Pride & Power pays tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community with empowering anthems from Sony Music’s biggest queer icons

The double headliner event also features drag performances from Drag Playhouse Philippines, a DJ set from Jer & Marky, and a surprise appearance from internet sensation Sassa Girl

Sony Music Philippines and the Pop Emergency Podcast recently honored the valuable contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community across the globe with PRIDE & POWER last June 18, 2022 (Saturday) at Tipple & Slaw, Pop-Up Katipunan.

The double headliner event, which features drag performances from the fabulous queens of Drag Playhouse Philippines and music from the record label’s most iconic queer icons, kickstarted the month-long Pride celebration with a defiant yet colorful flavor.

Filipino singer-songwriter/producer raven puts a modern spin on Pinoy-style courtship with new song “Hara”

After racking up more than 10 million streams with his debut EP Lika Na, rising singer-songwriter/producer raven reimagines traditional ‘harana’ with a modern twist on his new single “Hara”—out today via Sony Music Philippines.

Bringing the distinct practice of Pinoy-style courtship to an entirely new audience, raven serenades the object of his affection with lyrics that showcase his sincere intentions. 

“Unlike some of the songs that I’ve written so far, most of which are mere expressions of admiration, this particular track chronicles the experience of wooing someone in hopes of capturing their heart,” the young musician shares. “It’s an expression of sentimental nature, but it also comes from a place of humility on the suitor’s end.”

Ace Banzuelo’s viral smash “Muli” is now the top OPM song on Spotify Philippines this week!

The dreamy track continues to drive impressive numbers as it reaches the top 3 of both Spotify Top 200 Philippines chart and Spotify Viral 50 Philippines chart, respectively.

Ace Banzuelo’s “Muli” is officially the No. 1 most streamed OPM song in Spotify Philippines this week.

Initially released in 2020, the eloquently produced track has foun

d renewed popularity online due to the song’s organic amount of support on short-form video app, TikTok, as well as other social media platforms. 

EJ De Perio asserts the inevitability of endings on heartfelt debut single “Panandalian”

The heart-warming ballad serves as his first official single as a signed artist under Sony Music Philippines

Filipino singer-songwriter EJ De Perio defies the concept of perpetuity on “Panandalian,” his first official single under Sony Music Philippines.

Brimming with laid-back, acoustic guitars and minimal instrumentation, the heartfelt ballad asserts his sentiment that despite the uncertainty of the future, there will always be that one person who is willing to stick out with you through thick and thin. 

dwta draws inspiration from Bicolano folklore and indigenous healing on “Santigwar” music video

The song chronicles the journey of blossoming romance with choreography-heavy visuals

Folk-pop singer-songwriter dwta integrates Bicolano folklore with interpretive dancing on the music video of her new single “Santigwar,” released under Sony Music Philippines. 

Drawing inspiration from the indigenous healing ritual practiced commonly in some rural areas in the country, the clip explores themes of mysticism in telling a story of two individuals fighting for love against all odds.

NOBITA deals with being at the bitter end of a relationship on hugot anthem ‘Totoo’

  

Driven by the success of their mega-hit “Ikaw Lang” and wedding-themed track “Unang Sayaw,” breakout band NOBITA has recently reached a new milestone in their career for achieving more than 90 million streams on Spotify alone. 

Having mastered the art of writing hugot anthems inspired by the universality of long-term commitment and romantic desire, the five-piece act continues to make pop-rock tunes that leave listeners in a vulnerable state. This is evident on their 2022 single “Totoo,” released under Sony Music Philippines.

WATERWALK RECORDS‘ Ariel Tsai releases uplifting worship song “MY ALL IN ALL”

Sony Music Philippines recently announced the launch of WATERWALK RECORDS, a music label focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation. The label will feature faith-based entertainment artists from across not just the Philippines, but throughout Asia, who represent the best of Christian music combined with their own unique styles.

After launching several new songs from artists in the Philippines such as Morissette, Hazel Faith, Nathan Huang, and more, WATERWALK RECORDS is releasing a song from Ariel Tsai, a popular Taiwanese singer-songwriter, pianist, and YouTuber signed under Sony Music Taiwan. Her track, “MY ALL IN ALL,” is a beautiful and heartfelt piano-driven worship song written by Ariel herself.

“I wrote this song this past year during a time where I felt quite lost and uncertain about the future,” says Tsai. “I felt I was holding on to the worldly definition of success and chasing it, just to end up realizing that it could never fill the void in my heart. That was when I came to God and resurrendered myself to Him, and God had let me experience His peace again, the peace that the world could not give. Therefore, I wanted to use this song to record what I felt and experienced—the fact that nothing could ever compare to God, and He is indeed the only one I need.”

Ace Banzuelo delivers fun, confident P-Pop energy on the music video of “Alive”

The clubby pop song showcases the young singer-songwriter/producer’s astounding versatility

Ace Banzuelo has come a long way from being a fresh-faced phenom who can write and produce emotional pop tunes from his bedroom. His songs “Malayo” and “Himala” have racked up more than 8 million streams on all digital music platforms combined, and broke big on several crossover playlists in the Philippines and the rest of Asia. Working his way slowly but surely to mainstream ubiquity, the young singer-songwriter is shaping up to be a compelling presence in the local music scene—thanks to his songwriting gift and production skillset.

syd hartha reflects complicated attitude towards love and relationships on folk-pop single “kung nag-aatubili”

The Filipino singer-songwriter’s latest song will be part of her upcoming 2022 EP

Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha returns to her roots on the stripped-down single “kung nag-aatubili.” 

The folk-pop tune will be part of her upcoming 5-track EP to be released in the first quarter of 2022, and serves as her first original material for 2021 after contributing vocals for Tokimeki Records’ city pop-inspired “Carnival” and participating in Coke Studio Season 4.

According to the 19-year-old artist, “kung nag-aatubili” reflects her complicated attitude towards romantic relationships and intimacy, which stemmed from the traumatic experiences that she endured during her younger years.

Ben&Ben joins Eric Chou and other Sony Music Asia artists on “Forever Beautiful”

Ben&Ben takes part in a regional collaboration expressing solidarity and support for those affected by the outbreak of iCOVID-19 Coronavirus.

The folk-pop collective joins Sony Music artists across Asia in delivering a spectacular take on Taiwanese superstar Eric Chou’s original track “Forever Beautiful.”

Featuring 15 artists from nine countries across Asia singing in both Chinese and English, including Chou himself, the collaborative remake titled “Forever Beautiful: All for One Version” conveys an important message through these touching lyrics: we may speak and sing in different languages and represent the many ethnicities and cultures of Asia, but we are all united with solidarity and support. In these challenging times, music can bring hope and peace along with the message of love and compassion.

"In this time of fear and uncertainty, it is important to remind people that they are not alone and that even the most dreadful things give way to new beginnings,” shares Ben&Ben vocalist and guitarist Paolo Benjamin. “It was cool to do this project with some of the most talented and generous artists across Asia.”

Set to make their US debut at the annual South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, Ben&Ben is one of the most successful Asian acts in the region— breaking records in the country with 9 songs simultaneously on the Spotify Philippines’ Top 50 chart. Their current single “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay” recently shot straight to number one with a million streams on the aforementioned platform, within 2 days of release.

The nine-piece act represents the Philippines as part of the vibrant and diverse roster of Sony Music Asia featured in “Forever Beautiful: All for One Version,” including Eric Chou (the original singer/songwriter) and singer Kelly Cheng from Taiwan; Wafa, a member from Bahiyya Haneesa (an acapella group), and R&B-pop singer NYK from Malaysia; music acts Benjamin Kheng, Narelle, and Sezairi from Singapore; HÀ LÊ, a vocalist from Vietnam; singer-songwriter and producer E.viewz from South Korea; singer Fatin from Indonesia; singer-songwriter Jocelyn C from Beijing; and artists Phil Lam, Jason Chan, and Cath Wong from Hong Kong. 

 “Forever Beautiful: All for One Version” is now available globally on all streaming and digital platforms through Sony Music Taiwan. Proceeds from this song will be donated to relief efforts by 韓紅愛心慈善基金會 (Han Hong Love Charity Foundation) for those affected by the outbreak of iCOVID-19 Coronavirus.

Filipina rapper Alex Bruce teams up with BTS collaborator August Rigo on “Going Crazy”

Here’s another upbeat jam that embraces a more eclectic sound. Alex Bruce’s second single “Go Crazy” under Sony Music Philippines is a collaboration with Filipino-Canadian songwriter and producer August Rigo, the other half of the songwriting duo behind BTS’s worldwide smash “Black Swan.”

The sophomore track takes listeners to the Filipina rapper’s musical journey and the struggles that she has to overcome in her bid to discover a bigger world outside of dreams and opportunities. “The song is all about me dreaming big,” the young talent reveals in a statement. “It’s also about my vision of how the world will interact with me and my music. Literally, it’s about pushing through my blueprint and perspectives, no matter how hard it is.”

All Eyes on Ben&Ben’s upcoming new single and 2 music videos this month!

Ben&Ben is showing no signs of slowing down. In terms of consistency, the nine-piece outfit continues to break streaming records and dominate cultural conversation with releases that resonate with people from various walks of life. 

Last January 2020 alone, the acclaimed folk-pop band won Wish FM’s Group of the Year and Urban Performance of the Year for their chart-topper “Pagtingin.” On top of this milestone, the band is currently at number one on Spotify Philippines Top 50, with their cover of “Make It With You.”

With overwhelming support from music fans and industry peers, there is no doubt that Ben&Ben is simply defining the times that we live in: the band pours their energy in uplifting our fellow countrymen with their brand of accessible but well-crafted music. “It really boils down to the heart behind the song,” Miguel Benjamin, vocalist and guitarist points out. “When a song is written as a vessel to carry a message that is beyond ego or prideful intent, and simply mirrors the feelings, experiences and lessons that come from a higher place, then somehow it may find its way from the artist's soul to at least one other person's heart, and that is always enough. We fully know that it isn't up to us to produce these works out of our own will, but we are simply vessels for some greater message to fulfill itself through us.” Striking a balance between relatability and raw honesty, the band has managed to push things forward with songs that not only capture an emotional spectrum, but also throb at the core moment of one’s personal experience.

Get “Comfortable” with H.E.R.’s newest sultry jam

Fresh from reaping various accolades and wrapping up the first part of the sold-out I Used to Know H.E.R. Tour, two-time Grammy winner H.E.R. has recently released a soulful single called “Comfortable.”

Produced by DJ Camper with additional backing vocals from Anthony Clemons, Jr., the latest jam from the Filipina-American R&B star showcases a more stripped-down approach reminiscent of her early releases. The earnestness of her lyrics, paired with the sultry mood of the song, arrives with captivating grace beyond her years—a quality that makes “Comfortable” a standout.  

The newest track from the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has recently earned positive reviews from music publications. Hypebeast praised its “return to fundamentals,” and went on to acknowledge, “the right amount of modern production cues crescendoing by the song’s end.” 

Nathan & Mercury releases two music videos and a new single

Fresh off the announcement that the band is heading to Singapore next month as one of the performers at Music Matters 2019, Nathan & Mercury surprised music fans with not just one, but two music videos and a brand new single. 

Fools: a visual delight

The first treat came in the form of Fools music video—a visually arresting piece that follows a non-linear format. “The song in itself is very emotional,” says Nathan Huang, N&M’s lead singer and guitarist. “Through the song, we were able to hear heavy emotions. This time, through the video, we wanted to visualize what those emotions are.”

Released as a single last year, Fools has garnered nearly a million streams on Spotify and Youtube combined, achieving instant success even without an album release.  

Filipina Rapper Alex Bruce Drops New Single "Pull It Off"

After racking up more than a million views on Youtube for her live performance of "Mind As A Weapon," twelve-year-old hip-hop prodigy, Alex Bruce returns with a take-no-prisoners jam that's built on the strength of her talent and personality. 

"Pull It Off," the first official single under Sony Music Philippines, continues the Batangas-based rapper's streak of empowering hip-hop anthems. 

Sure, it lives up to the charismatic appeal of "Dopest," the trap-influenced demo released four months ahead of her debut. But this time, we hear a convincing introduction of a future star confidently rapping about not needing other people's approval, delivering her verses with both fire and excitement.