Better Days returns this 2020 with a fresh collaboration in their latest single "Kahit Ano." In times of trouble, true friends are who you often rely on - this is the very message of the song, as it features a collaboration of real-life friends Better Days' lead vocalist Daniel Paringit, Imago's lead vocalist Kiara San Luis, and Ica.   Produced by Gracenote frontwoman Eunice Jorge, the track brings about a light, hopeful vibe, proving that music and friendship can help people through their hardships, especially with heartbreak. Talking more about the song, Kiara says "What makes the song very personal to us is our shared love for music and how we believe in its capability to heal, to bring comfort and to bind people together regardless of what situation we are in." With this refreshing Pinoy acoustic jam, fans from both bands, and Pinoy acoustic tracks are sure to enjoy, especially with the hard times' people may be facing today.  Kahit Ano is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer under Universal Records. 

Dropping an album at this time is a gift and a gamble. If you're following Keiko Necesario on social media, you can see that she's been busy promoting and virtually performing since the start of the year. Even quarantine can't stop her from putting the finishing touches on her upcoming album, "Ready, Let Go". To mark the next step toward her new sound, Keiko drops her second single, "Dangerous"."Dangerous" unfolds with wistful electronic beats, while still exhibiting Keiko's popular folk sound and the raw elegance of her voice. The song details the common dilemma of whether or not you should tell somebody how you feel, but with this unease comes the chance to analyze our innermost feelings. "I wrote ‘Dangerous’ out of a concept; that the idea of loving someone you feel like you weren’t supposed to fall for can be treacherous," Keiko said about the track. "It’s like getting stuck in the middle of a decision because doing something about it might mess things up, yet not doing anything about it might mess you up. It’s a frustrating place to be in so I had to write about it in a manner that would describe exactly what that’s like. Even from the line on the verse 2, 'Though I’m damned if I don’t and damned if I do', it already says a lot about what the song is trying to express. It feels like no matter what decision you make, you’re sure there’s just no way to win."The song was written in different timelines, but Keiko came up with "Dangerous" back in 2018 at her former management’s house. She continued, "I remember the chords and the melody were born with a different first line and concept as well but as I went back and forth with the writing process, a different story hit me. There was a time when one of my artist friends, Quest, was doing a studio lockdown for his album and he invited me and another friend to just be there with him. I decided to finish some of my songs for the upcoming album so I did. It was in 2019 when I knew that the song was done. The demo and the majority of the arrangement for "Dangerous" were recorded and conceptualized in London at the Dairy Studio. I’m amazed I got to record here because apparently, one of my favorite bands and one of my influences, Florence + the Machine, recorded there and the piano that we used for this song was the same piano that the lead used for their songs."With "Ready, Let Go" slated for release in September, "Dangerous" sees the singer-songwriter breaching genre barriers, giving us another taste of things to come. Speaking about her new musical style, Keiko said, "I think it was my growth that led (still leads) me to change. As an artist, it’s an important process to go through—reinventing based on who you are at the exact moment of a season in your life. That’s how you get to still be authentic while you are changing. It was back in 2017 when this realization hit me. I was writing songs for my ESCAPE EP at the time, and I could hear the new sound in my head which I eventually called electro-folk. Folk is always going to be a huge part of who I am and that’s something I don’t wanna lose in the middle of my progress."Keiko started writing music at an early age, and this new album just shows how much she has grown as a singer-songwriter. "Music, to me, is like a twin sister; I’d say I grew up with it as it was just naturally there with me all the time," she shares. "I’ve been singing my whole life and I was in 3rd grade when I could really remember the first full song I’ve written and it was just non-stop ever since; funny how they were all about romantic love back then coming from a kid who had absolutely no clue about what it really was at the time. But all is well as I’ve come to know more and more about music through the years, and the love grew more and more, too."“Dangerous” is the latest single off "Ready, Let Go", her upcoming album with Warner Music Philippines that will be distributed digitally in September 2020. Follow Keiko Necesario and Warner Music Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and virtual performances.

Metal/Electronica band Even finally launched the music video for their song “Astra” last January 6, 2018 at B-Side the Collective. The said music video launch was also the celebration for Rakista Jam’s 100th event. Bands who also performed during the launch were Saydie, Pupil, Kjwan, Razorback, Philia, Tribo Subculture, The Chongkeys, Vie, Sagip Adik Foundation, Maryzark, Skychurch and Wilabaliw.  Even is composed of Trish Reyes on Vocals, Jam Bumanlang on Guitars, JL Siscar on Bass and Dan Allan Acosta on Drums. Check out the music video for Astra below!  

 Two of the hottest OPM acts, IV of Spades and Ben & Ben are recently featured on the YouTube series, “Kids Takeover”. First of the two-part program is ‘One on One’ which as its title would suggest, shows kids throwing all questions they want under the sun and reacting to most of the bands’ answers:     Kid: “Ilang taon na po kayo?”   Blaster: “Ako, eighteen.”   Kid: “Ikaw?” (pointing to Badjao)   Badjao: “Twenty-three.”     If you didn’t laugh at this then we don’t know what would make you. If you’re the kind who just loves the music of these bands, then you wouldn’t miss the second part which is the actual kids’ ‘takeover’ of the hits, ‘Mundo’ by IV of Spades and Ben & Ben’s ‘Kathang Isip’. The former, a ukulele spin off which also features the three-piece band turning into a six-piece one has been released on the second week of the series while the latter is yet to come out this Friday, August 24th.   Meanwhile, the same channel behind ‘Kids Takeover’ also gave fans of YouTube cover darling, Ysabelle Cuevas, the chance to get their fan request granted at #DearWMPh. The request was for Ysabelle to cook Bibimbap in a way that’s “kasing sarap ng mga covers na ginagawa mo,” quoting the fan message that refers to the singer’s love for all things Korean and her heavily-viewed song covers. Request leveled up when there were just ingredients but no recipe. Can Dua Lipa grant our fan requests too? Hope yes! View the step-by-step fan request sending here. Doesn’t hurt to try, eh?      What do you think of all the series and who do you want to get featured next? Let us know below! If you haven’t watched any of these episodes yet, you can check them out on the official YouTube channel of Warner Music Philippines: https://wmp.lnk.to/youtube.  

      The much loved American rock band Incubus, whose return engagement to Manila has been eagerly awaited is performing February 17, 2018, Saturday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.   The band is known for its rock anthems Wish You Were Here, Megalomaniac, Anna Molly, Drive, Pardon Me, Are You In?, Nice To Know You, among others. The concert is produced by Ovation Productions, the group that also did Incubus’ previous concerts in Manila; the last was in 2015. Since their formation in 1991, iconic multiplatinum Los Angeles rock band Incubus have consciously and continually shifted their perspective with each subsequent album, preserving the spirit that initially drove them and simultaneously challenging themselves as artists and human beings. Their eighth full-length, the aptly titled 8 [Island Records], proudly upholds that tradition for the quintet—Brandon Boyd [vocals], Mike Einziger [guitar, piano, backing vocals], José Pasillas II [drums], Chris Kilmore [turntables, keyboards], and Ben Kenney [bass].    “As a band, we’re collectively interested in challenging ourselves and hopefully finding new, innovative ways of writing music,” asserts Boyd. “That ethos has kept things interesting for us.”   In the fall of 2016, the five musicians regrouped to flesh out ideas, recording at Jim Henson Studios and at Einziger’s personal studio. As the vision came into focus during early 2017, Incubus added another level by enlisting the perspective of longtime friend Skrillex [Justin Bieber, A$AP Rocky, Lady Gaga] for co-production and mixing. Einziger had spent the past few years, exponentially expanding his personal musical palette. Not only did he oversee production for The Internet’s Feel Good and produce three songs for Tyler, The Creator’s chart-topping “Cherry Bomb,” but he also co-wrote Avicii’s six-times platinum smash “Wake Me Up” and served as musical director and performer for a much talked-about 2016 GRAMMY® Awards performance of “Where Are Ü Now” by Skrillex, Diplo, and Justin Bieber. After lunch one day, Einziger played Skrillex some mixes, and “a whole new world opened up” as the producer added his magic to 8.   “It evolved organically out of my friendship with Skrillex,” Einziger elaborates. “Incubus is all about friendship. We transferred the synergy of working together into what the band was doing. As we put the final touches on everything, Skrillex brought another level to the album.”   As a result, the eleven tracks comprising 8 assemble a mosaic reflective of the band’s current mindset. Unease translates to unpredictable guitar riffs that blur the lines between time signatures as cosmic rhythmic transmissions orbit around an epicenter of combustible emotion. Each lyric encodes a parable or what might be a hidden message. The first single “Nimble Bastard” leapfrogs from a rattling guitar snap into an anthemic refrain. “Loneliest” echoes with an existential rumination on solitude over an airy beat and hypnotic guitars. “Undefeated” struts along via a bombastic stomp before culminating on an uplifting chant, while the spacey “Familiar Faces” instantly enchants.   The soothing instrumental soundscape of “Make No Sound In The Digital Forest” illuminates their cinematic side with delicate chimes, simmering drums, and warbling tones. A dial-up modem signals the explosion of “Love In A Time of Surveillance” as the one-two punch of “No Fun” and “Throw Out The Map” tap into a tsunami of distortion and punk-y freedom. “Glitterbomb” represents the glorious push-and-pull of 8, teetering between heavenly harmony and a dramatic twinge.   8 arrives at a significant milestone for Incubus—releasing exactly 20 years since their major label debut S.C.I.E.N.C.E. landed back in 1997. A little older, a lot wiser, quite tighter, but equally ready to challenge themselves and rock music at large, Incubus change their perspective once more in 2017.    “All the time, I hear from fans that our music was the backdrop of their first experience with love or important in getting them through a hard time,” says Einziger. “That’s the highest compliment.”   “When we finished 8, we were flooded with this wave of gratitude,” Boyd leaves off. “The fact that so many people are willing to come on this weird ride with us is really humbling. We’re filled with this sense of awe around it. We’re very happy to share this record with everyone, and we hope they like it.”      

Just a day after Valentine’s, the organizers of Rakrakan Festival 2020 had officially announced the postponement of the said event in compliance with the advisory from the Department of Health and Department of the Interior and Local Government due to recent news on Corona Virus (COVID-19).  According to DOH’s statement, the public are urged to avoid attending, participating and organizing events that draw a significant volume of attendees in order to minimize the risk of novel Coronavirus contraction. In addition, the Rakrakan Festival organizers firmly believes that safety and audience welfare must—and should be—every event’s top priority.However, on a lighter note, Rakrakan Festival 2020 will be RESCHEDULED to a later date—APRIL 25, 2020! Still happening in the same venue, CCP Open Grounds, this year’s peak of summer is indeed festival-worthy. Plus, more time for surprises especially in the current artist lineup!Tickets are still available in all SM Ticket outlets nationwide. Note: For those who have already purchased their tickets before the rescheduling, please be informed that they are still valid upon entrance—NO NEED to refund or re-purchase! Regular Pre-Sale: P500Regular Door: P600VIP Pre-Sale: P1500VIP Door: P2000Summer’s the season to jam! DON’T MISS IT! “Rakrakan Festival 2020: Peace, Love, and Music” is presented by Rakista and Red Horse Beer, co-presented by Macbeth and TM, with Official Venue Partner, the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Visit rakrakanfestival.com and Rakrakan Festival’s official Facebook page for more updates. 

Following the dreamy single “Comment,” which debuted early this January 2020, Barbie Almalbis continues to perfect her signature, swoony alt-pop sound with incisive introspection on her second single.“Iyong-iyo,” the latest track off her upcoming fourth studio album, tackles a story of strength, perseverance, and faith amidst insurmountable odds. The melodic pop tune is inspired by how the Tabing Ilog hitmaker’s cook found peace from surrendering everything to God during a very difficult time to bouncing back with another chance at life.Almalbis recounts:“This song is about Esperanza ‘Bing-Bing’ Maaño, our cook, who’s been in our family for a long time and even married our driver, Dandy. She suddenly fell very ill last year due to a diabetes complication and her medicines were not working. Needless to say, it was such a troubling time for her and everyone who loved her as her future seemed uncertain. She was brought to the hospital and had to undergo amputation surgery, and she shared that it was during this time that her faith in God became more real. While being wheeled into the operating room, she had many fears but suddenly felt peace as she surrendered everything to God. Thankfully, she had a successful surgery and recovered well, and after months of rehabilitation, she learned to walk again with a prosthetic leg.”Barbie Almalbis co-wrote “Iyong-iyo” with her partner Martin Honasan, who also shares songwriting credits on previous singles “Comment” and Tigre.” Bing-Bing’s determination and humility inspired the husband-and-wife tandem to write and produce the song.Recording of the track was done by sound engineer Magic Montano at Yellow Room Studios, formerly known as Tracks Studios in San Antonio Village, where most of the Barbie’s Cradle albums are made. “We had Nikko Rivera on keyboard, Jonard Bolor on drums, and Rommel dela Cruz on bass,” shares Almalbis about the musicians who contributed significantly in the recording process. “The main rhythm section was recorded live, and we did overdubs for vocals and guitars. I also recorded backing vocals at my home studio.”Barbie Almalbis’s “Iyong-iyo” is now out on various streaming and digital platforms worldwide via 12 Stone Records. It’s the second single off heras-yet-untitled album to be released this year. Stream it below!

ANNOUNCEMENT: With only a month left, our team has given their hearts and hardwork towards Rakrakan Festival 2020: Peace, Love, and Music. We’ve been closely monitoring updates regarding COVID-19 these past few weeks and despite our best efforts, we have to declare once again that Rakrakan Festival 2020 will be POSTPONED until further notice.As much as we want to rock it out with you guys this April 25, your health and safety is of utmost importance to us. We will be moving Rakrakan Festival 2020 yet again on a later date, hopefully with more surprises! Stay on the lookout for updates but in the meantime, keep yourselves safe, healthy, and stocked up in this time.Please KEEP your tickets because it will still be VALID on the new date.Again, thank you for your patience and undying support for local music, arts, and culture! Don’t let COVID-19 ruin our event, let’s beat it together and make 2020 rockin’ again \m/#RakrakanFestival #PeaceLoveMusic #RHBMuziklaban