Entertainment

With growing global recognition, the platform continues to reshape how the world engages with the region’s artists

BALI, INDONESIA — AXEAN Festival, Southeast Asia’s top intra-regional music showcase and conference platform, is scheduled to return for its seventh edition at Jimbaran Hub in Bali, Indonesia, from August 29 to 30, 2026.

Launched in 2020 by a collective of music industry professionals across the region, AXEAN Festival has exponentially grown into a key export platform for Southeast Asian music, as well as a prominent convergence for cross-border collaborations and partnerships between global industry stakeholders and artists. To date, the music showcase and conference event has successfully hosted both virtual editions (2020-2021) and in-person gatherings (2022-2025) in Singapore and Bali. Over six editions, AXEAN has featured nearly 300 artists representing more than 20 countries.

This year’s “Save the Date” announcement signals an expanded edition that will once again bring together over 40 artists from diverse backgrounds and genres, primarily from Southeast Asia and beyond. Apart from the carefully curated lineup of performances, this year’s edition will continue its focus on industry development programming through panel discussions, business matchmaking, and structured networking sessions. The songwriting camp, which will take place after the festival proper, will also return, offering selected artists and producers the opportunity to collaborate in a cross-cultural environment.

“Each year we bring a unique blend of curation to the festival; this year is no different,” said AXEAN Festival co-founder David Siow. “As we add more partners and artists, the excitement builds on each successful edition, and we can promise the same, if not more, quality.”

Co-founder Piyapong Muenprasertdee added that while the festival’s core mission remains the same, its reach and impact continue to grow. “Our goal has always been the same: to bridge the world to Southeast Asia’s music and to export the region’s talent and professionals to global markets. What’s changed is the momentum around that mission. Each year, more countries and national music organizations take notice and want to be part of what we’re building here, which reflects a growing recognition that Southeast Asia is a serious player in the global music landscape.”

For its seventh edition, AXEAN Festival builds on its commitment to elevate Southeast Asia’s music communities while creating sustained pathways for cross-cultural and industry collaborations, global partnerships, talent development, and institutional support.

Artist lineup, conference programming, and other essential information will be announced soon. For more details, check out the AXEAN Festival official website. This event is co-presented by Jimbaran Hub.

Photo by Mayks Go.

New music alert! Punk rock young blood Ligaya Escueta releases a new single titled June, a dreampop love song that sonically reiterates the ache of young romance in a soft, almost ethereal melody. The song is now available on all digital streaming platforms.

Coming down from the high of her previous emotionally-charged album “Dollweb” (2025), Abigail Escueta, better known as her stage name, Ligaya Escueta, pulls yet the heartstrings of her listeners with the release of June.

“Love songs have always been hard for me to write. I just feel like so much has been said about love that it kind of feels so overwhelming to try to sum it up in a song,” shares the 19-year-old musician, expressing her difficulties creating such a vulnerable track. However, for June, Escueta remarks how fast the flow came naturally to her the moment the idea came to mind. “A lot of lyrics came easily to me. I got the choruses done quickly, but was only able to finish the verse lyrics in the car on the way to a gig, which is a funny story.”

Inspired by the transcendental gloom pop melodies of slow-guitar bands like Wisp and a generous dose from iconic shoegaze group Cocteau Twins, June was a product of Escueta’s day-to-day reality and experiences as a young musician that embraces both the mundanity of being a student and the petuliant woes of admiration and feelings while having a heart like hers. But the teenage singer gives flowers to asian shoegaze bands as influences for the newly released track. “My influences for this song are Summer’s Gone by Honeydip and Feverfew by Megumi Acorda,” says Escueta. “I really love how you can get lost in the heaviness of their music, but still feel the emotion through the chord choices and lyrics as well.”

Production wise, June was made piece by piece: starting from the melody and then the lyrics started to eventually write itself, but what really got Escueta going was her creating the instrumentation, being the main person to arrange the tracks, and seeing it come to life. “My friend really liked the song too, and started jamming to it on bass one day at school – and that’s how we got the bassline of June,” she shares. The song continued to take shape as each of her bandmates added their own parts as they played the song live prior to its initial release. Eventually, The track was produced by Mikey Amistoso of Ciudad, long time mentor and music producer of Ligaya Escueta.

June by Ligaya Escueta is out now and is available for streaming everywhere. You can catch her live on April 9 at Mow’s for FUZZY 4EVER’s Scott Pilgrim night!

Ligaya Escueta Socials

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32GPsNDIVdDvE2EX2GcVyT

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Ligaya-Escueta/100083005895770/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollshoesnicesocks/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dollshoesnicesocks?_t=8ipMR5kjvMn&_r=1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ligayaescueta

Watch the music video of “Emoji,” featuring Queen of C-Pop, JOLIN

P-Pop trailblazers SB19 has officially dropped Wakas at Simula—a 24-track release that serves as a closure of their formative era in music and the beginning of a new imperial phase. Their second full-length album chronicles their path to self-discovery, identity building, and the cultivation of public trust, all fortified through years of experience and learning.

[PRE-SAVE LINK]

“At the same time, this marks a new beginning,” SB19 adds. “We hope to express ourselves more openly, explore deeper and more relatable themes, and move forward with clarity, care, and creative freedom, ready to face new challenges together.”

Wakas at Simula stands as a cohesive anthology, weaving together key selections from the group’s trilogy of acclaimed EPs (Pagsibol, Pagtatag, and Simula at Wakas), alongside six new tracks that showcase a reinvigorated approach in production and songwriting. The result is a future-forward pop record that embraces genre fluidity and maximalism, made more compelling by SB19’s unmistakable energy and charisma.

Pablo, SB19’s leader and chief producer, emphasizes the intention behind the album’s sonic direction, putting into consideration the history behind these songs. “We did not want to simply remake them; we aimed to reintroduce them with greater depth. We explored more mature arrangements, stronger dynamics, and a careful balance of raw emotion and refinement. Sonically, I focused on warmth, atmosphere, and storytelling, ensuring that every choice reflected who we are today. This approach allowed the music to honor its origins while also showcasing our growth as artists.”

SB19’s sophomore album also features international collaborations with some of the pop greats this side of the hemisphere. Queen of C-Pop JOLIN is prominently featured in “Emoji,” a euphoric club anthem with a little bit of Brazilian funk thrown in the mix.

SB19’s Ken, who co-produced the track with PLAYERTWO’s Luke April, offered an insight into its creation. “I thought this was a fresh and exciting sound for us, so I created a Brazilian phonk inspired track with the help of my friend Luke. Pablo, JOLIN, and I wrote the lyrics together. The song explores social media and how people often mask their true emotions behind emojis. It reflects on the contrast between online personas and genuine feelings, highlighting the subtle ways technology shapes human expression.”

The release of “Emoji’ will be accompanied by a music video set in what looks like two versions of an underground dungeon. SB19’s Justin explains, “The direction for the music video was to keep it simple and accessible while maintaining high quality and showcasing an impressive performance. Our creative director carefully ensured that the set designs and overall concept subtly reinforced the song’s message. The video features two distinct layouts: one glamorous and polished, the other messy and chaotic, representing the contrast between the idealized image people present online and the reality they often hide behind emojis.”

Another highlight of the album is a collaboration with Japanese pop group BE:FIRST, who joined SB19 on the floor-thumping jam “Toyfriend.” Other new songs in the album include the catchy R&B tune “Memories,” the sonically daring but refreshing “Everblack,” and the emotional ballad “Wakas,” which showcases SB19’s extraordinary vocal abilities and heartfelt delivery.

The award-winning P-Pop boyband also reworked the songs from their 2021 EP, Pagsibol, incorporating new arrangements with layers of nuance and artistic growth. With more experience and perspective, SB19 admits that the new versions offer a more refined direction, with emotions naturally running deeper and the lyrics carrying greater meaning.

“For us, it was about respect and progression,” Pablo explains. “We wanted the songs people already love to retain their emotional core, while the newer tracks pushed the album forward. Nostalgia gave the project its roots, and the new songs gave it momentum. The goal was to make the album feel familiar while still showing growth and evolution.”

Ahead of the release, SB19 revealed the official track list for Wakas at Simula during a press conference on March 23, 2026, which was simultaneously streamed live on Weverse. The video has amassed more than 300,000 views and 30 million likes within 24 hours, cementing their popularity on the global fandom platform.

The P-Pop powerhouse is also scheduled to perform in two of most prominent music festivals in the world: Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, which will run from July 30 to August 2, 2026, and the recently announced Summer Sonic in Tokyo, Japan, happening on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

SB19’s “Wakas at Simula” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch out for the music video release of “Emoji” (Feat. JOLIN) today at 7:00 PM via SB19’s official YouTube page.

Follow SB19 on their socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SB19Official/

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

Featuring “Iceman Freestyle” & “Slaughter” Ft. J Hus

Central Cee releases his highly anticipated EP, ALL ROADS LEAD HOME. The seven-track project arrives in the wake of two stand-out records, “Iceman Freestyle” and “Slaughter” featuring J Hus.

“Slaughter” saw two of the UK’s most influential voices unite on record for the first time, a landmark collaboration for Cench, whose work with UK artist collaborations have been notably selective to date. The track has quickly emerged as a fan favourite, underlining the chemistry between the pair and setting the tone for the wider project.

The EP’s accompanying artwork sees Central Cee standing at a recognisable bus stop in Shepherd’s Bush, a visual nod to his West London roots and the journey that has shaped his rise.

ALL ROADS LEAD HOME captures Central Cee at a pivotal moment in his career, balancing global ambition with a return to his roots. Across seven tracks, the EP blends introspection with sharp lyricism and genre-fluid production, reinforcing his position at the forefront of British rap’s global evolution.

The release caps off an extraordinary run for Central Cee. It follows the one-year anniversary of his chart-topping debut album Can’t Rush Greatness and lands as he continues the Asia leg of his Can’t Rush Greatness tour.

With ALL ROADS LEAD HOME, Central Cee continues to push boundaries, delivering a project that reflects both his journey so far and the road ahead.

TRACKLIST

1. ICEMAN
2. SLAUGHTER FT J HUS
3. WAGWAN
4. FEELINGS
5. DC-10
6. MAKA FT A2ANTI
7. Y FI DAT

Follow Central Cee: HERE

Photo by Law

Legendary frontman Ely Buendia is back on our playlists with new song “Ate” to be released March 26 under his own label, Offshore Music Philippines.

After a year of the release of his tumultuous solo album “Method Adaptor” (2025), which garnered a string of praise from critics and fans alike, noted by Rolling Stone PH as “a sprawl of metaphors that thrive in paradoxes…”, and a continuously successful run of his intimate bar tour which shares the same name as the album, Buendia is far from taking a step back and is gearing up to expand his range and discography with solo single, “Ate”.

Official artwork for “Ate”

“I wanted to change the atmosphere a bit,” says Buendia in an interview about his upcoming single, noting the contrasting nature of his previous sonic masterproject and the new single, he pinpoints his intentions for shortly following up his grittier and more serious album, Method Adaptor, with a more “light and optimistic” new track. The song carries a softer tone in both instrumentation and lyricism, not novel to Buendia’s prowess but a stark difference to what the artist is currently known for. “The melody had such a nursery rhyme-feel which came directly from the harmonized lead guitar lines that go up the major scale,” Buendia discusses his rationality behind the inception of “Ate”. Saying as if the song itself embodies the mindset of seeing the positives in life’s ebbs and flows.

In addition with the idea of “Ate” being a break from the norm of the OPM icon’s current sound, the place where it was recorded was also something different for the “Bulaklak sa Buwan” singer, “I needed a change of pace. I love the weather there [Baguio],” citing a change in scenery was crucial in influencing the project. This overall chase for fresh air, perspectives, and sound were also present due to the inclusion of Shadiel Chan, music producer and label head of Nine Degrees North, where Buendia and his band recorded “Ate”. This marks the first collaboration between the Baguio producer and the singer. “Shad[niel] had a fresh take on everything. He works fast which I really like and had spot on instincts. I’m always up for working with new blood, there’s a lot you can learn from them.”

Speaking of young bloods, “Ate” was recorded by a slightly new set-up, with rising artists Dani Mendoza on keys and Jian Nisnisan on guitar, and alongside them were Chan on bass and Pat Sarabia on drums.

“Ate” by Ely Buendia is set to release on March 26 and will be available on all digital streaming platforms.

Ely Buendia Socials

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560884825570

IG: https://www.instagram.com/elybumbilya/

X: https://x.com/elybuendia9001

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@elybuendia9000

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@theelybuendia

Image Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IkJw_e9Jsb36YItsOGGY_tnSDlZIAr0d/view?usp=drive_link
Image link with no background: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sRWTp_njf8QjJ8sItWuHrZj1M-zbyBy8/view?usp=drive_link

NYMA Talent Management has officially signed Bea Chu, an emerging creator, creative director, and educator recognized for her influential content focused on storytelling, production, and the creator economy.

With a rapidly growing audience of more than 670,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, Bea Chu continues to connect with aspiring creators through engaging and practical content. Her journey in video production began in 2013, supported by experience in theatre sound design and audio engineering, giving her both artistic and technical expertise. She first gained major attention through a viral TikTok that showed how to transform a headset into a DIY lapel microphone, showcasing her talent for making content creation more accessible. Since then, her work—covering production tips, cinematography, audio techniques, and creator growth—has reached millions of viewers, solidifying her reputation as a reliable voice in creator education.

She is known for translating complex production concepts into accessible, engaging formats—helping creators elevate both the quality and intention behind their content.

“Bea represents the new wave of creators who are not just influencing audiences, but actively shaping the industry,” said Christian Bautista, President of NYMA Talent Management. “Her ability to educate, inspire, and build a community around creativity aligns perfectly with where the creator economy is heading.”

As a creator-educator, Bea’s content spans cinematography, content strategy, and digital storytelling—bridging the gap between creative passion and professional execution. Her voice resonates strongly with emerging creators navigating today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

“At NYMA, we are intentional about working with creators who have both purpose and perspective,” said Kat Bautista, Chief Operating Officer of NYMA Talent Management. “Bea brings both. She’s building something meaningful—not just for her audience, but for the broader creator ecosystem.”

Through this partnership, NYMA will help Bea grow her platform, build meaningful brand collaborations, and broaden her reach in global markets. The collaboration also seeks to establish her as a prominent voice in creator education, both in the Philippines and beyond.

As the demand for creator-driven insights and genuine storytelling continues to rise, Bea Chu’s inclusion in NYMA’s roster marks a significant move toward shaping the future of digital content.

BUILD BETTER CONTENT WITH BEA CHU ON:

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BEA CHU, PLEASE CONTACT:

Karen Tumbali | [email protected]

To learn more about NYMA, visit nyma.ph

FREE SPIRITS album artwork

CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso release their new album FREE SPIRITS, a bold and wildly inventive project from one of the most unpredictable acts in global music.

If PAPOTA introduced a wider audience to the duo’s singular universe, FREE SPIRITS expands it even further. Across the album, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso stretch their already unpredictable blend of trap, rock, pop, and left-field spectacle into something bigger, sharper, and more emotionally unguarded, without losing the humor, volatility, and musicianship that have made them one of the most magnetic acts to emerge from Argentina this century.

WATCH: FREE SPIRITS SHORT FILM 

The album arrives following a surreal campaign that included “GOO GOO GA GA” featuring Jack Black and “HASTA JESÚS TUVO UN MAL DÍA,” featuring Sting, who was unveiled as the unlikely architect of the mysterious FREE SPIRITS Center, a fictional holistic retreat that became the conceptual backdrop for the album’s rollout. Across the project, CA7RIEL & Paco, and their featured guests––Sting, Jack Black, Fred again.., and Anderson .Paak––undergo Sting’s FREE SPIRITS therapies to channel ego death, absurdity, personal reckoning, and hard-won clarity into a body of work that feels both wildly entertaining and unexpectedly revealing. Watch the album’s accompanying short film to get a more detailed sense of the groundbreaking techniques employed at the FREE SPIRITS Center.

FREE SPIRITS

CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso

March 19, 2026

1. Nada Nuevo
2. Goo Goo Ga Ga (featuring Jack Black)
3. No Me Sirve Más
4. Ay Ay Ay (featuring Anderson .Paak)
5. Vida Loca
6. Muero
7. Hasta Jesús Tuvo Un Mal Día (featuring Sting)
8. Ha Ha
9. Soy Incredible
10. Himno Del Mediocre
11. Todo Ray
12. Lo Quiero Ya ! (featuring Fred again..)

photo by Victoria del Sel

Connect with CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso:

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

For the first time in his career, Filipino-American musician, artist, and actor Dominic Fike has reached no. 1 on the Spotify Global Chart with his song “Babydoll.” The chart milestone shows a significant global streaming increase for the track, positioning the fast-rising pop star as one of this year’s breakthrough bets.

“Babydoll” first made waves as an official single in 2018, released as the third song on his criminally underrated debut EP, Don’t Forget About Me, Demos. Solely penned and produced by Dominic Fike himself, the intimate, lo-fi bop continues to find new audiences, enjoying a renewed surge in listenership across all platforms.

The track’s ascent to the summit of the streaming charts was propelled in part by the release of its official music video on March 5, 2026.

Dominic Fike is better known for his role in the HBO series, Euphoria, where he has appeared as part of the show’s ensemble cast. His dual presence in music and television has contributed to his broader visibility and audience reach.

Dominic Fike’s “Babydoll” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Upcoming releases explore themes of love, identity, and experimentation across multiple genres

Offshore Music, a Manila-based label championing the real, the raw, and the refreshingly original in Filipino music, continues to expand its global footprint with a roster of new and upcoming releases scheduled for the summer of 2026 (and beyond).

Founded in 2016 by a collective of business minds and musical visionaries, the prominent label is headed by Ely Buendia, a Filipino rock icon responsible for writing and producing some of the most important OPM anthems of all time, including music for ‘90s alternative legends The Eraserheads.

This year, Offshore Music is committed to introducing a new wave of Filipino talents who dare to challenge sonic conventions and make a mark in the industry with their incredible sense of individuality, musical direction, and style. From ‘80s kitsch to Basil Valdez-indebted soul, from dreamy indie pop to neo-Manila Sound, Offshore’s upcoming and new releases will surely add an intriguing layer of novelty and freshness to today’s evolving music landscape.

Sexy Jay (Jay Villarosa)

Sexy Jay introduces “DAGA” (out March 13, 2025), a playful and inventive track inspired by the tale of a mother and a child mouse. Built from the ground up, Villarosa singlehandedly helmed the song’s sonic identity, drawing from ‘80s-inspired analog synths and drum machines. Villarosa independently produced the track, with mastering by Diego Mapa. Additional content, including a music video and live performances, is expected to follow.

Ligaya Escueta (Abigail Escueta)

Ligaya Escueta returns with “June” (out March 27), a lush, introspective love song that finds beauty amid uncertainty. Sifting through hazy textures and dreamy arrangements, “June” features contributions from bandmates Kristo, Diego, and Ninja, alongside Mikey Amistoso and izen. Apart from “June,” the young indie rock darling plans to release a few more singles this year, which hopefully will lead to the completion of a full-length album with a target release of early 2027.

Halina (Divino Dayacap)

Halina, the solo music project of Davino Dacayap, has recently released a Marvin Gaye-inspired track called “Tukso,” which transports listeners back to heydays of Manila Sound and ‘70s Motown. In two months’ time, the eclectic singer-songwriter and producer will be releasing Tagalog Baroque pop song that evokes the sound the 1960s, with its contrapuntal guitars and grooving baseline reminiscent of the Doors. The forthcoming, still-untitled single (out May 2026) revolves around unrequited feelings, embodied through a character likened to a nonchalant pet cat.

ALYSON

ALYSON will soon drop “Kung Sakaling Tanawin” (out March 27, 2026), the second single from their forthcoming album, After Ours. The piano-backed orchestral ballad explores themes of reflection and unresolved emotions in past relationships. Inspired by Filipino teleseryes and K-dramas, the song shows range and accessibility in an exciting new form, with Pio’s tender songwriting brushing against a richly layered, cinematic arrangement that recalls peak Basil Valdez and Rey Valera. With their album releases and touring plans on the horizon, ALYSON continues to move away from safe territory with newfound influences and ambition.