Ben&Ben, Moira, Janine Berdin and Maymay to perform with Yuna, Johnny Orlando and Clara Rosa on July 8 at Dockyards London

LONDON, June 8, 2023 – As giant music festivals around the world are fast becoming more identical in look, sound, feel and high-ticket prices, niche music festivals that mostly offer one-day fests of dedicated themes are now growing rapidly in popularity.   

“1MX London Music Festival 2023” -- scheduled this July 8, Saturday, at the new outdoor venue Dockyards in East London’s historic Royal Docks –- is one of the ultra-cool smaller festivals that are finding global audiences.  A globetrotting festival brand highlighting Asian artists and has travelled to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Manila, 1MX made its debut in London in 2022 mixing Filipino headliners with U.K.-based Asian music artists. The very encouraging reception led to this year’s return to the city with a top-notch cast to perform live in one of the world’s hottest music venues. 

Headlining “1MX London Music Festival 2023” at the Dockyards is the following combustible line-up of exciting Filipino and international artists: 

• Ben&Ben – This talented folk-pop band from the Philippines has been wowing audiences since 2017 with chart-topping hits like “Kathang Isip” and “Maybe the Night,” to name a few. They were named Spotify’s Most Streamed Artist in the Philippines in 2020 and won numerous awards. With a unique approach to songwriting, all band members of Ben&Ben collaborate on each song’s lyrics and music. They combine electric and acoustic instruments, such as violins and guitars, to create their distinctive sound.
   
• Yuna  – This award-winning Pop R&B artist from Kuala Lumpur known for her jazz-inflected style rose to prominence in 2008 with her breakthrough hit, “Deeper Conversation” which won Best Song at the Malaysian equivalent of the Grammys. She has recorded with international music names Jhene Aiko, Usher, and Pink Sweat$, played festivals such as with Lollapalooza, Camp Flog Gnaw, charted in the Billboard U.S R&B charts, performed on popular talk shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Late Night with Seth Myers, and produced hits that earned raves from big music industry publications. 
   
• Moira - This multi-awarded singer-songwriter and the Philippines’ Most Streamed Filipina Artist for six consecutive years has been making it as one of the most successful Filipino singer-songwriters in recent years. She dropped hit after hit to the adoration of millions of fans worldwide. Moira’s achievements continued to soar as she held her first sold-out concert, “Tagpuan,” which featured her hit singles “Malaya” and “Tagpuan.” This year she was able to reach a milestone with more than 1.2 billion streams on Spotify, solidifying her position as the Filipina voice of this generation. Her album “Malaya” was certified 8× Platinum. 
   
• Johnny Orlando – Toronto-born singer-songwriter Johnny Orlando is this generation’s rising pop superstar impacting a global music stage. Orlando has amassed over 2 billion streams, and a social media following of over 28 million+ engaged fans worldwide. At 20 years of age, Orlando’s music has generated over 2 billion global streams and acclaim from the likes of Billboard, Variety, Paper, Teen Vogue, and more. Along the way, Orlando garnered nominations for Breakthrough Artist of the Year & Pop Album of the Year at JUNO Awards, as well as three consecutive wins for Best Canadian Act at the MTV European Music Awards.  
   
• Janine Berdin – She is a multi-talented Filipino artist who skyrocketed to stardom after winning the grand championship of the popular singing competition, Tawag ng Tanghalan, on It’s Showtime. In 2018, Berdin signed with TNT Records under Star Music, where she released her carrier single “Biyaya,” written by Chochay Magno. Her participation in the TNT All-Star Showdown at the Araneta Coliseum drew massive crowds and fanfare, cementing her status as one of the headlining performers. She also won the Star Music Listeners Choice Award and 4th best song for the Himig Handog 2018 P-Pop Love Songs for her rendition of “Mas Mabuti Pa.”  Her success continued as her 2022 single with Adie, “Mahika,” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Philippines Songs chart, 
   
• Maymay – She is a Filipina actress, singer, host, and model who won hearts and emerged as Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7 Big Winner in 2017. After her TV debut, Maymay signed a recording contract with Star Music and launched her eponymous debut album at a star-studded Skydome event. The album received gold and platinum certifications from the Philippine Association of Record Industry. Maymay is also a fashion icon and an accomplished host. In 2018, she made history as the first Filipina to walk the runway during the Arab Fashion Week strutting clothes by the famous Filipino designer Furne One Amato of Amato Couture in Dubai. Today, Maymay is a rising star in the music industry. She has been nominated in the Best Asia Act category at the 2022 MTV EMA for her hit song “Amakabogera.”
   
• Clara Rosa – Born in the Philippines but raised in the U.K., DJ Clara Rosa’s multi-cultural upbringing birthed a unique blend of musical influences to her sets. Also an instrumentalist and music producer, her sets are characterized by a fusion of genres that include Amapiano, Baile Funk, Dance Funk House, UKG, Jersey Club and Latin Urbano. The sets bring the rhythms and melodies of her cultural roots with the contemporary sounds of the London club scene, creating an electric atmosphere that keeps the dance floor moving.

“1MX is not here to overwhelm you or overload your senses like in giant music festivals; 1MX is a compact Asian music bowl of a festival seasoned with global flavors, served in the right amounts,” said ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Joseph Arnie Garcia, also concurrently ABS-CBN Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

Garcia added: “Our format is straightforward: exciting established and emerging Filipino artists mixed with equally exciting established and emerging international acts. Combine this clear talent showcase with the local cultural offerings of food, drinks, and the like and you have a guaranteed memorable, delightful, connected and more fulfilling one music experience.” 

To buy tickets now to 1MX Music Festival in London 2023, visit  https://www.seetickets.com/event/1mx-london-2023/dockyards/2627943

Visit the official website for more info: http://1musicx.com/

Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna just dropped Y2, the second installment of her five-part EP series that will collectively make up her next full-length album: Y5.

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Yuna explains that the theme of her new three-song project narrates the process of healing from heartbreak. Not only is Yuna’s songwriting and soulful vocals on display in this project, but she added that she has production credits on each song.

“I discovered something new about myself… that I can produce. Now I don’t have to depend on anyone else for music – I can do things myself. I got really inspired by that. There’s something very powerful about being an independent artist.”

Y2’s lead single is the catchy “Make A Move,” which she describes as “You know that even if this person knows your name, it’s not enough to spark something real, you have to make the first move to talk to him/him or do something before it’s too late or before the situation becomes a ‘could-have-been’.”

Check out “Make A Move”, “Girl U Used 2 Know”, and “24 Hours” off of Y2 below.

Cover Photo Courtesy of Yuna's Instagram

A-Team has been putting out visualizers to various tracks and one of them includes Yuna's "Dance Like Nobody’s Watching" (James Reid Remix). With a dope beat and catchy lyrics, A-Team interprets the track through movement. It's a big production for the dance group and all of the members were excited to film the visualizer.

Catch A-Team going over their choreo, style, and personalities in this behind-the-scenes recap video.

They gave major kudos to the production team as it was one of the first times they saw the crew in action. They talk about how the respect between the dancers and the crew is mutual. It's not often that a dance group is added on a label roster, but the A-Team feels the support from the Careless Music team. It was a team effort to make all of it come together.

Check out the full visualizer below!

Cover Photo Credit: A-Team Instagram

PARADISE RISING'S second compilation EP, Semilucent 2, is out now with a whole new ensemble of artists on the project. With the goal of establishing a presence for Filipino artists in the West and globally through music distribution, music rights management, and artist development, PARADISE RISING has more than lived up to expectations since it was launched in July 2020.

Semilucent 2 is a 5-track EP that provides genre-blending acoustics, memorable melodies and high-energy 808s. In contrast to the dreamy and airy radiance of the songs from the debut project, Semilucent 2 draws inspiration from the darker mood that comes with the ending of summer, and a longing for memories past. The label mentioned that the artists would be both "homegrown and diasporic," so lyrically and sonically, we should be getting a great mix of vibes from this highly anticipated EP. The EP features Manila Grey, daze, Steven Peregrinam, Curtismith with CA Christian Alexander, and Manila Killa featuring Yuna.

MANILA GREY is featured in this EP with “Island Baby (Maarte).” It brings a new vibe to the compilation project. “In this song, we show love to all the beautiful women in our lives, women who represent the vibrancy and class of our culture, both in our home city Vancouver. Maarte is slang for high maintenance in Filipino, but it actually means artsy. We just wanted to flip that narrative into something fun, while showcasing the art and the grace. All the strong women in our lives have high standards, sometimes you need that energy you know? Like go ahead, it’s all good, feel yourself."

Also highlighted are hip-hop powerhouse from New York CA Christian Alexander, seasoned rapper and songwriter Curtismith; CA Christian Alexander said he and Curtismith “are excited to be a part of the semilucent 2 EP because we have an opportunity to represent the Philippines on 88rising’s global platform and inspire the next generation of artists to continue to keep pushing Filipino music culture forward.”

Philippine-native singer and instrumentalist Steven Peregrina and up-and-coming female R&B artist daze based out of Amsterdam give the EP a different style. Peregrina's track “All Night” is “all about good vibes, good times, and partying.” He adds, “I'm super excited and ecstatic to be a part of the semilucent 2 EP. I consider this song to be my "TakeOff" and y'all should be ready for me! So, Asia, here I come.” According to daze, his song “Situation” is “about a relationship between two people who are in between love and friendship, or a situationship. Neither really wants to admit how much they like each other, but the tension and passion keeps building until they both can’t deny it any longer. It’s a soulful song with layers and layers of melodies that express desire, connection, and taking a leap of faith,” daze revealed.

For “Reminisce,” Manila Killa shares that he “started the instrumental track during quarantine when I felt no pressure to create a specific type of music. It was during a time where I felt artistically free - there were no shows coming up and everything was at a standstill so I took the opportunity to try some things out I haven't before. When I found out Yuna was interested in the track I was so excited to work with her as I've been a longtime fan. She totally understood the mood I was going for with the track and turned it from this fun disco demo into something raw, emotional, and reminiscent of better times."

88rising founder and CEO Sean Miyashiro took note of the "vibrancy in the way talented young artists are emerging, and such a massive audience in love with music. We want to support their voices, help them be heard, and bring music from the Philippines to a global audience."

Listen now to Semilucent 2 on Spotify and other major streaming platforms. Merchandise is also available.

About Paradise Rising

88rising’s mission of supporting and shining the spotlight on Asian talent around the world takes an exciting step forward with a new label dedicated to musicians from the Philippines. The pioneering media company has teamed up with the Philippines-based mobile provider Globe to launch PARADISE RISING, a localized label dedicated to establishing a presence for Filipino artists in the west and globally.

Source: Forbes

Cover Photo Courtesy of Manila Killa Instagram

Careless Music shared that Malaysian artist Yuna and James Reid will be performing the remix to Dance Like Nobody's Watching. The live performance will take place on TikTok May 12th at 6pm Manila time, which is 3am PDT in the U.S. Talk about an early performance. We hope it'll be saved or recorded so we can check it out too!

James Reid just celebrated his birthday and it's already proving to be a big year for him. The latest track, Soda just hit a million streams on Youtube! He's also releasing two singles this month, an untitled track and Crazy which the release date has been moved. Not only that, he's one of the artists to perform at IDENTITY 2021 presented by Amazon Music, IMDb, IMDb Pro, Pacific Bridge Arts Foundation, Gold House, and Transparent Arts. Catch it on Saturday, May 15th at 5pm PST/ 8pm EST all on Twitch.tv/AmazonMusic.

As for Yuna, we last saw her when she chatted with Dannieboi for a MYXclusive. Now, she's on Spotify's EQUAL playlist that highlights female artists around the world. The billboard was featured in New York City's Time Square and also includes Nadine Lustre. Yuna is also set to release new music next month that we can't wait to hear!

Cover Photo Credit: Careless Music

Welcome the weekend vibes with the latest remix from Malaysian artist Yuna and James Reid. Dance Like Nobody's Watching is already a great track, but the remix just adds a new flavor. James' verse nicely compliments the original track and adds a cool flare. It's sure to be a certified dance hit. Can't wait to hear it out on the dance floor, whenever we can have parties again. Check it out on all streaming platforms.

Earlier this year, Dannieboi chatted with Yuna in a MYXclusive. They talked about her music, past collabs with G-Eazy, Usher, and her hope to one day sing with BTS. She also shared about her musical journey and the evolution to how she got to where she is now. Check it out below ICYMI

ABOUT YUNA
Yuna, is a Malaysian singer-songwriter and came to the spotlight by releasing her music to Myspace. She began writing songs at 14 and taught herself to play guitar. Since being signed, she's then collaborated with many artists like Usher on Crush, Pharrell Williams on Live Your Life, and DJ Premier for Places to Go. Yuna peaked on the Billboard Adult R&B chart at No. 3, nominated for MTV's Iggy's Best New Bands in the World in 2011, and played at Lollapalooza.

Her self-titled debut album earned her five Malaysian Music Awards nominations. The follow-up EP, Decorate received great reviews from all over the industry. The 2016 Chapters broke into the Top 10 of Billboard's Best R&B Albums of 2016: Critic's Pick. Chapters was also nominated in the Top 20 Best R&B Albums of 2016 by Rolling Stone magazine. In 2017, she was nominated for a BET Award, BET Centric Award for Crush.

Cover Photo Credit: Yuna Official Facebook

Malaysian artist, Yuna chats with Dannieboi in this myxCLUSIVE. They talk about her latest single, Dance Like Nobody's Watching, her past collabs with G-Eazy, Usher, and her hope to one day sing with BTS. She also shares her musical evolution and how she got to her sound now. Check it all below or check out the highlights from the interview!

1. Yuna was originally supposed to visit the Philippines for a month
   She says that it's crazy to that she's only been to the Philippines once and yet they're the second largest streaming country for her latest track. "I can't wait for this whole thing to be over so I can go out there and just you know play music." She appreciates the love and support the Philippines constantly gives to her and her music.

2. She started writing original music around the age of 14
Yuna explains that growing up, she listened to a lot of Malaysian artists and also Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. She also liked Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow which shows her diversity in music. However she discovered Lauryn Hill around 12 or 13 years old, which became the first proper album she bought.

3. Yuna started in the music business around 2006 and has been going the last 15 years
Her creative process of creating music is always changing. She knew that she wasn't going to be an artist who just stuck with one thing. When she first started, Yuna says she really focused on singer-songwriter stuff like acoustic vibes. Fast forward to moving to Los Angeles and challenging herself to see where her English songs could take her.

4. She loves finding opportunities to evolve in her craft
Yuna compares her experience to painting a blank canvas. "People are giving me paint in different colors and I'm able to let go." The collab with Usher on Crush, she credits it to her management team but also the stars aligned for the opportunity. However she shared it wasn't something that happened instantly, "I didn't have anything for him yet so I kept that in mind" until Crush came around.

5. Yuna shares that getting rappers to feature in her songs has to be organic
"The way I approach getting a rapper to be on my song, it has to be something organic." One of the tracks, Blank Marquee featuring G-Eazy and Dannieboi was curious about the process of asking a rapper to feature in her projects. She explains that collaborating with anyone has to come from the heart where it's a mutual thing. They also have to also love the song and the project and come from a place of sincerity.

6. She had no idea at first that BTS followed her on social
We had to ask if there's an upcoming collab with BTS since they follow each other. Yuna's honest answer was not yet. They followed her a few years ago before they were the global sensation they are now. "Only time will tell. We got time to do it properly so that everyone will enjoy the process and the music."

7. The most random thing she has is her dictionary she's had since 13
She's really proud of it because Yuna explains she was never used to speaking English well. The dictionary was her best friend. She had it when reading English books and trying to write a song.

8. The song Stay Where You Are was put on the back burner and fans asked to be released to help comfort them during the pandemic
Yuna shares that the song didn't fit the concept of her last album, "Rouge" (2017). She then revisited it while staying home and performed a live video. Fans reacted positively and resonated with it saying it's something they need right now. Yuna gives a little explanation about the song:

Cover Photo Credit: Yuna Facebook