Filipino neo-soul artist Marga Jayy returns with "Buhul-Buhol," mastered by Grammy-winning Gerard Hairston

Marga Jayy unveils a decade-in-the-making release that blends R&B, soul, jazz, and organic instrumentation into a cosmic listening experience

Filipino neo-soul artist Marga Jayy marks a triumphant return with her new single “Buhul-Buhol,” co - produced with Gab Dandan, mixed by Enrique Santamaria and mastered byGrammy-winning mastering engineer Gerard Hairston.

Her latest bop pairs R&B-laden vocals with organic instrumentation and suave, jazzy arrangements, taking her thoughts to a cosmic plane of consciousness. Heavily inspired by Hiatus Kaiyote, Marga Jayy penned “Buhul-Buhol” in 2015 while contemplating resigning from her corporate job to focus more on her first love: music.

“It took over a decade to finally get the song to where I wanted it to be,” shares Pinay soulstress. “Gabe Dandan has been a longtime friend and has played guitar on some of my previous releases, but this is our first time working together with him as a producer. It’s also the only track we’ve co-produced that I’ll be releasing so far, so hopefully there’ll be more to come!”

According to Marga Jayy, “Buhul-Buhol” is about meeting people and encountering things over and over again across different lifetimes and universes. Growing up in a Catholic family with a conservative background, she didn’t believe in reincarnation, but reading 'Many Lives, Many Masters' by Brian Weiss changed her perspective—and inspired her work in music. “It opened me up to the idea that some experiences and connections might go beyond what we can explain logically.”

She adds, “During the pandemic, when I was dealing with anxiety, I also started exploring holistic approaches to health. My doctor practices past-life regression, and I watched his videos sharing stories of clients who were able to resolve their depression and other personal struggles through the process. Hearing their experiences made me more open to the idea. I haven’t figured out my own intention for trying it yet, but it’s something I’d like to explore someday.”

Another notable aspect of her comeback single is the cover art by Filipino artist RS08, created by hand during a time marked by AI’s dominance. “I’d love to highlight that part of the release as well and give the artwork and the person behind it some love.”

Buhul-Buhol is released in partnership with Liga Artist Group and distributed via Ditto Music Philippines.

Source: Nyou

Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) announces ₱13.03 million in royalties for producers and performers

Distribution scheduled for November 2026 combines greater emphasis on actual music usage with the collective management organization’s first use of SoundSys by BMAT for

Producer royalty processing

PASIG CITY, Philippines, November 12, 2026 — Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc.

(PRM) is preparing to distribute ₱13,033,983.29 in royalties to producers and performers for its

2025 distribution cycle, marking a milestone in its efforts to deliver timely, accurate and transparent remuneration to rights holders.Scheduled for November 2026, the distribution will be Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc.’s first royalty distribution to meet its scheduled timeline. During its initial years of operation, the

CMO relied on manual processes to consolidate licensed music usage reports, verify rights

information and calculate royalty allocations. These steps took time to complete and contributed to longer processing periods.

This cycle marks Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc.’s first use of SoundSys by BMAT

(Barcelona Music and Audio Technologies) to support Producer royalty processing, helping

streamline the work previously handled manually. Alongside this system improvement, the

updated allocation approach gives greater weight to music actually played in licensed

establishments.

The distribution covers royalties collected in 2025, including payments received for earlier

licensing periods. Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. is completing its final review of music

usage records, ownership details and royalty calculations before releasing payments.

“This November 2026 distribution marks a defining moment for Philippines Recorded Music

Rights Inc. We are preparing to distribute royalties on schedule and, for the first time, use

SoundSys by BMAT to support Producer royalty processing. These improvements reflect our

commitment to accuracy, transparency and reliable service. Most importantly, they support our work to ensure that performers and producers receive the remuneration they have earned,” said Ace Acosta, General Manager of Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc.

Giving greater weight to music actually played

For the 2025 distribution cycle, Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. has increased the

weight assigned to music usage reports submitted by licensed establishments, including hotels, restaurants, gyms and other businesses. Compared with the previous 2023–2024 distribution, the weighting has increased from 70% to 84.23% for Producers and from 70% to 77% for Performers.

The approach links royalty allocation more closely to documented music use, giving greater

recognition to recordings regularly played in businesses, including those that may not feature

prominently on popularity charts. The Official Philippines Chart by the IFPI (International

Federation of the Phonographic Industry) and radio data from BMAT continue to serve as

supplementary reference information.

SoundSys supports PRM in matching reported music usage with registered recordings, checking ownership information, flagging conflicting claims and calculating Producer royalty shares. It also supports clearer reporting, helping trace royalty allocations to individual recordings and usage records.

For this cycle, SoundSys supports Producer royalty processing, while Performer royalties are

calculated separately by Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. All results remain subject to

PRM’s review and verification before payment.Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. is coordinating with 14 record labels and music rights partners for the distribution. Performer categories covered include featured artists and

non-featured artists such as session musicians. Individual Performer recipients and the final

recipient count remain subject to completion of Performer royalty calculations and verification.

Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. will present the distribution developments at its

Distribution Press Conference and Showcase on November 12 at Backspacer Records in Pasig

City. The event will bring together media, members, artists and industry stakeholders, with

performances by LEYO and Jarlo Bâse of Sony Music Philippines.

Through timely distribution, stronger verification processes and continued investment in its systems, Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. aims to give rights holders greater confidence

in how their royalties are calculated and accounted for, while supporting the growth of the

Philippines recorded music industry.

ORGANIZATION FACT SHEET

WHO PRM IS

Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) manages rights relating to the use of recorded

music on behalf of producers and performers. Through licensing, royalty collection, and distribution, the organization works to ensure that rights holders receive remuneration for the use of their recordings and recorded performances.

WHO PRM REPRESENTS

RIGHTS HOLDERSCONTRIBUTION

Producers Record labels and other rights holders that own or control rights in sound recordings

Performers Featured artist(s) and non-featured artist(s) in sound recordings Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. also coordinates with music rights partners to administer royalties for the repertoire they represent.

WHAT PRM DOES

● Licensed recorded music use within the rights and repertoire it administers, including use

in hotels, restaurants, gyms and other businesses.

● Collects licensing fees that generate royalties for eligible producers and performers.

● Reviews reported music use, recording information and ownership details.

● Calculates royalty shares and verifies claims before releasing payments.

MUSIC LICENSING AND ROYALTIES EXPLAINED

A music license gives businesses permission to use music within the rights and repertoire it covers. Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. handles rights in sound recordings for producers and performers. FILSCAP, or the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc., handles rights in the musical compositions for composers, lyricists and music publishers. These cover different rights, so businesses may need licenses from both organizations.

Royalties are payments to rights holders for the use of their music. Philippines Recorded Music

Rights Inc. collects licensing fees and distributes royalties to eligible producers and performers.

The music played in licensed establishments helps determine each recording’s royalty share,

subject to verified rights information and the distribution methodology.

WHY IT MATTERS

Music contributes to the experience businesses create for customers. Licensing recognizes the work behind that music, while royalty distribution enables producers and performers to receive remuneration for its use.

DISTRIBUTION FACT SHEET

Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) is coordinating with its member record labels and local and international music rights partners. Performer categories include featured artists and non-featured artists. Individual Performer recipients and the final recipient count will be confirmed once royalty calculations and verification are complete.

PERIOD COVERED

Royalties collected in 2025, including payments received for earlier licensing periods.

PAYMENT STATUS

Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. is completing its final review of music usage records, ownership details and royalty calculations before releasing payments. Distribution is scheduled for November 2026.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT THIS CYCLE

November 2026 is scheduled to mark Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM)’s first

on-schedule royalty distribution and first use of SoundSys by BMAT for Producer royalty

processing.

PRM has increased the weight given to music usage reports from licensed establishments.

CATEGORY 2023–2024 DISTRIBUTION2025 CYCLE

Producers 70% 84.23%Performers 70% 77%

These percentages describe the weighting assigned to licensed music usage reports in the

methodology. They are not payout rates.

The Official Philippines Chart managed by the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) and radio monitoring data from BMAT (Barcelona Music and Audio Technologies) continue to provide supplementary reference information, including where establishment reports are unavailable.

HOW PLAY BASED ALLOCATION WORKS

Within a particular royalty fund, a recording’s documented plays help determine its share. More

reported plays generally mean a larger share of that fund, subject to the applicable methodology and verified ownership rights. This gives greater recognition to recordings regularly played in licensed establishments, including music that may not feature prominently on popularity charts.

WHAT SOUNDSYS DOES

SoundSys, provided through BMAT, supports PRM in matching reported music use with registered recordings, including likely matches where titles or artist names differ in spelling. It helps check ownership information, flag conflicting claims, calculate Producer royalty shares, and produce reports that trace allocations to recordings and usage records.

For this cycle, SoundSys supports Producer royalty processing. PRM reviews and verifies results before payments are released.

PHILIPPINES RECORDED MUSIC RIGHTS INC. COMMITMENT

PRM is and will continue to strengthen its systems, verification processes and member services to support timely, accurate and transparent royalty distribution for producers and performers.

RECORD LABELS AND MUSIC RIGHTS PARTNERS

Universal Music Group • Sony Music Entertainment • Warner Music Group • BMG Rights Management • Universal Records • The Orchard • PolyEast Records • GMA Music • Alpha Music • Soupstar Entertainment • Star Music • Dyna Music • peermusic • PPL UK

These are the 14 labels and music rights partners Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) is coordinating with for the cycle; this is not a final list or count of individual payment

recipients.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Distribution Press Conference and Showcase • November 12, 2026

LEYO

LEYO is a Filipino singer-songwriter from Pampanga whose music spans indie pop and alternative OPM. He began releasing music in 2023, with a catalogue that includes “Mirasol,”

“Pahinga,” “Paniwalaan” and “Kapag Umuulan.” His releases carry Sony Music Entertainment Philippines credits. In February 2026, he appeared on Rappler Live Jam, bringing his original music to the platform’s live performance series.

Jarlo Bâse

Jarlo Bâse is a Manila-based songwriter and music producer listed on Sony Music Philippines’ official artist roster. His music brings together R&B, soul and pop, with releases including

“Honey Mae,” “Kalapati,” “Malumanay” and “Tabi Gabi Gabi.” His performance of “Kalapati” on Billboard Philippines Soundwave highlights his work as a singer-songwriter; the song earned him the Awit Award for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist.

Source: Nyou

AXEAN Festival and KEXP bring Southeast Asian music to the global stage in historic collaboration

The first Asia-based edition of KEXP’s celebrated Live on KEXP series features 12 independent artists from across Southeast Asia

motifs, Live on KEXP. Photo credits: Carlos Cruz

November 11, 2026 / Bali, Indonesia – AXEAN Festival has joined forces with KEXP, the internationally renowned Seattle-based public radio station and music discovery platform, to introduce the region’s eclectic, diverse music landscape to a global audience. The collaboration marks the first time that KEXP’s celebrated Live on KEXPseries has traveled to Asia for an on-location recording project.

Filmed in August in Bali, Indonesia, during AXEAN Festival, the historic project features 12 exclusive live sessions from independent artists across Southeast Asia, challenging conventions of Asian music through uniquely compelling performances and a strong sense of individuality. Curated byDiana Ratsamee, host of KEXP’s Eastern Echoes, the sessions began rolling out on October 20 through the platform’s official Live on KEXPYouTube channel. Selected artists from the region include Indonesia’s Numeron, The Panturas, Çudamani, and Basajan; Singapore’s motifsand sub:shaman; Thailand’s TONTRAKUL, Yellow Fang, Hariguem Zaboy, Inspirative, and Slowwves; and Malaysia’s Commemorate.

Shared Ambition

For AXEAN Festival co-founders Piyapong Muenprasertdee (Py) and David Siow, the partnership represents the realization of a shared ambition to place Southeast Asian music firmly within the international music conversation. Having followed KEXP’s work for years, the AXEAN team found a natural point of connection through Eastern Echoes, which has consistently championed music from Asia and its diaspora.

“Being chosen as KEXP’s partner is an honor,” Py reveals. “KEXP has run these sessions with festivals like Trans Musicales in Rennes, France; Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavik; and BIME in Bilbao, Spain. Being added to that list tells us our work is being taken seriously and that KEXP sees Southeast Asia as a scene worth documenting, not a novelty, as we hope the rest of the world will too.”

For David, the collaboration reflects AXEAN Festival and KEXP's shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for participating artists to be heard globally. “It means so much more to the 12 Southeast Asian artists featured! I remember seeing the drummer of Basajan in tears after recording his set. That was truly such a beautiful moment to witness.”

TONTRAKUL, Live on KEXP. Photo credits: Carlos Cruz

Right Partnership

The decision to bring Live on KEXP to Asia had long been an aspiration waiting for the right partnership. KEXP's Chief Programming Officer Chris Kellogg explains that AXEAN’s commitment to showcasing the region’s finest independent music and bringing communities together made it an ideal collaborator. “Our mission knows no bounds. Sometimes, it takes the right partnership at the right time to drive our work forward, and that’s exactly what happened with AXEAN,” he shares. “Just like so much of the world, the music scene across Southeast Asia is deep and rich, and AXEAN was the best partner to help us bring some of that music to the global KEXP audience. Their commitment to the music was clear from the outset.”

In the new Live on KEXP series, there’s a deliberate effort to represent Southeast Asia beyond familiar regional stereotypes and genre classifications, considering it a hotbed of underrated finds and exemplary talent. Diana Ratsamee, whose work on Eastern Echoes has helped introduce Asian artists to KEXP’s international listenership, approached the curation with an emphasis on musical individuality, cultural identity, and creative expression.

“We wanted to challenge the idea that Southeast Asian music can be defined by any single sound and introduce KEXP audiences to the incredible creativity coming out of the region,” Diana says. Featuring 12 artists from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, the sessions traverse an expansive musical spectrum, from post-rock, shoegaze, and metal to traditional folk and culturally rooted contemporary expressions.

Yellow Fang, Live on KEXP. Photo credits: Carlos Cruz

Going Global

The collaboration also highlights the importance of creating more equitable pathways for independent artists to go global and find their footing in music communities outside of their turf. By bringing its production team directly to Southeast Asia, KEXP addresses geographical and logistical barriers that have traditionally limited opportunities for regional musicians to record at its Seattle studios.

While the immediate spotlight is on the 12 participating acts, both organizations envision a more visible impact for the music industry in the region in a lot of ways, including encouraging international listeners to explore the region’s independent music ecosystems, expanding opportunities for touring, distribution, and licensing, and strengthening connections between Southeast Asian artists and the global music industry.

Positive response

The response to the sessions has been unanimously positive so far, with audiences across KEXP’s international listenership and the Southeast Asian music community embracing the performances and discovering artists they may not have encountered otherwise. YouTube comments and social media conversations show an improving appreciation for the region’s musical diversity, with listeners expressing excitement about new discoveries from the globally respected platform. Chris Kellogg adds, “Just as we had hoped, the sessions are helping create connections and spreading the joy of music across borders.”

Diana Ratsamee likewise sees the audience response as an encouraging indication of the appetite for more music from the region. “One of the most exciting things about this project has been seeing audiences discover artists they may have never encountered otherwise,” she shares. “There's no shortage of talent in Southeast Asia, but there is a need for more platforms to share it with the world.”

As the sessions continue to reach listeners worldwide, AXEAN Festival and KEXP are helping ensure that Southeast Asia’s musical voices are not simply discovered, but heard, recognized, and celebrated on a global stage.

Catch the ongoing Live on KEXP x AXEAN Festival collaboration here.

About AXEAN Festival

The AXEAN Festival is a prominent Southeast Asian music export platform that combines a music conference and showcase festival.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic by music professionals across Southeast Asia, AXEAN Festival has successfully hosted both virtual (2020-2021) and in-person (2022-2026) events. Over seven editions, it has featured over 290 artists from 23 countries, attracted over 530 delegates from 36 countries/territories, and reached over 46,000 virtual viewers, along with close to 22,000 live attendees.

With its growing international reputation, AXEAN has firmly established itself as Southeast Asia’s leading music export platform. Its first venture into a new market beyond its original home base in Singapore and Bali garnered widespread acclaim among attendees, music industry professionals, and participating artists.

Source: Nyou

SHEAN dominates pop culture conversations as “ako ang bagyo” reigns atop Spotify Philippines charts for 10 straight days

With nearly 30 million Spotify streams and a No. 59 peak on the global chart, the rising artist is also set to headline his first solo concert

Filipino singer-songwriter SHEAN continues to make headlines as his debut single, “ako ang bagyo,” holds its No. 1 position on the Spotify Philippines charts for 10 consecutive days. To date, the song has amassed 30 million streams on the platform and reached a new peak of No. 59 on the Spotify Global chartsdated November 7, 2026, with over 1.5 million streams in a single day.

The single has also maintained its momentum on other platforms, peaking at No. 1 on YouTube Philippines’ Trending Music Videos chart.

What began as a viral moment on TikTok became an instant nationwide success, with the track’s evocative lyrics and metaphorical recall inspiring listeners across social media platforms to incorporate snippets of the song into their videos and online posts.

Inspired by his personal experience with unrequited love, SHEAN’s “ako ang bagyo” captures the fragility of watching someone you deeply care about find happiness with someone else. The 17-year-old pop-rock artist utilizes the imagery of an approaching storm as a powerful metaphor for heartbreak: furious, moving, and growing into something hard to contain. SHEAN’s unguarded songwriting and emotional honesty also take the song to exciting new places, reframing tension and anger with a poetic edge.

With “ako ang bagyo” opening new doors for his career, SHEAN is poised to take another important step forward. The promising newcomer will headline Pag-ibig Sa Sama Ng Panahon, his first-ever solo concert on Friday, December 18, 2026, at the Music Museum. Apart from introducing SHEAN to the concert-going audience for the first time, he will be performing his original songs, which will be part of an upcoming body of work to be released sometime soon. 

SHEAN explains, “It’s going to be a special experience for me because, for the first time, I’ll get to perform the songs I’ve written with a full band for the first time, alongside a bigger setup and more elaborate production. More than anything, I want to thank everyone who has believed in me and supported me since day one. This concert is my way of giving back and celebrating with all of you.”

His team is also in the middle of preparing for his intimate show, which promises to be a major highlight in SHEAN’s budding career. “I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but preparations are already underway, and we’re working on something really special. I can’t wait to share more details with everyone.”

SHEAN’S “ako ang bagyo” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou

IV OF SPADES drops new single “Susundan,” announces new album TROPICAL DREAM

Fresh from its successful North American tour and award-winning run, the band unveils a vibrant new track, alongside quirky visuals and new album announcements

Following a successful year in music, IV OF SPADEScontinues to make waves with compelling new singles, including the new alt-pop track “Susundan,” out now via Sony Music Entertainment.

The new IV OF SPADES single will be part of their upcoming third studio album, TROPICAL DREAM, which is slated for release on December 9, 2026. 

A sincere but desperate take on romantic longing, “Susundan” explores the experience of pursuing someone who remains frustratingly out of reach. Blending retro sensibilities with ‘90s alt rock, the song champions a breezy, sun-soaked sound with an easygoing, cruising vibe. Written by Blaster Silonga and composed by IV OF SPADES, it's a summer song in a not-so-summer season: an effortlessly melodic, warm pop tune that conjures the spirit of blissed-out vacations outside the city.

Beneath its upbeat arrangement, however, lies a layered narrative about unwavering devotion and the sometimes-absurd lengths people go to for love.

“Susundan expresses the feeling of wanting to be close to someone, even when it seems impossible,” shares the four-piece band in a press statement. “While we wanted to capture the humor and excitement of chasing after someone, we also want to acknowledge the vulnerability that comes with putting your feelings out there. The song serves as a reminder that love can be both exhilarating and unpredictable, and sometimes, you have to learn when to let go.”

The new single’s visuals find the band performing against a backdrop of colorful, quirky cutouts and children’s theater props, while plainly goofing around like the kids that they are.

IV OF SPADES is enjoying a triumphant streak so far, thanks to touring achievements and countless industry-driven recognitions. The band has also marked a series of career milestones, including a successful tour across the United Statesand Canada and multiple wins at the Awit Awards and Filipino Music Awards. Their late 2025 album, Andalucia, has gained over 220 million streams on Spotify alone, making it one of the biggest Filipino records in recent memory.

IV OF SPADES’ “Susundan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

South Korean artist and global producer EL CAPITXN steps into the spotlight with debut album 'WHO KILLED EL?'

LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Elia Gabassi

November 9th, 2026 – Global producer and artist EL CAPITXN presents his debut full-length album, ‘WHO KILLED EL?’ out now. Fans can stream the album here. 

Across twelve tracks, the album moves freely between rock, orchestral music, gospel, classical music, and pop. Two symphonies open the album and mark its transition, drawing its diverse musical forms into a cohesive work. While the musical character and emotions shift from track to track, every song contributes to a larger, interconnected narrative. The voices and personalities of collaborators including Jagwar Twin, Beauty School Dropout, Jeris Johnson, Bohnes, Rence, Muni Norodom, Cautious Clay, Samuel Harness, and Aidan Laurent Kim give each scene a distinct expression.

At its core, ‘WHO KILLED EL?’ explores the contradictions of someone caught between the desire to be loved and the inability to accept salvation. The album questions those who only approach after wounds have become an image of beauty, while reconsidering what is deemed normal or abnormal through the perspective of a being hanging upside down. It pushes away those who have caused pain while continuing to long for love, and rejects salvation even as it wishes someone would offer a prayer. These conflicting emotions form the foundation of the album's narrative.

On the title track, “Sing This Song For Me”, EL CAPITXN states that he was a singer and lost his voice, then demands that the audience sing the song he has written in his place. His anger at being unable to sing becomes the declaration of a frontman commanding the stage. On the pre-release single, “Don’t Say Love”, he confronts an unfamiliar presence that prevents him from speaking and singing, revealing a longing for love that persists even through the frustration of being unable to express it.

Throughout the album, recurring imagery of crosses, bats, salvation, prayers and vampires gives shape to EL CAPITXN's inner world and sense of identity: someone who wants to sing but cannot, who longs for love and salvation yet remains unredeemed. These symbols hold the incompleteness of a person who can neither return to his former self nor become someone entirely new. EL CAPITXN expresses these contradictions and this solitude through a Gothic, romantic beauty.

On the closing track, “I’m Crying (Feat. Jang Yi Jeong)”, he uses AI technology to recreate the singing voice he can no longer hear from himself. By crediting his birth name, Jang Yi Jeong, as the featured artist, he brings his former self into the music he creates today.

The act resembles a ritual of summoning the dead. It can appear to be an earnest prayer to recover what was lost, a beautiful resurrection; it can also feel like an unrelenting fixation, an inability to let go of the past no matter how much time has passed. He seeks to bring his former life to an end and be reborn under the new name EL CAPITXN. Yet what he cannot relinquish is the voice of his past, which he can no longer hear.

EL CAPITXN - 'WHO KILLED EL?' (Highlight Medley)

Having crafted music for renowned artists including BTS, SUGA, Jung Kook, IU, PSY, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER and PLAVE, EL CAPITXN now turns his creative focus towards his own experiences of loss and the life that followed. Known for translating the distinctive identities of different artists into music, the producer now channels that same ability into telling his most personal story.

The origins of ‘WHO KILLED EL?’ can be traced back to his experience as a singer, when a medical condition whose cause remains unclear left him unable to sing. Losing the ability to express himself in the way he had always known fundamentally changed how he viewed himself, connected with others and even expressed love. What he had once taken for granted could no longer be assumed. The album emerges from the anger and confusion surrounding this transformation, alongside his desire to be loved and fear of revealing his true self.

Ultimately, 'WHO KILLED EL?' is neither a declaration of having overcome loss nor a promise to return to his former self. Instead, it leaves its central contradictions unresolved: the determination to become someone new, the lingering attachment to the person he once was, and the longing for salvation despite remaining unredeemed. Through this deeply personal body of work, EL CAPITXN confronts the tension between who he was, who he has become and the identity he is still searching for.

'WHO KILLED EL?' Tracklisting
1. Symphony: The Unredeemed
2. Damage (feat. Jeris Johnson)
3. Sing This Song For Me (feat. Jagwar Twin & The Social Reject Choir)
4. Don't Say Love (feat. Beauty School Dropout)
5. Bats (feat. Bohnes)
6. I AM A KILLA (feat. Rence)
7. Symphony: The Prayers (The Voiceless)
8. DON'T FALL IN LOVE WITH A VAMPIRE (feat. Muni Norodom)
9. Don't Save Me (feat. Cautious Clay)
10. Monster (feat. Samuel Harness)
11. I LOVE YOU, I DON'T KNOW (feat. Aidan Laurent Kim)
12. I'm Crying (feat. Jang Yi Jeong)

Stream 'WHO KILLED EL?' here

About EL CAPITXN

Jang Yi-jeong (EL CAPITXN) is a South Korean producer, hybrid DJ performer, and artist. He first gained public recognition through the MBC audition program Star Audition: The Great Birth, and later built his musical foundation as the main vocalist of the group HISTORY. Since then, he has expanded his activities into music production, establishing his career as both a producer and songwriter.

He is currently the founder of the K-pop production company Vendors Production and has become an influential producer in the global music scene. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists including BTS, SEVENTEEN, NCT, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and ENHYPEN, creating genre-spanning sounds. His work has achieved global success, accumulating over 10 billion streams and contributing to No.1 rankings on the Billboard charts.

He has also demonstrated a strong presence on major festival stages such as UMF Korea and Waterbomb Seoul, while exploring new forms of performance including collaborations with virtual artists.

Recently, he has expanded his activities as a hybrid DJ performer built on his production background, launching the world tour '[WHO KILLED EL?]' across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Blending K-pop, electronic, hip-hop, and rock, his performances showcase a distinctive style that combines the musical sensibility of a producer with dynamic live performance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
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crwn and Muri release new single “Shelter"

Filipino artists crwn (King Puentespina) and Muri (Muriel Gonzales) release their debut collaborative single, "Shelter," on November 6, 2026.

The two are longtime fixtures of Manila's band scene, coming up in different corners of the indie scene—Muri as a member of indie folk band The Ransom Collective and King as a member of SOS before launching crwn as his solo electronic project. Years after their bands first crossed paths, the two reconnected at an international songwriting camp in Bali, where both were performing and working on their individual solo projects. That’s where “Shelter” began. 

The track opens with a meandering, introspective start: mellow vocals, gentle violins, warm synths. It evolves as the rhythm of ‘home’ blends into an entrancing, enthralling beat drop, like steady footfall tracing your way home. "Shelter" is a song about coming home to something that was there all along—the idea that finding your way forward often means finding your way back. 

Muri on the collaboration:

"King and I have known each other for years, but the AXEAN songwriting camp in Bali was the first time we really got to hang out. 'Shelter' was an idea that started when we paired up to write together for a day."

crwn on the song:

"'Shelter' is about realizing the thing you've been looking for was already close to you the whole time. That idea came about organically as we were laying down beats, violin riffs, and reflecting on where we were in our lives."

"Shelter" is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou

Filipino-American singer-songwriter Rocco returns with new single "Girl Next Door" and announces forthcoming EP 'A Comedy Romantic (Act. 2)'

LISTEN HERE

ANNOUNCES FINAL CHAPTER OF NARRATIVE SERIES
WITH FORTHCOMING EP
'A COMEDY ROMANTIC (ACT. 2)'

PRE-SAVE HERE

November 6th, 2026 — Rising Filipino-American indie pop singer-songwriter Rocco returns with "Girl Next Door", an infectious, nostalgia-soaked pop-rock anthem that captures the butterflies of an almost-out-of-reach crush. The single builds toward the final chapter of his viral narrative series and forthcoming EP, 'A Comedy Romantic (Act. 2)', arriving February 26th, 2027. Fans can listen to the new single HERE and pre-save the EP HERE. 

On "Girl Next Door", Rocco captures the dizzying rush of young love with a nostalgic nod to the golden era of 2000s pop-rock. Driven by an irresistible singalong chorus and buzzer-beater energy, the track plays on the thrill of a last-minute shot at love, turning the familiar story of an unspoken crush into an anthem for anyone who's ever fallen hard for the person next door, complete with the butterflies, awkward confidence and all-consuming daydreams that come with it. It's the perfect track for putting on your headphones, tuning out the world and soundtracking your own coming-of-age montage.

Rocco – "Girl Next Door" (Official Video)

Four months fresh off the release of his EP 'A Comedy Romantic (Act.1)', Rocco announces 'A Comedy Romantic (Act. 2)', the next and final instalment in his ongoing narrative series. Expanding on the fictional world he has been building across his music and social platforms, the forthcoming EP brings the story to its closing act, trading the lighthearted anticipation of a budding romance for the messier, more angsty realities of love. "I'd coin it the official soundtrack if my year had a movie. It's anthemic, weird in some parts, and most importantly, fun," he shares.

Rooted in his deep love for the romantic comedies of the 1990s and 2000s, Rocco's 'A Comedy Romantic' universe exists far beyond the songs themselves. Blending original music, character-driven storytelling and performance, the project brings the relationships and emotional plotlines behind the songs to life, inviting fans to follow along as each new release reveals another piece of the story.

With 'A Comedy Romantic (Act. 2)' on the way, Rocco takes the story into its final stretch, leaning into the tension, emotional highs and growing pains that come with a love story that refuses to follow the script. Blurring the lines between music and storytelling, he transforms the universal chaos of falling in love into a world that feels equal parts cinematic, nostalgic and unmistakably his own.

'A Comedy Romantic (Act. 2)' Tracklisting:
1. Hard To Look
2. I Don't Know The Band
3. Girl Next Door
4. Someone I Never Had
5. Things I Do
6. Stay In Place
7. Suffocating

Stream "Girl Next Door" here
Watch the official visualizer here
Pre-save 'A Comedy Romantic (Act. 2)' here
 

About Rocco

Unapologetically himself, Rocco is a 23-year-old Filipino-American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his atmospheric bedroom pop sound, playful melodies, and a colourful personality. Raised in the suburbs of New Jersey, he dedicated himself to music early on before moving to Los Angeles. His academic path was short-lived when his breakout singles "Spin You Round" and "Baby Blue" exploded online, prompting him to pursue music full-time and embark on his first headline tour.

Seamlessly blending moody textures with soaring alternative melodies, his music explores the intricate dynamics of intimacy, heartbreak, and emotional vulnerability.

Rocco is steadily positioning himself as a compelling voice in the global indie landscape, having established a strong regional footprint across Asia, tracking heavily in markets including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand, alongside major city centres like Hong Kong.

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George Michael: The Faith Tour Brand-new, restored concert film begins worldwide theatrical rollout today, with Philippine release on 11 November

WATCH TEASER

A TOUR DE FORCE IN ARCHIVAL FILMMAKING, UNVEILING NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN FOOTAGE, RESTORED AND REMASTERED FROM LONG LOST FILMINTRODUCED BY AN ORIGINAL SHORT FILM FROM MARY MCCARTNEY

THE FAITH TOUR, AN 18-TRACK LIVE ALBUM OF PREVIOUSLY UNHEARD PERFORMANCES IS OUT NOW, 6 NOVEMBER

CREDIT: GEORGE MICHAEL ENTERTAINMENT

George Michael Entertainment, in partnership with Mercury Studios, has announced the start of the worldwide theatrical release of a brand-new, never-before-seen film titled George Michael: The Faith Tour, with screenings beginning in select international markets today.

Shot at the iconicPalais Omnisports de Paris-Bercyduring the European leg of the Faith Tour in 1988, the film captures a turning point that transformed George Michael from a global superstar into a singular, era-defining artist, whose influence continues to reverberate across music, fashion and culture today. George Michael: The Faith Tourinvites audiences to experience the tour as it was meant to be seen and heard.

Directed by longtime collaborators Andy Morahan and David Austin, this once-lost film has been meticulously restored and remastered, revealing George’s original vision with breathtaking clarity and power. The result is an intimate yet explosive glimpse of an artist in complete command of his voice and stagecraft.

A triumph in archival filmmaking, the film transforms footage assembled from a 14-camera shoot captured on 35mm film over two nights into an extraordinary cinematic event. George Michael: The Faith Touris a celebration of ambition and fearless artistry at its peak, capturing a moment when the then 24-year-old George Michael changed the course of his career. This global theatrical event invites audiences to rediscover the power and joy of George Michael in full flight.

George Michael: The Faith Tourwill open with an original short film by Mary McCartney, titled Finding Faith, offering an intimate introduction that contextualises the tour’s cultural significance through a sensitive and cinematic lens. Featuring voiceover from an unheard interview with George himself, the film also includes unseen images captured by legendary American photographer Herb Ritts, alongside behind-the-scenes footage from the Faithmusic video.

Alongside the theatrical release, George Michael Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment are releasingTHE FAITH TOUR, an 18-track live album of previously unreleased recordings featuring hits from George Michael’s Wham! and solo catalogues. Recorded during his groundbreaking world tour, the album showcases George’s extraordinary vocal talent and skill as a live performer.THE FAITH TOUR is available today, 6 November 2026.

Distributed by NBCUniversal, George Michael: The Faith Tour will open exclusively at SM Cinemas on 11 November 2026. Get your tickets to George Michael: The Faith Tour here.

About Faith

Written, arranged, produced, and performed almost entirely by George Michael, FAITH marked the emergence of a new kind of pop icon, one who could blend soul, R&B, and rock into a sleek, emotionally charged, and deeply personal sound. Earning him a GRAMMY® Award for Album of the Year, three American Music Awards, and a record-breaking run of four U.S. No. 1 singles, including “Faith”,“Father Figure”,“One More Try”, and “Monkey”, making George the only British male solo artist ever to achieve four U.S. number-one singles from a single album on the Billboard Hot 100, a record that has yet to be matched. Selling more than 25 million copies worldwide, topping charts in over 10 countries and cementing George Michael as one of the best-selling solo artists of all time, Faith became a cultural touchstone of the late ’80s, inspiring countless artists and defining the MTV generation, soundtracking lives and influencing artists for decades to come.

About George MichaelSinger, Songwriter, Producer, Philanthropist and Creative Icon, George Michael is considered one of the most influential recording artists of all time. He rose to fame in the 1980’s as a member of the duo Wham! selling over 30 million records. He later embarked on a solo career and sold over 125 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart eight times in the US and hitting the No.1 spot on the UK singles charts seven times as a solo artist and redefining pop music in the process. He won six Ivor Novello Awards and remains the only individual songwriter ever to win their prestigious Songwriter of The Year Award three times. He won two Grammys, was nominated nine times, and won four American Music Awards as well as winning twelve Billboard awards and being nominated forty times. He also won three BRIT Awards. Both Billboard and Rolling Stone respectively rank him among the greatest artists and singers of all time, In 2004, George was named by the Radio Academy as the "Most Played Artist" on British radio over the previous 20 years, and in November 2023 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. During a career that spanned thirty-five years, he famously duetted with Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Mary J. Blige, Paul McCartney, Pavarotti, Queen, Tony Bennett and Whitney Houston amongst others, and his songs have been covered by Adele, Ariana Grande, Chris Martin, Christine and the Queens, Dua Lipa, H.E.R and Kae Tempest to name but a few. He is also considered one of the most significant cultural icons of his generation and was known as a leading creative force in music production, songwriting, vocal performance and visual and live presentation. His songs, many achieving Billions of Streams, remain a part of the fabric of our culture and include Careless Whisper, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Faith, Freedom 90’, Father Figure (recently interpolated by Taylor Swift into her song of the same name), Last Christmas, Fastlove, Club Tropicana, Jesus To A Child, Praying For Time and many more.

About Mercury Studios:

World Class Music Content. Working with a global network of creatives and artists, Mercury Studios develop, produce, distribute and invest in award-winning content. We are filmmakers in the world of music.

Headquartered in London, with offices in LA and New York, current and recent projects include ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO directed by Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald, Grammy-winning, Academy Award and BAFTA award-nominated AMERICAN SYMPHONY, directed by Matthew Heineman for the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions/Netflix, REGGAETON: THE SOUND THAT CONQUERED THE WORLD / NBC Peacock, and IF THESE WALLS COULD SING, directed by Mary McCartney for Disney+.

Mercury Studios also produced and distributed performance capture films ANDREA BOCELLI 30: THE CELEBRATION, directed by Sam Wrench (Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour) for global Theatrical and TV, BACK TO THE BEGINNING: OZZY’S FINAL BOW, for global Livestream and Theatrical, and QUEEN: ROCK MONTREAL for IMAX and Disney+.

In 2025, Mercury Studios also hosted world premieres at the Tribeca Festival for METALLICA SAVED MY LIFE and JUST SING.

Mercury Studios represents the world’s leading catalogue of music-related content, consisting of thousands of hours of premium music-driven film and television programming.

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship. Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies.

Source: Nyou

SLAYYYTER releases new song “hey boyyy”

SLAYYYTER releases new song and self-directed video, “hey boyyy” out everywhere now via RECORDS / Columbia Records. The track will appear on her upcoming album wor$t man in america, which is due out December 4. The release arrives following the announcement of SLAYYYTER’s largest headline show to date at Madison Square Garden on June 21, 2027, which sold out in just 15 minutes. 

LISTEN TO “hey boyyy” HERE

WATCH THE “hey boyyy” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEOHERE

Driven by lush pop production and an infectious hook, “hey boyyy” captures the nervous excitement of emerging chemistry between two people. Balancing playful infatuation with romantic vulnerability, the track’s intensity builds towards its climactic, standout outro. The accompanying music video, directed by SLAYYYTER, features the artist traipsing across contrasting city scapes of Hollywood and Paris - watch HERE. 

Earlier this month, 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. Pre-save/pre-order the album HERE.

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. 

Singles “brand new chanel$”, “crank 2”, and “i think he’s got a girl”, are also out now, the first of which marked her debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at #98. SLAYYYTER performed “brand new chanel$” live for triple j’s Like A Version - watch HERE. 

Credit: Alexa Zeliger

Last month, SLAYYYTER sold out her largest headline show to date at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 21, 2027 in just 15 minutes. HERE is the link to join the waitlist. 

SLAYYYTER was recently announced as a headliner for Kilby Block Party 2027 in Salt Lake City on May 15, 2027 at Utah State Fairpark. Earlier this year, she was also announced as part of the Laneway Festival and Lollapalooza South America 2027 lineups.

Source: Nyou

Christmas Came Early at Guevarra’s! A Festive Christmas Party and the Launch of Its 2026 Holiday Menu

Why wait until December to celebrate Christmas when the festivities can begin in November?

SAN JUAN CITY, PHILIPPINES — Christmas comes early at Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico as the Filipino buffet restaurant gathers its media friends, influencers, and special guests for Guevarra’s Christmas Party 2026, an afternoon of festive food, holiday surprises, and Christmas cheer on November 5, 2026.

More than a Christmas get-together, the celebration marks the official launch of Guevarra’s 2026 Christmas menu, giving invited guests an exclusive first taste of the restaurant’s holiday offerings ahead of their public availability from November 16, 2026, to January 1, 2027.

Inspired by the Filipino tradition of salu-salo, Guevarra’s Christmas celebration brings together the flavors and familiar comforts that make the holiday season special. From festive main courses to beloved Filipino Christmas desserts, the menu is designed to bring families and friends together around a table filled with good food and happy memories.

Adding a special touch to the afternoon is a Christmas cooking demonstration featuring Chef Lau and Executive Pastry Chef Jac Laudico, who will share recipes and techniques that guests can recreate in their own kitchens.

Chef Lau will demonstrate how to prepare White Lasagna, a creamy, festive dish perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Meanwhile, Chef Jac will showcase Banana Q Pudding, a dessert inspired by the familiar Filipino banana cue, reimagined as a sweet treat for the Christmas table.

The demonstrations aim to inspire guests to bring the Guevarra’s experience home, showing that memorable holiday dishes can be part of celebrations with loved ones.

Of course, no Christmas party would be complete without gifts and surprises. Guests can also look forward to Christmas raffle activities, adding excitement and a little extra holiday magic to the gathering.

For Guevarra’s, Christmas is about more than a special menu. It is about the warmth of Filipino hospitality, the joy of sharing familiar flavors, and the simple happiness of gathering with the people who make every celebration meaningful.

With its Christmas party and early holiday menu launch, Guevarra’s invites everyone to start celebrating the season a little sooner.

Christmas came early at Guevarra’s—and everyone is invited to the feast starting November 16, 2026, through January 1, 2027.

For inquiries and reservations, guests may contact Guevarra’s through its official channels.

About Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico

Guevarra’s is a Filipino themed buffet restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with our classic and homey ambience. Having been built in the 1920s, the vintage interiors of this heritage house-turned-restaurant, along with the private function rooms and spacious garden area make Guevarra’s the perfect place for intimate gatherings, birthdays, baptisms, weddings, and corporate events.

The buffet features a feast of both classic and modern Filipino dishes created by Chefs Roland and Jackie Laudico. From their bestselling Angus Beef Tapa and Bellychon to the Grilled Pancit Bam-I and Party Spaghetti, there will surely be a dish for everyone to enjoy—not to mention the whole spread of intricately crafted desserts for the perfect ending to every meal.

Takeout and deliveries are available via http://www.guevarras.com

 Source: Nyou

Multi-Platinum Singer-Songwriter & Multi-Instrumentalist Rex Orange County Releases New Album 'Dream Fatigue', His Most Self-Assured Yet

LISTEN HERE

FEATURING BRENDAN YATES, DANIEL CAESAR, DEV HYNES,
DEXTER IN THE NEWSAGENT, MUSTAFA & TAYLOR SKYE
OF JOCKSTRAP

"ELVIS" MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTED BY BRENDAN YATES
TO BE RELEASED ON MONDAY

Photo Credit: George Muncey

November 6th, 2026 - Philippines — Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Rex Orange County unveils his highly anticipated new album, 'Dream Fatigue', today. His most self-assured work to date, the record finds Rex arriving at a renewed sense of artistic conviction, fully embracing his identity while pushing into new creative territory, with an acclaimed circle of collaborators further expanding his sonic vision. Fans can stream the new album HERE.

'Dream Fatigue' is co-executive produced by Mustafa and Dylan Wiggins (Rosalía, Justin Bieber), and features contributions from Turnstile's Brendan Yates, Dev Hynes, Daniel Caesar, Mustafa, dexter in the newsagent and Taylor Skye of Jockstrap. As evidenced by its impressive list of collaborators, the album represents a shift away from the reclusive manner in which the artist has historically made his bodies of work and showcases the way in which his greatest strengths are highlighted through embracing community. "To let people in is to let them take the thing out of you as well," Rex says of how collaboration has only strengthened his sound.

Moving beyond autobiography, the album follows a protagonist who adopts different personas in an attempt to win over the girl he loves, an idea reflected in playful song titles including "Hannah Montana", "Iron Man", and "Elvis", ultimately giving it its name. "This guy is tired of dreaming and becoming all these people in the pursuit of that dream," explains Rex. Again and again across its melodically economical but harmonically rich 12 tracks, Rex proves on 'Dream Fatigue' that there's a path through a culture where, as he and many others lament, music has become secondary to aesthetics, social media presence, and packaging. Each sweetly sad moment is built on the kind of intimate simplicity – mostly born from Rex feeling each song out on the guitar – that lasts decades.

'Dream Fatigue' took shape on the move, born from spontaneous trips often with little more than a laptop and a pair of portable speakers in tow. Marking a radical departure from his previous process, the album saw many of its songs take root on guitar rather than being constructed in a studio. The result is a collection that brings together classic songwriting, gentle melodies and curious hooks, all shaped by distinctive and exploratory production.

At its heart, the record is the unmistakable sound of a creative circle pushing one another to new heights. Working alongside artists such as Dev Hynes, Daniel Caesar and Mustafa brought a renewed sense of ambition and creative possibility. "Suddenly your eyes open to everything, and you just want it. You want to raise the bar," Rex reflects. "When you're playing alongside someone like Dev [Hynes], a true 20-year legend with impeccable taste, or Daniel Caesar, who has incredible melodies spilling out of him, or Mustafa, a phenomenal storyteller through lyricism, you feel it. I think we all push each other that way, our whole circle of friends."

Turnstile's Brendan Yates plays drums and sings on "Elvis", before directing its music video, with the pair first performing the track together during Rex's intimate underplay show at London's Village Underground in August. Reimagining the classic love song through plucked guitars, cinematic strings and smooth duetting vocals, they deliver an earnest ode to devotion. Elsewhere, "Indecision" (feat. Daniel Caesar) unfolds through layered harmonies and soulful melodies, while "Boyfriend" pairs sweeping strings and delicate woodwinds with a heartfelt plea for redemption. The album's emotional range extends from the dreamlike indie pop of "Penelope", featuring ethereal backing vocals from rising UK artist dexter in the newsagent, to the echoing, folk-inflected balladry of the title track.

Alongside previously released tracks "Hannah Montana", "Grandma Song", "Indecision" (feat. Daniel Caesar), and "Iron Man" – the latter unveiled yesterday through a COLORS performance as the album's final preview –  'Dream Fatigue' will be followed this Monday by the arrival of the Yates-directed music video for "Elvis".

Over the summer, Rex started a series of intimate fan house shows across the UK, Ireland, and Southeast Asia, giving fans the rare opportunity to curate their own setlists from nearly a decade of music while offering an early glimpse into what's next. In Southeast Asia, the shows quickly went viral, sparking a wave of fan excitement and social buzz across the region, with stops in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Manila, and Jakarta, alongside headline performances at LaLaLa Festival in Manila and Jakarta. Those shows have continued through album release, bringing both the music of 'Dream Fatigue' and Rex's storied career directly to his fans.

Across a career spanning multiple acclaimed albums, global tours and a devoted international audience, Rex has built a reputation for making music that feels both deeply personal and immediately universal. That connection runs particularly deep in Southeast Asia, with #2 Indonesia, #3 Philippines, and #4 Malaysia ranking among his biggest global markets, while Singapore and Thailand also rank among his top streaming cities worldwide. On 'Dream Fatigue', Rex brings all of that experience into sharper focus, delivering a record that strips away the noise and leaves the songwriting front and centre.

'Dream Fatigue' Tracklisting:
1. Penelope
2. Elvis (feat. Brendan Yates)
3. Handsome
4. Grandma Song
5. Hannah Montana
6. Iron Man
7. The Colosseum (feat. Mustafa)
8. Boyfriend
9. Empty Stage
10. Indecision (feat. Daniel Caesar)
11. Roleplay
12. Dream Fatigue

Stream 'Dream Fatigue' here
 

About Rex Orange County

Back in 2015, when being aloof or cryptic still held cultural currency, Rex Orange County emerged as a sensitive teen willing to be emotionally honest in public. Over the past decade, he has discreetly become one of the most influential and emotionally resonant artists of his generation, amassing billions of streams. His five studio albums – including 2019's critically-acclaimed 'Pony' – live in a liminal space between soul, pop, and classic singer-songwriter storytelling. Since the release of his 2015 debut, 'Bcos U Will Never B Free', he has built a deep, lasting connection with his Gen Z audience, drawn early praise from Tyler, The Creator, and sold out iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl (in a single day), Red Rocks and Radio City Music Hall. 

For years, Rex Orange County made music alone. A famously introverted artist with early associations to the bedroom-pop scene, he played and produced everything himself. "I was always isolating and making music so internally, covering as many roles as possible, probably to satisfy some kind of control freak vibe," he recalls from his home in London.

When that self-imposed solitary confinement started to chafe, Rex opened the door just a little: he stepped out of the proverbial bedroom to connect with friends and collaborators, jumping on the remix of Ravyn Lenae's track "Love Me Not" in 2024, providing music for the 2025 film, 'Lurker', and working on tracks with Grammy-winning artist Daniel Caesar, alongside Mustafa (formally known as Mustafa the Poet) and Devonté Hynes (Blood Orange). He even stepped inside the atelier of Louis Vuitton with one of his idols, Pharrell Williams, to create the minimalistic, funky, and infectious "Take a Drive".

Now in 2026, 'Dream Fatigue' seems to have genuinely cracked something open within Rex, arriving as his most self-assured album yet. He sounds more like himself than ever, with his songwriting and artistic identity further sharpened by an impressive circle of legendary artists involved in the project.

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We Are Imaginary pays tribute to 18 years of music-making in new “Are We There Yet?” video

The Jam Lasin-directed music video captures the band's renewed chemistry while acknowledging the people and experiences that have shaped its journey

MANILA, Philippines — Acclaimed Filipino indie-rock band We Are Imaginary has dropped the official music video for “Are We There Yet?,” the latest single from their 2026 self-titled album. Directed by Jam Lasin of Cream Flower, the music video captures the band in their jamming element, stitching together performances, candid moments, and visual references that pay tribute to their 18-year career as an underground force in the Filipino independent music scene.

The MV also traces the highs and lows of band life, while acknowledging the contributions of past members and collaborators whose influence remains integral to the music.

“Keeping the fire burning is another hard choice, especially in a fickle scene and as a band that doesn't really follow trends,” We Are Imaginary shares in a press statement. “We won't be here without our past members and labels, so hopefully the music video sends a message that all we feel is gratitude.”

The band also reunited with Lasin for their second music video collaboration, following “Object of My Affliction.” Longtime admirers of Cream Flower’s aesthetic, We Are Imaginary entrusted the director and his team to translate their vision into a compelling visual treatment.

“Are We There Yet?” is the latest single from the band’s acclaimed self-titled album, released in January 2026. As one of the earliest compositions guitarist Khalid Tanji wrote for the band’s pre-pandemic album project, the track retains the driving momentum and post-punk guitar sensibilities of its original demo.

The celebration of the music video release continues on November 8 at Saguijo, where the band will hold a vinyl and merchandise launch alongside an evening of live performances from fellow artists. The occasion also marks the debut of We Are Imaginary’s first-ever official tote bag and the vinyl release.

With the vinyl release made possible through Eikon Records PH’s Rick Olivares and the production expertise of Joey Santos of Floppy Disk, the band sees physical formats as a lasting expression of musical legacy. “We get giddy like schoolchildren having our music in tangible form,” Ahmad Tanji of We Are Imaginary reveals.

Following the album campaign, We Are Imaginary plans to return to the studio, with new material currently taking shape and hopes of releasing new music in 2027, alongside performances in more cities across the Philippines and abroad.

Watch the music video on We Are Imaginary’s official YouTube channel, dropping on November 6, 2026, at 12:00 a.m.

Source: Nyou

LEYO reframes Filipino harana with modern OPM touches in 6-track EP, Akda sa Pag-alala

Blending the timeless sentiment of traditional Filipino love songs with acoustic pop, R&B, and understated jazz influences, the singer-songwriter offers an intimate collection inspired by the many ways love is experienced, remembered, and rediscovered

Filipino singer-songwriter LEYO reimagines Filipino haranawith modern sensibilities in Akda sa Pag-alala, a six-track EP released under Sony Music Entertainment.

Melding classic OPM, acoustic pop, and R&B, LEYO’s latest release is a personal collection shaped by affection, longing, vulnerability, and self-discovery. It traces love through intimate, universally familiar stories.

Buoyed by stripped-down arrangements and velvety vocals, the EP deftly balances catchy guitar riffs and warm bass lines with jazzy, bossa nova-lite inflections. Musically, he borrows elements from the music he grew up listening to, from The Beatles and Stevie Wonder to APO Hiking Society and the Manila Sound, creating a nostalgic pop vignette with a contemporary edge.

“Every song on this EP was written using just an acoustic guitar. I made the harana tradition my own by blending it with the music I grew up listening to, combining classic OPM influences with Western pop and R&B elements,” LEYO shares.

The new EP also explores romance in varying tones and hues. “Pritong Itlog” finds affection in the familiarity of preparing a meal for someone, while “Kapag Umuulan” deals with yearning from the perspective of a hopeless romantic. “Torpe” and “Pwede Ko Bang Itanong” confront the uncertainties of unspoken feelings. Other songs like “Kung Magugunaw ang Mundo” and “Kumusta Ka Sinta” convey devotion, nostalgia, and the process of coming to terms with the past.

“Ultimately, it captures my journey as a young man figuring out who I am and discovering what love truly means,” LEYO reveals.

The EP also benefits from the creative contributions of producers, including 2026 Awit Awards winner Brian Lotho, Rain Santana, and LEYO himself, whose complementary approaches helped define the collection’s overall sound.

LEYO adds, “Working with Rain Santana and Sir Brian Lotho really unlocked the full potential of these tracks. They brought two distinct approaches: Rain encouraged me to be more playful and think outside the box, while Sir Brian pushed me to be more intentional with every production choice.”

Acclaimed sound engineer Emil Dela Rosa mixed and mastered the first two tracks, while Hazel Pascua handled the remaining four.

At its best, Akda sa Pag-alala serves as a time capsule of youthful romance and personal growth. Through thoughtful storytelling and melodic sensibilities, LEYO offers a tender reminder that love is often best remembered through life's smallest moments.

LEYO’s 6-track EP, Akda sa Pag-alala is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: Nyou

Filipina-Japanese artist ena mori takes Best Asian Creative Artist at Taiwan's 17th Golden Indie Music Awards

Jazz musician Yuhan Su swept three awards, while Japan's Tempalay delivered an electrifying finale and Balming Tiger's Wonjin joined forces with Taiwan's Elephant Gym for a cross-border performance

Taipei, Taiwan — The 17th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA) took place on October 31, 2026, at Taipei Music Center, celebrating outstanding independent and original music from Taiwan and across Asia.

This year's notable winners included Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster, which claimed Best Album for 《QUIT QUIETLY》, and Japanese-Filipino artist ena mori, who won Best Asian Creative Artist for EP 《Ore》. Taiwanese jazz musician Yuhan Su emerged as the night's most-awarded artist, taking home three awards for her internationally acclaimed project 《Over The Moons》. Performance highlights included Japan's Tempalay and a special collaboration between Wonjinof South Korea's alternative musical collective Balming Tiger and Taiwanese math-rock trio Elephant Gym, adding to the ceremony's cross-border appeal.

Sunset Rollercoaster, known internationally for their dreamy blend of indie rock, soul and retro pop, received Best Album for《QUIT QUIETLY》.The band recently gained further global attention through 《AAA》, their collaborative album with South Korean indie group HYUKOH.

Born in Tokyo and raised in the Philippines, ena mori is a Japanese-Filipino singer-songwriter and producer whose music combines classical piano influences with experimental pop. Her 2022 album 《DON'T BLAME THE WILD ONE!》 topped NME Asia's list of the best Asian albums of the year, and she has performed at international events including SXSW and Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival. Her latest EP,《Ore》, earned her this year's Best Asian Creative Artist award, highlighting the growing visibility of cross-cultural voices in Asia's independent music scene.

Yuhan Su received Best Jazz Album for 《Over The Moons》, Best Jazz Song for 〈Genius and Dumb〉(天才與笨蛋),and the Jury Award. Other winners included Outlet Drift, which won Best Band for 《Masonolay i Cepo’》; Panai, who received two folk music awards for her album《Minsumin》(來了) and the song〈A Bird Without Feathers〉(是誰); and Malpace, whose debut album《((No wool. No hump))》won Best R&B Album.

One of the ceremony's live highlights was ODD WAVES, a special collaboration between Wonjin, a member of South Korean alternative music collective Balming Tiger, and Taiwanese math-rock band Elephant Gym. Their set featured Elephant Gym's〈鏡子 Mirror〉and〈中途 Midway〉,Wonjin's〈겨울왕자 Ice King〉, and a collaborative performance of〈女巫 Witches〉、〈캔디가 생각나Candy〉, bringing together intricate instrumental rhythms and distinctive vocal arrangements.

Japanese psychedelic rock band Tempalay closed the ceremony with performances of 〈Kaminchi かみんち〉 and 〈Sonatineそなちね〉. Featuring Ryoto Ohara, Natsuki Fujimoto, and AAAMYYY, the trio brought their signature blend of psychedelic rock, electronic textures, and experimental pop to the Taipei stage. 

Other performance highlights included a collaboration between Paiwan singer-songwriter Sauljaljui(戴曉君), Yuhan Su, and the Taiwu Ballads Troupe(TBT 泰武古謠傳唱), blending Indigenous Taiwanese musical traditions with contemporary jazz. Best Live Performance winner That's My Shhhshowcased Taiwan's vibrant hip-hop scene with "LIVE A LIFE”.

For the complete list of winners and further updates, follow the Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA) on its official social media channels.

 Source: Nyou

Indie Pop Trailblazers PREP Return With New Single "Who Can I Turn To", A Fresh Twist On Their Signature Sound

LISTEN HERE

November 4th, 2026 - Philippines — Fresh off their headline run across Asia, English four-piece indie-pop band PREP return with their new single, "Who Can I Turn To", a smooth, soul-infused offering that pairs the band's signature city pop sensibilities with the organic warmth of acoustic and slide guitar. Fans can stream the song HERE.

Written in collaboration with Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Daniel Tashian, known for his work with Kacey Musgraves, "Who Can I Turn To" brings together PREP's polished, late-night pop aesthetic with Tashian's understated Americana influences. What began as a demo sketched out in London took on a new dimension during a writing trip to Nashville, where an unexpected ice storm set the scene for a session that would shape the track's final sound. "We knew we wanted to go to Nashville and write with Daniel Tashian. What we didn't know was that we'd end up getting there in the middle of the worst ice storm the city had seen in decades. But Daniel had a fire going, welcomed us in, and once we got playing, everything felt great. This song really encapsulates the whole trip," says PREP.

PREP - "Who Can I Turn To" (Official Visualizer)

"It's about looking around in difficult times when you've lost touch with the person you want to be leaning on."

— PREP

"We knew it needed something extra and as soon as we started mixing the PREP sound world with Daniel's acoustic and slide guitar, it gave us exactly the lift we'd been looking for," the band says. Balancing wistful melodies with an easy, groove-led rhythm, the result is a natural meeting of worlds, with PREP's effortless musicianship at the heart of it all.

Following two albums and five EPs, "Who Can I Turn To" marks another step forward for the band, whose sound continues to be shaped by the sun-dappled melodies and polished rhythms that have become their signature. The release arrives fresh off their 2026 Asia Tour, which saw the band bring their immersive live show to Taipei, Jiaxing, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Bangkok in October, alongside a milestone race-day performance at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. Continuing their commitment to musical exchange across the region, select dates featured Thai band YONLAPA, while collaborator James Alyn joined the band for a surprise guest appearance in Bangkok.

Asia has long been central to PREP's international journey. They have previously completed sold-out tours across Southeast Asia, including a successful 2024 Asia run, during which they played shows in Bangkok, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Manila. In 2023, they performed at VERY Festival in Thailand, followed by a series of headline shows in China, before closing out the run at Clockenflap in Hong Kong. Earlier this year, the band also took to the stage at Seoul Jazz Festival. 

With more than 650 million streams across digital streaming platforms and a ranking among the world's Top 25 Pop Soul Artists (Chartmetric), PREP's global reach continues to grow. Southeast Asia remains a defining stronghold, with the band's leading global audiences spanning #1 Thailand, #3 Indonesia, #4 Philippines, #5 Malaysia, and #6 Taiwan. On the digital front, their viral cover of Harry Styles' "As It Was" has garnered over 5.8 billion views and 1.6 million TikTok creations.

With "Who Can I Turn To", PREP continue to refine their distinctive sound while leaving room for new influences to find their way in. As the band looks ahead to their third album, they're set to carry forward the more intimate, collaborative spirit they rediscovered while making their latest EP. "Making the EP, we did recapture some of that spirit of working not in a big studio, like we had on the second album," says keyboardist Llywelyn. "I think that we're going to carry on that approach with this third album."

Stream "Who Can I Turn To" here
Watch the official visualiser here
 

About PREP

PREP is the London-based band consisting of vocalist-lyricist Tom Havelock, keyboardist Llywelyn ap Myrddin, drummer Guillaume Jambel, and producer-guitarist Dan Radclyffe—all songwriters and producers in their own right. Formed in 2015, the band has since developed a signature sound: smooth, groove-based music with a slightly melancholy British perspective, as if LA-style soul and funk were filtered through English weather. Drawing inspiration from genres like Japanese City Pop—where 1980s musicians in Japan reimagined American music—PREP's work inevitably becomes something wholly their own.

Over two albums, five EPs, and an upcoming new album, PREP has refined a sound that sets them apart from their UK peers, making them arena-scale outliers across East and Southeast Asia. Their retro-future, sophisto-pop grooves are paired with rich world-building, story-driven graphic design, and an online presence that has cultivated a massive, devoted fanbase.

With an intuitive grasp of timeless, boundary-less songcraft, warm, intimate production, and global resonance, PREP's past works have established them as a singular voice in indie-pop. Collaborations with Eddie Chacon, Phum Viphurit, James Alyn, Vicky Farewell, and Anomalie highlight their versatility and love for melody and groove. Endorsed by hugely popular Korean R&B singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer Dean, their music bridges cultural and regional boundaries while remaining unmistakably their own.

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Beyond the Label of Solo Motherhood: TECNO and Angélica Dass Launch the Philippines Portrait Gallery for 100 Portraits of Becoming

The gallery brings together 20 Filipinos whose lives intersect with solo motherhood, revealing the diverse roles, relationships and ambitions that extend far beyond a single label.

MANILA, Oct. 26, 2026 – TECNO and internationally acclaimed artist Angélica Dass today unveiled the Philippines portrait gallery of 100 Portraits of Becoming. Featuring portraits of 20 compelling people and personal stories, the new collection is live on TECNO’s global story archive. 100 Portraits of Becoming is a two-year global documentaryportrait project, spanning five countries and powered by TECNO Universal Tone imaging technology. The Philippines marks its second chapter, following its successful launch in Kenya.

Philippines Portrait Gallery of “Seeing Beyond Labels”

For the Philippine chapter, themed “See Beyond Labels,” Angélica Dass photographed 20 individuals in Manila whose lives intersect with solo motherhood in diverse ways. The gallery honors a powerful truth:behind every societal label is a human life shaped by many roles, deep relationships and personal ambitions, reminding us that no one should be defined by a single societal label or a single title like “solo mom”.

This creative direction is rooted in the realities of Filipino family life. According to publicly available data, the country has an estimated 14 to 15 million solo parents, with women accounting for about 95% of them. An estimated 2.19 million Filipinos worked overseas in 2024, with women making up 57.2% of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Behind these figures are individual lives that are far more layered. This is the space the Philippines chapter sets out to explore.

Captured on the CAMON Slim 5G with TECNO Universal Tone, the Philippines chapter of 100 Portraits of Becoming naturally connects with CAMON Slim 5G’s “Make It Lighter” philosophy, using technology to make expressive photography feel more accessible, intuitive and open to more people.

The Stories Behind the Portraits of 20 People

Through their portraits, that broader context becomes personal, revealing very different experiences of work, family, care and becoming.

Angélica Dass taking portrait photos in Manila

Some stories come from working solo mothers themselves. Others are told through the perspectives of adults raised by solo mothers, multi-generation families, Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) caregivers, and media or community advocates who work closely with women and families. These diverse narratives highlight a pervasive challenge: the social tendency to let a single label define an individual's entire life and capability.

To challenge these stereotypes, their discussions addressed core questions surrounding work, family, and identity - How does motherhood intersect with professional ambition? How do grown children raised in solo-parent families reflect on their upbringing? And what structural support, choices and personal wisdom help families navigate everyday life?

Ultimately, these stories reveal a richer, more nuanced picture of modern family life of solo mothers and women in general: women building fulfilling careers while raising children, multi-generational networks sharing caregiving responsibilities, adults drawing strength from the mothers who raised them, and individuals continuously pursuing their own ambitions.

Portraits of 20 people connected to solo motherhood

Portraits of 20 people connected to solo motherhood from the Philippines chapter now are joining the global 100 Portraits of Becoming on TECNO’s official website, where their images and stories can be explored together.

Her Many Ways of Becoming

Among the 20 participants is Ely Haig, a solo working mother, breadwinner, advertising professional and competitive amateur padel player.

Ely became a mother just as her career was taking off. For a time, she stepped back from opportunities and focused on taking care of everyone around her. Later, she found a different kind of diskarte: knowing what matters to her, then finding ways to make room for her career, her daughter, side projects and padel.

“Being a good mother shouldn’t mean leaving yourself behind,” said Ely. “I want people to see more than a solo mom. A mother, yes, but also a creative, a career woman, an athlete, still becoming.”

The Portrait of Ely Haig

Twinkle Dimayuga Zamora raised two children as a solo mother before turning her own experience into community support. She later founded MAMA, Mothers Advocating through Ministry and Action, an initiative supporting solo mothers and their children. Her diskarte is simple: ask for help, communicate openly and build a village. “Sometimes the strongest thing a mother can do is say, ‘I need help,’” she said.

The Portrait of Twinkle Dimayuga Zamora

Eunice N. Angeles, a fourth-year nursing student, was raised by a solo mother who later became an OFW in Qatar. Growing up, she watched her mother keep finding opportunities and making difficult choices to create a better future for them both. That confidence became something Eunice feels she inherited. “I want people to see what I grew up with: confidence, determination and the courage to find my own way.”

The Portrait of Eunice N. Angeles

These stories reflect different expressions of their own diskarte: the wisdom, resourcefulness and choices women draw on to navigate life in their own way. More stories from the 20 portraits can be explored in the Philippines gallery of 100 Portraits of Becoming, part of TECNO’s global story archive.

An Opportunity to See Behind the Portraits

For Angélica Dass, the Philippines chapter is an opportunity to move from a shared social context to the individual lives within it. Across the 20 portraits, she encountered different ambitions, relationships, personalities and ways of navigating everyday life.

Renowned photographer Angélica Dass captures portraits using the TECNO CAMON Slim 5G in Manila, Philippines.

“What stayed with me was the realization that ‘solo motherhood’ is only one part of a person's identity. Through the stories shared with me and the moments we created during the portrait sessions, I was reminded that behind every label there is a person with their own ambitions, relationships, choices, and dreams. No single label can tell us everything about who someone is.”

To ground these stories in authenticity, the portraits were photographed on location across Manila in environments directly tied to each participant’s daily life—whether a workplace, a family home, or a familiar community space.

The creative approach echoes the campaign’s core philosophy: leavingspace to portray work, ambition, relationships, humour and daily routines — the rich parts of everyday life that extend far beyond a single role or a single label.

From Kenya to the Philippines, and Beyond

All portraits in the Philippines were photographed by Angélica Dass using the TECNO CAMON Slim 5G, supported by TECNO Universal Tone technology.

TECNO Universal Tone was developed to more accurately represent a broad spectrum of human skin tones in mobile photography. Within 100 Portraits of Becoming, that capability supports a wider idea at the heart of the project: seeing people as they are, with greater accuracy and attention to individuality.

“What moved us about the Philippines chapter was seeing how naturally motherhood, work, ambition and personal identity can coexist in the same life,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “We hope technology can play a small part in helping people be seen more fully, and their stories better understood.”

The Philippines marks the second stop of 100 Portraits of Becoming, following the project’s launch in Kenya in July 2026. Over two years, the initiative will bring together 100 portraits across multiple countries, building a story archive of people, stories and possibilities.

In Kenya, the project explored how people move beyond inherited narratives about place and the future. In the Philippines, the lens turns to family, identity and the roles people carry, looking beyond the first label to the person, the people around her, and who she is still becoming.

And with the Philippines now joining the archive, more portraits, more stories and more ways of becoming are still to be unveiled in more countries.

For any related media queries, please contact pr.tecno@tecno-mobile.com.

## END ##

About TECNO

As a global innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets, TECNO has been committed to revolutionizing the digital experience in global emerging markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies and AI. TECNO offers a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, smart gaming, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO is committed to unlocking the newest technologies and AI-powered new experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

About “100 Portraits of Becoming” by TECNO and Angélica Dass

“100 Portraits of Becoming” is a global portrait project created by TECNO together with internationally recognized artist Angélica Dass. Over two years, it will produce one hundred portraits across five countries — Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Brazil — pairing Dass’s portrait methodology with TECNO’s Universal Tone inclusive imaging technology. Each portrait moves beyond a face to the person behind it: to lives unfolding across different cultures, generations and moments of social change. One hundred portraits become one hundred ways of seeing humanity — and one growing archive of who we are, told by the people living it. To learn more, please visit: https://www.tecno-mobile.com/100portraitsofbecoming/.

Source: TECNO Philippines

Sufjan Stevens shares new single and video, “On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better”

Holiday LP, Worst Christmas Ever!, out this Friday via Asthmatic Kitty

Watch video for ‘On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)’ here: https://youtu.be/R8MBM_wDZVo

Watch Worst Christmas Ever! product video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDYRTJQbni0

Photo Credit: Emmanuel Afolabi

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MANILA, Philippines — Sufjan Stevens has today shared his new track, ‘On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)’ taken from his upcoming holiday album, Worst Christmas Ever!. This album is set to be released this Friday (6 November) via Asthmatic Kitty.

The track is built around apology, self-assessment, and asking for forgiveness. It’s the first new Christmas song Sufjan has written, produced, and performed in nearly 15 years. “On this Christmas, I ask forgiveness for all the funny things I've said and done,” he sings. The album will also feature 15 essentials of Sufjan’s indie-Christmas staples, drawn from more than 100 Christmas recordings across the box sets Songs for Christmas and Silver & Gold, plus the previously unheard track ‘On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)’.

Reflecting on the song, Sufjan says: 

“I love the idea of a Christmas apology. A holiday characterized by giving and receiving gifts might be even better with giving and receiving forgiveness. “I’m sorry” is the ultimate ice-breaker in a moment of conflict, contention, and misunderstanding. Let’s try to be better this year: more loving, forgiving, welcoming, and reckoning. This song is a prayer—that we can all find a way to yield to the wisdom and understanding of forgiveness. I believe the world will find its way.”

‘On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)’ arrives alongside a new video, created by Sufjan, Michael O’Neal, and Cubby Graham. Six thousand stills were hand-painted by Sufjan, Michael, Cubby, and Hannah Cohen for the video.

Sufjan first started making Christmas music in 2001. At the time, he didn’t plan for those early songs to start a snowball that would lead to nearly five hours of Christmas songs that now make up his holiday catalog. The intention was simple—make a few Christmas gifts for friends and family. And the process was the same each time: one week in December, usually at home, he’d pull in whoever was around, usually friends, roommates, or musical peers. In 2006, Asthmatic Kitty collected the first five volumes as Songs for Christmas, Vols. 1-5, and in 2012 the label released Silver & Gold: Songs for Christmas, Vols. 6-10, compiling five more EPs recorded between 2006 and 2010.

Worst Christmas Ever! pulls from across both. The perennial fan favorites are all here: ‘Sister Winter’, ‘Put The Lights On The Tree’, ‘Only At Christmas Time’, and the title track, ‘That Was The Worst Christmas Ever!’. As is ‘Justice Delivers Its Gift’, Sufjan's ecclesiastical take on the Burl Ives classic, ‘Silver & Gold’, ‘Christmas In The Room’, ‘Silent Night’ and more.

The volumes these songs come from were made with a long-running cast of collaborators, including Aaron andBryce Dessner of The National, Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire, Cat Martino, Gabriel Kahane, Casey Foubert, James McAlister, Rosie Thomas, Marla Hansen, Olivier Manchon, Sebastian Krueger, and Daniel, Elin, Lilly, and Ida Smith of Danielson.

Speaking to Vulture about his holiday catalog in 2022, Sufjan put it plainly: “There are no rules and regulations when it comes to Christmas culture.” His unguarded enthusiasm for the genre itself, the freedom he takes in celebrating with both reverence and rebellion, and his belief that Christmas music holds a multiplicity of sacred and secular significance that is ultimately ours for the taking make his Christmas catalog a standout.

Pre-order Worst Christmas Ever! here: https://sufjanstevens.lnk.to/worstchristmasever

Pre-order limited Dinked edition here: https://ffm.bio/sufjanstevens

Pre-order Rough Trade exclusive here: https://www.roughtrade.com/product/worst-christmas-ever

Worst Christmas Ever! tracklist:1. Silent Night2. Put The Lights On The Tree3. Holly Jolly Christmas4. Christmas In The Room5. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear (Christmas Infinity Voyage Version)6. Sister Winter7. Joy To The World8. On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better)9. Angels We Have Heard On High (Christmas Infinity Voyage Version)10. Only At Christmas Time11. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear (Christmas Unicorn Version)12. That Was The Worst Christmas Ever!13. Sleigh Ride14. Justice Delivers Its Gift15. Auld Lang Syne16. Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages)

 Source: Nyou

Dominic Fike’s new album HOW TO QUIT SMOKING out today

Listen to HOW TO QUIT SMOKING HERE and order on vinyl HERE.

HOW TO QUIT SMOKING TRACKLIST

“WALLFLOWER”

“SMALL TOWN (feat. Emma Ogier & Gabriel Jacoby)”

“PANGEA”

“CASTING CALL”

“DOOMSDAY (feat. reggie)”

“HONEYLOVE (feat. Grace Ives)”

“WHITE KEYS”

“SQUEEZE”

“RENO (feat. Hether)”

“LILY WAS A CAVALIER”

“CABBY (feat. Emma Ogier & Love Spells)”

“CITY OF STEEL (feat. Jorjiana)”

“NOT THE SPIRIT (feat. Danny Brown)”

“WAR MACHINE”

“SPOTLIGHT / INNER CHILD (feat. Tay-K)”

In August, Fike put up a 15-track album on DSP’s with a release date in just two months. He announced he would be making his third album on the road in real time. In an age where technology is moving closer and closer to showing us what “perfection” could look or sound like, Fike decided to head in the opposite direction. Dubbing the project “HOW TO QUIT SMOKING”, he challenged himself to leave behind the parts of himself that would interfere with this process.

For eight weeks, Dominic made the album while traveling across North America on his Comedy Tragedy Parody tour. He wrote and recorded these songs on the road, working wherever he could. The album and accompanying visuals took place in a hotel room in Virginia Beach, a tour bus driving from Albuquerque to Las Vegas, a seaplane flying over Vancouver, and the diner from Twin Peaks outside Seattle. These places, and countless others around the country, served as postcards for songs like “Wallflower,” “Small Town,” and “Pangea,” all encapsulating the journey of finding art in the moments along the way.

Perhaps more important than where the music was made were the people who joined Fike along the way to make it. From jumping on last-minute flights to leave their mark as the hours counted down, to spending hours, days, and for some weeks on the road to help create the album’s sound. The sprawling list of artists includes Love Spells, Emma Ogier, Grace Ives, Gabriel Jacoby, Kevin Abstract, Reggie, Jorjiana, Danny Brown, Hether and a phone call with Tay-K.

Originally set to be released in early October, Fike pushed the release by 3 weeks, telling the audience at his LA show that the album had become “bigger than I had ever imagined.” He then bunkered down at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, to narrow down the songs. The ranch served as a creative hub for the final days of the project before heading to New York City to complete the recording, mixing and mastering process. The record was completed at Electric Lady Studios earlier this week and now, only a few days later, is being released into the world. 

Watch “CASTING CALL” here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5L5k_n44jY

Coming full circle, John Cunningham who unknowingly brought the first song of this album, “WHITE KEYS”, to life five years ago, joined Fike in the Sonic Ranch studio during the final hours of recording in Texas. He helped round out the album’s overall sound and brought collaborators from his world, including artists Jorjiana and Tay-K.

The album concludes with a phone call to John Cunningham from Prison, that came in during the camp's last days in Texas. On this call, Fike met the rapper Tay-K and explained the complications of the reality he has designed for himself. "Stay connected to your inner child,” Tay-K reminds him. “Everything is a learning experience. Everything is wonderful.”

Last week, Fike launched the Separate Street Network, a 24/7 streaming channel from his website. Through his time on the road, he has captured the disorienting and fast-paced journey of touring and found fun in the multitude of stories happening all at once. Through this experience, Fike and company have found and developed TV shows, concert films, and organic versions of their favorite junk, introducing viewers to new characters and all the places and the spaces in between.

There’s only more to come from Fike, as he’s set to hit the road once again with Comedy Tragedy Parody - Dominic Fike in Europe, a series of intentionally intimate headline shows taking place in February and March of next year. Kicking off on February 9th in Düsseldorf,  the tour will take Fike across Europe & the UK, performing to his fans at packed venues in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and more before wrapping up in Manchester, UK at  CO-Op Live on March 6th. Buy tickets HERE.

Watch “WALLFLOWER” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1jjURWPLy4 

Watch “SMALL TOWN” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CHgKR1OzlU 

Watch “WHITE KEYS”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz200209hOs

Watch “PANGEA” - https://youtu.be/q6bZfFQH-OI?si=zvdk_ss3V1AIRo_3 

Dominic Fike Press Photo, credit: Nathan Nguyen  

Source: Nyou

CHVRCHES NEW SINGLE ‘OVERTHINKER’ OUT NOW

ALL THE KING’S MEN

NEW ALBUM DUE 22 JANUARY VIA FUTURES ✦

TOURING NORTH AMERICA, UK & IRELAND

FEBRUARY THROUGH APRIL 2027

Photo credit: Jody Evans

CHVRCHES release ‘Overthinker,’ the second single to be lifted from their eagerly anticipated new album All The King’s Men. The forthcoming album’s standout ballad, ‘Overthinker’ is BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record and arrives the night after a special intimate charity show for 100 lucky fans at Assumption Studios in Glasgow, the converted church where the album was recorded.

The song blends euphoria and emotional ache over driving, pulsing synths and shimmering hooks. Turning inward, ‘Overthinker’ shifts the album's focus from societal pressures to the things much closer to home. In a song about complicated family dynamics, Mayberry describes a relationship with "someone who is your shelter and your storm" and the difficulty of that contradiction and living in the ‘winter’ of someone’s depression or discontent. “Should I lie to you, keep my thoughts from you?”, she sings. “You ask after my friends, if I’m getting thinner, not sure how you raised such a chronic overthinker.”

Watch / listen to ‘Overthinker’

All The King’s Men, the band’s first album in almost six years, is due for release on 22 January 2027 in LP, CD, cassette and digital formats via Futures ✦. The band - Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty - took their pause in 2023 after touring their fourth UK Top 10 album Screen Violence, with all agreed that when they returned, their next chapter had to challenge and excite them. The result is All The King’s Men, a self-consciously British freewheeling collection of 11 tracks of vividly emotional indie rock that fans won’t expect, and neither did they. 

In the intervening years all three members were consciously and unconsciously absorbing material for their return. On his frequent trips back to Scotland to spend time with his mother, Doherty had reconnected with gritty British cinema by auteurs like Shane Meadows and Ken Loach - not incidentally the ones who stare down the barrel of the UK’s worst social issues - and UK artists like Massive Attack, Souxsie & The Banshees, and PJ Harvey. Meanwhile, Mayberry had done her 10,000 hours of sessions and leveled up as a lyricist, and came looking to make music that showcases a fresh storytelling quality and vocal range, and Cook - still living in the band’s Scotland home base - had started to reject electronics in favour of writing with acoustic instruments, and was listening to Nick Drake, Bert Jansch and Incredible String Band. 

With none of them approaching creation in the same way, they eschewed the remote working of Screen Violence to meet for multiple, intense three-week stints in Glasgow. They knew recording in-person and in Scotland was exactly the environment necessary for experimentation on this record.

A first taste came last month in the form of ‘Roses’ - a scathing piece of contemporary social commentary, a confrontation with the darker undercurrents of Britain, with Mayberry snarling, “raise a glass to delusions of the good days of blood and wine; of pearls for swine.” The song’s Orwellian closing announcement, “If I may command your undivided attention, now we can start,” set the stage for what is to come with All The King’s Men.

Through one lens All The King’s Men is a compulsive exploration of British and Scottish culture through the unique viewpoint of this specific band. After years now spent in America, with all its large newness as a country, Doherty and Mayberry connected with a sense of the UK’s history as “old and real” even when it’s ugly. Whether it’s smashing through expectations with playful 90s pop-rock (‘Adore You’) or injecting bleak, expansive loneliness into indie ballads (‘Comedown Tomorrow’), there’s an unapologetic dynamism and risk-taking to its state-of-the-nation songs that demands total attention.

For Mayberry, Doherty and Cook this was about discovering their own strength between them, saying that it’s forever changed how they’ll work as individuals and together. In finding the album, CHVRCHES seem to have found something else too, for a second time in their career: a poignant creative language that belongs entirely to the three of them.

Pre-order / pre-save All The King’s Men

CHVRCHES

All The King’s Men tracklisting

1. Roses

2. Evil

3. Adore You

4. Overthinker

5. Royal Blue

6. Comedown Tomorrow

7. Friend Of A Friend

8. Three Out Of Five

9. Conman

10. Jamie’s Prayer

11. Faith In Flying

CHVRCHES have announced a full tour of the UK and Ireland preceded by an extensive run of shows in North America, starting on 13 February 2027. Tickets for the shows went on sale to fans via presale at 10am local time October 27th (N.America) and 10am October 28th (UK / Ireland), with general sale beginning 10am local October 30th. See chvrch.es for ticket information and details of how to sign up for presale access.

CHVRCHES - North America, UK & Ireland shows

13 February - Philadelphia, Franklin Music Hall

17 February - Brooklyn, Steel

19 February - Washington, Anthem

20 February - Pittsburgh, Roxian Theatre

22 February - Buffalo,  Asbury Hall

23 February - Toronto, History

25 February - Chicago, Salt Shed (Indoor)

26 February - Milwaukee, Riverside Theater

27 February - Madison, The Sylvee

2 March - Boise, Knitting Factory

3 March - Spokane, Knitting Factory

5 March - Vancouver, Vogue Theatre

6 March - Seattle, Paramount Theater

8 March - Portland, Revolution Hall

10 March - Oakland, Fox Theater

12 March - San Diego, The Observatory North Park

13 March - Phoenix, The Van Buren

14 March - Los Angeles, Hollywood Palladium

23 April - Glasgow, o2 Academy

26 April - Aberdeen, Music Hall

27 April - Dundee, LiveHouse

29 April - Dublin, 3Olympia

1 May - Manchester, Victoria Warehouse

2 May - Birmingham, o2 Academy 1

4 May - Bristol, o2 Academy 1

5 May - Norwich, The LCR UEA

6 May - London, o2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

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