Ben&Ben to light up Manila skyline with first drone show

Ben&Ben are set to make the impossible possible by headlining The Inevitable Drone Show—the first of its kind to feature a music performance with drone lights show illuminating the Manila skyline in synchronized fashion.

Presented by SMART 5G, the eco-friendly and innovative show will surely grab headlines as Rizal Park and its nearby areas will get to experience the modern lights show LIVE on February 28 (Sunday) at exactly 7pm. It will also simultaneously air on Ben&Ben’s official Facebook page.

Electronic producer CHROMANCE teams up with K-Pop group MOMOLAND for the new version of “Wrap Me In Plastic”

Hit producer CHROMANCE and sensational K-Pop girl group MOMOLAND have recently teamed up for the reimagining of the former’s worldwide smash “Wrap Me In Plastic.” Listen here, watch the video here.

Just when we thought things couldn't possibly get any better for CHROMANCE's successful single 'Wrap Me In Plastic' (50+ Million Spotify streams, 60 Million YouTube views, 650+ million streams in mainland China), a new exciting collaboration comes along to spice things up. MOMOLAND (568+ million YouTube views, 133+ million Spotify Streams and 12 million likes on TikTok) joins the mysterious hit producer to bring a new captivating version of the record.

The collaboration came about as CHROMANCE wanted to build on to the global success of WMIP to South Korea, started to dig into the world of K-Pop, and immediately took interest in MOMOLAND’s musical and visual style. Simultaneously, MOMOLAND had noticed the major success of WIMP in Asia and found the single to be such a perfect match for them, that they reached out to CHROMANCE who was instantly into the idea of collaborating.

Sam Fischer and Demi Lovato turn emotional on “What Other People Say” music video

Following the release of their new single “What Other People Say” through RCA Records, Sam Fischer and Demi Lovato have shared the emotive and compelling official video, which is available to watch now.

Directed by Dano Cerny, the video features both Sam and Demi set within a train carriage, showcasing them going about their own lives, but with a unity of emotion that highlights the song’s message of being alone together. Written by Sam before his single “This City” became a global hit, it was a song he always knew would be a duet and was blown away when Demi Lovato became the perfect person to accompany him on vocals. 

Penned about a feeling of being alone and not wanting to let people down, the pairing takes two different lives and perspectives and unites them in one message of human experience, emotion and togetherness. With other 5 million worldwide streams since its release last week, is a truly special track with a powerful, moving and relatable chorus and is Sam’s first official single releases since “This City.”

Giveon tops streaming charts in the Philippines with “Heartbreak Anniversary”

Buoyed by its popularity on TikTok and other video-sharing platforms, Giveon’s “Heartbreak Anniversary” currently ranks as the most streamed song in the Philippines this week. The R&B ballad shoots straight to No. 1 on both Spotify Philippines Top 50 and Viral 50 charts, respectively.

With celebrities and online influencers hopping on the viral challenge, “Heartbreak Anniversary” receives a significant boost on digital streaming and sales, as it showcases wide-ranging appeal that resonates with the Filipino audience.

Tallying close to 50 million streams on Spotify worldwide, the song has also gained traction from international music critics and publications, with Cool Hunting praising the track for “fusing modern R&B with the baritone deliveries of legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and Bobby Caldwell” and for its “simple instrumentals that radiate while Giveon’s vocals dive deeper.”

Ben&Ben surprise listeners with Valentine’s-themed track “Inevitable”

Filipino folk-pop outfit Ben&Ben have officially dropped a soaring new single called “Inevitable” this Valentine’s Day via Sony Music.

Inspired by recent events surrounding the band’s lives, their latest song encourages listeners and music fans to live in the moment freely and truthfully without the need to succumb to expectations. 

Ushering into a reinvigorating sense of calm, the empowering track ascends to a place where love can be inevitably beautiful even in its simple, unassuming terms. It was written by Paolo Benjamin (lead vocals and acoustic guitars) during a random afternoon run by the beach near the place where Ben&Ben live—coming into fruition after a solitary moment spent with nature and the spiritual force above him. Paolo reflects, “Inevitable is a song that tries to describe the nature of fate, and how all our actions somehow lead us to some better place that is destined for us. It’s also a song about being real with someone, and that no matter how scary that may seem at times, there is freedom in bearing your truest nature with someone dear to you, even if that someone is yourself.” 

SZA makes a splash on PH charts with hit single “Good Days”

The numbers are in: SZA’s “Good Days” is officially her biggest hit to date in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world. In the country alone, the soulful single remains unstoppable with its No. 2 peak at Spotify Philippines Viral 50 and a top 15 placement at Spotify Philippines Top 50. 

Over at mainstream radio, the critically acclaimed R&B songstress is performing well on several top 40 stations. This week, “Good Days” ranks No. 5 on 99.5 Play FM, a major pop station; No. 7 on Wave 89.1 FM, a rhythmic and urban-leaning station; and has gained prominent spots on Magic 89.9 (No. 23), and more. 

ZAYN scores another No.1 album in the Philippines with ‘Nobody Is Listening’

ZAYN’s third studio release Nobody is Listening makes history once again as it debuts at No. 1 on iTunes Philippines Top 100 albums chart a few hours after its release. Co-written by ZAYN, the project highlights his R&B influences and showcases deeply personal lyrics. Nobody is Listening sees ZAYN in complete creative control, from designing the album cover art to his sound, he has created a moment in music that is all his own.

The album contains the previously released singles “Vibez” and “Better,” both of which were embraced by fans and critics alike, with Wonderland proclaiming ZAYN was here to “save 2021” with the release of “Vibez” and Billboard calling “Better” a “straightforward R&B track, expressing love in spite of disagreement and designed to showcase one of the most skilled voices in modern pop.”  The latter single has accrued over 105 million streams across all platforms, and upon release the video received a half a million views in the first 10 minutes.

Ben&Ben hopes to empower listeners with massive new anthem “Di Ka Sayang”

Filipino folk-pop outfit Ben&Ben marks a definitive new era in music with the release of their new single, “Di Ka Sayang,” out this November 6 (Friday) via Sony Music. 

Now more confident than ever with their newfound direction, the nine-piece collective drops an empowering anthem that respects individuality without prejudice.

Empowerment in the face of adversity

According to guitarist and vocalist Paolo Benjamin, “Di Ka Sayang” was inspired by a conversation with his brother Miguel Benjamin in a hotel room last year during one of their out of town shows. “Migs and I were having a conversation on our career choices and how hard it was to fight for who we really are and what we want to do in life, amidst societal and family expectations,” Paolo explains. “A year later, we decided to release it, at a time where we feel it is most timely, with everything tough going on, and with many of our dreams being crushed by the pandemic and other circumstances.”

Little Mix reigns supreme with the release of “Sweet Melody”

Award-winning British pop group Little Mix made an impressive entrance on several music charts in the Philippines with the release of “Sweet Melody,” the new single off their upcoming album Confetti. 

The sassy banger emerged triumphant on its first day of release, as it trended at No. 1 on Twitter Philippines, and debuted on top of the iTunes Philippines’ Songs chart during the same timeframe. 

Co-written by Ariana collaborator Tayla Parx, and co-produced by No.1 hitmaker MNEK, 'Sweet Melody' is a pulsating and infectious pop song emblazoned with gigantic harmonies and a driving rhythm.

Guy Sebastian Releases ninth studio album, T.R.U.T.H.

Australian pop sensation Guy Sebastian has finally released his highly anticipated ninth studio album, T.R.U.T.H. on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music. 

The hitmaker behind the chart-topper “Angels Brought Me Here,” which dominated the music charts in the Philippines and across the globe in the 2000s, is the first to admit that his latest album delivers a deeper, more profound take on personal and communal experiences and struggles in life, love and everything in between. 

The album has so far spawned multiple singles before it dropped officially last week, including “Before I Go,” which opened up several overseas market for the Aussie solo act and peaked at No. 1 on Netherlands iTunes charts, and “Choir,” which went on to become Sebastian’s biggest radio single in Australia to date. 

John Legend’s new album, Bigger Love celebrates Black Culture and Pride

Multi-platinum artist John Legend is slated to drop his sixth studio album, Bigger Love on June 19 (Friday) via Columbia Records.

On a lengthy Instagram post, the Emmy, Golden Globe, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT) winner reveals that Bigger Love was written and produced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the #BlackLivesMatter protests happening around the world. According to him, the upcoming album is a “celebration of love, joy, sensuality, hope, and resilience” and an important showcase of what makes black culture so influential and empowering.

“It’s important for us to continue to show the world the fullness of what it is to be black and human,” John Legend takes pride. “Through our art, we are able to do that. I’m under no illusion that music can save the world or solve the world’s problems, but I’ve always turned to music to help me through tough times and I know many of you have done the same.”

CNCO’s “Honey Boo” is summer’s latest hit

Award-winning and best-selling Latin American group, CNCO has officially dropped their highly anticipated new single called “Honey Boo,” featuring Natti Natasha.

The reggaeton-infused banger is the first song off the teen group’s upcoming third album, and was written by all members, alongside Patrick Ingunza and co-producers Daniel Rondon and Rafael Rodru. “We originally recorded it that long ago too,” CNCO’s Joel Pimentel shares in a statement. “However, the time was never right to release it. Then this January we had the idea to re-record the song and put it out as our next official single. The idea to add Natti Natasha came from a Q&A she did on Twitter where fans asked if she would like to collaborate with us, and she said yes!” 

Childish Gambino’s new album, 3.15.20 is finally here!

The all-star release features guest spots from Ariana Grande, 21 Savage, and more

Grammy, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning recording artist, actor and producer Donald Glover, popularly known in the international music scene as Childish Gambino, has finally released his first full-length album, 3.15.20 under Wolf+Rothstein/RCA Records.

The 12-track LP features pop superstar Ariana Grande on the cosmic bop “Time,” British rapper 21 Savage and new recording artist Kadhja Bonet on the neo-soul jam “12.38,” and Glover’s son Legend on the laid-back track “47.48.”

Harry Styles “lights up” with groundbreaking new album, Fine Line

Harry Styles’ sophomore album, Fine Line is finally arriving on December 13, 2019—just in time for a Friday the 13th release.

Fine Line includes previously released tracks “Lights Up,” “Watermelon Sugar,” and latest single “Adore You,” whose cryptic marketing campaign sparked tremendous buzz for weeks. The second studio release also reunites Styles with producers Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon, who refined the overall sound of his debut album. 

A “brazenly honest” record

On Fine Line, the former One Direction star opens up about “constantly dancing in and out of desire and destruction,” as Entertainment Weekly puts it, and exploring his more brazenly honest side in terms of the songwriting process leading to the final touches of his newest album. “For me, it doesn’t mean I’ll sit down and be like, ‘This is what I have for dinner, and this is where I eat every day, and this is what I do before I go to bed,” Styles shares in a recent Rolling Stone interview. “But I will tell you that I can be really pathetic when I’m jealous. Feeling happier than I’ve ever been, sadder than I’ve ever been, feeling sorry for myself, being mad at myself, being petty and pitiful — it feels really different to share that.”

Sony Music Philippines reveals its roster of Filipino music artists

The international record label has officially welcomed its newest batch of established and upcoming homegrown music acts as part of the growing family.

Led by award-winning folk-pop act Ben&Ben, whose debut full-length album, Limasawa Street recently garnered universal acclaim and impressive streaming numbers to no surprise, Sony Music PH’s current roster now includes indie pop-rock outfit the vowels they orbit, young hip-hop prodigy Alex Bruce, folk pop sensation syd hartha, and Wanderband runner-up Nathan & Mercury. As a collective, the latest lineup offers a refreshing spin to the dominant sounds of our time while maintaining a distinctly defined music brand that is at par with global standards.  

Swedish Boyband JTR and Their Philippine Promo Tour

JTR is a Swedish boy band made up of three brothers - John Andreasson (aged 25), Tom Lundbäck (aged 22) and Robin Lundbäck (aged 21). The band’s name is made up of the first letters of their given names John, Tom and Robin. The brothers’ stepdad and mentor, Hayden Bell, is a renowned Sony Music for the Asian region, and was also instrumental to the success of “You Ruin Me” hitmaker duo, The Veronicas.

Even with the mentoring of a music label biggie, JTR made it quite huge all on their own. Flying from Sweden to Australia, the trio auditioned in the 5th season of The X Factor Australia in 2013, impressing the judges and the audience with their cover of Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me”, adding rap lines in between. Finishing seventh in the competition, JTR started working on original material for their very own record.

MUSIC LYF: Marlisa Live In Manila

Marlisa, (born Marlisa Ann Punzalan) is a breakthrough not only because of the reason you're thinking–that she's of Filipino descent. She has gone to break records in Australia, origin talk aside.

Jumpstarting her music career pre-X Factor, Marlisa immersed herself in the live music scene by joining competitions starting at age 9, earning her first win at Sydney Eisteddfod Performing Arts Challenge in 2009, and 3 more gold medals in 2013. At age 12, she has already done a solo concert at a live music venue at Sydney, The Basement, with the show dubbed as "Marlisa and Friends" with a setlist of cover songs. Deeply engaged to her roots, she had also been tagging along the Australian leg of concerts of Pinoy acts such as Sharon Cuneta, Jose Mari Chan and Aegis.

MUSIC LYF: One Direction New Single 'STEAL MY GIRL’ to be Released on September 29

Globe conquering pop band One Direction announce ‘Steal My Girl’ as the first single from their eagerly anticipated new album ‘FOUR.’ ‘Steal My Girl’ is premiered on radio and released globally on September 29th, excluding the UK and Ireland where it is released on 12th October.

Over cascading stadium piano chords, ‘Steal My Girl’ shows the band continuing to expand their influences and song-writing ability while retaining their widescreen pop sound. ‘Steal My Girl’ is written by Louis and Liam with Ed Drewett, Wayne Hector, Julian Bunetta and John Ryan – the collaborative team behind last year’s massive ‘Best Song Ever’ – and is produced by Bunetta, Ryan and Paro Westerlund.

MUSIC LYF: Brand New Script Music Video "Superheroes" Out Now

THE SCRIPT has premiered the video for Superheroes, their brand new single, and the first to be released from their highly anticipated fourth album NO SOUND WITHOUT SILENCE. Directed by Vaughan Arnell, the video was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa. The three-piece were ex-tremely thankful to all those they met whilst filming in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and have left with some everlasting memories.

The Script’s fourth album, No Sound Without Silence, is the sound of a band firing on all cylinders and channeling the momentum of their last, rocket-powered campaign. The trio of songwriters had so many ideas while touring last year, they were busting out of the specially built mobile recording studio they’d taken with them on the tour bus. They finished touring #3 at the end of last year, took a scant couple of weeks off, then quickly re-entered their studios in London and Dublin to begin work on the highly anticipated No Sound Without Silence.

MUSIC LYF: Original Soundtrack of the Musical Film "Walking On Sunshine" To be Released June 26

Sony Music is proud to announce the release of the original motion picture soundtrack of the musical Walking on Sunshine. The stars of the film, including a global superstar, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Leona Lewis, perform the hottest hits of the 80’s. The movie is a romantic musical, full of fun and packed with highly recognisable songs, the story of a threesome tangled in love at a holiday location in Italy.

This musical film includes the greatest pop hits of the 80s, making for the perfect soundtrack, with an irresistible line-up of songs that make it impossible to sit still while listening. Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me”, a #1 single in the UK and US, sets up the theme of romantic hope. Madonna’s unforgettable hit “Holiday” is just right for singing along (“celebrate!”) in the cinema or at home. And if anyone is in doubt about the film’s fun factor, then Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” makes things as clear as they could be. There are some quieter, soulful tracks too – “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles is one, and a beautiful, soft rendering of the Roxettes’ “It Must Have Been Love” is another – but the dominant mood is punchy and upbeat. “Wild Boys” gets a raunchy performance, full of energy. “How Will I Know?”, a smash hit for Whitney Houston, is a funky, foot-tapping song of a love-struck girl, and with the powerful female vocals of “Venus”, you have to agree with the lyrics: “Yeah, baby, she’s got it!” This pyrotechnic parade of top tracks is rounded off by Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go”. All of these numbers are performed with real verve by the stars of the film cast.