Composer Thomas Newman, Sia Provide `Unforgettable' Music for "Finding Dory"‏

Disney-Pixar's “Finding Dory” welcomes back to the big screen Dory, friends Marlin and Nemo—and composer Thomas Newman. “To me, he was one of the cast members of ‘Finding Nemo,’” says director Andrew Stanton. “We formed a close relationship ever since, and now that he is behind the score for ‘Finding Dory,’ it fees like the last member of the family has arrived at the reunion.”

According to Stanton, scoring a film like “Finding Dory” with a composer like Newman takes the films to places he has yet to imagine. “It forces me to have to really explain out loud what my intentions are. It can lead to very intense conversation between the two of us. But I get so much out of it. I end up understanding my movie ten times better—it’s almost therapy for me. We just click.”

Female Artists Motivate Runners To Go The Extra Mile on Spotify

* Female artists dominate running playlists on Spotify, from Queen Bey hits to classics from Missy Elliott and TLC·

* New survey shows that over 60% of runners report that music helps them run faster and longer

* Spotify Running users covered 55 million kilo meters in the past seven months, equal to running around the world 1,386 times

Spotify reveals the world’s most-streamed running songs of 2015. “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce led the pack, followed closely with “Chandelier” by Sia and “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson. In fact, 7 of the 10 top tracks come from female artists, ranging from current chart toppers to Missy Elliott and TLC.

International Rapper and Singer Nicki Minaj recognizes Darren‏

MCA Music’s very own Darren Espanto the runner up for the 1st season of The Voice Kids performed for Wish 107.5’s radio show called the Roadshow. The 14-year old showed his vocal prowess with his rendition of Sia’s hit, “Chandelier”. Darren Espanto was able to hit and belt every note with ease thus impressing the DJ of the show; little did the young singer know that somewhere and somehow a very popular international artist was also wowed by his vocal chops. Nicki Minaj an international singer and rapper shared the young singer’s video on her facebook page. 

“So effortless. Incredible voice!” said Nicki, sharing her thoughts about the video. Not only had the international artist got to share her thoughts about the video but also the fans of both artists also shared their delight over the video, and how impressed they are with the young singer’s amazing voice. One person even said that Darren’s version is better than the original, while Darren’s fans thanked the international artists for sharing a video of their idol.  Nicki’s shared video garnered 5,000 plus likes, and still counting!

REEL DEAL: Sia's Haunting Version of "California Dreamin'" for "San Andreas"

Consistent with the edgy tone of the musical score for New Line Cinema's “San Andreas,” multiple Grammy nominee and international chart-topping artist Sia has interpreted the 1960s classic “California Dreamin'” for the film's soundtrack.

Produced by Oliver Kraus, the song was performed by Sia especially for “San Andreas,” and is heard in tandem with its closing beats and end credits, to echo the evocative and uplifting notes of the story’s big finale.

REEL DEAL: “ANNIE” Original Soundtrack Out Nov 17

For generations, families everywhere have fallen in love with the musical score to “Annie,” and such iconic songs as “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” and “Maybe,” have provided the soundtrack to countless childhood memories.

Now, as a new vision for the classic show is set to hit Philippine theaters in January 2015 in Columbia Pictures’ Annie, Roc Nation Records/Overbrook Entertainment/Madison Gate Records/RCA Records announce the “Annie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” will be released on November 17th, 2014.  The soundtrack features newly recorded versions of the film’s signature songs plus new tunes performed by Sia, Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis, Cameron Diaz, and more.

The first single from the soundtrack is the 2014 film version of “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile,” performed and co-written by Sia and produced by Greg Kurstin, who also serves as Executive Music Producer on the film.  The single is currently available at all digital music providers.