Star Powerhouse

  Filipino indie pop outfit the vowels they orbit (tvto) return with their third EP, gusto ko lang maalala —a delicate and nuanced exploration of love and loss, nostalgia, and remembering.  Following their sophomore release, tuloy tuloy tuloy! , which chronicled moments and survival amid the pandemic years, gusto ko lang maalala embraces reflection. It leans to the bittersweet nature of remembering: the realization that as time moves forward, what we once held dear and near can only be revised in fragments. Led by the haunting single “ miss na kita ,” the EP encapsulates the quiet pain of longing, be it for a person, a place, or even a former version of oneself. As lead vocalist Nikka Melchor explains it, “I wrote ‘ miss na kita ’ one morning because I wanted to express that sudden feeling of missing your younger self. But it’s not limited to that narrative. The meaning differs per person, from loss of self to loss of a loved one.” Guitarist Gene Santiago adds, “It’s about l...

Photo by JC Javier    Actor and singer Jake Vargas is set to begin a new chapter as the frontman of Dear Dina . The six-piece band will make their official debut with the single " Nabighani ." This track introduces Dear Dina's unique blend of sincerity, emotion, and laid-back charm, bringing a fresh, heartfelt, and youthful sound to OPM. " Nabighani " tells a story of love, shyness, and connection. Inspired by Jake’s real-life love story with his girlfriend, actress Inah de Belen, “ Nabighani ” captures that moment when you meet someone who instantly draws you in -  but nerves and hesitation keep you from confessing how you truly feel. “The word ‘ Nabighani ’ has this beautiful Filipino charm,” the band shares. “It describes that unexplainable feeling of being drawn to someone. It’s tender, emotional, and authentic — just like the story behind the song.” Sonically, “ Nabighani ” mirrors the soft, dreamy energy of being torpe - shy, in love, and hopeful. Its lyr...

J ust a month after dropping “ Pink Skies ,” The Bloomfields are back with “ Balikan ,” a luminous new track that yearns for the beauty of simpler days: a time when moments were lived, not streamed. Brimming with nostalgia and reflection, “Balikan” conveys the universal longing to return to the glorious memories of the past while rediscovering its warmth. “This song is about that sudden realization of how quickly time passes—and the longing to return to those simpler days,” shares Nathan Abella , the band’s rhythm guitarist. “It all started with something as ordinary as hanging out in a parking lot with old friends, which sparked a wave of nostalgia.” Produced by Lakan Hila , the band’s keyboardist and lead guitarist, “Balikan” radiates with rich, lush textures and melodic sensibilities that recall George Harrison’s timeless sound and the dreamy hues of late ‘60s and early ‘70s psychedelia. The result is both classic and contemporary, unraveling a sonic tapestry that doesn’t feel out o...

  Symphonic Distribution , a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, today announced the signing of Underdog Music Philippines , one of the country’s fastest-growing independent labels. This signing marks the next chapter of Symphonic’s continued growth in the region, after making several key hires on the A&R Client Development Team in Asia earlier this year. Founded with an artist-first philosophy, Underdog has quickly built a reputation for championing Filipino musicians across genres, from chart-topping vocalists to rising indie bands, while shaping a new era of transparency and global opportunity in the Philippine music industry. Key artists at Underdog include Morissette , who is also a co-founder of the company and widely known as “Asia’s Phoenix”; Manila-based indie/alternative folk band The Ridleys ; and Manila-originated alternative pop band Over October . From left: Morissette, Over October, and The Ridleys The col...

Thailand’s leading alternative pop-rock band Tilly Birds continue their journey into English-language music with their brand-new single “Heaven”, following the heartfelt release of "Never A Waste Of Time". This time, Tilly Birds' team up with none other than Ben&Ben, the Philippines’ biggest folk-pop band, whose music has surpassed 2 billion Spotify streams and earned numerous awards across Asia. The collaboration brings together the fresh, playful pop sound of Tilly Birds with Ben&Ben’s signature heartfelt melodies—creating a track that is as vibrant as it is memorable. The story behind “Heaven” began with a backstage friendship when both bands shared the same lineup at a concert in Malaysia. Inspired by that connection, the three members of Tilly Birds later flew to Manila to co-write the song with Ben&Ben. Recording sessions spanned across borders, with files exchanged between Bangkok and Manila, until the track was fully brought to life. The collaboration ...

Filipino alternative-pop band Gracenote will be taking the center stage for their solo concert titled Walang Makakapigil , happening on September 6, 2025, at Teatrino , Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City. Presented by Soupstar Music , in partnership with Redlines Productions , EMI Records Philippines , and UMG Philippines , the concert will showcase some of the pop-rock quartet’s most memorable hits, along with their hidden gems and brand-new songs, all in one exciting night. Walang Makakapigil stands as a powerful testament to the band’s resilience, passion, and enduring presence. It’s an inspiring response to the challenges that they have faced and overcome throughout more than 15 years together. “As individuals and as a band, we never let setbacks stop us. We picked up lessons along the way, and those experiences made us stronger. Until now, walang makakapigil sa amin .” Rising indie act Hey June! will join as a special guest, bringing youthful energy to the show.  

  Following their explosive debut with "O' Kay Tamis," OPM sensation "It All Started In May” (IASIM) has gifted fans their second single, "Pasado," now available on all streaming platforms. This release comes just one month after their debut — a direct response to overwhelming demand from their rapidly growing fanbase, affectionately dubbed "Mayopets" — a clever fusion of the Filipino word for May, "Mayo," and "malupet," which means impressive or cool. "Pasado" is about admiring someone from afar, wondering if they're out of your league, filled with the uncertainty of being able to meet their standards. The song lyrically asks questions such as, " Mali nga ba ang humanga sa isang katulad mo ?" ("Is it wrong to admire someone like you?") while its catchy chorus reinforces this sentiment: "Coz’ it feels like you’re out of my league, out of my league, oh baby!  Parang hindi pasado ,  pasado s...

  Rising OPM artist brei recently unveiled her latest single, “Kislap,” under Universal Records. Just weeks later, she brought its message to life with a one-of-a-kind launch party that truly lived up to its name, held at 225 Bar, Quezon City. Titled “Find Your Kislap,” the event wasn’t just a celebration of a new release — it was an experience rooted in the song’s core message: finding and choosing that one special person among a thousand faces in the crowd. Guests were encouraged to mingle through fun and cheeky games like a “love experience” bingo, with prompts such as  “Who has ghosted or been ghosted?” , and a daring Bring Me challenge that included requests like  “Bring me a photo of your ex”  or  “Bring me your crush.” The night also featured soulful performances from fellow Universal Records artists, It All Started In May (IASIM), and XYVRL, along with a performance from Krey of Diorama — all delivering heartfelt sets centered on love in all its forms: t...

  Filipino singer-songwriter Muri and Japanese producer Shigge have officially announced their collaborative new single, “ Golden Hour ,” via a minimalist teaser posted to Instagram last night, sparking anticipation for their cross-border release.     The soul-infused electronic track was conceived during an intensive songwriting camp at the AXEAN Festival in Bali, Indonesia last year, where Muri and Shigge crossed creative paths. What began as a spontaneous studio session has evolved into months of sonic exchange, with ideas bouncing fluidly between Tokyo, London, and Manila.   “ I found Shigge’s music really unique and forward-thinking,” Muri shares in a press statement. “When we got the chance to work with each other at the songwriting camp, I felt we could make a really cool world fusing our styles together. For me, music is all about experimenting and trying something new, and this is a result of that.”   “Golden Hour” marks the first official release fr...