Tag Archives: Sony Music Philippines

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

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.

Concerts & Music Festivals

Australian artist RUEL announces free mall show in Manila this weekend!

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Australian singer-songwriter Ruel returns to Manila for a special mall show happening at the Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City this Saturday, February 18, 2023.


The free event is part of a campaign to promote his highly anticipated debut album, 4TH WALL, which is slated for a March 3, 2023 release via RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment. Ruel’s long-awaited debut album explores his most personal and stellar musical offerings to date.
In an announcement posted on social media last week, the 20-year-old hitmaker expressed his excitement about visiting the country for the second time since performing here in 2019.


He shares, “Manila! I’m so excited to play a FREE show next week! I’ve created a Manila channel in my discord so we can all talk ahead of the show.”


Ruel’s current single “MUST BE NICE” is currently making waves in the Philippines, thanks to its emotive pop sensibilities and relatable lyrics. Written and produced with longtime collaborator M-Phazes (Khalid, Noah Cyrus), along with the TMS Production Team (Lewis Capaldi, Dua Lipa) and songwriter Sean Douglas (Lizzo, Thomas Rhett), the piano-driven ballad showcases Ruel’s stunning voice, which glides effortlessly from gritty tenor to airy falsetto.


The talented artist has also released two well-received singles so far, “SOMEONE ELSE’S PROBLEM” and “YOU AGAINST YOURSELF.”
Ruel: Live at Venice Grand Canal Mall is presented by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Venice Grand Canal Mall, with MYX as the Official Media Partner.

Uncategorized

KAIA brings back the fun in pop music on the performance video of “Turn Up”

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fter earning rave reviews for their Y2K-indebted track “Dalawa,” KAIA marks another creative triumph for P-Pop with the release of another banger under Sony Music Entertainment.


The Filipino girl group’s new single “Turn Up” unabashedly displays their signature brand of sass while reviving the bold, explosive sounds of early 2010’s dance-pop.


The release of “Turn Up” comes with a music video (performance version) directed by Denny Lee and Jake Jung. The visuals find KAIA performing the track with a synchronized choreography.


“Because it’s upbeat and danceable, we thought a party concept will best for it, so people could have fun whenever they hear Turn Up,” KAIA shares in a collaborative statement. “We want our listeners to feel good as they vibe with the song.”

The catchy track was written by KAIA themselves, and helmed by acclaimed K-Pop producer Lee Oh Won, who has done impressive work for international artists such as Stray Kids, SHINee’s Taemin, TVXQ, SB19, and more.


As pointed out by the five-member act, “Turn Up” is an escapist anthem about setting one’s worries aside for the time being and taking pleasure in moments that call for fun and adventure.


“We got so busy stressing out about things that we couldn’t control,” says the Blah Blah quintet. “This song somehow encourages listeners to break away from the mold, live in the moment, and let their body groove into the music. Sometimes all you need is to disconnect from the outside world and be yourself.”


“Turn Up” will also be part of KAIA’s debut EP to be released in the coming months. The song will be performed live at the Pinoy Pop Convention 2023 (PPOPCON), an ultimate fan gathering and celebration of Filipino pop culture and music.


KAIA’s “Turn Up” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the music video (performance version) here

Hallyu, Music, New Music

ATEEZ conquers global charts with new EP ‘SPIN OFF : FROM THE WITNESS’

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South Korean boyband ATEEZ continues to dominate several global music charts with the release of their new EP, ‘SPIN OFF : FROM THE WITNESS’. The eight-member pop group’s latest release debuted at No. 1 on iTunes in several major music markets worldwide, including South Korea, USA, Italy, Sweden, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, and more.

The pirate kings of the K-pop high seas are starting the year right with one of the most exciting new ‘single albums’ from Sony Music Entertainment Korea so far, taking comprehensive musical storytelling one step further with the release of a spin off that recount their tales through a third-person witness account. In this extended universe, a new perspective is explored, with more questions than answers given through the cinematic trailers and powerful delivery of their new tracks.

‘SPIN OFF : FROM THE WITNESS’ contains five tracks – featuring ‘HALAZIA’ as the title song. The title track delivers the message of finding hope in the darkness. It’s followed by three remix tracks of previously released popular songs, and makes a grand closure with ‘Outro : Blue Bird’.

True to ATEEZ style, the released preview video labeled as the prologue garnered over 2 million views on YouTube (at the time of writing) with comments noting the grandiose themes and Hollywood movie-like quality.

This EP comes after the announcement of the European leg of the ‘THE FELLOWSHIP : BREAK THE WALL’ tour, already making a statement with dates added due to high demand. The octet will be going on tour to Europe in seven cities for nine shows starting in Amsterdam on February 10 and closing the tour in Paris on March 8.

From the success of their North American ‘THE FELLOWSHIP : BREAK THE WALL’ tour to reaching new career peaks with their previously released EP ‘THE WORLD EP.1 : MOVEMENT’ debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200, ‘SPIN OFF : FROM THE WITNESS’ is set to mark an awe-inspiring ending to 2022 that leads to an impressive 2023.

LISTEN TO SPIN OFF : FROM THE WITNESS HERE
‘SPIN OFF : FROM THE WITNESS’ TRACK LIST
01.HALAZIA
02.WIN (June One of Glen Check Remix)
03.I’m The One (Eden-ary Remix)
04.Take Me Home (IDIOTAPE Remix)
05.Outro : Blue Bird

Entertainment, New Music

MILEY CYRUS announces new single “FLOWERS” coming January 13

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Multi-platinum selling recording artist, songwriter and trailblazer Miley Cyrus announced from her NBC live special, “Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party”, that her new single “Flowers” will be available globally on January 13th. In true superstar fashion, between her performances and hosting duties, Miley blessed fans’ final hours of 2022 with special clips of “Flowers”. Pre-order and pre-save “Flowers” here.

Fans had kicked up chatter of new music when Miley signaled she had a big year coming with NEW YEAR NEW MILEY posters appearing all around the world in December. It was then discovered that mileycyrus.com had launched a countdown to a forthcoming announcement, which has been revealed to be the release of “Flowers” on January 13th. Astute fans will notice a new countdown has launched and are heavily encouraged to continue to follow mileycryus.com for further announcements this week.

“Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party,” which Miley co-hosted with global superstar Dolly Parton was a major success. In addition to the announcement of “Flowers”, the live special featured an A-list lineup of musical performances and special guests including Sia, Latto, Rae Sremmurd, David Byrne, Liily and Fletcher as well as Paris Hilton, SNL’s Chloe Fineman, Sarah Sherman and comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy.

Concerts & Music Festivals, Local

Ben&Ben marks monumental milestone with Homecoming Concert this weekend

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2022 has been a massive year for Ben&Ben. After headlining a successful North American tour and securing the #1 spot on Spotify Wrapped’s most streamed local group in the Philippines list for the 3rd year in a row, the nine-piece act was recently announced as a performer at the Clockenflap: Hong Kong’s Music & Arts Festival—solid proof of their growing popularity overseas.


To celebrate a year of record-breaking achievements and monumental milestones, the multi-awarded band is ready to make headlines once again with their Homecoming Concert, happening on December 18, 2022 (Sunday) at the SMDC Festival Grounds.


Marking their return to Manila with their biggest concert yet, Ben&Ben promises to show gratitude to the fans who have supported their music journey since day one.


“To match that sense of gratitude, we wanted to mount our largest show yet, with our longest set, most ambitious performance ideas, and simply the best of what we’ve made through the years,” the chart-topping Filipino group shares in a statement. “We are most excited about bringing this show, finally, to our Liwanag, because it had definitely been a long journey with a lot of hard work to get here.”


Concept-wise, Ben&Ben’s Homecoming Concert 2022 is centered around the feeling of home: as a place, idea, or person of comfort, or as a reassuring gesture of security and intimacy. As the Paninindigan Kita hitmakers put it, the outdoor music show is also about coming home to each other and being home to each other.


“We’ve always likened how each piece of music we make is a little gift that our listeners have allowed into their lives, and how they have likewise felt the comfort of home through our songs, so it’s in that give and take and sharing of the feeling of home that we ultimately want to highlight for this show.”


In terms of set list, the acclaimed band takes pride in finding a perfect balance of impact, energy, emotion, and storytelling. “To do this, we imagined ourselves as audience members and tried to approximate what might feel best after a certain song or what might be the most sensible in terms of managing energy for both them and us throughout the lengthy set,” says Ben&Ben. “We feel the set we eventually came up with is the perfect rollercoaster — one that keeps you hooked and engaged the whole time without lingering too long on the highs or the lows.”


The Homecoming Concert will also feature guest performances from artists who shared their incomparable talent to make their sophomore album, Pebble House. Vol.1 an incredible piece of music history: from Filipina neo-soul artist KZ Tandingan to young alt-rock visionaries Zild and Juan Karlos.


Tickets to Ben&Ben Homecoming Concert 2022 can be purchased via the ovationtickets.com and ticketnet.com.ph. This event is presented by Ovation Productions, Ben&Ben Music Productions, Sony Music Philippines, and Tap Go; brought to you by SMART Telecommunications Inc., and Angkas, in cooperation with Pru Life UK.


Listen to Ben&Ben’s latest single ‘Dear’ along with their greatest hits in the official Ben&Ben: The Complete Collection playlist on Spotify.

Local, New Music

SB19 releases “Nyebe” ahead of ‘WYAT’ Homecoming Concert

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Filipino pop supergroup SB19 wraps up their highly successful world tour with ‘WYAT’ Homecoming Concert, happening on December 18, 2022 (Sunday) at the Araneta Coliseum.


Culminating their acclaimed concert series in the Philippines, US, UAE, and Singapore with their biggest show yet, the P-Pop Kings are heading back to Manila to mark the end of the ‘WYAT’ Tour. The Homecoming concert will also be livestreamed via ticketnet.com.ph as a way to reach out to local and international fans who wouldn’t be able to make it to the live year-ender showcase.


Ahead of their WYAT Homecoming Concert, SB19 has dropped “Nyebe,” an emotional ballad that envelopes listeners with warmth, longing, and sadness. The song came out just in time for the holidays, conveying longing that comes from a place of deep connection and love.


“I wrote Nyebe a long time ago,” shares SB19 leader, vocalist, main rapper, and chief songwriter Pablo. “I was thinking about the feeling of hopelessness, knowing and accepting that things are changing too fast. Time doesn’t stop, things around us happen so fast. At the end of the day, matutunaw rin ang Nyebe (the snow will eventually melt away and fade). We just have to live with it and pray, there is always a ray of hope”.


Prior to its release on digital music platforms, “Nyebe” has already enjoyed a massive run during the Filipino boyband’s world tour, giving the concert-goers a taste of SB19’s compellingly melancholic side. According to SB19’s lead rapper and sub-vocalist Josh, the song was re-recorded before the tour started. “It was first teased publicly at our Our Zone concert in 2021. It’s exciting that we get to share another milestone with our fans.”


“Nyebe” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.


Catch SB19 as they close the year with a bang through ‘WYAT’ Homecoming Concert, happening on December 18, 2022 at the Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available via TicketNet website and outlets. The concert will also be livestreamed via ticketnet.com.ph.
For more information about SB19’s series of shows, check out the updates on their social media accounts.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SB19Official
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SB19Official
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/SB19OfficialYT 

Music, New Music, News

Ace Banzuelo explores grief and romantic disintegration on his new song “Kulang”

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2022 has been a stellar year for Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelo with his emotional single “Muli” breaking through the mainstream pop consciousness two years after it was released—thanks to its relatable lyrics and vibey, electro-ballad sound. After trending significantly on TikTok, the song launched Banzuelo into the spotlight, unmovable at the top of the Spotify Philippines and YouTube Philippines Trending charts for an extended period of time.

Fast forward to November 2022: Banzuelo continues to build on the success of “Muli” with the release of “Kulang,” an unabashedly vulnerable track with trap, R&B, and bedroom pop influences. Decked in retro-futurist synthesizers and laid-back, hip-hop beats, “Kulang” finds the 22-year-old multi-hyphenate aimlessly writhing over heartbreak in his quiet, subdued time, wallowing in loss or lack of personal direction.

According to the Himala artist, “Kulang” examines a stage of grief where you find out that you have been wronged but still try to make things work. He goes on to say, “The story is inspired by a time in my life when I was questioning myself about where I went wrong, and where I lacked. Whatever I’d do, it was just the same thing all over again. You’re aware that you’re in this drama, and you keep coming back to it, but you just want it to stop.”

In true Banzuelo songwriting style, “Kulang” belongs to the crop of tunes that depict heartbreak, grief, and relationship fallout in their most vulnerable state, be it confessional or observational. “I’m here to talk about things most people are afraid to let out,” the young hitmaker adds. “I’m not often sad, it’s just the mood of my music right now, and I think the beat and production style speak for themselves.”

He also recorded, produced, performed, and engineered the entirety of “Kulang,” but what distinguishes it is Banzuelo’s effortless ability to wrap melancholy in incredibly catchy packaging. To make it special, he also adds a rap verse in the middle of the song. “I kind of collaborated with that side of me. Being a hip-hop head myself, I’ve always wanted to experiment with performing songs in a certain way. I’m not a rapper yet, but this is a much-welcomed reprieve from the usual.”

Ace Banzuelo’s “Kulang” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Listen to the song here.

New Music

P-Pop kings SB19 cement their status as an emerging global powerhouse with disco-pop anthem “WYAT”

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Filipino five-member boyband SB19 reaches even greater heights as their new single “WYAT” continues to gain foothold in the Philippines and abroad.

In less than a week, the disco-pop track has peaked at No. 1 on iTunes Chart in several countries and territories, including the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, and UAE. It has also charted in 9 countries outside the country: No. 2 in Bahrain and Antigua & Barbuda, No. 4 in Saudi Arabia, No. 8 in New Zealand, No. 20 in Canada and Cambodia, No. 54 in Azerbaijan, No. 55 in Malaysia, No. 70 in the US, and No. 74 worldwide.

The retro-modern tune, which documents the hitmaking quintet’s efforts to reconnect after a tumultuous phase in their personal lives, further cements their status as a global powerhouse. In a recent article by Billboard Magazine, SB19 gained acclaim for their vision to “push the country’s current pop renaissance” to a bigger, broader level. Pop culture critic Jeff Benjamin writes, “With its wider pop ambitions thanks to an undeniable chorus and multiple visual access points thanks to the video and styling, WYAT (Where You At) puts SB19 in the best position to grasp the international spotlight.”

To date, “WYAT” has amassed more than a million views on Youtube in less than 3 days, trending as high as No. 4 on the platform upon its release. Over at Twitter, the song has trended at No. 1 on Trending Topics Philippines and No. 2 Worldwide, maintaining its impressive stats for days.

Lead rapper and sub-vocalist Josh credits the success of the envelope-pushing single to A’Tin – the fandom responsible for ensuring their mercurial rise to commercial prominence. “We’re very thankful and overwhelmed, especially to our A’TIN. We didn’t expect it to top in various charts not only in the Philippines, but different parts of the world. This was truly unexpected as we haven’t been around for a while. Hopefully, this release isn’t the only one that will turn out successful, but the tour as well.

To further promote the beginning of their new music era via “WYAT”, the P-Pop phenoms are set to embark on their biggest local and international tour to date. WYAT [Where You At] Tour kicks off on their sold-out show concert at Araneta Coliseum on September 17, 2022, to be followed by a series of shows in Clark, Cebu, Davao, and more. In the following months, the tour extends globally as SB19 heads to multiple countries – US, UAE, and Singapore to name a few. International A’TIN can expect SB19 to drop by their city starting October 2022.

When asked about what to expect on their upcoming global tour, main vocalist and dancer Stell confirms that music listeners will be seeing a different SB19 this time around. “The same passion is there, the same dedication is there, but we’re just going to give more for this tour. Like we usually do, we try to level up and improve every time.”

Sub vocalist and WYAT creative director Justin also empasized how rigid their preparations are in terms of upping the ante, quality-wise. “It is our first time having dance and vocal coaches helping us in our concert preparation. So that’s one thing the fans can look forward to, the improvement of our dancing and singing skills.”

For more information about SB19’s series of shows, check out the updates on their social media accounts.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SB19Official
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SB19Official
Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialsb19
Youtube: www.youtube.com/SB19OfficialYT

SB19’s “WYAT” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.