SOS continues to explore new directions and expand their repertoire with their latest track, “Roses,” the second single from their forthcoming EP.
“Roses” is the follow-up to last year’s “Seryoso,” the band’s first Filipino-language track which starred award-winning actor Jericho Rosales in the accompanying visual. Both will be part of the upcoming EP, which marks SOS’s first release under local label Careless Music.
The single dovetails SOS’s renewed approach to songwriting and music production, which they started delving into in 2020’s The Other Side EP after they announced the band’s name change from She’s Only
Sixteen last year.
“‘Roses’ is a little more intimate than most of our songs,” explains vocalist Roberto Seña. “It has a feeling of lushness that I always aim for when producing songs lately. It’s rare that we write a love song that is free from the angst and jadedness that I think we have become known for.” Seña adds the production was inspired from the 1980s, incorporating synths and guitar work from the pop-dominated decade, but still grounded on the familiar sound fans have enjoyed from SOS over the years.
More lyrically optimistic than their pre-pandemic releases, “Roses” also continues to employ new and more varied stylistic choices reflective of the rest of the EP, with each song meticulously going through the band’s “musical cutting board,” shares guitarist Andrew Panopio.
Titled It Was A Moment, the five-track EP is due on September 29, 2023. The band committed to a two-week production schedule for the project, says drummer King Puentespina. “We set schedules, deadlines and did a proper pre-prod to solidify our intentions for the project. The concept of the songs revolve around the moments and the anxieties of growing up and facing these emotions.”
Also following last year’s major change to the Manila-based band’s decade-long career is the addition of Ram Alonzo on keys. He has been a session player for SOS since their time in college and has long been considered an unofficial member.
Alonzo recalls being asked to formally join the band lineup earlier this year. “Seña asked if I was game to join the band. I only had one answer in mind: ‘Hell yeah.’ And then we all drank to it. I’ve been playing with SOS since 2014 and joining the band felt right.”
“With all the different experimentation with samples, keys and synths, we thought it was about time to add a new member. In the studio, Ram glues in all our musical ideas together because of his knowledge of music theory and vast musical taste,” shares Seña.
Bassist Anjo Silvoza adds, “There’s so much more depth to how we sound live that I think has been missing all these years.” Especially now that he felt the new EP serves as a transitional era to SOS. “We’re not boxed into categories anymore, we’re taking the good things we’ve learned from our listeners and fans and building off of that and hopefully ‘Roses’ and the rest or our upcoming releases will be able to stand alone.”
As SB19 approaches its fifth year anniversary, the iconic Filipino boy group drops its much- awaited EP PAGTATAG! on June 9, 2023.
PAGTATAG! marks SB19’s commencement of a new era highlighted with a more mature and captivating mix of music. The highly anticipated EP is a musical testimony of the group’s journey and transformation since their humble beginnings in 2018.
The six-track EP is SB19’s boldest release yet, offering audiences unexplored genres and musical style with an immersive experience set to draw in listeners and keep them hooked. The group effortlessly delivers an EP packed with powerful emotions and messages, ready to shake listeners to the core.
PAGTATAG! includes “GENTO,” which completely sets the tone of the EP by putting the group’s transformational change, versatility, and confidence into the spotlight. Fans will be treated to an SB19-first, a soulful R&B piece – “I WANT YOU” – that unveils a deeper dimension of the group and puts on display their raw passions and emotions for the world to see. “CRIMZONE” presents the SB19’s signature hard-hitting beats, a homage to their struggles and triumphs as artists. The EP also includes two profound ballads, “ILAW” and “LIHAM,” songs that are set to play with your emotions and seep deep into your skin.
“FREEDOM” is SB19’s celebration anthem for a new era, celebrating life, fans, and a new chapter as a group.
While the release of PAGTATAG! is set to make waves, fans are in for another treat as the “I WANT YOU” music video drops on the same day. Heads will turn their way, as SB19 releases a more sensual and soulful music video never seen before. Fans will get a more intimate glimpse of SB19 as they experience this heart-stuttering new song. “I WANT YOU” is a poignant play at one’s aspirations, teasingly within reach.
PAGTATAG! without a doubt marks the beginning of a new era that is unapologetically SB19. This new era thrusts into the spotlight their evolution as artists and celebrates both their struggles and triumphs as a group. Firmly rooted on their beginnings, SB19 has grown into an internationally acclaimed musical sensation who continue to test and break limits with their unconventional sound and unbounded talent.
As PAGTATAG! is released into the world, fans can finally immerse in the groundbreaking, trendsetting sounds of SB19. A more exhilarating journey is yet to come as the group embarks on their second world tour. The award-winning group is set to kick-off their world tour at the Araneta Coliseum on June 24 and 25 and will have multiple stops in cities across the Philippines, United States, and Canada. Tickets are available through TicketNet outlets nationwide or through www.ticketnet.com.ph.
Life comes full circle as our Paboritong Makata reminisces his humble beginnings as a dreaming lad from the municipality of Binangonan in Rizal, looking up at the starlit night wishing that one day he’ll become part of the constellation of famous rap stars. And from that certain perspective, he crafted a song called “Kamusta Ka Na”.
The song is simple yet profound introspection. It is a monologue where Gloc-9 chats to his young self; looking back to the tune when he took the road less travelled.
The journey of the seemingly countless rejections, armed with only his unwavering belief that with each trial he surpassed is one step closer to making his dream become a reality.
Success is in the journey and what a ride it has been! Twenty-five years and he’s still riding the waves. According to his manager, Asintada Management’s chairman and CEO Thea Pollisco aka Mrs. 9, feeling age creeping in and yet he still spurred to keep going but this time as a beacon, trailblazing his way for the young rap artists to follow, stoking within each of them the very same fire that once upon a time he had.
Recently, Gloc-9 has been actively releasing several other projects, including the launch of their first collaboration with Greyhoundz since 2006, “XXV” and a song called “Kwentong Barbero” with newly signed UR artist Ramdiss.
The single artwork of the song was made by CLMarts.
Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelo reflects on the uncertainties of romantic commitment in his new single “Pag-ibig (Meron Ba?)”—out via Sony Music Entertainment.
On the R&B-inflected, dream pop track, the young multi-hyphenate unpacks multiple reasons as to why love can be quite difficult to find. “Pag-ibig (Meron Ba) was inspired by a particular scenario in my life when I was looking for something not everyone can provide an explanation for,” shares Banzuelo. “If you ask someone what love is, you will get a different answer every single time.”
Produced and written by Banzuelo himself, “Pag-ibig (Meron Ba?)” effortlessly glides through bedroom synths and ethereal, minimalist arrangements, while making the kind of music that is easy to get lost in.
“I'm not going for anything big, but I kept it simple without losing my signature dreamy production style and R&B vocal performances.”
ACE BANZUELO
Ace Banzuelo also emphasized that he got to finish the track in one sitting. According to him, the second verse remains his favorite part of the song, as it explores the realistic experience of falling in love when you're young. “Sonically, the song sounds like a dream, but it's very real at the same time,” the breakthrough chart-topper adds.
“Pag-ibig (Meron Ba?)” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Cover Photo Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Singer and performer Jackson Wang has released the new video for his single “Slow" with GRAMMY-Award winning artist Ciara. The music video is directed by Daniel "Cloud" Campos (Zedd, Paramone, Panic! at the Disco, Jackson Wang) and features choreography from Mykell Wilson (Prince, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears). The video is a visual feast that showcases Jackson and Ciara uniting to display an explosive fusion of their respective styles, creating a dynamic and innovative choreography that features intricate footwork, sharp isolations, and powerful dynamics.
Earlier this week, he released his latest single “Cheetah,” following his exhilarating performances at this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The track's lively, jazz-infused rhythm is produced by Jacob Ray (NIKI, Rich Brian, and Alison Wonderland) and MAX (Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd). Listen to “Cheetah”and watch the accompanying music video, directed by Jackson Wang and Sean Lew.
Jackson achieved a breakthrough moment during his Weekend One set at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival by bringing on board R&B sensation Ciara for an unexpected performance “Slow,” and joining her for a performance of “1, 2, Step.” Rolling Stone raved about their collaboration calling it “the surprise duo we never knew we needed.” Following his performance, Jackson trended #1 on Twitter’s worldwide trends.
Jackson achieved a significant milestone in his career at this year’s Coachella, making history for the second time as the very first Chinese solo artist to perform his own set. In 2022, Jackson was the first-ever Chinese solo artist to perform on the main stage as part of 88rising’s ‘Head In The Clouds Forever’ set. He will return to the stage this weekend to showcase his extraordinary talent as a live performer.
Jackson kicked-off the North American dates for his first-ever tour as a solo act MAGIC MAN World Tour, on April 26th in Los Angeles at the Shrine Expo Hall. The limited six-city tour will stop in San Francisco and Chicago, then wrap up on May 11th in New York at the Barclays Center. Later this year, Jackson will embark on additional dates across South America. See below for a complete list of tour dates. For more information, visit tour.jackson-wang.com.
Cover Photo Credit: blackstar
Internationally-renowned Filipina drag artist, Marina Summers, brings on the heat and is ready for summer as she releases her second single under Tarsier Records, “ride 4 me.” Marina shows a sultry, sexy side of herself with this track. This track encourages people, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, to explore their sexuality.
"ride 4 me" is an alluring R&B track with a sultry and infectious beat that will leave listeners grooving along. The lyrics paint a picture of a thrilling journey with a special someone. It beckons the listener to take a ride with the singer and experience a wild, passionate adventure together. The melodic vocals, irresistible beat, and fiery lyrics of "ride 4 me" make it a must-listen for anyone seeking a thrilling and emotional musical experience.
ABOUT MARINA SUMMERS
Marina Summers (she/her/hers) is an internationally-renowned Filipina drag queen, performer, reality TV star, influencer-model, producer and singer-songwriter from the Philippines. Marina is currently one of the top contenders for Drag Race Philippines, a local adaptation of the TV reality competition RuPaul’s Drag Race. Marina is known for her tropical Filipina bombshell aesthetic, powerful dance performances and sultry music. She has shared how important it is for her to champion local drag and queer talent to bigger audiences. She has also expressed how she wants to be a powerful representation of queer people on local TV and mainstream media.
Right after her stint in Drag Race Philippines, Marina released her sophomore single “Divine.” The track gained 10k streams in less than 24 hours. Ever since the release of the track, Marina has been actively touring different bars, clubs, hotels and restaurants to perform in drag events where she performs her track alongside her usual repertoire.
Currently, she is abroad working on an international project.
Anji Salvacion's new song "Paraiso" is a vibrant, upbeat track that will not only make you dance, but will also empower you to feel confident and embrace your own version of paradise. It expresses confidence and self-assurance with a bold and alluring turn, showcasing Anji’s sophisticated side through her music. It has intricate beats and complex harmonies that showcase her musical prowess. The song is a testament to Anji's growth as an artist, both in terms of her musical style and branding.
As she steps into a new chapter in her career, Anji brings a bolder, more alluring and sophisticated version of herself. She takes her music to the next level with tracks that explore a different sound and side to Anji Salvacion.
ABOUT ANJI SALVACION
Anji Salvacion is a fresh, upcoming singer-songwriter from the beautiful shores of Siargao. She began her showbiz career in 2019 as she joined Idol Philippines in search of her missing father. She got her big break when she joined Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10, with the moniker, "Ang Singing Sweetheart ng Siargao.”
She officially entered the music industry by releasing three OSTs, “Buo” from the series Marry Me, Marry You (starring Janine Gutierrez and Paulo Avelino), “Keeps on Coming Back” from the series Unloving You (starring Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte), and “Don’t Be Afraid”, from the series My Sunset Girl (starring Charlie Dizon and Jameson Blake), which also features KD Estrada, one of her fellow PBB housemates.
She has immersed herself in the music industry as a force to be reckoned with. Debuting with self-penned originals through her 6-track debut EP, “Kasingkasing Dalampasigan.” Her debut single, “Dalampasigan” has over 2M streams across different platforms already. Her sweet and youthful nature is reflected in her music, wherein her soft vocals and acoustic instrumentals allow listeners to experience nostalgic memories as she tells her story to the world.
As she steps into a new chapter in her career, Anji brings a bolder, more alluring and sophisticated version of herself. She takes her music to the next level with tracks that explore a different sound and side to Anji Salvacion.
Maki starts off the year with an upbeat yet nostalgic track that’s bound to make you want to reconnect or reminisce about a lost love. “Saan?” by R&B singer/songwriter, Maki, is the perfect anthem for any young heartbroken soul out there. The track takes you on a journey of heartbreak and longing about a love that slipped away. The lyrics express the desire to reconnect with a lost love and hoping to cross paths again in familiar places. The upbeat production, combined with Maki's heartfelt vocals, creates a sound that is fresh and current, yet nostalgic and melancholic at the same time.
Maki is the freshest face of OPM. The R&B singer has proved he’s here and ready with his unique child-like view on life. His debut single, “Halaga” under Tarsier Records and has since gained over 45,000 streams across different platforms. The R&B singer wants to write songs that will make people feel understood with melodies that bring good memories, peace and calmness. His quirky personality and unique outlook on life will help Maki standout in the clutter - and this is only the beginning.
Cover Photo Credit: Tarsier Records
Inaugural Complex Philippines Council member and 88rising/PARADISE RISING affiliated artist CA Christian Alexander is back with a new release. “Right Back” is a seven track mini R&B album that features a curated selection of both old and new songs from the NYC native and currently Manila-based lyricist/songwriter.
Sonically, “Right Back” showcases CA’s signature songwriting talents and his ear for catchy melodies, caption worthy lyrics, and playback worthy punchlines. Throughout the project, the Filipino-American musician seamlessly switches between rapping and singing, sometimes even on the same track.
“I took most of 2022 off from rapping. To be honest, I attended 88rising’s HITC Festival as an audience member in December 2022 and that experience of being surrounded by my peers is what really sparked a fire in me to make music again. For the next few weeks, I turned to music as my creative outlet again and we packaged some of the new songs that I was excited about with some unreleased songs I had in my vault so that they wouldn’t go to waste.”
“Right Back” also introduces a more vulnerable side to the self-proclaimed “Black Hearts” artist. The 20-minute playlist narrates a theme all too familiar to “relationships” in 2023: on and off situationships, toxicity, trust issues, vice-fueled lust and intimacy, and more.
“I can’t cap in my raps. All of my songs are always inspired by true stories based on real experiences. For me, ‘Right Back’ is the perfect title for this body of work because: I took a year off from music and I got right back to it, the narrative of project from the first song (‘DNS’) to the last song (‘SPF’) is a cycle, and on the five newer songs on the project I talk about a situation that I just kept finding myself getting right back into.”
CA
One of the clear standout records on “Right Back” is “Sides” with Kiana V, the album’s lone guest appearance. The song features the two PARADISE RISING alumni acts collaborating on a track that’s definitely giving classic 2000s R&B vibes. In true Y2K fashion, both artists even share a back and forth segment to end the track.
Another standout record is the title track “Right Back,” CA floats on the wavy beach-inspired production before performing our favorite chorus on the album: “Let me tell you sumn / Girls just wanna have fun / Girls just wanna get drunk / On the weekends, we can 100 on the freeway, yeah / Money on the way, he say, she say, yeah / City where the team stay, everybody eats, yeah yeah.”
In addition to these two tracks, “Right Back” also features a popular South Border sample on the appropriately titled “OPM Freestyle (Interlude).” “South Border’s ‘Rainbow’ was one of my favorite OPM songs growing up and I had the idea to sample the track in 2020 and Gelo was able to bring my vision to life,” CA shared. “This track means a lot to me because it’s important to me as a Filipino-American living in Manila to pay homage to the music and culture here.”
“I’m calling ‘Right Back’ an archive because it’s a capsule collection of both old songs and new songs that I felt fit a specific theme, vibe, and story. I made five of the songs in a six week span from late December to early February after being inspired by new life experiences. One of my goals for my personal growth in 2023 was to not overthink too much and to be more vulnerable and open with my emotions, and what’s a better way to stand by that than by sharing new music with the world?”
CA
“Right Back” also included “No Complications” is a fun song where the smooth songwriter flexes his ‘w rizz,’ while the contrasting “No Title” serves as the perfect canvas for the MC to deliver his hardest hitting rap verses on the tape. The intro (“DNS”) acts as a trippy leadoff track to start off the project sonically and the outro (“SPF”) serves as an upbeat Afrobeats inspired vibe that finds the artist right back in the nightlife looking for company.
ABOUT CA
CA Christian Alexander is one of the most sought out names in the global Filipino music scene. The NYC native and currently Manila-based lyricist/songwriter has earned a reputation for his versatility in the Rap and R&B genres due to his ear for catchy melodies, caption worthy lyrics, and playback producing punchlines.
Since moving to the Philippines, the artist’s talent has been recognized and co-signed by some of the biggest names in the industry. For example, CA has previously been featured in 88rising’s PARADISE RISING “semilucent 2” EP and the inaugural Complex Council class recently launched by Complex Philippines. Christian Alexander is one of the pioneers bridging the gap between the Philippines and the world.
“I almost retired from music in 2022 and throughout that whole experience, all I could think about was all of the unreleased songs that I never dropped. Now that I’m back to making music, one of my goals is to share as much of my art with the world as possible and hopefully I can inspire others to do the same.”
CA Christian Alexander plans to release music all of 2023, starting with “Right Back,” a mini R&B album released March, 16 2023.
Bay Area artist, Ashley Mehta is currently on the road with Thuy for the "Girls Like Me Don't Cry" Tour but she's also busy promoting her new single, "I Wish I Didn't Love You." The banger also landed her on Spotify's Pop Fresh Finds Chart. We can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeves, but we'll take what we can get right now.
Check it out on all streaming platforms!
Cover Photo Credit: Ashley Mehta Instagram
Actress and singer, Vivoree released her new music video for the song, "Matapang." The magical fairy tale-themed video was directed by Karlo Calingao, composed by Danielle Balagtas, and produced by Ashley Aunor. It's available to stream on all plaforms.
“It’s a song about being brave in love. Let’s say may gusto ka sa isang tao or mahal mo yung isang tao, nung una ‘di mo alam kung paano i-express [yung feelings] at takot ka pa. Pero in the long run, you’d have the courage to admit to yourself na ‘okay gusto ko itong taong ‘to,’” Esclito said in a statement.
The former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate wrote her first single “Kaya Pa” which was released in 2016 while inside the "PBB" house. Last year, Esclito teamed up with Jon Guelas for the duet version of “Did I Let You Go.” Aside from her music career, Esclito also starred in different shows such as the IWantTFC series “Hello Stranger,” “Tara, G!” and “He’s Into Her.”
Cover Photo Credit: Vivoree Instagram
Ed Sheeran is set to release his new album ‘-‘ (Subtract) - the last in his decade-spanning mathematical album era - on 5 May 2023 through Asylum/Atlantic. An album that revisits Ed’s singer/songwriter roots, and one that was written against a backdrop of personal grief and hope, ‘-’ (Subtract) presents one of the biggest stars on the planet at his most vulnerable and honest.
“I had been working on Subtract for a decade, trying to sculpt the perfect acoustic album, writing and recording hundreds of songs with a clear vision of what I thought it should be. Then at the start of 2022, a series of events changed my life, my mental health, and ultimately the way I viewed music and art."
ED SHEERAN
Ed shares that writing songs is his form of therapy, "It helps me make sense of my feelings. I wrote without thought of what the songs would be, I just wrote whatever tumbled out. And in just over a week, I replaced a decade's worth of work with my deepest darkest thoughts."
Life had other plans for the award-winning singer-songwriter. He was dealing with a lot personally as within the space of a month, his pregnant wife was diagnosed with a tumour, with no route to treatment until after the birth. His best friend Jamal, a brother to me, died suddenly and I found myself standing in court defending my integrity and career as a songwriter. He felt the emotions of fear, depression and anxiety.
Since he first learnt ‘Layla’ by Eric Clapton on guitar at the age of 12-years-old, Sheeran’s love of the singer/songwriter began. Growing up with the likes of Damian Rice, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan playing on repeat in his parents’ house – artists that his dad, John, introduced him to – ‘-‘was always on Ed’s horizon. Yet as the songs and writing process took on a whole new meaning and direction after a series of hard-hitting events impacted Ed’s world in 2022, one thing that remained untouched was his strong desire to make a record anchored in his love of singer/songwriter compositions. And now, as he gears-up for the release of his most soul-baring work to date, ‘-‘ serves as a timely reminder for why Sheeran remains one of the most gifted lyricists of his generation; an artist who breaks down his own experiences for fans to seek comfort and belonging.
"I felt like I was drowning, head below the surface, looking up but not being able to break through for air. As an artist I didn’t feel like I could credibly put a body of work into the world that didn’t accurately represent where I am and how I need to express myself at this point in my life. This album is purely that. It’s opening the trapdoor into my soul. For the first time I’m not trying to craft an album people will like, I’m merely putting something out that’s honest and true to where I am in my adult life.This is last February’s diary entry and my way of making sense of it. This is Subtract.”
‘-‘ is the result of Sheeran pushing the boundaries of his songcraft, as he delivers the most profound songwriting of his career. Teaming-up with Aaron Dessner (The National) on writing and production after the pair joined forces following an introduction from mutual friend Taylor Swift, Ed and Aaron began crafting the album in February last year. Writing over 30 songs during their month-long studio stint, the album’s fourteen tracks are seamlessly tied together by exquisite production from paired back, folk-leaning textures to bolder, full-band/orchestral arrangements.
Ed Sheeran burst onto the UK music scene in 2011 with his debut album ‘+’. Rapidly establishing himself as a history-making artist, he followed with ‘x’, ‘÷’, ‘No.6 Collaborations Project’ and ‘=’ - a catalogue that has seen Sheeran become one of the world’s biggest musical success stories of the 21st century.
‘-‘ (Subtract) Tracklisting:
Cover Photo Credit: Warner Music
