Gloc-9 tops YouTube trending chart with “Halik” and 24 bars rap challenge

After deciding to go the independent route with Asintada, a management and production team headed by his wife Thea Gomez Pollisco, Gloc-9 sets the table for music projects that strike a balance between uncompromised vision and crossover appeal.

The acclaimed hip-hop figure has released new singles that create uplifting artistic statements through socially relevant songs. “Sampaguita,” his latest collaboration with accomplished young singer-songwriter Juan Karlos Labajo, proved to be as successful as his previous classic hits, smashing out of the gate with more than a million views in less than a month.

“When Gloc-9 decided to become independent, he made it clear to work on projects that matter to him on a personal level, and at the same time, promote awareness on the plight of the underprivileged Filipinos through his musical platform,” Thea reveals in a statement.

To their advantage, the recent releases garnered positive reception from music fans. The music icon’s recent performance with fellow rapper and songwriter Flow G on Wish 107.5 bus debuted at No. 1 on YouTube’s trending videos chart, reaping more than 6 million views as of today’s update. His captivating performance of “Halik” currently sits inside the video streaming chart’s Top 20 for a third week in a row—a blockbuster feat that adds value to his growing legacy as a successful hip-hop artist approaching his third decade in the game.

Another video of Gloc-9 is also making rounds on YouTube’s trending videos chart. His 24 bars rap challenge peaked at No. 4 with more than a million views in less than a week of its release. Taking dexterity to the next level, the award-winning rapper impressed listeners with a soul-baring wordplay over a Flip D beat.

“Gloc-9 proves that even with challenges that stem from his newfound DIY leanings, there are solutions to impart your passion, and by using the online platform, the local rap and hip-hop music industry is still reaching out to the fans and followers, providing entertainment and positivity in a time of uncertainty,” Asintada’s Thea Gomez Pollisco shares. “This goes to prove what Gloc-9 has always been saying: inspiration and learning can come from all directions.”

At present, the prolific artist is actively involved in raising funds for both the frontliners and the urban poor communities through various charitable institutions and artist initiatives. He is also set to release a bunch of new singles and collaborations soon under his own management and production outfit, Asintada—which is home to several music acts such as Shanti Dope, JKris, Lirah, and Sandiwa.

Details and image provided in a recent press release.

We Got drops Raymund Marasigan-produced single “Lihim Na Pagtingin”

Eight-piece reggae collective We Got brings some island-loving vibe in the time of social distancing with its debut single, “Lihim Na Pagtingin.”

Serenading music enthusiasts with a mix of steady, groovy beat and a horn section straight from a summer retreat, the laid-back tune pertains to two individuals who have been friends for the longest time, and are secretly in love with each other.

“Finally, courage took over and they finally let their feelings out,” vocalist and guitarist Mack de la Cruz said in a statement. “Love wins.”

We Got’s latest song is produced by Raymund Marasigan, a veteran musician, multi-instrumentalist and overall record producer, who is part of several other bands and projects, including The Eraserheads, Sandwich, Pedicab, Cambio, Assembly Generals, Ultra Combo, Basement Lung, and Squid9.

“Sir Raymund Marasigan is a legendary icon of our generation,” de la Cruz added. “Working with him is even beyond our imagination. He’s very professional, patient, cool, innovative and has a very wild and crazy mind! His ideas are simply out of this world (in a very good way). He never looked down on us. He never failed to boost our confidence, taught so many things which we surely value so much.”

Marasigan returned the favor by praising the band’s work ethic. “We Got is a family. Working with them is like going to a family excursion at the beach especially when they bring delicious home cooked meals to pre-production and recording. And we worked on capturing that vibe.”

“Lihim Na Pagtingin” was mixed and mastered at Sunny Sound Studios in Cubao.

About the band

We Got is an eight-piece pop/reggae band comprised of Mack Dela Cruz on vocals and guitars, Makoy Quebral on rhythm guitars and backup vocals, Nam Reput on bass, CJ Bernardo on percussions, Thoper Laroco on drums, Melvin Bernardo on saxophone, Anthony “Tonton” Otoc on trumphet, John Rafael Morales on trombone.

The eclectic band is managed by Soupstar Entertainment Inc., joining a formidable roster of music acts such as 6cyclemind, Teeth, Imago, Sandwich, Pedicab, Moonstar88, Ultra Combo, Gracenote, Banda ni Kleggy, Better Days, the vowels they orbit, and Kurei.

We Got is signed to Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, record label of The Eraserheads, 6cyclemind, Ben&Ben, SB19, syd hartha, Alex Bruce, Nathan & Mercury, Zelijah, the vowels they orbit, and many more exciting and dynamic acts.

Lihim Na Pagtingin” is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Details and image provided by Sony Music in a recent press release.

6cyclemind and Sony Music PH ink covers project

In an effort to show appreciation to the fans who have been through their musical journey, 6cyclemind recently teamed up with Sony Music Philippines for Sige I-Cover Mo Lang Project.

The initiative, which was supposed to be an independent project, encouraged fans to submit covers of their favorite songs from the band’s catalog.

“Throughout our career, we have been touring different parts of the country,” vocalist Tutti Caringal said. “We are lucky to witness how our audience, even from far flung areas, sing our songs with us. This is indeed a very magical feeling. Online, we can also view our fans cover our songs. This makes us feel that, somehow, through our music, we have touched their lives. This is the reason why we have decided to do this project.”

With number one singles, best-selling albums, and sold-out shows, 6cyclemind continues to gain foothold in the local music industry. Their latest project is a testament to their growing and respectable discography, a proof of their legacy as a band known for their heartfelt and rousing anthems.  

Fan involvement

The five-piece pop-rock act did not set some specific criteria for the fan submissions, and accepted all entries—whether phone recordings, changed tempo or genre.

6cyclemind lead guitarist Herbert Hernandez added, “We gave them the freedom to interpret the song of their choice. While screening the entries, we followed our gut feel and looked for the cover that will move us. There were many entries that we really liked. It was difficult for the band to eliminate the other submissions because we had to limit it to just 3. Part 2, perhaps?”

2020 version of “Biglaan”

From the pool of submissions, Bianca’s stripped-down version of “Biglaan” stood out the most. It earned a spot as one of the first among the three winners of the all-covers record. “Whenever I want to cover songs, I usually just search for the chords and let myself feel the music,” the budding artist said. “I was pretty melancholic during these times so my general approach was to make the song softer and downcast which is what I usually do to songs I usually sing.”

According to Bianca, the project “was such a great platform to thank the band’s fans and also give opportunities to artists” like her.

The sixteen-year-old singer-songwriter recorded the song at Backdoor Recording Studio, and it was produced by 6cyclemind.

Bianca’s rendition of “Biglaan” is now available on various music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Details and image provided by Sony Music in a recent press release.