NICKELBACK ANNOUNCE NEW STUDIO ALBUM EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN ARRIVING OCTOBER 30 VIA VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP

Explosive New Single "Rattle The Cage” Available Today

Pre-order Everything Under The Sun HERE

(July 14, 2026) - Rock icons Nickelback today announced their highly anticipated new studio album, Everything Under The Sun, will arrive on October 30, 2026, via Virgin Music Group, while simultaneously unveiling the blistering lead single, "Rattle The Cage” (feat. John 5). Available everywhere today, the track marks the first taste of the band's powerful new era. Pre-order the album HERE and stream or download the new single HERE.

Marking the band's first new music since 2022's Get Rollin', Everything Under The Sun arrives at a moment of renewed momentum for one of rock's most enduring acts. Fresh off the success of their acclaimed documentary Hate to Love: Nickelback and the record-breaking Get Rollin' World Tour - the fastest-selling and highest-attended tour of their career, Nickelback continue to build on a legacy that has only grown stronger with time. 

True to its title, Everything Under The Sun delivers the complete spectrum of what has made Nickelback one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Across the album, towering arena-ready anthems collide with reflective songwriting, undeniable melodies, massive guitars, and the unmistakable chemistry that has defined the band for more than three decades.

Leading the campaign is "Rattle The Cage” (feat. John 5), an explosive first taste of the album. Heavy, loud, and blisteringly fast, the track channels the electricity that erupts every night between the band and their fans inside packed arenas around the globe. Fueled by pounding riffs, soaring hooks, and relentless energy, "Rattle The Cage” (feat. John 5), captures the communal spirit that has become synonymous with a Nickelback live show.

"This album has every side of the band on it,” says Chad Kroeger. There are songs that hit as hard as anything we've ever done, songs that take chances, and songs that remind us why we've been doing this together for so long. Rattle The Cage felt like the perfect way to kick the door open - it has the energy we've been feeding off every night on stage, and we can’t wait for people to hear it."

STREAM or DOWNLOAD “Rattle The Cage” HERE.

WATCH the video for “Rattle The Cage” HERE.

Pre-order Everything Under The Sun HERE

From humble beginnings in Hanna, Alberta, Nickelback have grown into one of the most successful rock bands of the 21st century. Since emerging onto the global stage with Silver Side Up and the era-defining hit "How You Remind Me," the band has built an unparalleled catalog of rock staples, earning multiple Grammy Award nominations, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, JUNO Awards, and international acclaim along the way.

With nearly 60 million albums sold worldwide, billions of streams across digital platforms, and more than 50 million monthly listeners across digital platforms, Nickelback remain one of the most streamed and commercially successful rock bands in the world. Their music continues to resonate across generations, finding new audiences through streaming while maintaining a devoted global fanbase that has filled arenas for more than two decades.

Photo credit: Lindsay Siu

That enduring appeal reached new heights over the past several years. The Netflix documentary Hate to Love: Nickelback became a global sensation, spending weeks in the platform's Global Top 10 while offering fans an unprecedented look inside the band's remarkable journey. At the same time, the Get Rollin' World Tour shattered attendance records and reaffirmed Nickelback's reputation as one of rock's premier live acts.

Everything Under The Sun builds on that momentum while looking firmly ahead. It is both a celebration of everything Nickelback has accomplished and a statement that their creative fire burns as brightly as ever.

The album also marks Nickelback's first release with Virgin Music Group, the world's leading partner to independent labels, artists and entrepreneurs. As the band embarks on this exciting new chapter, Virgin Music Group President, North America, Jacqueline Saturn, shares: “Nickelback have built one of the most remarkable careers in music, and it's a huge honor for everyone at Virgin Music Group to work alongside a band with such an enduring legacy and global impact. We're thrilled to partner with them as they begin this exciting new chapter and can't wait for fans to experience Everything Under The Sun.”

More than thirty years into their career, Nickelback continue to evolve without losing the unmistakable sound that made them one of modern rock's defining bands. With Everything Under The Sun, they prove that their story is still unfolding - and that their biggest moments may still lie ahead.

About Nickelback

One of the most commercially successful and influential rock bands of the 21st century, Nickelback have sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide, amassed billions of streams, and continue to attract more than 50 million monthly listeners across digital platforms. Formed in Hanna, Alberta, the multi-platinum quartet - Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger, and Daniel Adair - rose to international prominence with their breakthrough album Silver Side Up, featuring the era-defining global hit "How You Remind Me," before cementing their status as rock mainstays with a catalog of enduring anthems including "Photograph," "Rockstar," "Far Away," "Someday," and "Burn It to the Ground."

Their impact on Canadian music history was formally recognized in 2024 with their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, underscoring their status as one of the country’s most successful musical exports. In addition, Nickelback are among a select group of artists to have achieved Diamond certification in Canada, further reflecting their exceptional commercial reach and cultural impact both domestically and around the world.

Over the course of a career spanning more than three decades, Nickelback have earned multiple Grammy Award nominations, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, JUNO Awards, and more while consistently ranking among the world's biggest touring rock acts. Their 2023 documentary, Hate to Love: Nickelback, introduced the band's story to a new generation of fans, while the Get Rollin' World Tour became the fastest-selling and highest-attended tour of their career.

Now entering a bold new chapter with Virgin Music Group, Nickelback continue to push forward with the same unmistakable sound, arena-sized ambition, and enduring connection with fans that have made them one of modern rock's defining bands. Their new studio album, Everything Under The Sun, arrives October 30, 2026.

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Pinoy rock legends TEETH announce 5-city concert tour and vinyl release of landmark debut album

Fans can relive the music that defined a generation as the band returns with live performances and the long-awaited vinyl edition of its classic debut album

Filipino alternative rock powerhouse TEETH are reuniting for a 5-city concert tour celebrating more than three decades of friendship, music legacy, and rock n’ roll.

Dubbed Year 33: TEETH The Reunion – Legacy Tour, the concert series will kick off on August 30, 2026, at the Foochow Event Building Hall in Singapore before making its Philippine stops in Manila (September 5), Davao (September 12), Iloilo(September 19), and Cebu (September 26).

Tickets for the Singaporean leg of the tour are now available via:https://teeth-reunion-sg2026.peatix.com

In line with the concert tour, TEETH will release their landmark debut album on vinyl for the first time. Widely regarded as one of the defining releases of the 1990s Pinoy rock movement, the album introduced Filipino listeners to life-affirming crossover anthems such as “Laklak” and Prinsesa,” songs that transcended generations and helped shape the sound of the local rock music landscape. The album eventually earned Double Platinum certification from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), selling more than 80,000 copies during its time.

The upcoming vinyl edition has been newly remastered by acclaimed mastering engineer Shinji Tanaka and will be issued in a strictly limited pressing of 500 copies on standard black vinyl. Produced by Backspacer Records, the LP also features newly commissioned artwork by award-winning visual artist Nix Puno, whose hand-painted interpretation offers a fresh but faithful homage to the album’s original cover.

Year 33: Teeth Reunion 2026 - Legacy Tour official poster

For the band’s most dedicated supporters, the vinyl will be included as a bundle in the exclusive 33^rd Anniversary Add-On Package, available as a premium concert offering for all Philippine tour dates only. The exclusive collector’s package includes a limited-edition, band-signed 33rd anniversary vinyl; a commemorative event shirt and trucker cap; an exclusive sticker pack; a signed event poster; and premium fan experiences such as a meet-and-greet session, an exclusive listening party, soundcheck access, and a group photo opportunity with the band.

[MORE PHOTOS HERE]

Formed in 1993, TEETH is one of the most important bands that emerged from the alternative rock explosion of the ‘90s. The band is currently composed of original members Glenn Jacintoon vocals, Jerome Velasco on guitars, Pedz Narvaja on bass, Mike Dizon on drums, and Dok Sergio on guitars, formerly on bass.

Known for their mix of alternative rock and grunge, with shoegaze influences heard in their third full-length album I Was A Teenage Tree, TEETH left a permanent imprint on OPM with their distinct blend of melodic songwriting and unconventionally gritty sound, eventually earning them awards, including three NU Rock Awards and two MTV Pilipinas Awardsnominations.

Year 33: TEETH The Reunion – Legacy Tour is presented by BLKSHPMNL Lifestyle & Entertainment Management Inc.(BLACKSHEEP MANILA) and S32 Productions (Singapore). Tickets to the Philippine leg of the tour will be announced in the coming days.

 Source: Nyou

Golden Melody Award-winning artist Shi Shi (孫盛希) releases new EP The Taste Of… after two-year break

Photo Credits:

EP Cover - Rock Records

Press Photos - ATTIQ Project

After a two-year hiatus, Golden Melody Award-winning artist Shi Shi (孫盛希) is finally back with her new EP The Taste Of…, a project that represents the accumulation of her experiences during her break.

“During this period, I experienced a wide range of emotions, from the sweet ones to the bitter ones, and even some moments that were sour or spicy! It is hard to describe the feelings we feel every day using merely our words, but sometimes they can be expressed and digested in a song.”

“In this EP, each track is like a unique cocktail, bringing a different flavour and taste profile, and a different composition of ingredients and emotions. I hope my listeners can savour each one of them!”

Listen to Shi Shi’s new EP The Taste Of… here

The Taste Of… is Shi Shi’s first-ever English-based EP, featuring songs in three languages - English, Mandarin and Korean, a nod towards her roots in South Korea and a first step of Shi Shi’s career onto an international stage.

The album brings together an impressive lineup of global producers, further elevating its musical craftsmanship. Contributors include K-pop producer parkhyeon, who has worked with MISAMO (TWICE) and (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon; Different Sleep, whose recording credits include Zara Larsson and Aminé; and Latin Grammy-winning producer Andrø Pop. Among the album’s tracks, the two songs featuring Korean lyrics—‘Falling in Love’ and ‘Tteokbokki’—stand out as its most gentle and intimate moments.

In ‘Tteokbokki’, Shi Shi breaks away from her usual inspirations of relationships, and works off a theme of “food memories”, portraying the emotions of the purest friendships that are both comfortable and also the hardest to come by, recorded as an ode to old friends.

To Shi Shi, who grew up in South Korea, “떡볶이” (Tteokbokki), the traditional spicy Korean rice cake, is not just a familiar snack, but also a symbolism of youth, reminding her of the path that she took to go home each day after school, and the warm atmosphere of the eateries where she spent her time growing up with her friends.

Shi Shi worked with Chinese American producer Morrison Ma (MOSUN) on ‘Tteokbokki’ to bring a retro feeling to the gentle song, which opens with a self-recorded slice-of-life audio of a busy Korean market to bring the audience into the atmosphere.

In the music video, Shi Shi reunites with her old friend, actress Lee Jung-Min, who previously acted in iconic K-dramas like What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Duty After School. Although the two have not met for 16 years, they always kept in touch, and in their first-time working together, showed great chemistry with each other.

Similarly in the music video, they play the role of two childhood friends who come together after a long time in their same local eatery, catching up on all the years that they missed.

Shi Shi is a third-generation South Korean-Chinese singer-songwriter who is based in Taiwan. Her artistry has been recognised in Taiwan at the highest level, having been crowned with the “Best Female Singer” and “Best Album” awards at the prestigious Golden Melody Awards.

In 2020, Shi Shi also gained popularity with her title track ‘Someday or One Day’ for the hit Taiwanese series Someday or One Day (想见你), one of the most popular dramas in recent years. In 2024, she also released a collaborative single ‘Goodbye Spring’ with South Korean jazz artist Lee Jin-ah, gaining attention in both Taiwan and Korea.

Leading into her new EP, Shi Shi highlights her ambitions to continue making music for an international audience, paving the way for the next era of her music.

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 Source: Nyou

Jaguar Jonze and KIRE turn cultural duality into alt-pop confidence in new single, "HALF DEVIL"

LISTEN HERE

July 13, 2026 – Taiwanese-Australian artist Jaguar Jonze shares “HALF DEVIL (feat. KIRE)”, a dark, magnetic new collaboration with Taiwanese-American singer-songwriter KIRE, out now via Nettwerk. Sung in both Mandarin and English, the track slips between sultry alt-pop, gritty vocal textures and club-leaning production, pairing Jaguar's signature melodic pop choruses with jagged, high-energy moments that mirror the tension at its core.

Following “Naked”, her first single after a two-year hiatus, “HALF DEVIL (feat. KIRE)” explores their Asian heritages, contradiction and navigating the spaces between. The track grew from conversations around childhood, upbringing, and the experience of carrying multiple cultures at once.

For Jaguar Jonze and KIRE, that shared understanding was immediate: the feeling of being connected to the places that shaped them, while still feeling outside of them. “We had talked about our childhood and upbringing, where we didn’t quite belong in Taiwan, in Japan, yet we didn’t quite belong in the US or Australia either,” says Jaguar Jonze. “There’s that lack of belonging wherever you go because you’re a mix of cultures.”

Alongside the release is the accompanying music video, filmed beneath a full moon on the black volcanic sands of a small fishing village in North Bali, using light and shadow to reflect the parts of ourselves we often try to separate. “To me, 'HALF DEVIL' is about recognising that we’re all both angel and devil, and that being human is learning to hold those contradictions without judging them as right or wrong,” Jaguar shares.

Jaguar Jonze – "HALF DEVIL (feat. KIRE)" [Official Music Video]

Together, Jaguar Jonze and KIRE reframe that experience, transforming what was once a source of alienation into something seductive, complex and empowering. Through its bilingual interplay, shadowy momentum and defiant energy, “HALF DEVIL (feat. KIRE)” becomes both a reclamation of identity and a bold statement of self-definition.

Across Southeast Asia, Jaguar Jonze continues to find a growing audience, with Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore now among her Top 15 streaming markets globally. That momentum began to take shape with “Naked”, her first single after a two-year hiatus spent focusing on her health – a powerful return that saw Jaguar Jonze resurfacing with renewed awareness, reclaiming her inner identity and shedding the weight of external forces. Shot at an abandoned construction site in Uluwatu, Bali, the self-directed music video has since garnered close to 350,000 views on YouTube to date, supported by significant traction from Indonesia.

As Jaguar Jonze moves into her next creative chapter, “HALF DEVIL (feat. KIRE)” opens the door to a bolder, more expansive world entirely her own.

Stream "HALF DEVIL (feat. KIRE)" here: jaguarjonze.ffm.to/halfdevil
Watch the official music video here
 

About Jaguar Jonze

Born in Japan to a Taiwanese mother and Australian father, Deena Lynch (aka Jaguar Jonze) has shaped a multi-faceted career straddling the worlds of art, music and fashion. After breaking onto the music scene in 2019, Lynch went on to carve out her reputation for genre-crossing high art and enigmatic yet vulnerable songwriting on back to back EPs, 'Diamonds & Liquid Gold' (2020) and 'ANTIHERO' (2021).

Come 2022, her high-octane, art-pop debut studio album 'BUNNY MODE' saw Lynch find strength in vulnerability, a personal triumph of resilience shaped by her boundary-pushing art and creativity that received praise among NME (The Cover), The Guardian, VICE, FLAUNT and more.

Lynch's activism work has been recognised by Vogue Australia’s Most Influential Women of 2021, triple j’s Done Good Award, and The Australian’s ‘Top 100 Cultural Leaders List 2022’, meanwhile her intersection with the art and fashion communities – including narrative illustration project Spectator Jonze and photography project Dusky Jonze – has seen collaborations with the likes of Christian Louboutin, Converse, Nike, BMW, Reebok, Stüssy and more. Her most recent 2024 EP, 'victim impact statement', comprising three powerful tracks and an accompanying self-directed short film, further cemented her as one of Australian music’s most empowering voices.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
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MILLENNIUM PARADE Releases New Single "Blue" as THE GHOST IN THE SHELL Ending Theme, Featuring Saya Gray & Daniel Caesar

The new track “Blue” is the first release from MILLENNIUM PARADE in nearly two years and has been selected as the ending theme for the TV anime “THE GHOST IN THE SHELL”, which is now available on all streaming platforms.

“Blue” features globally acclaimed artists Saya Gray and Daniel Caesar, and began taking shape around three years ago when Daiki Tsuneta and Saya Gray started working on it together. Daniel Caesar later joined the project which brought the song to completion.

Daiki Tsuneta and Saya Gray commented:

“This track ‘Blue’ was first created three years ago in the studio with Saya, and has reached its completion through Danny joining, whom I met while travelling. I’ve always admired the sheer talent of these two musicians, and the completed track has turned out to be truly incredible so I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

Daiki Tsuneta

“Working with Daniel and Daiki was spicy fun and the blending of worlds and cultures is very exciting.”

Saya Gray

In addition, the fourth anime promotional video featuring “Blue” has also been released so please check it out.

■”THE GHOST IN THE SHELL” promotional video vol.4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OGEOg3bbIc

Image assets

・MILLENNIUM PARADE artist photoHERE

・Saya Gray artist photo HERE

・Daniel Caesar artist photo HERE

・” THE GHOST IN THE SHELL” KV HERE

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MILLENNIUM PARADE profile

MILLENNIUM PARADE is a crew of creatives led by Daiki Tsuneta (King Gnu), merging music, video, digital art and more to make dazzling works capturing the chaotic clash of cultures in modern Tokyo. Started in 2019, the collective brings in different artists from multiple disciplines to create audio and visual experiments. 

The next era of MILLENNIUM PARADE finds Tsuneta and company building an even more immersive artistic world.

Official Website：https://millenniumparade.com/

X：https://twitter.com/mllnnmprd

Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/mllnnmprd

YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/@millenniumparadeofficial

TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@mllnnmprd_

Saya Gray profile

Japanese-Canadian artist Saya Gray has a unique ability to create a collage of sounds that feel both comforting and disorienting, vast yet intimate. Her first releases, 2022’s ‘19MASTERS’ , 2023’s ‘QWERTY I’ and 2024’s 'QWERTY II' were made in periods of intense isolation, and as Saya herself describes it, she puts ‘1000 personalities in one song’. It’s this unfiltered, frenzied approach to her art that she feels is necessary to reclaim her sense of self in an ever changing world - and in the process marking her as one of the most exciting, up and coming musicians operating today. 2025 was a landmark year for Saya as she released her debut album ’SAYA” - by far her most personal and intimate project to date.

Official Website：https://www.sayagray.ca/

Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/sayagray/

YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/@sayagraymusic

Daniel Caesar profile

Daniel Caesar's Son Of Spergy is about reconciliation; specifically, with his father. It’s both deeply contemplative and powerful in this examination, while still honoring the most exciting aspect of Caesar’s artistry: the album is compositionally and melodically breathtaking. His most profound and vulnerable project to date, Son Of Spergy features Daniel Caesar coming to terms with all the ways he’s his father’s son; for better and for worse. As such, the LP is a reflection on how Daniel wants to live his life. As a wildly successful artist at such a young age, Caesar lived much of his 20s in self-indulgence. The only people who really ever told him no, whoever truly held him accountable, were his family members. He bristled at this, mistaking care for control.

he turned 30, he felt as if he had matured a full dozen years all at once. Son Of Spergy is the aftermath. From the intoxicating folk pop of “Root Of All Evil,” to the Bon Iver-assisted “Moon,” Caesar spends the album interrogating himself in pursuit of purer, healthier relationships. He wants to be good; Son Of Spergy is a defining step towards that goal. While writing the album, Caesar aimed to animate his thoughts on a few core concepts: his own purpose on this Earth, what he means in relation to his parents, and how the world will change when he’s gonna be a dad. It couldn’t exist without all of these contexts, because they’re all him. Even when Daniel Caesar was writing about other people, he was really writing about himself, too: “All my songs are really about me, but at the same time, we are who we are in relation to other people. I am Spergy and Hollis’ son. No one exists in a vacuum,” he explains, before adding a line that has to make it onto a future Daniel Caesar album: “Nothing is nothing unless it's relative to something.”

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/danielcaesar/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@danielcaesar

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DanielCaesar

 Source: Sony Music

MULTI GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST FUTURE RELEASES THE REAL ME

LISTEN HERE

[New York, NY – July 10, 2026] — Today, multi–GRAMMY Award-winning artist Future releases his highly anticipated 10th solo studio album, The Real Me. The album follows the hypnotic single “Radio” , accompanied by a cinematic visual.

Listen to The Real Me HERE. Fans can purchase The Real Me merch HERE.

In the lead-up to the album's release, Future descended on his hometown of Atlanta and staged a full-scale takeover. Streets, skyline, landmarks: all cloaked in his signature purple haze and the Freebandz logo, like a superhero marking his territory. Among the standout moments: a 12-mile purple laser beam projected from the top of the iconic Magic City into the Atlanta skyline.

The Real Me marks a significant moment in Future's catalog — his 10th solo studio album and a deeply personal body of work that strips back the mythology to reveal the man behind it. This album finds Future turning inward, delivering some of his most candid and ambitious music to date. The album follows MIXTAPE PLUTO, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned Platinum certification from the RIAA.

Last month, Future made headlines sitting front row at the Louis Vuitton show during Men’s Paris Fashion Week and performing his track “ “Game Time” alongside Tyla at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony.

Full tracklist for The Real Me below:

Credit: Jason Nocito

ABOUT FUTURE

Rap would never sound, look, or feel the same after Future landed. If you want to know where the culture’s going next, just watch and listen to the iconic Atlanta rapper, singer, and producer. He went from cooking up beats in a basement for the Dungeon Family to generational superstardom with a presence felt from the streets all the way to The Met Gala. He literally brought trap into the White House as President Barack Obama rapped along to his quintuple-platinum banger “Jumpman” (with Drake). He has collected 3 GRAMMY AWARDS®, dozens of multi-platinum certifications, and reached rarified air as one of only a handful of rappers to achieve Diamond status for 2020’s “Life Is Good” [ft. Drake], affirming him as one of the best-selling acts of all time. Not to mention, he carved out a place in the history books as “the first artist to release two Billboard 200 number ones in consecutive weeks.” Along the way, he adorned the covers of Billboard, Clash, GQ (“the best rapper alive”), Rolling Stone, The Source, XXL, and more in addition to delivering show-stopping performances on Saturday Night Live and Ellen. In 2019, he garnered his first GRAMMY AWARD® in the category of “Best Rap Performance” for “King’s Dead” alongside Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and James Blake. In 2022, Kanye West sought him out as Executive Producer on the headline-making Donda 2 in addition to appearing on two tracks. He also pulled up on Gunna’s “Pushin P” with Young Thug, appearing on yet another chart-busting banger. Future looked ahead again on his ninth full-length and eighth #1 album, I Never Liked You, in 2022, which saw him take home another GRAMMY Award for “Best Melodic Rap Performance” for the Hot 100 #1 single “WAIT FOR U” featuring Drake and Tems. In 2024, he leveled up once again with back-to-back #1 albums WE DON’T TRUST YOU and WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU in collaboration with Metro Boomin, lighting culture on fire with the #1 single “Like That” featuring Kendrick Lamar. And now, he continues his prolific run with MIXTAPE PLUTO, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was officially certified Platinum by the RIAA.

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 Source: Sony Music

A Long Life: A Review of The Story of My Life

The Story of My Life: As A Lawyer Before, During, and After Martial Law (Another chapter from the Author’s Autobiography) by Arturo M. De Castro provides a glimpse into the author’s humble beginnings. It is good to see another side of the author, who is well-known in the legal world. Through this book, which is actually the second volume of his autobiography, the lawyer shows his vulnerable side. He is indeed a human being with a multi-faceted life that is not just all about being a lawyer.

I must admit that the author and his writings are not my usual cup of tea. However, I would like to commend him for continuing to write well into his advanced years. There is no doubt that he is one of the most notable legal minds in the country. However, his poetry shows that he is also capable of analyzing his emotions and turning them into literary works of art.

Being a lawyer involves countless hours of reading and memorizing. In this book, the author shows that he is more than just a dean and a lawyer, he is also capable of producing poetry which can be read even by those who belong to other professions. Maybe this is just the beginning of a career as a poet? As the author continues being a senior citizen, maybe he can produce books of poetry and other musings in the future.

Life has been kind and generous to the author. This generosity is something which he chooses to pass on to the next generation through this book. There are plenty of lessons that can be learned from the author, and being resilient amidst unimaginable times is the strongest one of all.

The Story of My Life: As A Lawyer Before, During, and After Martial Law (Another chapter from the Author’s Autobiography) by Arturo M. De Castro is now available!

The Joys of Writing: A Love Story to a Lifelong Hobby

The Joys of Writing by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is a love story to a lifelong hobby. I have previously read the author’s inspirational book, Why the Night is so Lovely: The Joys of Being a Senior, which is why I am already familiar with the author’s writing style. It seems that he has a lot of joy to share, and he has done so through writing his books. His work needs little introduction, as he has already accomplished a lot professionally.

It is worth mentioning that the author has a doctorate degree in English Studies, and he teaches literature at the University of Batangas. I can say that this book can be a textbook given how it reads like one. It felt like I was reading a refresher course on writing and literature. It can be wrong to say that this book is simply a passion project. It is also a means for the author to share his knowledge not just to his students but to everyone at large.

The author’s generosity in sharing his knowledge is commendable. The book is enriched with all the basics that are needed for a writer to begin his or her writing journey. Not everyone ends up being a writer. However, it is possible to start a new writing hobby thanks to this book. It is the springboard for a new craft and possibly, a future career.

It would have been better if the author included a blurb at the back cover of his book. His bio can be read inside the book anyway. While the book’s title is self-explanatory, a blurb explaining the book’s premise would have been informative for the reader. It would also have made the book less intimidating as the author’s credentials are the first thing that one sees on the cover.

The Joys of Writing by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is now available!

The Judge Dreamer: A Self-Published Dream

The Judge Dreamer by Allan Frederico Linga Garcia is a self-published book which features the author’s musings and imagined realities. The short stories in this book are better than his previous ones, so there’s that. I would like to commend the author for continuing to self-publish books in this economy and supporting the publishing industry by producing his own books.

I have already reviewed his previous work, and I must admire the author for his determination to write. It is not easy to write. There are days when I stare at a blank page and hope that the cursor will wake me up from my writer’s block. The author has been prolific in the sense that he has kept on writing stories and releasing books. His enthusiasm helps keep Central Books afloat and of course, continues to encourage other authors to self-publish as well.

 The author can further polish his work by working with an experienced editor. Other than that, I have no other comments about his writing. It is inevitable that the author will continue to write and release books in the future.

The author can also do with less quotation marks as some of them were unnecessary in this book, as well as in his other works. It would also be interesting to see different themes in his writings, as well as other material in his future works.

May all authors be inspired by this book and this author’s will to write and produce his own books! Writing a book is an act of bravery. It is not easy to put yourself out there, and the author has repeatedly done this in collaboration with Central Books. Who knows for certain what he will release next? Only the author knows this for sure.

The Judge Dreamer by Allan Frederico Linga Garcia is now available!

Grammy Award-Winning Rock Icon Jack White Unveils Seventh Studio Album 'Frozen Charlotte' Via Third Man Records, Ferocious New Single "Neighbors Blues" Out Now

LISTEN HERE

FEROCIOUS NEW SINGLE
“NEIGHBORS BLUES”
OUT NOW

Photo Credit: David James Swanson

July 10, 2026 – Philippines – Jack White has released his new album, 'Frozen Charlotte', available everywhere now via Third Man Records. A wide array of physical variants are now available, including CD, cassette, standard black vinyl, limited-edition “Zug Island Blue” vinyl (available via Third Man Records) and more.

White’s seventh studio LP, 'Frozen Charlotte', includes the ferocious new single and closing track, “Neighbors Blues”. LISTEN HERE. The album was first announced last month alongside the scathing “Dollar Bill”, which was met by high-profile applause from media outlets around the world, including Rolling Stone, NME and Consequence, the latter of which raved, “There are three or four riffs in ‘Dollar Bill’ that plenty of guitarists would kill to write: downward cascades of vibrato; playful strums that pop upwards and turn into the chords of the verses; and the rocking chunks of power chords in the chorus…While White is no stranger to social and political themes, the way he approaches them here does feel different, with abstract and even disconnected phrases adding up to a tone poem about what we’re willing to do for money.”

'Frozen Charlotte' was further heralded with Third Man Release Lab, a free, two-part, behind-the-scenes online series that explores Third Man Records’ creative approach to record releases. The two episodes teased the LP’s release with glitching album imagery, allusions to the “Frozen Charlatan” character, and a “Dollar Bill” audio clip for the first time. Third Man Release Lab Part 1 and Part 2 are streaming now at YouTube.

White and his longtime live band – Patrick Keeler (drums), Dominic Davis (bass), and Bobby Emmett (keys) – will also cross the Atlantic for a series of shows and headline festival appearances in Europe and the United Kingdom, as well as an Asia tour for eagerly anticipated dates in Seoul and Shanghai.
 
Produced and mixed by White, 'Frozen Charlotte' shows the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at his very best, backed by an incredible band whose collective hand was scorching hot after coming off the universally acclaimed 'No Name' World Tour. Instead of resting on a job well done, White and his fellow musicians went straight to work at his Third Man Studio in Nashville and laid down what became 'Frozen Charlotte'. Boasting 13 brand-new tracks of distinct feel and tone, the new LP is an intense rock and roll punch with blues underpinnings never far behind, carrying on with the same raucous, raw, and frenetic energy from White’s GRAMMY® Award-nominated, critically lauded 2024 sixth studio LP, 'No Name'.

Highlights include the fiery “Derecho Demonico” and “G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs”, both available now on all DSPs and streaming services. White and his band marked the release of the two new songs earlier this year with electrifying performances of both songs during a landmark sixth career appearance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live.
 

'Frozen Charlotte' Tracklisting
1. G.O.D. And The Broken Ribs
2. Derecho Demonico
3. There’s Nobody There
4. Raising The Grain 
5. You’ll Never Fix Me
6. Nobody Knows
7. Dollar Bill
8. I Can’t Believe What I’m Hearing
9. Thick As Thieves
10. All Alone Again
11. She’s In A Frenzy
12. Making Contact
13. Neighbors Blues
 

Stream the album 'Frozen Charlotte' here: ffm.to/jackwhitefrozencharlotte
 

About Jack White
Born and raised in Detroit as the youngest of 10 siblings, Jack White’s utilitarian approach filters through all his work, from self-producing his own music to the Third Man empire he founded, to his upholstery and various other art and design pursuits. Over a quarter century into his professional musical career, White’s ability to weave relevant, compelling, and poignant artistry to his music leaves him unparalleled.

When the White Stripes started in 1997, no one, least of all White, ever expected that a red, white and black two -piece band would take hold in the mainstream world. The release of 'Elephant' in 2003 not only cemented the band’s reputation but also offered the #1 hit single “Seven Nation Army”, which has since been appropriated as arguably the most popular chant in sports stadiums around the world. On November 8, 2025, The White Stripes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
 
To date, White has won 12 GRAMMYs in eight different categories with 36 career nominations and was honored with the Producers & Engineers Wing “President’s Merit Award” in 2017. White formed a "new band of old friends," The Raconteurs, whose debut album 'Broken Boy Soldiers' featured the #1 hit single "Steady, As She Goes”. In 2009, he started The Dead Weather with members of The Kills, Queens of the Stone Age and The Greenhornes.

White’s solo repertoire consists of the pivotal albums Blunderbuss, Lazaretto, Boarding House Reach, Fear of the Dawn, Entering Heaven Alive, and most recently No Name. In April of 2026, White released new singles “G.O.D. And The Broken Ribs” and “Derecho Demonico” which he celebrated with his sixth musical guest performance on SNL.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS | THIRD MAN RECORDS

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Japanese pop artist YUKIPOYO announces collaboration with Filipino rapper Zae on “Te-Te Gyaru” remix

The upcoming release pairs innovative club production with a powerful tribute to confidence, style, and the legacy of gyaru culture

Manila, Philippines – YUKIPOYO, known for her work as a model and TV personality in Japan, has released “Te-Te Gyaru” across all major music platforms worldwide.

The track will also feature a special remix, featuring rising Filipino rapper Zae, which is slated to premiere sometime soon.

Fast-rising Pinay rapper Zae

Cross-border collab

Zae has built a solid reputation in Philippine hip-hop as one of the most exciting newcomers, racking up more than 580,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Her collaboration with Pinoy rap titan Hev Abi, “SUBOMOTO REMIX,” has earned a nomination for Hip-Hop Song of the Year at the first Filipino Music Awards in 2025.

Both artists are currently in Manila to shoot the music video for YUKIPOYO’s “Te-Te Gyaru (feat. Zae) [Tagalog ver.],” which will accompany the release of the remix once it comes out.

“Te-Te Gyaru” – out this Friday

“Te-Te Gyaru,” the original version of the track, is produced by XLII, a Tokyo-based producer who has previously worked with MINMI, Yayoi Daimon, Watson, Akko Gorilla, Reichi, and other heavy-hitters in the Japanese dance/urban/pop music scene.

Brimming with bizarre sonic textures, jittery beats, percussive grunts, and YUKIPOYO’s commanding rap performance, “Te-Te Gyaru” captures the artist at her most confident. On the upbeat bop, the half-Filipina, half-Japanese pop star asserts herself not only as a fashion-forward tastemaker but also as a multifaceted artist unafraid to challenge expectations through both style and sound.

Japanese producer XLII on deck

Ahead of the release, preview clips of the song have already pulled in a combined 4 million views on TikTok and 1.52 million views on Instagram. Her latest visual recently picked up 92,000 likes on X almost as soon as it went live, showing just how much attention is already building around YUKIPOYO and a gal culture that keeps evolving in the Reiwa era.

▼Stream & Download platform:

“Te-Te Gyaru” :: https://yukipoyo.lnk.to/TeTeGyaru

About YUKIPOYO

Born in 1996 and raised in Kanagawa, Japan, Yukipoyo first gained recognition as a model for the Japanese fashion magazine egg. She later appeared in Season 1 of The Bachelor Japan, where her distinctive personality attracted attention beyond Japan and led to an appearance in the U.S. Bachelor franchise.

After returning to Japan, she became a popular presence on Japanese variety television. Today, she continues to work across a wide range of entertainment fields, including television and acting.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poyo_ngy

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poyo_ngy.15

X (Twitter): https://x.com/poyo_ngy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TV-dg4em

About Zae

Born out of the heat of Quezon City in the Philippines, Zae is a rapper bringing sharp lyrics and emotional storytelling to the scene as a bold new presence in hip-hop.

With a fearless, unfiltered attitude and a genre-blurring sound, Zae is helping lead a new wave that pushes past the boundaries of Filipino hip-hop. As her fanbase continues to grow, she has become one of the most talked-about names in the Philippine music scene right now.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaezacarias

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zaexx

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zaezacarias

X (Twitter): https://x.com/zaetan_

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zae.111

About XLII

Based in Japan, the artist and producer has earned global acclaim for his sophisticated, cutting-edge sound. As a prominent independent artist, he has performed in over 20 countries, captivating audiences at major festivals and clubs across Europe and Asia, including prominent stages like ULTRA JAPAN and ULTRA KOREA.

In 2017, he expanded his creative footprint into music production. His prowess gained significant cinematic recognition in 2021 when he contributed music to the UK feature film People Just Do Nothing. Following this success, in 2022, he composed the original score for the world’s first-ever theatrical stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.

His global influence continued to soar in 2024. He was invited as a guest speaker at the world’s largest music merchandising trade show, the NAMM SHOW 2024 in Los Angeles. In March of the same year, he made his second consecutive appearance at SXSW in Austin, Texas, where he produced the highly anticipated showcase for Carpetman and joined him on stage for four performances. This collaboration led him to produce Carpetman's two-track EP, Struggling by myself, which generated massive buzz worldwide. Back in Japan, he produced Ken Miyake’s track "Superstar," which became a viral sensation on TikTok. He also made waves with his official remix of Watson's "Dou Kana? feat. Anarchy" and contributed to Noritake Kinashi's album.

In 2025, his versatility was on full display as he took charge of the music production for LDH's new dance crew, [LDH SCREEAM], and released the high-powered collaboration track "BACKITUP" featuring Yayoi Daimon, Jenn Morel, and Walshy Fire of Major Lazer. He further expanded his creative horizons by handling the music and sound design for the exclusive Nike x Nigo collaboration project. Additionally, his energetic ongoing collaboration series with Reichi has garnered millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, cementing his status as a cross-generational trendsetter.

Official website: https://xliimusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xliimusic

About KSR Corp

A creative company handling everything from music software planning and production to

event operations and artist management.

Official HP: https://ksr-corp.com

Head Office: Jingumae M-SQUARE, 1-4-16 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Source: Nyou

The Green Lightning: A Collection of Writing Efforts

The Green Lightning by Allan Frederico Linga Garcia is evidence that if you want to write a book, it can happen through effort. The author’s collection of writings shows his journey as he navigates through life. I may not know him personally, but I can tell from this book that he is very grateful for the help and support that he has received from Central Books and his past and present publishing specialists. He has also acknowledged his schools, and this shows dedication for education. The author seems to promote determination to publish his own book by following through with The Horizon, which was his previous book. I admire his efforts and if anyone has any doubt whether he or she can become the author of a book, Allan Frederico Linga Garcia can definitely serve as an inspiration.

The work tackles stories featuring teachers. This only shows the author’s love for learning, and I could not agree more that teachers are the most patient and noble workers in a person’s life. This level of influence shows how impactful the author’s teachers were in his life. Perhaps he can also teach in the future? Who knows, maybe this book is the beginning of a career in teaching. Or he can also use this book as an inspiration to students who are thinking of writing and self publishing their own books.

A future book could be in the works as the author has shown dedication to writing. Being a prolific writer also needs cohesion and quality, so I look forward to how the author will continue to improve and write. 

The author also thanked his friends at the end of the book. Perhaps with continuous support, he can write another book in the near future!

The Green Lightning by Allan Frederico Linga Garcia is now available!

A Voice in the Wilderness: A Healing Journey

A Voice in the Wilderness: The Path to Wholeness by Irene Santos is a healing journey. I knew that reading this book would not be easy as I have personal experiences with sexual assault. But I kept an open mind and I am glad that I made an effort to read this book as it was truly helpful. While I am still on the path towards healing, the author’s practical knowledge has shaped my mind into having a clearer path to recovery.

I felt so seen while reading this book. The strongest line in the book that resonated with me was that “sexual assualt…is the planting a seed of doubt”. I questioned myself so many times if I was too sensitive when I experienced the traumatic moments in my life. Was my abuser just being too friendly? Did I just have a lapse in judgement? Did I just lack boundaries? I now know that the answer to all of these are no. Sexual assault is no one’s fault but the abuser’s. Acknowledging that as fact is the first step towards recovery.

While I am not a religious person, I still found the Bible centered insights helpful. I know that they can help people turn to a Higher Power in times of weaknesses, especially while recovering from something as traumatic as sexual assault. No one deserves to be treated like an object. It is only in finding one’s dignity through faith that healing can truly happen.

My story is just one of many, and I am glad that the author is doing God’s work in helping people heal from sexual assault and trauma. After all, everyone deserves to heal and grow from something that they did not ask for in the first place.

A Voice in the Wilderness: The Path to Wholeness by Irene Santos is now available!

AWICH, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK & PALEDUSK UNITE FOR NEW PROJECT YAO AND RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE "777" ALONG WITH CINEMATIC MUSIC VIDEO

LISTEN HERE

July 8th, 2026 – Japanese Hip Hop Queen Awich joins forces with acclaimed rapper CHICO CARLITO, renowned for his electrifying flow and lyrical prowess, globally acclaimed rock band ONE OK ROCK, and boundary-pushing Paledusk for the launch of an exciting new collaborative project, YAO. Marking their highly anticipated debut, YAO unveils its first single, "777", a powerful track that showcases the collective's explosive chemistry and fearless artistic vision. Fans can stream the track here and watch the music video here. 

Serving as YAO's debut release, "777" captures the energy and possibilities that emerge when different worlds collide. Blending elements of hip-hop, rock, and alternative music, the track brings together the distinct strengths of all four acts while forging a sound that feels fresh, ambitious, and uniquely YAO. The song stands as a testament to the project's commitment to breaking down creative boundaries and creating something greater than the sum of its parts.

Accompanying the release is a cinematic music video directed by Hidehito Hotta, a longtime creative collaborator of Awich. Set against a striking post-war landscape of battle-scarred buildings and abandoned vehicles, the video sees the members of YAO delivering a commanding performance. Filmed on a grand scale reminiscent of a feature film, the visual transforms scenes of destruction into a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and collective strength, perfectly reflecting the project's core message.
 

YAO - "777" (feat. Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK & Paledusk) [Official Music Video]

Bringing together four influential forces from across Japan's music landscape, YAO represents a bold fusion of hip-hop, rock, and alternative sounds, united by a shared ambition to push creative boundaries and challenge genre conventions.

The project traces its origins back to a joint performance by ONE OK ROCK and Awich at a dome concert. Following the show, ONE OK ROCK frontman Taka developed a deep respect for Awich's artistry and hip-hop culture, sparking conversations about creating music together in the future. The vision soon expanded with the addition of CHICO CARLITO, known for his exceptional rap skills and commanding presence, and Paledusk, one of Japan's most exciting next-generation rock acts and longtime collaborators of ONE OK ROCK. With Awich and Taka at its core, YAO was born as a project that transcends genres, generations, and creative boundaries.

Listen to "777" here
Watch the music video here

About YAO

YAO is a new collaborative project uniting Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK, and Paledusk. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of "Yaoyorozu"—the belief that countless spirits exist in all things—YAO celebrates the coexistence of diverse perspectives and creative voices.

Bringing together artists from different backgrounds across hip-hop, rock, mainstream, and underground music, YAO explores what becomes possible when boundaries are transcended and differences are embraced. The result is a bold new creative collective built on respect, connection, and the pursuit of new artistic expression.
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
SECRET SIGNALS

FOLLOW YAO

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I Am Struggling But I Choose A Life of Purpose Anyway: A Lot of Self-Help That Works

My first reaction when I opened my copy of I Am Struggling But I Choose A Life of Purpose Anyway by Lanz Paolo Olegario was “wow!”. I needed this book when I was starting therapy. I needed this book when I moved out of an abusive home last year. But here I am now, holding a copy of a book about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Bring it on!

I was prepared for a textbook-style read because of the author’s impressive credentials. I was wrong! Reading this felt like listening to a contemporary podcast. I did not feel as if the author was high and mighty in his prose. I also felt that I was not being judged as I was answering the workbook. Plus, the foreword was written by Lavender Fields herself, Ms. Jodi Sta. Maria. I was entertained while I was confronting my own demons, so to speak.

I like that the author explained that pain is part of being human. Rather than sweeping difficult emotions under the rug, he emphasizes the importance of knowing that it is part of life. I found it challenging to acknowledge this because I have had plenty of painful experiences this past year. But I trusted the author and his process, and I found myself slowly making room for more “feels”.

Like the title, I have been struggling as a PWD with mental illnesses. But thanks to this book and the author’s relatable writing style, I must say that I do not feel alone. I will definitely share this book with my therapist!

I may be struggling, but I choose to accept and commit to working on my emotions and building myself from the ground up using healing as a strong foundation.

I Am Struggling But I Choose A Life of Purpose Anyway by Lanz Paolo Olegario  is now available!

Eraserheads' ULTRAELECTROMAGNETICPOP! The 25th Anniversary Edition makes a comeback via repressed white vinyl

Offshore Music opens pre-orders from July 1 to August 1 for the highly anticipated repress, featuring audiophile mastering by Bernie Grundman and exclusive merchandise bundles

MORE PRESS PHOTOS HERE

One of the most important albums in the history of Filipino music makes its highly anticipated comeback on vinyl.

Offshore Music, an independent record label founded by Ely Buendia, has officially opened pre-orders for the repress of the Eraserheads’ ULTRAELECTROMAGNETICPOP! The 25th Anniversary Edition on premium white vinyl. The pre-order will run until August 1, 2026, with exclusive merchandise bundles also available via this link: bit.ly/ultrawhitevinyl

The new pressing is produced by Diggers Factory in Franceand mastered by the legendary master engineer Bernie Grundman. This reissue is to ensure an audiophile-grade listening experience while preserving the timeless sound of OPM’s most celebrated debut album of all time. Unlike the original anniversary pressing, which was limited to 2,500 copies and quickly became a sought-after collector’s item, the repressed version aims to make the album more accessible to the fans who were unable to secure a copy the first time around.

According to Offshore Music General Manager Audry Dionisio, the decision was made because of the high commercial demand and a desire to reward longtime supporters of the Eraserheads.

“There were only 2,500 copies printed in the first run, and sadly because of the limited nature of the release, it prompted scalpers to resell it at ridiculous prices, which then alienated the true fans of the album,” Dionisio shares. “This time around, we wanted to give everybody a chance to own the album at a more affordable price. The timing couldn’t be more perfect since Offshore is celebrating its tenth-year anniversary. It’s our gift to the fans.”

More than three decades after its release, ULTRAELECTROMAGNETICPOP! continues to occupy a singular place in Pinoy pop culture. Its songs have become anthems of the everyday Filipino, with its rawness and enduring appeal resonating from one generation to another. To date, the album has sold more than 300,000 copies and was certified sextuple platinum (6x) by the Philippines Association of the Recording Industry (PARI).

For collectors still considering whether to place an order, Dionisio emphasizes that this edition represents far more than another repress or reprint. “This time it’s released on white vinyl. It's more affordable, but more importantly, it's an album you should own and pass on to your kids. Compared to the first release, this repressing is our gift to those who weren’t able to grab the first one.”

 Source: Nyiu

Jesus and Grave (Being, Nothing): A Reflection on Life

Jesus and Grave (Being, Nothing) by Sungyoul Choi is a reflection on life. I say this with great admiration for the author because he chose to write a book about death. As you may know, death is one of the biggest fears of humankind. No one knows what comes after death. No one was able to return from the dead other than Jesus. So, it is only fitting that the author has written a book about the Son of God who was able to rise again after dying on the cross.

I like how the author described death as something that will inevitably happen. He describes death as something that requires courage because once we cross over to the other side, we will be able to meet our Creator and leave behind eternal pain. Having this mindset erases the fear that is present in many people when death is mentioned. It is worth mentioning that among Filipinos, death is still a taboo topic. Still, a Korean author has chosen to write a book about death in the Philippines in order to instill in us the value of anticipation. This anticipation can help us look forward to death. Instead of dreading it, maybe we can prepare for it. And in order to have the courage to approach death with open arms, we must learn how to surrender everything we know and every pain that burdens us.

I have so many questions as to how and why the author was able to write this book, which extensively tackles death. For now, I will park my questions and simply reflect on the lessons imparted to me by this book. My biggest takeaway is that we must make the most out of the present in order to properly prepare for death. As of now, I will keep these lessons in mind as I try my best to give everything I can in order to have a better life so that I can die peacefully.

Jesus and Grave (Being, Nothing) by Sungyoul Choi is now available!

TECNO and Angélica Dass Co-Launched “100 Portraits of Becoming,” A Living Archive of Human Possibilities

Co-Created by TECNO and Angélica Dass, “100 Portraits of Becoming” Will Present 100 Ways to See Humanity, One Portrait at a Time.

NAIROBI, KENYA, July 4^th, 2026 — As AI increasingly shapes how people are seen and represented, an urgent question emerges: how do we ensure technology reflects humanity in all its complexity?

TECNO believes the answer starts with a simple principle — technology should help the world see people more truthfully. With that belief, TECNO and Brazilian visual artist Angélica Dass launch “100 Portraits of Becoming,” a two-year initiative that covers five countries and begins today in Nairobi, Kenya.

Co-created with Angélica Dass, the “100 Portraits of Becoming”initiative aims to capture 100 authentic portraits of individuals worldwide and document their unique journeys of becoming. These portraits — spanning diverse backgrounds — serve as a testament to the human tapestry and spark a global cultural conversation surrounding authentic representation, identity, dignity, and human becoming in the age of AI.

This collaboration builds on a mutual commitment to recognizing the true diversity of human life, bringing together TECNO’s inclusive imaging innovation, which helps individuals be represented more fairly, and Dass’s human-centered approach to portraiture.

“Every image shapes assumptions — why it matters, who matters, and how people are understood. That makes fair and accurate representation increasingly important in the AI era. But beyond representation lies a bigger question: who is the real person behind the image?” said Jack Guo, General Manager at TECNO. “Through this project, we want to move beyond representation as technical accuracy alone and explore representation as recognition — enabling technology not only to capture people faithfully, but to help people feel truly seen. By moving beyond bias, labels, and stereotypes, we hope to build a future where technology reflects people more authentically and allows the world to understand them more fully. Truthful representation is the foundation of genuine human understanding.”

“As a photographer, I realize that I can be a channel for others to communicate. The ‘100 Portraits of Becoming’ initiative with TECNO creates such a channel for people to speak for themselves and be seen on their own terms. That is why this collaboration with TECNO felt meaningful to me,” said Angélica Dass.

“My portrait practice has always been less about documenting appearance and more about creating space for people to exist beyond assumptions. What moved me about this collaboration is the shared vision and the possibility of bringing that intention into a medium used by millions every day. I am excited that this initiative is not about defining people — it is about allowing identity to remain open, layered, and human. Because being visible is not the same as being understood.True recognition begins when we are seen as we really are.”

Angélica Dass: Seeing Humanity Beyond Skin Tones

The collaboration with Angélica Dass is a natural extension of TECNO’s vision and Dass’s exploration of how technology, culture, and personal stories come together to create truthful forms of human representation.

As an award-winning Brazilian-Spanish visual artist best known for Humanæ — a global portrait series that challenges conventional ideas of racial identity — Angélica Dass recognized long before others that skin tones are more than just colors; they are reflections of unique cultures and individual identities. Her work emphasizes that every person deserves to be viewed as an individual rather than a category.

In her practice, Dass uses portraiture to let the individuality of her subjects come through, treating skin tone not as a label, but as an entry point into personal narratives. Her impact resonates far beyond traditional galleries; her 2016 TED Talk on skin and identity has reached over two million viewers, and her work has been showcased at leading platforms and institutions including the World Economic Forum, UNESCO, AMNH, the Migration Museum in London, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, while appearing in publications such as National Geographic, Vogue, and Foreign Affairs.

“One thing I appreciate about the ‘100 Portraits of Becoming’ initiative is our shared belief that portraiture is not simply about recording appearance visually. It is a way of questioning assumptions, challenging labels, and creating space for people to be seen and understood beyond stereotypes.”

From 100 Portraits to 100 Ways of Seeing Humanity in Five Countries

Through “100 Portraits of Becoming,” Dass will photograph 100 individuals across five countries, beginning in Kenya. Participants, who register via a dedicated global website, are photographed in natural light, without filters, and in attire of their own choosing to ensure maximum authenticity.

In addition to stepping in front of the lens, each individual will share their personal stories of growth and evolution, illustrating how they have navigated various cultural and societal shifts to become who they are today.

These portraits and narratives will be featured on the project’s website, creating a “Living Archive.” This digital repository will serve as a space where individuals from all walks of life can be seen, heard, and understood as part of a broader human story. The archive aims to sustain a cultural conversation about dignity and identity as AI continues to redefine representation.

TECNO Universal Tone: Expanding What Technology Can See

“100 Portraits of Becoming” will be captured on the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra, powered by TECNO Universal Tone Technology, which serves as the technological foundation for the project’s commitment to truthful representation.

Historically, mainstream AI models and imaging algorithms have often been trained on datasets that conform to a narrow range of aesthetics, leaving them unable to reflect the full diversity of humanity. As a result, people with non-fair skin tones have too often been misrepresented in mobile photography — over-brightened, underexposed, or rendered in ways that do not reflect how they truly appear.

Launched in 2023, TECNO Universal Tone is the industry’s most advanced AI-powered full-spectrum skin tone imaging technology. It integrates TECNO’s industry-benchmark multi-skin-tone color card featuring 372 skin tones and expanding, together with the industry’s largest and most accurate skin tone database.

By supporting more accurate capture of the full spectrum of human skin tones, Universal Tone enables the portraits in this initiative to begin from a place of fairness and authenticity. It helps ensure that each subject is not corrected toward a narrow standard, but represented with the dignity, nuance, and truthfulness that the project demands.

From Nairobi to the World: One Hundred Ways to See Humanity

“100 Portraits of Becoming” begins in Kenya for a reason. Home to one of the world's youngest populations and often described as the “Silicon Savannah,” Kenya represents a future that is already being shaped by the new generation — not elsewhere, but here. From pioneering mobile financial inclusion to advancing local innovation across industries, Kenya has long challenged assumptions about where progress begins.Yet representation often lags behind reality, giving way to assumptions.In global media and increasingly in AI-generated imagery, places like Kenya are still too often framed through inherited narratives rather than lived complexity.

In Kenya, this project starts from a different belief: people should not be defined by the stories told about them, but by the stories they choose to tell themselves. The inaugural portraits reflect that spirit — featuring entrepreneurs, farmers, dancers, artists, and daily creators whose lives cannot be reduced to a single narrative. They are not catching up with the future. They are helping define it.

“People are always quick to tell you what you are and where you fit,”said Alexander Odhiambo, a Kenyan participant in “100 Portraits of Becoming” and co-founder of Solutech Limited, an enterprise software company serving manufacturers and distributors across Africa. “I stopped waiting for that. The story that counts is the one I'm writing myself.”

What begins in Nairobi doesn’t end here. Over the next two years, “100 Portraits of Becoming” travels to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil — building a living archive of people, identities, and the moments that define them. The first portraits and stories go live online in early August, marking the start of the full campaign rollout.

The future of imaging is not only about seeing more. It is about understanding more. Through one technology, five countries, and one hundred portraits, “100 Portraits of Becoming” offers one hundred ways to see humanity, one story at a time.

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 imaging technology. Each portrait moves beyond a face to the person behind it — to the lives unfolding across some of the world’s most dynamic markets. 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 participate in the portrait project, please visit:https://www.tecno-mobile.com/100portraitsofbecoming/.

 Source: TECNO Mobile Philippines 

BEYONCÉ RELEASES NEW SONG, ‘MORNING DEW (DONK)’ 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY SERVES A TREAT FOR HER FANS

IT STARTS A 60-DAY COUNTDOWN COMMEMORATING THE UPCOMING RE-ISSUE OFB’DAY, HER GROUND-BREAKING SECOND ALBUM RELEASED ON HER 25^TH BIRTHDAY

ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2006

“MORNING DEW (DONK)” AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS AT 9:00 AM EST

(dateline - New York - July 4, 2026; source: Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records)

Beyoncé marks the 4^th of July Holiday with a special gift to her fans with the release of “MORNING DEW (DONK),” a new song that also starts a 60-day countdown to her next birthday, and the re-issue of B’DAY, her ground-breaking second album that was released two decades ago on September 4, 2006.

Written by Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream and Darius Dixon, and produced by Beyoncé and Pharrell Williams, “MORNING DEW (DONK)” is the first new song offered from the global entertainer in two years, and it is a direct nod to her loyal BeyHive to commemorate the upcoming epic celebration of B’DAY.

The song, which will be included on the 20^th Anniversary edition of B’DAY, arrives accompanied by a lyric video that repurposes old footage, directed by frequent collaborator, Cliff Watts.  It was Cliff Watts who shot Beyoncé’s iconic Sports illustrated Swimsuit cover around her 25^th birthday.

B’DAY, was the second #1 album for Beyoncé with first week sales of 541,196 copies after its worldwide release September 4, 2006, and in the United States on September 5, 2006.

The #1 US Billboard 200 Album chart debut was repeated internationally, including Japan, where it took less than three days to land atop the International Album Chart.

For more information, please contact Yvette Noel-Schure, Parkwood Entertainment. email: YNS@parkwood-ent.com

www.beyonce.com

Source: Sony Music 

Choosing woo-woo: A Story of Reinvention

Choosing woo-woo by Beth Marterez is a timely read. I have been looking for a book that tackles reinvention without being too cheesy or cliche. Luckily, I stumbled upon this author’s work and I was not disappointed. It was a satisfying read from start to finish!

I have been hearing the term woo-woo in podcasts and I have my own share of delving into the unconventional. From believing in the evil eye to traditional Filipino hilot, I can say that practicing woo-woo for many years now has been beneficial to my life. As someone with mental illnesses, woo-woo has helped me navigate my unpredictable reality. The unknown has helped me stay grounded more than what medical science has ever done for me. And this is what made me nod in agreement several times while reading this book.

What I like most about Choosing woo-woo is that the author is unapologetically herself. She never makes excuses for who she really is, and she navigates through her long life by balancing her career with her magical beliefs. But what really made me feel a kinship with the author was her statement about imagination. Yes, I really believe that imagination is the key to unlocking our fullest potential, and using what we visualize in our heads to achieve our goals can be our springboard to success.

Maybe we just need to break down in order to land on a breakthrough. Or maybe we just need to try some woo-woo in order to see some life-changing results in our lives. There is definitely no harm in trying, because the only harm that we can inflict to ourselves is the life that is forever trapped in fear. It is high time that we go beyond fear and embrace a different approach to life.

Choosing woo-woo by Beth Marterez is now available!