As Filipino music continues to evolve through genre-crossing experimentation, emerging artist VOLTER is carving out a space of his own with the introduction of what he calls “Ppop&B,” a sound that fuses the catchy appeal of P-pop with the emotional depth of blues and the smooth textures of R&B.
The new musical direction arrives alongside his forthcoming single, “KALMADO,” a track that reflects the heart of this creative identity. Rather than relying on high-energy production or dramatic storytelling, VOLTER’s latest offering embraces a more restrained and introspective approach, highlighting the power of peace, vulnerability, and emotional sincerity.
For the singer-songwriter, Ppop&B is more than a label—it is a reflection of his artistic vision. The genre combines the melodic accessibility that has made P-pop popular with listeners, while incorporating the soulful vocal delivery of R&B and the emotional storytelling often associated with blues music. The result is a sound that feels contemporary yet deeply personal, grounded in Filipino sensibilities and everyday experiences.
At the center of this new chapter is “KALMADO,” a song that explores the comfort of finding stability in another person. Instead of focusing solely on heartbreak or romance, the track highlights the quiet reassurance that comes from feeling safe and understood amid life’s uncertainties. It presents love not as an overwhelming force, but as a steady presence that offers comfort during difficult moments.
The release also signals a significant turning point in VOLTER’s artistic journey. After years of performing across different styles and platforms, he is stepping forward with a more defined creative identity—one rooted in faith, self-acceptance, dignity, and inner peace. Through his music, he hopes to connect with listeners who value authenticity over spectacle and emotional truth over trends.
By introducing Ppop&B, VOLTER challenges the notion that memorable pop music must always be loud or larger than life. Instead, he invites audiences into a musical space where softness carries strength, vulnerability becomes a source of courage, and calmness holds transformative power.
As anticipation builds for “KALMADO,” VOLTER is positioning himself at the forefront of a fresh sonic movement. With Ppop&B, he opens a new lane within Original Pilipino Music—one that combines pop for the heart, blues for the soul, and R&B for the emotions, offering listeners a soundtrack for reflection, healing, and genuine connection.
Photo credit: HYBE x Geffen Records
HYBE x Geffen is gearing up for its next major global debut as it officially introduces SAINT SATINE, the newest four-member girl group formed through the conclusion of the audition series World Scout: The Final Piece, streamed via ABEMA.
The announcement confirms a lineup that blends already familiar global trainees with a newly discovered standout. The group consists of Emily (USA, 20), Lexie (Sweden, 21), and Samara (Brazil, 20)—all of whom previously gained international attention through the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE. Their journey now continues under a new identity as SAINT SATINE.
Emily - Lexie - Samara
Completing the roster is Japan’s Sakura (16), who was officially chosen during the show’s finale. Out of more than 14,000 applicants, Sakura emerged as the final member after a highly competitive selection process that unfolded in Japan and was documented throughout the series.
To mark the culmination of the project, HYBE x Geffen released the digital single album World Scout: The Final Piece – Finale, featuring two tracks that highlight the intensity of the final selection round.
One of the standout records, “PARTY b4 the PARTY,” brings together Sakura, Emily, Lexie, and Samara in a high-energy performance built on punchy beats, heavy bass shifts, and playful vocal exchanges. The track leans into a bold, club-ready energy, capturing the excitement of pre-party anticipation and the chemistry between the members.
The second track, “WE RIDE,” features finalist Ayana alongside Emily, Lexie, and Samara. In contrast to the first song’s explosive vibe, it offers a smoother, nostalgic sound inspired by early 2000s R&B, layered with soft harmonies and a laid-back rhythm.
With the lineup now complete, SAINT SATINE is officially set for its global launch. HYBE x Geffen describes the group as existing in a space between contrast and control. The name reflects that duality, with “SAINT” representing strong artistry and presence, while “SATINE” evokes softness, refinement, and sophistication.
Cover Art By Julie Greve
A new Gracie Abrams era is officially on the way.
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter revealed that her third studio album, Daughter from Hell, will arrive on July 17 via Interscope Records, marking her latest creative chapter alongside longtime collaborator and producer Aaron Dessner.
The announcement immediately sent fans into a frenzy online, especially after weeks of cryptic teasers and hints shared across Abrams’ social media accounts. Adding to the excitement, listeners won’t have to wait long for new music, as the album’s lead single, “Hit the Wall,” is set to be released this Friday morning in the Philippines.
For many fans, Daughter from Hell signals the beginning of another deeply personal journey from an artist who has built her career on vulnerability and emotional honesty. Abrams has become known for transforming heartbreak, self-reflection, and growing pains into songs that feel like pages taken straight from a diary, creating a connection that resonates strongly with young listeners around the world.
That connection is especially evident in the Philippines, where Abrams has steadily grown one of her most passionate international fan communities. Her music has become a staple among Filipino Gen Z listeners, frequently soundtracking TikTok videos, curated Spotify playlists, and relatable online content centered on love, loss, and self-discovery.
Photo Credit: Julie Greve
Tracks such as “That’s So True” and “I Love You, I’m Sorry” have found a particularly enthusiastic audience locally, with many fans embracing the songs’ raw storytelling and emotional depth. Their popularity has helped cement Abrams as one of the most streamed and talked-about singer-songwriters among young Filipino music lovers.
As her profile continues to rise, so do calls for her to finally perform in Manila.
Whenever Abrams announces new tour dates or project updates, Filipino fans are often quick to flood comment sections with requests for a Philippine stop. The latest album announcement was no exception, reigniting online campaigns urging the singer-songwriter to include Manila in her future touring plans.
The movement has even attracted attention from local celebrities, including actress and television host Anne Curtis, who previously joined fans in expressing hopes of seeing Abrams perform in the country.
With Daughter from Hell now officially on the calendar and “Hit the Wall” just days away from release, Filipino fans have plenty to look forward to as Abrams prepares to unveil the next chapter of her musical story.
Singapore-based artist teem is continuing to step forward from behind the production desk and into his own spotlight, slowly shaping a solo identity that feels both intimate and intentional. Once widely recognized as producer Timothy Liew—whose work includes the viral Tagalog hit “ikaw, ikaw, ikaw” by ICEBOX and Eliza Maturan, which has already surpassed 30 million streams—teem is now writing his own story.
After unveiling his debut single in March 2026, “2X CHAMP,” which carried a more upbeat and rhythm-forward energy, he returns with a quieter but emotionally heavier offering titled “tomatoes.” Set for release on May 15 across all major streaming platforms, the track signals a clear shift in tone and texture, leaning into restraint rather than intensity.
“tomatoes” unfolds in a stripped-back folk-pop setting, where delicate acoustic guitar lines carry most of the emotional weight. Instead of layered production or sharp rhythmic hooks, the song breathes in silence and space, allowing its vulnerability to sit at the forefront. It feels less like a performance and more like a late-night thought you weren’t meant to say out loud.
At its core, the track reflects on the slow unraveling of a relationship that once felt full, now reduced to emotional distance. Using the metaphor of something once fresh gradually losing its life, teem captures the quiet ache of watching connection fade while still holding on to the idea of what it used to be. The writing is understated but heavy with feeling, painting love not as a dramatic collapse, but as a gradual disappearance.
This softer sonic direction also reveals a different side of teem’s artistry that leans into vulnerability and emotional clarity, echoing the sensibilities of modern indie-pop acts like Jeremy Zucker and LANY. It’s a contrast to his earlier, more structured production work, showing a willingness to step into discomfort and simplicity as creative tools.
Beyond his solo journey, teem’s influence in Southeast Asia’s music landscape continues to grow. He has also contributed to rising regional voices such as Regina Song. With an accompanying music video slated for May 22, “tomatoes” serves as another quiet but meaningful step in teem’s unfolding narrative
R&B powerhouse Kehlani has officially unveiled her long-awaited self-titled album, Kehlani, marking a deeply personal milestone as it arrives on her birthday. The release, now available across major streaming platforms, signals a new era for the GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, defined by emotional clarity, creative freedom, and a bold expansion of her sonic identity.
The self-titled project brings together an all-star lineup of collaborators, including Big Sean, Brandy, Cardi B, Clipse, Leon Thomas, Lil Jon, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, T-Pain, and Usher. Together, the features help shape a genre-blurring body of work that leans into Kehlani’s signature mix of vulnerability and experimentation, while elevating her storytelling to new heights.
At its core, Kehlani captures the artist at her most honest, weaving soul-baring narratives with lush, dynamic production. The album builds on the momentum of its previously released singles, beginning with “Folded,” a breakout anthem that has become one of the defining R&B records of the decade. “Folded” delivered major award recognition, including 2x GRAMMY® wins for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance, an iHeartRadio Music Award for R&B Song of the Year—where Kehlani also made her debut award show performance—alongside NAACP Image Awards nominations and three American Music Award nods, including Song of the Year.
The rollout continued with “Out The Window,” further spotlighting her emotional transparency and evolving sound. Most recently, Kehlani released “Back and Forth” featuring Missy Elliott, a track that blends introspection with high-energy flair. The collaboration serves as the final preview of the album, pairing Kehlani’s signature vulnerability with Missy Elliott’s unmistakable innovation.
KEHLANI TRACKLIST
1. Intro
2. Anotha Luva (feat. Lil Wayne)
3. No Such Thing (feat. Clipse)
4. Folded
5. I Need You (feat. Brandy)
6. Oooh
7. Back and Forth (feat. Missy Elliott)
8. Shoulda Never (feat. Usher)
9. You Got It
10. Out The Window
11. Still
12. Call Me Back (feat. T-Pain & Lil Jon)
13. Pocket (feat. Cardi B)
14. Lights On (feat. Big Sean)
15. Sweet Nuthins (feat. Leon Thomas)
16. Cruise Control
17. Unlearn
“A band that eats together, stays forever.” It’s a lighthearted line, but for Sandwich, it reflects a deeper truth about longevity, chemistry and shared experiences that have kept them together for decades.
The veteran Filipino alternative rock band, composed of Raymund Marasigan, Diego Castillo, Mong Alcaraz, Myrene Academia, and Mike Dizon, shared the quip when asked about the secret behind their staying power. While clearly said in jest, the sentiment points to something essential: maintaining strong personal bonds beyond the stage.
For Sandwich, regularly coming together, whether for meals or music, has helped sustain the group’s dynamic and creative spark through the years.
Formed in 1998, Sandwich emerged as one of the defining acts in the local alternative rock scene. Known for their experimental edge and playful songwriting, the band carved out a unique identity that resonated with both critics and listeners. Over time, they built a reputation not just for producing hits, but for evolving with each release, never confined to a single sound or formula.
Their move to PolyEast Records in 2006 marked a new chapter, leading to a steady stream of albums and fan-favorite tracks such as “Sugod” and “Betamax.” Years later, their partnership with the label remains intact, with the band recently renewing their contract on March 27, 2026.
Even as the music landscape shifts, Sandwich continues to adapt. The group acknowledged the rapid growth of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) in the digital era, embracing faster-paced platforms like TikTok to connect with newer audiences. This willingness to evolve has allowed them to remain relevant in an industry that constantly reinvents itself.
With that, Sandwich is currently gearing up for the release of a new full-length album, with a lead single titled “Young Stunna” set to drop in the first week of May. The upcoming track hints at a fresh yet familiar direction that blends their signature sound with contemporary influences.
The title alone plays on the idea of staying young at heart—an ironic but fitting theme for a band that has been in the industry for over two decades. Early hints suggest the single leans into a more contemporary, groove-driven sound while still carrying Sandwich’s signature grit and irreverence. It reflects their awareness of today’s fast-moving music culture, where trends evolve quickly and artists are constantly challenged to keep up.
There is a cat at the center of Mitski’s newest world.
Not the soft, internet-famous kind curled in a sunbeam, but a cat suspended in a moment of tension, with one cat calmly occupying the foreground while another waits in the background, ready to pounce. The first cat doesn’t see it. Or perhaps it does, and simply refuses to live in fear.
That image anchors “Nothing’s About to Happen to Me,” Mitski’s eighth studio album released through Dead Oceans. The album artwork, made by Mark Burckhardt, came directly from a scene Mitski imagined in her head long before the music took its final form.
“So the album art started with basically the idea in my head,” she told Gannon Hanevol of The Current. “I had this mental image of a cat in the foreground, oblivious, blissfully unaware of a cat in the background about to pounce on it.”
The title of the album, she explains, comes from the voice of that unaware cat: Nothing’s about to happen to me.
That tension has long defined Mitski’s songwriting. Few artists of her generation have captured the emotional interior of modern life with such sharp precision. On this album, those feelings became so dense that Mitski began to notice a shared emotional landscape across the songs.
“I think the music came first, and I think I just looked at all the songs and I was like this feels like there’s a common theme of feeling claustrophobic, but in your mind,” she shared.
It’s a specific kind of claustrophobia, where the outside world feels overwhelming, but the inside world feels even louder. “Feeling boxed into your thoughts,” she continued. “Feeling wary of the outside world, feeling overstimulated and feeling lonely and isolated at the same time.”
If the album cover is the cat, then the setting of the record might be the house it lives in. Mitski imagined the album’s central figure as a strange, solitary woman living in an old inherited house where she can’t quite manage but can’t abandon either. In her mind, the house itself mirrors the mind—rooms filled with accumulated objects, inherited stories, and emotional debris that stretches across generations.
Mitski explained that she was drawn to the idea of a house representing a person’s mind, with the objects collected in its rooms serving as a metaphor for the generational traumas that can build up within someone over time.
And inside that house is the cat. The metaphor, Mitski admits, arrived more as instinct than calculation. Cats have always carried a strange cultural reputation: adored by some, distrusted by others. People who dislike them often describe them as mean or distant.
But Mitski sees something else entirely. Cats do not obey commands or organize themselves into hierarchies. They don’t perform affection on cue. They live beside humans and not beneath them.
“They love you how they love you and they do what they want.” In Mitski’s telling, that independence reveals something deeper about how people, particularly women, are judged.
“I think often cats are demonized for that. In a similar way that I think a lot of women maybe are misunderstood for that quality.” The comparison isn’t heavy-handed. Instead, it reframes the album’s emotional terrain, that is the misunderstood woman, the solitary house, the watchful cat. All of them exist slightly outside the expectations placed on them and even the music itself refused to behave.
When Mitski first began recording the album with longtime collaborator Patrick Hyland, she imagined something stripped down and direct, more like rock songs as she wanted to use the bare minimum amount of instruments. But songs, Mitski believes, have a way of revealing their own needs.
“Sometimes you can't enforce your will onto songs,” she uttered. “Sometimes songs just are what they are and you have to follow what they need to be.”
What began as minimal rock arrangements slowly expanded into something more cinematic, with orchestral textures and choral layers weaving through the record. The songs, it seemed, had decided their own scale. If that unpredictability feels familiar, it’s because Mitski’s career has always unfolded in a similar way.
Over the years, she has become one of the most respected songwriters of her generation. Her songs capture the contradictions of being alive, like wanting connection but fearing it or searching for meaning while knowing life itself is fragile.
“I mean, I can’t make anyone feel anything,bBut the ultimate would be… I hope I can die happy if someone at some point listens to specifically the end of this album and feels a sort of awe towards life and its fragility and its beauty,” she shared.
It’s an audacious wish, she admits. But it’s also a very Mitski one. Because in her songs, life has always been something both delicate and enormous, but still worthy of wonder. Like the cat in the painting, we move through the world without seeing everything that waits behind us. Danger, change, endings—they exist whether we acknowledge them or not.
But Mitski’s music suggests another possibility that even in the shadow of the pounce, there is still time to sit in the sun. And well, simply exist.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 2026) - A new 13-episode documentary series airing on MYX Global pulls back the curtain on the power of authenticity, friendship, and independent artistry in the margins of the music industry. WRIZZARDS follows a Fil-Am indie collective carving out its own space in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) underground scene. Spanning 20-24 minutes per episode, the series introduces the core four: J Matty, Leif, Bema Tadey, and Tina Carzon, and traces how their bond evolved into a DIY music collective and independent label rooted in community over commercial recognition.
Filmed over two years, the series captures the highs and hidden costs of the independent grind, from basement rehearsals to headlining local venues, before an unexpected loss threatens to derail everything they’ve built. As missing music, unanswered questions, and unspoken tensions begin to surface, the group is forced to reckon with pressure that extends beyond the studio. Raw and unfiltered, WRIZZARDS explores resilience not just as a creative pursuit, but as a test of trust, loyalty, and whether a collective can survive when what’s lost isn’t only files on a hard drive.
WRIZZARDS: Underground Uprising, premieres April 2026 on MYX Global. Stay tuned.
What: A 13-Episode Documentary Series airing on MYX Global
Who: LEIF, Bema Tadey, J Matty, Tina Carzon or also known as WRIZZARDS
When: Premiering April 18, 2026
Where: On MYX Global
Washington Rizzards (also known as WRIZZARDS) are a Filipino multi-genre musical collective of independent artists consisting of four members: J Matty, Bema Tadey, LEIF, and Tina Carzon - all based in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. They've opened for major Filipino artists such as Billy Crawford, Jay R, Kris Lawrence, Ben&Ben, Silent Sanctuary, Moira Dela Torre, HappySlip, and more. They were also featured on notable platforms such as Billboard PH, NYLON Manila, Wish Bus, Washington Post, Washington City Paper, and MYX Global.
After a decade-long wait, Bruno Mars officially returns to the solo spotlight with his fourth album, The Romantic, now available worldwide.
Leading the album’s charge is his new single, “Risk It All,” accompanied by an official music video directed by Mars and Daniel Ramos, now streaming on YouTube.
“Risk It All” marks a statement of his artistic evolution. The single follows the explosive “I Just Might,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
To celebrate the album’s release, Mars turned the launch into a global experience. Fans were treated to premieres across all iHeartRadio stations and a live performance broadcast on TikTok Live. The promotional campaign also included immersive, romantic activations such as mobile flower trucks handing out roses, “love lock” walls in multiple cities, and a themed pop-up experience, The Romantic Flower Shop, at Tommy’s Gift Shop in Los Angeles.
The album arrives on the heels of Mars' continued international success. His 2025 collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Die With A Smile,” became the fastest song in Spotify history to hit 1 billion streams and topped the Billboard Global 200 Chart for 18 weeks. Similarly, his hit with ROSÉ, “APT.,” was named IFPI’s biggest-selling global single of 2025, topped global charts for weeks, and earned three nominations at the 68th Annual GRAMMY® Awards.
Following the gentle intimacy of her recent single “muscle memory,” Clara Benin returns with “the one to blame,” a new track that continues her exploration of reflective soundscapes.
This latest release from the indie singer-songwriter offers what could be called “headspace harmony,” which is a music that doesn’t just fill the ears but quietly settles in the mind.
From the very first notes, “the one to blame” immerses listeners in a soft, wistful atmosphere. Clara’s voice floats over delicate acoustic arrangements, creating a sense of nostalgia familiar to many. There’s a subtle melancholy in her tone, a kind of yearning that resonates especially on quiet, solitary days. It’s the kind of track that invites you to pause, stare out a rainy window, and let your thoughts drift freely.
Lyrically, the song stays true to Clara’s hallmark introspection. She captures the complex feelings of reflection and accountability, framing them not as heavy burdens but as contemplative moments that encourage connection with one’s own emotions.
In a post, Clara admits that this song came from learning how to let someone in without running way. "most of my songs come from heartbreak, longing, or overthinking everything, but this one came from learning how to let someone in without running away," she writes.
With “the one to blame,” Clara demonstrates her gift for translating certain emotions into music that resonates deeply. It’s a companion for solitary afternoons and reflective nights. Fans of her previous work will find a familiar warmth here, while new listeners are invited into a contemplative space that only Clara can craft.
Filipino pop-rock duo ONSE is stepping into a brighter, more playful era with the release of their newest single, “Mukbang.” Known for their guitar-driven sound and emotionally grounded lyricism, the pair takes a noticeable creative approach that feels lighter, warmer, and intentionally refreshing.
From the very first listen, “Mukbang” radiates an easy optimism. The guitars remain at the forefront, anchoring the song in ONSE’s signature sonic identity, but there’s a buoyancy here that sets it apart from their previous releases. The rhythm feels more carefree, the melodies more open, and the atmosphere more inviting, like an open table waiting to be shared.
“It’s so different from our previous work…our goal was to create something fresh, upbeat, and optimistic,” ONSE shares.
That difference is immediately apparent. Rather than leaning into the emotional weight often associated with pop-rock storytelling, ONSE allows themselves to experiment, not only in sound but in perspective. The duo embraced a more playful creative process, giving themselves room to explore how love can exist beyond intensity and longing.
“The idea came from wanting to explore love in a fun and relatable way,” they added.
At the heart of “Mukbang” is a charming metaphor that feels both contemporary and culturally resonant. Borrowing from the concept of online “mukbang” content, where hosts share meals with viewers, the song reframes love as an act of giving. Food becomes the language. To prepare, serve, and offer a meal is to give a part of oneself wholeheartedly.
While ONSE experiments with tone and theme, they never abandon their musical core. The guitars still shimmer with familiarity, grounding the track in their established sound.
With “Mukbang,” ONSE proves that evolution doesn’t always mean drastic change. Sometimes, it simply means seeing love through a softer lens, and inviting listeners to take a seat at the table.
Earlier this year, Kenaniah casually mentioned in a #MYXChecksIn interview that fans could expect more music, and even an album, within the year. It sounded exciting, sure, but with “Huli Na Ba Ang Lahat?” now out, it’s clear he meant every word.
Opening his 2026 slate, the single doesn’t attempt to reinvent him. It refines what listeners already love about Kenaniah: emotional sincerity wrapped in melodies that sit gently on the heart. But this time, there’s a deeper stillness to the storytelling. The track moves with some kind of reflection, carried by smooth soft-rock textures that feel expansive.
“Huli Na Ba Ang Lahat?” unfolds like a late-night realization. It captures the perspective of someone who once chose silence over courage and someone who watched love drift away because they hesitated to fight for it.All that remains is the question, huli na ba ang lahat?
The verses are contemplative, almost conversational, as if Kenaniah is thinking out loud. With the soft rock backdrop, his vocals glide without overpowering the emotion. When the chorus arrives, it opens up.
What makes the song particularly compelling is how it mirrors where Kenaniah is artistically. He has openly shared that he’s still discovering what his sound truly is in 2026. And while that search continues, this track suggests he’s honing in on it. Coming after “Nahihiya” and “Sabihin Mo Lang (Kung Ayaw Mo),” the balance of soft rock soundscapes, introspective lyricism, and understated delivery is beginning to form a cohesive identity.
If “Huli Na Ba Ang Lahat?” asks whether love came too late, Kenaniah’s artistry feels right on schedule. He may still be defining his sound, but with releases like this, he’s clearly moving closer. Because if this is him still “finding” his sound, then it’s safe to say, hindi na talaga huli ang lahat.
Watch the #MYXChecksIn interview here:
