Entertainment

Zack Tabudlo

Zack Tabudlo setting an ultimatum on fear with his newest single, “Nangangamba,” out this Friday, August 7, on digital platforms worldwide. The singer-songwriter and producer finds renewed perspective on time’s delicate role in shaping your own destiny.

On his first release under Island Records Philippines, Zack urges listeners to take ownership of their own feelings: that inaction may shield you from pain, yes, but ultimately it’ll get you nowhere. He brings love songs up a notch, infusing pop and R&B elements to his powerful vocals—a testament to his ever-evolving songwriting and production style. But moreover, it signals a shift on his creative choices in keeping his individual artistry as dynamic as his growth in the music industry. “With these new tracks, I’m sure people who have experienced these would relate so much more… [the latest single] is very different, music-wise and in terms of maturity,” he shares.

Part of this artistic growth is Zack’s experience of writing “Nangangamba,” a song he wrote a year ago. He cites an earlier failed romance as the inspiration behind the song. “I wrote down some lyrics about the things I was going through at the time. I was in a situation where I felt like someone I liked was playing too hard to get, and the song pretty much circles around that idea: that sometimes when we play too hard to get, we lose people who really love us or people who [turn out to] feel the same way.” The process of writing the actual song didn’t take long once the idea set in. “It all started with a melody that popped into my head while I was in class. Every time melodies or ideas pop in my head, I always grab my phone to record them just to make sure I won’t forget. But this time, I knew I needed at least a couple of chords on any instrument just to seal the idea. I recorded all the chords I needed using a ukulele. When I got home I went straight to my home studio and finished the production with my vocals and everything. Five to six hours later, ‘Nangangamba’ was born.”

Now finally set to be released, “Nangangamba” unintentionally—and fittingly—became a case of practicing what you preach, as he sings, “Ito naangpagkakataon / Walanangpipigilsa’yo / ‘Wag kanangmahihiya / Sabihinnaangtotoo.” In some ways, the lockdown allowed him to reprioritize. “I have a home studio and all the equipment I need. Having all the time in the world made me focus more and be motivated to write lots of songs compared to when I was also studying at the same time.”

Acquiring skills over time also made it possible to avoid tremendous adjustments to recording and producing the single despite limitations during the quarantine. “Just like in my old tracks, I’ve worked on them from top to bottom. I’m the producer, writer, singer, arranger, as well as the mixing and mastering engineer. It was really fun experimenting with different genres and I really like the vibe of each and every song I’ve been making lately. There are samples I’ve worked on from scratch with these tracks and I really can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

His latest career step as part of the brand-new Island Records roster excites the multi-disciplinary artist. “Everyone in MCA Music Philippines and Island Records Philippines are amazing… They’ve been very supportive and very creative when it comes to ideas or projects, and I know I have a very strong team behind me.”

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Ben&Ben BBTV

The multi-awarded nine-piece collective Ben&Ben have heeded the call of fans for more exclusive content in the coming days after reaching more than a million subscribers on YouTube. And they recently announced the launch of their upcoming weekly series, BBTV on July 31, Friday to celebrate this important milestone in their career.

“We’ve been making vlogs that showed our life behind the scenes, but eventually the band and its team came up with the idea,” vocalist and guitarist Miguel Benjamin shares. “Its primary goal is to simply find more ways to connect to people through more varied content.”

Extensive range of content

Aside from themed music performances and collaborations, expect an intimate look at the band’s more personal and entertaining side as they share their journey of living together under one roof.  “We decided to live together to eliminate or at least greatly lessen the risks involved with working outside,” says Miguel. “We always had the idea of living together in the future to create content and write music, but with the situation now we realized that now was the best time to actually give it a shot.”

Ben&Ben also revealed about their plans to drop a “head bang” version of their smash single “Pagtingin,” as well as cover select K-Pop songs in the future.

The online series, which airs every Wednesday, will also feature a more extensive range of content for people to connect to, including but not limited to games, competitions, challenges and other forms of entertainment.

Sophomore Album

Ben&Ben are currently working on the follow-up to their platinum-selling debut album, Limasawa Street, which produced generation-defining songs such as “Pagtingin,” “Fall,” “Araw-Araw,” “War,” and more.

Paolo confirms in a statement that one of the reasons for moving in was to start writing for their second album to be released under Sony Music. “We wanted the process to be as organic and as involved as possible, and we’re so excited to see what we can come up with where distance and time isn’t a hindrance.”

New episodes of BBTV will drop every Wednesday of the week on the Ben&Ben YouTube Channel, starting August 5, 2020.

Eve Alai, Singapore based producer-songwriter has finally released “Pills and Potions,” the lead single of his upcoming debut EP, via indie label Umami Records. His first release with the international label features a collaboration with Sri Lankan pop artist, Senara, whose sassy but smooth vocal performance serves as a perfect balm to the track’s throbbing pulse.

“Pills and Potions” is ready to bop its way into quarantine parties all over the world with its house-inflected beats, slinky grooves, and gleefully immaculate production. Its somber lyrics about the realities of relationships are in a different vein entirely, but somehow the contrasting effect encourages listeners to dance the pain away.

“I noticed that people love to dance to songs that address situations in love and life that are unfortunate,” Eve Alai takes into account the story behind his happy-sad anthem. “I wanted to create a vibe where people could embrace their sadness and dance at the same time.”

Listen to Pills and Potions by Eve Alai x Senara everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/pills-and-potions/

Lyric Video

About Eve Alai

Eve Alai makes dance music fused with timeless melodies, designed to give listeners a sonic experience that will move them emotionally and physically.Originally from Sri Lanka, Eve Alai completed his degree in music at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore. He is currently completing his 6-track debut EP which will be released over the next 12 months.

Get in the Zone, debut full-length of the pop music SB19 and out today on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.  Mashing together various music influences with top-tier production and global appeal, the nine-track release features six original compositions, along with the EDM version of “Love Goes” and two instrumental songs.

Thematically speaking, Get in the Zone maps their creative and personal journey. “It hasn’t been long since we released our debut single ‘Tilaluha,’ but prior to that, we have been training for years already,” says Sejun. “We wanted to incorporate all the things that we have experienced during trainee days into this album by putting all the emotions that we went through into our music. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but we pulled through and we hope that we get to inspire people with our story.”

SB19’s first album kicks off with the two-punch knockout of “Alab” and “Go Up”—both chart-topping singles that bask in electronic grooves, pulsating hip-hop rhythms, and technicolored beats. These songs not only exude outsized charisma, but it also showcases SB19’s potential as a phenomenal pop group capable of defying trends and trailblazing a new movement in the international music arena.

Get in the Zone takes a more somber turn with “Tilaluha,” a stripped-down ballad that tackles one’s remorse over reciprocated romance. It’s a refreshing misnomer in a record filled with upbeat jams and shiny pop tunes, and one that blows the roof off, vocal performance-wise.

The winsome streak continues with the R&B-infused “Love Goes,” a song that talks about one’s suffering over a lost loved one, and its sequel, “Hanggang Sa Huli,” which allows the broken person to heal and find comfort in a kind of love that lasts a lifetime. The sonically adventurous album also includes “Wag MongIkunotAngIyongNoo,” a Filipino adaptation of the Korean ‘90s smash “SarangeunYaYaYa,” as well as an EDM remix and two bonus tracks.

According to Sejun, what sets Get in the Zone apart from other contemporary releases is the collaborative synergy between K-pop producers and Filipino talents, resulting into an exciting yet compelling final product. “It’s a great thing to get all the good traits from Korean and Philippine music/culture, and put them together into one. If you’ll dive deep into it, you’ll find a whole new sound rich in both cultures.”

As for the creative process, SB19 members Justin, Sejun, Josh, Ken, and Stell are very hands on when it comes to writing songs and creating melodies. Justin shares, “In this album, we didn’t collaborate with any other artist. We also wrote the lyrics for all the songs ourselves, but we’ve worked with Korean Producers who have also worked with famous artists in Korea already. It was a different experience for each producer since they have different styles, but overall, everything was fun and exciting.”

The award-winning band dedicates their new album,Get in the Zone to every single one of their A’TIN fans who have relentlessly supported their music through thick and thin. “All our achievements to date would not have been possible without you,” says Josh. “So in return we will work harder and continue to uplift you with more music and content so that we can give back the love we’ve received from you.”

Check out SB19’s Get in the Zone here.

Filipina rock icon Barbie Almalbis release of “Umagang Kay Ganda,” the third single of her upcoming new album under Sony Music Philippines,  hopes to encourage and inspire listeners to rise above the extraordinary times. The Dahilan singer-songwriter uses her platform to pay tribute to the courage and optimism of the Filipino people.

Barbie Almalbis said, “The current situation has made so many of us experience such a profound sense of loss, and it has also given us a rare chance to stop and reassess our lives and consider the things that we really value. I hope Umagang Kay Ganda will be a blessing especially to our frontliners. It is our little way to say thank you for the selflessness that they have continually shown and the sacrifices that they have made to help us get through this together.”

With the help of constant collaborators, Barbie and her bandmates put a creative stamp in reimagining “Umagang Kay Ganda,” while making sure that its empowering message shines through the intricate arrangement. “Karel and I initially jammed it and he wrote lines for the instrumental section, then we arranged the rest with Nikko on keyboard and Jonard on drums. We were able to record the rhythm section just a few weeks before the lockdown.”As a result, the new version conveys the timeless appeal of the original, while exuding a warmer approach in terms of production details.

Inspiring music video

The official release of Barbie Almalbis’ latest single comes with an accompanying music video that brings to light everyday stories of hope and love for the country amidst the global health crisis.

Interspersed with scenes of the new normal, the visuals for “Umagang Kay Ganda” also showcase the heroic deeds of our frontliners and several acts of compassion and resilience from ordinary Filipino folks.

Barbie adds, “Although some people consider music and visual arts as non-essentials these days, I’ve found that many are actually turning to the arts as a way of coping and feeling connected to others. We want to remind people of the real hope that we have and can hold on to, even as we confront the invisible enemy on a day to day basis. We’ll be able to stand above difficult situations and hurdle these atrocities with the gift of love and compassion.”

The music video is also part of Magnolia Dari Creme’s campaign reminding us that in extraordinary times as in the normal times, tomorrow always brings us new chances for a brighter day as long as we are with the ones we love.

Sponge Cola, the award-wining band mark this return released a new single “Lumipas Ang Tag-araw,” out now on all digital platforms worldwide under Sony Music – the record label that released their debut album, Palabas.

Capturing the essence of a belated summer anthem in less than four minutes, Sponge Cola’s latest single soars into the fast lane with verses that turn romantic yearning into an inescapable sing-along, and a power pop surge that packs a ton of punch.

Connection in separation

The captivating and relatable lyrics echo the collective frustration of not being with the people we deeply care about and love. But on the other side of the narrative, the song presents an opportunity to weather the insurmountable odds through perseverance and resilience to get through life—thanks to the support and kindness of friends and family. “It’s a story of connection in separation, and how we can be a source of comfort for each other during difficult times,” guitarist Armo Armovit adds.

Vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon fondly recalls the inspiration behind “LumipasAng Tag-araw” after driving his wife to work one morning under the new normal. He remembers becoming intensely emotional out of nowhere. “It was a strange feeling: a realization about everything that has or hasn’t happened since Covid-19, which yanked us away from our usual. And at that moment, this bright and happy melody just came to me, then some words and harmonies. When I got home, I fleshed everything out and recorded a demo within a few minutes. I guess I just needed to uplift myself, so I wrote something uplifting– something that doesn’t highlight the struggle everyone has been trying to deal with during the pandemic and the lockdown.” The creative and emotional surge led to writing the initial draft of “LumipasAng Tag-araw”—a love song that deals with the struggles of physical connection in the time of pandemic.

“Virtual” recording

The upbeat pop-rock tune is the first song that the band arranged and recorded in the comforts of their home, without being together in the same place. Armovit shares the challenging process that transpired during the preliminary stages of the recording. “We sent demos and voice memos to each other back and forth, tweaking parts, creating variations, until we all agreed on a final arrangement. Everyone then had to record their own parts at home and send it to a communal online drive for the producer, AngeeRozul, to bring everything together for the final track.”

Under normal circumstances, Sponge Cola would usually write the song, arrange it in a rehearsal space, and record it together in a studio. But due to the nationwide lockdown imposed in the previous months, the alternative rock quartet decided to use the time and resources available at their disposal to record individually at their own place. “There was a lot of self-editing because you’re not being policed by your bandmates or a producer constantly keeping tabs on possible mistakes or improvements, at least in person,” says Yael Yuzon. “It was all about laying in your parts when the song was passed on to you, and you had the responsibility to keep things right and easy for the next guy to add on to.”

Music video

According to Armovit, the lockdown-inspired music video of “Lumipasang Tag-Araw” takes an intimate look into the fictional and real-life character’s personal worlds—their bedrooms, living spaces, confined homes—and the routine that they’re up to, in hopes of coping with the situation under quarantine. “It was also our first time working under special conditions, where we had to film all the scenes ourselves with our own phones and cameras.I’m very thankful for the help and guidance from King Palisoc, our director, and the creative ideas from his team.”

The music video will be released on August 1, Saturday via the band’s official YouTube page.

UE Jam Sessions’

UE Jam Sessions’ collaborative song “LalabanTayo” reach more than 120,000 views on Facebook in less than a month and finally available on digital and streaming platforms worldwide via MCA Music, Inc. It was also written by Jenny Legaspi as a tribute to the unsung heroes of the pandemic era: the frontliners that tackles the invaluable dedication and unwavering efforts of the medical workers and volunteers in the thick of the battle against an invisible enemy.  This song also recorded and filmed in the respective homes of participating members during the quarantine.

To date, the music video has received acclaim form various media outlets in the country.Business Mirror’s Tony Maghirang praised songwriter Jenny Legaspi’s lyrics, taking note of how it “reflects that feeling of connection with the frontliners who risk their lives on the line for others day in, and day out.” The veteran music writer adds, “It’s the kind of perception that’s a vital shot in the arm. It should fortify every listener’s optimism that brighter days are just around the bend, nearer than what the statistics would make us believe.”

ABS-CBN News Online’s Jackie Dosmanosalso commend “LalabanTayo” for giving people something to hope for. According to her, the song “came out fighting for its right to be a notch above the plethora of pandemic-related OPM this summer.”

“LalabanTayo” was arranged by Choi Felipe, and executive produced by Tommy Tanchanco. It features more than 30 participating singers and artists from the University of the East’s premier music organization.

Malaysian lo-fi producer OnlyM and Los Angeles-based Asian-American hip-hop artist Blahza have collaborated on a brand new single ‘Perfect,’ released via Singapore-based indie label Umami Records. ‘Perfect’ envelopes the listener in waves of serene melancholic vibes while it laments the pain and struggles of life and love. Perfect for crying yourself to sleep to, the emotional rap tune wistfully recalls memories of young love with fondness and newfound wisdom.

Blahza shares in a statement, “This song is inspired by the relationships I had in high school. Love isn’t perfect, and leaving a relationship is okay if both of the people in the relationship are getting hurt in the process. Sometimes it’s actually selfish to stay in a bad relationship.”

“I wrote the melody imagining myself in space. I felt like the very emptiness of space was like the emptiness of a person who has been through a lot in their life. Everybody has to go through feeling empty at some point and that inspired me to do the beat.”, said OnlyM, the 20-year-old bedroom producer from Malaysia. This was his first experience collaborating with another artist. “Blahza perfectly elaborated and delivered the emotion and very chill, sad vibe that I was looking for,” the underrated electronic musician shares.

OnlyM and Blahza will be putting out 2 more tracks together this year, and Blahza will be releasing his LP, Sad Songs For Happy People over the next 12 months.

Listen to Perfect by OnlyM and Blahza everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/perfect/

About Blahza

Los-Angeles based Asian-American hip hop artist and producer Blahza makes music with a larger than life sound about his afflictions, aspirations, and accomplishments, inspired by the American counterculture of the late 1960s and music from the early 2000s.

Blahza recorded, mixed and mastered Blueface’s record ‘Next Big Thing’ in 2018. In 2019, Blahza opened for Members Only at the first stop of their album tour, and released his EP ‘Bloom’. Blahza has been featured on major playlists including Spotify’s Beats & Rhymes and New Era: Asian Hip-Hop.

Born and raised in Van Nuys, of Chinese and Puerto Rican parents, Blahza grew up surrounded by music and diversity. He fell in love with rap music and especially how it bridged different cultures.

Blahza is currently working on his full-length debut album ‘Sad Songs For Happy People’ slated for release later this year.

About OnlyM

Malaysian lofi bedroom producer OnlyM makes music which is a combination of Flume meets Kanye West with a heady dose of chill hop. The 20-year-old started producing and selling beats on social media when he was in high school and used the money to buy his first MIDI keyboard. OnlyM wants his music to be like your coffee in the morning, to get you going and do what you want to do throughout the day while being inspired.

The launched of Island Records Philippines, a new domestic label division dedicated to helping the best musical talent from the Philippines to achieve local success, whilst reaching new audiences worldwide. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the illustrious history of Island Records, which was founded 61 years ago in Jamaica by Chris Blackwell and has helped shape and influence global artist and music culture for more than six decades. Opening its first international division within Asia, Island Records Philippines will honour the historic legacy of the label, by celebrating the rich diversity of music produced throughout the country, which itself is an island nation, made up of 7641 individual islands.

Island Records Philippines also launches with a flagship roster that includes some of the most popular and respected Filipino talent including; Juan Karlos; Over October and LalaVinzon, alongside new label signings Zack Tabudlo; Fern and One Click Straight. The announcement was made yesterday via a virtual live-streaming press conference from Manila by Enzo Valdez, MD, Universal Music Philippines.

In making the announcement, Valdez said, “We are excited to launch Island Records here in the Philippines and to build our own family of local artists, that can further extend the huge legacy of Island within the region and beyond. In the coming years, we will look to establish Island as a home to some of the most impactful and important artists from the Philippines, whilst introducing them to new audiences around the world through UMG’s unrivalled global network of companies around the world.”

Calvin Wong, CEO, Universal Music Southeast Asia & Senior Vice President, Asia Universal Music said, “In keeping with the traditions and values of the historic Island label, we are looking forward to creating a respected home for great artistry and talent from the Philippines.”

The press conference featured performances from the label’s roster of artists, alongside video messages of welcome and support from across the global Island Records family including: Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell, DarcusBeese, President, Island Records U.S., Louis Bloom, President, Island Records U.K. and artists including; PUBLIC; Skip Marley; Johnny Orlando; Olivier O’Brien;Keshi; Jack Ross and Banners.

“I’m so proud to hear that Island Records has started in the Philippines. One Love.” –Chris Blackwell, Founder, Island Records.

“A message to all the new artists in the Philippines. We are here, we are your family and we look forward to working with you.”– DarcusBeese, President & CEO, Island Records U.S.

“Island Records is rightly regarded as one of the most iconic record labels in the world since it was founded by Chris Blackwell just over 60 years ago. Through its many incredible and inspirational artists, Island has helped shift and shape culture around the globe. We are absolutely delighted that Island will have its own outpost in the Philippines, and we are sure we will share in this legacy and forge a bright and successful future. Welcome to the Island Family.” – Louis Bloom, President, Island Records U.K.

Universal Music Philippines has led the local music market for more than a decade and is currently home to an array of leading Filipino talent including; Darren Espanto & Autotellic. UMG recently announced the arrival of Def Jam Philippines, a new regional label dedicated to developing and nurturing the best in hip-hop talent and culture within the country, with its first signing the hotly tipped VVS Collective. The launch of Island Records Philippines will further strengthen its position as the natural home for the best in domestic music talent for many years to come.

The first release on Island Records Philippines is “BLESS Ü”, the new single from Juan Karlos which is released on July 24, followed by “Nangangamba” by Zack Tabudlo which follows on July 31.

This July 24, 2020 (Friday), the OPM hit-making band Juan Karlos (stylized juankarlos) channels their inner strength with their newest single, “BLESS Ü,” out on all digital and streaming worldwide via Island Records Philippines. The pop-R&B track delves into our collective toughness of spirit during these challenging times and hopes to ease some of our worries and fears. The band pledged part of the revenue streams of “BLESS Ü” to help fund COVID-19 relief efforts, as well as hold a special online fundraising concert to support our countrymen and connect with fans virtually.

The song’s uplifting message was something juankarlos strives to bring forth to the public whenever we’re faced with adversity, but more so and critically, during a health crisis with seemingly no end in sight right now. “The song, or at least the idea of it, was already made prior to the lockdown. Basically, it was just on standby. But when the pandemic happened, all gigs were cancelled,” frontman JK Labajo shares. “We thought it’d be a good idea to record something different from the music people are already familiar with from us.” While the circumstances then and now are vastly different, their intentions remain the same: finding hope. “Just hold on tight / For in the end of every tunnel / baby there’s light,” he croons.

The songwriting and recording process for “BLESS Ü” had its fair share of unique, unprecedented challenges. Completing it during the lockdown meant adjusting to several limitations. “Not all of our members have their own home setup so [doing it separately] was just not feasible,” according to JK. “But when the lockdown was lifted, we were ableto record it properly.” The band welcomed the experience, knowing that ultimately, the song is bigger than their own. JK hopes for listeners to trust in our ability to overcome and that together, we’ll get through.

In just a few years that the band has been making music, they’re not one to shy away from shedding light on critical and necessary topics, often drawing from their own lived experience. “I’ve experienced depression and anxiety… and it’s really frustrating, the feeling of being down all the time,” JK describes. With “BLESS Ü,” they wanted to offer people going through the same mental health situation some comfort, to “help them feel somehow lighter,” he adds.

“BLESS Ü” also follows the release of the band’s debut album Diwa and the emotionally charged single” Sampaguita,” which emphasizes the hardships faced by OFWs. A lot has changed since the album’s release, but his fearless message on these topics remains embedded in his music.

Music has always been one of the most powerful forms of culture due to its ability to rally people’s spirits. Right now, what we need is a resounding feeling of hope and compassion more than ever. If you believe that this song has that very power, then honey, God BLESS Ü.

About Juan Karlos

Juan Karlos is a Filipino band and six-time Platinum awardee signed under MCA Music composed of JK Labajo on vocals and guitar, Jeriko Aguilar on guitar, Louise Bayas on bass, and GianHipolito on drums. Formed in 2018, the eponymous band went under several personnel changes and ultimately released their smash hit, “Buwan” in the same year. Frontman JK Labajo shared that his solo music career is currently inactive. Hailing from Cebu, he first gained recognition as a finalist on The Voice Kids Philippines and went on to pursue a career in music and acting. Following the release of his albums under MCA Music, JK (2015) and JKL (2017), he realized that he has to stop settling and commit to what he really wants: to write, produce, and perform his own songs the way he hears it in his head and heart and be part of a band. Juan Karlos aims to “dream big or go home” and to make a mark in OPM and globally. “I want to be able to make a change, a difference,” he said. I want to show people the importance and beauty of music. I’m in music for the art, to earn in order to fund my daily needs and dreams, and for recognition so I can have reach and to be heard.”