Ben&Ben’s Leaves (Reimagined) submitted for 2027 Grammy Awards consideration

The song carries special meaning for the band and its millions of followers, with its message of healing, forgiveness, and second chances

Ben&Ben plays to a sold-out Smart Araneta Coliseum at their Saranggola: The Concert where Leaves (Reimagined) was part of the setlist (PHOTO BY: JAIRA MOLO)

14 October 2026 — Multi-awarded folk-pop band Ben&Ben has submitted Leaves (Reimagined) for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards under the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category.

According to the band, bagging a Grammy Award has always been one of their dreams. They are thankful to be given the chance to take the first step toward this dream through the submission of Leaves (Reimagined) for consideration of the Grammy organization’s voting members.

Leaves (Reimagined) holds special meaning for Ben&Ben frontman Paolo Benjamin, who wrote the song, as it has helped him make sense of and overcome past hurts. 

“Someone very close to me in the past hurt me in a very unexpected way, and I was faced with the choice to forgive or part ways. I chose to forgive,” he reveals. “This song will always hold deep meaning for me. It has been God’s way of saving me from my darkest thoughts countless times in the past, until now.”

“I hope that this grown-up version of the song will make people realize that forgiveness is an act that sets ourselves free, even if it’s extremely hard to do sometimes. Because as the new version says, it’s those closest to us that can hurt us the most. I hope that it encourages people to never give up on selflessly loving, even if it can get painful,” he adds.

The submission was made via the band’s label, Sony Music Entertainment Philippines. First Round Voting runs from October 12 to 22, and will determine the nominees across 100 categories. The official nominees will be announced on November 16, with the 2027 Grammy Awards taking place on February 7, 2027.

Ben&Ben recently released Nine, an album that they described as a love letter to their listeners and a celebration of their friendship. It features nine tracks, including reimagined versions of songs from the different stages of their journey together, including Leaves (Reimagined), as well as 2026 hit Saranggolaand new song Harinawa.

The band played all tracks from Nine at their sold-out Saranggola: The Concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum earlier this month.

Source: Nyou

TROYBOI AND FABIAN MAZUR TEAM UP ON HEAVY-HITTING TRAP SINGLE “SHOULDER LEAN”

TroyBoi and Fabian Mazur link up for "Shoulder Lean," a filthy, slow-tempo trap heater out October 9 via Ultra Records. 

LISTEN HERE

As dance floors get flooded with faster rhythms, TroyBoi and Fabian Mazur are making a strong case for taking things down to a slow, heavy crawl. Their new joint single, “Shoulder Lean,” out now via Ultra Records, delivers a relentless dose of low-slung, system-testing trap. 

Designed around a filthy drop, dark atmospheric weight, and deep sub-bass, the track strips away unnecessary clutter to highlight the raw, half-time swing that originally put festival trap on the map. 

The drop comes on the heels of TroyBoi’s recent FT EP, also released through Ultra Records. Where that seven-track body of work focused on cross-genre vocal features partnering with voices such as Daya, Morray, and Rockie Fresh, alongside his intimate North American Hear2Move tour, "Shoulder Lean" shifts the focus entirely back to heavy, instrumental-driven trap grit. 

Rather than fitting into current production trends, TroyBoi and Fabian Mazur focus on what makes the genre timeless: space, heavy low-end, and an unmistakable bounce. The track seamlessly merges TroyBoi’s signature wonky, syncopated rhythms with Mazur’s surgical sound design, creating a track tailored for mainstage sound systems and night drives alike. Ahead of its official release, "Shoulder Lean" has already picked up serious mainstage traction, with early support from Zedd rinsing out the track at Zedd In The Park here. 

With “Shoulder Lean,” two of the industry's most respected artists deliver a blunt reminder of how hard a slow, filthy trap drop can still hit. 

Listen to the track now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major music streaming platforms.

COVER ART HERE 

Connect with TroyBoi: 

Instagram| Facebook | X | YouTube | SoundCloud | Spotify | Official Website 

Connect with Fabian Mazur: 

Instagram | Facebook | X | SoundCloud | Spotify | TikTok 

TroyBoi Biography: 

T-R-O-Y-B-O-I. These letters are chanted by the masses at his shows, but the question is who is the artist incorporating stunning visuals, live instruments. and talented dancers? Troy Henry, the elusive producer got his start making his beats standing up in his London studio apartment

kitchen with his MacBook and a MIDI keyboard. With Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, and Nigerian descent, TroyBoi provides a musical journey of hard-hitting beats, lights, visuals, and the unexpected. While his musical style can be broadly classified as trap, it's extraordinarily unique, and versatile, and fuses various textures from multiple genres. 

Beyond his career releases which include his debut album Left Is Right (2017) and a series of V!BEZ EPs in 2018 and 2019, his productions have caught the ear of major music stars. His 2018 remix of Billie Eilish's "MyBoi-TroyBoi Remix" has garnered over 111 million Spotify streams and in 2019, Rihanna featured two of his songs "Do You?" and "Malokara" at her Savage x Fenty show, seen globally via Amazon Prime during New York Fashion Week. In 2020 released, his highly anticipated VIBEZ Vol.4 featuring top hits like, "Do You” and "Bellz." In early 2021, he released more hits like, "Mad Ting,” “Buss It” and "RedEye" with Justin Bieber which currently has over 110 million streams on Spotify. In 2022, Troy showed his true love and inspiration for Latin Music with an EP titled INFLUENDO, and in April 2023, the long-awaited EP SAY LESS was released assembling some of trap music's OGs.TroyBoi revealed his “4 ON DA FLOOR” EP in June 2024 further establishing his mark in the music industry. 

Fabian Mazur Biography: 

Fabian Mazur is a music artist, producer, vocalist & sound-designer from Copenhagen, Denmark. He has accumulated more than 200 million streams across streaming platforms and is known in the music scene for his versatility. From releasing more than 40 sample packs, starting a label on Splice, doing a Spotify Masterclass and receiving multiple awards for his work, Fabian is a consistent figure in the industry 

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For media requests / interviews, please contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

DEMI embraces a mature kind of love in comeback R&B single “Sinasabi Ng Iba”

The singer-songwriter returns with a smooth, intimate track about choosing love with conviction, rising above outside opinions, and embracing emotional maturity

Rising Filipino artist DEMI returns with “Sinasabi Ng Iba,” a smooth, laid-back R&B single about choosing someone despite what others may think.

Pairing her signature sultry sensibilities with a more mature take on love, the track finds DEMI standing up for someone even when the world refuses to acknowledge it. It’s a clear declaration of loyalty and affection—a reminder that when you know who you want, there is little reason to let anyone else change your mind.

The song represents a natural progression in DEMI’s artistry, integrating the silky, soulful sound listeners have come to associate with her music with a more thoughtful approach to the stories she wants to tell.

“I believe it’s the perfect blend of my old era and the direction I want to take moving forward,” DEMI shares. “The sultry, sensual sound that people have always come to expect from my music is still there, while the writing evolves into something more mature and wholesome.”

While the song’s candid romanticism may invite listeners to call it a soundtrack for their yearning era, DEMI sees its message as part of a broader evolution in her perspective as an artist. As DEMI continues to grow, she hopes her music will reflect that same maturity, becoming more intentional about the values and perspectives it communicates to her audience.

“Syempre, I grow old, I mature—so gusto ko sabay lang din yung direction ng art ko,” she explains.

Musically, the single's relaxed R&B arrangement gives its message room to breathe, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere that complements its direct and emotionally honest writing. Although the song's lyrics date back to 2023, its sonic identity took longer to come together. DEMI revisited the track in 2025, when she found the sonic direction she wanted and entrusted the project to producer, mixing and mastering engineer, and track engineer Jianluigi “Plumberboi” Masongsong.

During that period, DEMI frequently listened to American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas, whose sound helped shape the musical atmosphere she envisioned for the track. That inspiration carried into the production, with Plumberboi bringing his own interpretation to the arrangement while preserving the rawness at the heart of DEMI’s songwriting.

“The writing is still the same, raw, DEMI—but more emotionally mature,” she explains.

Complementing the single is a lyric visualizer premiering on October 14 at 7 p.m. on DEMI’s official YouTube channel. Rather than translating the song's romantic narrative literally, the visual takes an unexpected approach, placing DEMI in a scenario where she explains herself to members of the media and reporters. The concept draws a parallel between defending one's intentions to the public and feeling compelled to justify a relationship to people beyond it.

“Sinasabi Ng Iba” is out now on all digital streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The official lyric visualizer premieres on October 14 at 7 p.m. via DEMI’s YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqmn10s4gCrfRt3GEgCvbg.

Source: Nyou

Gab Cabangon rediscovers his passion for music in 5-track EP, Learn to Love Again

The Awit Awards Best New Artist nominee turns personal disappointments, emotional exhaustion, and the courage to begin again into a five-song release, led by the healing anthem “Love Again”

Photo credit: Meika Vieve Catog

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino singer-songwriter Gab Cabangon finds his path back into love on his debut 5-track EP, Learn to Love Again—out today via Underdog Music.

Cabangon describes the EP as an “open diary” of his experiences as a millennial singer-songwriter, chronicling the frustrations and emotional setbacks of life's grind while ultimately realizing there’s still room for renewed love and passion even in a world that tries to dim your light.

Across five songs, Gab Cabangon explores the difficult process of confronting life’s disappointments while finding his way back to the people, his own dreams and aspirations, and parts of himself that once brought him joy.

After years of navigating the demands of the industry, Gab Cabangon’s passion for songwriting and performing began to wane. He had to juggle gigging, supporting other artists behind the scenes, and pursuing his plans to release his own music—all while lacking the confidence to wear multiple hats with ease. Instead of letting uncertainty affect his morale, the Awit Award-nominated act confronted the frustrations that had kept him from moving forward. By collaborating with friends in the music scene, he turned his musings on life, career, and love into a body of work that speaks to him on a personal level. 

The result is Learn to Love Again, an EP that guides listeners through life’s uncertainties. The EP’s five tracks unfold as stages of emotional recovery, moving from distance and rediscovery to frustration, vulnerability, rest, and ultimately genuine love.

“I did realize in the process of developing the songs of Learn to Love Again that I didn’t have to be alone and that I do have my wife, my family, my friends, and a community to lean on when the going gets tough,” Cabangon shares. “I also realized after writing everything that I just needed to show up.”

[MORE PRESS PHOTOS HERE AND HERE] | Photo credit: Meika Vieve Catog

As both the focus track and emotional centerpiece, “Love Again” embodies the EP's collective energy: stepping away from something once cherished and finding your way back to it—at your own pace. Penned after Cabangon took a brief break from music during the pandemic, the song lets him reassess his relationship with his craft and reconnect with why he began making music in the first place. Upon returning, Cabangon found the inspiration to write about letting go, healing, and embracing renewed passion, and thus, “Love Again” was born.

“I think it taught me to rest and to pause,” Cabangon explains. “That I didn’t have to be impatient and do music non-stop. It didn’t make me less of an artist. It’s okay to step away from time to time so that I don’t get too tired or frustrated with my music.”

Cabangon dedicates Love Again to anyone who has ever gone through burnout, heartbreak, disappointment, and the frustration of feeling left behind. The song encourages listeners to resist the pressure to measure their progress against others and instead focus on why they pursue what they love.

“I also think that learning to love again isn’t necessarily linear,” he says. “We all go through the highs and lows of life, and I guess the important thing is that we never lose our way or the reason why we took on that journey.”

The EP expands on the aforementioned message through four complementary tracks. “Ikot Ulit” channels anger and frustration at false promises, disappointments, and the roadblocks along the way. “Pieces” offers a vulnerable acknowledgment that it is okay not to be okay, embracing the need to grieve, break down, and let others help in the healing process. “Kama” reminds us to slow down and find rest amid a world that constantly demands productivity. At the same time, “ngayon at kailanman” closes the collection on a hopeful note, looking toward a love that is genuine, reassuring, and honest.

The project also pulls together a circle of collaborators who helped translate Cabangon’s songwriting into its fullest musical expression. He worked with David Lina on arrangement and production, developing the tracks from acoustic demos through collaborative studio sessions. Nine Degrees North’s Shadiel Chan and Jan Fuertez handled mixing and mastering, while Cha Martinez contributed lead guitars to “Love Again.” For “Kama,” Cabangon collaborated with Gab Lazaro of Project Yass, vydd, Kyla Miel, and his wife, Geli, exploring new instrumental and vocal textures.

With Learn to Love Again, Cabangon turns the uncertainties of his own journey into anthems that acknowledge how hard it is to start over without losing sight of possibility. The EP doesn't promise immediate healing or easy resolution to every disappointment. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of stepping back when needed and reassessing one’s actions in order to make informed decisions in the future. Life, after all, isn’t a race.

About Gab Cabangon

Gab Cabangon is a Filipino singer-songwriter and an Awit Award nominated artist based in Metro Manila. He describes his music as a “nonchalant millennial sadboi” style of indie pop music that blends chill guitar melodies with soulful singing. As an introspective artist, Gab loves writing songs and stories about different phases of life and heartaches, both romantic and non-romantic.

Today, Gab Cabangon is also a solo recording artist, and he continues to showcase his music and share his stories while championing Filipino music in every stage and space he performs. Beyond intimate shows and music festivals, he has performed abroad in small concerts and shows, particularly in the US and Australia. He has also performed and worked alongside some of the icons and legends of the Philippine music industry, including Nyoy Volante, Ebe Dancel, Johnoy, Rivermaya, and Noel Cabangon, among others.

Source: Nyou

CisuMusiC Expands Cross-Border Music Connections Following SONIK Philippines 2026

Manila, Philippines — CisuMusiC strengthened its cross-border music connections through the participation of Vietnamese artists CHIVAN and MINH at SONIK Philippines 2026, held September 11–12 at Green Sun, Makati. Their performances marked a new connection between Vietnam and the Philippine music scene, while reflecting CisuMusiC’s broader work in creating opportunities for artists to reach audiences, industry communities, and markets beyond their home countries.

SONIK Philippines 2026 brought together Filipino and international artists, music professionals, and industry communities through a two-day conference and showcase focused on music export, international expansion, touring, and industry networking. The program moved from industry discussions into live performances, with SID opening the first day of the showcase and acts including One Click Straight taking the stage before Itchyworms closed Day 1 with a crowd-filled sing-along. Day 2 continued the showcase alongside conversations on pathways for Filipino artists to build international careers.

For CHIVAN and MINH, the event provided an opportunity to bring their work to a new audience in the Philippines while connecting with a wider community of artists and music professionals. Their participation demonstrates how cross-border artist development can happen through live showcases and industry platforms that create direct connections between artists and new markets.

Their participation was supported by CisuMusiC, whose work extends beyond individual artist appearances to a broader international music network. The platform works across music festivals, showcases, Livehouse tours, fan platforms, and media networks to help connect artists, audiences, music organizations, and opportunities across different markets.

CisuMusiC’s network includes connections across Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and other international markets. Through these cross-border activities, the platform creates pathways for artists to move between markets, build new audiences, and develop relationships with music communities beyond their home territories. The Philippines now forms part of this expanding network, with SONIK providing a platform for CisuMusiC-supported artists to engage directly with the local music ecosystem.

The Philippine market also presents opportunities for further two-way exchange. Beyond bringing international artists to Philippine stages, CisuMusiC sees potential to build relationships with Filipino artists, music organizations, festivals, and industry partners and connect them with opportunities across other Asian and international markets.

As the connection between CisuMusiC and the Philippine music industry develops, SONIK Philippines 2026 serves as an early example of how cross-border music activity can create new pathways on both sides. For CisuMusiC, the broader goal is to continue connecting artists, audiences, music organizations, and opportunities across markets—turning individual showcases into longer-term international music connections.

Source: Nyou

Rol3ert Releases "With you" Ahead of Debut Album "meet me in my head," and Announces First-Ever Shows in Jakarta and Manila

(Credit: Exciter Records)

Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert released "With you," the advance single from his debut full-length album meet me in my head, out October 21. The song features Malaysian singer-songwriter and producer Johnson, making it Rol3ert's first collaboration with a Southeast Asian artist on record, and a unique male-to-male duet in which both voices share the same longing.

The music video, shot in Singapore in May with a local production team, premiered on October 10.
 

STREAM "With you" HERE

WATCH the Music Video HERE

"With you" was written at SONG BRIDGE 2025, a songwriting camp held in Kyoto in May 2025 as part of the MUSIC WAY PROJECT, a co-creation initiative by CEIPA and TOYOTA GROUP to support the global growth of the Japanese music industry. Co-written with an internationally diverse group of creators, it is the first international collaboration to come out of SONG BRIDGE. The song portrays the two opposing sides of memory, a guiding light and binding chains, through the bittersweet lyric 「咲ききれないまま枯れるのを待つだけ」 ("left unbloomed, only waiting to wither") and the contrasting shades of Rol3ert's and Johnson's vocals. Beneath its smooth, urban sound runs a quiet struggle.

Rol3ert is heading to Southeast Asia to share the song with fans in person. From October 28 to November 1, he will make his first-ever promotional trip to Indonesia and the Philippines. On Wednesday, October 28, a week after his debut album is out, he will  play his first-ever show in Indonesia, Rol3ert "meet me in my head" Showcase & Fan Meet, at Houma Jakarta. Doors open at 18:30 WIB and the show runs from 19:00 to 20:30 WIB. The room is small on purpose: he will perform album tracks, talk, and stay afterwards to meet everyone who came. Entry is free, dinner is included, and there is merch to be won on the night. Seats are limited, so RSVP is required.

RSVP to the Jakarta Showcase HERE

Rol3ert will also be in Manila for promotion and a confirmed live appearance on October 31. Stay tuned to his social media for further details.

Spanning 14 songs written and sung in both Japanese and English, meet me in my head brings together fan favourites including "meaning," "savior," "Boy," "Kodoku," and "HOPE" with brand new songs. It is his first release on CD alongside digital formats, mastered by Mike Bozzi (Bernie Grundman Mastering), whose credits include Childish Gambino's "This Is America" and Jung Kook's "Seven (feat. Latto)." 

PRE-SAVE "meet me in my head" HERE

Album tracklist

1. Done

2. meaning

3. Boy

4. Aftertaste

5. i won’t see you anymore

6. savior

7. Realized

8. Kodoku

9. say my name - album version -

10. sweet tear- album version-

11. With you

12. (how could i be) honest?

13. HOPE

14. dreams

He will celebrate the album at home with "Rol3ert Live Tour 2026 'meet me in my head,'" at Osaka's BIG CAT on November 6 and Tokyo's Spotify O-EAST on November 12.

The Southeast Asia trip follows a breakout year. In June, Rol3ert took home the Rising Radio Artist of the Year Award at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026, and on Spotify, Taipei has overtaken Tokyo as his No.1 city in the world by listeners. It is a chance to bring that growing overseas response face to face with fans in Jakarta and Manila.

About Rol3ert

Born in the United States in 2005 and raised in Japan, Rol3ert debuted in 2025 with a cross-cultural sound blending English lyricism and J-pop-influenced melodies. Over the summer of 2025, he performed at major festivals including FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '25 and SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2025, and in October was honoured with the Best Breakthrough Artist award at the Tokyo Alter Music Awards.

Following viral covers surpassing 4 million views, he broke through with "(how could i be) honest?" and "savior," which was selected for Spotify's New Music Friday in 22 countries. In 2026, Rol3ert was selected for Spotify Japan's RADAR: Early Noise 2026, named one of Japan's 25 representatives in Rolling Stone's global "Future of Music" project, chosen for "SPACE SHOWER NEW FORCE," sold out his headline show at Shibuya WWW X, and received the Rising Radio Artist of the Year Award at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026. He also performed at SUMMER SONIC 2026 in Tokyo and Osaka, and overseas in South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.
 

With a growing listener base across Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, Rol3ert is now bringing his music to the region in person for the first time.

Follow Rol3ert

Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | X

Follow Exciter Records

Instagram | TikTok

For more information, contact blackstar

Ebe Dancel, Urbandub, and The Itchyworms rally behind Echo Singson in fundraising gig

The October 16 benefit show brings together friends and fellow musicians to help cover Echo’s medical expenses and rehabilitation following a stroke

MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino music community is coming together for “Alingawngaw Para Kay Echo,” a fundraising gig for Echo Singson, a longtime fixture in the local music scene who is recovering from a stroke.

Echo has long been part of the Itchyworms family, with ties dating back to when his older brother, Chino, joined. In 1999, he co-founded Boldstar with Jazz Nicolas, Marie Jamora, and Justin Sunico.

Over the years, Echo has worn many hats in the industry, including host, sound technician, production assistant, and lighting crew member. Apart from his behind-the-scenes work, he has remained a valued presence in the Filipino indie music community as both an active participant and supporter.

On September 19, Echo suffered a stroke while hosting a March of the Penguins gig at Mow’s. He was rushed to East Avenue Medical Center, where he received medical care before being discharged. As he continues his recovery, he has shown small signs of improvement, offering hope to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Official poster

In response, members of the music community have teamed up for “Alingawngaw Para Kay Echo,” a benefit gig on October 16 at 123 Block in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City. Ebe Dancel, Urbandub, The Itchyworms, The Ronnies, and The Revisors are joining forces for an evening of music in support of someone who has given so much to the industry.

All proceeds from the fundraising gig will go directly to Echo for his medical expenses and rehabilitation. Every contribution, every presence, and every expression of encouragement can make a meaningful difference.

As Echo continues his fight toward recovery, his friends and colleagues are rallying around him with one shared message: he is not alone.

Tickets to Alingawngaw Para Kay Echo are available at the venue on the day of the event.

Source: Nyou

SLAYYYTER drops new single “i think he’s got a girl”

Watch the official music video here

Upcoming new album, wor$t man in america, out December 4, 2026

"one of 2026’s breakout pop stars” - THE NEW YORK TIMES

“a straight-up rock star” - VARIETY

“Slayyyter has fine-tuned one of the most visually alluring and intellectually interesting aesthetics in contemporary pop music” - BILLBOARD

(Los Angeles, CA) October 9, 2026 - Today, SLAYYYTERreleases new song and self-directed video, “i think he’s got a girl” out everywhere now via RECORDS / Columbia Records. The release arrives following the announcement of wor$t man in america, the ‘brother’ album to this spring’s critically acclaimed WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA, due out December 4th via RECORDS / Columbia Records.

LISTEN TO “i think he’s got a girl” HERE

WATCH “i think he’s got a girl” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE

PRE-SAVE / PRE-ORDER wor$t man in americaHERE

Built around mounting suspicion and vulnerability, “i think he’s got a girl” captures the unraveling of a relationship with raw, emotionally charged honesty. The track has already built a strong fan following through its live performances throughout the sold-out WOR$T GIRL IN THE WORLD TOUR ahead of its official release. The vintage-inspired official music video, directed by SLAYYYTER, is out now.

Download Press Photos HERE | Credit: Kait Muro

Earlier this week, SLAYYYTER announced wor$t man in america, the counterpart to this spring’s critically acclaimed WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. The new album introduces contrasting visuals and a fresh perspective on the themes and ideas explored in the project before it.

While wor$t man in america is comprised entirely of new songs, each track is connected to the world established by WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. Some songs act as direct inversions, while others revisit familiar ideas from an entirely new angle, creating a parallel narrative that both mirrors and challenges the original project.

Download Artwork HERE

“i think he’s got a girl” follows the release of singles “brand new chanel$” and “crank 2”, the former of which marked her debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at #98. Slayyyter performed “brand new chanel$” live for triple j’s Like A Version - watchHERE.

The entirely sold out WOR$T GIRL IN THE WORLD tour began in July with three shows in SLAYYYTER’s hometown of St. Louis and hit major cities across the United States. The tour continues globally with shows in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Berlin, and more before wrapping in London on November 5, 2026. SLAYYYTER is joined by Pearly Drops for all UK dates. Kalika will join as support for all EU dates.

This month, SLAYYYTER was announced as part of the Laneway 2027 and Lollapalooza South America lineups, during which she will perform her acclaimed live set across Australia, New Zealand and South America.

SLAYYYTER 2026-27 LIVE DATES

10/09/26 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - ZIG Festival^ SOLD OUT

10/10/26 - São Paulo, Brazil - ZIG Festival^ SOLD OUT

10/18/26 - Paris, France - Le Trianon** SOLD OUT

10/19/26 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso** SOLD OUT

10/20/26 - Cologne, Germany - Die Kantine** SOLD OUT

10/22/26 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega** SOLD OUT

10/23/26 - Hamburg, Germany - Fabrik** SOLD OUT

10/24/26 - Warsaw, Poland - Palladium** SOLD OUT

10/26/26 - Prague, Czechia - Lucerna Music Bar** SOLD OUT

10/27/26 - Berlin, Germany - Metropol** SOLD OUT

10/28/26 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix** SOLD OUT

10/30/26 - Manchester, United Kingdom - Albert Hall* SOLD OUT

10/31/26 - Birmingham, United Kingdom - O2 Institute* SOLD OUT

11/01/26 - Glasgow, United Kingdom - O2 Academy* SOLD OUT

11/03/26 - Brighton, United Kingdom - CHALK* SOLD OUT

11/05/26 - London, United Kingdom - Roundhouse* SOLD OUT

2/12/27 - Sydney, Australia - Laneway Festival^

2/13/27 - Brisbane, Australia - Laneway Festival^

2/19/27 - Melbourne, Australia - Laneway Festival^

2/21/27 - Auckland, New Zealand - Laneway Festival^

3/12/27 - 3/14/27 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Lollapalooza Argentina^

3/12/27 - 3/14/27 - Santiago, Chile - Lollapalooza Chile^

3/19/27 - 3/21/27 - São Paulo, Brazil - Lollapalooza Brazil^

*with support from Pearly Drops; **with support from KALIKA

^festival date

About Slayyyter:

From her breakthrough 2019 self-titled mixtape through 2021’s Troubled Paradise, 2023’s STARFUCKER, and this year’s WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA, SLAYYYTER has proved herself to be one of the great shape-shifters of our time, taking the past, present, and future of pop and twisting it to her will.

While her early releases established a devoted cult following, WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA marked her boldest reinvention yet. Her third studio album is authentically her. She revisited her upbringing in St. Louis, and decided to make “iPod music” — a free-for-all of feral punk, corroded pop, and raunchy rap — conjuring the “Midwest-core tweaker bar rat” characters of her youth. Early singles “BEAT UP CHANEL$,” “CANNIBALISM!,” and “CRANK” steadily built hype for the project ahead of its release, with fans fervently embracing the raw, swaggering SLAYYYTER that emerged from the ashes of her past selves. The album became her highest-charting album to date, debuting at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Top Dance Albums, while earning widespread critical acclaim from outlets including Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork, and many more. Its success also earned SLAYYYTER two 2026 MTV VMA nominations, including ‘Best Dance’ with “DANCE…” This year, she brought that momentum to major festivals such as Coachella, Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, with audiences doubling in size each time.

Born from a surge of inspiration following the release of WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA, wor$t man in america serves as a counterpart to its predecessor, expanding SLAYYYTER’s sonic world through an inverted lens. The new album introduces contrasting visuals and a fresh perspective on the themes and ideas explored in the project before it. Its first taste, “brand new chanel$,” marked SLAYYYTER’s Billboard Hot 100 debut and earned her second VMAs nomination for ‘Song Of the Summer’, while “crank 2” followed as a reimagining of one of her breakout tracks. wor$t man in america is out December 4.

Follow SLAYYYTER:

Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube |Facebook

Source: Nyou

Filipino Pop/R&B Singer-Songwriter Kiana V Enters A New Era With New Album 'I Know Better'

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Kiana Valenciano

October 9th, 2026 - Philippines — Los Angeles-based Filipina artist and songwriter Kiana V returns with her new album, 'I KNOW BETTER', a reflection on the messiness of knowing what you should do but choosing differently anyway. Fans can listen to the album HERE.

A nine-track project blending R&B, soul, and pop, 'I KNOW BETTER' explores the ups and downs of modern love – giving too much too soon, the unexpected return of someone from your past, the difference between words and actions, and finally seeing a situation for what it is. The album is about learning that growth isn't always linear. "I think we all wish that once we know better, we automatically do better," Kiana says. "But sometimes you see the mess you're creating and you still lean into it. That's the human part of it, I guess."

'I KNOW BETTER' is Kiana's first fully independent album, released after previous work with Tarsier Records and 88rising's Paradise Rising. It's a record made on her own terms, from the songwriting through the visuals.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Kiana has spent the past several years splitting her time between Los Angeles and Manila, developing a sound rooted in emotional storytelling, soulful melodies, and a love for nostalgia. As she enters a more internationally oriented phase in 2026, marking her 10-year career milestone with a new album, her momentum continues to build across APAC and beyond. While the Philippines remains her #1 audience market, where she has earned an Awit Award for Favorite Female Artist and a PMPC Award for Best R&B Artist of the Year, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong also rank among her Top 10 markets, highlighting the growing cross-border appeal of her R&B sound. With the US and Australia now ranking within her top audience market, Kiana's reach is extending well beyond Asia, signaling a significant step forward in her international trajectory.

Following the album's release, Kiana is set to return to the Philippines to perform at PLUS63 Festival on November 28th alongside Khalid, DENỸ, SHNTI, and more.

'I KNOW BETTER' Tracklisting:
1. Too Much Too Soon
2. Got Away
3. Forget About You
4. Swear You Won't
5. Push and Pull Interlude
6. Masquerade
7. Falling Out
8. I Know Better
9. Lover Girl

Stream 'I KNOW BETTER' here
 

About Kiana V

Filipina singer/songwriter Kiana V is a powerhouse, possessing a quiet intensity that strikes bone deep and a knack for undeniable melody. Her music is a delectable confection of R&B and pop that never overdoes its pace, instead luxuriating in wispy synth soundscapes and Kiana's feather light vocals. Kiana has already made a name for herself in her native Philippines and is now poised to bring her R&B/Soul sound to the rest of the world.

"Music hits the heart in ways other art forms don't," Kiana shares. "People who have never met can feel the same way and connect over lyrics or a melody or a few notes played on an instrument." She counts Janet Jackson, Brandy, Jojo, Solange, and fellow API artist Jhene Aiko as some of her influences. 

Her 2016 single, "Does She Know", has garnered over 36 million Spotify streams to date. In 2018, Kiana released her debut EP, 'Grey', which was nominated for the 2019 Awit Awards (Philippines) for Best Performance by a Female Artist. Kiana continued her relentless pace and put out her first full-length album, 'See Me', later that same year. Her exhaustive output and penchant for writing heartrending music was acknowledged in 2019 when she received the McMillan Woods Global Award (Malaysia) for Most Promising Female Recording Artist of the Year. In 2020, Kiana was then recognised in the Philippines by the Awit Awards where she won Favorite Female Artist.

Soon after, the world outside Southeast Asia began to open up to Kiana, with 88rising taking notice and including her on their very first compilation under their 'PARADISE RISING' banner. Her track "Safe Place" was featured among songs by fellow Filipino artists like Fern., Massiah, Leila Alcasid, and Jason Dhakal. Additionally, the song earned a placement in the second season of CW's 'Kung Fu'.

In 2021, Kiana released her 'DAZED' EP, which earned praise from SPIN, NME, HYPEBAE, Office Magazine, Paper Magazine, and more. She maintained a steady stream of compelling music throughout 2023 and 2024, further showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and performer. Looking ahead, 'I KNOW BETTER' marks a significant step forward in her burgeoning international career.

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IV OF SPADES finds freedom in the unexpected with new single “Rollercoaster”

Reggae rhythms, indie-rock energy, and Manila Sound collide on the quartet’s colorful new offering

Fresh from a strong showing at the 2026 Awit Awards, where they took home Album of the Year and Song of the Year, and the Filipino Music Awards, where they won Alternative Song of the Year, Filipino band IV OF SPADES returns with “Rollercoaster,” a new single that explores the exhilaration of surrendering to the moment and embracing life’s unpredictable turns.

Released during the band’s US/Canada tour, “Rollercoaster” borrows from a colorful palette of sonic influences while retaining the inventive sensibility that has defined their previous work.

A vibrant, psychedelic-leaning track, “Rollercoaster” integrates the rhythmic pulse of reggae with indie rock and Manila Sound sensibilities. It’s a buoyant, groove-forward song that veers away from the usual hit-making formula: carefree and laid-back, but brimming with summertime infectiousness.

The song evokes an open-road journey: windows down, music turned up, and nowhere in particular to be. Its easygoing groove lends itself to late-night gatherings and spontaneous moments with friends, embracing the song’s themes of freedom, movement, and the thrill of letting go.

“Rollercoaster” serves as the second song released by IV OF SPADES this year, following “Isang Pag-ibig,” which dropped last month. The latter has racked up more than three million streams on combined platforms and has peaked at No. 18 on YouTube Music’s Trending Music charts. “Isang Pag-ibig” was originally posted to the band’s SoundCloud page in 2015, and was later on revisited for a 2026 re-release. 

IV OF SPADES’ “Rollercoaster” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

TECNO CAMON Slim 5G Pre-Order Opens in the Philippines at ₱27,999 with Free ₱5,999 MagBadge

Pre-order until October 15 to get a free TECNO MagBadge, premium benefits, up to ₱3,000 special cash discount, and a chance to win ₱1 million.

MANILA, Philippines — October 2026 — The TECNO CAMON Slim 5G is now available for offline pre-order in the Philippines from October 2 to October 15, 2026, at an SRP of ₱27,999.

During the pre-order period, customers can receive a free TECNO MagBadge worth ₱5,999, together with additional premium benefits, a special cash discount of up to ₱3,000, and a chance to win from a ₱2 million cash prize pool, including one ₱1 million Grand Prize.

Designed around TECNO’s “Make It Lighter” philosophy, CAMON Slim 5G combines a 6.39mm ultra-slim design with a 6000mAh battery and a 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 700C main camera with Super-Zoom FlashSnap — making it lighter to carry and ready to capture everyday moments as they happen.

CAMON Slim 5G Price and Pre-Order Dates in the Philippines

The TECNO CAMON Slim 5G is priced at ₱27,999 in the Philippines for the 256GB ROM + 24GB RAM configuration, combining 8GB physical RAM with up to 16GB extended RAM.

Pre-orders are open nationwide from October 2 to October 15, with official sales beginning October 16. Customers can pre-order through participating TECNO stores nationwide. The pre-order period includes Burgundy Red, Matisse Black and Rebel Pink. Gossamer White, featuring an advanced 3D butterfly-inspired back design, will become available toward the end of October and is not included in the pre-order offer. The four colorways are part of CAMON Slim 5G’s emphasis on design and personal expression. 

Free TECNO MagBadge Worth ₱5,999 with Every Eligible Pre-Order

One of the biggest highlights of the CAMON Slim 5G pre-order offer is the free TECNO MagBadge, TECNO’s smart magnetic accessory designed to make photography and everyday interaction more personal.

The MagBadge features a 1.73-inch display, supports rear-camera preview, wireless media sync and remote shutter control, giving users another way to take advantage of CAMON Slim 5G’s imaging capabilities.

For selfies and group shots, for example, users can preview the rear camera through the MagBadgeand trigger the shutter remotely, helping make it easier to frame photos while using the phone’s main camera.

The TECNO MagBadge has an SRP of ₱5,999 when purchased separately, making it one of the most valuable additions to the CAMON Slim 5G pre-order package.

Premium Pre-Order Benefits Worth ₱10,000

In addition to the free MagBadge, eligible CAMON Slim 5G pre-orders come with a package of premium benefits worth ₱10,000, including:

• Free TECNO MagBadge — Style Meets Smarter

• 60-Day Free Replacement — Start Every Day with Confidence

• 13-Month Extended Warranty — Support That Stays With You

• 3-Year 256GB Cloud Storage — Save the Memories That Matter

• 3-Month Google One AI Plus 2TB Free Trial — Work Smarter, Make Every Day Lighter

Together, these benefits are designed to extend the CAMON Slim 5G experience beyond the device itself, from photography and personalization to storage and after-sales support.

Pre-Order Early and Get Up to ₱3,000 Special Cash Discount

Customers who pre-order the CAMON Slim 5G can also receive a special cash discount of up to ₱3,000, depending on when they claim their device.

Claim Date

Special Cash Discount

October 16–17

₱3,000

October 18

₱2,500

October 19–23

₱2,000

The earlier customers claim their pre-ordered CAMON Slim 5G, the bigger the available special cash discount. Applicable promotional terms and redemption mechanics apply.

Light to Hold. Fast to Catch.

Beyond the pre-order offers, CAMON Slim 5G is built around two things people experience every day: carrying their phone and capturing the moment.

At only 6.39mm thin, CAMON Slim 5G is designed to feel noticeably slimmer and easier to carry throughout a busy day, while still fitting a 6000mAh battery inside its lightweight form. 

Photography is equally central to the CAMON Slim 5G experience. Its 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 700C Ultra-Night Main Camera provides a strong imaging foundation, while Super-Zoom FlashSnap is designed for moments that happen quickly and may not wait for the camera. Supporting up to 2x telephoto snap shooting, FlashSnap uses AI-assisted capture to help freeze spontaneous movement — from a child performing or a pet jumping, to sports, concerts or friends laughing together. 

Burgundy Red Leads CAMON Slim 5G’s Fashion-Forward Design

CAMON Slim 5G also puts greater emphasis on design than a conventional specification-led smartphone.

Its hero Burgundy Red colorway combines fiberglass and a matte texture, balancing deep red and brown tones with a velvet-like finish that gives the device a warmer, more refined character. Together with the ultra-slim body, the finish makes CAMON Slim 5G feel less like a conventional piece of consumer electronics and more like something designed to fit naturally into personal style.

Other options include Matisse Black and Rebel Pink, followed by Gossamer White later in October.

Chance to Win ₱1 Million from a ₱2 Million Cash Prize Pool

Customers who participate in the CAMON Slim 5G pre-order campaign will also have the opportunity to win from a total ₱2 million cash prize pool.

The campaign offers 101 winning chances:

• 1 Grand Prize winner — ₱1,000,000

• 100 winners — ₱10,000 each

Each valid CAMON Slim 5G pre-order during the promotional period qualifies for an entry, subject to the official campaign mechanics.

While the free MagBadge gives every eligible pre-order customer an immediate added benefit, the cash prize campaign gives buyers another chance to make something bigger in life a little lighter.

Up to 24-Month Installment Options

TECNO is also working with a wide range of official financing partners in the Philippines to make CAMON Slim 5G more accessible.

Participating partners include Home Credit, Skyro, Salmon, PayJoy, BillEase and Kredivo, as well as participating credit card installment providers.

Depending on the partner and applicable promotion, customers can enjoy installment plans of up to 24 months, together with benefits such as up to ₱1,000 discount or cashback.

Selected fintech partners may also offer special raffle promotions, giving eligible customers a chance to have loan balances of up to ₱84,000 waived.

Terms, eligibility, installment periods and promotional mechanics may vary by partner.

Free Globe Prepaid SIM with One Year of Unlimited 5G Data

TECNO has also partnered with Globe for the CAMON Slim 5G launch. Eligible customers who purchase CAMON Slim 5G can receive a free Globe Prepaid SIM with one year of unlimited 5G data, giving users an additional connectivity benefit as they experience the new 5G smartphone.

Pre-Order CAMON Slim 5G Until October 15

Pre-order now to get a free TECNO MagBadgeworth ₱5,999, premium benefits, special cash discounts, and a chance to win ₱1 million.

For more product and Pre-order details are available at  https://bit.ly/4iKb0AM

Source: TECNO Mobile

Australian Indie Rock Band Vacations Release New Album 'Pursuit of Anything' and Unveil The Video for 'Lucky, Forever'

LISTEN HERE

NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO
"LUCKY, FOREVER" OUT NOW

WATCH HERE

Photo by Pooneh Ghana

October 6th, 2026 – Singapore – Vacations, the Australian indie-rock band of lead songwriter and vocalist Campbell Burns, bassist Jake Johnson, guitarist Nate Delizzotti, and drummer Joseph Van Lier, release their new album, 'Pursuit of Anything', out today on Nettwerk and unveil the video for album highlight and closing ballad, “Lucky, Forever”.

Burns describes “Lucky, Forever” as “me trying to write the most clichéd love song that I can while trying to be really earnest,” and was directly inspired by his attending the weddings of Johnson and  Van Lier. “I wanted to write a song from their perspective,” he recalls. “I don't really write love songs, and as a subject it's been incredibly overdone. But it was really refreshing to just write something that was so simple when it came to the intention.”

Vacations – "Lucky, Forever" (Official Music Video)

In July, Vacations brought their 'Holy Grail' Tour to Asia for the first time with live dates across the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Now, the band turns the spotlight to 'Pursuit of Anything'.

'Pursuit of Anything' is a labor of love, the product of a group of friends who have been making music together since they were barely out of their teenage years. On it, there are weddings, families, reflections on the past, and hope about the future. “It’s about happiness as a feedback loop,” says Burns of the record’s title, “How you keep chasing the next thing.” It’s a record that feels classic the first time you listen to it, it feels like chasing that rush, that sense of self discovery and rediscovery. And it shows Vacations at the height of their songwriting powers. It’s a pop record that takes pop music seriously. Lovely, earnest, dreamy and hopeful as they come.

The new album captures Vacations at a turning point as Burns reflects on the disorienting, often contradictory experience of growing up, tracing his path from Newcastle (Australia) to Los Angeles and New York – caught between ambition and the more traditional lives unfolding back home. Written by the band and produced by Burns, the album finds Vacations operating as a fully creative force with Burns drawing constant inspiration from his bandmates: exploring how they share a common experience, yet all have their own “pursuits.”

Mixed by Beatriz Artola (Geese, Caamp), the result is a richer, more intricate, and emotionally expansive sound. 'Pursuit of Anything' arrives as the band solidifies their place as one of the most globally resonant indie acts of their generation with sold-out world tours, double-platinum certified hits, and over 3.5 billion streams. The record turns inward, driven by the push and pull of devotion to music, relationships, and self-discovery. It is this tension that fuels an earnest, dreamy pop album that feels instantly classic.

To celebrate the release of Pursuit of Anything, Vacations have launched The Pursuit Mobile Experienceby Lee Martin. It’s an album companion that is inspired by the nostalgic feel of the iPhone OS 3. In it you’ll find custom apps, including “The Pursuit” endless runner game (featuring an 8-bit remix of the song “Holy Grail”), a green checker camera filter, & anonymous voicemail messages of fans from the Pursuit Hotline (call 1-346-PURSUIT now to leave your own).

'Pursuit of Anything' Tracklist
1. Congratulations
2. Yesterday
3. Holy Grail
4. Ready or Not
5. Last Call
6. Fooling You
7. Punchline
8. So Suddenly
9. I See Myself In You
10. Lucky, Forever

Stream the album 'Pursuit of Anything' here: 
vacations.ffm.to/pursuitofanything

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Ylona Garcia reclaims her story through “ylona, so far. (live)”

Recorded during her 10 Year Manila Exclusive Set, the live album reflects a decade of growth, healing, and finding her voice as an artist

[PRESS PHOTOS]

A decade after first stepping into the spotlight, Ylona Garcialooks back on the music, memories, and experiences that defined her career with ylona, so far. (live), a nine-track live album arriving October 5, 2026 via Sony Music Entertainment.

More than a collection of live recordings, ylona, so far. (live) revisits the songs that have accompanied Ylona from her formative years as a young performer to the artist she is today. Through fresh live interpretations of familiar tracks, the album allows Ylona to reconnect with music from different phases of her life, this time with a deeper understanding of herself and greater ownership of her art.

“It feels like a healing experience, and that means the world to me,” Ylona shares about the project. Revisiting the music she has released over the years brought back both beautiful and difficult memories: from the opportunities she once could only dream of to the pressures of growing up in the public eye and navigating expectations from both the industry and fans. “Looking back now, I’m incredibly grateful for all of it because it’s given me the perspective and experience to take more control over my career and, more importantly, to understand who I am as an artist.”

The album features nine tracks spanning Ylona’s career, including “my name is ylona garcia,” “lie so well,” “space,” “dahan dahan dahan lang,” “o pag ibig,” “don’t go changing,” “don’t say goodbye,” “win the fight,” and “entertain me.” As longtime listeners may know, the songs and their live renditions reveal how dramatically Ylona’s relationship with them has evolved.

“Before, I was so grateful for the opportunities I was given that it was hard for me to be fully present in them,” she explains. “I did my best to perform each song in the studio and on stage, but I was often more focused on making sure everyone else was happy than connecting with the music itself.” A decade later, she approaches these songs from a more personal place, letting her present-day perspective reshape music that once represented earlier versions of herself.

The album’s rollout began with “entertain me (live),” which was recorded during Ylona’s 10 Year Manila Exclusive Set at Backyard Live. The performance teased the overall vibe of the new record and its central theme of reclaiming her story.

“It became a reminder that people can take things from you, but they can’t take away your heart or your mind,” she says. “That’s what this project represents to me—taking back ownership of my story and who I am as an artist.”

The Manila exclusive set will also live beyond the stage through a series of performance videos recorded at Backyard Live, which will be released on Ylona Garcia’s YouTube channel. The videos invite fans to experience—or relive—the energy of the 10 Year Manila Exclusive Set while witnessing how Ylona reimagines songs they have known for years. In doing so, the artist also honors the people who have been part of her journey from the beginning.

“I hope they feel how much I care about my work and the impact it has on them,” Ylona says. “I wanted them to feel the intentionality behind reimagining music they already know through the perspective of who I am today. More than anything, I wanted to give them a glimpse of the artist I’ve become while still honoring the girl they first fell in love with.”

Among the album’s most poignant moments is “o pag ibig (live),” featuring Bailey May, a full-circle reunion that connects Ylona’s present with one of the earliest chapters of her career. Having not seen each other since they were 16, the two reunited onstage to revisit the song with a decade’s worth of life and experience behind them. Even after the years apart, the performance carried an unmistakable sense of familiarity. “Performing ‘O Pag-Ibig’ together honestly felt like no time had passed at all,” Ylona recalls.

At its heart, ylona, so far. (live) is a tribute to the stage that helped hone Ylona into the performer she is today. “Live performance was my training ground as an entertainer,” she says. Given the idea to turn her exclusive Manila performance into a live album, she immediately saw an opportunity to celebrate not only the last 10 years of her life, but also the roots that brought her here.

“I think these live versions capture all of who I am,” Ylona says.

Tracklist — ylona, so far. (live)

1. “my name is ylona garcia (live)”

2. “lie so well (live)”

3. “space (live)”

4. “dahan dahan dahan lang (live)”

5. “o pag ibig (live)” ft. bailey may

6. “don’t go changing (live)”

7. “don’t say goodbye (live)”

8. “win the fight (live)”

9. “entertain me (live)”

ylona, so far. (live) is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

Reverb Worship Releases SEEN, a New Album About Faith, Hope, and the God Who Sees

Reverb Worship, the music arm of CBN Asia, releases SEEN, a seven-song collection of original Christian music inspired by real-life experiences of faith, doubt, surrender, hope, and joy. Produced in collaboration with Bakehouse Studios, the album brings together seven artists and distinct musical expressions around one sharedtruth—different stories, different sounds, one God who sees.

At the heart of SEEN is a question many people carry through difficult seasons: What does it mean to be seen by God? Ivy Catucod, Reverb Worship Project Head and Producer, shares: “To be seen by God Is more than being noticed; it is being fully known and loved - in our innermost being, in every thought and every season we walk through. Our heart in creating this album is to gently remind listeners of God’s faithfulness, even when the road is hard. We pray that everyone who listens will feel held and seen, and be encouraged to keep holding on to faith and hope in Him.”

SEEN features Andrea Badinas, Elaisha Trinidad, Hazel Faith, Joleah Tulagan, Marco Taniegra, Joselle Feliciano, and Denise Parroco, each bringing a distinct voice and musical identity to the project. Spanning Christian contemporary, pop, jazz, ballad, gospel, and praise and worship, the songs sound different while remaining connected by the album’s central theme: personal stories of encountering the faithfulness of God.

The album also marks a meaningful collaboration between Reverb Worship and Bakehouse Studios in Virginia Beach, USA, bringing together artists and collaborators in both the Philippines and the United States. For Jim Parroco, owner of Bakehouse Studios and producer behind several of the album’s tracks, the production process began with understanding the stories behind the songs. “My approach was to listen to the heart of the song, wanting to understand the experience that the singer/songwriter went through to birth the song,” says Parroco.

“The sincerity and extremely high level of musicianship on this project made each song feel distinct in its own style, yet the consistent sonic character allowed the songs to belong to one album.”

John Valdes Tan, CBN Asia’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, says the partnership grew from a long-standing relationship with Parroco and a shared desire to pursue excellence in Christian music.

“As with many of our collaborations, we felt God’s hand guiding us to Jim Parroco,” says Tan. “He graciously offered his studio, expertise, and connections to help us elevate the quality of our recorded music. Additionally, he invited talented musicians from the US to collaborate with us, further enhancing our songs.”

For Reverb Worship, SEEN represents another milestone in its pursuit of musical excellence and its vision of bringing Filipino Christian music to a wider audience.

“The ultimate objective is to elevate our level of excellence, for the Lord deserves nothing less,” Tan says. “This album is another significant milestone as we strive to offer our utmost devotion to the Lord and our listeners. From here, we can only aspire to reach greater heights and expand our reach beyond the borders of the Philippines, sharing our music with the world.”

SEEN invites listeners to find pieces of their own stories in its songs—whether they are waiting, grieving, celebrating, healing, surrendering, or learning to hope again. At its heart is a simple reminder that even in the moments when we feel unseen, God is always there.

SEEN Tracklist:

1. “Ako’y Sa ’Yo” — Andrea Badinas

2. “Pangako” — Elaisha Trinidad

3. “Sa Pag-Ibig Mo” — Hazel Faith

4. “A Time For Everything” — Joleah Tulagan

5. “You’ll Never Let Me Go” — Marco Taniegra

6. “So Good To Me” — Joselle Feliciano

7. “Blessed” — Denise Parroco

Stream SEEN on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other major music platforms. Follow @ReverbWorshipPH on social media for more inspiring, faith-based music.

Source: CBN Asia

Sam Benwick to release 15-track debut album, HIGHS and lows

The Filipino-British singer-songwriter explores love, faith, self-discovery, and growing into her own voice across a 15-track collection of original songs

[PR PHOTOS]

MANILA, Philippines — After captivating listeners worldwide with her intimate, delicate covers of global pop hits, Filipino-British singer-songwriter Sam Benwick takes a major leap with the upcoming release of her debut album, HIGHS and lows, a 15-track collection of original songs offering an unguarded look into the experiences and discoveries of a young woman finding her way through life.

Brimming with stripped-down pop sensibilities, HIGHS and lows traces Benwick’s growth as a storyteller. Across the album, she explores life’s changing seasons and reflects on the role faith has played in shaping her perspective. The songs are intimate without being insular, drawing on personal experiences while leaving room for listeners to find their own meaning.

Love, in its many forms, is another binding thread integral throughout the record. Benwick writes about the exhilaration of finding love, the hurt of encountering the wrong kind, and the lessons that emerge from both. Rather than presenting herself as someone who has found all the answers, she treats love as an ongoing process of understanding: what it can give, what it can take, and how it can ultimately change a person. In this sense, HIGHS and lows becomes both a personal account and an open invitation for listeners to recognize pieces of their own stories within hers or encounter a perspective different from their own.

Benwick recently teased the attendees by playing songs from her forthcoming release at a by-invite listening party on October 3, 2026, at Concept Space MNL in Quezon City. Joined by members of the press and The Samshines, her community of supporters, Benwick also took part in a Q&A session, where she shared insights into the stories behind the songs.

Independently produced with distribution support from ONErpm, HIGHS and lows will be released on Friday, October 16, 2026, on all major digital music platforms worldwide. The album includes previously released songs, “OUT OF THE DARKNESS,” “told ya so,” “FINALLY,” “mr. nonchalant,” and “STEP BY STEP,” plus ten new tracks.

With HIGHS and lows, Sam Benwick moves beyond the covers that first introduced her to audiences and opens an exciting new era of original music, personal storytelling, and a willingness to embrace the highs and lows of growing into who she is.

Source: Nyou

Filipino artists ena mori and SHNTI earn nominations at Taiwan’s 17th Golden Indie Music Awards

The Filipino indie nominees vie for Best Asian Creative Artist in the category’s most competitive edition yet, with a record 105 entries submitted across the Asian region

[MORE PRESS PHOTOS HERE]

Filipino artists ena mori and SHNTI are among the nominees at Taiwan's 17th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA). ena mori is nominated for Ore, and SHNTI for Melting PT., both in the Best Asian Creative Artist category alongside artists from across Asia.

ena mori’s Ore and SHNTI’s Melting PT. are among five works nominated for Best Asian Creative Artist, a category created to recognize outstanding original music from artists across Asia outside Taiwan. They join KIKI for Death of a Daisy & Birth of an Oyster, N.Y.P.D. 南洋派對 for DON’T LIKE 我鍾意, and NAMDO CALLING—Jung Eunhye, CADEJO and Yechan Kim—for NAMDO CALLING.

The submissions for Best Asian Creative Artist received an unprecedented record of participation in the category, totaling 105 entries from artists outside Taiwan, the highest number in the award’s history.

One of Taiwan’s leading award-giving bodies dedicated to original music, the Golden Indie Music Awards received 4,242 submissions for its 17th edition. This year’s nominees showcase a diverse range of musical spectrum and genres, including alternative pop, jazz, electronic music, hip-hop, and works shaped by distinct languages, cultural traditions, and creative perspectives.

The 17th GIMA carries the theme “觸 TRUE,” combining the Taiwanese expression 觸 (chù)—which describes the feeling of being emotionally moved, struck, or deeply resonating with something—with the English word “TRUE.” The theme celebrates authenticity in creative expression and music's ability to create meaningful connections across cultures and borders.

Fang Q, bassist of Taiwanese band Cosmos People, chairs the awards jury this year and noted that the record-breaking 4,242 submissions reflect the vitality and diversity of Taiwan’s contemporary music landscape.

Sunset Rollercoaster leads Taiwan’s nominations

Among the most prominent nominees is Taiwanese band SunsetRollercoaster, whose latest album QUIT QUIETLY received nominations for Best Album, Best Band, and Best Alternative Pop Album. The album’s track “Bluebird” is also nominated for Best Alternative Pop Song, while Tseng Kuo Hung is nominated for Best Singer-songwriter for QUIT QUIETLY.

This year’s nominations reflect the increasingly diverse character of Taiwan’s independent music landscape, with artists working across genres, languages and creative traditions represented throughout the awards.

Outside of the competitive categories, the Jury Award will be presented to Yuhan Su for Over The Moons. The GIMA Impact Award, meanwhile, will honor Blue Note Taipei andfounder Tsai Bop for their longstanding contribution to Taiwan’s jazz culture and live music community.

GIMA LIVE and the 17th Golden Indie Music Awards Ceremony

GIMA LIVE will precede the awards as the official showcase event of the Golden Indie Music Awards, taking place on October 21 and 22 at CORNER MAX in Taipei. The showcase will feature the final performances of nominees in the Best Live Performance category, with the winner determined following the performances.

The 17th Golden Indie Music Awards Ceremony will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Taipei Music Center. The ceremony will also be livestreamed for international audiences, giving music fans and industry observers outside Taiwan a chance to join the celebration.

The complete list of nominees, the GIMA LIVE lineup, and additional information about the 17th Golden Indie Music Awards are available on the awards’ official Facebook,Instagram, and YouTube.

Source: Nyou

The Itchyworms are back in Japan for a 3-city Kansai region tour

After a very successful Osaka tour in 2023, The Itchywormsare back in Japan! This time, the Filipino rock band is bringing their music to three cities in the Kansai region — Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe — for a special run of shows this October.

The tour kicks off on October 4 at Panhead Groove in Osaka, where The Itchyworms will represent the Philippines at this year’s Kansai Music Conference, an international music event that brings together artists and audiences from different parts of the world.

On October 5, the band heads to Kyoto’s MUSE, where they’ll share the stage with fellow Filipino singer-songwriter Reese Lansangan and Ariel from Los Angeles. The show is produced by Pintig Productions.

Then on October 6, The Itchyworms make their Kobe debut at Live Music Padoma, once again joining Reese Lansangan for a night of live music, also presented by Pintig Productions.

Japan has become a regular stop for The Itchyworms. The band tries to visit at least once a year — playing Nagoya last year, and Tokyo and Saitama the year before that. And they’re not done yet. For future visits, the band hopes to take the Itchyworms experience to Okinawa, Fukuoka, and maybe even Hokkaido.

But this Kansai tour will be a little different.

For these shows, The Itchyworms are going semi-stripped down — no big bells and whistles, just the band, their instruments, and the songs.

Pure music. Pure Itchyworms.

Three cities. Three nights. One very Itchy October.

Remaining schedule:

Kyoto - Oct.5 (Monday) at Kyoto Muse 

Tickets: https://peatix.com/event/5166570

Kobe - Oct.6 (Tuesday) at Live Music Club Padoma 

Tickets: https://peatix.com/event/5166611

#AkinKaNaLangJAPAN2026

Source: Nyou

RAMONA breaks the cycle with empowering new single “Manloloko”

Listen to the infectious pop-punk anthem about self-worth, self-respect, and finally walking away from the wrong kind of love

After delivering infectious pop-punk anthems via her previously released singles “Laguna” and “GAGA,” RAMONA returns with “Manloloko,” an unapologetic kiss-off that captures the messy, downward spiral of what used to be a picture-perfect relationship and the importance of self-worth.

Produced by Sam Marquez and timothy Run, with mastering by Emil Dela Rosa, “Manloloko” confronts the familiar cycle of falling for the wrong kind of person and the clarity that comes with the decision to walk away. The track makes its takeaway clear: staying in a relationship that repeatedly causes pain is neither an obligation nor a measure of love.

“It’s about knowing your worth, learning from heartbreak, and realizing that walking away from a ‘manloloko’ can lead you to someone who actually knows how to value you,” says RAMONA.

“Manloloko” borrows from the rawness of ’90s alternative rock and riot grrrl while incorporating the glossy immediacy and pop sensibilities of TRL-era pop music. The collision of these influences gives the track a bubblegum-punk edge: loud, catchy, confrontational, and unafraid to say exactly what needs to be said.

The song’s themes of leaving the past behind come to life in its accompanying music video, which features RAMONA as a runaway bride with nowhere in particular to go. Freed from the expectations and commitments she once believed she had to fulfill, she gradually embraces the uncertainty of the road ahead, eventually reveling in the newfound freedom of choosing herself.

From the get-go, “Manloloko” is a song about reclaiming agency. RAMONA turns the frustration of being deceived into an assertion of independence and a refusal to settle for relationships that diminish one’s value.

RAMONA’s “Manloloko” is out now on all major digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The music video will drop on October 2, 2026, at 6:00 P.M.

Source: Nyou

JASMINE YEN UNLEASHES THE SHADOW WITH NEW SINGLE "SWEAT"

 (Credit: Bullet Films)

For immediate release - Jasmine Yen is stepping into the spotlight—and the shadows—with her stunning new single, "SWEAT," available now on all major streaming platforms. A dark pop tour de force, the track ushers in a bold new era for the artist, fusing theatrical grandeur, fashion-forward attitude, and visceral, unbridled emotion into a sound that is as captivating as it is unsettling.

"SWEAT" is not just a song—it's a statement. Built on brooding synths, a thundering bassline, and Jasmine's sultry, commanding vocals, the track channels the mystique of dark pop icons while carving out a lane entirely her own. Haunting yet danceable, vulnerable yet fierce, the single explores themes of desire, obsession, and the intoxicating rush of losing control—all delivered with the polish and precision of a performer born for the stage.

"I wanted 'SWEAT' to feel like a runway show—beautiful, dark, and a little dangerous," says Jasmine. "Every sound, every lyric, every visual is meant to transport you into a world that's heightened, theatrical, and unapologetically fashion-forward. This is the most honest I've ever been."

The accompanying music video, scheduled to premiere on 9 October, is directed by Erik He (YEONJUN, Claudia Valentina) and shot on location in Stockholm. An intimate yet electrifying visual experience set entirely indoors against stark, atmospheric backdrops, the video places the spotlight squarely on Jasmine's raw physicality and emotional intensity. Driven by fluid choreography, spontaneous improvisation, and uninhibited self-expression, every movement is a release—a visceral outpouring of feeling that mirrors the song's pulsating, dark energy. From controlled, sharp dance sequences to moments of instinctive, free-flowing motion, Jasmine bares herself completely, using her body as an instrument of storytelling. Styled in sculptural, high-fashion looks that cut through the shadowy interiors, she commands every frame with the presence of a seasoned performer, channeling Stockholm's reputation as a global fashion and design capital into every carefully crafted visual.

The release of "SWEAT" marks a significant artistic evolution for the 22-year-old singer-songwriter—and her first major release as an independent artist. Moving beyond the teenage introspection of her debut album Tbh and the wistful nostalgia of her 2024 hit "Forever 19," Jasmine embraces a darker, more mature sonic identity, now with full creative control over her vision. Her journey—from winning a half-scholarship to Berklee College of Music to seeing "Forever 19" rank among RTHK's Top Ten International Gold Songs—has led to this pivotal moment of artistic liberation.

"Going independent has given me the freedom to take risks and be completely unapologetic about what I want to create," she reflects. "'SWEAT' is the truest representation of who I am right now—expressive, theatrical, and completely free. This is just the beginning."

With its runway-ready energy, cinematic ambition, and fearless creative vision, "SWEAT" sets the stage for an electrifying new chapter in Jasmine Yen's career—on her own terms.

"SWEAT" is out now on all streaming platforms. Listen here.

ABOUT JASMINE YEN

Jasmine Yen is a Hong Kong/LA-based singer-songwriter and independent artist who began composing music at the age of seven. The daughter of renowned actor Donnie Yen and manager Cissy Wang, she has forged her own path in the music industry, driven by a passion for creative freedom and authentic self-expression. Blending pop, R&B, and alternative influences, Jasmine has continued to evolve her sound with each release, from her debut album Tbh and 2024’s “Forever 19” to “Roll With Me,” released this June. She continues to explore a bolder creative direction led by her latest single “SWEAT.”

Follow Jasmine Yen:

YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

For enquiries please contact Blackstar Asia at mabuhay@blackstar.space

Lil Nas X returns with deeply personal new single “World’s Greatest”

New video connects Montero’s past and present in a powerful visual story

Download Press Assets Here

 I hope your dreams work out for you

I hope your green comes out the blue

I hope you learn to love again

Yeah I hope you learn to trust the plan

I hope the world shows up for you 

I hope they never laugh at you 

Yeah I hope you learn to love again

Multi-platinum, chart-topping, award-winning artist Lil Nas X has returned with his first single in a year and a half, the triumphant and deeply personal “World’s Greatest,” out today via Columbia Records. 

Montero first announced the song with a personal message from his late mother, Tamikia Hill, to whom he dedicates the song and accompanying video. In a touching voicemail, she encourages her son to “walk by faith, not by sight,” to “never give up,” and reminds him that everything will work itself out. Alongside the message, Montero shared, “‘Walk by faith, not by sight’ was my mom’s favorite phrase to say. As I move through life it resonates more & more.”

The song finds Montero reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most recognizable artists in the world. Written entirely by Lil Nas X and produced by C.WRAY and Steve Rusch, “World’s Greatest” is both a celebration of how far he has come and a reminder to keep moving forward when the path gets difficult. The song moves between vulnerability and celebration, acknowledging the moments of sadness and defeat while ultimately landing on an undeniable declaration: “I’m a champion.”

The accompanying video, which was filmed in his hometown of Atlanta and directed by Phillip Youmans, brings that journey to life through a poignant meeting of Montero’s past and present. Memories of his childhood unfold alongside scenes of his present-day life, creating a visual conversation between the young boy who dreamed of more and the artist he has become. As the pressures of the present begin to take their toll, the past becomes a source of strength, culminating in a powerful reminder of the person at the heart of it all. 

“World’s Greatest” marks Lil Nas X’s first release since March 2025 and arrives as a new chapter in the story of an artist who has continually challenged expectations, blurred cultural boundaries and reshaped the possibilities of modern pop stardom. From the record-breaking success of “Old Town Road” to MONTERO, his critically acclaimed debut album, and hits including “INDUSTRY BABY,” “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” and “THAT’S WHAT I WANT,” Lil Nas X has built a career defined by cultural impact, fearless self-expression and an ability to turn deeply personal experiences into moments that resonate around the world.

With “World’s Greatest,” Montero turns inward, looking back at the journey that brought him here while reminding himself and anyone listening to keep believing in what comes next.

Lil Nas X Socials:Instagram | TikTok | X

Source: Nyou