MUSIC LYF: Abra Finally Releases Self-Titled Debut Album!

“Mambulabog ng mga isip, to inspire, and to change the world one step at a time.”

After months of waiting and anticipation, Raymond Abracosa a.k.a ABRA, finally releases his first solo album under Artifice Records and Ivory Music & Video.

Dubbed the “Makatang Hibang” by his fans, Abra’s exceptional lyricism, extensive vocabulary, ingenious literary technique, speed and lucidity of delivery, and fiery stage presence made him a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His 4 nominations at the 2014 MYX Music Awards including Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Music Video, Favorite Urban Video and Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ would be a clear verification.

MUSIC LYF: OPM Artists Record "The Prayer" For Yolanda Victims

On October 15, 2013, an earthquake with the energy equivalent to “32 Hiroshima bombs” devastated the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao and southern Luzon.

Two days later, the Loboc Children’s Choir sang, “The Prayer,” with the rubble of the hundred year old Loboc Church as their backdrop.

Their performance moved so many people here and abroad. Then, tragedy struck again.

On November 8, Typhoon Yolanda, the most powerful tropical cyclone of the year hit East Samar, Samar and Leyte.

Thousands died. Millions were left hungry, desperate and homeless.

Relief efforts from the Philippines and the rest of the world are currently helping the victims survive and find temporary homes.

MUSIC LYF: MKTO Live

In addition to their sound, it’s this sort of comfort in their own skin that defines MKTO, and informs not just the content of their music, but also the origins of their name. “It's simple,” Oller says of the moniker, which not only represents their combined initials (Malcolm Kelley, Tony Oller), but something more. “It also stands for what our album kind of is: Misfit Kids and Total Outcasts—just like the kids we were in high school.”

“Whether we like it or not, some kids are still gonna look up to us, and if I can give them a good direction to go in, or be a positive factor, then I'll be that,” Kelley says proudly.

Both accomplished adolescent actors (Oller’s credits include starring in the Disney Series As The Bell Rings as well as the movie Beneath The Darkness, while Kelley had major roles on ABC’s hit Lost as well as in the film Antwone Fisher), the two first met while filming Gigantic, in 2010, in which they played best friends. It was there that they first bonded and realized their shared love of music.

MUSIC LYF: Ke$ha Warrior Tour Live in Manila

WARRIORS! Araneta Center is bringing the alluring and talented Ke$ha in the Warrior Tour Live in Manila. This will happen on October 24, 2013 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

Ke$ha is behind the wicked and hot hits like “Die Yong”, “C’mon”, “Crazy Kids”, “Tik Tok”, “Your Love Is My Drug”, and “We R Who We R”.

MUSIC LYF: One Direction With "Best Song Ever"

FINAL VIEW COUNT REVEALS ONE DIRECTION’S “BEST SONG EVER” BREAKS VEVO RECORD WITH ASTONISHING 12.3 MILLION VIEWS IN 24 HOURS

The final count of viewing figures for One Direction’s latest smash hit, “Best Song Ever”, reveals that the Brit superstars have smashed the previous record held by Miley Cyrus for the most viewed video on VEVO in 24 hours with an astonishing 12.3 million views.  The new record beats Miley Cyrus’s “We Can’t Stop,” which hit 10.7 million views.

MUSIC LYF: One Direction - 'ONE WAY OR ANOTHER (TEENAGE KICKS)’

THE OFFICAL RED NOSE DAY 2013 SINGLE

The world's biggest pop band, One Direction, have teamed up with the UK charity, Comic Relief, to record the official 2013 Red Nose Day charity single, creating their own unique take on the Blondie classic 'One Way Or Another.'

The single is produced by Julian Bunetta, and will available as a download starting 17th February, 2013.

2013 marks the 25th anniversary of Red Nose Day, the charity Comic Relief's biannual fundraising event. Originally launched on BBC1 on Christmas Day 1985, the idea for Comic Relief was to make the public laugh with specially commissioned sketches and routines while simultaneously highlighting and raising money for the then crippling famine situation in Ethiopia. Before long Red Nose Day was created, a charity telethon that brings together the cream of UK comedy and entertainment for one night of fundraising - the first Red Nose Day in 1988 raised an incredible £15million.

MUSIC LYF: Moonstar 88

COMPLETE YOUR YEAR WITH THE ULTIMATE 2012 SOUNDTRACK! 

GRAB A COPY OF MOONSTAR88’S LATEST ALBUM “THIS YEAR”

After the success of their studio albums and chart-topping hits like “Torete”, “Sulat”, and “Migraine”, Moonstar88, composed of vocalist/guitarist May Chelle Baay, guitarist Herbert Hernandez, bassist Paolo Bernaldo and drummer Bon Sundlang, rises to new heights with the release of their newest album “This Year”.

With the band members having successful careers outside their work as musicians, this album is a certain proof of hardwork and dedication. “I guess may magic din kasi yung pagiging Moonstar88 namin, [yun] yung pinaka-escape namin sa personal and work stuff, doon namin nabuhos lahat ng emotions sa pagsusulat ng kanta and pagtugtog,” Moonstar88 reveals. It took them two and a half years to finish the album, from pre-production, demo and playing the songs live on gigs.

MUSIC LYF: Jason Fernandez - Panimula (Album)

Former Rivermaya frontman Jason Fernandez starts anew in Panimula

For Jason Fernandez, leaving Rivermaya is one of the most difficult decisions he has made in his lifetime. The said step tested not only his faith, but also his courage to continue his passion for music. Luckily, he has supportive friends and colleagues to encourage him to continue doing what he is destined to do – sing, make music and entertain.

Jason’s new album Panimula is an emotional, musical testimony to his challenging, yet fulfilling journey as a musician.

Produced by Jason and with the support of his new band Sta. Maria, Panimula, under Ivory Music and Video, boasts of having six tracks and one bonus track.

“I have been working on this album for the past year, and I am very proud with how everything turned out,” says Jason. “The wait is definitely worth it. The album follows my journey as a musician.”

MUSIC LYF: Jason Fernandez

Former Rivermaya Frontman Jason Fernandez turns over a new leaf; set to release new album

Former Rivermaya frontman Jason Fernandez was just 18 years old when he won the Bagong Liwanag: The Search for the New Rivermaya Vocalist, and joined the third evolution of the famed band. Jason then left the band last year, and formed his own band Sta. Maria.

After more than a year, Jason, together with his band, is all set to release his debut album, under Ivory Music Video. The album is set for release next month.

MUSIC LYF: David Archuleta - Begin (album)

David Archuleta’s new album BEGIN. Available in stores and online

On BEGIN. David puts his spin on some of modern music’s most moving songs, such as “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera, “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M., “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel and many more. The album also includes the inspirational hymn “Be Still, My Soul” and the breathtaking, new original track “Broken”. David’s powerful vocals are showcased beautifully throughout the album and make it a must-have for every music lover.

Each song was thoughtfully hand-selected by David and holds special meaning to him, as he worked on the album while preparing for a new chapter of his life to BEGIN. – a two year mission in South America for his church.

MUSIC LYF: Tonight Alive

What Are You So Scared Of? It’s an unlikely tale. Rising from the fevered hotbed of Sydney, Australia’s underground hardcore scene, boy meets girl. Or rather, two boys meet girl to make kick-ass rock music. Try to keep up – the story goes something like this…

Guitarist Whakaio Taahi and his compadre bass player, Cameron Adler, needed a frontman for a rock project. Scrap that. Frontwoman. Enter ingénue-with-attitude, Jenna McDougall – as soon as the sixteen-year-old songstress’ soaring contralto and sweet strains took the mic to their songs, something clicked. Already onboard, rhythm axeman Jake Hardy and new recruit, drummer Matt Best – a childhood buddy of Whakaio’s. One jam later, the writing was on the wall. Tonight Alive were up and running, pedal to the metal.

MUSIC LYF: Jennifer Lopez - Dance Again (Album)

Special Deluxe Edition Contains Bonus DVD With Music Videos From CD

Packed with a dozen sensational career-spanning hits and two new chart-topping songs, “Dance Again…the Hits,” released by Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines, marks Jennifer Lopez’s first-ever greatest hits package.  The stellar new tracks are “Goin’ In” (featuring Flo Rida) and “Dance Again” (featuring Pitbull). “Dance Again” has sold more than 1.4 million copies worldwide since its March 2012 debut, and reached #1 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart.  On May 10^th, Jennifer sizzled on stage while performing “Dance Again” on American Idol, as well as executing a scorching version of “Goin In” on the  American Idol finale. “Dance Again” finds Lopez, Pitbull and producer RedOne teaming up as they did for “On the Floor,” which is also on “Dance Again…The Hits.”  2011’s  “On The Floor” is Lopez's most successful single to date, topping more than 18 national single charts and selling over three million copies.

MUSIC LYF: Alanis Morissette - Guardian (Single)

ALANIS MORISSETTE TO RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM HAVOC AND BRIGHT LIGHTS ON AUGUST 2012

First Single “Guardian” Available on www.mymusicstore.com.ph

Multi-platinum, Grammy winning artist Alanis Morissette will be releasing her highly anticipated seventh studio album, HAVOC AND BRIGHT LIGHTS, on August 2012, via Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines. Produced by Guy Sigsworth (Björk, Madonna, Seal) and Joe Chiccarelli (Tori Amos, Elton John, My Morning Jacket, U2) and recorded in Los Angeles, the album marks the songstress’ first release in four years.  Fans will be able to purchase the album’s first single, “Guardian,” on www.mymusicstore.com.ph

MUSIC LYF: Usher - Looking For Myself (Album)

7-TIME GRAMMY AWARD-WINNER USHER TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM LOOKING FOR MYSELF

LEAD SINGLE “CLIMAX” VIDEO VIEWED OVER 1 MILLION TIMES 

WITHIN JUST A FEW DAYS OF PREMIERE

Seven–time Grammy Award winner Usher will release his eagerly anticipated new album LOOKING FOR MYSELF on June 2012, under Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines. His seventh studio album, LOOKING FOR MYSELF will be available in both physical and digital editions.

The genre-defying lead single from LOOKING FOR MYSELF entitled "Climax," was written by Usher Raymond along with co-writers Redd Stylez, Ariel Rechtshaid, and Diplo, who also produced the single. “Climax” is receiving exceptional critical acclaim: Rolling Stone honored it with a 4 star review and calls it “Sexxxxxxy.”Pitchfork declares "Climax" "an exercise in the power of restraint, as Usher sings the woes of a romance stuck in limbo, alternating whispery falsettos and earnestly pained howls….Diplo shows uncharacteristic subtlety behind Usher's sentiment, with a beat that seems to hang suspended in midair.” The Los Angeles Times writes "Climax" "is rooted in pure soul, with Diplo employing sexy synths behind a dripping downbeat. Draw the curtains, light a candle and take a listen." Perez Hilton exclaims “LOVE IT!! This song is a trance-y, smooth HIT!!  USA Today describes “Climax” as “Usher’s pulsing new single showcasing his silky-strong tenor” and Entertainment Weekly highlights Usher’s “steaming-hot falsetto. 

MUSIC LYF: One Direction Live DVD Hits No.1 in 25 Countries

Band Makes US Chart History AGAIN

One Direction’s live DVD ‘Up All Night: The Live Tour’ has hit No.1 in an amazing 25 countries this week.

In the USA the DVD is No.1 on the Billboard DVD chart, with the band AGAIN making chart history as this is the first time a No.1 DVD has outsold the No.1 album in the US. The DVD outsold every music artist format this week, selling 76,000 copies, and making it the highest debut of 2012 and the 2nd highest debut of the past five years.

In Canada the DVD is No.1 selling twice the No.1 album this week. It is already the 2nd best- selling DVD of 2012 there.

The DVD is No.1 in the UK Official Charts with the biggest opening selling week one of 2012.

It is also No.1 in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Turkey.

MUSIC LYF: Adam Lambert - Trespassing

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR ADAM LAMBERT TO RELEASE SOPHOMORE ALBUM

Global superstar Adam Lambert will release his highly anticipated second album TRESPASSING via Ivory Music and Video, The exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines on May 2012.

Lambert describes TRESPASSING, which he executive produced as "an exciting journey through the past two years of my life.  It's been a transformative period and I really wanted to make music from what I've experienced.  All these songs honestly explore the ups and downs of my reality."

In addition to co-writing many of the tracks, Lambert collaborated with an all star list of award winning artists, producers and songwriters including Pharrell Williams, Dr. Luke, Bruno Mars ,Claude Kelly, Benny Blanco, Bonnie McKee, Nile Rogers, and Sam Sparro.

MUSIC LYF: ESCAPE from this heat with TECHY ROMANTICS

Since June 2008, Techy Romantics has been playing the local gig circuit, infiltrating the ranks of Manila and Southeast Asia’s partyphiles, and churning track after track of the year’s most danceable tunes. No matter if you’re a rockstar, an indie enthusiast, or a socialite; you’ll find yourself entranced and electrified by the Techy Romantics sound.

Described as “edgy, dreamy, and trippy”, the music of Techy Romantics will have you in a feel-good, electro-pop frenzy, evidenced by the head-bobbing, fist-pumping, and foot-stomping commonplace among the crowds in almost all their gigs. Composed of Camyl Besinga on vocals, Ryan Villena on guitars, and Dondi Virrey on rhythm and beats, Techy Romantics was born with the simple aim of making original music available online. Relatively young in the scene, the group created songs that successfully fuse a potent mixture of new wave, rock, pop, and dance music.

MUSIC LYF: Titanic Soundtrack

New Titanic Soundtrack To Coincide With Theatrical Release of Titanic in 3D

Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines announces the soundtrack release of TITANIC: Anniversary Edition. The release will coincide with the newly re-mastered re-release of TITANIC, the world’s most beloved and acclaimed film, in theaters on April 4, 2012.The theatrical re-release marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic setting sail (April 10th).

In commemoration of these events, Ivory Music & Video will release remastered versions of the original TITANIC soundtrack with extensive bonus material. Both feature an unreleased disc of period music recorded for the movie by I Salonisti, plus 4 bonus vintage Titanic luggage stickers. I Salonisti is the 5-piece quintet that appears in the film. Director James Cameron painstakingly researched the music that was played on the ship and hired them to record authentic music from the period – specifically, the music that all bands from the White Star Line would have been required to perform when hired to play as employees of the prestigious cruise fleet.  Arranger and music historian/advisor John Altman oversaw the process and was tasked with taking the White Star Line official playlist, arranging and recording those songs for the film. Two of the marquee songs on the disc I Salonisti: Gentlemen, It Has Been a Privilege Playing with You Tonight are “Nearer My God To Thee” which was the last song played by the band as the ship went down, and “Song of Autumn” which does not appear in the movie, but is rumored to be the actual song that the band played as the ship went down.  

MUSIC LYF: Il Divo - Wicked Game

IL DIVO's Newest album Wicked Game features some of their finest work to date including "Wicked Game", "Dov'e L'amore" (a beautiful interpretation of Samual Barbers Adagio for Strings), "Come What May" from the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge and a long awaited recording of "Time To Say Goodbye

When the phenomenon that is Il Divo were honoured at the Classic Brits at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this year, their Artist of the Decade award attested to the unrivalled success the four have enjoyed since they first announced themselves to the world with their self-titled, multiplatinum debut album in 2004. Further No 1 albums followed -‘Ancora’, ‘Siempre’ and ‘The Promise’ ¬ and at every stage, Il Divo remained true to their artistic mission: to share with the world their passion for music, and their passionate belief in it as a unifying force.

The record-breaking classical crossover quartet ¬the Swiss tenor Urs Buhler, baritone Carlos Marin from Spain, the French pop artist Sebastien Izambard and tenor David Miller from the USA first came together in 2003, the culmination of an exhaustive search by the music producer Simon Cowell to find four singers of distinctive individual gifts who could, as a group, create musical magic.

In the six years that have followed their astonishing breakthrough, Il Divo have continued to grow as recording artists and performers, and their millions of fans the world over have joined them on that journey.

MUSIC LYF: VicTORIous Soundtrack

Album from the cast of Nickelodeon's Hit Comedy Victorious

Features Victoria Justice Performing Hits Including "Beggin' On Your Knees," "Best Friend's Brother" and Gold-Certified "Freak the Freak Out”

Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines is pleased to announce the release of Victorious: Music From The Hit TV Show, the first-ever soundtrack album from Nickelodeon's hit comedy starring Victoria Justice.

Victorious: Music From The Hit TV Show features 12 songs performed by Victoria and the series cast including the show's buoyant theme song "Make It Shine" as well as the hit singles "Beggin' On Your Knees," "Freak the Freak Out" and "Best Friend's Brother."  The combined sales of all four singles have accounted for sales of over 1.3 million units.  Also on the CD are new songs “All I Want is Everything,” by the Victorious cast featuring Victoria Justice and produced by Grammy Award winner and Columbia artist Raphael Saadiq, and a special cover of the Jackson 5 classic, “I Want You Back.”  Both songs will be featured in the upcoming Victorious hour-long movie “Locked Up!”