new single release – Page 3 – Jellybeans in the City

Alessandra de Rossi signs with Lilystars Records; releases remastered version of “Make It Better”

It’s official: ADR, the ambient music project of actress/producer/director/writer Alessandra de Rossi, officially joins the growing roster of music acts under Manila-based indie label, Lilystars Records.

Her first major project as a solo artist is the re-release of the landmark single “Make It Better”—now out on all digital platforms worldwide this October 2, 2020 (Friday). Delicately arranged with ethereal soundscapes, trip-hop beats, and New Age-inspired vocals, ADR’s self-penned and self-produced electro-pop number has been given a remastered treatment, making it sound more polished than ever.

Alessandra de Rossi re-releases landmark single “Make It Better”

Written in as early as 2010, “Make It Better” is a product of its time: a confessional outlet that simmers with disappointment and heartbreak. “It’s supposedly written for someone, but maybe I was looking for the exact words that I really wanted to tell myself,” the multi-hyphenate artist shares in a statement. “But dedicating it to someone else felt easier. Is it too vague? Don’t worry, the feeling is mutual.”

Aside from “Make It Better,” ADR’s debut record, Adrift will also make its way to several music platforms soon in remastered format. Initially released in 2012, the 13-track chillout, electronic and ambient album was made available for free download as a zip file.

“I was told by so many, that no one would buy my music because it’s not pop enough for radio,” ADR said. “But it’s 2020: everything is much more accessible, thanks to all online streaming platforms. I’m just really happy that people who don’t have access to laptops or computers can now finally hear it through their phones. And skip throughout the whole song, if it’s not pop enough.”

Music was once just a hobby for ADR, and dropping old and new music under a record label felt very new to her, despite giving out songs for free since 2008. “Now under Lilystars, it makes me feel crazy to be lined up with musicians who are really legit, and I’m still trying to let everything sink in. I don’t know if I should be terrified or very terrified.”

The remastered version of “Make It Better” is now available worldwide via Lilystars Records.

Image and details provided by Lilystars Records in a recent press release.

The Bernadettes stage a comeback with new song “Worthless Beautiful”

After more than a decade of absence in the local music scene, The Bernadettes return with a new single under Lilystars Records.

Their latest song “Worthless Beautiful” is another fuzzy, garage rock anthem in the similar vein as their breakout 2009 single “Let’s Make Babies,” but this time, the band documents life under the old normal, reminiscing about drinking the night away with like-minded individuals and enjoying freedom in the best way possible.

Music video for “Worthless Beautiful” by The Bernadettes

Lead vocalist Paolo Angeles shares, “Worthless Beautiful deals with freedom in doing the things you want, the way you want it; no matter how wrong it might feel. The result may be worthless, but there is beauty in its pursuit.”

With the uncertainty of the pandemic affecting the way people lead their lives, “Worthless Beautiful” may come off as a distillation of nostalgia, joy, and helplessness, all rolled into a party that never was. But things are different now, and the sentiments in the song only serve as a figment of a distant memory, a rallying cry in our self-imposed quarantine, a gut-deep wallowing in self-pity.

Taking into account the current social context, The Bernadettes’ latest track functions as both a pre-pandemic recollection and a bittersweet reminder of those years that held promises of eternal youth and fun—snotty punk rock and all.

“Worthless Beautiful” is the first of the four songs that the band has already finished recording with producer Dok Sergio at JNR Studios. According to Paolo, the alternative rock outfit is slated to release a full-length album next year. “The plan is to have the other 3 songs remastered and have them released intermittently,” The Bernadettes’ frontman reveals in a statement. “Of course, we would need to go back to the studio to record more songs. Maybe after the pandemic.”

“Worthless Beautiful” is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.

Image and details provided by Lilystars Records in a recent press release.

syd hartha reflects on her self-awakening with new single “hiwaga”

In less than two years of being signed under Sony Music Philippines, syd hartha quickly rose to prominence with compelling pop/folk anthems that expertly balance lyrical depth with relatability and social relevance. From taking a pro-woman stand on “ayaw” to documenting the importance of self-restraint on “paru-paro,” the young singer-songwriter marks a clear step forward in terms of exploring outsider themes that even her contemporaries would seem to avoid.

Having that same grasp of writerly elegance without resorting to repeating herself, syd hartha takes a moment to reflect on her personal actions through her latest single, “hiwaga”—a stunningly produced, stripped-down tune that deals with self-awakening and healing in preparation to becoming “the best version of herself”—to reference a line from the coming-of-age film, Lady Bird.

Writing from a place of newfound perspective and riveting wisdom, syd wrote “hiwaga” as a reminder that no matter who you are and what you may be going through, you are still capable of being part of a better change. “Basically, the love you have for yourself reflects to everyone and everything around you,” the critically acclaimed musician explains. “There was a time in my life where I felt so stuck and started to question my existence and the reason for everything. What inspired me to write this song is my awakening to the fact that I was given this life for a reason. I want to heal so I can be the best version of myself for everyone around me and I want to inspire people to do the same.”

Quite a diversion from her usual sound, “hiwaga” is produced by Johnoy Danao, and performed with her backing band consisting of Bea Fabros, Raisa Racelis and Pat Sarabia. According to syd hartha, the track was recorded at the confines of the musicians’ homes under the guidance of Johnoy Danao. “Initially, we thought of a big production incorporating more instruments like horns, but we decided we wanted to give the song a lot of room to breathe and let the lyrics shine.” syd adds, “recording ‘hiwaga,’ was definitely challenging because it was our first time producing a single without seeing each other.”

The song also features a rap verse from syd herself, who admits that hip-hop has greatly influenced her songwriting. “As someone who’s so fond of several hip-hop artists’ writing and delivery, I noticed how stronger and more effective it is when the message is somehow spoken instead of sung. Also, when I wrote ‘hiwaga,’ it all started with just words; it was me having a conversation with myself. I decided then that I wanted the feel to be more conversational and more focused on the message of the lyrics.”

syd hartha’s “hiwaga” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

Image and details provided by Sony Music Philippines in a recent press release.

Maris Racal shows her introspective side on new single “Not For Me”

Aside from making a name for herself as one of the breakout young actresses of her generation, Maris Racal has successfully dabbled in writing her own songs and challenging industry expectations with her intimate and refreshing take on pop music. From penning the chart-topping confessional “Ikaw Lang Sapat Na” to collaborating with Rico Blanco on the city pop-influenced ditty “Abot Langit,” Racal is surprisingly an effective chronicler of love anthems for the modern age—a guitar-toting songstress known for balancing commercial appeal with artistic integrity.

Bursting with youthful fervor and charismatic edge, Maris Racal’s latest single “Not For Me” stretches her introspective side of music-making to interesting places, while retaining the accessibility of her recent crossover hits. Her resounding confidence translates perfectly into the musical output, but it’s her conversational and matter-of-fact songwriting style that earns the stripes, revealing a degree of self-assuredness that comes with experience.

Inspired by Britpop acts such as Aqualung and folk-pop chanteuses like Lily Allen and Regina Spektor, Racal wrote “Not For Me” not so much for intriguing unconventionality, but as an outlet to express herself in a way that feels truthful and inherently raw. The driving piano chords and the soaring arrangements give her storytelling a more authentic spin, lending it an effortless breeziness while making sure it doesn’t lessen the emotional impact of the song.

With “Not For Me” putting a spotlight on her songwriting strengths, Maris Racal explores the complexities of romantic uncertainty with a surprisingly nuanced approach—unfiltered, no longer afraid of possibilities, and ready to own the moment.

“Not For Me” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

Jannine Weigel drops new single “Passcode”

Jannine Weigel has officially released her new single ‘Passcode’ via innovative new label, RedRecords.

Produced by the Grammy-nominated record producer Tommy Brown, renowned for his work with Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony and more, ‘Passcode’ is a euphoric dance-pop anthem. It was co-written by Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez and it’s a song equipped with the sort of irresistible chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head.

The single is accompanied by a dazzling music video directed by Philip Rom Kulleh. Some of Malaysia and Thailand’s biggest TikTok influencers feature amongst the cast of the video, shot and produced in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The single marks the arrival of a new wave of Asian pop music. A-Pop is ready for its moment in the spotlight. It’s a fitting global introduction for Weigel, who is already a superstar in Thailand. “I’m so excited for everyone to hear ‘Passcode’,” she says. “I love that it captures my personality perfectly – fun and bubbly, but with a little bit of an edge.”

Weigel is an artist who connects on a universal scale at the same time as forming an intimate bond with her fans. Her infectious personality has already helped her reach eye-popping numbers on social media. She has 3.6 million subscribers on YouTube, 3.2 million followers on Facebook, 1.7 million on Instagram and more than 500,000 on TikTok. She’s an artistic force of nature. Although she has only just turned 20, Weigel has already had a successful career as an actor, model and influencer. But singing has always been her biggest passion. “Singing is what truly makes me happy,” she says. “I love how music can affect people and how a song can evoke raw emotions in all of us.”

Born in Steinfurt, Germany, Weigel moved to Thailand when she was 10. She made her first musical waves when, as a teenager, she would upload cover versions of her favourite songs to her YouTube channel. A mix of her natural charisma and that mesmerising voice soon found a huge audience and Weigel became the first Thai singer to receive YouTube’s highly-coveted Gold Button.

Weigel is an apt first signing for RedRecords, the exciting new joint venture between AirAsia and Universal Music Group. The label is committed to shining a light on the talent that lies within ASEAN, devoted to developing Asian artists and putting Asian pop music on a global platform. It’s a region full of pop superstars waiting to be heard. RedRecords CEO Hassan Choudhury remarks, “When [CEO of AirAsia Group] Tony Fernandes and I became aware of Jannine, our backgrounds in music and entertainment told us that this was an artist primed for worldwide success.” He continues, “With the ambition we have for RedRecords, along with the extensive global marketing resources at our disposal, Jannine was the obvious choice as our first signing,” says Choudhury.

In the US, RedRecords have partnered with iconic label Def Jam Recordings, where artists such as Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Alessia Cara are continuing its illustrious history, to release Jannine’s music. It’s the sort of lineage to which Weigel belongs. “I want to be able to inspire people out there,” she says. I feel like I’m proof that as long as you never give up, anyone can have a shot at achieving their dreams, no matter where they come from.” A daring new talent in pop music has arrived. ‘Passcode’ is just the beginning for Jannine Weigel and RedRecords.

Image and details provided in a recent press release.

Singapore hip-hop producer Wovensound drops brand new single “Sickleberry Sunsets”

Singapore hip-hop producer Wovensound has released his new single “Sickleberry Sunsets” via indie label Umami Records.

With its exquisite fusion of lo-fi, jazz, and hip-hop, Wovensound’s latest jam exudes a feel-good summer road trip vibe while leaning towards a classic, stylistic lineage in terms of production and overall sound.

According to the underrated producer, the song was recorded during the lockdown period in Singapore, with no access to the studio. He collaborates extensively and roped in 4 artists from Singapore on this track, including rappers Ihasamic!, SHAK, Andrew Marko, and singer Raina Sum. “I just love how this song takes different turns throughout its different sections, with each
artist bringing their own flavour to the table and bouncing off each other,” Wovensound shares.

Lyrically, “Sickleberry Sunsets” doesn’t adhere to bland compromises. It’s a slickly produced hip-hop anthem that tackles two sides of a familiar persona. “In the song, there are two stories playing simultaneously: a cynic’s struggle with staying optimistic as a realist, and an optimist’s struggle of dealing with a loss of innocence and ignorance”, shares Wovensound. “I was in a very Nujabes mood when creating the track. The horns at the end is me paying some tribute to an artist I love dearly.”

“Sickleberry Sunsets” is the lead single of Wovensound’s 6-track debut EP Vertigos Fulfilled, dropping in June 2021.

Listen to Sickleberry Sunsets via Umami Records.

About Wovensound
Singapore hip-hop producer Wovensound weaves his love for music with other artists, collaborating extensively and producing
something unique every time. Wovensound AKA Vinod Dass is also a veteran of Singapore’s underground metal scene, playing guitar in various bands including Truth Be Known and Mucus Mortuary. He decided to establish this moniker in order to pay tribute to his love for other forms of music, mainly hip hop and rap. Wovensound’s 6-track debut EP Vertigos Fulfilled drops in June 2021.

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

Project Orange chronicles the growing pains of romance on “Play Pretend”

In less than three years, Project Orange has slowly but surely gained traction outside of Bacolod City’s relatively small but thriving music community. Thanks to their maiden singles “Ctrl + Esc” and “Sputnik Sweetheart,” the promising quartet earned their chunk of streaming listenership on cities such as Taipei, Manila, and Hong Kong—a proof that their brand of music sees no boundaries, and resonates on a universal level.

Formed by vocalist/guitarist Diana “Moose” Mapa, guitarist Ann Marie Pillado, bassist Martin Garces, and drummer Miguel Gabriel San Miguel, Project Orange returns with a distinctly laid-back affair that chronicles the growing pains of young love and the unsteady circumstances that define it.

Their new single “Play Pretend” captivates listeners with their sophisticated blend of bedroom pop and indie rock. The four-piece outfit employs a lush and dream-like palette in terms of musical approach, fully embracing a deceptively simple arrangement that wouldn’t feel out of place side by side with the breezy pop sensibilities of Clairo and Boy Pablo.

“Too many people get caught up with the immense amount of music elements these days and I try to avoid that,” lead vocalist Diana Mapa shares in a statement. “The additional portions like the distorted guitar and synths were suggested by the producers in the studio and it added a stunning perspective to the song.”

Steeped in melancholic pulse, “Play Pretend” provides glimpses of a promising music act informed by the sound of its time, but never allowing trends to envelope the finality and packaging. It’s all heart, less feels: the more you immerse to the song’s intimate revelations, the closer it hits home.

Lyrically, “Play Pretend” demands to be felt. With its wandering verses, a bridge that makes you feel like you’re at a wit’s end, and a chorus that hits you with a sanguine yet somber tune, the song represents built up feelings that will never see the light of the day. Mapa shares, “It’s like you’re running out of time, but at the same time you aren’t. And that distorts what you think of love, whether it be imaginary or reality.”

“Play Pretend” is the third official single of indie pop collective Project Orange under Lilystar Records. Stream their new track here.

Image and details provided by Lilystar Records in a recent press release.

Filipina-Singaporean singer-songwriter Gail Belmonte reclaims her happiness on new single “You Don’t”

A song about knowing one’s worth

Following her well-received debut single ‘Tonight’ in July, Filipina-Singaporean singer-songwriter Gail Belmonte chronicles her struggles of reclaiming happiness on her new single “You Don’t”– released today on all digital platforms worldwide via indie label Umami Records.

“You Don’t” tackles the importance of not taking anything for granted, but at the same time knowing one’s worth. “In the relationships I got involved in, romantic or platonic, I always gave so much of myself,” the R&B artist says. “Sometimes I would give so much of myself that when these relationships break down, I would feel so lost, like I lost a part of myself. I looked for happiness in other people and it was not until I wrote this song, that I decided to reclaim that happiness by finding it within myself.”

A rallying cry for self-discovery, “You Don’t” endears listeners with its compelling, soulful delivery and radio-ready pop hooks. It’s the second of a trio of singles Gail Belmonte is debuting in late 2020. The last of the series, ‘Restart’, is scheduled for release on 13 November.

About Gail Belmonte

R&B/soul singer-songwriter Gail Belmonte makes music full of heart, with a voice that radiates beauty and effortless delivery.

Born and raised in Singapore, of Filipino descent, Gail Belmonte loved singing and performing from an early age and has been practising professionally from the age of 18. Gail was champion in the vocal solo category of Singapore talent competition Impresario 2016, a finalist of China Super Vocal 2016, a finalist in Mediacorp Singapore’s The Final 1 (2013), and also appeared in Season 4 of ABS-CBN’s Pilipinas Got Talent (2016). Gail made her theatre debut in Pangdemonium’s staging of the Tony award-winning musical, Fun Home, in 2017.

Gail Belmonte has featured on tracks by artists like fulses, thecolorfractal, Fingerfunk and Tim De Cotta, and is finally ready to put out her own music with 3 singles planned for release in 2020 via indie label Umami Records, in which she explores the effects of love, heartache, falling apart and putting yourself back together again.

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.

Orange & Lemons wax poetic on new indie pop single “You Bring Out My Best”

Orange & Lemons have proven time and again, that they’re capable of writing infinitely hummable, indie-pop classics that maintain a distinct sensibility and effortlessness amidst shifting trends.

Their new single, “You Bring Out My Best” is among their most delightful work to date: a song that finds Clem waxing poetic on the intimate moments that he once shared with a fictional ex-lover.

According to Orange & Lemons’ chief songwriter and producer, Clem Castro, the song was intended as a pitch for a commercial project, but the band decided to release it as a stand-alone single. “We just love how the song turned out,” Clem reveals in a statement. “It’s the first time we sat down together working on a concept material, with no relevant inspiration for it. Just a play with words and melodic lines.”

The production packs a punch in a way that is seamlessly understated but compelling—never overdoing the process to gain attention or impress music fans. But it’s the songwriting that remains front and center to this massive release, a distinct mold whose appeal transcends generations of any kind. “You Bring Out My Best” was written, arranged, and demo-recorded last February 2020 at O&L’s drummer studio from 4pm to 3am. The members of the band had to maximize their time together because they live far from one another, with Clem already having an approximate idea of a verse and chorus lines for the session. After jamming with the band, they brainstormed on adding sections and parts to complete the demo. “The resulting production has that trademark O&L sound, and much, much more because of the contribution of our keyboard player, who after more than a year of being an official member has immersed himself in indie-pop stylings,” the Orange & Lemons frontman adds.

Four months after the demo was shelved, Orange & Lemons finally braved the studio to resume recording of their new single “You Bring Out My Best.” Armed with disinfectants and face masks, the award-winning band carefully observed health and safety protocols to finish the material. Clem says, “We had to remove our shoes when tracking, and only one person is allowed at a time to record. The rest had to wait outside at the receiving area of Sonic State Audio in Mandaluyong City.”

Image and details provided in a recent press release.

Dominic Chin lays bare his struggles with anxiety on ‘ALONE’

“It’s a song to let people who struggle with anxiety issues like me to know that they are not alone, and that I too struggle with it on a day to day basis and I’m still here.”

Singapore pop artist Dominic Chin has released ALONE, the 6th single from his upcoming debut EP License To Cry, via Singapore indie label Umami Records.

In this deeply personal song, the singer-songwriter lays bare his struggles with anxiety disorder.

“Dear don’t let me go, let me go tonight,” he whispers desperately in the chorus, accompanied by a minimalist, gentle electro-pop beat that gives the track its melancholic, intimate vibe. ALONE takes a step back from the dance floor and finds a way to get through life’s darkest tunnels one step at a time.

“The song is about my anxiety order and how it affects all the relationships in my life,” Dominic Chin shares in a statement. “Finding love and peace with good healthy relationships but feeling tremendously undeserving of it, resulting in me wanting to sabotage the relationship. The song talks about feeling conflicted about my relationships, being totally defeated and yearning for some help while I fight my battles with feeling disorientated by all that is going on in my mind.”

The acclaimed Singapore-based artist also clarifies that ALONE is not a song meant to uplift anybody. “It’s a song to let people who struggle with anxiety issues like me to know that they are not alone, and that I too struggle with it on a day to day basis and I’m still here.”

Dominic Chin’s debut EP License To Cry is scheduled for release on 9 October 2020, followed by his debut show at the Esplanade Singapore on 26 December 2020.

Listen to ALONE by Dominic Chin everywhere here.

About Dominic Chin

Singapore based pop artist Dominic Chin creates music with his distinct voice and a blend of electro-pop, soul and r&b. Fuelled by life and all its awkward contradictions, Dominic writes songs from the heart that resonate deeply with his audience.

The 24 year old singer-songwriter from Singapore started covering songs on YouTube in 2010, and his channel has more than 9200 subscribers and 1.3M views. After the viral success of You First Believed, a tribute song he wrote for Singapore founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 2014, he was compelled to start writing more originals. He released his first single CLSE2U in 2018, followed by SHY, HERE, AWARE and BETTER, and his songs have been featured on major Spotify editorial playlists including ‘Electro Mix’ and ‘Singapore’s Top Acts’.

About Umami Records

Image and details provided by Umami Records in a recent press release.