With the release of his new single and music video, “Rather Be.” which was directed by Loris Russier, multi-platinum seven-time GRAMMY® nominee GIVĒON begins his sophomore chapter.

“Rather Be” embodies GIVĒON’s best qualities: vulnerability, self-assurance, and an unwavering willingness to let his vocal range do the heavy lifting. The song features the bells and whistles that fans have grown to appreciate from the Long Beach native, from the horns strewn throughout its instrumental to the intimate and stylish style of its music video. It was produced by Sevn Thomas, Maneesh, Matthew Burnett, Jeff Gitty, and Jahaan Sweet. With the release of “Twenties,” the cathartic lead single from his new campaign, GIVĒON is gaining tremendous traction and putting his everything into every line.

The Russier-directed cut is an elegant montage of GIVĒON and his sleek troupe adorning airy spaces with a live rendition of the new song, as GIVĒON, the protagonist, tries to get comfortable with his love interest. Russier deftly plays with planes of space and symmetry to create a unique backdrop for the singer and his suit-clad crew.

“This song is a reflection on acceptance. The idea of seeing someone’s flaws and choosing to stay,” GIVĒON said about “Rather Be. “It’s about loving someone not for who they could be, but for who they are, and realizing that real connection isn’t about starting over, it’s about holding on.”

As fans eagerly anticipate his sophomore project, GIVĒON’s 2025 has already been one to remember. He celebrated the five-year anniversary of his breakout project, 2020’s TAKE TIME EP, with an intimate performance earlier this year in Los Angeles, attended by the likes of Epic Chairwoman Sylvia Rhone, Lena Waithe, Amerie and Jimmy Jam.

Shortly afterwards, “Twenties” notched a slot within the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and went on to achieve a Top 20 position on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. The song’s music video has already surpassed 12 million YouTube views and earned GIVĒON the fourth Hot 100 hit of his solo career.

Photocredit: Ben Dorado

Hunter Schafer and Tracee Ellis Ross were among the guests at Prada’s esteemed annual pre-Met Gala event earlier this month, where GIVĒON performed “Twenties” live. For his work with Teddy Swims on “Are You Even Real,” GIVĒON is vying for a 2025 BET Award in the category of “Best Collaboration” this summer.

The pop-rock power ballad offers a lifeline for those who need help in times of despair and uncertainty

The Dawn, pioneers of Filipino alternative rock, return with a powerful single, “Sa’n Ka Pupunta,” which is currently available on Sony Music Entertainment. The legendary band, renowned for their constantly changing musical style and profound lyrics, produces an emotionally stirring hymn that addresses the silent struggles people confront in an unpredictable and frequently debilitating world.

Fundamentally, the song serves as a potent reminder that, despite feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty, there are individuals who will encourage you and assist you in discovering purpose in life, especially when it seems most elusive.

“it’s a song about uncertainties,” shares bassist and co-composer Bim Yance. “In today’s world, we’re all preoccupied with our struggles. It can feel like we’re alone. Sa’n Ka Pupunta is a reminder that someone out there is willing to listen and help. You just need to let them in.”

“Sa’n Ka Pupunta” marks yet another creative peak for the legendary band composed of Jett Pagan on lead vocals, guitars, and keyboards; Francis Reyes on guitars, backing vocals, and keyboards; Rommel Sanchez on guitars; JB Leonor on drums; and Bim Yance on bass. The track is intimate and explosive at once, an introspective power ballad that pleads for openness and understanding in times of emotional crossroads.

Initially composed by Yance, the track evolved through The Dawn’s distinctive collaborative process. The original demo, both sonically and lyrically, carried the seeds of what would become a poignant anthem. As the rest of the band joined in, the song took on a more expansive narrative.

“It began as a message to someone discouraged from continuing their life,” says frontman Jett Pangan. “But as all contributed, it grew into a broader reflection on relationships and how we slowly drift apart if we don’t speak up. It’s about desperation—but the kind that comes from love.”

Musically, “Sa’n Ka Pupunta” balances a raw, gritty energy with sonic restraint. Anchored in shimmering guitar layers, a propulsive shuffle rhythm, and a spacious mix, the arrangements amplify the emotional tension at the song’s core.

“Bim designed the intro and choruses to be louder and punchy, and the verses gentler,” explains Francis Reyes. “We made the first verses sound more open, leaving a lot of space for Jett’s voice— and hence, the initial lyrics that set up the narrative— to be heard and understood. My interpretation of the lyrics is there’s sadness and frustration there. The loud choruses, in my mind, allude to the frustration of ‘Please tell me what’s on your mind, because I’m here to listen.’ The choruses sound angry, but it’s more of desperation or a plea from someone who is trying to understand and help.”

The production draws subtle influence from ‘90s rock stylings of a power ballad while remaining rooted in The Dawn’s unmistakable sound. As Reyes puts it, the band worked to “Dawn-ify” the track, making something inherently theirs while letting new textures surface. He adds, “Jett suggested editing out a couple of bits from Bim’s original demo so the tune flows better overall. I think it was JB himself who suggested a shuffle-type thing for his drum parts to give the tune a bit of propulsiveness.”

Providing additional context, Rommel Sanchez shares that the band took cues from ‘90s bands and producers without making the references patently obvious. “It’s like, ‘what would [insert 90’s producer here]’ do at all times during the tracking process.”

The song, which has already had a great reception at previous live performances, is sure to strike a chord with both new and devoted band fans.

“I hope it brings solace to people,” Yance says. “That music can remind us to reach out and be there for each other even in times of frustration and silence.”

“Sa’n Ka Pupunta” by The Dawn is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe through Sony Music Entertainment.

An Indo-Filipino cross-border collaboration explores connection and loneliness in the digital age

Together, Filipino indie-folk sensation Peej and well-known Indian singer-songwriter and producer Dhruv Visvanath have released their poignant new single, “Pieces” which will be available everywhere on Friday, May 16, 2025.

The song, which was inspired by a chance encounter at Singapore’s All That Matters music convention in 2024, examines the basic human desire for connection in a world growing more and more isolated.

“At its core, Pieces is about drifting—emotionally and spiritually—and trying to find your way back to something or someone,” shares Dhruv Visvanath. “This past year, I’ve been pushing myself to write differently, explore new places, and seek deeper connections. When I met Peej in Singapore, we clicked instantly–we even swapped t-shirts! Pieces began as a quiet, introspective idea, like drifting alone at sea, longing for connection. The moment I created the demo, I knew Peej was the missing piece. He brought a rare sincerity to the song–and, of course, his stunning saxophone.”

Peej, whose emotional songwriting and saxophone work have made him a standout in the Filipino indie scene, echoed the enthusiasm.

“We met during one of our performance days and kept bumping into each other during the festival,” Peej recalls. “We gave each other high praises after each of our performances. It was obvious we had so many things in common, including our positive, friendly demeanor and our passion for music. So when Dhruv messaged me a few months later to collaborate, I jumped at the chance.”

Crafted entirely through remote collaboration, with Dhruv working from his bedroom studio in New Delhi and Peej from Manila, “Pieces” offers an intimate sonic experience, blending tender lyricism, atmospheric guitar work, and haunting saxophone lines. Produced and penned by Dhruv Visvanath, with songwriting credits from Peej, the eclectic pop track highlights acoustic textures with emotional clarity.

“When Dhruv sent me the first raw voice note, I was immediately excited. I could already imagine how it would come together since sad songs were right up my alley. The process of writing my parts was pretty effortless because the song already had such a strong foundation.”

Thematically, Pieces dives into modern-day loneliness and the persistent desire for connection.  When Dhruv sent the first verse and chorus to Peej, the Filipino indie artist assumed that his musician-friend was going through a difficult time in life. Only later did Peej found out that the song was about Dhruv wanting to tear himself into pieces to reinvent himself. “When I wrote my parts, suddenly Pieces became a story about loneliness and the desire for connection after a lover has left. Although it wasn’t what Dhruv initially had in mind, we’re both extremely proud of what we created.”

The long-distance nature of their collaboration shaped the final sound in surprising ways.
“As two solo artists who find comfort in creating music alone, the distance gave us space to put in our individual voices and styles without judgment,” Peej notes. “It allowed us the freedom to deliver our parts in our own unique way.”

Above all, “Pieces” is a celebration of openness, honesty, and the kind of cross-border artistic connection. Peej muses, “Collaborating with artists you admire and respect can lead to a piece of art you didn’t know you were capable of creating.”

One thing is clear from the fact that Pieces is already available on popular digital platforms worldwide: this partnership is more than just music. It serves as a reminder that the urge for real connection endures despite the volatility of today’s society.

Listen to the song here.

Peej 

• Instagram: @hey.peej
• Spotify: Listen Here
• YouTube:Watch Here
• TikTok: Follow Here
• Press Photos: Link

Dhruv Visvanath 

• Instagram: @mrdhruvv
• Spotify: Listen Here
• YouTube: Watch Here
• Website: www.mrdhruv.com
• Press Photos: Link