Get to know PhilPop’s Metro Manila entries

 

PhilPop, the country’s premier songwriting competition, makes another huge comeback with an exemplary batch of music entries from the National Capital Region.

With a diverse showcase of sounds spanning R&B, contemporary pop and folk-influenced genres, the latest roster offers catchy, radio-friendly fodders that tackle romance, forgiveness, and regret with precision and sensitivity.

Produced by PhilPop and distributed by Warner Music Philippines, this Friday’s commendable picks include two compositions by Aikee namely “Mapa,” interpreted by Chloe Redondo and Aikee himself, and “Bestiny,” interpreted by Kevin Yadao and Jr. Crown. Composer Kian Dionisio rounds up the Metro Manila cluster with his compelling original “Huling Sayaw,” interpreted by Nyoy Volante.

Two Entries

Prolific rapper and singer-songwriter Aikee Aplacador snags two entries at this year’s PhilPop 2020 finals round.

On “Bestiny,” Aikee expresses his frustration on navigating the harsh realities of dealing with unrequited love and friendship. Kevin Yadao and Jr. Crown trades verses with smooth effortlessness, singing atop upbeat melodies, warm R&B beats and indelible harmonies.

“Mapa” is Aikee’s tribute to the parents that served as guiding light in times of utmost difficulty and trouble. This time, the acclaimed composer recruits newcomer Chloe Redondo on the inspiring pop/R&B ballad.

Both songs channel Aikee’s pop and urban sensibilities, while harnessing his skill as a versatile songwriter with a knack for inescapable chorus and earwormy hooks.

Life regrets as song inspiration

Kian Dionisio pens a heartfelt anthem of regrets and what ifs in life on “Huling Sayaw.” Delicately woven with lush keyboards and stripped-down arrangements, his song “Huling Sayaw” was inspired by Dionisio’s music career and the frustrations that come with nurturing the process. “I’ve been told that I was a late bloomer, not brave enough, and not driven enough,” Dioniso shares. “knew from the very beginning that I am a dreamer. But as I age, I started regretting all the opportunities and time that could’ve been so productive. If only I had started so much earlier, maybe I’m already living THE DREAM right now. This is one of my biggest regrets in life and I tried to incorporate the idea to the song.”

Acoustic pop balladeer Nyoy Volante interprets Dionisio’s melancholic piece with just the right amount of skill and restraint. Volante worked hand in hand with Dionisio in capturing the emotional frailty of the track, delivering it with his own touch while staying true to the original’s message.

“Bestiny,” “Mapa,” and “Huling Sayaw” are now available on streaming and digital platforms worldwide via PhilPop and Warner Music Philippines.

 

Sasha Sloan teams up with Charlie Puth on the new version of “Is It Just Me?”

 

Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Sasha Sloan delights fans by releasing a new version of her celebrated track “Is It Just Me?” feat. Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist Charlie Puth. After eagle-eyed fans spotted the two artists connecting on social media, Sloan confirmed the news that Puth has joined her on the incredible catchy and poignantly irreverent track that showcases the pop songstress’ candid and witty observations and brilliantly sharp and relatable lyrics. Listen HERE. 

Puth expressed his excitement in teaming up with Sasha on the remix of her viral lo-fi bop. “I only sing on songs I didn’t write, when I wish I wrote them,” the accomplished chart-topper shares. “And this is one I really wish I wrote.”

The original version of “Is It Just Me?” was featured on The New York Times Playlist column and is just one of the many critically heralded tracks on Sloan’s recently released debut album, Only Child. Idolator gave the album a 5/5 rating saying the 10-song set is “extraordinary.” LADYGUNN declared Sasha “the real deal” and American Songwriter called her a “…prolific pop writer…” Sasha performed “Lie” on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on September 24th. Watch HERE.

About Sasha Sloan

After emerging in 2017 and appearing on a handful of high-profile collaborations, 25-year-old singer/songwriter Sasha Sloan released her debut single “Ready Yet.” Since then, she has established herself as a true wordsmith, an artist’s artist, who crafts potent melodies filled with poignant lyrics. As a songwriter Sasha has amassed over 3.5 billion streams by penning hits for some of today’s biggest artists.

In 2018 Sasha released her first two EPs, Sad Girl and Loser. Her track “Normal” has been heralded by Billboard as a “catchy introvert anthem.”  These emotionally-rich, left-of-center pop releases lead to her late-night debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2019 with a performance of “Older.” That year, Sasha completed her first North American and European headline tours (sold out) and released her 3^rd and final EP Self Portrait, which had her single “Dancing With Your Ghost” as Idolator’s 6^th “75 Best Pop Songs Of 2019.”

She also recently scored a #1 on the Dance Chart for “I’ll Wait,” her collaboration with Kygo. Sloan’s critically acclaimed debut album Only Child is available now. 

 

About Charlie Puth

At only 28 years old, Puth has proven to be one of industry’s most consistent hitmakers and sought-after collaborators – joining forces with the likes of John Legend, Katy Perry, Sir Elton John, and more. Puth has amassed eight multi-platinum singles, four GRAMMY nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, a Critic’s Choice Award, and a Golden Globe nomination. His 2018 GRAMMY-nominated LP, Voicenotes, was RIAA certified gold only four days after its release and has logged over 3.4 billion streams worldwide.

This year, Puth teamed up with multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer, blackbear, for a new song, “Hard On Yourself,” which seamlessly fuses funk, pop, and R&B sensibilities. “Hard On Yourself” follows Puth’s 2020 summer smash, “Girlfriend,” which has garnered more than 33 million worldwide streams with the companion music video boasting over 11 million views. Puth’s 2020 collaboration with Gabby Barrett on their “I Hope” Remix earned him his fourth top 10 track on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit number 1 on the Billboard “Adult Pop Songs Chart.” 

 

To Buy/Listen “Is It Just Me?” feat. Charlie Puth:

Multi - https://smarturl.it/IIJM.SSxCP

 

To Buy/Listen/Stream Only Child:

Multi - https://smarturl.it/ssOnlyChild  

  

Follow Sasha Sloan:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

Rocksteddy drops their latest single “Wag Mo Akong Iiwan”

Being stuck at home for months has not stopped four-piece alternative rock outfit Rocksteddy from creating music. Although it has been difficult for musicians to write, record, and polish their own songs, the Lagi Mo Na Lang Akong Dinededma collective still managed to make it work.

“Isolation has been a challenge,” guitarist Juven Pelingon said. “Through video platform, live streaming is the best way to connect with other artists and fans. Everyone was forced to write and record their new material separately, but we’ve made the most of what we have.”

With this creative endeavor comes a brand-new single that will surely resonate with a lot of music fans. “Wag Mo Akong Iiwan,” the band’s latest offering talks about the challenges of maintaining a love that’s slowly dimming in the process. “It’s about the hardships of maintaining and choosing to love each other till the end,” vocalist Teddy Corpuz shared. “But most importantly it talks about hope and not giving up on each other. Feeling ko sakto rin ‘yung song sa panahon ngayon na maraming relationships ang nasisira at nasusubukan because of the pandemic.”

The whole songwriting and recording process was indeed a struggle for each member. They had to adjust, compromise and bring out their creativity despite the limitations.

“We used to be able to jam and form new song concepts together in studios before laying down the tracks in recording.” bassist Christian Sindico said.  “Now, we send drafts to each other online and individually record our parts before sending all the components back for final mixing.”

How did they pull it through? For Rocksteddy, keeping the fire alive is all that matters more than anything else. “The pandemic somehow affected us in some ways, but our passion connected us in terms of doing music together,” drummer Jeff Cucullo said. “Music is a form of language and expression, a way of escape. I’m sure my bandmates would agree with me.”

“Wag Mo Akong Iiwan” is now available on all digital platforms worldwide.

Darren Espanto wants us to “Believe In Christmas”

 

The isolating nature of the pandemic has left us yearning for human connection, disrupting our daily lives on an unprecedented scale and forever changing the way we interact with one another. Its uncertainty has not only instilled fear and anxiety, but also forced us to participate in a game of risk roulette, where everyone tries to survive a global health crisis that knows no end or time, and outwit an invisible enemy through strategic measures that align with the new normal.

 But Darren Espanto wants us to believe that love will always be our guiding light even in the most difficult of times. The accomplished recording star is optimistic about using his voice as a catalyst to spark hope and inspire others to make a positive difference—all in the spirit of Christmas. He wants to keep the Holiday tradition alive by spreading kindness and joy this festive season, but also wants to see it with a renewed perspective: that the cherished holiday traditions are more than just about sumptuous feasts. It’s also about a celebration of new beginnings and unwavering hope of much better days ahead, an opportunity to encourage everyone to be there for one another even when the going gets tough.

 “This year, there’s no other way to celebrate Christmas but to be grateful for the simple things that life has to offer amid trying, challenging times,” Darren Espanto shares in a statement. “More than ever, this gives us a chance to strengthen our faith and love for one another, and protect the family and loved ones whose lives matter more than anything else in this world. This Christmas is different from what we’ve been accustomed to for sure, but I’m positive that we’ll emerge stronger, better individuals after this crisis unfolds. For as long as we have each other, no grueling situation can hold us down.”

 Our capacity to bounce back from an adverse event is something that Filipinos have always expertly done after a recession, personal catastrophe or a storm, and this is something that Darren Espanto expertly tackles on his new single “Believe in Christmas” as he sings an anthem of hope amidst brokenness and frailty.

  “Believe in Christmas” isn’t just your typical Holiday anthem wrapped in high spirits and effervescent glow. Written by industry respected songwriter, Tiny Corpuz, the song’s message aims to spark the light of hope in a world full of dimly lit spirits especially going into the Christmas season. It acknowledges the current time and situation that we live in, but as the lyrics put it, “When love shines through, there’s always something more: a new season, a new reason, a spark of hope and joy to believe in.”

 For his part, Darren interprets the material with utmost care and sensitivity, singing like his life depends on it, and fleshing out the song’s nuances with every fiber and being. The Canadian-Filipino recording sensation has always been known for his incredible technique and soulful singing, but on “Believe in Christmas,” he has also developed a deeper understanding of the narrative, perhaps because it feels closer to home, and it doesn’t feel removed from what’s happening in the real world.

 This time, he’s also more involved in the recording process as a vocal producer, ensuring that he’s in top shape to get the best vocal performance possible. “Believe In Christmas” composer and overall producer Tiny Corpuz attests to Darren’s potential as a multi-faceteted artist with so much talent in his hand. “Darren is a total performer, he sings, dances, even acts, and now exploring on songwriting and production. A true artist knows what he wants. We’ve witnessed him grow. He’ll definitely go places with that kind of determination and passion.”

 

Listen to Darren Espanto’s message in “Believe in Christmas”: https://DarrenEspanto.lnk.to/BelieveinChristmas

About Darren Espanto

 Darren Espanto is a Canadian-Filipino singer, songwriter,  television personality and actor who first became known to Filipino audiences as a con-testant in the 1st season of The Voice Kids Philippines in 2014. The 13-year old Darren may not have won the competition, taking the runner-up position, but his outstanding talent was not to be denied.

 Now with 6 years in the Philippine entertainment industry under his belt, 19-year-old Darren boasts of career highlights that older, more seasoned artists can only aspire for: double-platinum albums, over a hundred million streams of his songs on music streaming sites, and Youtube videos of his performances that have earned well over 250 million views. He has received close to 70 music awards and recognitions from various award-giving bodies in the Philippines.

 Touted as The Total Performer, Darren has done close to 20 major concerts in the Phil-ippines, USA, Canada, Middle East, and Australia, showing off his versatility by singing in different genres as well as demonstrating his vocal power and stamina with exciting song and dance numbers.

 As the youngest member of the main cast of the Philippines’ top weekly musical variety show, ASAP Natin ‘To, Darren is ranked alongside the country’s veteran and well-established performers.

 Darren holds the record for being the youngest artist, at age 14, to stage a sold-out solo concert at the MOA Arena, one of Manila’s biggest and premier performance venues. He sang for Pope Francis and millions of Filipinos during the 2015 Papal Visit, he per-formed for presidents and dignitaries during the APEC and ASEAN Summits, and he has headlined a gala night in Carnegie Hall — all before his 18th birthday.

 Darren was appointed by UNDP Philippines in April 2020 as its first and youngest ce-lebrity advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals. Recognizing young people’s potential as agents of change, UNDP has enlisted the voluntary services and support of Darren to promote its youth-focused development programs primarily through his influential social media presence.

 Darren shares UNDP’s commitment to making the planet a better place for humanity. With his influence among his audiences, particularly his staunch and faithful fandom known as the Darrenatics, he realizes and understands that he can use his fame and ce-lebrity to raise awareness and mobilize support to help realize the Sustainable Development Goals in the Philippines.

 In the six months since he was appointed UNDP Youth Advocate, he has already taken on numerous projects that have seen exemplary results in terms of social media en-gagement. As a result, Darren has already been tapped twice by UNDP Headquarters in New York to lend his voice to their Mission1.5/Climate Action program.

 

For updates follow Darren on:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTube

 Follow MCA Music on:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTube

 

Ben&Ben releases Kintsugi-inspired video for “Di Ka Sayang”

 

Ben&Ben’s new single “Di Ka Sayang” managed to surpass expectations when it trended at No.1 worldwide on Twitter and debuted at the top spot of Spotify Philippines’ top 50 overall chart upon release.

Following its massive debut on Friday, Ben&Ben’s “Di Ka Sayang” continues to spread its winsome streak as it drops the official music video on November 9, Monday at 6pm. Helmed by Jorel Lising, the band’s frequent collaborator and the director behind their hits “Pagtingin” and “Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin,” the visual accompaniment of the song follows the band performing in random intimate spaces with ‘Kintsugi’ artform as the backdrop.

According to vocalist and guitarist Paolo Benjamin, the inspiration behind the pottery repair method as the binding theme came from their production designer, Ms. Dianne Khu. “During the planning of the video, things came together in a very organic kind of way and we thought it fit the concept perfectly,” Paolo said in a statement. “Kintsugi is the Japanese art of piecing together broken parts of pottery with gold glue. By doing this, brokenness is made whole in a way that is much better than it previously was. Our percussionist Andrew even has a tattoo of ‘wabi-sabi,’ which is the Japanese philosophy of accepting and finding meaning in the imperfections in life and nature. We really saw Kintsugi as a powerful way to represent self-acceptance.”

Honoring the importance of embracing one’s flaws and accepting brokenness as something that you need to display with pride and not hide, the song sends a vital message to listeners who are going through difficult challenges in life, especially with the pandemic crisis taking a toll on everyone’s mental health. Vocalist and guitarist Miguel Benjamin points out, “This year has been the toughest year for many people from our generation, and a lot of us are in this state wherein a lot of plans, dreams, hopes, and goals were compromised, cancelled or rather ‘sayang.’ Even for us personally as a band, we had a hard time dealing with these same struggles. What we wanted to share however, is that we are never alone in our hardships, and that there is still hope in a better tomorrow.”

This Wednesday, Ben&Ben will be releasing a special BBTV episode on their YouTube channel, which to date has more than 1.2 million subscribers. The award-winning nine-piece collective will also be performing at Lazada SuperShow 11.11 on November 10 (Tuesday) and at Wishbus Exclusive on November 12 (Thursday).

The music video of “Di Ka Sayang” is now available on YouTube.