MUSIC LYF: Pupil Returns In 2015 With New Album ZILCH

Pinoy Alternative Rock Band Pupil is back this 2015 with a new album ZILCH under MCA Music which will also their fourth album in total. The band composed of Ely Buendia, who also worked with another band The Oktaves; Wendell Garcia, Dok Sergio, and new guitarist Jerome Velasco. 

With the last album released back in 2013, they said that during that period they still continue to record songs. They have also tried things such as set up with different venues like warehouses to bring out a whole new sound that is not the usual studio sound. 

"Every band member or musician has dreamed of going to Tagaytay, simbahan, Baguio o sa beach. the problem then was wala pang technology to do that, ngayon meron na, so I'm suprized why many musician aren't doing that" Ely shared.

The band is also gearing up for gigs and an album launch to be held in Craft BGC. The music video of their first single is also on the works and will be premiered soon on MYX.

MUSIC LYF: Shane Filan Back In Manila For Solo Concert

Shane Filan, former front man of the super group and worldwide phenomenon Westlife fulfills a promise he made to Filipino fans last year, as he holds his much-awaited solo concert on October 1, 2014 at the World Trade Center Manila.

This will be Shane’s first ever major show in Manila after the Irish group’s fond farewell tour back in 2011 and is part of his ongoing You and  Me World Tour to promote his debut album.

Shane’s new album is way more than ballads that Westlife and has been described as a “progression from Westlife’s sound.. the end result is a collection of adult contemporary songs that mix a variety of musical styles.”

The record is dominated by up-tempo and mid-tempo songs, a reflection of his own record collection, mixing pop, soul, country and even a hint of traditional Irish music. With this first solo album, Shane emerges as a pop writer to be reckoned with. Shane chooses the very first song he wrote, the catchy Everything To Me, to be his first single.

MUSIC LYF: Janice Javier BlogCon

Janice Javier has been working most of her life but still kept her passion for singing, as one of the grand finalist in The Voice of the Philippines, she is now enjoying her musical career as she launches her debut album under MCA Music. Though we are used to hear her singing more than talking, having a BlogCon with her give her the chance to voice out her story and let out her quirky and funny side.

MUSIC LYF: Maleficent Original Motion Picture Soundtrack OUT NOW on Spinnr & iTunes!

Award-winning, American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey has recorded a unique reimagining of the renowned fairy-tale tune “Once Upon A Dream” from Disney’s classic animated film “Sleeping Beauty,” which is featured in the theatrical trailer & end credits of the Disney film “Maleficent”-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihgvGPlSkXE . This haunting cover was unveiled as part of a 90-second sneak peek of Disney’s “Maleficent” during the 56th Annual Grammy Awards® last January 2014. The track is included in the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack featuring 71 minutes of original James Newton Howard score. Howard is best known for his brilliant theatrical scores for films such as “Pretty Woman”, “The Hunger Games”, “Batman Begins”, “King Kong” and “The Sixth Sense” among others.

MUSIC LYF: Myk Perez BlogCon

From the Voice of the Philippines and now officially and recording artist under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), Myk Perez has now  starting his music path after the talent show. This is the real test of musicians to make it big, and having their own album is the start. 

Being part now of the MCA Family, he is joined by his batchmates in the Voice of the Philippines like Mitoy, Janice, and Paolo Onesa. Having a distinct voice that souns soulful and works well with acoustic fits his debut album "My Acoustic".

On this album, he included the songs he performed for the Voice and also an original track "Honey Under the Moon" which he composed. He also collaborated with other artists for "Two is Better Than One" with Krissy Villongo of Krissy and Ericka and "Almost Is Never Enought" with Sabrina for her album "I Love Acoustic 6".

MUSIC LYF: Sabrina's "I Love Acoustic 6" BlogCon

6 Acoustic Albums, that is what Sabrina has now achieved in her music career. Last time I remember, she was launching her 4th album already and with a large following in Indonesia and other Asian countries. Sabrina has indeed outdone herself again and keeps on doing what she does best.

And for the new album, she is also adding new spice to her playlist in the album (album review soon on Listening Room).  She has sold more than 200,000 albums sold all over Asia from her “I Love Acoustic” series, labed as Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart SABRINA will once again excite Asian audiences with the release of “I Love Acoustic 6”.

Sabrina has also had changes with her looks, with a slimmer and playful look, it will be something listeners and fans would like to see from her while still delivering a one of a kind acoustic prowess that charmed many hearts. I asked if there will be more markets she would like to explore, she said that they are looking at them now. 

MUSIC LYF: Westlife's Shane Filan Philippine Promo Tour

Former lead vocalist of boy band Westlife, Shane Filan is here in Manila for a series of shows on September 28, 6PM (Skydome , SM City North EDSA) and on September 29, 4PM (The Podium) to promote his brand new EP entitled "Everything To Me" exclusively distributed under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).

Shane is known to millions as the front man of the super group, and worldwide phenomenon - Westlife with a string of hits to the group's credit: If I Let You Go, I Lay My Love On You, Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings and many more. The group has sold over 50 million records around the world including a staggering 14 No. 1 singles in the UK alone - the third highest in UK history! in 2010, Westlife were named the top selling album group of the 21st century. Westlife bid farewell to their fans in 2012 with a successful goodbye tour. Shane has been working on his solo material since then. Last August 2013, he co-wrote and released his debut single "Everything To Me", produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, James Morrison, Train). This edgy pop song is the lead track of an EP which includes three other brand new songs, written by Shane. A full album is expected to follow later, according to Shane would be Novermber this year.

MUSIC LYF: The Killers Announce "Direct Hits"

Ten years ago today, on September 16th, 2003, four young men from Las Vegas left America for the first time to play their first ever London show, appearing fourth on the bill at Camden’s Dublin Castle. It was the first time they had played a gig outside of North America.

Fast forward to 2013, that band – The Killers – has gone on to sell over 20 million albums worldwide, headlined festivals across the globe, performed at The White House, and picked up myriad awards. Each of The Killers’ four studio albums has yielded some of the most amazing songs of the last decade, and, this summer, amidst various festival headlining shows all over the world, they reached a summit very few artists have ever managed: headlining Wembley Stadium to an ecstatic capacity crowd of 70,000. These shows – from their masterful showing headlining this year’s Lollapalooza to their crowning achievement commanding the stage at Wembley – reaffirmed what millions everywhere already know: The Killers have released some of the finest, most memorable, most loved songs of the last ten years, and they’re still going strong.

MUSIC LYF: George Benson: Inspirational Tour Live In Manila

Music fans will be captivated by the smooth, light sound of an exhilarating array of jazz, swing, bop, R&B and pop tunes from one of the world’s greatest jazz guitarists and singers when George Benson performs at a big show on September 5 (Thursday), at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with special guest Grammy award-winning R&B and jazz singer Patti Austin.

The musical event, to be produced by Ovation Productions, is part of Benson’s ongoing world tour to promote his latest album, Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole, released under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).

#Roar Philippines' Champion Single Launch

New Katy Perry Single "Roat" Launched on Magic 89.9 On Demand

“Roar”, the latest single from iconic pop singer Katy Perry, premiered for local audiences today on ON DEMAND with Boom and Carla of Magic 89.9. It is the le

ad single from her forthcoming album Prism and her first release through MCA Music Inc. (Universal Music Philippines). The long-awaited launch of Perry’s brand new single was met with great excitement by MCA Music personnel and members of the Katy Perry Philippines fan club in attendance.

MUSIC LYF: LINDSEY STIRLING of America’s Got Talent Live! at AYALA MALLS this August 2013

Imbued with unmistakable vibrancy, Ayala Malls continues to be a premium entertainment destination that features world-class performances both from local and international artists. Its continuous and sincere efforts to offer only the best lifestyle experience resonate with its goal to constantly bring joy to all its valued shoppers. This August, get ready for another musical pleasure as the incredibly talented violinist Lindsey Stirling is set to perform at your favorite Ayala Malls.

Lindsey is a classically-trained violinist from Gilbert, Arizona who is known for her beautifully-choreographed violin performances. Lindsey started making a name in YouTube where she performed original compositions and cover songs from video game soundtracks. Her unique musical genre paired with her impressive dance moves instantly captured a good number of fans who were enthralled with her performance. But the 26-year old artist gained her mainstream popularity as she joined the fourth season of America’s Got Talent where she became a quarter-finalist. The same competition gave her the title as the Hip Hop Violinist.

MUSIC LYF: Lady Gaga is Back with "Applause"

Multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning artist Lady Gaga has announced that the first single from her long-awaited forthcoming album/app ARTPOP is "Applause", and has released its single artwork shot by Inez & Vinoodh. "Applause" will be available worldwide beginning August 19th, and is the first single from the pop icon's highly anticipated fourth studio album/app ARTPOP, which will hit stores around the world on November 11th through Streamline/Interscope Records.

Due to popular audience demand, the pre-order for ARTPOP will also now arrive on August 19th - two weeks earlier than previously announced. Fans who visit iTunes on August 19th will be able to purchase the single "Applause" and pre-order their copy of ARTPOP with just one click. The single will also be available at digital retailers across the globe at the same time, and CD pre-orders will be available at Amazon.com and other select retailers.

Lady Gaga is set to perform "Applause" for the first time at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY on August 25th.

Avicii New Smashing Hit SIngle "Wake Me Up"

Avicii – the superstar producer/DJ behind dance floor favorites such as “Fade Into Darkness”, “Seek Bromance” and, of course, the ubiquitous smash hit “Levels” – is at it again. His newest release “Wake Me Up!”, which serves as the lead single from his forthcoming debut studio album #TRUE, is destined to seize the attention of music-lovers and club-goers the world over.

“Wake Me Up!” represents a new stylistic direction for Avicii. Featuring a bluegrass-style guitar riff, syncopated handclaps, and country-inflected vocals by Aloe Blacc, the song exemplifies Avicii’s innovative and experimental blending of house music with acoustic instruments and seemingly unrelated musical genres. The result is an irresistible and incredibly stimulating dance track that lies comfortably between Mumford & Sons and the Swedish House Mafia. Unsurprisingly, the single was a worldwide hit, reaching the #1 spot in thirteen countries and #5 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Songs. In the UK singles charts, it became the fastest selling single of 2013 so far, moving approximately 267,000 copies in its first week. Just over a month since its release, “Wake Me Up!” has sold over 1,113,641 singles worldwide with no signs of slowing down. The single can be purchased via the Apple iTunes store – get a piece of the action today.

MUSIC LYF: CAPITAL CITIES “Safe and Sound”

#1 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs

The sensational indie-pop twosome Capital Cities – composed of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian – released their phenomenal hit single “Safe and Sound” to international audiences this year. An undeniably satisfying blast of electronic dance pop, the single is a must-hear for music lovers everywhere.

“Safe and Sound” highlights the duo’s immense talent for creating incredibly catchy melodies infused with strong electronic elements. With a sing-along-inspiring chorus and a contagious trumpet hook, backed up by the classic sound of an analogue synthesizer and a driving kick drum, the track is irresistibly danceable and can be downloaded here through iTunes. In 2011, the single was featured in a promotional video for Big Blue Test, a website dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for diabetes patients. On June 6 of this year, the band performed the song on Conan with Conan O’Brien, in their very-first TV appearance. The rousing performance showcased the band’s exhilarating sound as well as their electrifying stage presence, eliciting a tremendous response from the audience – watch the video here. Climbing to #1 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs and the German Singles chart, “Safe and Sound” has also been featured in a commercial by telecom giant Vodafone.

MUSIC LYF: Introducing: “Bastille” and their debut album Bad blood

Bad Blood is the debut studio-album by British band, Bastille. It features the singles "Overjoyed", "Bad Blood", "Flaws", "Pompeii", "Laura Palmer" and "Things We Lost in the Fire".

Included in their debut album is their best-selling single “Pompeii” --- the most successful international release to date, debuting at number two and became the group's first top five hit. It also gave Bastille their first number-one single, charting atop the charts in Scotland and Ireland.

The album was recorded in London, UK; produced by Mark Crew and Dan Smith.

Upon its March release this year in the band’s native United Kingdom, Bad Blood debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart. The album has spawned five singles so far, with a sixth scheduled for release in September. “Flaws” saw the group break into the Top 40 for this first time, charting at #21 on the UK singles charts. Meanwhile, “Pompeii”, the fourth single lifted from the album, achieved massive popularity, debuting at #2 in the UK and #1 in both Ireland and Scotland. The stirring percussion and extraordinarily catchy melody, along with front man Dan Smith’s refined vocals, make “Pompeii” addictively listenable. The single’s music video has already attracted an incredible 28 million views. “Pompeii” is available as a digital single on the Apple iTunes store - download a copy now.

MUSIC LYF: History of The Eagles DVD

Hits 7X Platinum in Canada!

July 15, 2013 -- During the hotly anticipated Canadian leg of their History of The Eagles tour, American rock band The Eagles received a 7x Platinum Award from the team at Universal Music Canada for their DVD of the same name. The History of The Eagles DVD has been number one in Canada since it was released ten weeks ago.

As the title would suggest, the tour’s shows have featured songs from across the band’s extensive catalogue and sees the more recent Eagles line-up reunited with Bernie Leadon who originally left the band in 1975. History of The Eagles is a meticulous creation featuring rare archival material, concert footage, and never-before-seen home movies that explore the evolution and enduring popularity of one of the world’s biggest-selling and culturally significant American bands.

MUSIC LYF: "Wild" Is Becoming A Massive Hit Around The World

"Wild" is a single by English singer-songwriter Jessie J and the lead single from her second studio album. The single released in the United Kingdom and Ireland features Big Sean and Dizzee Rascal, while the single released in other countries such as Australia, the United States and the Netherlands only features Big Sean. It was written by Jessica Cornish, Claude Kelly, Dylan Mills, Joshua Coleman and Sean Anderson and produced by Ammo. The single was released as a download on 26 May 2013 in the United Kingdom.

"Wild" was penned by the songwriter Claude Kelly. The song features two rappers, Dizzee Rascal and Big Sean. This was produced by American musician Ammo, who is signed to Dr. Luke's publishing company Prescription Songs as a producer and songwriter. Jessie J told Capital London that she wanted someone "really British" and "really American" in terms of guests. "We wrote the song and I actually had a middle eight," she explained, "and I said to Claude Kelly, who's the executive producer on this album, 'I feel like this should have a rapper on it' and I was like 'how about two?'".

MUSIC LYF: Kanye West - Yeezus (Album)

I'mma let you finish reading this but let me tell you the rave reviews for Kanye West from prestigious news magazines in print and online which is also just in time for their new baby girl, North West, with Kim Kardashian. So is he the best in the world?

ROLLING STONE: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/yeezus-20130614

“Yeezus is the darkest, most extreme music Kanye has ever cooked up, an extravagantly abrasive album full of grinding electro, pummeling minimalist hip-hop, drone-y wooz and industrial gear-grind. Every mad genius has to make a record like this at least once in his career… Being a work of Kanye West, Yeezus is also a brilliant, obsessive-compulsive career auto-correct… This isn't just a way to stay ahead of the competition; it's a way to stay ahead of him.” – Jon Dolan / 4.5 Stars

PITCHFORK: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18172-kanye-west-yeezus/

MUSIC LYF: The Art of Burt Bacharach

The Legendary Composer & Songwriter Celebrates his 85th Birthday with the release of “Anyone Who Had a Heart: The Art of the Songwriter”

This year, legendary composer and songwriter Burt Bacharach celebrates his 85th birthday with the release of a “Anyone Who Had A Heart: The Art of the Songwriter” --- a 40-track, 2-CD set with various artists performing his memorable writing collaborations. The complete collection is also available on iTunes --- http://smarturl.it/artofthesongwriterph.

Dating from his first pop hit on the charts and especially his work with longtime writing partner and lyricist Hal David, who helped the duo create an amazing streak of classics, to those songs of recent years when Bacharach ventured out on his own to write with Carole Bayer Sager and Elvis Costello among others, the collection celebrates the work of Bacharach and how the combined efforts of talented songwriters, majestic melodies, unforgettable lyrics and great vocalists can yield timeless pop classics and be interpreted in unique ways.

Along with Lennon and McCartney, Burt Bacharach is one of the most celebrated and legendary song-writers of the twentieth century. His work is recognized around the globe and the respect he has from his peers and fans alike has made him a true living legend.

TRACKLISTING:

DISC 1 1. I Say A Little Prayer (Aretha Franklin) 2. Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head (B.J. Thomas) 3. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself (Dusty Springfield) 4. Waiting For Charlie To Come Home (Etta James) 5. The Story Of My Life (Marty Robbins) 6. The Look Of Love (Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66) 7. A House Is Not A Home (Brook Benton) 8. Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)(Christopher Cross) 9. Baby It's You (Smith) 10. Tower Of Strength (Gene McDaniels) 11. Magic Moments (Perry Como) 12. Take A Broken Heart (Rick Nelson) 13. Wishin' And Hopin' (Brenda Lee) 14. Don't Make Me Over (Sybil) 15. Any Day Now (Elvis Presley) 16. Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa (Gene Pitney) 17. I'll Never Fall In Love Again (Isaac Hayes) 18. Love's (Still) The Answer (Ronald Isley) 19. Anyone Who Had A Heart (Dionne Warwick) 20. What The World Needs Now (Jackie Deshannon DISC 2 1. What's New Pussycat? (Tom Jones) 2. Alfie (Barbara Streisand) 3. Make It Easy On Yourself (The Walker Brothers) 4. This Guy's In Love With You (Herb Alpert) 5. Message To Michael (The Marvelettes) 6. One Less Bell To Answer (The Fifth Dimension) 7. Walk On By (Gloria Gaynor) 8. Trains And Boats And Planes (Astrud Gilberto) 9. Let The Music Play (Diana Ross & The Supremes) 10. You'll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart)(The Stylistics) 11. Wives And Lovers (Jack Jones) 12. Love Is My Decision (Chris De Burgh) 13. Keep Me In Mind (Patti Page) 14. On My Own (Patti Labelle And Michael McDonald) 15. Nikki (Burt Bacharach) 16. My Little Red Book (Manfred Mann) 17. Overnight Success (Gladys Knight & The Pips) 18. Toledo (Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach) 19. That's What Friends Are For (Kevin Eubanks)

"Anyone Who Had a Heart: The Art of the Songwriter" is now available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and Fully Booked or online via iTunes http://smarturl.it/artofthesongwriterph | For more information about this release, visit www.facebook.com/mcamusic.ccj

MUSIC LYF: Imagine Dragons - Night Visions (ALbum)

CERTIFIED RIAA PLATINUM IN THE US

Album Is Top 10 on Billboard 200, 40 Weeks On The Chart

June 14, 2013 – Santa Monica, CA – KIDinaKORNER / Interscope recording artist IMAGINE DRAGONS’debut album, Night Visions is certified platinum by the RIAA. Night Visions, released on September 4, 2012 entered the Billboard Top 200 Chart at #2 with the best first week sales for a full-length debut by a new rock band in over six years. Imagine Dragons crosses a monumental threshold; according to Nielsen SoundScan, since 2008 there have been 25 rock bands to sell over one million copies, only three of which were for debut albums.