Entertainment

Gentle Bones

Gentle Bones, Singaporean singer-songwriter has released a new song, ‘dear me’,  is a 00’s Pop and R&B leaning ballad that spotlights our individual inclinations towards the relationship we have with ourselves. This is an exploration that sees self-reflection fray into the plural experience of talking to an inner self, accrediting feelings you’re not sure why you have. In the track, Bones converses with himself in the mirror, tugging with the war waged by the “boy that never left”. His reflective act of internal way finding is carried out with bold yet reclusive values, retaining the introspective and insular poise necessary for this quiet moment.  It is this rewarding brand of insight that enables one to self-affirm and move on, closing the unsettling doors of the past.

The main themes percolating the track result from a note to self and rather inquisitive approach to mental health leading to self discovery. The song envisages the process of understanding repressive parts of us that have lingered since our not-so-great experiences of old. He asks “was it something you said, did you try to tell me”, seeking those elusive and yet intrusive saboteur emotions that have acted out in the past, urging a need for confronting them now. ‘dear me,’  now out on all digital platforms worldwide.

‘dear me,’ is reminiscent of the anthemic songs that made you sing along to choruses of yesteryear, invoking the sonic stylings of both old and new school Pop. “This is a song written to myself. Really just a moment of reflection over the ups and downs in my life over the years and I wanted to encapsulate that into song. Sonically, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of blending a well-written ballad with hip-hop leaning sounds for a long time and I’ve finally achieved the perfect balance with this track”.

Listen to ‘dear me’ here

More About Gentle Bones

Born and raised in sunny Singapore, Joel Tan, who goes by his stage name Gentle Bones, is one of the city-state’s top English artists who has made waves across the globe. Since his #1 self-titled debut EP

“Gentle Bones” in 2014, the 25-year-old now has three albums under his belt and has taken his music to fans across Asia with live performances, selling out solo concerts and playing festivals across South Korea, London, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Gentle Bones was the first Singaporean music act to be signed by Universal Music Group and was also the first youngest English music recording artist to achieve two sold-out concerts. In 2016, he earned himself a spot in the inaugural Forbes ‘30 under 30’ list for entertainment personalities.

Gentle Bones also boasts a range of notable songs that topped the charts, including Until We Die, Settle Down and Geniuses & Thieves. His latest EP Michelle, released in October of 2018, is his most streamed EP to date featuring its title track, I Wouldn’t Know Any Better Than You, which has amassed more than 20 million streams on Spotify alone a year after its release.

I Wouldn’t Know Any Better Than You earned him a spot in Spotify’s Top 5 Most Streamed Singapore artists in 2019 amongst his peers namely, JJ Lin, Jasmine Sokko, Tanya Chua & Stephanie Sun. On his latest track 你還不知道? released in August 2020, Gentle Bones collaborates with singer-songwriter Tay Kewei on a mando-pop ballad that has since become a hit on numerous playlists such as Top Hits Taiwan and Top Hits Singapore, additionally earning him a spot amongst the Y.E.S. 93.3FM’s Top 20 charts.

The now independent Gentle Bones is effectively regarded as a bilingual artist having successfully made the crossover from English to Madarin tracks, effortlessly blurring the lines of language to convey his story.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter VANNA, Israeli indie-folktronica artist has finally dropped the last single from her debut EP, High Hopes — arriving sometime in November.

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv-based indie electronic trio Garden City Movement , ‘Friday Night’ is a soothing down tempo tune that is delicately built with layers of understated electronic sound scapes and atmospheric textures. It is the perfect song for turning off the lights in your room and immersing yourself in its irresistible sadness.

The brooding but captivating arrangements envelope VANNA’s poignant vocals, and culminate with a powerful and emotive instrumental drop.

The Israeli singer-songwriter shares the story behind the heartfelt lyrics: “After a rough breakup, I was literally always riding my bike at night, being super depressed. Once every week I would need to ride past my ex-girlfriend’s house. It took me 6 months before my heart wouldn’t start beating faster every time I passed by.”

VANNA’s debut EP High Hopes has been 3 years in the making, and is produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay). Delivering a delicate fusion of indie electronic, pop, and folk influenced by artists like RY X, Oscar and the Wolf, SYML and Sóley, the EP will be released in November 2020 via Singapore indie label Umami Records.

Listen to Friday Night via Umami Records : https://www.umamirecords.sg/friday-night/

The Geeks, indie pop quartet are finally making a return after two years of not dropping any new material with the release of their new single “The First Time”—out now via Lilystars Records. Also now available on all streaming and digital platforms worldwide.

Strumming its way comfortably into slacker and honeyed guitar pop territory, The Geek’s latest song rejects the notion of predictability by going vintage in aesthetic and function, while connecting on an emotional level with newfound grace.

“Our new single in two years is an homage to local Filipino kundiman music- a tribute to a time when we still wrote letters and the internet was non-existent,” vocalist and guitarist Jam Lorenzo shares the inspiration behind their new song. “Partly inspired by the portrayal of young romance in Filipino period films, ‘The First Time’ discusses in vague detail the enduring cliché of being stood up on the eve of a planned elopement.”

With its subtly heartbreaking observations on a kind of love that’s a product of a different time and milieu, “The First Time” shines through more than ever with a sharper, more deeply layered turn in The Geeks’ songwriting style: its sense of defeat is more palpable, and the verses wreck when you’re least prepared.

The premier songwriting competition in the country, PhilPop remains consistent in its advocacy to nurture future global hitmakers through its sustainable platform and world-class mentorship program. Finally completed its roster of Top 15 finalists from thousands of submission and even in the middle of coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the challenges of the new normal, the songwriting institution continues to develop its pool of game-changing songwriters and composers from across the regions and cities in the Philippines, and showcase a diverse selection of music that elicits cultural conversations and reflects contemporary narratives with substance.

The last batch of finalists from North Luzon, South Luzon, and Metro Manila clusters were announced during the livestream of PhilPop Q&A and Kuwentuhan Sessions last September 23, 2020 (Wednesday).

In no particular order, here are the final batch of finalists who made it to PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020:

North Luzon:

• Abegail Esteban and TJ Paeldon – “Agsardeng”
• Lolito Go – “Balikan”
• Angelic Mateo – “Paos”

South Luzon:

• KulasBasilonia– “Para Kay Catriona”
• ChochayMagno – “Lunod”
• Princess Roselle C. Germina – “Bitaw”

Metro Manila:

• Kian Dionisio – “HulingSayaw”
• Aikee – “Bestiny”
• Aikee – “Mapa”

The nine finalists will be joining other contenders from the Visayas and Mindanao clusters, which include amateur and professional composers and songwriters such as JerikaTeodorico, Noah Alejandre and ReanneBorela, Michael Catarina, John Cadeliña  Christian Chiu, and Sherwin Fugoso.

In terms of picking the finalists for the South Luzon cluster, CaioCadiz specifically handpicked songs that not only stand out in terms of melodic elements, but also entries that deliver quality and envelope-pushing lyrics. He adds, “songs with a unique way of presenting their topics and themes are highly preferred, as well as how they use their words to create an image of what they want to communicate. Also, the overall theme of their demo is a factor for me as a producer, but the team also recognize that it is but merely a glimpse of what the songwriter was going for, so the quality of the demo’s production is negligible. It’s really more of the quality and dynamics of the melody, and most importantly the lyrics.”

Melvin Moralles shares the same sentiment, but points out the importance of choosing the best song that would represent his cluster. “Personally, it’s all about the totality of the package, and how it would best resonate to a diverse but broader listening public: from students to adults, regional folks to international music fans.”

PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year’s PhilPop is co-presented by SMART, MERALCO, and MAYNILAD, with official partners, Warner Music Philippines, Kadasig, and MinPop.

The Bernadettes return after more than a decade of absence in the local music scene with a new single, “Worthless Beautiful”, now out on all digital platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.

“Worthless Beautiful” is another fuzzy, garage rock anthem in the similar vein as their breakout 2009 single “Let’s Make Babies,” but this time, the band documents life under the old normal, reminiscing about drinking the night away with like-minded individuals and enjoying freedom in the best way possible.

Lead vocalist Paolo Angeles shares, “Worthless Beautiful” deals with freedom in doing the things you want, the way you want it; no matter how wrong it might feel. The result may be worthless, but there is beauty in its pursuit.”

With the uncertainty of the pandemic affecting the way people lead their lives, “Worthless Beautiful” may come off as a distillation of nostalgia, joy, and helplessness, all rolled into a party that never was. But things are different now, and the sentiments in the song only serve as a figment of a distant memory, a rallying cry in our self-imposed quarantine, a gut-deep wallowing in self-pity.

Taking into account the current social context, The Bernadettes’ latest track functions as both a pre-pandemic recollection and a bittersweet reminder of those years that held promises of eternal youth and fun—snotty punk rock and all.

“Worthless Beautiful” is the first of the four songs that the band has already finished recording with producer Dok Sergio at JNR Studios. According to Paolo, the alternative rock outfit is slated to release a full-length album next year. “The plan is to have the other 3 songs remastered and have them released intermittently,” The Bernadettes’ frontman reveals in a statement. “Of course, we would need to go back to the studio to record more songs. Maybe after the pandemic.”

Maris Racal

What’s new from Maris Racal? Aside from making a name for herself as one of the breakout young actresses of her generation has successfully dabbled in writing her own songs and challenging industry expectations with her intimate and refreshing take on pop music. From penning the chart-topping confessional “Ikaw Lang Sapat Na” to collaborating with Rico Blanco on the city pop-influenced ditty “AbotLangit,” Racal is surprisingly an effective chronicler of love anthems for the modern age—a guitar-toting songstress known for balancing commercial appeal with artistic integrity.

With “Not For Me”, Maris Racal’s latest single putting a spotlight on her songwriting strengths. Maris Racal explores the complexities of romantic uncertainty with a surprisingly nuanced approach—unfiltered, no longer afraid of possibilities, and ready to own the moment.

Bursting with youthful fervor and charismatic edge, Maris Racal stretches her introspective side of music-making to interesting places, while retaining the accessibility of her recent crossover hits. Her resounding confidence translates perfectly into the musical output, but it’s her conversational and matter-of-fact songwriting style that earns the stripes, revealing a degree of self-assuredness that comes with experience.

Inspired by Britpop acts such as Aqualung and folk-pop chanteuses like Lily Allen and Regina Spektor, Racal wrote “Not For Me” not so much for intriguing unconventionality, but as an outlet to express herself in a way that feels truthful and inherently raw. The driving piano chords and the soaring arrangements give her storytelling a more authentic spin, lending it an effortless breeziness while making sure it doesn’t lessen the emotional impact of the song.

 “Not For Me” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

JannineWeigel

JannineWeigel the first song has officially released ‘Passcode’ via innovative new label, RedRecords, is produced by the Grammy-nominated record producer Tommy Brown, renowned for his work with Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony and more, ‘Passcode’ is a euphoric dance-pop anthem. It was co-written by Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez and it’s a song equipped with the sort of irresistible chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head.

The single is accompanied by a dazzling music video directed by Philip Rom Kulleh. Some of Malaysia and Thailand’s biggest TikTok influencers feature amongst the cast of the video, shot and produced in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The single marks the arrival of a new wave of Asian pop music. A-Pop is ready for its moment in the spotlight. It’s a fitting global introduction for Weigel, who is already a superstar in Thailand. “I’m so excited for everyone to hear ‘Passcode’,” she says. “I love that it captures my personality perfectly – fun and bubbly, but with a little bit of an edge.”

Weigel is an artist who connects on a universal scale at the same time as forming an intimate bond with her fans. Her infectious personality has already helped her reach eye-popping numbers on social media. She has 3.6 million subscribers on YouTube, 3.2 million followers on Facebook, 1.7 million on Instagram and more than 500,000 on TikTok. She’s an artistic force of nature. Although she has only just turned 20, Weigel has already had a successful career as an actor, model and influencer. But singing has always been her biggest passion. “Singing is what truly makes me happy,” she says. “I love how music can affect people and how a song can evoke raw emotions in all of us.”

Born in Steinfurt, Germany, Weigel moved to Thailand when she was 10. She made her first musical waves when, as a teenager, she would upload cover versions of her favourite songs to her YouTube channel. A mix of her natural charisma and that mesmerising voice soon found a huge audience and Weigel became the first Thai singer to receive YouTube’s highly-coveted Gold Button.

Weigel is an apt first signing for RedRecords, the exciting new joint venture between AirAsia and Universal Music Group. The label is committed to shining a light on the talent that lies within ASEAN, devoted to developing Asian artists and putting Asian pop music on a global platform. It’s a region full of pop superstars waiting to be heard. RedRecords CEO Hassan Choudhury remarks, “When [CEO of AirAsia Group] Tony Fernandes and I became aware of Jannine, our backgrounds in music and entertainment told us that this was an artist primed for worldwide success.” He continues, “With the ambition we have for RedRecords, along with the extensive global marketing resources at our disposal, Jannine was the obvious choice as our first signing,” says Choudhury.

In the US, RedRecords have partnered with iconic label Def Jam Recordings, where artists such as Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Alessia Cara are continuing its illustrious history, to release Jannine’s music. It’s the sort of lineage to which Weigel belongs. “I want to be able to inspire people out there,” she says. I feel like I’m proof that as long as you never give up, anyone can have a shot at achieving their dreams, no matter where they come from.” A daring new talent in pop music has arrived. ‘Passcode’ is just the beginning for JannineWeigel and RedRecords.

The brand new single, “Admit Now Pay Later” of Bryan Estepa, Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter navigates the process of understanding and coming to terms with life’s curveballs. Is out now on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records/Rock Indiana.

Estepa stripping everything down to essentials while exploring a more sonically adventurous approach to musicality and deflates any kind of conceit for a song that touches on hindsight and self-reflection. He strives to keep his narrative distinctly more intimate and closer to home without sounding contrived at all.

“Lyrically this song touches on how quickly life can change both for the good and the bad,” the folk rock artist explains. “But just as importantly is how we react to it. There’s never gonna be a perfect response to life’s curve balls but we just deal with it the best we can.”

Bryan Estepa

Having been inspired by phrases and passages that he encountered or read on a daily basis, Bryan Estepa remembers being instantly drawn seeing the sign “Admit Now, Pay Later.” He particularly likes the incongruity in its meaning: the idea of diving into the deep end, of being courageous and dealing with what may come from it later on. He shares, “It was also one of the few songs that was born during the heaviest period of the COVID lockdowns here in Sydney and I had a really unexpected creative burst. When that happens, I try to ride the wave as long as I can.”

Driven by intricately playful instrumentation and wistful alt-country melodies, “Admit Now, Pay Later” feels more like an extension of Bryan Estepa’s remarkable consistency as a songwriter and musician. With guidance from multiple ARIA and APRA-award winning producer, Josh Pyke, Estepa’s new track blends tenderness with immaculate precision, revealing its charm even the first time you listen to it.  He reveals, “The final version is a lot more layered than my original idea but that’s the beauty of music and the way it can evolve in beautiful and unexpected ways.”

Project Orange Band

Project Orange, Bacolod-base band captivates listeners with their sophisticated blend of bedroom pop and indie rock on “Play Pretend”—a distinctly laid-back affair that chronicles the growing pains of young love and the unsteady circumstances that define it. Imagined  in less than three years, the band has slowly but surely gained traction outside of Bacolod City’s relatively small but thriving music community. Thanks to their maiden singles “Ctrl + Esc” and “Sputnik Sweetheart,” the promising quartet earned their chunk of streaming listenership on cities such as Taipei, Manila, and Hong Kong—a proof that their brand of music sees no boundaries, and resonates on a universal level.

Formed by vocalist/guitarist Diana “Moose” Mapa, guitarist Ann Marie Pillado, bassist Martin Garces, and drummer Miguel Gabriel San Miguel, Project Orange returns with a distinctly laid-back affair that chronicles the growing pains of young love and the unsteady circumstances that define it. The four-piece outfit employs a lush and dream-like palette in terms of musical approach, fully embracing a deceptively simple arrangement that wouldn’t feel out of place side by side with the breezy pop sensibilities of Clairo and Boy Pablo.

The lead vocalist Diana Mapa shares in a statement, “Too many people get caught up with the immense amount of music elements these days and I try to avoid that. The additional portions like the distorted guitar and synths were suggested by the producers in the studio and it added a stunning perspective to the song.”

Steeped in melancholic pulse, “Play Pretend” provides glimpses of a promising music act informed by the sound of its time, but never allowing trends to envelope the finality and packaging. It’s all heart, less feels: the more you immerse to the song’s intimate revelations, the closer it hits home.

Lyrically, “Play Pretend” demands to be felt. With its wandering verses, a bridge that makes you feel like you’re at a wit’s end, and a chorus that hits you with a sanguine yet somber tune, the song represents built up feelings that will never see the light of the day. Mapashares, “It’s like you’re running out of time, but at the same time you aren’t. And that distorts what you think of love, whether it be imaginary or reality.”

“Play Pretend” of indie pop collective Project Orange under Lilystar Records. Stream their new track here.

Submit Original Music Now at Vans.com/MusiciansWanted
APAC Submission Open: Sep 2nd to Sep 30th
Americas and EMEA Submissions Open: Sept 28th to Oct 11th

Vans, the popular apparel or the original action sports brand and global advocate for creative expression announces the worldwide expansion of the brand’s celebrated music platform, Vans Musicians Wanted. Originally launched in Vans’ Asia-Pacific region in 2015, the competition is a global music platform that provides undiscovered musicians a chance for their original music to be heard by a global audience. This year’s competition has evolved into a seamless digital experience, and one grand prize winner will be awarded the opportunity to share the stage with Vans Ambassador and Grammy award winning artist Anderson .Paak.

Launching in partnership with the trailblazing talent from Vans’ final chapter of the ‘THIS IS OFF THE WALL’ brand campaign released yesterday, Vans shares the compelling journey of two artists: Atlanta-based rapper, J.I.D and Chinese-born and American-raised artist, Bohan Phoenix, who express their personal identities through music.

Born in Hubei, China and moved to Massachusetts, Bohan Phoenix was introduced to hip hop when his mother used popular movies and television as a tool to teach him English. One movie in particular sparked a love for music and culture that would go on to define his life moving forward. This introduction to hip hop led Bohan down a path of discovery and personal exploration that brought him to create his own music. By embracing his upbringing and dual cultural identity, he began to make music that blended two languages and cultures together to create something uniquely personal, pushing hip hop in new places. Watch Bohan Phoenix’s journey to self-discovery and how his multicultural upbringing has come to influence his identity as an artist at Vans.com/Bohan Phoenix.

Born and raised in East Atlanta, Destin Choice Route, better known by his stage name J.I.D, has carved out a unique space for himself through his raw talent and unwavering desire for greatness. While creativity was a constant throughout J.I.D’s life, he originally pursued professional sports, but through injuries and uncertainty, he embraced music. Driven by his magnanimous work ethic, J.I.D’s focus on writing and dense wordplay has helped to establish him as a leader in a new wave of hip hop that values craft over hype, defining a new sound that is unmatched. Hear J.I.D’s origin story and the path he has taken in order to hone his craft at Vans.com/JID.

Vans has partnered with J.I.D and Bohan Phoenix to serve as guest judges for the global competition. The stories of these two young artists within the hip hop industry serves as a catalyst for the next generation of musicians looking to come up from their bedrooms to main stage.

Vans’ ‘THIS IS OFF THE WALL’ campaign stories celebrate creative expression through the pursuit of artists making their own way forward in hip hop. The genre has become a distinct language of choice for young voices who continue to work to forge their own path by any means necessary.

Joining J.I.D and Bohan Phoenix as special guest judges, European based singer-songwriter NilüferYanya, and Grammy award-winning artist, Anderson .Paak will review the top-5 artists from each region. Top-5 artists from APAC will perform at the Vans Musicians Wanted Virtual Concert this December, they will also receive free album distribution through Spinnup, Universal Music Group’s distribution service for independent artists. One grand prize winner will be selected to receive Vans product, Fender Gear,Vans Spotify and Apple Music play listing, music video produced by Universal Music Group and one year of free and unlimited global music distribution from Spinnup (APAC exclusive), and the opportunity to share the stage with Anderson . Paak as the opening act in 2021.

To celebrate the partnership, Vans has teamed up with Bohan Phoenix to release his customized Vans shoes on Vans.com/Customs .