YOJIRO NODA'S FIRST SOLO ALBUM 'WONDER BOY'S AKUMU CLUB' OUT NOW!

LISTEN HERE

September 25th, 2024 – Yojiro Noda, frontman for the much acclaimed Japanese rock band RADWIMPS, is excited to release his first solo album 'WONDER BOY’S AKUMU CLUB'. Listen here: https://lnk.to/ny_WBAC

Noda shares, “A beatmaker named HOLLY sent me a bunch of beats over Instagram. I didn't really have time to listen to them at first but when I did, there were tons of interesting ideas so I asked him to send me the stems of a particular track, which he immediately responded.”

Despite already juggling multiple projects, including creating new songs for RADWIMPS and acting, when Noda finally found time to experiment with the sound, he added his own touch, saying, “I added vocals and so on. I never intended to make an album at the start. It was more experimental.”

This led to the birth of 'WONDER BOY'S AKUMU CLUB,' the first solo album by Noda. While his nearly 25 years with one of Japan’s most popular rock bands provided him with invaluable experience, this album allows him to explore sonic territory he’s never approached before, embracing elements of hip-hop and “hyperpop”. Besides pushing personal music boundaries, Noda also allows his lyrics to become more intimate and vulnerable, offering a glance into his emotional interior.

'WONDER BOY'S AKUMU CLUB' marks a new starting point for Noda’s solo artistic endeavours. It’s a chance for him to play around with sound and present an intimate side to his writing, yet it’s ultimately a continuation of what he’s been doing his entire career.
 

Yojiro Noda x J.I.D - "KATATOKI" (teaser)

The album is a collection of Yojiro’s personal stories boasting a total of 13 tracks including previously released “EVERGREEN feat. kZm,” “LAST LOVE LETTER” and “PAIN KILLER” as well as “KATATOKI,” a collab song with American rapper J.I.D featured on the game 'Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.'

“I want to keep focusing on making my music, from my heart. I believe I can bump into something way beyond my imagination,” he says. “That’s what I’ve done and learned over the last 20 years, and I’m going to keep doing that and see what happens.”


The album is also available in a Limited Edition CD comes with a T-shirt featuring an original character AKUMU-KUN by the manga artist and illustrator Posuka Demizu, best known as the author of 'The Promised Neverland.' Originated from Yojiro’s idea to express his solo project with an icon that can freely embody his music, through numerous exchanges of ideas between Posuka Demizu and Yojiro, the one-and-only AKUMU-KUN came to life as a universal and invincible character based on the image of Yojiro as a model. 

To celebrate the launch, Yojiro Noda will be performing at Tokyo Garden Theater on September 27 with special guests kZm, Awch, and iri, giving fans a live experience of 'WONDER BOY’S AKUMU CLUB'.

 

ABOUT YOJIRO NODA

Yojiro Noda is the frontman, guitarist and pianist for Japanese rock band RADWIMPS. As the primary songwriter for the band, his music is as diverse as his love for it. Yojiro’s music doesn’t live in just one genre, and his lyrics dive into philosophy and passion, covering everything from romance to his view of life and death. The band is known for their musical contribution and soundtracks for Makoto Shinkai’s hit anime films 'Your Name.', 'Weathering With You' and most recently, Golden Globes nominated 'Suzume'.  All three of these soundtracks have won Best Music Award at the Japan Academy Film Prize. In addition to writing music for other artists, Noda is also involved in a broad array of activities, including acting in movies and dramas. 


Stream 'WONDER BOY’S AKUMU CLUB' here: https://lnk.to/ny_WBAC

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ARTMS RELEASES DEBUT FULL-LENGTH ALBUM <DALL>


'MOONSHOT' WORLD TOUR KICKS OFF IN SEOUL FROM JULY 20TH

 WATCH OFFICIAL MV 'VIRTUAL ANGEL" HERE
 STREAM ARTMS ALBUM <DALL> HERE
DOWNLOAD <DALL> ALBUM COVER HERE

Press images available for download here (credit MODhaus)

On May 31st five extraordinary talents – HeeJin, HaSeul, Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Choerry - embarked on an exhilarating journey under the banner of ARTMS, to captivate audiences worldwide with the release of their highly anticipated first full-length album <Dall> (Devine All Love & Live)! This follows the release of ODD EYE CIRCLE’s (consisting members are Kim Lip, JinSoul and Choerry) album <Version Up>, HeeJin’s dazzling album <K>, and HaSeul’s four-day solo concert in Seoul, which demonstrated the member’s remarkable growth and artistry.
 
After meticulous preparation, ARTMS finally unveiled <Dall>, a masterful exploration of the complexities of love and life. The lead track “Virtual Angel” is a mesmerising dance anthem produced by EL CAPITXN and Vendors. Infusing Y2K Eurodance with ethereal undertones, “Virtual Angel” challenges perceptions of reality in the age of AI and virtuality, inviting listeners to ponder authenticity of their affections and infatuations towards idols. The accompanying music video, directed by digipedi, intricately weaves the narrative of ARTMS, captivating viewers with its evocative imagery. 
 

WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO OF “VIRTUAL ANGEL” HERE

 
From the ethereal melodies of “Flower Rhythm” to the infectious energy of “Candy Crush” and “Air”, these pre-release singles sampled tracks from the members that were previously released, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted universe of ARTMS, blending individual paths into a harmonious collective.
 

STREAM ARTMS ALBUM <DALL> NOW

Download <Dall> album cover here

Album Tracklist:

  1. url

  2. Virtual Angel

  3. Sparkle

  4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

  5. Flower Rhythm

  6. Candy Crush

  7. Air

  8. Unf/Air

  9. Distress

  10. Butterfly Effect

  11. Birth

 
As ARTMS embarks on their world tour, they invite fans to join them on an unforgettable odyssey across continents. With <Dall> as their sonic manifesto, the five-member girl group is on an epic journey to redefine the boundaries of K-Pop. Ticketing details are here.

Moonshot World Tour Admat download here

ARTMS ‘MoonShot’ World Tour 2024

20~21 July - Seoul, Samsung Hall
27 July - Yokohama, Zepp
16 August - New York, NY, Kings Theatre
19 August - Atlanta, GA, Tabernacle
21 August - Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward Center
23 August - Orlando, FL, Walt Disney Theater
25 August - Houston, TX, Bayou Music Center
27 August - Dallas, TX, Music Hall at Fair Park
29 August - Phoenix, AZ, The Van Buren
31 August - Los Angeles, CA, The Orpheum Theatre
3 September - San Francisco, CA, The Warfield
5 September - Tacoma, WA, Pantages Theater
8 September - Minneapolis, MN, Uptown Theatre
10 September - Chicago, IL, Copernicus Center

CONNECT WITH ARTMS:

Website | YouTube | Instagram | X | TikTok

For more information, contact blackstar

Source: Blackstar

ADB and Indonesia Partners Sign Landmark MOU on Early Retirement Plan for First Coal Power Plant Under Energy Transition Mechanism

BALI, INDONESIA (14 November 2022) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today joined with key partners in Indonesia to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly explore the early retirement of the first coal-fired power plant owned by an independent power producer (IPP) under ADB’s Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM).

The signing, which took place on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Bali, was attended by ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, Cirebon Electric Power (CEP) President Director Hisahiro Takeuchi, PT PLN (Persero) President Director Darmawan Prasodjo, and Indonesian Investment Authority (INA) CEO Ridha D. M. Wirakusumah.

The MOU agrees to open detailed discussions to accelerate the retirement of Cirebon-1, a 660-megawatt plant owned by CEP in West Java.

The planned transaction aims to achieve significant carbon dioxide emission reductions through a replicable model that can be applied to other IPPs in Indonesia, other parts of Asia and the Pacific, and beyond. Once a definitive agreement is reached among the parties, it is anticipated that ADB would provide an early retirement facility in the form of senior debt, on the condition that the tenor of the power purchase agreement between CEP and PLN will be shortened.

“This MOU with our trusted partners in Indonesia is a landmark moment for ADB’s Energy Transition Mechanism and the clean energy transition it will advance,” said Mr. Asakawa. “As Asia and the Pacific’s climate bank, ADB is proud to be showing the viability of this approach, supported by the outstanding leadership of Indonesia. We encourage other financial stakeholders to engage in the just and affordable energy transition here and across Asia and the Pacific."

"ETM provides an innovative approach for companies like CEP to make the transition from coal to clean energy while providing reliable and affordable power for Indonesia’s energy infrastructure," said Mr. Takeuchi. “This MOU is a big step forward for Indonesia and we are proud to be working with the Asian Development Bank and Indonesian Investment Authority.”

"PLN is committed to being a leader in Indonesia’s energy transition toward net zero emissions in a just and affordable manner," said Mr. Prasodjo. "PLN’s commitment to clean energy and working through the ETM with IPPs, such as CEP, can significantly accelerate the energy transition."

“INA’s role is to help attain Indonesia’s sustainable development and to build wealth for the country’s future generations,” said Mr. Wirakusumah. “The ability of INA to complement the other partners with equity can complete the suite of financial tools that can help to scale up ETM activities in Indonesia.”

ETM is a regional, transformative, blended-finance program that seeks to retire existing coal-fired power plants on an accelerated schedule and replace them with clean power capacity. ETM is one component of a larger set of initiatives both domestic and multilateral, that aims to help Asia and the Pacific mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, such as extreme sea level rise and destructive weather events.

The MOU was signed at an event in which Indonesia launched its ETM Country Platform, a government financing and investment framework that will fund and manage the country’s energy transition activities. ADB signed an additional MOU with PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) (“PT SMI”) to provide support, including staff resources and capacity building for the platform.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Source: ADB

BLACK EYED PEAS PRESENT MEGA-ANTICIPATED NINTH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM, ELEVATION, TODAY!

FEATURES A-LIST GUESTS ANITTA, EL ALFA, ANUEL AA, MARSHALL JEFFERSON, NICKY JAM, NICOLE SCHERZINGER, SHAKIRA, DAVID GUETTA, OZUNA, & MORE

(November 11th, 2022 – Los Angeles, CA) – Today, multi-platinum and six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning, genre-bending pioneers Black Eyed Peas proudly present their anxiously awaited ninth full-length album, ELEVATION, out now. Listen to ELEVATION HERE.

The 15-track juggernaut kaleidoscopically spins together hip-hop, Latin, R&B, electronic, trap, and more into a larger-than-life vision of what pop can be in the 21st century without boundaries or borders. From the jump, uncontainable energy surges through this bold body of work.

 

“MUEVELO” [feat. Anuel AA & Marshall Jefferson] glides along on bright keys and big handclaps offset by robotic transmissions, a command to “Move your body,” and a promise “We stay lit forever.”  Elsewhere, “Dance 4 U” hinges on a slick bass line and punchy groove. The sample on “Jump” predicts the reaction perfectly, “Somebody said when you play this song all the girls will go loca.” The kinetic stomp of “Firestarter” leaves flames in the wake of its incendiary vocals. The group shine brighter than ever.

Check out the full tracklisting below. 

 

Black Eyed Peas teased out ELEVATION with “SIMPLY THE BEST” [with Brazilian global pop superstar Anitta & El Alfa]. It has already generated over 2.9 million Spotify streams and 18 million YouTube views on the music video. Earning critical acclaim, mxdwn asserted, “‘Simply The Best’ acts as clear proof to fans that Black Eyed Peas remain just as capable of creating fun and energizing party tracks as they have been since their 1995 formation,” and That Grape Juice fittingly summed it up as “a global affair.”

 

Right out of the gate, “SIMPLY THE BEST” rides luminous dancefloor-ready keys towards a chantable chorus, “No it don’t get better than, better than this.” Black Eyed Peas, Anitta, and El Alfa trade verses back and forth, unlocking undeniable and unbreakable chemistry. At the same time, Anitta infuses the track with Brazilian swagger, El Alfa turns up with Dominican Republic flavor, and Black Eyed Peas exude laidback Los Angeles confidence in between these global rhythms. The visual continues a tradition of larger-than-life videos for the group as well. Once again, they pull out all the stops.

 

ELEVATION finds Black Eyed Peas expanding the collective musical consciousness and pushing boundaries yet again (like only they can). Of course, they bring a few friends along for this rollercoaster ride. The group link up with Daddy Yankee on the reggaeton banger “BAILAR CONTIGO,” while Nicky Jam ignites the funkified “GET DOWN” with fresh fire. Then, there’s “FILIPINA QUEEN” where they team up with J. Rey Soul and deliver an inimitable and irresistible bop. Nicole Scherzinger lends her powerhouse pipes to “NO ONE LOVES ME,” and Black Eyed Peas and Ozuna close out the album together on the universally-resounding “L.O.V.E.”

 

They initially teased ELEVATION with the international smash “DON’T YOU WORRY” [with Shakira & David Guetta]. It has already gathered more than 111 million Spotify streams and 113 million YouTube views on the music video. Meanwhile, it catapulted into the Top 40 at AC, in the Top 30 of the iTunes Top Pop Songs Chart, and Top 50 of the Shazam U.S. Top 200. Beyond recent acclaim from Billboard, NME, and more, the group also recently performed on ABC network’s Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series in Central Park.

 

It is ELEVATION season for Black Eyed Peas. Join them on the next level!

 

TRACKLISTING

01. SIMPLY THE BEST (feat. Anitta & El Alfa)  

02. MUEVELO (feat. Anuel AA & Marshall Jefferson)

03. AUDIOS 

04. DOUBLE D’Z (feat. J. Rey Soul) 

05. BAILAR CONTIGO (feat. Daddy Yankee)

06. GET DOWN (feat. Nicky Jam) 

07. DANCE 4 U

08. GUARANTEE

09. FILIPINA QUEEN (feat. J. Rey Soul)

10. JUMP

11. IN THE AIR

12. FIRE STARTER

13. NO ONE LOVES ME (feat. Nicole Scherzinger)

14. DON’T YOU WORRY (feat. Shakira & David Guetta)

15. L.O.V.E. (feat. Ozuna) 

 

ABOUT BLACK EYED PEAS:

 

Black Eyed Peas continue to fulfill a master plan to push the game forward devised way back in 1995. They execute each stage of this plan with focus and intent, allowing their evolution to play out in real-time over a series of game-changing albums, beginning with Behind The Front [1998] through Bridging The Gap [2000], Elephunk [2003], Monkey Business [2005], The E.N.D. [2009], The Beginning[2010], Masters of the Sun, Vol. 1 [2018], and, most recently TRANSLATION[2020]. Along the way, co-founders will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, and Taboo have set music industry records that will probably never be exceeded, moved north of 35 million albums and 120 million singles, gathered six GRAMMY® Awards, and headlined the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and F1 races. The multi-platinum group launched the comeback of the decade after eight years of dormancy. The future matters the most to these trailblazers, which brings us to their 2022 blockbuster ninth full-length, Elevation [Epic Records]. The 15-track opus represents another logical step and the dawn of a new phase, boasting the smash “DON’T YOU WORRY” [feat. Shakira & David Guetta] and collabs with Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, Anuel AA, Ozuna, Nicole Scherzinger, and more.

About the record, will.i.am comments, “We were behind the front, then we bridged the gap. We rode an elephant’s back to realize the industry was full of monkey business. That was the end, but the end is new beginnings. Becoming masters of the sun, mastering the industry, we realized we had to have translation in this complex world. But we be falling up, and never falling down. Black Eyed Peas is known for elevation. This is the next stage for us, reaching higher.”

# # #


Follow Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, Taboo, Apl.de.Ap:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackeyedpeas/
Instagram: @BEP
Twitter: @BEP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/william/
Instagram: @iamwill
Twitter: @iamwill

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTaboo/
Instagram: @TabooNawasha
Twitter: @TabBep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apldeap/
Instagram: @Apl.de.ap

Source: Sony Music Philippines

ADB, GreenCell Sign $40 Million Financing for Safer E-Buses in India, Especially for Women Commuters

NEW DELHI, INDIA (7 November 2022) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $40 million financing package with GreenCell Express Private Limited (GEPL) to develop 255 electric battery-powered buses (e-buses) to serve 5 million people a year on 56 intercity routes in India and enhance the safety of passengers, especially women, through improved security features including panic buttons connected to command controls for immediate response.

The financial package comprises $20.5 million loan (in equivalent Indian rupee) from ADB’s ordinary capital resources, ADB’s administration of a $14 million loan from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), grants worth $325,000 from the CTF and $5.2 million from Goldman Sach’s and Bloomberg’s the Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF). ADB also assisted in mobilizing an additional parallel loan of $20.5 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

A defining feature of this project is the CIDF grant which will partially finance the decarbonization of 100 of the 255 e-buses by deploying solar power-plus-battery energy storage systems, resulting in the reduction of about 6,355 tons of carbon dioxide a year. Overall, the project will reduce emissions by 14,780 tons a year.

“Decarbonization of public transport in India is essential for the country to reach its net-zero climate commitments, and it’s important to ensure safety and security of women passengers to make travel more inclusive,” said ADB Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury. “By providing safe transport for women, these intercity buses will enhance their ability to participate in economic and livelihood opportunities,”

India’s public transport needs are expected to grow rapidly as the country urbanizes. In 2020, road transport accounted for 87% of all passenger trips, 18% of total energy consumption, and 11.7% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Safety features at project bus depots and e-buses will include cameras, panic buttons, adequate depot lighting, seating arrangements, tracking, and awareness-raising materials. Training programs will be held for bus drivers and cabin hosts on safety protocols focused on women passengers. GEPL is also implementing a diversity and inclusion roadmap to initiate a program to build a stronger pool of women in leadership and technical roles.

This project has qualified for a 2x gender financing rating, a challenge launched at the G7 summit in 2018 to encourage gender lens investing among development finance institutions.

“Electrifying transportation is a key driver of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our cities. This funding accelerates our agenda of promoting and investing in clean and sustainable businesses in India to achieve India’s climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals,” said EverSource Capital Managing Director and CEO Dhanpal Jhaveri. “With GreenCell Express Private Limited (GEPL) offering, we bring to the intercity bus travel segment, electric buses that reinforce safe, seamless travel experience for new age Indian travellers, especially women."

GEPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of GreenCell Mobility Private Limited (GreenCell), a platform company of Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF). GGEF is an Indian alternative investment fund in India managed by EverSource Capital with a mandate to mobilize institutional capital into green infrastructure in India.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Source: ADB

K-Pop rock girl group Dreamcatcher releases 7th EP, [Apocalypse : Follow us]

Listen to the title track “Vision” here.

K-Pop rock girl group Dreamcatcher reveals ‘[Apocalypse : Follow us]’, the second installment of their ‘Apocalypse’ trilogy, today via Sony Music Entertainment Korea. Having the ‘Apocalypse’ era first introduced through their last release, the new EP continues the series’ theme of raising environmental awareness and combating climate change, proposing Dreamcatcher’s vision to restore Earth to a cleaner and safer planet.

 

‘[Apocalypse : Follow us]’ serves Dreamcatcher’s unique sonic identity with the intro track “Intro : Chaotical X” opening up the EP with an edgy-techno based instrumental, then leading up to their title track “VISION”. Co-composed and arranged by electronica band Glen Check’s June One, “VISION” presents a dark, techno-infused/electronic sound with metal influences, containing Dreamcatcher’s message to join them and to follow their vision to combat environmental issues. The EP includes an alternative rock track “Fairytale” and a groovy rock track emphasizing the importance of self-love in “Some Love”. In addition, Dreamcatcher presents a beautiful ballad highlighting Dreamcatcher’s softer side through the track “Rainy Day” and finally closes out with “Outro : Mother Nature.”

 

Dreamcatcher has been taking a different approach by combining rock, metal, and electronica elements within their music. Their uniqueness has earned the attention of many and the seven-membered K-Pop rock girl group has been slowly but steadily hitting one milestone after another. Just this year, they have not only won two Korean music programs for the first time since debut, but also became the first K-Pop artist to perform at 2022 Primavera Sound Barcelona in June. They were also the 5th K-Pop Girl Group to chart No.1 on US iTunes All Albums chart this year with their last release ‘[Apocalypse : Save us]’. Meanwhile, Dreamcatcher will be kicking off their ‘[Apocalypse : Follow us] 2022 World Tour’ in Seoul with their ‘[Apocalypse : Broken Halloween]’ concert on October 29th and 30th . Dreamcatcher will then head to Europe in November to tour five cities.

 

LISTEN TO ‘[Apocalypse : Follow us]’ HERE

TRACK LIST

1. Intro : Chaotical X

2. VISION

3. Fairytale

4. Some Love

5. Rainy Day

6. Outro : Mother Nature

 

Follow Dreamcatcher

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Dreamcatcher’s new EP, ‘[Apocalypse : Follow us]’ is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment Korea. Watch the music video of their new song “Vision” here.


Source: Nyou

ADB PLANS $14 BILLION TO EASE FOOD CRISIS, PROMOTE LONG-TERM FOOD SECURITY IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (27 September 2022)—The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today announced plans to provide at least $14 billion over 2022–2025 in a comprehensive program of support to ease a worsening food crisis in Asia and the Pacific, and improve long-term food security by strengthening food systems against the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. The assistance expands ADB’s already significant support for food security in the region, where nearly 1.1 billion people lack healthy diets due to poverty and food prices which have soared to record highs this year. The funding will be channeled through existing and new projects in sectors including farm inputs, food production and distribution, social protection, irrigation, and water resources management, as well as projects leveraging nature-based solutions. ADB will continue to invest in other activities which contribute to food security such as energy transition, transport, access to rural finance, environmental management, health, and education. “This is a timely and urgently needed response to a crisis that is leaving too many poor families in Asia hungry and in deeper poverty,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, in remarks at ADB’s 55thAnnual Meeting. “We need to act now, before the impacts of climate change worsen and further erode the region’s hard-won development gains. Our support will be targeted, integrated, and impactful to help vulnerable people, particularly vulnerable women, in the near-term, while bolstering food systems to reduce the impact of emerging and future food security risks. ”The Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted supplies of food staples and fertilizer, straining a global food system already weakened by climate change impacts, pandemic-related supply shocks, and unsustainable farming practices. Asia and the Pacific is vulnerable to food shocks, as some of its countries depend on imported staples and fertilizer. Even before the invasion of Ukraine, nutritious food was unaffordable for significant portions of the population in many ADB low-income member countries. As well as supporting vulnerable people, ADB’s food security assistance will promote open trade, improve small holder farm production and livelihoods, ease shortages of fertilizer and promote its efficient use or organic alternatives, support investments in food production and distribution, enhance nutrition, and boost climate resilience through integrated and nature-based solutions. A key focus will be to protect the region’s natural environment from climate change impacts and biodiversity loss, which have degraded soils, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

.“An important part of our long-term approach is to safeguard natural resources and support farmers and agribusinesses which produce and distribute much of the region’s food, and to promote open trade to ensure it reaches consumers efficiently,” said Mr. Asakawa. Assistance under the program will start this year and continue through 2025. It will be drawn from across ADB’s sovereign and private sector operations, and seek to leverage an additional $5billion in private sector cofinancing for food security. ADB will apply lessons learned from supporting its members during the global food crisis in 2007–2008 and through the implementation of its food security operational plan the following year. Since then, ADB has provided $2 billion in annual investments in food security. In 2018,ADB identified food security as a key operational priority. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Source: ADB

Filipino-Norwegian singer-songwriter Clinton Kane reminisces on his past with new song “14”

Watch the official video here

Debut album, MAYBE SOMEDAY IT’LL ALL BE OK due this summer


Clinton Kane has shared “14,” the latest song lifted from his forthcoming debut album due this summer via Columbia Records. The reflective record transports listeners to Clinton’s 14-year-old self and follows his inner monologue as he grows into adulthood. Listen HERE and watch the accompanying official video HERE. 

In speaking about the new song, Clinton says: “I’ve teased this song for officially a year; I wish I took another year to tease, but I would’ve gotten cancelled. Can’t believe ‘14’ is finally out!

This song breaks my heart into a million pieces every single time I listen to it. I wrote it 2 years ago when I was at my lowest with myself – doubting every single thing about me: how I grew up, where I’m from, and who I am. This song took a year to write, with 30 different choruses and verses being written to this track. I hope you find peace when you listen to this song and know that you are not alone in this world.”

Earlier this year, the 2022 Vevo DSCVR Artist to Watch embarked on a sold-out North American headline tour. The 23-date run brought the Norwegian-Filipino singer/songwriter to Chicago, Boston, New York, Nashville, and more before concluding at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre. Clinton Kane will head back out on the road this fall for select tour dates throughout Canada. Visit https://www.clintonkane.com/tour/ for tickets and more information. 

Stay tuned for more from Clinton Kane coming soon!


About Clinton Kane:

Clinton Kane is one of those people who actually does all of the things the rest of us wish we could do, such as hightail it to Santorini alone with nothing more than a backpack... The Norwegian-Filipino singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist pens pop with “chords that soothe you and lyrics that bite you.” While growing up between Perth, Australia and The UK, the self-taught singer, guitarist, pianist, and drummer ultimately found solace in music. Writing and performing quelled growing anxiety and stress as he went from popular YouTube covers to a prolific series of independent originals. Signing to Columbia Records, Clinton turned heads with his this is what it feels like EP in 2019. To kick off 2020, he lent his voice to Martin Garrix’s smash “Drown” followed by original solo songs “i don’t want to watch the world end with someone else” and “Fix It To Break It.” After amassing more than 752 million global streams, selling out headline tour dates across North America, and receiving acclaim from NME, Billboard and more, he might just inspire you to live a little louder with his highly anticipated debut album MAYBE SOMEDAY IT’LL ALL BE OKAY led by singles “Chicken Tendies,” “I GUESS I’M IN LOVE,” “GO TO HELL,” and “14.”

Follow Clinton Kane:

Website | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook


Source: Nyou

Gareth Fernandez drops rousing ballad “Could Have Been Us”

Gareth Fernandez is back with the spiritual successor to 2019’s gospel-inflected track,

“Achilles,” and 2020’s emotional ballad, “Put You Through.”

The soulful pop singer pours his heart out on his latest single “Could Have Been Us”—released

today on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide. This song was co-written with the

inimitable indie darling Linying (Sticky Leaves, Paris 12), who also lends her hauntingly

beautiful vocals to the track.

With Shaykhandbake returning as producer, “Could Have Been Us” features tender piano lines,

and is enveloped by a rich, gospel-style choir.

While “Achilles” deconstructed our egos, and “Put You Through” challenged us to acknowledge

our faults in our pasts, “Could Have Been Us” retreads these heartbreaks one last time, before

setting them aflame and bidding them farewell.

About The Artist

Gareth Fernandez is an artist that draws influences from soulful singers like Sam Smith, John

Legend, and Adele. He writes about the millennial/Gen Z experience in today’s fluid, confusing

virtual insanity.

“Could Have Been Us” is out now on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide.

Source: Nyou

Ben&Ben drop new version of “Leaves,” featuring K-Pop star Young K

After topping the search chart of South Korea’s most prominent music streaming site, Melon in 2020, Filipino folk-pop collective Ben&Ben have teamed up with Seoul-based singer-songwriter and rapper Young K for the new version of their 2017 hit single “Leaves.”

Set for an international release, the re-recorded material comes with fuller, more intricate arrangements and subtle, background harmonies. Aesthetically, there’s something inherently grand about the new version of “Leaves” which transports listeners to the late 2000s when acclaimed musicians like Fleet Foxes and Sufjan Stevens made intricate, chamber pop music with indie folk sensibilities. “The new version of Leaves is based heavily on how the full band adapted the song for live performance through the years,” lead singer and guitarist Miguel Benjamin said in a statement. “As compared to the original piano and guitar only arrangement, the new one features the rest of the band’s full instrumentation and additional choir-esque harmony arrangement by Toni, Andrew, and Poch on the intro and first verse.”

Working with Korean sensation Young K

Multi-talented artist Young K contributed vocals to the second verse and chorus of the song, giving it an edgier, more pop-oriented sound. According to lead singer and guitarist Paolo Benjamin, the collaboration was an extremely smooth process, with the K-Pop artist seamlessly reinterpreting the song with a clean, powerful vocal on top of the band’s organic arrangement. He adds, “No revisions were needed, as everything worked as a result of natural chemistry, and Young K’s affinity to the band sound as well.”

Young K has been a constant presence in Korean pop/rock music industry, starting out as the bassist, vocalist and rapper of South Korean rock band Day6. He scored a No. 1 hit in 2015 as the featured artist in Baek A-yeon’s multiplatinum-certified single “Shouldn’t Have,” and earned songwriting credits for some of the biggest K-Pop acts such as Got7, Park Ji-min, Nakjoon, and Eric Nam—to name a few.

The partnership between Ben&Ben and Young K started when several K-Pop artists listened and reacted to “Leaves” on their V Live as requested by the respective fanbases. The videos propelled Ben&Ben’s “Leaves” to trend at No.1 and occupy the No. 2, 3, 6 and 7 positions on the Melon real-time search chart. The rest of the story, as they say, is history. “The band’s and Day 6’s management were able to reach out to each other, and the artists’ mutual respect for each other’s music eventually led to Young K agreeing to a collaboration,” percussionist and background vocalist Andrew de Pano points out. 

Young K, on the hand, shares that he immediately accepted the offer to work with Ben&Ben because more than anything else, he believes in the band’s music and vision. “Out of few songs that I listened to, Leaves caught my ears the most. The message given through the lyrics and the entire vibe was very heart-warming. And the vocals were amazing.”

“It would've been better if we could meet in person, but still the fact that I could have my voice with them is enough for me. Maybe in the future we could work on a new song together,” the Korean recording artist adds.

Forgiveness is freeing

With all the changes and all the difficulties happening in our everyday lives, it’s important to step back once in a while and reassess life-affirming decisions.  Keyboardist Patricia Lasaten explains, “Leaves has always been known for its final lines in the chorus, ‘All will be alright in time’ and ‘You never really love someone until you learn to forgive.’ In these times, it is a song that continues to remind us of the temporary nature of hardships and challenges, and the true nature of love as well as something that is freeing.”

“Leaves” was mixed and mastered by Grammy Award-winning sound engineer, Miles Walker, who has worked with the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna, Coldplay, Katy Perry, and several more international superstars. Walker praised Ben&Ben for their professionalism, and for being collaborative in terms of executing ideas. “They have great arrangements and harmonies within their performances, and the addition of Young K as a new vocal texture in the performance really made this one feel extra special.”

“Leaves (feat. Young K)” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music. The official music video featuring Young K will drop on May 28, Friday (7pm – Manila time), and there will be an IG Live on Ben&Ben’s Instagram with Young K at 6pm.

Source: Sony Music Philippines