Entertainment

Muri performs alongside artists from Malaysia and Indonesia, bringing Filipino neo-soul and indie pop to one of Europe’s leading international music showcase festivals

Filipino violinist and singer-songwriter Muri (Muriel Gonzales) made her Focus Wales debut on May 16, 2026, performing on the festival’s AXEAN Stage as the sole representative of the Philippines. Joining artists from Malaysia and Indonesia on the AXEAN showcase — a curated spotlight on Southeast Asian music within the festival — Muri brought her signature blend of violin swells, neo-soul vocals, and introspective songwriting to the stages of Wrexham, North Wales.

Now in its 16th edition, Focus Wales is one of the world’s leading international music showcase festivals, welcoming over 22,000 attendees and featuring 250+ artists across 20 stages. Supported by the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government, and the PRS Foundation, it is consistently recognised as one of the most important launching pads for emerging international talent in the UK and Europe — having previously earned the Best Music Festival for Emerging Talent award at the UK Festival Awards.

The AXEAN Stage appearance marks the latest milestone in an expanding global run for Muri, who has spent the past year building a presence on the international circuit. In early 2025, she performed at SXSW Austin as the Philippines’ sole representative — a debut that drew coverage from Mega Magazine, Billboard Philippines, and others. This was followed by performances at Bangkok Music City 2025 in Thailand, where she was one of the Philippine acts on the bill.

“It makes me proud to be representing the Philippines on such a global stage, along with representation from the rest of South East Asia. It’s not often we come together as a united front from the region, but that’s the beauty of it – bringing people together through music and showcasing what SEA has to offer to the world”, said Muri.

A member of Manila’s beloved indie folk group The Ransom Collective, Muri has forged a parallel solo career built around the interplay of her voice and violin. Her single “Letters” earned nominations for Wishclusive Contemporary R&B Performance of the Year at the Wish Awards 2022, and Favorite Female Artist at the 35th Awit Awards — the Philippines’ answer to the Grammys. Her collaboration with producer LUSTBASS on a remix of her track “Thunder” received a Best Remix Recording nomination at the 36th Awit Awards.

With a growing fanbase and milestones in Asia, Europe, and the UK — Muri is steadily building the kind of global profile that few Filipino independent artists have achieved. Her Focus Wales appearance adds another significant marker to that journey, planting the Philippine flag firmly in the European music conversation.

Meet the members: Isaki, Coleen, Bella, Jaylou, and Kari. Each brings her own story, style, and strength, forming a group defined by both individuality and shared experience.

The name “oona.” stands for “Be One.” The double “oo” reflects their contrasting personalities, styles, and voices—like yin and yang—distinct yet perfectly balanced, coming together in harmony as one. Five different journeys, one rhythm.

oona. is committed not only to on-stage performance excellence but also stands as a fusion of artistry, authenticity, discipline, and growth—aiming to inspire through music rooted in their personal stories.

This vision is introduced through their debut single, “DARAMA,” now available on all major music platforms.

“DARAMA” was composed and written by oona. themselves, born from the feeling of kilig—that flutter you get when something you’ve long hoped for finally becomes real. What started as a simple emotion grew into something deeper: a song about finding the right people, holding on through challenges, and turning dreams into reality. Inspired by their journey together, “DARAMA” captures that surreal moment when everything just feels natural and right.

This song is their very first creation—filled with the same excitement and fluttering emotions they all feel: kilig, nadarama.

Stay updated with oona. through their official social media accounts:

Facebook: Oona.

Instagram: @oona.official_

TikTok: @oona.official_

“A dreamy yet clear-eyed gaze into the highs and lows of young love, the compact album [locket] represents a creative breakthrough for Beer, who stretches herself lyrically and vocally across its tracks.”  – Rolling Stone

Today, two-time GRAMMY-nominated and platinum-selling artist Madison Beer shares the deluxe edition of her album, locket. The music video for her brand-new song “lovergirl” is also out now.  

LISTEN TO LOCKET DELUXE HERE
WATCH THE “LOVERGIRL” MUSIC VIDEO HERE

locket deluxe includes four brand new tracks and elevates what was already a defining album for Madison Beer. locket included releases, “make you mine,” “yes baby,” “bittersweet,” and “bad enough.” “make you mine” notably earned Madison her second GRAMMY nomination in the Best Dance Pop Recording category in 2025. Since its release in 2024, the track reached #1 on Billboard’s Dance Airplay chart, marking her first solo chart-topper and cementing her as a mainstay at Dance Radio. “yes baby,” released last September, continued her run of success by also reaching the top of the chart.

“bittersweet” emerged as a breakout moment for Beer, becoming her fastest song to enter Top 40 radio and earning her career debut on Billboard’s Hot 100. The single became a defining live moment with performances at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show—where the YouTube livestream peaked at 2.5M viewers during her set—and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Her latest single, “bad enough,” also made an epic debut on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.

locket deluxe falls just in time for Madison’s spring and summer Europe, UK, and North America tour. She kicks off the 32-date run of shows Monday, May 11 in Kraków. The tour comes to a close on July 13 with a homecoming performance at the legendary Madison Square Garden. Tickets are on sale now, for full details and availability visit her website HERE.

locket deluxe TRACKLIST

1. locket theme
2. yes baby
3. angel wings
4. for the night
5. bad enough
6. healthy habit
7. you’re still everything
8. bittersweet
9. complexity
10. make you mine
11. nothing at all
12. lovergirl
13. free
14. somehow i got lucky
15. locket theme (extended)

Photo, credit: Jason Renaud

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Global tour dates announced for Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour

Globally renowned pop group Westlife today release their monumental era-defining album 25 – The Ultimate Collection, a celebration of their record-breaking 25-year journey at the very top of global pop. The album is available across multiple formats including 1CD, 2CD deluxe, 1LP, Amazon Exclusive 1LP picture disc and cassette.

The release follows “Chariot”, written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds, and co-written and produced by Steve Mac, which was instantly added to the BBC Radio 2 New Music Playlist (A List). The track features on the new album alongside recent release “Your Love Amazes Me”, with the collection bringing together 21 of the band’s most beloved songs including “You Raise Me Up,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Flying Without Wings” alongside brand-new material recorded by all four members: Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark.

To mark the release, the group have also announced the global expansion of their highly anticipated Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour with dates across Asia, Mexico, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand. The tour promises a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary career, featuring timeless ballads and global chart-toppers. It kicks off with a 13-date residency in Dublin this September before heading across the UK and Europe, marking their first headline continental run in two decades. On-sale timings for new dates can be found on westlife.com/live/, with further international shows to be announced soon.

Westlife said: “What better way to mark 25 years of Westlife than with an album that brings together our biggest hits alongside new music we’re so proud of. We’re beyond excited to head out on a global tour and celebrate these songs with the fans who’ve made it all possible.”

Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour

10 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

11 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

12 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

15 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

16 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

18 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

19 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

20 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

22 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

23 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

24 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

25 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

26 September 2026 – Dublin – 3Arena

29 September 2026 – Aberdeen – P&J Live

30 September 2026 – Glasgow – OVO Hydro

1 October 2026 – Glasgow – OVO Hydro

3 October 2026 – Newcastle – Utilita Arena

4 October 2026 – Newcastle – Utilita Arena

6 October 2026 – Leeds – First Direct Bank Arena

7 October – Sheffield – Utilita Arena

9 October – London – The O2

10 October – London – The O2

11 October – London – The O2

13 October – Brighton – Centre

14 October – Bournemouth – International Centre

16 October – Birmingham – Utilita Arena

17 October – Birmingham – Utilita Arena

18 October – Birmingham – Utilita Arena

19 October – Cardiff – Utilita Arena

20 October – Cardiff – Utilita Arena

23 October – Manchester – Co-op Live

24 October – Manchester – Co-op Live

25 October – Manchester – Co-op Live

27 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

28 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

29 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

30 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

31 October 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

2 November – Sheffield – Utilita Arena

3 November 2026 – Aberdeen – P&J Live

5 November 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

6 November 2026 – Belfast – SSE Arena

15 November 2026 – Paris, France – Zenith

17 November 2026 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena

19 November 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena

20 November 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

21 November 2026 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum

23 November 2026 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

24 November 2026 – Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena

25 November 2026 – Cologne, Germany – LanxessArena

26 November 2026 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion

NEW DATES

14 January 2027 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Unifi Arena

16 January 2027 – Singapore – Indoor Stadium

20 January 2027 – Manila, Philippines – Mall of Asia

23 January 2027 – Jakarta, Indonesia – Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium

25 January 2027 – Bangkok, Thailand – Impact Arena

30 January 2027 – Hong Kong – AWE Arena

24 February 2027 – Monterrey, Mexico – Arena Monterrey

25 February 2027 – Guadalajara, Mexico – Arena Guadalajara

27 February 2027 – Mexico City, Mexico – Arena CDMX

11 June 2027 – Kaunas, Lithuania – Zalgiris Arena

12 June 2027 – Riga, Latvia – Xiaomi Arena

14 June 2027 – Helsinki, Finland – Veikkaus Arena

16 June 2027 – Gothenborg, Sweden – Scandinavium

20 June 2027 – Trondheim, Norway – Sverresborg Museum

16 July 2027 – Perth, Australia – Perth RAC Arena

18 July 2027 – Adelaide, Australia – Adelaide Entertainment Centre

20 July 2027 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena

23 July 2027 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena

26 July 2027 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

28 July 2027 – Auckland, New Zealand, Spark Arena

30 July 2027 – Christchurch, New Zealand – Wolfbrook Arena

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The acclaimed folk-pop collective transforms a fan favorite into an uplifting anthem of emotional growth and resilience.

Following the commercial success of “Lifetime (Reimagined),” which peaked at No. 1 on both the Official Philippines Chart and Billboard Philippines Hot 100, Ben&Ben returns with “Autumn (Reimagined),” a vital reworking of their beloved 2023 original.

Reimagined with a richer sonic palette, the new version elevates the band’s gold-hued sound with atmospheric textures and soaring instrumentation. The result is a compellingly familiar release that balances emotional weight with fuller arrangements.

Paolo Benjamin adds, “Dinagdagan namin ng mas maraming electric guitars, synth layers, violin lines, at mas madiin na beat yung kanta, para magka-contrast yung bigat ng emotion sa pagka-upbeat ng tugtog.”

Outside of its alt-leaning production, “Autumn (Reimagined)” delivers a mature and vulnerable take on longing, backed by new verses that focus on healing and learning to choose one’s self.

“Kung yung Lifetime ay pagluksa sa pag-ibig na di naman nangyari, yung Autumn ay yung pagsubok umusad kahit mahirap,” Paolo shares.

The newly released track is part of an audio bundle containing both the original and reimagined versions of “Autumn” and “Lifetime.” According to the band, the project was intentionally packed as an EP-like release to immerse their fanbase, Liwanag, in a place of “bittersweetness,” reflection, and yearning.

As Paolo puts it, “Sa totoo lang, na-excite lang kaming ituloy yung kwento sa Liwanag, para magkaroon ng mas malalim na kahulugan at mas maraming karamay yung journey ng pagproseso ng emosyon.” He adds, “We hope that they find this song painfully uplifting.”

Ben&Ben’s “Autumn (Reimagined)” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the lyric video premiering at 6PM today.

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run premieres worldwide in over 190 countries with a newly reworked cut

The acclaimed Filipino docufilm Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is set for its global debut on Netflix on May 30, 2026. It will be available in over 190 countries, bringing the legacy of the iconic Eraserheads to a broader international audience.

The Netflix release will showcase a newly reworked version of the film, featuring never-before-seen footage, added content, and a more refined edit that deepens the band’s story while staying true to its original narrative.

Director-producer Maria Diane Ventura described the global release as “incredibly humbling,” emphasizing the need to share the Eraserheads’ legacy and its distinctly Filipino story with international audiences. “This film has always meant so much to us, and to see it travel beyond our borders in this way is very special. What’s been most meaningful is hearing how people connect to it on a personal level, the sense of healing, and the pride in being Filipino. To now bring that to a global audience feels like an extension of that, an opportunity to share who we are, our music, our stories, and our spirit, with the rest of the world.”

According to Ventura, the reimagined cut was helmed with a desire to make the film more engaging on a universal level, providing added context about the cultural landscape that defined the band’s rise. She also reiterated that the re-edit is not a complete departure from the original but a fine-tuning that provides clarity and accessibility for an audience unfamiliar with the subject.

“The re-edit was not about changing the story but about refining how it’s told,” shares Ventura. “We want to make sure the emotional throughline remains strong while shaping it in a way that feels more expansive and accessible. Ultimately, I hope it becomes a story not just about a band but about connection, about finding ways back to each other, and about the possibility of healing, especially in a time when the world feels increasingly divided.”

Beyond recounting the history and influence of the Eraserheads on Pinoy pop culture, the documentary also explores themes of friendship, conflict, identity, and reconciliation. Its story presents a deeply human experience that connects with audiences across cultures and generations.

As Ventura puts it, “We made sure this version provides enough context so that even if you’re entirely new to the band, you can still understand where they’re coming from and hopefully see something of yourself in that journey.”

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will be streaming worldwide on Netflix beginning May 30, 2026.

SM Supermalls released its newest anthem, “Gala To The Max,” performed by the rising girl group DNA.

Forget the usual mall run; it’s time for a total vibe check. SM Supermalls, in an electrifying partnership with StarPop, has officially pulled the curtain back on its newest anthem, “Gala To The Max.” Performed by the rising group DNA, the track is more than just a catchy earworm; it’s a tribute to the way we hang out today.

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The message is clear: SM isn’t just a place to buy things. It’s your “third space.” It’s where you meet the crew, find your community, and—as the song says—live life to the max at your most loved mall.

More Than a Destination, It’s a Mood. “Gala To The Max” captures the essence of what it means to visit SM. Whether you’re there for a fitness milestone, a deep dive into your favorite fandom, a gaming marathon, or just a chill afternoon with your furbabies, SM remains the ultimate backdrop for every subculture.

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing JonJon San Agustin emphasizes that the mall is an extension of the shoppers’ identity, “At SM, we’ve always been about creating spaces where memories are made. With ‘Gala To The Max,’ we’re celebrating that unique energy our shoppers bring. It’s about your vibe and your tribe. Whether you’re here to play, shop, or just hang out, we want you to feel that this is your space, the most loved mall that truly fits your lifestyle.”

The Soundtrack to Your Next LSS

Produced alongside StarPop, the track features the high-energy vocals of DNA, a trio of sisters composed of Ezri, Julia, and Tasha. The song is designed to be the definitive background score for every TikTok transition and weekend hangout.

DNA members and real-life sisters (from left) Ezri, Tasha, and Julia could not hide their excitement as they brought to life (and ears) SM Supermalls’ newest jingle.

Join the Movement

The official rollout begins this weekend across all SM malls nationwide. With more music and more reasons to stay longer than you planned, SM is officially calling on the community to show off their moves. Come as you are, bring your tribe, and show the world how you gala to the max.

“2026’s hottest pop star.” – PAPER Magazine

“Larsson delivers her most radiant body of work.” – Rolling Stone

“This is the moment when Larsson is finally coming intom view as pop’s main girl.” – VOGUE

“A new household name in the main pop girl zeitgeist” – Billboard

“The album of the summer.” – GQ (Best of 2025)

GRAMMY®-nominated pop superstar Zara Larsson keeps the global party going with Midnight Sun: Girls Trip, a collection of remixes and collaborations that gives new life to her already famously vibrant songs. Revisiting each track from her breakthrough album Midnight Sun, Zara invites a worldwide all-woman cast of friends and faves to an inclusive celebration that crosses borders, genres, and vibes for an unforgettable excursion into free-wheeling self-expression.

The artists joining Zara on the set span diverse sounds and countries of origin, and range from absolute icons to rising stars to indie tastemakers: Shakira, Robyn, Tyla, PinkPantheress, Kehlani, JT, Madison Beer, Emilia, Helena Gao, Margo XS, BAMBII, Malibu, and Eli. Watch visualizers for every song HERE now, and stream or purchase Midnight Sun: Girls Trip right HERE via Epic Records / Sommer House.

The album opens on a new version of “Midnight Sun” that continues the creative kinship of Zara and PinkPantheress over a beat that blends the former’s radiant dance-pop with the latter’s propulsive UK garage-inflected sound. A song later, Kehlani joins for a lush R&B take on the romantic “Blue Moon,” before JT drops a blistering verse on the rowdy, Margo XS-remixed “Pretty Ugly.” Later, Shakira helps transform “Eurosummer” into a jet-setting club cut, Tyla doubles the diva heat on “Hot & Sexy,” and Robyn brings her legendary presence to “Puss Puss.” Zara sprinkles shiny new vocals throughout.

In truth, as the songs shape-shift through styles, tempos, textures, and even languages, there’s never a dull moment on Midnight Sun: Girls Trip. As she wrangled an international array of top-tier talent, Zara worked closely with Margo XS and MNEK to craft the project — two members of the tight, trusted team with whom she created 2025’s original Midnight Sun (also including Gao and Zhone), an album that was not only her most authentic and expressive yet, but which has since racked up nearly universal praise.

Zara’s runaway success in the wake of Midnight Sun made Girls Trip possible. In February, she scored a career-first GRAMMY® nomination for “Midnight Sun” (Best Dance Pop Recording), while also in the midst of what Billboard called “a major Hot 100 comeback.” Now the #24 artist in the world on Spotify, she currently has four singles on the Billboard Hot 100: the viral “Lush Life” (peaking at #35, video approaching 1 billion views), “Midnight Sun” (#39), and her earlier PinkPantheress team-up “Stateside” (#6), which hit #1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Spotify’s Global Top 50 after U.S. figure-skating champ Alysa Liu did a routine to the song during the Winter Olympics. This week, Tyla’s aptly titled “She Did It Again” featuring Zara entered at #59.

This past Wednesday, Zara was honored with the Breakthrough Award at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony. In an interview that came out this month celebrating the news, Billboard called Midnight Sun the “album that’s made her a new household name in the main pop girl zeitgeist.” Their words joined similar raves from outlets including PAPER, Rolling Stone, VOGUE, GQ, Pitchfork, NYLON, and more. She just scored five American Music Awards nominations, too: Breakthrough Pop Artist, Breakthrough Album of the Year, Song of the Summer, Collaboration of the Year, and Social Song of the Year.

Zara also won praise for her recently wrapped, fully sold-out first North American headlining tour. Inspired by her U.S. breakthrough, The New Yorker published a profile this month titled “Zara Larsson Gets Her Flowers,” noting “on the Midnight Sun tour, the Swedish artist makes a comeback that feels like a debut.” In a victory lap of sorts, Zara discusses her whirlwind year in a new in-depth episode of Call Her Daddy.

Showing no signs of slowing down, Zara will embark next month on a jam-packed summer festival run that includes Lollapalooza Chicago, BBC’s Radio 1 Big Weekend, and a staggering series of European dates. In September, the Midnight Sun Tour officially continues — first with a just-announced concert at Los Angeles’ beloved Greek Theatre, and then with an Australia/New Zealand arena leg. Presale for the latter sold out in less than 2 hours, and more than 6 months in advance. Find her full itinerary below.

If Midnight Sun was inspired by the feeling of an endless summer night in Zara’s native Stockholm, then Midnight Sun: Girls Trip is what happens when that night rolls into an infinite season of pure pop energy where everyone is invited. As Zara herself recently noted, “This is just the beginning of Girls Trip!!!”

Zara Larsson, Midnight Sun: Girls Trip

1. “Midnight Sun” with PinkPantheress
2. “Blue Moon” with Kehlani
3. “Pretty Ugly” with JT and Margo XS
4. “Girl’s Girl” with Emilia
5. “Crush” with Eli
6. “Eurosummer” with Shakira
7. “Hot & Sexy” with Tyla
8. “The Ambition” with Madison Beer and BAMBII
9. “Saturn’s Return” with Malibu and Helena Gao
10. “Puss Puss” with Robyn

(Photo credit: Charlotte Rutherford)

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