After topping the search chart of South Korea’s most prominent music streaming site, Melon in 2020, Filipino folk-pop collective Ben&Ben has teamed up with Seoul-based singer-songwriter and rapper Young K for the new version of their 2017 hit single Leaves. The 2021 re-recorded material comes with fuller, more intricate arrangements and subtle, background harmonies and is set for an international release. 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 other international superstars. Leaves featuring Young K is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.
DJ, musician and dancer Arthur Tan has dropped the After the Party electronic play (EP) coinciding with the release of its fourth and final single, Slow Breaths. It also includes the track Sleepwalking, which was released independently in September 2020. City Runs and Night Cap followed this year and were released under Tarsier Records. After The Party EP is now available on various music streaming services. Follow @tarsierrecords on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and Tarsier Records official Spotify at https://bit.ly/tarsierrecords.
Catriona Gray sings R.Y.F—her own version of the rousing hymn Raise Your Flag under Star Music. Inspired by her memorable statements from her Miss Universe journey, Raise Your Flag is a 2019 single written by Trisha Denise and creative director Jonathan Manalo. The track was originally recorded by KZ Tandingan with a rap verse written and performed by Kritiko. R.Y.F is out now on various digital music platforms under Star Music.
Celebrated pop icon Darren Espanto released his new single Tama Na, in collaboration with fellow hitmaker Zack Tabudlo, who wrote, produced, and mixed the track. The song’s pitched-up samples, hard-hitting electronic beats, and hip-hop-informed sensibilities propel Darren’s soulful delivery to exciting new places. The song is out now in music video format and is slated to be part of Darren’s upcoming album under MCA Music Inc.
Filipino pop-rock band Gracenote recently released the new single, City of Vulnerability from the album Small World. Eunice defines their latest album as an allegory of today’s connectivity and how music is able to bridge connections among people, making the world somehow appear smaller. Gracenote is composed of members Eunice Jorge (composer/ vocalist), EJ Pichay (drums), Tatsi Jamnague (guitars), and Jazz Jorge (bass). City of Vulnerability music video is streaming now on Spotify under Universal Records.
LA-based singer-songwriter Jack Newsome, who emerged as a fast-rising talent following his breakout stint on NBC’s Songland, is back with his smoldering new single, Friends. This brand new collaboration with revered producers Jason Strong (Nico Farais, Naika) and Cambo (Doja Cat, Bea Miller) showcases Jack’s flawless vocal range and further solidifies his ability to create the kind of pop banger the world is ready to get out and dance to. Following his deeply reflective debut single, The Year the World Stood Still and his upbeat (yet poignant) second release Arms, Friends elevates us to the next progression in Jack’s journey. His talent has landed him multiple syncs and high-profile writing credits, and he is now passionately focused on his own music releases. Watch Jack Newsome’s Friends out now on https://youtu.be/5TJgX3rW9Uo
Up-and-coming artist Sam Cruz just dropped her debut single, Train Of Thought, which premiered on Universal Records’ Tiktok account last May 20. Leaning towards RNB and pop music, she shared that her musical inspiration comes from Ariana Grande and Julie Anne San Jose among many others. Sam also skillfully plays the guitar, ukelele, and a little bit of keyboard apart from her charming qualities and vocal prowess. Train Of Thought is out now under Universal Records.
