Entertainment

Following the recent declaration of State of Emergency for the central area in Tokyo, Japan, the Music Lane Festival Okinawa 2021 (Music Lane Okinawa) and Trans Asia Music Meeting 2021 has been rescheduled to February 20 and 21, 2021.

According to a statement released by organizers, the decision to postpone the festival follows the recent rising cases of the COVID-19 in different parts of Japan. “Although Okinawa is not included in the State of Emergency, there are many artists and audiences participating from Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures. In addition, the spread of infection in Okinawa Prefecture is becoming more prominent again… We felt that pushing the festival to be held in these circumstances could cause inconvenience and trouble to the participating artists, audiences, and all the staff members.”

Philippine lineup (photo by MC Galang)

The announcement was made formally last week to the Japanese audience. Originally slated for January 16-17, the Music Lane Okinawa was set to be the debut edition of the multinational music showcase festival that will feature a hybrid format, combining live performances from Japanese artists and pre-recorded live sets from participating international artists from other parts of Asia, including KRNA, She’s Only Sixteen, and syd hartha from the Philippines who will be joining legendary Japanese acts Shonen Knife and Sunny Day Service from Japan.

“We should not lose the opportunities for the artists in Okinawa/Japan and Asian countries to be introduced internationally, and we strongly believe that we must continue the music and the entertainment,” the statement continues.

The festival organizers assure that the festival will proceed as planned in the new schedule dates. In addition to the previously announced participating artists, the full lineup now consists of 75 music acts from Asia, (40 domestic and 35 international). The new additions to the lineup include Japanese acts, Hashiken, Tonchi Pickles, Chiemi Jones, Saki Kowan (Shocking Momoiro), 8bit, Milk&Cookie, onoway, Ruki Sato, THE QUESTIONS, VERONICA VERONICO,  Kokoro to Kotoba, Hitomi Shimabukuro, the you, and omni sight.

The live performances will take place at Sakurazaka Theater, Sakurazaka Central, and more venues in Naha City, as well as, Music Town Oto-Ichiba, 7th Heaven Koza, Remy’s, and other venues in Okinawa City. The pre-recorded sets are free for everyone to watch, while on-site ticketed events can be enjoyed by Japan-based music fans when they purchase advance tickets at the Music Lane Okinawa website.

K-Pop boy group, T1419, the newest nine-piece global launching under MLD ENTERTAINMENT(MOMOLAND, JT & Marcus), has finally released their highly anticipated single album, BEFORE SUNRISE Part.1 is now available on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music and MLD Entertainment.

The 3-track release showcases T1419’s affinity for pop, hip-hop, and electronic music influences, seamlessly blending the elements to create an infectious chart-topper for the modern audience to consume and enjoy.

A concept ‘single album’ that marks the beginning of the group’sfour-part series, BEFORE SUNRISE Part.1 embodies different celestial phenomena, each linked with the growth and life of T1419.

BEFORE SUNRISE Part.1 opens with debut single, ‘ASURABALBALTA’—a genre-mashing banger infused with hard-hitting beats and trendy sounds. The song deals with the K-Pop group’s quest of emerging triumphant above the chaos. “This is the very first step into T1419 universe, where they strive to realize and overcome their obstacles,” according to the group’s official statement. “ASURABALBALTA is a spell that make one’s wish come true, which also portrays the wishes of all nine members of T1419 for a bright future that will unfold in the coming days.”

The second track in the single album is “Butt Out”—an upbeat track that tells the story of teenagers yearning to live by their own will, and not by the rules of others. BEFORE SUNRISE Part. 1 closes with the instrumental version of the lead single ‘ASURABALBALTA’.

BEFORE THE SUNRISE Part. 1TRACKLIST

1. ASURABALBALTA
2. Butt Out
3. ASURABALBALTA (Inst.)

T1419

About T1419

Consisting 5 Korean and 4 Japanese members. Ahead of their debut, T1419 had not only released G-STAR 2020’s title song ‘ROW’, but also unveiled their pre-debut music video ‘Dracula’ which had garnered 7 million views on YouTube. This multi-faceted, multilingual mega group is set out to showcase their top-notch talents in vocals, rap, performance, and producing to the world.

For more information, please visit: Instagram | Twitter|YouTube

Singapore hip-hop/visual artist Ihasamic! and producer Wovensound show their creativity in full force with the release of Repack— out today on all digital platforms worldwide via Umami Records.

Redefining the visual album format with infectious lo-fi sounds and impeccable direction, the 4-track EP and short film tell the journey of a person struggling with his mental health and how sometimes life can fall into what feels like an endless loop, the same experiences and conversations you have with yourself repackaged into different days.

“These 4 tracks were meant to be like a short, reflective therapy session,” Wovensound shares. “They cover the theme of repetition and mundane cycles that we go through daily, on a much more personal level – an internalized conflict instead of an externalized struggle. Ihasamic! wanted it to play like a slice-of-life story that loops daily, when repackaged into a different vessel, will you be able to tell the same shit apart on different days? That’s the question that pops in our head during the entire production process.”

Featuring local artists CHAE, Shai and Raina Sum, the visual EP meld surreal visuals with an incisive commentary on mental health awareness. Rap artist Ilhasamic! adds, “Sonically the EP is played in a cinematic way, four acts one after another, and makes sense when repeated start to end in a loop. The visuals of the accompanying short film completes it.”

Directed by Ihasamic!, the 10 minute short film weaves the entire EP into a visual story that mirrors the musical journey of REPACK. It premiered to fully sold out screenings on 7 January 2021 at the Ultra Super New Gallery, Singapore.

Wovensound and Ihasamic! are also collaborating on their 6-track debut EP Vertigos Fulfilled, dropping in June 2021.

Listen to REPACK via Umami Records: https://www.umamirecords.sg/repack/

Filipino indie-rock band Sponge Cola is no stranger to writing music inspired by their love for cinema and pop culture. The band released “Siguro Nga” as a song born out of vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon’s love for Han Ji-Pyeong, a prominent character whose unconventional upbringing and misfortunes in life enabled him to become a principled, self-made man with a tough exterior and unbeknownst to everyone—a tender heart. “Siguro Nga” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

With this creative pursuit comes a tribute to the blockbuster K-drama series, Start-Up, which is currently heaping praises all around the world for its gripping story on young entrepreneurs aspiring to make it big in the competitive world of Korean high-tech industry. “Immediately after the shock of episode 9, I literally picked up a guitar and began writing the song,” Yuzons hares in a statement. “I didn’t know how the story was going to unfold, but at that point, I felt like it wasn’t going to work out for Han Ji Pyeong’s character. And while heartbreak wouldn’t ravage him, it leaves him with an undulating kind of pain.”

“Siguro Nga” builds on this nuanced character study of a man realizing that he’s lost the love of his life,after spending a great deal of time living a lie to protect the person he’s pining for, from emotional harm and trauma. It’s a soaring acoustic number that is propelled by a genuine reverence for empathy and romantic yearning, but never quite reaches a climatic run arrangements-wise, as it ends on a miserable note, with the subject of the song stuck in a rut, hoping to relive his past to undo his mistakes.

According to Yuzon, the song arrived in the middle of recording phase for their forthcoming album to be released next year. “The process was a bit more theatrical than what we’re accustomed to,” he admits. “As a singer, I had to be in character, which made the recording process a bit grueling.” In order to capture the very essence of the song, Yuzon had to experience some of Han Ji Pyeong’scrucial scenes in the series, including having to bask in the rain for minutes and reliving the memories of standing next to a corn dog stall. “I also had to face someone looking at me with ‘those eyes’ while pretending to be fine. Couple that with the idea of multiple takes, it was tiring but ultimately fulfilling.”

ArmoArmovit, the band’s lead guitarist explains how the arrangements for “Siguro Nga” came to play. “Like most of our songs from the previous albums, we started by recording a very basic acoustic guitar as a foundation. Yael himself played the rhythm to make it consistent with how he initially wrote the song and his melody. Everything else on top of that are layers of sound to decorate and enhance the song’s emotional content.” Bassist Gosh Dilay adds, “We tried some experimentation in terms of overall sound– but we reserved a version specifically for future live performances of the song.”

“Siguro Nga” was recorded at Love One Another studios, and was mixed and mastered by Joey Santos. Armovit, who praised Santos for doing an excellent job in designing sounds and layering them to tell a story, was very much happy with the final product. “His familiarity with a wide range of music, and ability to create the appropriate textures for the song was a very welcome and refreshing addition to the production process. Everything you hear that isn’t the usual drums, bass, vocals, and guitar are all him.”

In its debut offering, the online concert welcomes critically acclaimed artists from different parts of the world to stand up for solidarity and deliver inspiring performances to help fellow Filipino people cope with the ongoing pandemic.

“It was initially just a pipe dream having international acts perform in BYE2020, but now that it’s happening we couldn’t be happier,” the team behind BYE2020 shares in a statement. “Sincethis is a virtual event, we wanted to leverage on the uniqueness of the execution and have international artists be part of the event without ever having to step in the Philippines.”

Chart-topping singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker (US), global hitmaker Maximillian (DK), soul pop outfit Peach Tree Rascals (US), rising alt-pop artist Tate McRae (CA), and eclectic pop/R&B singer Conor Matthews (US) are set to take the BYE2020 virtual stage, along with more than 30 artists from the Philippines and abroad.

The organizing committee headed by MCA Music is grateful for the support of their peers in the recording industry such as Sony Music Philippines and Warner Music Philippines for including Tate McRae and Conor Matthews in the lineup, respectively, and other record labels for taking part of this unprecedented music feat. “As much as BYE2020 is an initiative of MCA Music Philippines – BYE2020 would not be what it is now without the support of Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, Warner Music Philippines, Star Music, Universal Records, OC Records, and Mida$ Records. This is just our first effort to do something like this, and we only have dreams to do it bigger, and better.”

In terms of curation, the handpicked international artists represent of the success and endurance stories of 2020. As the organizing team points out, “Despite all of the difficulties in 2020, music is a fundamental way to inspire hope and build strength in people. We felt that blast hits like ‘Mariposa’ by Peach Tree Rascals, the ‘love is not dying’ album by Jeremy Zucker, and ‘Beautiful Scars’ by Maximillian really helped embody the essence of what BYE2020 is all about.”

BYE2020 is a massive cross-label initiative that will be streamed live on multiple platforms such as Kumu, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, and will also air on Sky Cable (Ch 955 HD and 155 SD) this December 31, 2020, from 7pm onwards.

Headlining artists in the lineup include Ben&Ben, Darren Espanto, Moira, SB19, Matthaios, The Itchyworms, Leanne & Naara, Glaiza de Castro, Kean Cipriano, Lala Vizon, Zack Tabudlo, Keiko Necessario, Fern., Elha Nympha, Autotelic, Sud, Miguel Odron, VVS Collective, Ace Banzuelo, Paolo Sandejas, Earl Generao, FANA, TALA, J-Nine and Dia Mate.

Exclusive concert privileges are available via ticket2me.net. The special package includes access to zoom pits, backstage content with the artists, and other surprises. “The paid concert experience gives a chance for those who opt in to be part of the virtual stage itself for BYE2020,” said the organizing team. “In addition to that, they can choose to upgrade their ticket to include our BYE2020 merch, swag, and goodies package. The paid experience also provides for some exclusive backstage content which will only be available to them.”

BYE2020 is presented by MCA Music, Sony Music Philippines, Warner Music Philippines, O/C Records, Star Music, Universal Records, and Midas Records; co-presented by Kumu, Closeup, Sunsilk, Dove, Dove Men + Care, Cream Silk, Tresemme, and Clear; and brought to you by Pepsi, Tinder, and Its More Fun in the Philippines.

Follow @bye2020ph on Kumu, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok and BYE 2020 on YouTube for updates and more details.

Music Lane Festival Okinawa in Japan at select venues in the cities of Okinawa and Naha will take palce from January 16 and 17, 2021. The foreign lineup and its international conference program—the annual Trans Asia Music Meeting (TAMM)—will stream online for free. Represent the Philippines in the Trans Asia Music Meeting “TAMM” Selection Artists showcase are marking their Japanese debut, Manila-based alternative-folk singer-songwriter sydhartha, alternative/indie rock band She’s Only Sixteen and Cagayan De Oro dream pop outfit KRNA.

More than 33 Asian music acts will showcase at the festival weekend, with local artists performing in front of live audiences at Sakurazaka Theater, Sakurazaka Central, and other venues in Naha; and Music Town Oto-Ichiba, 7^th Heaven Koza, Remy’s, and more venues to be announced in Okinawa City—all of which will implement strict prevention measures against COVID-19. The festival will stream pre-recorded live sets from international artists curated by its partner music organizations from seven countries.

 “The Japanese market is one of the most sought-after in Asia and having this platform, this opportunity to have our artists who are primed for a breakthrough is momentous. It allows them to put one foot on the door, so to speak,” The Rest Is Noise (TRIN) co-founder and creative director MC Galang shares. “We are very grateful to collaborate again with our friends and colleagues in Naha in this capacity.” TRIN is a music events producer-slash-online publication and the festival’s partner in the Philippines.

They will be joining a stellar Japanese lineup, headlined by no less than alternative rock legends Shonen Knife, other veteran acts such as rock trio Sunny Day Service, jazz band element of the moment, punk rock act eastern youth, Miyuki Hatakeyamaof Double Famous, male-and-female duo Port of Notes, funk and D&B trio THE BASSONS, and fast-rising shoegaze-dream pop act Seventeen Years Old and Berlin Wall, along withselected acts from the open call abukutatta, SOLVALS, Naomitsu Shinohara, ecole, and viridian.Okinawan music acts KeizouMikata, TOSH, caino, Home Party People, Funnynoise, AKKANBABYS, Hanako Kimura, Takako Tate, THE SAKASHIMA meeting, KACHIMBA 4, HARAHELLS, and ALKDO-Turtle Island Acoustic will be representing the tropical, jazz-oriented city. More Japanese artists are set to be announced soon.

Through the newly formed Music Lane Festival Okinawa, the organizers of Trans Asia Music Meeting are steadfastly committed to bridging Okinawa and other Asian cities and creating a sustainable music network. The 2021 edition will feature an musically and culturally diverse lineup comprised mostly of indie up-and-comers, such as YONLAPA, H3F, and My Life As Ali Thomas from Thailand (curated by Bangkok Music City showcase festival and Warner Music Thailand); Skits, The Golden Mammoth, Jemson, Court 10, FAZZ, Capt Trips n The Kid, and The Filters from Malaysia (curated by CITY ROARS music festival); Tanayu, Prince Hussein, Pretty Rico, Bedchamber, Jeslla, and Iris Bev from Indonesia (curated by Fungjai Indonesia in partnership with featured artist lightcraft); Shye, Woes, YAØ, HubbaBubbas, Shak’thiya, and Shirly Temple from Singapore (curated by music website Bandwagon Asia); Cotoba, No.1 Korean, and The Sound from South Korea (curated by music showcase and conference festival, Zandari Festa); and Mohanik, The Colors, Nisvanis, and Magnolianfrom Mongolia (curated by Playtime Festival).

Music Lane from Okinawa and Trans Asia Music Meeting are organized and produced by Music from Okinawa, Music Town Oto-Ichiba, and Sakurazaka Theater. For Japan-based music fans who wish to attend the live shows, you can purchase tickets from their website.

Noah Alejandre and Reanna Borela’s “Suyo” baggedthe top prize of the PhilPop2020 Songwriting Festival.

Conveying the intricacies of romantic relationships amidst language and cultural differences, “Suyo” bested 14 entries from Metro Manila, North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao clusters on the PhilPop Finals Night held online last Sunday, December 20, 2020. The winning song also walked away with the grand prize of P1 million, tax free.

Alejandre and Borela, the composer behind “Suyo,” served as interpreters for their own track under the moniker, reon.

Aikee’s “Bestiny” and Sherwin Fugoso’s “Pahuway” emerged as first and second place, winning P500,000 and P250,000, respectively.

The former entry was interpreted by Kevin Yadao and Jr. Crown, while the latter was sung by Ferdinand Aragon, who composed the PhilPop 2018 runner-up song, “Di Ko Man.”

Breaking Borders

With #MusicBreakingBorders as its newest tagline, PhilPop 2020 is committed to championing the diversity and global appeal of Filipino music across the country. All entries were chosen for their outstanding contribution to the contemporary Pinoy pop canon and its potential in bringing the unique value of Filipino culture and experience to the international music arena.

Despite the challenges of the new normal, the country’s premier songwriting competition managed to step up its game by mounting a virtual Finals Night that honors the finest in homegrown pop songwriting this year.

Smart People’s Choice

A special award called Smart People’s Choice, which was determined based on the cumulative number of streams and views via Spotify and YouTube, was also handed out to the standouts in every cluster: “Kasadya,” composed and interpreted by XT on Sax with Jay-arVaño for Mindanao;“Suyo,” composed and interpreted by reon for Visayas; “Para Kay Catriona,” composed by Kulas Basilonia and interpreted by I Belong to the Zoo for South Luzon; “Balikan,” composed by Lolito Go and interpreted by Benj Manalo for North Luzon; and “HulingSayaw,” composed by Kian Dionisio and interpreted by Nyoy Volante for Metro Manila.

Week-long celebration

PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 kicked off its celebration with a week-long series of online events featuring the 15 finalists.

Connect, a digital media agency based in the Philippines, produced a 5-part series called “PhilPop 2020 Podcast.” The digital documentary put a spotlight on the finalists per cluster and the stories behind every song.

The episodes run for 5 days, from December 12 – 18:

Episode 1 for Mindanao: New Voices, New Stories

Episode 2 for Visayas: Feelings and Songwriting

Episode 3 for North Luzon: Songs for the Voiceless

Episode 4 for South Luzon: Bitter and Sweet Music

Episode 5 for Metro Manila: Breaking Our Borders

During the week-long promo spot, the finalists also guested at Wish 107.5’s Connect to talk about their respective entries in the competition.

A day before the Finals Night, PhilPop 2020 also debuted the music videos of the PhilPop finalists. The visuals for each song are now available on Warner Music Philippines’ official YouTube account.

PhilPop 2020 Songwriting Festival is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year’s PhilPop is co-presented by SMART, MERALCO, MAYNILAD, WARNER MUSIC PHILIPPINES, MULTISYS, and CONNECT PRODUCTIONS.

Before end of this year 2020, this has been a rough year for everyone and this year has been full of surprises. Cross Ratio Entertainment as a label hopes that homegrown prolific singer-songwriter and Singaporean’s Gentle Bones teams up with Benjamin Kheng on ‘Better With You’ will bring in some good cheer and will relieve the pain for all music lovers.

Fresh off the heels of Gentle Bones successful debut Mandarin single, “Don’t You Know Yet?” which grossed over a million digital streams within a month after its release, this EP has two special highlights for fans to look out for as it consists of a collaboration single with Benjamin Kheng, titled “Better With You” and solo pop track “Put My Hands Up.”

Focus track “Better With You”is a heartfelt conversation with a loved one. Relatable to a time period of uncertainty, “Better With You” is a frank, thoughtful attempt at reaching out to a loved one and checking in on them – letting others know that the people around them value and appreciate them and that life indeed is better when they are around. With the soothing vocals and pop groove, the duo will woo your hearts with their warmth as they sing this meaningful song in this festive season.

The duo also highlighted that they managed to fit in a popular meme in the music arrangement with another producer of the track.

Gentle Bones shared that it was a pleasure learning experiences, after working with 5 local singer-songwriters that he had been a huge fan of ever since diving into the world of Singaporean music. He said, “Writing ‘Better With You’ with Ben was such a journey – much of the lyrics was inspired by how much Ben has inspired me in life. He is such a bright light in this world and every time I am reminded of my troubles with pursuing a career like music in this side of the world, I have the pillar of Benjamin’s strength in his own journey to seek comfort from.”

It was an open secret that both Gentle Bones and Benjamin Kheng had been close friends. The stars were often seen interacting on their socials. The duo had worked on a song called “FATHER, FATHER” in 2014, which both called it their ‘first baby” and shared the stage of YouTube fest in 2015. Kheng shared that both of them met at a wedding and he was stoked when Gentle Bones brought up the collaboration. He joked that “Joel is obviously so much more assured of himself and a complete superstar in his own right. He knows what he wants and he’ll say it. Quietly, but he’ll still say it. He has such a keen eye for these things. He won’t accept this title, but to me he’s one of, if not the best pop writer we have in Singapore. But he wouldn’t let me call the project Gentle Beng.”

The other track in the EP is ‘Put My Hands Up,” Gentle Bones’ experimental dive into the hip-hop genre. Written and composed by Joel, the song denotes the light-hearted aspect of having an infatuation on a person, and is the written expression of the googly heart-eyes emoji.

To date, Gentle Bones has released two solo tracks “dear me,” and “Why Do We” and four collaboration tracks with talented Singaporean artiste: debut Mandarin track “你還不知道？Don’t You Know Yet?” with Tay Kewei, “Two Sides” with Charlie Lim, “Shouldn’t Have To Run” with Joie Tan and “Be Cool” with Gareth Fernandez. These past releases of this year prominently showcased his songwriting talents. It’s interesting to note the versatility of genres he crossed, to fusing contrasting styles with different local collaborators. Yet he steadily retains the authentic and uniqueness of the Gentle Bones’ sound.

Follow Gentle Bones
https://www.facebook.com/gentlebonesmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/bonesgentle/
https://www.youtube.com/user/gentlebones
https://weibo.com/u/7464371367

https://www.gentlebones.com/

Follow Benjamin Kheng

https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.kheng/

https://www.instagram.com/benjaminkheng/

https://www.youtube.com/user/breakinbenj

https://www.tiktok.com/@benjaminkheng

Follow Cross Ratio Entertainment

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http://www.crossratioent.com

Saint Nine, Bangkok-based Korean electronic producer has officially released his new single, “Don’t Call Me Sugar.” The eclectic artist is the newest addition to the growing roster of Umami Records, an independent record label based in Singapore.

A tropical electro-pop track infused with Latin-Cuban melodies, suave instrumentation, and a vocal performance by an unnamed two-time Grammy nominee, “Don’t Call Me Sugar” deep-dives into a compelling narrative about romantic betrayal and trust issues.

The upcoming producer explains, “The song is about a man who was cheated by his girlfriend. He’s probably a lot better off without her. It will just become another bittersweet memory at the end of the day for him.”

As for the musical structure, Saint Nine’s wrote a catchy chorus that is easy to sing along to. He adds, “I wanted sad lyrics for the song but with an irresistible beat that would put listeners in the mood for dancing. Nothing too energetic, just enough to make people want to move and dance.”

Having studied music from a young age, Saint Nine is also a classically trained pianist and vocalist. The multi-talented producer also listens to different types of music, and is inspired by sounds from different parts of the world. ”I’m not sure how to express them in terms of harmonics, but some melodies lure me into various genres like cinematic music, meditation music, EDM and hip hop. I try to make music that transcends genres.”

Listen to Don’t Call Me Sugar via Umami Records: https://www.umamirecords.sg/dont-call-me-sugar/

About Saint Nine

Bangkok-based Korean electronic producer Saint Nine crafts music that transcends genres and moves the listener, constantly experimenting and borrowing elements from hip hop, future bass, lo-fi and even classical music. Having studied music from a young age, Saint Nine is also a classically trained pianist and vocalist.

Christmas songs is essential to get you in the Holiday Spirit and brings festive warmth to music listerners all around the world. Get in the Christmas spirit with the relese of IN REVERIE: A Lilystars Christmas Compilation is now available on all digital platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records, the Philippine indie music label. In keeping up with the tradition of spreading Holiday cheers, the 11-track album offers heartfelt music that evokes the reassuring comfort of home and togetherness even in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

According to Clem Castro, the CEO of Lilystars Records, the compilation release is more than just a reflection of longing, hope and love. “It’s a call to keep our spirits alive no matter what we are facing. There are also tracks about celebration, optimism, loneliness and even dismay.”

While Christmas can mean a lot of things to different people, IN REVERIE: A Lilystars Christmas Compilation isn’t afraid to explore themes that indirectly address the current pandemic situation. “We can’t say if this release will have an impact for those who are having a difficult time with the pandemic, but we are hoping it does make a difference, Clem shares. “This serves as our gift to music fans this holiday season.”

Helmed with Hallmark-inspired melodies, vibrant arrangements, and intimate songwriting, the songs in Lilystars Records’ IN REVERIE offer an alternative listening experience for discerning music fans who want their Christmas jams a little bit on the obscure side. It covers a diverse selection of tunes with genres spanning pop, folk, blues, jazz, indie rock, twee, electronic pop, post-punk, and alternative music.

Clem admits that there was no selection process for the compilation album. Instead, he challenged some of the artists in the roster to write and produce their own original Christmas songs. “We have a high regard with the capacity of our artists and their contribution exceeded our expectations. We commend their commitment to produce the tracks on their own, either recording at home or with help of friends or people they work with to bring life to their record.”

Eleven artists from Lilystars Records participated in the call for submissions, which is more than enough to complete a proper album. The result is a unique collection of songs, defined by the sound of each artist and their own personal sentiments about the season. The track list includes:

1. Christmas Daydreams – Orange & Lemons

2. Blue For Christmas – Meagan Trees

3. The Kids Are Out – The Bloomfields

4. 1225 – Project Orange

5. Feliz Navidad (I’m Falling Apart) – Dey Rose

6. This Christmas Time – Dustybuns

7. A December Afternoon – Parasouls

8. Yo! Santa! – The Charmes

9. Christmas Mourning – The Geeks

10. Xmust – Kubra Commander  

11. Good Night – Starry Eyed Cadet