Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelo continues to carve out a new lane in pop music with the release of “Babae,” an ‘80s inspired track steeped in warm, analog-sounding synths and romantic lyrics.
The retro-infused jam serves as the official anthem for #BabaeAko, an International Women’s Month campaign by Sony Music Philippines which aims to put a spotlight on women and female artists under the label’s roster through several online and promotional activities.
In an exclusive interview, the seventeen-year-old shares how he got into music, talks about his recently released single ‘Babae’, being hands-on on the music video, and more. Watch the interview below:
“Babae” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the music video here.
Today, GRAMMY Award®-winning global superstar Harry Styles has released his brand new single and video “As It Was.”
“As It Was” is the lead single from his highly anticipated new album Harry’s House, to be released May 20 on Columbia Records. The music video for “As It Was,” shot last month in London, finds Harry collaborating with Ukrainian GRAMMY Award®-nominated director Tanu Muino. Listen to “As It Was” here and check out the video here.
“Directing a Harry Styles video was a bucket list dream come true for me as he’s my favorite performer,” says Tanu. “Shooting him was bittersweet as it was one of the happiest days of my life, but on the second day of the shoot, my country Ukraine was invaded so you can imagine the insane emotions we had while shooting. Me and my team from Ukraine poured so much love into this video and you can see it on screen. It will be a music video I will never forget and now I can happily retire.” See full team credits below.
Harry’s House is the third solo studio album from Harry Styles and first music release since 2019’s record breaking sophomore album Fine Line. The new 13-track full-length album was recorded in multiple locations across the UK, Los Angeles and Tokyo from 2020 to 2021. It was written by Harry alongside frequent collaborators Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson, and Mitch Rowland. Harry’s House is available for pre-order at all physical and digital retailers globally. In addition, exclusive configurations will be available at select retailers nationwide including a Target Translucent Yellow vinyl and a Sea Glass Green vinyl available on the artist’s webstore. Pre-order Harry’s Househere.
Harry is set to headline the legendary Coachella Festival on April 15 and 22, where he will perform “As It Was” for the first time ever. He will then take Love on Tour back on the road in support of Harry’s House in stadiums and arenas across the world this summer, starting June 11 in Glasgow. See full list of dates at https://www.hstyles.co.uk/. Pre-order the album here or pre-save the album here.
Spotify is expanding Blend – a feature that allows users to create shared playlists with two new features:
● Blend with some of your favorite artists including BTS. Connecting artists and fans on an even deeper level, Blend will now allow users to merge musical tastes starting with 20 artists.
● Create a Blend playlist with up to 10 people. Previously, users could Blend with one friend or family member at a time. Starting today, users can expand their listening tribe with up to 10 people in a group, whether it’s their fellow music stans, close friends or chosen family.
Connect deeply with music
Launched in August 2021, Spotify Blend combines the best of the platform’s personalization capabilities and collaborative playlist functionality into a single shared playlist, making it even easier for users to connect, discover, and bond over the music they love. Available for Free and Premium users, music lovers can create personalized playlist in three easy steps –
Create + Invite: Just search “Blend” within the “Search” tab on Spotify. Then, tap “Invite” to select people to Blend with.
Blend: Once your friend has accepted the invite, Spotify will generate your shared Blend playlist, which will include songs and recommendations that reflect everyone’s music preferences and tastes. You’ll even be able to see which songs were added for which friend.
Listen + Share: After everyone has joined the collaborative playlist, you and your friends will receive a custom share card that you can use to spread the word on social media.
To start the Blend, simply click on the link above and a shared playlist will be automatically generated. Users will also receive a share card showing their listening preferences in relation to the artist’s, and the songs that bring them and their idol together. This may be shared directly to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.
For more information, visit Spotify For The Record here.
In its continued commitment towards artist empowerment, Spotify today unveils its 2022 slate of Filipino artists selected for RADAR, a global program that supports up-and-coming local artists by helping them reach new audiences. This year’s Spotify’s RADAR Philippines includes a slate of exciting rising talents across various genres including P-Pop and R’n’B artist Arthur Nery, indie artists, Adie and Lesha, as well as group BINI.
Discovery on Spotify
Through the program’s ongoing playlisting, marketing initiatives, and borderless reach, emerging Filipino artists are able to shine on both the local and global stage, allowing them to find, connect, and grow their fanbase – wherever they may be. Last year’s RADAR artist, Zack Tabudlo saw an international growth with more than 1,300% increase and grew listenership beyond the Philippines shores in the U.S.A., Canada, Thailand, Australia and more.
“We are excited to champion local artists at all stages of their careers. Spotify is committed to artist development and connecting fans with the music they love, through our platform and programs. We look forward to elevating the local music scene and seeing our RADAR artists grow through borderless access and greater discovery,” says Kossy Ng, Head of Music, Spotify Asia.
Love for Filipino Music
Filipinos are eager to discover new music, including that of budding Filipino artists. To boost discovery, Spotify featured about 39,000 Pinoy artists in local and global editorial playlists for the first time between 2020 and 2021. With artists such as Arthur Nery seeing an increase of average daily plays close to 400%, RADAR allows aspiring artists to connect to new fans by giving access to the world’s stage.
Nery is one of our Spotify RADAR artists, who started growing from strength to strength and made waves last year. Based on Spotify 2021 Wrapped data, one of his hits, “Higa,” appeared in all 20 Philippine cities that streamed Spotify the most in 2021, including his hometown of Cagayan de Oro. “Pagsamo” and “Binhi” also made waves in such key cities as Baguio, Bacoor, and Imus. “Pelikula”, his collaboration with Janine Tenoso, is among the country’s Most Viral Recordings of the Year. Tracks “Life Puzzle” and “TAKE ALL THE LOVE,” also rounded out the list of songs from Nery’s growing discography that made it to the Most Repeated Songs in the Philippines.
“To be able to shine a light on OPM music on the global stage is such an opportunity! I’m honored and happy that Filipinos appreciate what I create. Knowing that they like my music has also changed my perspective on music as an artist. I’m excited to be part of Spotify’s RADAR program, where I can reach more listeners at an international level and move more people with my music.” says Arthur Nery.
The long wait is over for the Filipino fans of the “Arizona emo group” as PULP Live World brings them back for a one-off show in Southeast Asia with THE MAINE BACK IN MANILA, happening this August 27, 2022, 8 PM at the SM North EDSA Skydome.
Celebrating their 15th anniversary this 2022 and the release of their 8th studio album XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time last July 2021, the band is now more eager to perform their new songs in front of a live audience. Fans can look forward to an incredible setlist following the success of their latest single, “Sticky”, hitting No. 19 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and the release of their collaboration song “Loved You A Little” with Taking Back Sunday and Charlotte Sands.
As the pandemic took over the world for the past two years, the band constantly worked on their music and established stronger connections with their fans online despite the struggles of not being able to go on tours. And now that the world is slowly opening its doors to live events, The Maine is excited to return to Manila for the seventh time and play for the ever-passionate community they have built over the years.
Presented by PULP Live World, tickets to THE MAINE BACK IN MANILA happening on August 27, 2022, Saturday, at the Skydome, SM City North EDSA are priced at P4,500 (PLATINUM), P3,000 (GOLD), and P2,500 (SILVER), inclusive of meet and greet for all ticketholders depending on health restrictions (only fully vaccinated guests are allowed inside the venue). Gates open at 6:00PM, show starts at 8:00PM.
Tickets go on sale on May 1, 2022 (10AM) at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide and online at www.smtickets.com or via www.minimall.ph . Ticketing service charges apply.
The 23-year-old singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist releases his much-awaited album called GABRIEL. “I was reminded how fun making music is supposed to feel, and that it’s just as much listened to as its lyrics are heard. It’s an album that I hope is candid, varied, and one you can come back to again and again,” shares keshi.
With over 1.6 billion global streams, his rising success has been astounding. While the title GABRIEL isn’t related to anyone, in particular, it is a name that keshi personally likes and he believes naming an album is like naming your firstborn child. Adorable, right? In a press conference with select Southeast Asia media, keshi talks about his debut album, how the Filipino moms he’s worked with before might be proud of him, and a possible tour in SEA.
WATCH:
keshi’s GABRIEL is out now. Listen to the full album here:
keshi will embark on his first headlining tour. The “HELL / HEAVEN” tour hosts dates in Europe and North America this upcoming Spring 2022 with stops in London, Paris, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, and many more cities before finishing his tour in his hometown of Houston, Texas.
Puppies and music — just the thing to put you in a “Good Mood.” Watch the lyric video of “Good Mood,” an original song written and performed by Adam Levine for PAW Patrol: The Movie.
The exciting, inspiring animated adventure from Paramount Pictures opens exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines on March 16.
About Paw Patrol: The Movie
The PAW Patrol is on a roll! When their biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes Mayor of nearby Adventure City and starts wreaking havoc, Ryder and everyone’s favorite heroic pups kick into high gear to face the challenge head-on. While one pup must face his past in Adventure City, the team finds help from a new ally, the savvy dachshund Liberty. Together, armed with exciting new gadgets and gear, the PAW Patrol fights to save the citizens of Adventure City!
Joining the PAW Patrol in their thrilling first big-screen adventure are members from the original series’ cast along with Iain Armitage, Marsai Martin, Yara Shahidi, Kim Kardashian West, Randall Park, Dax Shepard, with Tyler Perry and Jimmy Kimmel and introducing Will Brisbin.
As the whole country transitions into more relaxed health and safety protocols, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is proud to announce the return to live performances. And for its initial performance, CCP goes all out with a grand musical feast to be led by the world-renowned Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera on March 11, 2022, Friday at 6pm at the CCP Grounds. It will be held simultaneously live via the Cultural Center of the Philippines, CCP Office of the President and PPO Facebook page.
The PPO will be performing timeless orchestral classics, Broadway favorites, and Filipino works. This also marks the first live performance of the PPO for 2022. The concert is free and open to the public.
“We are very pleased to once again open the doors of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to our beloved audiences,” says CCP President Arsenio ‘Nick’ Lizaso, “but as we transition into doing live performances, the health and safety of everyone is still our priority so protocols will be strictly observed,” he added.
For updates and more information on PPO Concert at the CCP Grounds, follow the CCP Office of the President, CCP and PPO Facebook Pages. Like our announcement on Facebook.
This International Women’s Day, Spotify is celebrating its community of Filipina artists, creators, and listeners with fresh content on EQUAL Philippines and Pinay Voices. The world’s largest audio streaming platform reinforces its commitment to fostering gender equity by spotlighting its year-long initiative EQUAL, a space dedicated to female voices in music and podcasts.
Empowered Filipina Voices on the Rise
In a global study commissioned by Spotify on the representation of women in the music industry, only 1 in 5 artists on the charts are women*. In the Philippines, Spotify saw a 35% female share in streams in 2021, reflecting the opportunity for equal representation in the music scene.
“Giving Filipino artists and creators a platform for their voices and passion has always been Spotify’s driving force, and the artists and creators we listen to should reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Spotify is committed to being a driver of progress, both on and off the platform.” said Kossy Ng, Spotify Asia’s Head of Music.
A space facilitating diverse perspectives and conversations, podcasts are on the rise amongst Pinay creators and listeners alike.
Spotify’s EQUAL Program Uplifts Women Artists and Creators
Since the launch of its EQUAL program, Spotify has seen consistent growth in listenership of local female artists on EQUAL Philippines, accounting for an average year-on-year growth of close to 50% in the Philippines. In 2021, the second year since the program was launched, there was a 46% share in the top 200 Songs chart for female artists, spotlighting Filipina artists like Belle Mariano, Julie Ann San Jose and more.
“With platforms like Spotify making an intentional commitment to champion gender equity, it generates more opportunities for our work to be seen and heard on the local and global stage. In this age of audio streaming, it has empowered Filipina artists like myself to pursue our passions, and even inspire aspiring artists or listeners through my craft,” says Keiko Necesario, Spotify March’s EQUAL Ambassador for Month.
Podcasts are an avenue for them to reach like-minded audiences, as well as tap new ones, in exploring topics relevant to the modern Filipina of today.
A space facilitating diverse perspectives and conversations, podcasts are on the rise amongst Pinay creators and listeners alike. In the past year, Spotify saw an almost 70% increase in Filipina podcast listeners, with Society & Culture, Wellness (Health & Fitness), and Education being the top podcast genres.
“It’s enlightening to see that people are more willing to open up about mental health and wellness” says Hannah Pangilinan, Creator of Spotify Original, Pausecast with Hannah. “I’m so honored for the opportunity to work alongside Spotify to develop a “kinder-approach to well-being—one that is non-judgmental and packed with takeaways perfect to easily incorporate into our daily conversations, routines and lives!” Her show is amongst the slate of refreshing content on Spotify’s latest wellness playlist, Hinga Muna.
For Pangilinan and many other creators, podcasts are an avenue for them to reach like-minded audiences, as well as tap new ones, in exploring topics relevant to the modern Filipina of today.
“Women artists and creators are integral to the growth of the audio industry – globally and in the Philippines.And our community of women and allies are raring to go; passionate and empowered to welcome a new, gender-equal era of audio,” Ng concludes.
It’s no secret that K-Pop is dominating the global music landscape as the genre and its artists continue to win hearts, change minds, and connect people across the world. In line with this momentum, Spotify is elevating the K-Pop listening experience with a complete relaunch of its influential flagship playlist (and its accompanying Twitter handle), K-Pop Daebak, now known as K-Pop ON! (온).
With over 230% growth in listening and with almost 8 Billion monthly streams globally, the genre has definitely taken over Spotify – as noted by the over 4.7M searches for “K-Pop” on the platform across the last 90 days. More detailed data surrounding the K-Pop ON! (온) playlist can be found below.
A destination for K-Pop fandom
K-Pop ON! (온) embodies the idea that ‘K-Pop is always on 100 for the whole world’. The new name is a double-entendre — combining the Korean word ‘온’ meaning, ‘100’, or ‘whole,’ with the English word ‘on’ to display the action of ‘turning on,’ a word that’s accessible to many languages around the world. K-Pop has exploded into an infectious global phenomenon and is taking over the ’whole (온)’ world. Every day in the K-Pop dreamland, there are new songs, styles, and trends and the K-Pop fandom is always-on. With K-Pop ON! (온), you’re not just turning on a playlist, you’re turning on the movement.
“K-Pop stands out in the vast world of music as a genre that is not just about the music but a movement encompassing an entire world of fandom, fashion, community, and more. As the world’s leading music streaming platform, Spotify not only curates the listening and discovery experience of K-Pop, but also takes on the role of a platform that drives the movement forward,” said Kossy Ng, Head of Music, Asia at Spotify. “As music lovers, we get how exciting the world of K-pop is and what it means to fans who follow it wholeheartedly. With K-Pop ON! (온), we aim to further elevate the experience for K-Pop fans, and become a catalyst for promoting both emerging and established K-Pop across the globe, connecting fans in authentic and creative ways.”
To celebrate the launch, K-Pop fans can also look forward to a wide swath of some of their favorite K-Pop artists including NMIXX, BTS, aespa, BLACKPINK, Red Velvet, NCT Dream, SEVENTEEN, ATEEZ and more on billboards around the world including LA, NYC, South Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan and Toronto, with more exciting content to come across the platform and Spotify’s owned channels.
More information can be found via Spotify’s For The Record blog post HERE.
K-Pop ON!(온) (formerly known as K-Pop Daebak) Playlist Data
● Most-streamed songs since launch in 2014
○ DDU-DU DDU-DU by BLACKPINK ○ FANCY by TWICE ○ DALLA DALLA by ITZY ○ Kill This Love by BLACKPINK ○ SOLO by JENNIE (FROM BLACKPINK) ○ LOVE SCENARIO by iKON ○ Boy with Luv by BTS ○ As if it’s Your Last by BLACKPINK ○ Bad Boy by Red Velvet
Top female groups on the playlist since launch in 2014
Top male groups on the playlist since launch in 2014
○ BTS ○ EXO ○ Stray Kids ○ IKON ○ TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Top song on the playlist each year since launch
○ 2017: As if it’s Your Last by BLACKPINK ○ 2018: DDU-DU DDU-DU by BLACKPINK ○ 2019: DALLA DALLA by ITZY ○ 2020: WANNABE by ITZY ○ 2021: Next Level by aespa
Average monthly discoveries
*aka listeners streamed an artist they had never before played on Spotify*
