Category: Music

  • Global Pop Superstar Dua Lipa Releases New Single ‘Houdini’

    Today, global superstar Dua Lipa has returned with “Houdini” – the highly anticipated track introducing the beginning of a new chapter following her 2020 smash Future Nostalgia. The track is out today alongside its official music video, which you can watch here. 

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    Photo Credit: Tyrone Lebon

    “Houdini” kickstarts the narrative thread that weaves its way through Dua’s upcoming project. Dua notes that “Houdini,” “embodies that 4 a.m. feeling when the night is coming to a close and you’re a bit sweaty, but you just don’t want the party to end.” The official music video, directed by Manu Cossu with cinematographer André Chemetoff, sees Dua post-rehearsal in a dance hall, revising her choreography under fluorescent lights. The lights reflect in the room’s mirrors, creating an optical illusion as the energy begins to swell.  

    “This track represents the most light and freeing parts of my singledom,” says Dua. “’Houdini’ is very tongue in cheek, exploring the idea of whether someone is really worth my while or if I’ll ghost them in the end. You never know where something may take you, that’s the beauty of being open to whatever life throws your way. I’m looking forward to sharing that feeling of defiant bliss with my fans.”

    “Houdini” was written by Lipa, along with Caroline Ailin, Danny L. Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr., and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, a group who served as core collaborators throughout the project, and was produced by Parker and Harle. “A lot of this album was written in those joyous moments of absolute chaos and how I moved through the world with lightness and optimism of whatever the outcome may be,” says Dua. 

    About Dua Lipa

    3x GRAMMY and 6x Brit Award-winning international pop powerhouse Dua Lipa closed out 2022 as one of the top performers of the year, with both Variety and Billboard naming her Future Nostalgia World Tour among the best live shows of the year. The tour’s namesake album solidified Dua’s position as both a critical success and top radio performer. Future Nostalgia is certified platinum in the US and UK, was the longest running top 10 album by a female artist on the Billboard 200 in 2021, and has spawned multiple worldwide hit singles, with “Levitating” earning certified diamond status and the title of Billboard’s No. 1 Hot 100 Song of 2021. In addition to breaking solo records, Dua proved to be a formidable collaborator, with Elton John’s “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” landing them the honor of Variety’s 2022 Hitmakers of the Year.Dua has found superstar status on stage and off, thanks to her many passions outside the world of music. 2022 saw Dua launch Service95, a global style, culture, and society editorial platform inspired by her lifelong habit of curating extensive recommendations lists. The accompanying podcast, DuaLipa: At Your Service, features thoughtful conversations with high-profile guests from fellow performers and artists to authors and activists, and has been lauded in publications including The Sunday Times, Vogue, The Guardian and was named one of the Best Podcasts of 2022 by Spotify. Dua’s passion for reading and affinity for storytelling led her to launch the third and latest branch of the platform, the Service95 Book Club.

    As a fashion icon, Dua has graced the cover of every major fashion magazine worldwide from Vogue and Elle to W and Dazed. Most recently, Dua co-designed Versace’s “La Vacanza” collection, alongside the iconic Donatella Versace herself. The womenswear collection debuted at a fashion show in Cannes in May 2023 which Vogue called, “the hottest collaboration of the summer” while Vogue Runway’s review of the show hailed it “an instantly desirable, flattering summer wardrobe.”

    Dua’s eponymous 2017 debut album is certified platinum, spawned six platinum tracks, and made her the first female artist in Brit Awards history to pick up five nominations in a single year. Dua has a total of 8 Grammy nominations, with three wins for Best Pop Vocal Album, Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording. Across platforms globally, she has amassed over 38 billion streams and holds the record for having the top two most streamed albums by a female artist of all time on Spotify.

  • Kiana Ledé Grudges The World Tour

    Singer, songwriter, and actress Kiana Ledé is set to captivate audiences in Manila with Grudges. The World Tour.  The fifth installment of the Insignia Concert Series promises an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment. The highly anticipated Philippines debut will take place at Samsung Hall in SM Aura on Wednesday December 6, 2023, showcasing Kiana Ledé’s unparalleled talent and captivating stage presence. 

    Admat Kiana Lede 12.06.23 Manila Philippines

    As a rising star in the global music scene, Kiana Ledé has carved a distinctive niche for herself with her soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and unique sound. Her debut concert in Manila will be a showcase of her remarkable repertoire, featuring chart-topping hits and fan-favorite songs including “EX,” “Wicked Games,” and “Jealous” that have solidified her position as a musical force to be reckoned with. 

    The Insignia Concert Series, recognized for its dedication to curating a concert series line-up of outstanding talent gives fans a distinct chance to discover emerging artists while going on an intimate musical journey. This concert series aims to contribute consistent concerts and entertainment options to the lively landscape of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, enhancing the cultural fabric of the local community.

    Ticket prices to Kiana Ledé’s Grudges: The World Tour concert start at PHP 3,800 for early bird and PHP 4,800 for regular tickets. Tickets will go on sale on Friday October 13 at 10AM via www.InsigniaPresents.com or at any SM Tickets outlets nationwide. 

    For more information about the Insignia Concert Series and updates on the event, please visit www.InsigniaPresents.com or follow us on social media @InsigniaPresents

  • Born in Manila : A Tribute to Aute

    Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, presents the concert “Born in Manila (A Tribute to Aute)”, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the birth of the Manila-born singer-composer and painter Luis Eduardo Aute. This event will be held on Tuesday, November 7, at 7:00 PM in the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza in Makati.

    Born in Manila Aute Concert

    The screening of “Con tu latido”, a video documentary produced in 2021 by Instituto Cervantes de Manila will open the event. Filmed in distinct locations in Intramuros, this video features Filipino singers, such as Bituin Escalante and Mark Anthony Carpio, performing some of the songs of Luis Eduardo Aute. This will be followed by live performances of some of the singers including Sheila Ferrer and Toma Cayabyab, who also participated in the recording of  “Con tu latido”.  Toma, son of National artist Ryan Cayabyab, has arranged the new renderings and versions of Autes’s songs, both those recorded in the documentary and those that will be part of the repertoire to be performed live at the RCBC.

    The concert will also include the special participation of Spanish singer Rosa León, who will be arriving from Spain for this occasion. The early years of her career as a singer, in the 70’s, was closely linked to Aute, as she had popularized some of his greatest songs, such as “Las cuatro y diez” and “Al alba”.

    Luis Eduardo Aute was born in Manila on September 1943 during the Japanese occupation. His father worked at the Tabacalera.  His grandmother, born in Valencia, was brought to the Philippines during the Spanish era at the age of three. They had a house along Roxas Boulevard (which back then was Dewey Boulevard) that also served as the headquarters of the Japanese troops and later on the Americans. He studied at De La Salle, but the family moved to Spain in 1954 where, years later, Aute would become one of the icons of Spanish music in the second half of the 20th century.

    Free entrance on a first come, first served basis. 

    For further information, please contact : Philip Paraan at 0945-1339920, cenmni@cervantes.es, reyphilip.paraan@gmail.com.

  • Hard Rock Café Ends October with Great Live Entertainment

    A comedy fest and an iconic band this month?  That’s how Hard Rock Café is rockin’ the end of October!

    Comedy Fest HRC

    Get ready for a night of fun and laughter on October 24 at Hard Rock Café Glorietta.  This Comedy Fest will feature performances by Tuesday Vargas, Nina Holmes, Bendeatha of Salbakuta, Axcel of Barakojuan and Brod Pete. 

    TRUEFAITH LIVE IN HRC MAKATI OTC 26

    Taking center stage on October 26 is iconic Pinoy band, True Faith.  Gear up for a night of great entertainment featuring some of their hit songs like Dahil Ikaw, Huwag Na Lang Kaya, Alaala, etc.

    Both shows will be right on stage at Hard Rock Cafe Makati. Show starts at 8PM! Entrance for Comedy Fest is P500 per head and P500 consumable. Entrance for True Faith is P1000 per head (P500 is consumable on food and beverages). To book a table, contact (02) 79003353 or 79003310. Rock harder, Hard Rock fans! 

  • Manila, Brace Yourselves for ‘Ed Sheeran +-=÷x Tour’ on March 9, 2024!

    Heads up, Sheerios! The ginger maestro, with his loop pedal and guitar, is hopping continents once again. Ed Sheeran’s unprecedented ‘+ – = ÷ x’ Tour, having left indelible marks from the Americas to Australia, is charting its course toward Asia and Europe in 2024. The details are just a click away at www.edsheeran.com.

    Rewind to 2018, Manila is still reeling from the acoustic waves of Ed’s soulful melodies at the MOA Concert Grounds. Fast forward to March 9, 2024, the Philippines braces for an encore, this time at the SMDC Festival Grounds, Parañaque City. Orchestrated by AEG Presents and Ovation Productions, this auditory feast promises more than just music. Adding spice to the night’s repertoire is the heartfelt crooner, Calum Scott. Ready for the rush? Keep your eyes peeled; tickets drop at 12 noon on October 26, 2023, via Ovation Tickets and SM Tickets.

    ED SHEERAN POSTER TO SEED 1

    After serenading Asia in 2019 and a recent European spree, what’s different this time? Well, fresh from his USA tour, Ed’s not just breaking strings, but records too. Think groundbreaking attendance at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. The latter, mind you, marked the largest single-day concert crowd in the USA. Ever. Talk about leaving a mark!

    2023 saw Ed Sheeran juggling not one, but two chart-topping albums. ‘-ʼ (Subtract) and Autumn Variations weren’t just a hit; they were a global phenomenon. Collaborating with The National’s Aaron Dessner, Ed churned out tunes that won hearts and topped charts from May to September.

    ED SHEERAN TO BLAST 2

    Only the official ticket agents listed on www.edsheeran.com and tour advertisements can guarantee you a seat at this musical fiesta. Word to the wise: keep it official, and avoid the heartbreak of sham tickets.

    Can’t keep calm? Join the buzz with #OvationProductions on your social channels. And don’t forget to tag the maestros:

    This is more than a concert; it’s history in the making. And it’s all happening at the ‘+ – = ÷ x’ Tour, where every strum, beat, and lyric will resonate across continents. See you there, Sheerios!

  • Lukas Graham Returns to Manila This October 2023 Featuring JK Labajo as a Headliner

    Singer-songwriter Lukas Graham is set to perform live in Manila on October 22, 2023 at the New Frontier Theater.    

    On October 22, Lukas Graham will be joined by fellow Universal Music artist, Juan Karlos, whose song, “Ere”, recently made history as the first Filipino song to appear on the Spotify Global Chart.  

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    Lukas became one of the first 25 acts to enter Spotify’s Billions Club. To this day, the official music video for ‘7 Years’ has more than 1,4 billion views on Youtube while the Billion Club-hit is closing in on 2 billion streams on Spotify.  

    When Lukas Graham writes a song or goes on stage, it’s ultimately about giving hope, joy and comfort – about creating celebration, community and dreams and new shared memories on the long road of life. Watch him perform live and experience it for yourself.

    Lukas Graham’s concert in Manila will really be a night to remember. Promoted by Midas Productions and KDR Music House. Tickets at ticketnet.com at 4925 (VIP) / 4175 (Orchestra) / 4070 (Loge) / 3655 (Balcony 1) / 3105 (Balcony 2). Tickets are currently on sale.  

    For more details and updates about the concert please check the official website and Facebook Page of Midas Promotions at https://midaspromotions.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/midaspromotions 

    #MidasPromotions   
    #LukasGraham #Manila 

  • “Hear For It”: The Philippines Tunes Into Its First Podcast Festival

    Hang onto your headphones, audio aficionados! The Philippines is rolling out the red carpet for a revolutionary event that’s about to send ripples through the world of podcasts. Welcome to Hear For It, the nation’s maiden podcast festival, tailored to weave a web of connections among prodigious creators, zealous producers, and of course, the devoted fans!

    Where and When?

    Mark your calendars! The festival is set to unravel its magic at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center on the 20th of October, from the crack of 10:30 AM till the dusk of 8:00 PM. And guess what? You can dive right into this audiophile ocean without any admission charges! Free for all, indeed!

    ANIMA Here For It Podcast Festival 2023 2

    Podcast Panorama: The Star-Studded Line-up

    The luminaries of the podcast realm are gracing the event. From Bianca Gonzales of Paano Ba ‘To, known for sharing advice on life, career, love, and self; directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac of Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast, engaging in hilarious and insightful conversations about love and pop culture; real-life couple Jim Baccaro and Saab Magalona of Wake Up with Jim & Saab, discussing everything from reality shows to voter registration; host and comedian Victor Anastacio of Intellectwalwal, providing cerebral yet humorous takes on everyday life; creative Ali Sangalang of The Linya-Linya Show, focusing on Filipino life, arts, and culture through pun-filled variety segments; GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan and the crew at The Kool Pals offering listeners a wacky time; DJ Joelle of Paano Kung…, exploring the infinite possibilities and answers to life’s many “Paano Kungs”; Roanne and Tina of Queertuhan creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community; Podquest, an initiative by The Pod Network aimed at discovering and fostering new podcasting talent; Kristel Fulgar and Moy Esguerra of Anyare Saeyo? discussing their love for K-culture and life in general, and many more to be announced soon!

    ANIMA Here For It Podcast Festival 2023 YT Announcement Large

    Podcasts: More Than Just Voices

    In the words of Mel Lozano-Alcaraz, the Head of ANIMA Podcasts, “Hear For It reflects the growing popularity of podcasts in the Philippines. We’re thrilled to bring together podcast creators, fans, and budding talents for an unmatched experience that truly highlights the captivating power of audio storytelling. At ANIMA, our goal is to build and strengthen the community of podcasters in the Philippines, and we look forward to contributing to the growth of this vibrant community.”

    Mel Lozano Alcaraz Head of ANIMA Podcasts
    Mel Lozano-Alcaraz, Head of ANIMA Podcasts

    All Ears, Here’s What’s Brewing

    Festival-goers can look forward to a variety of exciting activities:

    • Immerse yourself in curated listening pods featuring various podcast titles, providing a unique and intimate listening experience.
    • Gain first-hand insights from the most influential voices in podcasting by engaging in thought-provoking discussions.
    • Connect with fellow enthusiasts, creators, and industry experts to build relationships within the community.
    • Hone your podcasting skills with hands-on workshops covering everything from content creation and production to marketing and monetization.
    • Capture memories with your favorite podcasters and share the excitement on social media.

    Additionally, select fans will be treated to an exclusive box with limited-edition merchandise and exciting goodies from event partners!

    ANIMA Here For It Podcast Festival 2023 2 2

    “I’m super excited to be a part of ‘Hear For It,’ and it’s great that we have the support of companies like ANIMA, so we get to share our passion for storytelling through podcasts. This event is a must-attend, whether you’re a long-time pod listener or new to the world of podcasting,” says Bianca Gonzalez, host of Paano Ba ‘To.

    Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to connect with the podcast community and discover the magic of audio storytelling! Pre-register for Hear For It via this link and get the latest updates by following @animapods on Instagram.

    Hear For It is powered by ANIMA Podcasts and co-presented by Globe and Kroma Entertainment, in partnership with Spotify and The Pod Network, and sponsored by YOU Beauty, with Ayala Malls as the official venue partner. Special thanks to KonsultaMD. 

  • Ed Sheeran’s New Album ‘Autumn Variations’ Debuts on Gingerbread Man

    World-renowned musician Ed Sheeran unveils his latest album, “Autumn Variations,” under Gingerbread Man Records, painting his personal and emotional journey with every tune. Crafted under the ingenious production of Aaron Dessner, the collection captures the soulful transitions of life, seasoned with Sheeran’s unique touch.

    ED SHEERAN AUTUMN VARIATIONS ALBUM ARTWORK

    Inspiration Behind The Melodies

    Last fall witnessed a transformative phase in Ed Sheeran’s life and that of his close friends. As summer’s fervor faded, they encountered myriad emotions – from serene calmness and resolutions to intense confrontations and collapses.

    Using music as his expressive outlet, Sheeran penned down tracks that painted the evolving worldviews, both his and those of his companions. Each song oscillates between the elated peaks of new love and friendships and the melancholic valleys of heartbreak, isolation, and bewilderment.

    A Nod to the Classics

    The inspiration for the album’s name and concept traces back to the renowned composer Elgar and his magnum opus, ‘Enigma Variations’. In this classic, Elgar dedicated each of the 14 pieces to individual friends. Sheeran, taking a leaf out of this book, mirrored this approach, making “Autumn Variations” a heartfelt tribute.

    ED SHEERAN BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

    The Creative Collaboration with Aaron Dessner

    Recording sessions often reveal the magic or the discord between artists. For Sheeran and Dessner, it was instant chemistry. Their synergized efforts led to an incessant outpour of creativity, culminating in this album. Sheeran fondly reminisces about Dessner capturing autumn’s essence with impeccable finesse in the soundscapes they crafted together.

    WATCH ED’S ALL-NEW LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO OF ‘AMERICAN TOWN’ WATCH HERE

    LISTEN HERE

    Live from London’s Prestigious Stage

    For fans lucky enough to secure tickets, the Royal Albert Hall in London will echo with Sheeran’s live renditions from “Autumn Variations” on the 18th and 19th of November. Promising to be a musical feast, Sheeran is set to perform the album in its entirety. The evenings promise an amplified experience, with Sheeran being complemented by a live band and a string ensemble. Sadly, for many admirers, this stands as the lone opportunity to witness his live magic in the UK for the year.

    Sneak Peek: “Autumn Variations” Tracklist

    1. Magical
    2. England
    3. Amazing
    4. Plastic Bag
    5. Blue
    6. American Town
    7. That’s On Me
    8. Page
    9. Midnight
    10. Spring
    11. Punchline
    12. When Will I Be Alright
    13. The Day I Was Born
    14. Head > Heels

    “Autumn Variations” promises not just music, but an experience. It’s an exploration of the human heart and its responses to the world’s ever-changing rhythms. Don’t just listen; feel Ed Sheeran’s newest masterpiece.

  • From Taylor Swift to Queen…Live Entertainment is Alive! September at Hard Rock Cafe

    People can’t just get enough of Taylor Swift. So Hard Rock Cafe is bringing back its Tribute Night to this phenomenal pop star on September 7. Showtime is at 8 pm.  Shake it off with a fun performance by CIRCA, whose rendition of Swift’s biggest hits will keep you singing and dancing along.

    Bluegrass

    If you’re feeling fearless, be at Hard Rock Cafe S Maison, Conrad Manila, swifties!  Be there early and enjoy dinner feasting on new dishes and cocktails launched recently. For inquiries & reservations, contact (02) 89909809.  Entrance fee is P500 inclusive of a beverage.

    Circa

    Then on September 6 and 13, soak up the rock vibes from the legendary band, Queen!  “We Will Rock You, The Queen Tribute Night” will feature the all-time hits of this inimitable British band- a mix of glam rock heavy metal and camp theatrics. Think Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions,  Another One Bites The Dust and more!   

    Innervoices

    On September 6, The Queen Tribute Night will feature Innervoices and Bluegrass (P1,000 entrance fee inclusive of a beverage) while tribute bands, Lockdown, Innervoices and Bluegrass will perform on September 13 at Hard Rock S’Maison, Conrad Manila (P1,500 entrance fee inclusive of beverage).Showtime on both dates is  at 7:00 pm.Don’t miss the chance to sing along to all your favorites and feel like a true rockstar, just like Queen!

    Lockdown

    To reserve seats, please call Hard Rock Cafe Manila (02) 89909808 and Hard Rock Cafe Makati (02) 79003353.

    Follow @hardrockcafemanila and @hardrockcafemakati on Facebook & Instagram.

  • Daryl Hall To Hold PH Concert This November 2023 with Special Guest Todd Rundgren

    He is known as half of the iconic duo Hall & Oates and will perform many of the duo’s popular hits, which include Maneater, Kiss On My List, Private Eyes, I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do), Out Of Touch, One On One, Say It Isn’t So, Rich Girl, Method Of Modern Love, Every Time You Go Away, She’s Gone, Sara Smile, and You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, among others. He is also an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the best-selling duo of all time. Since 1972, during the Hall & Oates years until now, the Philadelphia soul man is still achieving career milestones more than four decades later, continuing to perform with his band to sold-out venues around the world. 

    DARYL HALL POSTER TO SPREAD 4

    Hall has come a long way, and in addition to his career mileage, he released his first retrospective album, “BeforeAfter”, on April 1, 2022. This is a compilation album of Daryl Hall’s solo work. Its 30 songs draw from his five studio albums: Sacred Songs (1980), Three Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine (1986), Soul Alone (1993), Can’t Stop Dreaming (1996), and Laughing Down Crying (2011), as well as from his running concert broadcast series, Live from Daryl’s House. 

    Stage

    He is the star of his very own award-winning web series-turned-TV staple, Live from Daryl’s House, as well as a successful venue owner with “Daryl’s House,” a restored venue and live music space in Pawling, N.Y. One of the artists he featured in his webcast is Todd Rundgren, who will also be with him in his concert in the Philippines as his guest performer. 

    Daryl Hall’s concert is guaranteed to be an unforgettable night of great music and good times. This is promoted by Ovation Productions, with TapGo TV as the official media partner. Tickets are available at smtickets.com for 15,750 (SVIP) / 14,750 (VIP) / 12,750 (Patron) / 10,750 (Lower Box A) / 9,750 (Lower Box B) / 5,750 (Upper Box) / and 2,750 (Gen. Ad). Don’t miss your chance to see this legend perform live! 

    For more details and updates about the concert, please check the official website and Facebook page of Ovation Productions at https://ovationproductionsmanila.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/ovationproductions/.