The Awit Awards Best New Artist nominee turns personal disappointments, emotional exhaustion, and the courage to begin again into a five-song release, led by the healing anthem “Love Again”

Photo credit: Meika Vieve Catog

Filipino singer-songwriter Gab Cabangon embarks on a journey of rediscovering love through his debut five-track EP, Learn to Love Again, released today under Underdog Music.

Describing the project as an “open diary,” Cabangon shares his experiences as a millennial musician, capturing the frustrations and emotional challenges that come with navigating life. Despite the struggles, the EP highlights the possibility of finding love and reigniting passion, even in a world that can sometimes make it difficult to shine.

Through its five tracks, Learn to Love Again delves into the process of facing life’s disappointments and finding a way back to meaningful connections, personal dreams, and the parts of oneself that once brought happiness.

After years of navigating the demands of the industry, Gab Cabangon’s passion for songwriting and performing began to wane. He had to juggle gigging, supporting other artists behind the scenes, and pursuing his plans to release his own music—all while lacking the confidence to wear multiple hats with ease. Instead of letting uncertainty affect his morale, the Awit Award-nominated act confronted the frustrations that had kept him from moving forward. By collaborating with friends in the music scene, he turned his musings on life, career, and love into a body of work that speaks to him on a personal level.

The result is Learn to Love Again, an EP that guides listeners through life’s uncertainties. The EP’s five tracks unfold as stages of emotional recovery, moving from distance and rediscovery to frustration, vulnerability, rest, and ultimately genuine love.

“I did realize in the process of developing the songs of Learn to Love Again that I didn’t have to be alone and that I do have my wife, my family, my friends, and a community to lean on when the going gets tough,” Cabangon shares. “I also realized after writing everything that I just needed to show up.”

Photo credit: Meika Vieve Catog

As both the focus track and emotional centerpiece, “Love Again” embodies the EP’s collective energy: stepping away from something once cherished and finding your way back to it—at your own pace. Penned after Cabangon took a brief break from music during the pandemic, the song lets him reassess his relationship with his craft and reconnect with why he began making music in the first place. Upon returning, Cabangon found the inspiration to write about letting go, healing, and embracing renewed passion, and thus, “Love Again” was born.

“I think it taught me to rest and to pause,” Cabangon explains. “That I didn’t have to be impatient and do music non-stop. It didn’t make me less of an artist. It’s okay to step away from time to time so that I don’t get too tired or frustrated with my music.”

Cabangon dedicates Love Again to anyone who has ever gone through burnout, heartbreak, disappointment, and the frustration of feeling left behind. The song encourages listeners to resist the pressure to measure their progress against others and instead focus on why they pursue what they love.

“I also think that learning to love again isn’t necessarily linear,” he says. “We all go through the highs and lows of life, and I guess the important thing is that we never lose our way or the reason why we took on that journey.”

The EP expands on the aforementioned message through four complementary tracks. “Ikot Ulit” channels anger and frustration at false promises, disappointments, and the roadblocks along the way. “Pieces” offers a vulnerable acknowledgment that it is okay not to be okay, embracing the need to grieve, break down, and let others help in the healing process. “Kama” reminds us to slow down and find rest amid a world that constantly demands productivity. At the same time, “ngayon at kailanman” closes the collection on a hopeful note, looking toward a love that is genuine, reassuring, and honest.

The project also pulls together a circle of collaborators who helped translate Cabangon’s songwriting into its fullest musical expression. He worked with David Lina on arrangement and production, developing the tracks from acoustic demos through collaborative studio sessions. Nine Degrees North’s Shadiel Chan and Jan Fuertez handled mixing and mastering, while Cha Martinez contributed lead guitars to “Love Again.” For “Kama,” Cabangon collaborated with Gab Lazaro of Project Yass, vydd, Kyla Miel, and his wife, Geli, exploring new instrumental and vocal textures.

Through Learn to Love Again, Cabangon transforms the uncertainties he has experienced into songs that reflect the challenges of beginning again while holding on to hope. Rather than offering instant healing or simple answers to life’s disappointments, the EP encourages listeners to take a step back when necessary, reflect on their choices, and make better decisions moving forward. After all, life is not a race, and everyone deserves the time and space to find their own way.

CisuMusiC strengthened its cross-border music connections through the participation of Vietnamese artists CHIVAN and MINH at SONIK Philippines 2026, held September 11–12 at Green Sun, Makati. Their performances marked a new connection between Vietnam and the Philippine music scene, while reflecting CisuMusiC’s broader work in creating opportunities for artists to reach audiences, industry communities, and markets beyond their home countries.

SONIK Philippines 2026 brought together Filipino and international artists, music professionals, and industry communities through a two-day conference and showcase focused on music export, international expansion, touring, and industry networking. The program moved from industry discussions into live performances, with SID opening the first day of the showcase and acts including One Click Straight taking the stage before Itchyworms closed Day 1 with a crowd-filled sing-along. Day 2 continued the showcase alongside conversations on pathways for Filipino artists to build international careers.

For CHIVAN and MINH, the event provided an opportunity to bring their work to a new audience in the Philippines while connecting with a wider community of artists and music professionals. Their participation demonstrates how cross-border artist development can happen through live showcases and industry platforms that create direct connections between artists and new markets.

Their participation was supported by CisuMusiC, whose work extends beyond individual artist appearances to a broader international music network. The platform works across music festivals, showcases, Livehouse tours, fan platforms, and media networks to help connect artists, audiences, music organizations, and opportunities across different markets.

CisuMusiC’s network includes connections across Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and other international markets. Through these cross-border activities, the platform creates pathways for artists to move between markets, build new audiences, and develop relationships with music communities beyond their home territories. The Philippines now forms part of this expanding network, with SONIK providing a platform for CisuMusiC-supported artists to engage directly with the local music ecosystem.

The Philippine market also presents opportunities for further two-way exchange. Beyond bringing international artists to Philippine stages, CisuMusiC sees potential to build relationships with Filipino artists, music organizations, festivals, and industry partners and connect them with opportunities across other Asian and international markets.

As the connection between CisuMusiC and the Philippine music industry develops, SONIK Philippines 2026 serves as an early example of how cross-border music activity can create new pathways on both sides. For CisuMusiC, the broader goal is to continue connecting artists, audiences, music organizations, and opportunities across markets—turning individual showcases into longer-term international music connections.

The October 16 benefit show brings together friends and fellow musicians to help cover Echo’s medical expenses and rehabilitation following a stroke

The Filipino music community is coming together for “Alingawngaw Para Kay Echo,” a fundraising gig for Echo Singson, a longtime fixture in the local music scene who is recovering from a stroke.

Echo has long been part of the Itchyworms family, with ties dating back to when his older brother, Chino, joined. In 1999, he co-founded Boldstar with Jazz Nicolas, Marie Jamora, and Justin Sunico.

Over the years, Echo has worn many hats in the industry, including host, sound technician, production assistant, and lighting crew member. Apart from his behind-the-scenes work, he has remained a valued presence in the Filipino indie music community as both an active participant and supporter.

On September 19, Echo suffered a stroke while hosting a March of the Penguins gig at Mow’s. He was rushed to East Avenue Medical Center, where he received medical care before being discharged. As he continues his recovery, he has shown small signs of improvement, offering hope to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Official poster

In response, members of the music community have teamed up for “Alingawngaw Para Kay Echo,” a benefit gig on October 16 at 123 Block in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City. Ebe Dancel, Urbandub, The Itchyworms, The Ronnies, and The Revisors are joining forces for an evening of music in support of someone who has given so much to the industry.

All proceeds from the fundraising gig will go directly to Echo for his medical expenses and rehabilitation. Every contribution, every presence, and every expression of encouragement can make a meaningful difference.

As Echo continues his fight toward recovery, his friends and colleagues are rallying around him with one shared message: he is not alone.

Tickets to Alingawngaw Para Kay Echo are available at the venue on the day of the event.

Watch the official music video here

Upcoming new album, wor$t man in america, out December 4, 2026

“one of 2026’s breakout pop stars” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

“a straight-up rock star” – VARIETY 

“Slayyyter has fine-tuned one of the most visually alluring and intellectually interesting aesthetics in contemporary pop music” – BILLBOARD

Today, SLAYYYTER releases new song and self-directed video, “i think he’s got a girl” out everywhere now via RECORDS / Columbia Records. The release arrives following the announcement of wor$t man in america, the ‘brother’ album to this spring’s critically acclaimed WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA, due out December 4th via RECORDS / Columbia Records.

LISTEN TO “i think he’s got a girl” HERE

WATCH “i think he’s got a girl” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE

PRE-SAVE / PRE-ORDER wor$t man in america HERE

Built around mounting suspicion and vulnerability, “i think he’s got a girl” captures the unraveling of a relationship with raw, emotionally charged honesty. The track has already built a strong fan following through its live performances throughout the sold-out WOR$T GIRL IN THE WORLD TOUR ahead of its official release. The vintage-inspired official music video, directed by SLAYYYTER, is out now.

Credit: Kait Muro

Earlier this week, SLAYYYTER announced wor$t man in america, the counterpart to this spring’s critically acclaimed WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. The new album introduces contrasting visuals and a fresh perspective on the themes and ideas explored in the project before it.

While wor$t man in america is comprised entirely of new songs, each track is connected to the world established by WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. Some songs act as direct inversions, while others revisit familiar ideas from an entirely new angle, creating a parallel narrative that both mirrors and challenges the original project.

“i think he’s got a girl” follows the release of singles “brand new chanel$” and “crank 2”, the former of which marked her debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at #98. Slayyyter performed “brand new chanel$” live for triple j’s Like A Version – watch HERE.

The entirely sold out WOR$T GIRL IN THE WORLD tour began in July with three shows in SLAYYYTER’s hometown of St. Louis and hit major cities across the United States. The tour continues globally with shows in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Berlin, and more before wrapping in London on November 5, 2026. SLAYYYTER is joined by Pearly Drops for all UK dates. Kalika will join as support for all EU dates.

This month, SLAYYYTER was announced as part of the Laneway 2027 and Lollapalooza South America lineups, during which she will perform her acclaimed live set across Australia, New Zealand and South America.

SLAYYYTER 2026-27 LIVE DATES

10/09/26 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – ZIG Festival^ SOLD OUT

10/10/26 – São Paulo, Brazil – ZIG Festival^ SOLD OUT

10/18/26 – Paris, France – Le Trianon** SOLD OUT

10/19/26 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso** SOLD OUT

10/20/26 – Cologne, Germany – Die Kantine** SOLD OUT

10/22/26 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega** SOLD OUT

10/23/26 – Hamburg, Germany – Fabrik** SOLD OUT

10/24/26 – Warsaw, Poland – Palladium** SOLD OUT

10/26/26 – Prague, Czechia – Lucerna Music Bar** SOLD OUT

10/27/26 – Berlin, Germany – Metropol** SOLD OUT

10/28/26 – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix** SOLD OUT

10/30/26 – Manchester, United Kingdom – Albert Hall* SOLD OUT

10/31/26 – Birmingham, United Kingdom – O2 Institute* SOLD OUT

11/01/26 – Glasgow, United Kingdom – O2 Academy* SOLD OUT

11/03/26 – Brighton, United Kingdom – CHALK* SOLD OUT

11/05/26 – London, United Kingdom – Roundhouse* SOLD OUT

2/12/27 – Sydney, Australia – Laneway Festival^

2/13/27 – Brisbane, Australia – Laneway Festival^

2/19/27 – Melbourne, Australia – Laneway Festival^

2/21/27 – Auckland, New Zealand – Laneway Festival^

3/12/27 – 3/14/27 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Lollapalooza Argentina^

3/12/27 – 3/14/27 – Santiago, Chile – Lollapalooza Chile^

3/19/27 – 3/21/27 – São Paulo, Brazil – Lollapalooza Brazil^

Follow SLAYYYTER:

Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook

Reggae rhythms, indie-rock energy, and Manila Sound collide on the quartet’s colorful new offering

Fresh from a strong showing at the 2026 Awit Awards, where they took home Album of the Year and Song of the Year, and the Filipino Music Awards, where they won Alternative Song of the Year, Filipino band IV OF SPADES returns with “Rollercoaster,” a new single that explores the exhilaration of surrendering to the moment and embracing life’s unpredictable turns.

Released during the band’s US/Canada tour, “Rollercoaster” borrows from a colorful palette of sonic influences while retaining the inventive sensibility that has defined their previous work.

A vibrant, psychedelic-leaning track, “Rollercoaster” integrates the rhythmic pulse of reggae with indie rock and Manila Sound sensibilities. It’s a buoyant, groove-forward song that veers away from the usual hit-making formula: carefree and laid-back, but brimming with summertime infectiousness.

The song evokes an open-road journey: windows down, music turned up, and nowhere in particular to be. Its easygoing groove lends itself to late-night gatherings and spontaneous moments with friends, embracing the song’s themes of freedom, movement, and the thrill of letting go.

“Rollercoaster” serves as the second song released by IV OF SPADES this year, following “Isang Pag-ibig,” which dropped last month. The latter has racked up more than three million streams on combined platforms and has peaked at No. 18 on YouTube Music’s Trending Music charts. “Isang Pag-ibig” was originally posted to the band’s SoundCloud page in 2015, and was later on revisited for a 2026 re-release.

IV OF SPADES’ “Rollercoaster” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.