Entertainment

The acclaimed singer-songwriter based in Singapore, Jean Tan will be releasing her new single “Oak Cherry Wine” on July 24 (Friday) via Leeway and various digital and streaming platforms worldwide. “Oak Cherry Wine” is inspired by recent events in her life: her personal health struggles with kidney disease and the man who married her despite the uncertainty of a lifetime together.

Perhaps it’s why it feels so powerful despite the simple instrumentation of keys and a couple of guitars. Everything is felt so keenly from the moment Jean whispers 1, 2, 3, 4  in your ear at the start to the soaring, dulcet tones of the chorus: I love you / and it’s funny how / I’ll need you and breathe you / Be with you every moment now…

“Oak Cherry Wine” is Jean’s third and final single before the anticipated 5-song EP is released in fall 2020, produced and arranged by Singaporean R&B artist and multi-instrumentalist Dru Chen. Her music is a blend of folk, indie, and vocal jazz.

Definitely not just another love song, though familiar themes of courtship and romance feature like they do in the previous singles, this is perhaps Jean’s most personal release to date. This is an ode to love, but a deeper kind – one that grows better with age, holds steady in both the valley and mountain moments. It is a lettred’amour to the lover who decides to stay for better and worse, richer and poorer, in sickness and in health.

Even in the simplicity of the arrangement, the listener is taken on a journey as the melodies of the two guitars dance around each other like two binary stars. Seventh chords. A walking, no, skipping bass line. An unexpected twinkling of the electric piano right at the end to bring it all home.

The song offers endless contrasts and complexity in so few elements that it’s hard not to be intrigued. It is sentimental, but fierce. Sweet but not saccharine. A glass of oak cherry wine, tilted to the lips – bittersweet, familiar, true.

Lyrics of Oak Cherry Wine

VERSE 1:

My oak cherry wine

My mortal and divine

Bright strokes of colour

Brush past my cheeks in your night

VERSE 2:

Sweet as honey, rich as gold

Innocent as songs of old

The romance of you

Familiar and true

The charm in your whispers

Just makes me say I

CHORUS:

Love you, I love you

I love you, and it’s funny how

I’ll need you, breathe you

Be with you every moment now

My heart’s yours for a lifetime

Yours for the good times

Yours through the blue times

Oh how I’m lovin’ you

VERSE 3:

Oh sweet cherry wine

Taste of oak in your vine

The romance of you

Familiar and true

The charm in your whispers

The charm in your whispers

Just makes me say I

[Repeat chorus]

TAG:

How I’m lovin’ you

Baby how I’m lovin’ you

Single Credits

Music and words by Jean Tan

Produced and mixed by Dru Chen

Guitar, Keyboards, and Organ by Dru Chen

Additional Guitar by Leo Goh

Mastered by Cameron Henry

Artwork by Lee Wen Ling

© 2020 Leeway.

Follow Jean Tan on Social Media: http://www.jeantan.com; https://instagram.com/jeantanmusic; https://facebook.com/jeantanmusic/; https://twitter.com/jeantanmusic; https://www.youtube.com/user/jeantanmusic

DJ Khaled

To everyone’s surprise, DJ Khaled the GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum artist, music industry visionary, innovative influencer, mogul, and mega-producer has released not one, but two new singles with Canadian music superstar Drake.

Popstar Art

The massive singles “POPSTAR” and “GREECE” set the stage for his for his twelfth full-length album and one of the most anticipated hip-hop events of 2020, Khaled—coming very soon. Using his given name, it marks his most personal and powerful body of work yet. He makes a statement with both of these blockbuster anthems. Over lavish production and a cinematic beat, “POPSTAR” reflects on each titan’s place in the game as modern-day superstars responsible for a successive string of hit records. Meanwhile, “GREECE” nods to the finer pleasures in life with its rich bounce and luxurious rhymes. These songs continue one of the most legendary collaborative brotherhoods in hip-hop history between Khaled and Drake.

Greece-Art

The two-punch release serves as their first team-up in three years, following the success of 2011’s “I’m on One,” 2013’s “No New Friends,” 2016’s “For Free” and 2017’s “To The Max.” DJ Khaled notably kicked off 2020 by winning a GRAMMY® Award in the category of Best Rap/Sung Performance for the gold-selling “Higher” [feat. NipseyHussle& John Legend], paving the way for a massive year.

Since launching his career two decades ago, DJ Khaled has sold 18 million singles and 5 million albums and generated 3 billion-plus streams. His discography encompasses eight gold singles, five platinum singles, and two double-platinum singles. He landed back-to-back #1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with the gold-selling Major Key in 2016 and platinum-certified GRAMMY® Award-nominated Grateful in 2017. The latter boasted the sextuple-platinum Billboard Hot 100 #1 “I’m The One” (feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, & Lil Wayne) and quadruple-platinum “Wild Thoughts” (feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller).

DJ Khaled’s“POPSTAR” and “GREECE” (Feat. Drake) are now available on all digital platforms worldwide via We The Best/Epic Records.

Album Art by @jonniewalking

Singapore’s top electronic producers and artists have come together to honor XVAN’s music by completing and releasing his work in a posthumous self-titled debut EP released via indie label Umami Records. Now you can listen to ‘XVAN’ EP everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/xvan

In 2018, XVAN’s debut single “What’s It?” caught the attention of international superstar producers Martin Garrix and Madison Mars who featured the song on their artist playlists. He went on to win a remix competition organized by MTV Asia and a coveted spot on Evanturetime’s debut EP with his smooth rendition of the song ‘Sober’.

Shortly after, XVAN passed away from cancer and left behind some unfinished demos. To honor XVAN’s artistic legacy, his peers in the music industry got together to rework the material and release it officially.

The self-titled album features contributions from musician-friends from the electronic, indie and pop music scenes as top-billed by DJ/producer MYRNE whom XVAN had cited as one of his biggest inspirations. “One person I would really like to work on something with would be MYRNE himself, but I believe I still have a very long way to go before that happens”, said XVAN in response to an interview question about potential collaborations in 2018.

‘all in (my head),’ the lead single of the EP, was co-produced by Evanturetime and features singer-songwriterKarena Yeo. Evanturetime shares, “XVAN is a young and amazingly talented producer and I had the joy of witnessing him remix a track of mine. He has his own sound that is mature and uniquely identifiable to be his and his alone. I am honored to be a part of his posthumous EP and I hope that we’ve done our best to reflect his love and spirit for music.”

Track List

1. Spiral
2. Sunlight by XVAN, Foxela, Brittle Bear and Karena Yeo
3. No Past No future by XVAN and KNIGHTNDAE
4. all in (my head) by Evanturetime and Karena Yeo

About XVAN

XVAN is the alias of Singapore electronic producer Ivan Tan. A play on the letters of his name, Ivan replaced the letter “I” with “X” to remind himself that whenever he is creating music, it is not for himself, but for others. In 2018, XVAN’s debut single “What’s It?” caught the attention of international superstar producers Martin Garrix and Madison Mars who featured the song on their artist playlists. He went on to win a remix competition organised by MTV Asia and a coveted spot on Evanturetime’s debut EP with his smooth rendition of the song ‘Sober’. Shortly after, XVAN passed on due to cancer and left behind some unfinished demos. In 2020, some of Singapore’s top electronic producers and artists: Evanturetime, MYRNE, Foxela, Brittle Bear, KNIGHTNDAE and Karena Yeo; came together to honour XVAN and his music by completing and releasing his work in a posthumous self-titled debut EP.

Filipino indie pop-rock outfit the vowels they orbit has finally released their highly anticipated EP, angunangikot  and also now available on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

With songs that find strength in vulnerability, the band’s major label debut expounds on the complexities of young love from the perspective of someone who has gone through several missteps and recoveries in life.

On a thematic standpoint, the lyrics shine a light on certain issues that people tend to avoid in regular conversations: the melancholic “Pasa” recalls a harrowing story of abuse; the light-hearted ditty “Selos” struggles to conceal jealousy no matter how hard the person tries; and then there’s “Kiliti,” a song about finding that perfect someone in an imperfect situation.The 5-track release offers home to fragile beings caught in the throes of love, hoping that they’ll learn from their previous mistakes and come out as better individuals after.

According to the band, intention.“all tracks were written in the context of love, but like every other song out there, they all go beyond the intention ” Patch Javier adds, “the latest EP tackles what most relationship journeys look like during [their] firsts.”

Angunangikot, is written, arranged and performed by the vowels they orbit, except for “Selos,” which was penned by Darwin Hernandez—the hitmaker behind chart-topping singles “Torete” and “Sandalan.” The album is produced by Rye Sarmiento, the guitarist of 6cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy.

About The Band

Signed to Sony Music Philippines, the vowels they orbit makes captivating pop-rock anthems laced with discernible hooks and strong melodic instincts. This is evident on their debut single “Selos,” which peaked at No. 2 on Spotify Philippines’ Viral 50 charts and No. 1 on Love Radio 90.7 Top 10. The band, composed of Nikka Melchor (Vocals), Jeremy Sayas (Drums), Hannah Dela Cruz (Keyboard), Gene Santiago (Guitars) and Patch Javier (Bass), is managed by SoupstarMusic—the home to several established and promising music acts such as 6cyclemind, Teeth, Imago, Sandwich, Pedicab, Moonstar88, Ultra Combo, Gracenote, Banda ni Kleggy, Better Days, the vowels they orbit, and Kurei.

Ben&Ben, award- winning Filipino portrays family drama and explores the complicated dynamics of a fictional family in the music video of “NakikinigKa Ba Sa Akin.” And is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Revolving around a realistic depiction of a family on the verge of dysfunction, the narrative hits home with each member learning how to listen to each other, and speak their minds. It also examines the flawed but beautiful relationships that we nurture within the family, and the decisions we make in extraordinary circumstances.

Helmed by “Pagtingin” music video director Jorel Lising, the intimate piece features ensemble acting performances by Agot Isidro, Bart Guingona, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Kelvin Miranda.

Lising’s compelling take on Ben&Ben’s massive hit has earned praises from various publications in the country. Renuel Fallore of MYX shares that the “cinematic music video couldn’t have come at a better time,” and reflects on its importance in today’s socio-political landscape. Bandwagon Asia, in its coverage of the song’s official tease a few months ago, took notice of the song’s evocative lyrics, which remind“people that COVID-19 remains to be the common enemy in this difficult time,” and therefore needs critical attentionand vigilance.

As of July 14, Tuesday, the “NakikinigKa Ba Sa Akin” music video is currently trending on YouTube with more than 300,000 views in four days.  On Spotify alone, Ben&Ben’s latest single has reached more than a million streams in its second week, making it one of the biggest releases of the month so far.

VANNA, Israeli singer-songwriter has finally dropped ‘Voices,’ the third single from her debut EP ‘High Hopes’ via Singapore based indie label Umami Records. Born and raised in Tel Aviv, of Indian and Iranian parents, VANNA grew up immersed in music, culture and diversity. Creating music is her way of confronting and understanding the turmoil she feels within herself, and she hopes her songs will touch others going through the same struggle. She is also a graduate of the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. Over the last 3 years, VANNA has been working closely with producer Roy Avital on her debut EP High Hopes, delivering a delicate fusion of indie electronic, pop, and folk influenced by artists like RY X, Oscar and the Wolf, SYML and Sóley.

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), ‘Voices’ takes pride of its deeply melodic and hauntingly atmospheric folk tronica production. Made more vulnerable with captivating vocals, the song is about VANNA’s experience in overcoming the voices and troubles inside her head.

VANNA shares the story behind the latest track: “I wrote this song about myself emerging from a period of a troubled inner world. Anxiety, depression, walking around my bed, walking around my head. Trying to make it all disappear. Mental health is a big part of my subject matter as it’s something I have been dealing with for the past 10 years.”

‘Voices’ raises awareness on issues surrounding mental and emotional health. It aims to break the stigma and educate listeners on the importance of intervention. The Israeli singer-songwriter relates, “Sometimes they can be so repetitive and make you stay awake the whole night. This song is about overcoming and accepting this situation. Insomnia, anxiety can be really exhausting, but every episode, rough as it will be, will end.”

Voices by VANNA is available everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/voices/

We Got Ligaya Artwork

The Eraserheads’ cover their second single “Ligaya” is inescapable hit, captures the essence of the original, while redressing its vibe with fuller, brighter elements and a tropical makeover. We Got’s “Ligaya” is now available on digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

Following the success of their debut single “Lihim Na Pagtingin,” eight-piece collective We Got returns with a follow-up that takes their reggae-infused sound to exciting new places.

Made more captivating with syncopated rhythms, groovy horns, and animated percussions, We Got’s version crests a euphoric wave of summer and nostalgia effortlessly without the need to go on an actual trip.

Mack de la Cruz, vocalist and guitarist said, “At first, we were just jamming it for fun but then, it turned out pretty good. So, we decided to be serious about covering the song—putting our signature We Got flavor. And there it is, a unique ‘Ligaya’ rendition. We’re very happy about how it turned out!”

After deciding to include the revamped version into their set list, the band decided to record their official version at Sunny Side Sound in Cubao, Quezon City, enlisting The Eraserheads drummer and Sandwich vocalist/guitarist Raymund Marasigan as the producer.

Marasigan has only positive words to describe his working relationship with We Got. “Working with them is like going to a family excursion at the beach especially when they bring delicious home cooked meals to pre-production and recording. And we worked on capturing that vibe.”

“Tonight”, via Singapore-based indie label Umami Records is about enjoying the night, slowing down and taking the time to soak in its magical beauty. A chill track with that feel-good fairy dust sprinkled on top.

Born and raised in Singapore, of Filipino descent, Gail Belmonte started singing and performing from an early age, and has won and appeared in numerous singing competitions in Singapore and Philippines since 2016. The upcoming singer-songwriter made her theatre debut in Pangdemonium’s staging of the Tony award-winning musical, Fun Home, in 2017.

Gail Belmonte

Gail Belmonte said, “I’m quite the night owl and work best during the nighttime, so I decided to write a whole song about how much I love the night. In writing ‘Tonight’, I felt a sense of safety in the night, and I wanted to portray that in the most comfortable and magical way possible – and that’s throwing a bit of love in there. The most important thing to me is that it’s completely okay to feel vulnerable on your own in the dark of night, and it is okay to slow down every once in a while and let the night time take over.”

The voice of Gail is a formidable instrument that fits the song’s easygoing charm and brimming sensuality. Her singing styleworks pretty well in the context of flowy arrangements and vintage sounds, and it somehow finds fascinating corners within Tonight’s urban pop appeal.

Gail Belmonte has been featured on tracks by artists like fulses, the color fractal, Finger funk and Tim De Cotta. The R&B artist is finally ready to put out her own music with 3 singles planned for release in 2020, in which she explores the effects of love, heartache, falling apart and putting yourself back together again.

Tonight by Gail Belmonte is available everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/tonight/

Singapore nu-jazz band The Steve McQueens have dropped their long-awaited brand new single ‘Firefly’ via Singapore based indie label Umami Records. It is their first release in 143 weeks following their acclaimed full-length album, ‘TERRAЯIUM’ in 2017. The latest song comes fresh off the band’s ‘Nerd Lounge’ tour at the start of the year where they played shows at the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, Tokyo Big Romantic Jazz Festival and the Esplanade Singapore.

It finds new ways to redefine the band’s signature sound with dynamic arrangements, neo-soul grooves, and daring sonic ideas. The ethereal new track serves as the lead single of The Steve McQueen’s new EP, Tape Ends, scheduled to land on digital and streaming platforms on 7 August 2020.

The band is also currently writing and recording new material for their fifth album, The Observer to be released in 2021. According to the four-piece outfit, “The Observer stands apart as an indifferent spectator at the ongoing culture clash between the jazz traditionalists and the new guard, smiling quietly to himself and making music.”

About The Steve McQueens

The Steve McQueens refuse to be pedestrian; they don’t live in the transient, or the touch-and-go. Swerving between cool seduction and gripping magnetism, they are ambitious to light the world up with their progressive brand of self-titled, neo-vintage soul funk.

They have played to growing attention at festivals like the Tokyo Jazz Festival and Summersonic (Japan), Java Jazz (Indonesia), SingJazz (Singapore), Melbourne International Jazz Fest (Australia) and Jarasum International Jazz Festival (Korea).

The quartet formed in 2013 as a forging of four mercurial talents in Singapore, a small country punching above its weight in Southeast Asia’s music scene. Critically acclaimed, The Steve McQueens will leave an indomitable mark on any listener with their music.