukas” is available on all music streaming platforms.

Watch Fourplay and Janine Tenoso performing Bukas during the single launch at 70s Bistro

New Music

Ica Frias hits us with a new heartbreak anthem with her debut single “Ayoko Na”

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You know it’s going to be a good OPM year when the Pinoy music scene is starting the year with fresh upcoming artists like Ica Frias and her debut single “Ayoko Na.”

With her chill sad acoustic beats, “Ayoko Na” becomes the anthem for the insufferable pain of heartbreak and letting go, making Ica Frias the artist you need to watch out for in 2023. Ica Frias or also known as “IF” loves expressing deep, heart-breaking emotions in her music. Ica’s heavenly voice makes you linger in the pain of giving up on your love as “Ayoko Na” speaks so much of the heart’s frustrations and the art of letting go— making it a sure bop to Filipino hearts and homes.

You can imagine singing your heart out with lyrics like “Mabalewala lang at masaktan ng paulit-ulit” along with Ica’s soulful voice. You can imagine the future of “Ayoko Na” becoming a household name, screaming these lyrics and belting out in karaoke sessions with friends and family.

Ica started her singing journey at the age of 5, singing non-stop at school events with friends to eventually serving in the music ministry in their church. She started doing live gigs/acoustic sessions in food parks with her friends during her college days just for the love of performing, making use of anything within her reach to find an avenue to showcase and express her talent. Her perseverance to pursue music led her to refine her craft further in songwriting and performing.

To launch her solo career, Ica joins the Manila-based label Off The Record to journey with her in the music scene. She has been performing since early last year with artist friends in the Pinoy music scene — starting with Off The Record’s TugTogTug gig at Saguijo last November 2022 with Daniel Paringit, No Lore, Aster, and many more. She also capped off the year performing in UP’s POLARIS Music Festival, singing among big stars such as December Avenue, Zack Tabudlo, Zild, and Juan Karlos.

When asked what “Ayoko Na” is all about Ica simply answers that it “…is about knowing when to let go.” “I wrote this song to express/to bring out my emotions. The pain or the heartbreak I am feeling at the moment,” she added.

What many people don’t know is that she started writing this while in the “moment” “Isang gabi, nafeel ko mag drama so nag try ako gumawa ng song tapos unang sentence na lumabas in my head ay “Ayoko nang isipin ka..” dun na nag start.

“Ayoko Na” was co-written with Ica’s childhood friend Daniel Paringit who is also one of OPM’S fresh and upcoming artists, Surrounded by a close-knit team of musicians and creatives, Ica flourishes into the artist she has been made for.

With Ricky Ilacad and Daniel Paringit as producers, arranged by Ica, Daniel, and Cluster Ng, mixed and mastered by WORD Entertainment Production, Ica was able to produce a single with excellent musicality and soulful melody, masking the heartbreaking lyrics that speak of release and letting go.

“I want to call attention to the people who experienced the same pain I went through and relive that experience together. The heartache and all the disappointment that comes with hoping for someone who was unable to choose me, and the decision to finally choose myself.” Says the singer.

“Ayoko Na” is proof that we will all crave for songs that speak the language of our hearts. Whether it is about loving, living, or grieving over lost love, “Ayoko Na” gives us that kind of release. A song we all can truly belt our hearts with. Ica along with Off The Record is pumped up to share to us more of Ica’s songs this year as she is OPM’s Next Big Thing.

Watch out for the debut of her single “Ayoko Na” on January 20, 2023, and it’s music video launching on the same day! Pre-save it here and listen here : https://offtherecordph.lnk.to/IcaFriasAyokoNa.

Music, New Music

FELIP defies the status quo with new single “ROCKSTA,”announces debut EP under Warner Music Philippines

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Ken Suson is no stranger to the limelight- after all, he is 1/5th of P-pop titans SB19, who recently conquered the world with their “Where You At?” Tour. There’s no denying their collective success, who are also hands-on with their personal endeavors. FELIP, Suson’s solo music project has been on everyone’s radar since its inception in 2021. His previous releases, “Palayo” and “Bulan,” are punchy and catchy tracks highlighting his straightforward lyricism, vocal range, and proud “Bisdak” heritage. This unique and passionate approach to music sealed a deal with major label Warner Music Philippines for his highly-anticipated EP launch.

FELIP is ready to go harder against the grain this year with his new single “ROCKSTA.” He lives up to the rockstar lifestyle for this short yet powerful track- a no-nonsense attitude to his artistry. The 1-minute, 47-second track takes inspiration from hip-hop and R&B music. “ROCKSTA” is also a fitting teaser for his debut solo EP, entitled “COM • PLEX,” coming out on February 3. Often used to describe something difficult to understand, a complex may also mean a facet of a person’s unconscious, influenced by their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

FELIP’s debut EP encourages listeners to be in tune with themselves, embrace their complexities, and know that they’re one-of-a-kind. Even with the solo project, he remains active in SB19, and he’s happy to have the ever-loyal A’TIN’s support. Join him on his journey as he takes you into his inner psyche. It can get too much to handle- but it’s a fitting description of what’s to come from this breakout artist.

“ROCKSTA” is out now on major streaming platforms.