Sony Music Entertainment Philippines (SMEP) continues to give back to disadvantaged communities through food aid and relief.

This comes as part of Sony Music Group’s global ‘Season of Giving’ campaign, where the company and its artists are paying it forward to the countries in which the international music label operates. Across the world, SMG is supporting global organizations dedicated to providing aid for those facing food insecurity, homelessness and refugee support, as well as music industry relief and educational programs for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the international music label has partnered with Reach Out and Feed Philippines for a feeding program that provides assistance and relief to households in highly urbanized areas such as Barangay Damayang Lagi in Quezon City. Sony Music has been partners with them since last year, where they provided food aid, along with pop-rock band, NOBITA, to local communities impacted by the pandemic.

Any Name’s Okay navigates the growing pains of adulthood in new EP, Leaving Home

Its focus track “Takbo” tackles themes of running away from burnout and hustle culture

Filipino alternative pop band Any Names Okay has finally dropped their much-awaited sophomore EP, Leaving Home via Sony Music Philippines. Taking a huge step forward in terms of musical and creative direction, the 6-track release digs deeper into the journey of navigating adulthood and embracing the uncertainty that comes with the process.

“As a band, we’re maturing in our songwriting and the way that we operate as creatives,” shares the five-piece outfit. “We want to grow old with our listeners—which can be scary, but very exciting. A lot of those fears and joys can be found in this collection of songs.”

Lyrically, the band’s new EP, Leaving Home expands on introspective and existential themes—sometimes rendered in emotionally blunt details, but most of the time, exhibiting some of the growing pains that one has to go through in their transitional period towards maturity. The promising newcomer explains, “We’ve all been through the wringer the last few years, and this was a much-needed emotional release for everyone. We believe that a thorough listen of the EP, however, still shows that same heart, energy, and sincerity that people have come to know of us.”

Filipino band Ben&Ben and Indonesian singer-songwriter Pamungkas to work on a two-part music collaboration

Filipino folk-pop collective Ben&Ben and Indonesian singer-songwriter Pamungkas are teaming up for a two-part music collaboration slated to drop soon.

The two music acts are filming a video in an undisclosed studio ahead of their upcoming show on August 6, 2022 (Saturday) at the 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Check out some of the photos here.

Pamungkas is currently headlining his own Southeast Asian tour to promote his fourth studio album, Birdy. His hit single “To The Bone” was a huge regional success, peaking at No. 5 on Spotify Philippines Top 50 chart last year.

Ben&Ben is also set to conquer the international stage with their first North American tour, performing in iconic and key venues across eight cities in the US and Canada.

Filipina singer-songwriter Bea Lorenzo and Singapore-based artist Benjamin Kheng team up one more time with new song “Panandalian”

The stripped-down track is a Tagalog rendition of “Good For A Time,” released in May 2022 as a collaborative effort between these two Asian acts

Filipina singer-songwriter Bea Lorenzo teams up with Singapore-based artist Benjamin Kheng for the second time with the release of “Panandalian,” a Tagalog rendition of their initial collab track “Good For A Time.” The folk-pop track is also accompanied by the original and an acoustic English version in this bundle. 

“Good For A Time,” previously released in March 2022, has nearly 2 million streams to date and growing.

With lyrics translated by Jarlo Bâse, “Panandalian,” meaning ‘momentary’ in Tagalog, breathes new life to its English counterpart and comes with a lyric video featuring the same dreamy visuals that accentuate the bittersweet transience of a relationship.

Ace Banzuelo embraces a darker, more melancholic turn on breakup song “Walang Himala”

The Filipino hitmaker channels ’80s synth-pop with brooding themes and modern R&B textures

Following the chart-topping success of “Muli” and the release of its viral music video starring ABS-CBN stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, Ace Banzuelo returns with another potential hit that is guaranteed to whet the appetite of music fans across the country.

Released under Sony Music Philippines, the Filipino recording artist’s new single “Walang Himala” carries the inherent weight of dealing with a partner’s betrayal. The melancholic synth-pop track serves as antithesis to Banzuelo’s earlier song Himala: a sad little tune that reduces listeners to a pool of misery, written as if he hibernated for months in his own mancave— devoid of light, and completely immersed in the grieving process.

Sony Music Philippines celebrates success of its dance music releases through an electric spinning event

Sony Music Philippines, in partnership with Electric Studio, recently celebrated the return of big, jubilant dance/electronic anthems with an indoor spinning event that offers full-body fitness experience and top-notch music.

Pedaling its way with high-performance rides and well-curated jams, the Somebody Like You: Electric Spinning Event featured some of the label’s most prominent club music releases of 2022 as backdrop to an energizing workout. The spinning event took place in Electric Studio, BGC, Taguig City last July 8, 2022 (Friday).

Ben&Ben wades through a bad breakup on angsty rock anthem “Langyang Pag-ibig”

The song articulates one’s feelings of being betrayed in all its aching messiness and honesty

Ben&Ben chronicles the inevitable disintegration of a romantic relationship on “Langyang Pag-ibig,” their latest single under Sony Music Philippines.

Witnessing how a burning love ultimately ends up in a disaster, the nine-piece Filipino collective writes a song that wades through a bad breakup with the stinging anger of someone struggling to put their life back on track. 

Arranged with classic rock bigness and percussive elements, the song packs a devastating punch with a chorus that articulates one’s feelings of being betrayed.

Sponge Cola reveals the inconvenient truth about regret on new single “Laman Ng Panaginip”

The new single is inspired by the power ballads of the ‘80s and ‘90s

Filipino alternative rock outfit Sponge Cola addresses the truth about regret and longing on their heart-wrenching single “Laman Ng Panaginip”—released via Sony Music Philippines.

Redefining love songs with reckless abandon, the Filipino quartet expresses the complexity of impossible choices in a world that is grounded in the familiar and often neglected reality of prioritizing practicality first before anything else, including love.

“This idea is mentioned concretely in the song almost as blunt exposition,” lead vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon stresses. “I really wanted the listener to feel that slab of reality to the face as opposed to something vague and symbolic. No figures of speech here; just feel it and let it all out. It’s the type of material that deserves to be sung out loud in the videoke over drinks with our friends and family for some kind of release.”

According to Yuzon, the song is about a love that never was. “The courage and reckless abandon that goes with singing a power ballad oftentimes come from a place of regret.” 

In terms of sonic approach and arrangement, “Laman Ng Panaginip” is inspired by the power ballad movement of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. With guidance from producer Joey Santos of Love One Another Studios, the track delivers another high point in the band’s career with indelible catchiness and impressive musical chops to back it up.

“It's a direct reference to a specific genre and time period that had a very influential impact in our formative years,” guitarist Armo Armovit shares in a statement. “It was recorded in Love One Another with producer Joey Santos making sure each layer of production had meaning and told the story.”

The song’s release is accompanied by an arresting visual helmed by filmmaker Ken Tan. Referencing Armovit, the MV director “did an excellent job in conveying the dream vs reality theme with the most minimal of elements.” The Sponge Cola’s resident guitarist adds, “The dancer, Ysabel Lava, delivered a captivating and emotionally charged performance with every move she choreographed herself.”

“Laman Ng Panaginip” is the fifth single released off their upcoming new album, CLASSIC—to be released sometime this year. The new record will serve as the band’s eighth full-length album, following a string of multiplatinum and critically acclaimed hits that span for more than two decades.

Sponge Cola’s “Laman Ng Panaginip” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video here.

Rivermaya dances the night away with comeback single “Casino”

The vintage, disco-punk stomper serves as their first single in 6 years

Rivermaya makes a triumphant comeback with “Casino,” their first single since 2018’s “#SBN.”

Blending post-punk and alternative rock influences with ‘80s dance grooves, the upbeat number deals with a love affair that instantly blossomed into a serendipitous, all-in romance. 

The release of the track comes with a music video that features two strangers who met and connected in a speakeasy bar, and danced the night away like it’s their last.

Filipino hip-hop group PLAN B delivers a spellbinding crossover jam on “Love”

The 10-piece ensemble taps SB19’s PABLO as producer for their debut R&B/rap single

10-member hip-hop group PLAN B marks their highly anticipated debut with “Love,” their first official single under Sony Music Philippines.

The smooth, soulful track was arranged by SB19’s PABLO, who delivers his producer stamp with no-skips-required hook and signature swagger. In return, the newly formed mega-group breathes new life to the genre with a star-turning performance that serves as testament to their craft.

With an inescapable groove that seems built for vibing, PLAN B’s “Love” chronicles multiple failed attempts in pursuing someone on a romantic level. 

Sharlene San Pedro sprints through borrowed time on pop-rock single “Running”

The punchy midtempo tune takes listeners through a journey of introspection

Outside of her acting and hosting accolades, Sharlene San Pedro has successfully branched out into a music career, landing a top 10 hit with a cover of Mayonnaise’s “Paraan” in 2016 and dropping her second single “Stars & Caramel Bars” to commercial acclaim in 2017. With the guidance of Mayonnaise’s lead singer and chief songwriter-producer Monty Macalino, the young multimedia star has released songs that balance teen pop with easy-listening sensibilities—a signature sound that she continues to hone and develop through her stint in the music industry for more than five years.

Any Name’s Okay drops summer-themed music video of “Yugto”

The MV also stars acclaimed indie actress Elora Españo

Filipino alternative pop outfit Any Name’s Okay has finally released the music video of “Yugto,” their first official single under Sony Music Philippines.

Shot from the perspective of an anonymous lover, the visuals take viewers to the coastal scenery of Sambal Beach Farm in Botolan, Zambales—the backdrop to a cute, romantic story helmed by Ria Red.

“Our co-manager and beloved director, Ria Red, was the one who came up with the idea of making the music video take a different point of view as compared to other videos,” the five-piece band shares in an official statement. “Since the song is very much a love song sung in a first person POV, the video followed Ria’s vision of making it a story but told through the eyes of someone in a long-term relationship, who took the time and effort to get to know their partner, and is now wholly committed to them.”

SB19’s PABLO gets up close and personal on his debut single “La Luna”

The creative force behind P-Pop’s biggest hits is ready to shed society’s unrealistic expectations with material he can call entirely his own

SB19’s PABLO embarks on his journey as a solo artist with the release of his debut single “La Luna”—out today via Sony Music Philippines.

The eclectic banger, which the 27-year-old artist composed and produced himself, is all about freeing yourself from the need to meet society’s unrealistic expectations. 

As PABLO sums it up, the song is about learning to embrace imperfections in pursuit of achieving acceptance and self-love. “We all have flaws and we need to accept those imperfections because those are what make us who we are.”

The prolific singer-songwriter and producer adds, “to be mentally healthy, we need to come to terms with ourselves, that what we feel is valid. We shouldn't suppress it just so we can please everyone and avoid confrontation. There will always be black in white and white in black. We should maintain balance within us. That's how we remain sane and alive.” 

Jarlo Bâse marks his major label debut with soulful, laid-back track “Kalapati”

The Filipino singer-songwriter is ready to make a mark as a recording artist under Sony Music Philippines

Filipino singer-songwriter Jarlo Bâse is ready to carve his own lane in the music industry with the release of “Kalapati,” his first official single under Sony Music Philippines.

Recorded at Sonic State Audio, “Kalapati” doesn’t sound like a total diversion from his previous releases, but it has a more pristine quality to it as far as production is concerned. The laid-back tune finds the promising newcomer embracing a lighthearted but soulful direction while remaining adept in making accessible R&B/pop music that yields ecstatic returns.

SB19 launches premium merch line inspired by record-breaking EP, Pagsibol

Released in collaboration with ShowBT and Sony Music Philippines, the merch promises a ‘full fan experience’ with its three main collections

Filipino pop supergroup SB19 is welcoming 2022 with an exclusive merch line named after their record-breaking EP, Pagsibol.

The official Pagsibol merchandise features an assortment of designs heavily referenced by the emerging global stars’ chart-topping songs, as well as their corresponding videos and artwork. 

Proudly made in the Philippines, the premium merch promises a ‘full fan experience’ with its three main collections: What? Collection, which includes an Iron-On Patch and Enamel Pin as inspired by the critically acclaimed first single; MAPA Collection, which includes a bundled T-shirt and a collectible photocard, handmade resin keychain, along with its own Iron-On Patch and Enamel Pin inspired by the smash anthem for parents and family; and Pagsibol Collection, which includes a poster and a photobook. 

SB19’S Sister Group KAIA Hopes To Conquer The Airwaves With Pre-Debut Single “KAYA”

KAIA’s new track blends contemporary pop music with hip-hop and EDM elements

After being publicly launched last month by ShowBT Philippines, the global entertainment company responsible for catapulting SB19 into global stardom, P-Pop girl group KAIA is now ready to seize the spotlight with the release of their pre-debut single “KAYA”—out today on November 10 (Friday) via Sony Music Philippines.

Derived from the Filipino word which means finding one’s own courage, the upbeat electro-pop track tackles the importance of coping with the turbulent times, and being able to bounce back stronger amidst the adversities in life. The song is written by Maegan Adriano and KAIA themselves, who took inspiration from the hardships that they’ve gone through as a group. 

Alex Bruce turns bangers into hip-hop gold on her self-titled EP

The 5-track release includes “Dime Girls,” an empowering track that puts her eccentric persona on display

After hitting it big with feisty hip-hop singles that brim with confidence and unapologetic candor, Alex Bruce releases her self-titled debut EP under Sony Music Philippines.

With her first collection of scintillating new tunes and familiar favorites, the 14-year-old rapper cements herself as a prolific young talent with incredible skillset. On the 5-track EP, Alex goes hard with sharp, playful tunes that celebrate life, puppy love (specifically “Yakap,” which features SB19’s Justin De Dios on the music video), and being a young girl trying to make her way into the cutthroat and competitive hip-hop music landscape dominated by men. 

raven puts a refreshing spin on ‘90s indie rock with catchy new single “Lika Na”

The track is co-produced by Rico Blanco and mixed/mastered by Emil dela Rosa

In a music landscape populated by personalities who turn familiar music trends into sleek new forms, raven seems to be ahead of the pack. The young singer-songwriter/producer has built a reputation for experimenting with various music genres, from hip-hop to bedroom pop, from lo-fi to acoustic, from R&B to ‘90s indie rock. But what sets him apart from his contemporaries is his ability to tap into the zeitgeist without compromising his vision as an artist, making considerable amounts of artistic leap in less than two years after being signed to Sony Music Philippines and being taken under the management wing of Rico Blanco and Balcony Entertainment.

On the commercial front, raven has attained some level of success with the crossover performance of his previous singles “Paraluman” and “S.U.K.I.” To date, the multi-faceted artist has amassed more than 7 million streams and an average of 294,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone, opening a new lane for breakthrough solo artists whose material appeals to the streaming public and casual music fans.

the vowels they orbit reflects on the struggles of first heartbreak on new song “Una”

The emotional guitar-rock tune serves as the first single off their highly anticipated sophomore EP

It’s always the first cut that turns out to be the deepest, if not the most life-changing. Indie pop-rock outfit the vowels they orbit knows this by heart, and on their comeback single “Una,” waxing poetic about ‘the person that used to be your everything’ sounds more of an emotional cleansing than a retreading of the good old days.

“No matter what you do, there is nothing that can replace your first,” said the acclaimed group. “Whether it’s your first love or your first day of school ever, there’s something special about the first time. It’s a relatable topic that Nikka, the songwriter and vocalist, felt the need to write about.”

Sony Music Philippines expands word-class repertoire with hip-hop artists HBOM, REN, and Michael Bars

Sony Music Philippines remains committed in strengthening its world-class repertoire with the addition of iconic and prolific hip-hop artists HBOM, REN, and Michael Bars.

In its bid to shine a spotlight on the genre’s movers and shakers, the record label promises to introduce these new music discoveries to the streaming generation through its sustainable promotional, marketing, and artist development efforts.

The new roster is led by celebrated hip-hop veteran HBOM, who has made a remarkable contribution to the industry as an artist, entrepreneur, songwriter/composer, and music visionary. With over 8 million streams across all music platforms worldwide and four acclaimed albums under his belt, HBOM is responsible for leading his own music movement with protégés in the scene, including Filipino-American rap superstar EZ Mil and South African-based artist Michael Bars.