As an initiative to introduce the younger listeners to the generation-defining anthems that conquered the airwaves for almost two decades, Sony Music Philippines and 6cyclemind are finally releasing the special compilation, Sige, I-cover Mo Lang! Project on Spotify and other streaming platforms worldwide.
More importantly, it brings a great opportunity for new artists to breakout in the music scene.
The covers record, which features shortlisted entries from music fans remaking select hits from 6cyclemind’s acclaimed pop-rock catalog, contains three tracks that were rearranged and given a fresh new spin to contrast or complement with the band’s distinct sound.
Released as digital singles a few months earlier, Bianca’s “Biglaan” and Twenty-Nine Eleven’s “I” took creative liberties in terms of arrangement and interpretation, but retained the original’s melodic sensibilities as a way to preserve and recognize its timeless appeal.
To date, Bianca’s version of “Biglaan” has racked up 1.6 million streams on Spotify, while Twenty-Nine Eleven’s version of “I” has amassed more than 3 million streams on the same platform.
Payapa Project, composed of Dan Billano (Vocals), JepoyAlmario (Percussion), Tatit Escolano (Guitars), Choi Gonzales (Bass) and Raf Gonzales (drums), completes the trifecta of releases from the Sige, I-cover Mo Lang! Project. The alternative rock outfit, through their vocalist’s powerful voice, was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to render their own version of “Kasalanan,” a chart-topping song from the album, Project 6cyclemind. Their infectious take officially drops today as the third and final single of the tribute compilation.
These songs are now re-released into a music video format helmed by the band’s manager and sixth memberDarwin Hernandez. The final versions of the cover tunes were recorded at Backdoor Recording Studio, and were produced by 6cyclemind and Soupstar Music.
Sige, I-cover Mo Lang! Project is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.
Hubby’s go-to delivery resto to get his bite of burrito is Army Navy.
It is a fast food restaurant chain that specializes in freshly made and premium burgers and burritos. What makes it stand out is its military theme, which probably also explains the store’s appeal to Hubby.
While browsing through his Grab app, looking for something to snack on in between Slack meetings, he happened upon Army Navy’s Burger + Burrito Holiday Group Meal. He immediately placed an order to share the snack bundle with the fam. This group meal consists of:
Two Classic Burgers. Quarter-pound beef patties served with lettuce, onion and tomato in sesame seed buns. Quite filling for a snack.
Two Burritos. Hubby opted for steak burritos which consist of beef pieces, Spanish rice, frijoles, lettuce and cilantro wrapped in flour tortilla. I wish this had more meat in it. Other burrito variants available are chicken, pork carnitas and vegetable.
Two Orders of Freedom Fries. Thin-cut and seasoned fries with a zesty and crispy exterior.
Four Jars of Libertea Iced Tea. Army Navy’s house-brewed iced tea. These are not much on sweetness and they have an aftertaste that doesn’t appeal to me. I love the reusable jars these are served in, though.
My preferences aside, Hubby continues to be a loyal Army Navy customer. And as long as he shares his snacks to the fam, I won’t be complaining.
This Army Navy branch is located at Hampton Arcade, C. Raymundo Avenue, Maybunga, Pasig City, open daily 24/7 for pickup and delivery. Just call +63 2 83333131 or course your order via GrabFood.
In the hierarchical ecosystem of Pierpoint, the graduates look aspirationally up at the Managing Directors whom they sit next to, while those senior figures are secretly looking down fearfully, wondering who’s going to take their seat.
From first-time creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, HBO’s new eight-episode drama series Industry debuts same time as the U.S. on Tuesday, 10 November at 11am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO with a same day encore at 11pm on HBO. A new episode premieres at the same time weekly. Industry follows a group of young graduates competing for a limited number of permanent positions at a leading international bank in London.
Following a group of young grads fuelled by ambition, youth, romance and drugs, Industry examines issues of gender, race, class, and privilege in the workplace.
Starring Myha’la Herrold (“The Tattooed Heart”), Marisa Abela (“Cobra”), Harry Lawtey (“City of Tiny Lights”), David Jonsson (“Deep State”) and Nabhaan Rizwan (“Mogul Mowgli”) as “The Graduates” and Conor MacNeill (“Artemis Fowl”), Freya Mavor (“Skins”), Will Tudor (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) and Ken Leung (HBO’s “High Maintenance”) as “Management,” Industry gives an insider’s view of the black box of “high finance” through the eyes of an outsider, Harper Stern (Myha’la Herrold), a talented young woman from upstate New York. Following a group of young grads fuelled by ambition, youth, romance and drugs, Industry examines issues of gender, race, class, and privilege in the workplace as these impressionable young minds begin to forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sensory blitz of Pierpoint & Co’s trading floor, where meritocracy is promised but hierarchy is king.
Having come to London from New York to join the prestigious Pierpoint & Co., Harper (Herrold) will stop at nothing to prove herself the best hire in her graduate class. Harper’s drive intensifies as she finds herself surrounded by people born into privilege, like Yasmin (Marisa Abela), who, despite her background, faces her own challenges. Yasmin has had different expectations placed on her since childhood and is tired of being underestimated professionally. At Pierpoint, Harper and Yasmin need to prove their worth as professionals amongst their fellow grads. One of their peers is Robert (Harry Lawtey), who joins the bank from a working-class background, believing it a true meritocracy where putting on a suit will help distance himself from his past. Robert’s roommate, Gus (David Jonsson), by contrast, is built for institutions like Pierpoint, having come from Eton and Oxford, and sees it as another tick on a checklist that will lead him straight to Number 10. Doe-eyed Hari (Nabhaan Rizwan) has dreamt of working in banking his whole life, dresses like a modern “master of the universe,” and is determined to succeed, no matter the cost.
In the hierarchical ecosystem of Pierpoint, the graduates look aspirationally up at the Managing Directors whom they sit next to, while those senior figures are secretly looking down fearfully, wondering who’s going to take their seat. On the sales desk (CPS), MD Eric (Ken Leung) is Pierpoint’s number one producer who sees Harper’s potential and takes her under his wing, while VP Daria (Freya Mavor) is a great counterpoint to Eric’s aggressive sales strategy and can show Harper that there’s more than one way to be a salesperson. Yasmin’s direct line manager on the foreign exchange (FX) desk is Kenny (Conor MacNeill), a VP whose prejudices cloud his judgement of her merit. Meanwhile, Theo (Will Tudor) is a second-year research analyst whose establishment charm and strong counter-consensus market calls make him a Pierpoint poster boy. The young recruits may be fresh out of university, but the demands and expectations of these mentors and the industry itself are sky-high, and ultimately seduce the grads into modes of behaviour before they’ve even got a chance to figure out who they are.
Episodes include:
Season 1, Episode 1: “Induction”
Premieres Tuesday, 10 November at 11am
Five young graduates do whatever it takes to make themselves indispensable at preeminent London investment bank Pierpoint & Co. As hungry outsider Harper (Myha’la Herrold) grapples with a decision that will gravely affect her future at the bank, she and party-boy Robert (Harry Lawtey) take very different approaches to their first few weeks in the bank. Meanwhile, Yasmin (Marisa Abela) braves the unchecked disrespect of her superiors, and Hari’s (Nabhaan Rizwan) unhealthy work habits raise companywide red flags. Written by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay; Directed by Lena Dunham.
Season 1, Episode 2: “Quiet and Nice”
Premieres Tuesday, 17 November at 11am
With Harper (Myha’la Herrold) struggling to find her feet in a new city, Pierpoint throws a morale-boosting appreciation dinner which sees her challenging a drunken, irate Kenny (Conor MacNeill) while Gus (David Jonsson) alienates senior management by discussing his team’s future. Meanwhile, Yasmin (Marisa Abela) comes face to face with the culture of her new team and takes her flirtation with Robert (Harry Lawtey) to risky new heights. Written by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay; Directed by Tinge Krishnan.
Season 1, Episode 3: “Notting Hill”
Premieres Tuesday, 24 November at 11am
When Pierpoint loses a major client, the grads face their most challenging – and potentially rewarding – test to date: devising pitches to drive new business. After the dissolution of his team finds him reassigned to a disinterested new supervisor, a creative Gus (David Jonsson) partners with Robert (Harry Lawtey) to catch Clement’s (Derek Riddell) attention. Meanwhile, as she navigates a complicated living situation with Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Harper (Myha’la Herrold) attempts to juggle conflicting requests from Eric (Ken Leung) and Daria (Freya Mavor). Written by Sam H. Freeman; Directed by Tinge Krishnan.
Season 1, Episode 4: “Sesh”
Premieres Tuesday, 1 December at 11am on HBO GO and HBO
After a wild birthday celebration with Robert (Harry Lawtey), Yasmin (Marisa Abela), and Greg (Ben Lloyd-Hughes), Harper’s (Myha’la Herrold) workday spirals out of control. As a discrepancy in one of her trades puts her team at risk for major losses, Harper seeks support from a surprising source, while unexpected trouble at a networking event brings Yasmin and Robert closer, and Gus (David Jonsson) further alienates his coworkers. Written by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay; Directed by Ed Lilly.
Industry is created and executive produced by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay; Executive produced by Jane Tranter, Lachlan MacKinnon, Ryan Rasmussen, David P. Davis and by Ben Irving for BBC; Co-Executive produced by Ed Lilly; Produced by Lee Thomas. Produced for HBO / BBC by Bad Wolf. Writers include Konrad Kay, Mickey Down, Sam H. Freeman and Kate Verghese. Directors include Lena Dunham, Ed Lilly, Tinge Krishnan, Mary Nighy.
HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.
Show details and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.
Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.
Part of the fun of traveling is the eating the local food. By tasting the signature dishes of the locale – see what flavors the people savor, how they use available ingredients and more – you get to learn much about their culture and history.
Sadly, I haven’t been able to travel to our neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, as other priorities got in the way. However, there is a way to get a taste of Southeast Asian flavors, thanks to Pandan Asian Cafe.
One of the recent ventures by Chef Mike Sarthou (or more widely known as Chef Tatung), Pandan Asian Cafe brings iconic Southeast Asian dishes to Quezon City’s dining public.
The resto is situated where Lazat Fil-Asian Restaurant & Bar used to be. It maximized the place’s open and airy layout, adding vibrant greens from decor and plants, which add to the feeling of freshness.
Before the pandemic made itself known, I had lunch here with my officemates. Our Southeast Asian meal consisted of:
Nasi Goreng (Php285). The Malay version of fried rice with chicken, eggs and vegetables and distinctly flavored with sweet soy sauce called kecap manis.
Orange Chicken (Php450). A variation of General Tso’s chicken wherein battered chicken is served drenched in fruity orange sauce.
Salt and Pepper Squid (Php340). The Chinese version of fried calamari wherein squid pieces are covered in light batter, then deep-fried to become crispy on the outside, tender and chewy on the inside.
Sticky Rice (Php210). Traditional Thai dessert of sticky rice in coconut cream sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with mango slices.
Iced Vietnamese Coffee (Php160). Also known as ca phe da, it is made by allowing hot water to drip through medium to coarse-ground dark-roasted Vietnamese-grown coffee beans into condensed milk then stirring with crushed ice.
I’m glad with the break from the usual lunch fare that Pandan Asian Cafe provided our group. I just found the portions a little small.
During the ECQ, the resto temporarily halted its operations but re-opened last July. It also expanded its offers to include party platters of its best-selling dishes for takeout or delivery.
So if you feel like expanding your culinary horizons, drop by or order a food tray to go.
Pandan Asian Cafe is located at 76 Scout Limbaga Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries, reservations or delivery requests, call +63 2 83550998, +63 2 83515279 or +63 917 7748999.
Neil & Marter aims to influence people in supporting the slow and ethical fashion movement through handcrafted accessories using upcycled materials. The brand is launching a crowdfunding campaign to introduce a limited-edition collection together with artisans from Marikina City
A startup fashion brand proves that it’s possible to be socially and environmentally responsible in a fast fashion-driven world.
Neil & Marter was born out of curiosity and environmental wellness by interior designer Mark Boni Marter and aspiring fashion designer Neil Capistrano.
It started with the abundance of scrap materials from Bon’s interior design studies. Conscious of how fashion waste hurts the planet, they thought of maximizing the use of oddments of genuine vegan leather and fabrics to create wearable art.
Armed with basic leather crafting tools and techniques, the creative duo produced their first batch as gifts to family members “At first, I wanted to craft everyday accessories like bags, wallets, and cardholders out of Bon’s luxury leather collection,” Neil shares. “One day, my mom requested a pair of earrings for her, my aunts, and cousins. We had fun with the learning process and ended up making 25 pairs.”
This led them to venture into an ethical fashion social enterprise that caters to modern and eco-conscious fashionistas who value the origin and process behind the brands and products that they support.
While they have different art styles, Neil and Bon share their love for personal self-expression through ethical fashion, making a positive impact on the environment, and a strong desire to create opportunities for the local crafting community.
Bon explains, “I’m into modern pop art, art deco, and abstract while Neil likes contemporary art and minimalism. At Neil & Marter we infuse our preferences with architectural details and symbolic representations of cultural diversity. We conceptualize and execute designs ourselves, handcrafting each one with care.”
“Being mindful in using leather and fabric scraps is one of our core values,” adds Neil. “People throw away the excess or off-cuts but we save every bit and try to incorporate it in our future designs. This extends to our choice of hang tags and packaging.”
Their three collections of artful dangles feature food and pop culture references: Whimsical (Kabuki- & Oblina-inspired), Juvenescence (Legos and Rubix cube), and Food for the Soul (breakfast food items and fruits). These unconventional but chic pieces caught the attention of fashion editors from various publications, social media influencers, as well as ANC’s On The Money Entrep Lab.
The brand is currently expanding its product line with mixed medium repurposed accessories of patchworks, geometric bags, and wearable art shoes. The Cattle’s Cradle collection will be launched and exclusively available for purchase through a rewards-based crowdfunding campaign on the Spark Project website starting October 28, 2020. The items will be produced in collaboration with women artisans of Marikina City who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with campaign supporters receiving their limited edition pieces by December 2020.
Beyond the aesthetic statement products, Neil & Marter strives to redesign how people think about fashion, renew the appreciation for our local makers, and restore people’s confidence in self-expression. They are in the business of saving the earth (and the creative industry), one piece at a time.
Co-written by Ariana collaborator Tayla Parx, and co-produced by No.1 hitmaker MNEK, ‘Sweet Melody’ is a pulsating and infectious pop song emblazoned with gigantic harmonies and a driving rhythm.
Award-winning British pop group Little Mix made an impressive entrance on several music charts in the Philippines with the release of “Sweet Melody,” the new single off their upcoming album Confetti.
The sassy banger emerged triumphant on its first day of release, as it trended at No. 1 on Twitter Philippines, and debuted on top of the iTunes Philippines’ Songs chart during the same timeframe.
The sassy banger emerged triumphant on “Sweet Melody’s” first day of release, as it trended at No. 1 on Twitter Philippines, and debuted on top of the iTunes Philippines’ Songs chart during the same timeframe.
Co-written by Ariana collaborator Tayla Parx, and co-produced by No.1 hitmaker MNEK, ‘Sweet Melody’ is a pulsating and infectious pop song emblazoned with gigantic harmonies and a driving rhythm.
Its edgy and highly choreographed music video is also making waves on YouTube Philippines as it climbed to No. 10 on its trending list with more than 7 million views on the third tracking day.
More about Confetti
This November, the world’s biggest girl band will finally release their highly anticipated sixth album this November, Confetti.
Jade, Perrie, Leigh-Anne and Jesy have been working on the album since last year, perfecting a collection of thirteen solid gold pop songs that showcase their sensational talent for creating music that crosses generations.
Confetti sees the band team up with the cream of current pop creators including Tayla Parx and MNEK, pop supremos TMS and long-time collaborator Kamille.
About Little Mix
Little Mix have established themselves as the world’s biggest girl band – they have sold over 50 million records worldwide, collected over 18 million Spotify listeners, received over 3 billion YouTube views, and collated 12 billion streams worldwide.
2019 witnessed the band win their second Brit Award – for Best British Video for ‘Woman Like Me’, and perform the same song live at the ceremony. They also won two Global Awards for Best Group and Best Song, followed by their 4th EMA Award for Best UK & Ireland Act.
2020 Top 10 hit ‘Break Up Song’ has so far been streamed 75 million times and incredibly became their 15th UK Official Charts Top 10 hit with 300k UK sales. This November will see the band both perform at and host the 202o MTV EMA’s.
Little Mix are currently on primetime BBC One every Saturday night with a brand new TV series Little Mix The Search. The series, made by ModestTV, sees the band creating bands and becoming mentors to a new wave of talent. The singers who have made it into new bands gain access to Little Mix’s inner circle who have contributed to their phenomenal success, including vocal coaches, song writers, producers and stylists.
Little Mix’s “Sweet Melody” is now available on all digital platforms worldwide via RCA / Sony Music.
Many of us whose kids have just finished the first quarter of blended distance learning all deserve a pat on the back.
Much has been said about the stress experienced by students and teachers in adjusting to learning outside the classroom. But we parents are adjusting, too, right?
The good news is, you won’t have to leave the house nor spend a lot for your indulgence with the little one. Order some of Goldilocks’ tasty and affordable baked goodies from FoodPanda, and they will be delivered right to your doorstep.
Fluffy and Mocha Mamon (Php25). Light and fluffy, these are the Pinoy version of the Sponge Cake.
Butter, Chocolate, Marble, Mocha Marble, Double Dutch and Chiffon Cake Slices (Php29/slice). The same light and airy snack cakes available in a variety of well-loved flavors, which are well-suited for a quick snack or pasalubong.
Egg Pie (Php237). Creamy egg custard baked in a special pie crust with a caramelized top. One of my childhood faves, newly discovered (and much-appreciated) by my little boy.
After snacking on a cake slice along with a mug of hot chocolate, my home student here is buoyed up to tackle his homework.
I’m glad that it’s so easy and affordable to reward him (and myself!) with a tasty treat after all our stress as we adjust to our New Normal.
So momshies, if you’re feeling harassed as you tackle your daily grind while still assisting your kiddos with their home learning, kudos to you. Treat yourself and your home student with these treats from Goldilocks.
To get your hands on these yummy goodies (whether for homeschooling baon or for munchin’ on), just tap away at your FoodPanda app.
HBO MAX’s eight-episode limited series The Flight Attendant takes flight with three episodes on Thursday, November 26, followed by the launch of two new episodes on December 3, two episodes on December 10, and the finale episode on December 17 premiering exclusively on HBO GO. Starring Kaley Cuoco, The Flight Attendant is a story of how an entire life can change in one night.
Kaley Cuoco stars as a flight attendant whose life changes overnight when she wakes up in mysterious circumstances.
A flight attendant (Cuoco) wakes up in the wrong hotel, in the wrong bed, with a dead man – and no idea what happened. The dark comedic thriller is based on the novel of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Chris Bohjalian.
Starring alongside Cuoco is Michiel Huisman, Rosie Perez, Zosia Mamet, Michelle Gomez, T.R. Knight, Colin Woodell, Merle Dandridge, Griffin Matthews and Nolan Gerard Funk.
The series is produced by Warner Horizon Scripted Television, Berlanti Productions & Yes, Norman Productions. Greg Berlanti, Kaley Cuoco, Steve Yockey, Marcie Ulin, Meredith Lavender and Sarah Schechter serve as executive producers, and Suzanne McCormack is Co-Executive Producer. Susanna Fogel directs and executive produces the first two episodes.
HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.
Show details and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.
Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.
Whenever the calendar turns towards the -BER months, around the same time when we Pinoys start to feel (or imagine!) that the breezes are getting cooler, and we start hearing Christmas carols on continuous loop in the malls, we also get all caught up in the anticipation for fun and festivities of the holiday season.
Those are all just part of the holiday spirit.
However, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging across the world, the loss of loved ones due to the sickness, the closure of many businesses and unemployment of many workers, can it still be Christmas?
My answer: yes, of course!
We Pinoys love Christmas so much that we won’t let COVID-19 cancel the holiday that brings hope and joy to everyone.
This holiday season, because of the restrictions to mobility or limitations on budget brought about by the pandemic, we won’t be traveling to places in our bucket list, gathering in boisterous families with our clan, nor squeezing into crowded malls for our Christmas shopping. But we can still have a merry – and even more meaningful – Christmas in this time of COVID-19.
Here are some ways to go about this:
1) Spend wisely
Given all the financial uncertainty that many of us are facing, now is not the time to splurge. Your Christmas bonus or aguinaldo may be needed for some unexpected expenses later on.
That said, you can still get a bit of holiday retail therapy done if you employ a bit more effort or creativity.
Prioritize buying the essentials – such as food, clothes and health products – but look for great deals. For instance, Shopee’s 11.11-12.12 Big Christmas Sale includes Php1 deals on selected fashion, self-care and stationery items which users can enjoy during the period leading up to December 12.
You can also find ways to buy what you need without having to shell out cash. Your loyalty points may already have accumulated to a sizable amount that you can use them to purchase items. Case in point: I once bought over Php1,000 worth items from Miniso using my BDO Rewards points.
2) Be together, while staying apart.
One of the most difficult adjustments that this New Normal has brought about is the need for physical distancing. Especially among us Pinoys who are naturally outgoing and affectionate to our loved ones, being physically separated can be quite stressful.
While technology can’t take the place of a loved one’s actual physical presence, some small acts of thoughtfulness can chase away the feelings of isolation.
Our seniors, being high-risk individuals, bear most the brunt of these physical restrictions. Confined to their homes for months now, they can’t go out to stretch their legs or chat with their amigos and amigas. Be sure to check in on them regularly and cheer them up by sending pictures or video clips of the mundane yet happy moments that occur everyday, My mom, for instance, really appreciates when my kids video-chats with her via FB messenger.
Since the barkada can’t physically get together for a round of drinks, how about holding an e-numan sesh over Zoom? Send a ready-to-grill pack of barbecue or isaw from Mang Ding’s to your friends before the sesh to go with your favorite drinks while having your virtual bar hangout.
You can also make and share a Spotify playlist of your favorite songs from childhood with your friends so you can all reminisce about the hits from the past as well as share a laugh over your collective taste in music.
The key is to share a happy and memorable experience even while staying physically apart.
3) Give gifts that keep on giving.
For many of us, budget is pretty tight, even during the holiday season. That doesn’t mean, however, that we can’t show our love for our family and friends through gifts. In fact, a well-chosen gift that takes the needs of the recipient into consideration, especially during this time, will be greatly appreciated.
For instance, rather than giving the usual gift baskets or knick-knacks, gift your friends with groceries, care packs or hygiene kits instead. These are supplies that they will no doubt need in the coming days so by giving them as gifts, you are eliminating something from their to-buy list, thus saving them money and effort.
You can also choose to send gifts that support small businesses such as online food sellers that offer family trays of Filipino dishes or new bakers that offer boxes of monster-sized cookies. These thoughtful food gifts save the recipient from the hassle of preparing a meal or indulges their cravings.
How about gifting a loved one with a present made by your own hands? If you’ve taken up crocheting or knitting as a quarantine pastime, now would be a good time test your skills with some bespoke projects for your friends. If you’re among the plantitas or plantitas who sprouted during the lockdown, give your friends a cutting or a pot of your plants that they can have their own plant-babies to nurture in the coming year.
4) Share the love.
While life under COVID-19 may be hard on us, we know that other people may have been harder hit by the pandemic. Even if you don’t have a lot to give, you can still find ways to share your blessings to those in need.
You can also use your loyalty points to give to charity. For example, you can redeem your GrabRewards points to donate to WWF, Red Cross, Unicef and more.
The pandemic may continue to wreak havoc in our lives well into the holiday season and even beyond. But it is up to us to keep that flicker of Christmas cheer burning despite all the challenges and difficulties of 2020, not just for our own enjoyment, but more importantly, to spark hope for others.
Happy holidays, dear readers! Stay safe!
Check out my other adventures compiled into Jelly Lists:
Merging the broody minimalism of Lorde and Banks with the chameleonic tendencies of artists like Halsey, Naomi G’s latest track begins rather unassumingly with nostalgic, flatlining keyboards and ethereal soundscapes, and evolves into a vindictive anthem that turns emotional scarring and pain into a source of strength.
It’s official! Naomi G joins the growing roster of indie label, Umami Records.
The eclectic newcomer marks her official debut with the release of “Cage The Animal”—a gothic pop-R&B tune that chronicles the cycle of abusive and toxic relationships, and how to get away from it triumphantly in order to rebuild one’s dignity.
Merging the broody minimalism of Lorde and Banks with the chameleonic tendencies of artists like Halsey, Naomi G’s latest track begins rather unassumingly with nostalgic, flatlining keyboards and ethereal soundscapes, and evolves into a vindictive anthem that turns emotional scarring and pain into a source of strength.
Given that she already seems to have her stylistic stamp on lock, Naomi G is destined to take the world by storm with her bold,assertive take on women empowerment, never treading lightly on important social issues that degrade, discriminate and disrespect people of her kind. It’s an accomplishment worth taking seriously, a statement of self-love and confidence from someone who initially seemed to have lost it all.
“Cage The Animal” is the lead single for Naomi G’s debut EP which is scheduled for release over 2021.
About Naomi G
Alternative and alternating, Naomi G is one of Singapore’s rising Dark Pop songstresses rendering her most symptomatic coming of age experiences, wherever it takes her. The singer / songwriter unblinkingly stays her mind and allows her Freudian Slips to take entre stage. The rhythm that comes of it is a moody downbeat electronica, flavoured with slick notes of Alt-R&B, frothed by ethereal Dream Pop, and enlightened by Soul. At times unsettling, her hypodermic words are indeed a salt to her own melancholia – one that slurs mystique sexuality and breaks down brittle emotions afoot.
She’s radiantly inflamed by the terrestrial experience she is treading through, unafraid of undressing intensity and honesty- owed to herself. Naomi describes her music as a “body- caressingly raw sonic prelude to my own deeper tensions” and that running them through music is the cathartic shatter she needs to figure them out. Other times it’s all about expressing that untimely and noise-cancellingly loud message that is often contemplative, combative and cynical. The young singer now begins her journey by flirting with themes of balance such as that between innocence and sensuality, relationship and isolation as well as nature and oppression.
About Umami Records
Umami Records is a Singapore-based indie record label founded in 2013. Much like the “5th taste” reputation of its namesake, the label strongly believes in discovering new, interesting sounds that run underground and away from the mainstream. The label’s tight-knit, curated roster includes releases from Linying, The Steve McQueens, brb., Evanturetime, CampFire, Martin Baltser, Phoria, Oriental Cravings, and more.
Image and details provided by Umami Records in a recent press release.
Jellybeans in the City 