Star Powerhouse

  IV OF SPADES are finally back!  After going on hiatus to pursue their respective solo careers and side projects, the Filipino rock supergroup breaks their silence with the surprise release of “ Aura ,” their first single since 2020’s “ Sariling Multo (Sa Panaginip) .” Produced by IV OF SPADES and Brian Lotho , the song explores themes of longing and unconditional love, searching for meaning and home among the sea of people. Accompanying the release of “Aura” is a music video directed and produced by the award-winning team at Lunchbox . Shot on a scenic hilltop, the visuals capture the band in candid moments: walking, goofing around, and enjoying their time together. It’s both intimate and cinematic, reminding fans of the chemistry that once made IV OF SPADES a household name. The comeback single also serves as IV OF SPADES’ first official release under their new label, Sony Music Entertainment, and new management, Balcony Music Entertainment .  Roslyn Pineda , Genera...

1300 return with their latest dance-ready single, “BANGALANG,” their first single of the year, released today under JADED. On “BANGALANG,” the Korean-Australian alternative hip-hop group explores pop sonics incorporated with pokari.sweat and Nerdie’s strong bass, dance-driven production intended to invoke fun, spontaneity, and playfulness—true to the spirit to which it was made: during one of their weekly studio sessions, rapper DALI HART spontaneously busted out the hook, “ Bangalang alang alang alang alang, ” which he ended up punching in the booth. In it, DALI HART, along with rako and goyo, trade bars around bread (빵 ‘ppang’ in Korean), from beloved Asian-style baked goods to croquettes. “It’s a song literally about bread,” 1300 says about the track. “It’s not that deep; it comes from a sense of play and we just wanted to have fun again.” The five-piece recently wrapped up a round of promotions in LA in May to showcase the single ahead of release. Earlier this year, they made a tel...

  Offshore Music , one of the Philippines’ leading independent labels, honors the timeless legacy of The Eraserheads’ Cutterpillow with a tribute record featuring some of the most exciting emerging and established acts in the country. Marking the 30 th anniversary of the landmark alternative rock album, the compilation release offers a fresh take on the classic tracks, reimagined by the indie label’s eclectic roster. Each artist brings a modern sensibility to the material: some putting their own stamp with genre-bending reinterpretations, while others sticking closer to the original arrangements and infusing it with their own flavor. “We didn’t set any parameters,” explains Ely Buendia , CEO of Offshore Music. “We just told the artists that it was a tribute album, and they can interpret it as they see fit. Some totally changed the feel, genre, and energy of the song, and some stayed faithful to the material but added some sprinkles of their own musicality in it. The balance just ...

Filipino newcomer Khael Domaro marks an impressive entry in the local hip-hop scene with the release of his new single “ GODLIKE ,” a swagger-laced anthem that champions confidence and unapologetic dominance.  The vibey banger features a verse from GEE EXCLSV , a member of the renowned and chart-topping rap collective O SIDE MAFIA , and boasts masterful production from Yung Bawal . From the very first bar, “GODLIKE” establishes itself as a bold declaration of power. Brimming with heavy-hitting flows, an infectious beat, and undeniable chemistry between the two MCs, the track doesn’t just echo confidence; it defines it. Domaro shares, “It’s all about coming from nothing and still finding your way to the top. Even when nobody believes in you, you grind, you rise, and eventually you reign like the king of everything.” The recording process was both organic and intuitive— a testament to each artist’s trust in their craft. Khael laid down his verses in his hometown in Cabuyao, Laguna, ...

  Acclaimed singer-songwriter Clara Benin , prolific post-rock artist GABBA , and seasoned musician Kakoy Legaspi will be joining Johnoy Danao’s highly anticipated first solo concert Liwayway at Dapithapon , happening on March 14 to 15, 2025, at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) in Manila.  Photo credit: JL Javier Location credits: UP Diliman Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Both Benin and GABBA are announced to perform on the first day of the concert, while Kakoy Legaspi will reunite with Danao on day 2.  “All guests are handpicked by Johnoy Danao ,” minsan studio head Jason Conanan reveals. “Each of them has played a crucial part in his music journey, both as collaborators and real-life friends.” Marking a milestone in his 25-year-career as part of bluesy folk band Bridge and an accomplished singer-songwriter, the two-day concert celebrates his work and career in a live setting, complete with an intricate setup and a 15-piece orchestra conducted ...

  Filipino indie singer-songwriter Keiko Necesario finds renewed strength in love and spirituality amidst unjust social conditions on her new single “ Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari ,” out on all digital streaming platforms. The irresistible pop-rock confessional shows Keiko’s resilience and vulnerability in disarmingly bold ways as she chronicles her story of overcoming a challenging season in her married life—thanks to God and her husband, who never left her side during a tumultuous ordeal.  According to Keiko, she penned the track at a time when she and her partner struggled to make ends meet while reflecting on what truly matters for her and between them. “Last year, it came to a point when we only had 700 pesos in our bank account, and we had to figure out what to do because there were bills to pay and other things to think about,” shares the multi-talented solo artist. “During that difficult time, we chose to have faith because we knew and believed that seasons come and go. God...