Who doesn’t love an OPM artist who can do a bit of everything?
The Voice Kids Philippines alumnus Darren Espanto just dropped his second album “Ikaw Pa Rin”—the first one in eight years—and we can say, it’s truly a testament to the growth of a singer who’s been in the industry for 11 years.
In the album launch last July 4, hosted by MYX’s very own resident VJ Samm, he delivered D’ Total Performances for six out of 13 tracks from “Ikaw Pa Rin,” namely “Bibitaw Na,” Can’t Buy Me Love” teleserye single “Iyo,” “Paano Kung Tayo Nalang,” Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition eviction song “Paalam Muna Sandali,” “Di Makaramdam,” and “ANNAB.”
Following the album launch, the official music video for ANNAB—a certified fan favorite—was also released on July 4.
According to Espanto, this new album signifies a new era and a more mature side for him as a musician who has grown with the industry. “I used to be someone who didn’t want to sing his original songs [...] but as an artist you’re supposed to produce your own songs and content—I have that in my mind now,” he opened up.
He also shared that he’s now more hands-on and not afraid to experiment with his music, evidenced by the versatility of themes and genres in “Ikaw Pa Rin”—ranging from pop, ballad, to retro songs.
“I really like the songs on this album kasi ako yung nagsulat nung ibang kanta,” Espanto said.
In working on his latest album, the teen pop sensation mentioned that they did not realize how long had passed since his last album. However, he believed that this unexpected turnout was also a way for the fans to hear the difference in his voice from a 16-year-old to a 24-year-old musician.
As he embarks on his new era as an OPM artist, Espanto dedicates “Ikaw Pa Rin” to the Darrenatics who waited eight years for new music, to everyone who loves music, and to those who just want to listen to something easy to listen to.
In the near future, the young musician hopes to release a song internationally and host a concert where 80 percent of the setlist is composed of his original songs.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
British singer-songwriter James Vickery is entering a new era in his musical artistry with the upcoming release of his self-titled album ‘James’, out on September 12. Known for his soulful ballads and rich R&B vocals, he described his upcoming album as deeply personal and genre-bending–combining musical exploration with emotional depth, personal growth, and sense of identity.
With his album ‘James’, Vickery pivots towards something greater where he embraces the artistic freedom to evolve and explore. “I’m at this point in my life where I exhausted all avenues, explored every sound that I need to make, ” Vickery said. “I think it represents me not just as an artist but also as a man growing up in London.”
For Vickery, this album is the best representation and most authentic version of himself and he is proud of it.
Introducing himself with this self-titled album is a freedom from expectations and a commitment to growth that didn’t happen overnight. “I really don’t want to be one of the artists who just drops the same album every two years”, Vickery explained. Sharing his journey as an artist, Vickery also shared that he is open to evolving sounds while writing songs that he can sing without any limitations.
“It was definitely a tough decision and it took me a long time to write this,” Vickery expounded.
As Vickery steps into a new decade of age, introspection and personal journey led him to choose this title that feels rooted and authentic. “I want this to be the defining project that when I look back in 20 years, this is who I was and hopefully this is still the representation of the core essence of my personality.”
Releasing and naming this album after himself felt like the right moment for Vickery, both as an artist and as a person. “I’m much more mature now to look back and I want this to define where I am,” Vickery shared.
The result of his artistic exploration manifests with the album that traverses genres– from classic R&B to ‘70s funk and soul, synth-pop, and the pop sounds of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, where he turned to the music that shaped him especially with musical influences from Westerman and Vandross. “In order to get the true, authentic sound from things that inspired you, you have to go back and listen to the people before you and pay homage,” said Vickery.
Amidst all his musical and personal journey, Vickery remains grounded as he marks a turning point in his sound. “I would always call myself a soul singer but right now, I am more than that,” Vickery affirmed as he indicated that the thing he is not afraid to do is to experiment with sounds that are around him. And together with the people that surrounded him from growing up, he shared that it grounds him because people still believe in him.
Over the years, James Vickery’s music has been grounded in passion and built on emotional truth and resilience. His experiences have refined his songs into translating messages he hopes to resonate with the listeners. “To write authentically is to write about things that are passionate to you,” Vickery said while stating that being true to yourself is the way to get the best music.
Pre-Save and stream James Vickery’s upcoming self-titled album JAMES, this September 12 and experience a journey of his sound, self, and soul.
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Words and interview by Leana Infante, a Communication Arts major in Speech Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
Pinoy pop rock superstar Yeng Constantino just dropped her new single titled “Lumulutang Lumulubog,” and it’s about being high on infatuation, but also afraid of the uncertainties that it entails.
Constantino’s new single verbalizes the contradicting feeling of wanting to fall, but holding yourself back from doing so. Such a bittersweet meeting to a rather upbeat song.
@yengconstantinoofficial Ikaw ba to? Aguy! #lumulutangnahuhulog #yengconstantino ♬ Lumulutang Nahuhulog - Yeng Constantino
However, the renowned singer stated that the song was inspired by her current situation. In fact, the inspiration behind the song is quite unexpected.
“[Lumulutang Nahuhulog] is not about me in the present time, it [was inspired by] the cuteness that I saw from TikTok,” Constantino said. She revealed that her husband was even the one who suggested the push-and-pull theme for the song.
Expounding more on her fascination for TikTok, Constantino shared that her favorite trends on the app are one with soundbites and skits because these allowed her to see that acting can also portray emotions in different colors.
Recently, the OPM veteran has been active in her TikTok account, posting her own versions of the soundbites. “I’ve gotten more comfortable showing that side of myself because of TikTok,” she mentioned.
@yengconstantinoofficial Enebeeee 😆
♬ original sound - MAX REGUCERA
With nearly two decades since her entry to the OPM scene, Constantino advised aspiring artists and musicians to make use of their resources and connections to make their dreams come true. “[For example], kung ano yung money na meron ako, binabalik ko sa music ko,” the artist exemplified.
Constantino added that confidence is only built when you repetitively participate in competitive activities, stating that this is how integrity within is formed.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Imagine this: You’re in the car on a road trip to somewhere you don’t even know. It starts raining heavily and the ride is still long, so you put your earphones on and stare into the window, relapsing about the what ifs and what could have beens.
As if on cue, these are the songs that start playing:
Since its release in 2023, Raining in Manila has been a staple for when the weather starts feeling cold and nostalgic.
This song will make you think about your friends who you’ve lost contact with—whatever the reason may be—and how they’re doing, much like Lola Amour’s Pio Dumayas did when he wrote the song as he thought of his friends who left the country to pursue better lives in other countries.
“heather is the kind of song that deserves “heather - conan gray (crying alone in the rain)” edits” — Conan Gray.
The relapse does not end with friends, because as Conan Gray said, we all have a Heather in our lives. Someone we despise, but do not really have a reason to. Heather is for the brokenhearted lads who wish “Heather” was them. If that hit a bit too close to home, we hope you have tissues with you to wipe those tears away.
Melancholy and nostalgia, all in one song.
V of BTS perfectly encapsulates the feeling of the rainy season with “Rainy Days,” as he sings of being unable to fall asleep, reminiscing about a relationship that has become a fragment of bittersweet memories. This song will make you vividly remember the happiest times in a relationship, but it will also remind you of a connection forever lost in time.
Of course, this playlist won’t be complete without the OG hit song for the rainy weather.
As the pitter pattering sound of the rain transforms into loud thrums over the roof, Basang-Basa Sa Ulan is the perfect song to belt your heart out—as if in a battle for dominance with the droplets of water. This song by Aegis mirrors the hopelessness we face in many setbacks, yet we choose to desperately fight on.
“I’m still with you, even if you’re no longer with me”
There’s a certain kind of longing, holding on, and letting go that continuously lingers and whispers in the hush of memories. “Still With You” by Jungkook is a song that encapsulates the emotional in-between—where love still lives vividly in our hearts even after they’re gone, while stillness replays the words left unsaid. The sound of the rainfall, combined with the jazzy R&B instrumental, creates a rhythm of yearning between what ifs and what could have been—still reminiscing, still feeling, and still hoping. For the kind of days when rain drips down the window, this track sounds like a memory you never really moved on from.
While it plays like a cozy rainy day tune, this track hits just right for nostalgia and emotional relapse. “I Think I Like When It Rains” by WILLIS is a soft indie track that is perfect for unraveling thoughts you are not ready to forget. Like the lyrics. “And all that I can do is stop and think about the day”, This track is indeed introspective and conversational–where rain is a metaphor for the feelings that don’t just fall, but remember. This song indeed feels like a smile through the rain because it perfectly hits and sits with you, while it cradles you in a strange kind of comfort.
POV: You said you’re over them, but somehow, their presence still lives rent-free in your mind.
You swore to yourself that you had moved on, deleted all the chat conversations and photos, and suddenly “Isip” by Healy After Dark starts playing, like a memory on shuffle. Like the title of the song, one thing is for sure—they are stuck in your mind as you’re back at square one, mentally reliving your love for them. This track lingers on the thought of why a heart can’t forget what the mind constantly refuses to stop reminiscing. And even though you know that the person you like will never feel the same way anymore, you still think about them like a dream you didn’t want to wake up from.
“Umaasa” by Calein is the ultimate anthem for every person who still clings to that hope of rekindling the love, even though it tells you to “let go.” Together with the guitar riffs, emotional, nostalgic, and melancholic lyrics and vocals, the song indeed feels like a confession wrapped in pain as you wait for someone who might never return and be with you. This song is the perfect soundtrack for holding on, while it quietly haunts you with all of the memories and heart-fluttering scenes of the past. Kahit alam mong wala na talaga—umaasa at umaasa ka pa rin.
As the last few notes of the last song fade, the sun may already be shining again above the sky. But when the weather turns gloomy once more, let this playlist be your companion, sitting with you through the storm.
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Written by Leana Infante, a Communication Arts major in Speech Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Cover art by Leana Infante
This is for everyone who tries their best to be their truest selves.
Chloe SJ just launched her debut EP titled “Chloe Anjeleigh…For Real,” and we’re being for real when we say that she might just be the next rising OPM artist. Composed of seven tracks, the album touches on themes of authenticity and love.
In her grand EP launch last June 24, Chloe SJ mentioned that her debut EP is about being “for real,” as well as protecting your peace and yourself.
“I hope that [the listeners] are able to connect more with me, especially [since] it talks about being for real and authentic, and also [it talks a little bit about] mahal and I’s love story,”
During the launch, she embodied her album’s theme as she performed “FR FR.” She also played her rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”—an ode to where she started: doing cover songs.
Touching on the transition from doing covers to releasing her original music, Chloe SJ revealed that it took a while getting used to the feeling of recording songs she could call her own. “When I started performing it live, [that’s when] I started to feel that ‘this is is me’”
Touching a bit more on the production process, the singer also shared that she initially did not know what to title her EP. “I was [initially] thinking ‘yung usual na cheesy stuff, but when I listened back to all the tracks, I [thought of] ‘Chloe Anjeleigh…For Real.’ It explains itself. It’s so me,” she said.
Throughout the night, she showcased her stage presence as she performed “Nonchalant” with guest singer and composer Trisha Denise, “Something Right,” “Dulo ng Bahaghari,” and “Iyo” which she mentioned was dedicated to her boyfriend and Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
P-Pop group 1621 also took to the stage during the launch, with performances of “Ikaw at Ikaw” and “Stuck.” They also gave an exclusive live version of their Bababa challenge with Chloe SJ.
If you’re looking for songs to ignite your self-discovery journey, stream Chloe SJ’s “Chloe Anjeleigh…For Real.”
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Videos by Leana Infante
Newest StarPop alternative rock artist Christophe Sommereux launched the music video for “Sine” on June 17 at the Dolphy Theater. This marks Sommereux’ first MV, following the release of his self-titled debut EP.
“Every single sequence was fun and playful. [It’s] very me,” Sommereux said as he talked about the filming process for the MV.
Talking more about his EP, Sommereux expressed that the entire EP itself represents him. In particular, the rising musician and son of Celebrity couple Gladys Reyes and Christopher Roxas recalled how “Take Care” was a song produced during the pandemic when he began his songwriting journey.
“It’s always hard to start because we want to avoid mistakes, [but] you can also never find the perfect way unless you start—that’s how ‘Take Care’ was formed,” Sommereux revealed.
As the OPM rookie begins his music career, he hopes to be remembered as someone loud and energetic in a highly competitive industry. “I’m ready to take on the OPM landscape with all the people behind me,” he said.
Although Sommereux is labeled as an alternative rock artist, he desires to be recalled for the genre he is currently producing. “When people step into a genre, they add something to it [because] there are different things we want people to feel when it comes to music.”
Prior to the MV screening, Sommereux performed “Sine,” “Take Care,” and “Sira.” He also invited fans to stay tuned for the upcoming release of the “Sira” visualizer coming out on June 27.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Photos by Ricabelle Bayanin and Leana Infante
“This one is for all the people who are challenged to be alone.”
That’s what Maki said when he talked about “Kahel na Langit” during his music video launch hosted by MYX VJ Eya on June 14 at the Mall of Asia Sky Amphitheater.
During the launch, Maki recalled how sunsets are so stunning, yet they also symbolize the ending of a day. “Endings can be beautiful and warm like kahel (orange),” the musician shared.
The "Dilaw" hitmaker also shared how “Kahel na Langit” is different from the other colors he’s released so far. This new single is a story of different people handling their own problems and challenges in life. Yet when the day ends, they find themselves alone.
“Kahel na Langit” is for those who always try to be warm for others, but sometimes also want someone to run to when they’re feeling exhausted and frustrated. It’s for the people who have lost the one who gave them warmth, and have learned to live with it.
It’s an ode to the ones we remember when the sun goes down, painting the sky in the color of warmth.
Delving deeper into the MV’s production, Maki stated that he does not want to reveal the metaphors in the music video, as he wants to give listeners the freedom to give their own message.
However, he revealed that one of the shirts he wears in the MV was handmade by him and the production team. “[Para siyang] bagay na luma at sira na pero (It’s like an old and worn item, yet) it still gives you warmth.”
Maki also shared how he chose to include the "zushi boys" because they’re the ones who give him warmth, especially during tours.
“Kahel na Langit” is the fourth color and single in Maki’s upcoming album, “Kolorcoaster.” He revealed that the album will have 10 songs with 10 colors, each representing different forms of love.
Maki’s MV launched featured his first performance of “Kahel na Langit” after its release, as well as “Namumula,” “Bughaw,” ‘Dilaw,” “Kailan?” and “Saan?”. The event also featured guest performances from muninn, Jarea, Janine Teñoso, and Angela Ken.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Photos by Christian Gonzalo
Earl Agustin just released his debut album, and that means more songs to add to your hopeless romantic playlist.
Filipino singer-songwriter Earl Agustin released his debut album on June 13, titled “Himig at Pag-ibig.” This is Agustin’s first album since his entry to the music industry in 2021.
The album houses a total of 10 tracks, five new tracks—“Intro,” “Tayong Dalawa,” “Basin Puhon,” “Minamahal” ft. Dana Paulene, and “Suntok sa Buwan”— and the other half from his existing discography including Billboard Philippines Hot 100, “Tibok,” “Dalangin,” “Dito Sa’kin,” “Aya,” and “Pag-ibig ng Ikaw at Ako.”
What makes the album even more special is that it contains an ode to Agustin’s hometown in Ozamiz, as he sings the song “Basin Puhon” in Bisaya. In this fourth track, he sings of momentary hopelessness about a love that may not be meant to be.
“Himig at Pag-ibig” promises listeners with melodies that serenades of a love that holds on to hope like in “Tayong Dalawa,” of a love that assures one’s devotion like in “Minamahal,” and of a love that triumphs like in “Suntok sa Buwan.”
If you listen to the album in chronological order, you’ll notice that Agustin actually takes listeners on a journey—starting from a love that seems so far-fetched that it’s like reaching for the stars, to achieving that love and earning the affection of someone you could not fathom you could ever reach.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
One word to describe Midnasty’s long-awaited comeback album? Hawod! Add another, and it’s hawod kaayo!
The phrase perfectly captures the pride and power behind the Bisaya rap trio’s latest release, “Tribute To Thyself.”
Ten years since their last full album, “Brave,” the Dumaguete-based trio returns with a record that’s both personal and powerful. True to their roots and tinuod nga istorya [real story], Midnasty opens up a new chapter with seven tracks that reflect their evolution not only as artists, but as mga tawo nga niagi og daghang pagsulay [people who have gone through many struggles].
“Ang journey man gud sa Brave is the world is for the bravest… we [had to] be brave ‘cause among gi-pursue ang what we love to do,” recalls Arkho, reflecting on how they chased their passion despite the odds.
Now, a decade later, much has changed — from collaborations to a growing community of fans. “Fast forward [to now], a lot has happened, our music has spread, people [collaborate] with us, and we have a community,” Arkho shares. “If ‘the world is for the bravest’ was the mantra of the last album, [this album’s mantra] is ‘man, you did good.’ [...] You need to say thank you, whatever tribute to yourself – like, you did a really good job for these past few years in the journey of Midnasty.”
Kung ang “Brave” maoy pasiklap sa ilang bibo nga estilo [If Brave was the showcase of their lively and energetic style], “Tribute To Thyself” marks a more mature, reflective phase. Songs like “GASIGA” are rooted in pagtuo (faith) and paglaum (hope), with Makoy reflecting on strength from a higher power. Meanwhile, “Arkohol” confronts mga pagsakit [painful experiences] and how one learns to cope.
But beyond the music, “Tribute To Thyself” serves as a message of pasalamat not only to themselves but to everyone who’s been part of their journey.
“Murag ang whole album kay designed nga inspiring and healing (It’s like the whole album was designed to be inspiring and healing),” shares Makoy.
With this comeback, Midnasty proves once again that they are truly hawod — commanding, confident, and always grounded in the Bisaya soul.
OPM collaborations remind us that Filipino stories know no bounds and when local talents come together, the result can be even more powerful than imagined. This truth comes to life in rising singer-songwriter Jan Roberts’ latest collaboration with Shirebound on their new single, “Hingalo.”
“‘Nung unang kita ko pa kay Shirebound, nahihiya pa ako lumapit sa kanya para magpapicture,” Jan fondly shares, reflecting on his early encounter with the artist he once looked up to. “Hanggang sa naging magkaibigan na kami, at habang gumagawa ako ng kanta, gusto ko ng ka-collab that time at ayun, game siya!”
What began as a moment of shy admiration has now blossomed into a collaboration that bridges musical generations in the ever-evolving OPM scene. For the “Sagip” hitmaker, “Hingalo” is a full-circle experience, as he finally works alongside the band who helped shape his own artistic journey.
“Hingalo” dives deep into the emotional unraveling of a relationship. It paints the picture of a person who poured so much of themselves into love that they were left with nothing in return. The exhaustion is palpable, the pain tangible, and yet within the sorrow lies a quiet triumph which is the courage to reclaim one’s self-worth after sacrifice.
Shirebound’s inclusion in the track lends the song a haunting gravitas, as his distinct musical signature adds texture to Jan’s raw storytelling. Together, they deliver a song that doesn’t just speak of heartbreak, but also of healing.
The soundtrack of the season just dropped.
BGYO is kicking off the season with a fresh sound, dropping their self-titled EP, "The BGYO." The highly anticipated release features three brand-new tracks—"Divine," "Light My Fire," and "Heartstrings"—alongside their previously released singles "Trash" and "Andito Lang."
Adding to the excitement, the official music video for "Divine," the EP's lead track, premiered on the same day. The music video brings together familiar faces from past seasons of the reality show "Pinoy Big Brother," including Rain Celmar, Jan Silva, Joli Alferez and Zach Guerrero.
Fans have quickly embraced the new music, with many praising BGYO's continued evolution in sound and storytelling. Known for their hard-hitting performances, the P-pop sensation has once again delivered a collection of songs that showcase their versatility and musical growth.
The release comes on the heels of a major achievement for the group. BGYO was recently recognized as the Filipino Boy Group of the Year at the 2025 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards, held at Trinity University of Asia.
After an eventful 2024, the Philippines’ very own pop sensation BINI is showing no signs of slowing down.
The eight-member girl group just wrapped up the local leg of their “BINIverse” World Tour with a historic, sold-out show at the Philippine Arena—making them the first Filipino act to achieve such a feat at the world’s largest indoor venue.
Kicking off the year with this groundbreaking concert, the nation’s girl group is now gearing up to take over playlists with their newest EP, “BINIverse.” Fans got an exciting sneak peek during their Philippine Arena show, where the group teased tracks from the EP, including “Secrets,” a collaboration with South Korean artist eaJ. Other fresh additions to their discography include “Zero Pressure” and “Out of My Head,” as well as their recent English releases “Blink Twice” and “Cherry on Top.”
Ahead of the full EP release on February 27, teasers for “Secrets,” "Out of My Head" and “Zero Pressure” have already heightened anticipation among Blooms.
The BINIverse is slowly unfolding… and the pressure is on! 🔥💎
— BINI_PH (@BINI_ph) February 24, 2025
Remember - Zero Pressure, zero diamonds. Are you ready?
Pre-save the BINIVerse EP now:
🔗 https://t.co/RZmHqhwKfC#BINI #BINI_BINIVerseEP #BINI_ZeroPressure pic.twitter.com/S0PImReUhB
The truth is out and "Secrets" has been uncovered. 🔑💘 But there's still more to discover. Stay tuned!
— BINI_PH (@BINI_ph) February 25, 2025
Dropping on February 27, 2025 at 9PM PHT!
Pre-save the BINIVerse EP now:
🔗 https://t.co/RZmHqhxi5a#BINI #BINI_BINIverseEP #BINI_Secrets pic.twitter.com/4nJ3u7uDdq
Adding to the excitement, BINI confirmed that their BINIverse World Tour will extend into 2025, taking them to Dubai, London, and multiple cities across North America. The international leg begins on May 18 in Dubai, followed by a London stop on May 25.
“OUT OF MY HEAD” and into the #BINI_BINIverseEP🌌✨
— BINI_PH (@BINI_ph) February 26, 2025
Tick, tock… the wait is almost over. The #BINI_BINIVerseEP drops TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 27 at 9PM PHT!
Pre-save the BINIVerse EP now:
🔗 https://t.co/RZmHqhxi5a#BINI #BINI_BINIVerseEP #BINI_OutOfMyHead pic.twitter.com/P429QiOzwd
From there, the group will make their way to the United States, kicking off on May 31 in New York. The tour will continue through Washington, D.C. (June 3), Boston (June 4), and Rosemont, Illinois (June 6), before heading south to Houston (June 9) and Dallas (June 10). West Coast fans can look forward to shows in Las Vegas (June 13), Los Angeles (June 14), and Temecula (June 15), with additional stops in San Francisco (June 17) and Seattle (June 20). The tour will conclude in Vancouver, Canada, on June 21.
As excitement builds, BINI has also announced exclusive presale access for BINI.GLOBAL members, ensuring fans get the best chance to secure tickets for what promises to be another historic tour.
