Inspired by Filipino collage artists, the trippy video embraces imperfection as a mark of authenticity

The official music video for the Bloomfields’ most recent track, “Pink Skies.” is about to be released.

The video is a surreal animated collage that unfolds in a kaleidoscope of psychedelic visuals, band performances, and pop-art inspirations. It was directed and edited by Louie Poco, the band’s bassist.

For Poco, the project was a genuine labor of love and passion rather than merely a technical exercise. He says, “It was my first time experimenting with animated collage and green screen.” “Innumerable hours of manual editing and exercising creative muscles were used, with no AI involved.”

Drawing inspiration from Filipino collage artists Andrea Cervantes and Charlie Salazar, Poco channeled their cut-out aesthetic to craft a piece that mirrors the band’s sonic DNA: vintage-tinged, psychedelic, and deeply human.

“Its imperfections are exactly what make it beautiful and trippy,” explains Louie. “It’s not about polished perfection, but about joy, creativity, and the spirit of something crafted with love.”

The song “Pink Skies” is full of indie rock sensibility and Britpop influences. The song is a glittering vision, a respite from reality, and a desire for light to burst through the storm. It is equal parts radiant hymn and dreamy getaway.

Lilystars Records released “Pink Skies” earlier this month on all digital music platforms across the globe. The music video will be released this Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:30 p.m.

New track is the official ending theme of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

J-pop sensation Kenshi Yonezujoins forces with global icon Hikaru Utadaon a brand-new collaboration, “JANE DOE,” the ending theme for the highly awaited Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. This marks the first-ever project between the two legendary Japanese artists, with Yonezu handling the songwriting and composition while Utada lends her vocals. Alongside the track’s release comes its official music video, directed by Tomokazu Yamada, featuring both stars. The announcement caps off a huge streak for Yonezu, who recently dropped the movie’s theme song “IRIS OUT,”—which entered Spotify’s Top Songs Debut Global Chart at #2—and celebrated a historic milestone when his anime theme “KICK BACK” became the first Japanese-language track to earn RIAA Platinum certification.

In the music video for “JANE DOE,” the two performers sit apart on benches on a train station platform while wearing all black. Passengers traveling in different directions only momentarily cross paths on a station platform when boarding and disembarking. Two people sitting on the same bench while waiting for the next train experience a slight gravitational pull from one another, similar to big, invisible circles. Tomokazu Yamada, who is renowned for his music videos for Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon,” “Uma to Shika,” and “Sayonara, Mata Itsuka!” directed the film. “Mine or Yours,” “A Flower of No Color,” and “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” by Hikaru Utada, in addition to directing the previous year’s “SCIENCE FICTION TOUR 2024.” – Sayonara.

Of the track, KENSHI YONEZU says, “I started working on the song without giving too much thought to who would sing it. However, as the song began to take shape, it became evident that no one was better suited to it than Utada-san, so I reached out to them. The moment Utada-san’s voice—melancholic, yet sweeping like a gust of wind—came in over the track, I remember being so moved that I let out a sharp gasp. As a songwriter, I feel truly honored to have been given this opportunity.”

HIKARU UTADA adds, “I knew I had to give it a go when I received this offer. Both of us being uncompromising singer-songwriters, we knew better than anybody else where the other comes from, but also faced the challenge of meeting halfway where our styles, as we found in the process, contrast. I hope everyone can feel the new sides that were brought out in us, as we remained true to ourselves and each other.”

Music video director TOMOKAZU YAMADA says, “We spin endlessly in the darkness of the universe, exerting light gravitational pull upon one another. Even when we are close enough to touch, we are all distant stars. Each with its own rotation, each gazing upon its own night. This is truly a collision of galaxies. A moment that is like an eternity, in a place that is neither light nor darkness.”

“IRIS OUT” is already setting another record on the Spotify Japan Daily Chart, achieving the “highest daily play count ever recorded” for six days in a row. “IRIS OUT” debuted on Spotify’s Top Songs Debut Global Chart at #2, is also currently at #3 on Apple Music’s Global Daily Top 100 chart. The music video for “IRIS OUT” was also released on September 15 and has already surpassed 10 million views on YouTube, generating significant buzz as earning #4 on the Global YouTube Daily Music Videos Charts. Available to watch now.

CHAINSAW MAN – THE MOVIE: REZE ARC will be hitting theatres in United States on October 24, 2025 from Sony Pictures Entertainment, who has acquired the worldwide distribution rights for the film. The theatrical release of CHAINSAW MAN – THE MOVIE: REZE ARC opened on Friday, September 19^th in Japan. Rocket started with a huge hit, topping the weekend box office rankings exceeding the sales of the smash-hit Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle.

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The new recording artist teams up with 6cyclemind’s Rye Sarmiento and Gracenote’s Jazz Jorge for a track reminiscent of ‘90s and early 2000s alternative rock

Filipino newcomer Kenan marks his debut as a recording artist with the release of “Sabi Mo” under Sony Music Entertainment.

Kenan’s passion for music ultimately led to a career he once believed was impossible, although he is now best known for his work as a professional volleyball trainer and coach at the National University (NU).

“Sabi Mo,” his first official single, highlights the difficulties of moving on after promises of eternity are broken. Kenan poured his heart into the song, drawing on his own prior heartbreak experiences. He divulges. I was engrossed in the moment since it evoked both pleasant and unpleasant memories. I had the confidence to perform the song honestly and vulnerablely while still claiming it as my own because of that experience.

Produced by Rye Sarmiento (6cyclemind), the song transforms frustration into catharsis, delivering a powerful sing-along that feels like both a nostalgic and refreshing material. Originally written as an acoustic piece, “Sabi Mo” grew into something unexpectedly bigger during pre-production, evolving with a fuller arrangement inspired by the sound of ‘90s and early 2000s pop-rock.

“We wanted to veer away from the current mold of heartbreak songs with mellow and stripped-down tendencies,” Kenan shares. “For Sabi Mo, we went for a raunchier, more rock-out sound. There’s more oomph and spunk to it, but without losing the emotional sentiment of the lyrics. Balance is somehow the key.”

Adding to the track’s dynamic energy are Jazz Jorge of Gracenote, Jape Bongat, and Ernie Bañares of Kiss n’ Tell, who brought their talent and expertise to the recording. The synergy between Kenan and his collaborators was pivotal in shaping the song’s final form.

“During pre-prod, it felt like we were just feeding off each other’s vibe,” Kenan recalls. “Our chemistry is obviously inescapable, but the song naturally took shape—thanks to our individual and collaborative strengths. I’m proud of the outcome.”

Kenan’s “Sabi Mo” is currently accessible through Sony Music Entertainment on all of the major streaming services in the world.

The Itchyworms, an award-winning Filipino pop-rock band, will make a special appearance at Live House Circus in Nagoya on October 5, 2025, as part of their “Akin Ka Na Lang” tour in Japan.

This is their first time performing in Nagoya, Japan’s fourth most populous city. The Itchyworms, who have long been praised for their catchy songs and contagious live performances, have performed in Tokyo and Saitama in early 2025. They also had a notable appearance at the Tokyo Beyond Festival in 2022 and the Kansai Music Festival in 2023.

“This will be our first time to travel to Nagoya (as tourists, and as performers),” says Jugs Jugueta, the lead vocalist and guitarist of The Itchyworms. “We heard that there is a huge Filipino community in Nagoya. We are so excited to play for them and to meet them all! We love Japan so much.”

Sharing the enthusiasm is drummer and co-lead vocalist Jazz Nicolas, who adds, “We’ve never been to Nagoya before so it’ll be a new experience for us. It’s always great to play for both Filipino and local audiences in Japan.”

Fans can expect some surprises and unique touches for this particular stop. “We try to feel the vibe of the audience, so that we can deliver the best show for them,” Jugs explains. “One thing for sure is that we will take them back to the Philippines, if only for a few hours.”

Joining the band on tour is their newest member Michael Vargas, who will showcase his versatility and chops on guitar, keyboards and violin. His addition adds another layer of energy to the group’s highly anticipated overseas shows.

The Nagoya stop serves as the fourth international show this year, following successful stints in Japan (Tokyo), the UK, and Indonesia (Bali).

“Everything about international touring is exciting,” says Jugs. “Food is a huge part of the ‘new’ experience. The challenging part is fitting all the pasalubongs in your suitcase without going over baggage!”

Tickets are currently on sale at https://akinkanalangjapannagoya.peatix.com for The Itchyworms: Akin Ka Na Lang – Nagoya Tour.

Diane Ventura’s acclaimed Filipino documentary expands its global footprint with upcoming theatrical screenings

Photos by Lawrence Del Rosario

Next month, ERASERHEADS: COMBO ON THE RUN will be screened at two major film festivals: the International Sound and Film Festival in Samobor, Croatia, and the 44th Annual Hawai’i International Film Festival in the United States.

The highly regarded documentary, which was directed and produced by Maria Diane Ventura, is included in the official lineup for Spotlight On The Philippines, a showcase of recent Filipino productions that are pushing the boundaries of narrative. It will be shown in Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 30, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Consolidated Theatres Kapolei 3.

Alongside ERASERHEADS: COMBO ON THE RUN, the special section also features Lav Diaz’s Magellan, which was handpicked as the Philippines’ entry to the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film, and Jerrold Tarog’s Quezon, an epic historical drama which stars Jericho Rosales on the titular role.

Adding to its accolades, ERASERHEADS: COMBO ON THE RUN is also nominated for Best International Film Documentary at the International Sound & Film Music Festival, widely regarded as one of the three largest and most important sound and film music festivals in the world. The event will take place on October 6, 2025.

“Sharing a story and music that are distinctly ours, yet resonate with a wider audience, is inspiring,” Diane Ventura said in a press statement. “Representing the Philippines on this stage is a privilege.”

Newly announced festival screenings are just one stop on the way. The dates for ERASERHEADS: COMBO ON THE RUN’s official international theatrical release will be announced over the course of the upcoming months. The Middle East will be the first, followed by Australia, the US, Canada, and the UK.

“We’re thrilled to be taking the film beyond the Philippines,” shares Ventura. “It’s exciting to see this story travel and connect with audiences around the world.”