press release – Page 37 – Jellybeans in the City

Singapore alt-pop newcomer Naomi G drops her debut single “Cage The Animal”

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.

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.

Regional heritage meets global appeal: PhilPop 2020 charms with first batch of songs

Distributed by Warner Music Philippines, the maiden batch reflects the diversity and appeal of the region’s music heritage, and champions authentic representation of the contemporary ‘Mindanaoan’ experience.

PhilPop, the country’s premier songwriting competition, has officially released the songs from the finalists of the Mindanao cluster on Spotify and other digital platforms worldwide this October 23, Friday.

The tracks available for streaming and download include “Akong Bilihon,” composed by John Cadeliña and interpreted by The Marshland; “Kasadya,” composed by Christian Chiu and interpreted by Jay-ar Vaño and XT on Sax; and “Pahuway,” composed by Sherwin Fugoso and interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon.

Akong Bilhon: An anthem of resilience

According to singer-songwriter John Cadeliña, “Akong Bilhon” is a song about contentment. “No matter how big or small the blessings you have or received, if you really appreciate it’s true value, then it’s more than enough for you to be happy,” the Pilipinas Got Talent season 2 finalist says. “I wrote it last June, inspired by the current situation we have—that despite the negativities, the weights on our shoulders, we should still look up for the silver lining.”

With its soaring arrangements and infectious melodies, the inspirational piece stresses the importance of optimism and resilience in dealing with the uncertainty of the times.

John Cadeliña’s music project, The Marshland is the sole interpreter of the guitar-pop ballad. He counts the likes of Five For Fighting and City and Colours as major influences.

Kasadya: An eclectic sonic brew

Christian Tiu marks the passing of time on “Kasadya,” an irresistible number inspired by childhood nostalgia, Ilonggo culture, and the pandemic. Tiu’s official entry to the PhilPop 2020 Songwriting Festival looks back at the glorious memories spent with his family and grandparents.

Tiu shares, “During the pandemic, that feeling of isolation was even more accentuated.

The thought of spending time with our grandparents would be at the bottom of the list due to their vulnerabilities with the virus. In the song Kasadya, I was looking back to those times; reliving those memories and just embracing those nostalgic moments. I felt genuinely happy for those times.”

Musically, “Kasadya” is an upbeat number that blends ‘80s pop with jazz, Manila Sound, ‘70s soul, and contemporary R&B sounds. It features interesting arrangements that mirror the artist’s intentional leaning towards retro-sounding appeal, while also incorporating modern touches to cater to the younger generation of listeners. The song is interpreted by Jay-ar Vaño, a singer based in Koronadal City and an active contributor to the Ilonggo pop scene, and XT on Sax, a renowned saxophonist.

Pahuway: An emotionally gripping ballad

Sherwin’s Fugoso’s stripped-down ballad “Pahuway” speaks about knowing what your heart truly desires and patiently waiting for its fulfillment. According to the folk artist, it’s a song about “longing, love, commitment, and dedication that stands against the test of time.”

“Pahuway was inspired by a famous passage from Saint Augustine’s Confession in which he states: You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you,” Fugoso explains. “His words hit me big-time, and for me, it is a must to write songs out of these very powerful words. Pahuway portrays my longing for a cure for my daily dose of restlessness.”

The spiritual song digs deeper into the songwriter’s emotional psyche, but mines a less-is-more approach to showcase the vulnerability in Fugoso’s words. Award-winning Cebu-based artist Ferdinand Aragon interprets the song with the right mix of subtlety and warmth, and even going to as far as captivating listeners with his nuanced delivery and wounded vocal styling.

“Akong Bilhon,” “Kasadya,” and “Pahuway” are now available on streaming and digital platforms worldwide via PhilPop and Warner Music Philippines.

Image and details provided by PhilPop in a recent press release.

7 Must-see features of the awesome new TECNO POVA

The newly-rebranded POVA smartphone series combines premium performance and competitive pricing

With the arrival of its POVA series in the Philippines, global premier mobile phone brand, TECNO Mobile, has once again provided consumers with a high-performance phone at an affordable price tag.

Officially launched on October 15, 2020, POVA is exclusively available at the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall. This smartphone comes in two attractive colors, Magic Blue and Speed Purple, and is priced at PHP 6,999.

Previously released as TECNO Pouvoir, POVA retains key elements from its predecessor, including an outstanding processor, brilliant screen, and superior battery. Built to provide optimal value to users, the new POVA series is flexible and adaptable, capable of delivering the best mobile experience.

What exactly can users expect from this performance beast? Here is a list of 7 must-see features of the awesome new TECNO POVA.

A 6000mAh super battery with a standby time of 30 days, and the ability to play music for 8 days straight, on just a single charge.
An 18W dual IC flash charger, which can increase charging efficiency by 20%
A Helio G80 Gaming Processor, which unlocks intelligent resource management in game mode, and enhanced power management for high intensity gaming
A 64GB + 6GB memory with HyperEngine Game Technology for a dynamic lag-free gaming experience
The exclusive HiOS Operating System, built on Android™ 10, with an all-new design that allows a wide-range of user customization
A 6.8” dot-in display screen with an extremely sharp display, and a 90.4% perfect screen ratio that provides a better viewing experience
Enhanced artificial intelligence cameras for professional quality photos – Four 13-megapixel focal length cameras on the rear, and an 8-megapixel AI selfie front camera

For a limited time only, POVA will be available at the special launch price of PHP 6,499 to the first 3000 buyers on the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall. Be one of the first 1000 buyers to use voucher code GADGETZONE8 starting midnight of October 15, 2020 and get POVA for only PHP5,999.

Visit the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall to check out the new POVA series, and see the latest offerings. For updates and other information, visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph.

Details provided by Tecno Mobile in a recent press release.

His Dark Materials Season 2 premieres on Nov 17 on HBO and HBO GO

Season two of the HBO drama series His Dark Materials debuts same time as the U.S. on Tuesday, November 17 at 10am on HBO GO and HBO with an encore at 10pm on HBO. New episodes premiere every Tuesday at the same time.

Season two of His Dark Materials begins after Lord Asriel has opened a bridge to a new world, and, distraught over the death of her best friend, Lyra follows Asriel into the unknown. In a strange and mysterious abandoned city she meets Will, a boy from our world who is also running from a troubled past. Lyra and Will learn their destinies are tied to reuniting Will with his father but find their path is constantly thwarted as a war begins to brew around them. Meanwhile, Mrs. Coulter searches for Lyra, determined to bring her home by any means necessary.

Season two series regulars include Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, Amir Wilson, Ariyon Bakare, Andrew Scott, Will Keen, Ruta Gedmintas and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Joining the cast this season are Terence Stamp, Jade Anouka and Simone Kirby.

His Dark Materials is produced by Bad Wolf in association with New Line Cinema for BBC One and HBO. Executive producing the series are Jane Tranter, Dan McCulloch, Joel Collins and Julie Gardner for Bad Wolf; Philip Pullman, Jack Thorne, Tom Hooper; Deborah Forte, Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood for New Line Cinema; and Ben Irving and Piers Wenger for the BBC.

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.

Blahza teams up with OnlyM for another chillhop crossover

“The song has a classic mid-2000s crack rap feel like you could play it back-to-back with Nelly‘s ‘Grillz’ and no one would flinch.” – Surviving The Golden Age

Asian American hip-hop artist Blahza and Malaysian lo-fi producer OnlyM come together for another chillhop crossover: ‘Drugs’.

‘Drugs’ is a laidback track that envelopes the listener in waves of relaxation. Driven by moody but minimalist soundscapes and smooth beats, the latest collaboration between Blahza and OnlyM settles comfortably into a simmer, taking a step forward in its attempt to embrace subtlety and introspection sonically and lyrically.

Blahza shares about the inspiration behind it: “Everything in life is going good and everyday I’m getting closer to my goals. I used to relax by numbing my mind with intoxicants and I reference that heavily throughout the song. By the end of the song I ask what’s a better high than you? It means that you can get a high from the people around you, like your significant other, or from yourself. You don’t need drugs to get high.”

To complement Blahza’s vision, OnlyM decided on a vibe that makes people feel good, highlighting a more optimistic but steady approach in terms of sound and feel. “I wanted something to make people feel good,” the underrated producer shares. “That you could chill out to as summer winds down, and reflect on the good times not just this year, but in life thus far.”

Blahza’s upcoming EP, Sad Songs For Happy People, is scheduled for release in 2021. He is also working on several collaborations dropping every month.

Listen to “Drugz” via Umami Records here.

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

Electro-pop band Dustybuns offers reassuring comfort on new single “Seasons”

Dustybuns, an electronic pop duo formed by Charles Baltazar and Jok Oloquina, has finally released their second single “Seasons”—out today on indie record label, Lilystars Records.

Expanding the eclectic pair’s sonic palette with delicate harmonies, bright keyboard tones, and subdued arrangements, “Seasons” delivers an effortless, almost slick sound pulled from vast music resources that range from indie pop to chillwave, electronic music to ‘80s pop.

Despite its incredible mélange of influences, the song remains confident in its delivery and intent. In fact, “Seasons” stands out as an anthem that offers reassuring comfort and warmth. It packs a punch, while also inspire listeners to stay strong even when the going gets rough.

“The song is about being there for the people you care about no matter what, and reassuring that you’re never alone and there’s always someone out there ready to lend a hand when you need them,” Charles Baltazar shares.

To date, Dustybuns is currently busy writing songs for their debut EP to be released soon. “We’re not yet sure if Seasons will be included in an EP, but we have some songs already made that will sit well along with it. We’ll just see when the time comes,” multi-instrumentalist Jok Oloquina says.

“Seasons” is available on digital and streaming platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.

Celebrate #GenTikTokPH with Ben&Ben, Inigo Pascual and Rico Blanco on Oct 18

To celebrate TikTok’s diverse and growing community, the Philippines’ top artists Ben&Ben, Iñigo Pascual and Rico Blanco will perform LIVE on TikTok Philippines this Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 5PM for the platform’s biggest virtual event of 2020, #GenTikTokPH.

“Music is universal and powerful. It is what unites us with the community. #GenTikTokPH will be a celebration of everything we created out of love through music. Invite your Mahiwaga and let us have a wonderful time,” said Miguel Benjamin Guico, Ben&Ben.

The 2-hour online LIVE show will feature various performances from top local artists, dancers, and content creators including JMKO, Kuya Ching, Madelaine Red, Mikey Bustos, Ralphe Austria, and many more. Auntie Julie, aka Macoy Dubs will be hosting the online event.

#GenTikTokPH is a recreation of the great moments on TikTok — from entertainment to education and top trends. This is for the Generation TikTok and who made things happen.

“Expect nothing but a happy feeling all throughout! I’ll see you on Sunday,” said Rico Blanco. The OPM icon was TikTok’s ambassador for the #TikTokOPMPlaylist campaign which promoted independent Filipino musicians and local talents to the app’s growing audience back in October 2019. Since then, he continued to make OPM an ever-present content on the platform.

TikTok was built to inspire and enrich people’s lives through experiences that are genuine, joyful, and positive. TikTok has gone beyond being just a content platform. TikTok is the content, the community and the culture that it created.

“Every click of the record button starts canvas for human creativity and every phone screen becomes a window to our world. Whether one’s making, remaking, reacting, or simply watching, we’re changing the world one TikTok video at a time. We’re happy and grateful to share this milestone to our community,” said User Content and Operations Manager John Castro.

With its growing community of creators and users in the Philippines, TikTok is now ready to take the platform on a whole new level with a big announcement! After the event, TikTok will no longer be the same as they’ll take further all the creative possibilities.

Join the #GenTikTokPH hashtag challenge in-app and share why you’re officially part of Generation TikTok! You can get a chance to win TikTok-branded goodies! Invite your friends, stay safe and healthy at home. Download the TikTok app via iOS or Google Play.

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. www.tiktok.com.

Image and details provided in a recent press release.

Kubra Commander debuts first official single “The Now” under Lilystars Records

Kubra Commander joins Lilystars Records’ impressive roster of music acts from the Philippines and beyond.

Prior to signing up with the indie record label, the Cebu-based psychedelic rock outfit has been making waves online since the release of their breakthrough track, “On Your Left,” which made it to CNN’s 8 New Local Releases for your Listening Pleasure and earned a glowing review from indie music website, Flying Lugaw.

Kubra Commander’s “The Now” lyric video

To mark their debut on Lilystars Records, the band has finally released their latest single “The Now”—a brooding, post-punk number about “gaining a new perspective on things through experience, and having an inclination to share the experience with other people in hopes that they can gain something new in return.”

Propelled by Kubra Commander’s inherent brand of disaffected cool, “The Now” starts off strongly with glistening synths straight from the ‘80s pop playbook, and builds up into an anthemic chorus at a brisk pace. Music-wise, it sounds more indebted to the band’s post punk and new wave influences, as well as the escapist, modern indie rock anthems of music acts such as MGMT and Empire of The Sun.

“I believe the chiming synth riff was what nailed it for me, playing it over the chords and beat gave a danceable feel to the track which I really liked,” vocalist and guitarist Bobbi Olvido shares the details about the music arrangements. “Everything just followed through from that point. It’s the first song where in all the members we’re able to contribute in the recording process, and it was quite easy to have everyone be on the same page production-wise. I also wanted to try to play with the idea of singing all the verses first and having all the choruses after.”

“The Now” will be part of Kubra Commander’s upcoming new album, Rhythm Tourists to be released in 2021.

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

Indie pop trio Parasouls drops debut single “Can We, Can We”

Indie pop trio Parasouls deftly captures the frustration of romantic yearning on their debut single “Can We, Can We”—released today via Lilystars Records.

A brisk but engaging alt-rock number that brings to mind the likes of The Cranberries and Frankie Cosmos, the band’s latest release is a tribute to a beloved sci-fi character from one of the longest running TV series in the world.

“This is a funny story: Can We, Can We is actually the first song I’ve ever written back when I was seventeen,” guitarist and vocalist Dani Dimaano says. “I wrote about one of my favorite TV shows, Doctor Who. This song, in particular, is an ode to Rose Tyler and The Doctor in the TARDIS.”

The song was originally recorded in acoustic form, and was written way back in high school by Dani and bassist Joshua Gaces. “We tweaked the rhythm a little bit so it would fit theband setting better,” Dani shares. “Also, fun fact: I really wanted to put in a dotted 8 delay somewhere in the song, so I spent so much time trying to learn that just to make sure it makes it to the record.”

The final version of “Can We Can We” is indicative of the band’s combined music influences, which touch on a more playful but deceptively simple arrangement and anthemic pacing. It sets the tone for their future releases, where the music is written and produced with the right mix of inherent rawness, melodic sheen, and pop sensibility.

Parasouls’ “Can We Can We” is now available on all streaming and digital platforms worldwide.

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

TECNO Mobile’s Pouvoir 4 brings a power-packed, affordable entertainment device to consumers

What can you get for PhP5,000 these days that will also help beat boredom while on indefinite staycation at home? A couple of books? A few games? How about all those and more in a single device, and with several hundred pesos to spare?

For only P4,590.00, TECNO Mobile’s Pouvoir 4 and Php5990 and Php6990 for the Pouvoir 4 Pro models can give consumers hours and hours of uninterrupted ultimate entertainment experience – be it gaming, vlogging, photography or watching videos and movies – thanks to its big 6,000mAh battery capable of powering the phone for up to four days straight on a single charge.

Building on the local market’s increasing levels of digital content consumption global premier mobile phone brand, TECNO Mobile has a specific focus on delivering flagship-like entertainment experiences with a power-packed performance. The latest addition to its popular Pouvoir series, Pouvoir 4’s larger- than-life battery makes it a sensational device that elevates user experience and delivers endless entertainment possibilities without interruptions.

800 minutes of movie and music experience on a single charge

The Pouvoir 4’s massive 7-inch display screen provides a 90.55 percent screen ratio that gives consumers a wider visual area, completely transforming their viewing experience. Featuring class-leading 480-nit brightness capabilities, the super large display provides users with a cinema-level immersive experience when watching their favorite shows and movies.

The phone’s dual speakers provide clean and crisp stereo sound that truly engages consumers like never before. Powered by Dirac, Pouvoir 4 delivers a digital sound solution based on acoustic measurement and correction, allowing users to enjoy a high-quality immersive entertainment experience.

Over 650 minutes of action-packed gaming

For gamers, the Pouvoir 4 unleashes a brand-new perspective to competing with friends with specifications that reimagine gaming experiences.

The Pouvoir 4 features a 32GB+3GB big memory while the Pouvoir 4 Pro comes in 64GB + 4GB and 128GB + 6GB memory options ensures that users have a smooth glitch-free gaming experience. Operating on HiOS 6.0 which is built on Android Q, the phone provides better interaction design letting users view important notifications during gaming time with minimal interruption. Built with gamers in mind, the Pouvoir 4 offers bespoke features such as a specific shooting Intelligent scheduling of system resources to ensure a high-quality experience. The phone also utilizes a magic button that can be used as fire key in arcade and shooting games as well as a Screen Off Gaming Mode that saves more than 50 percent of battery power.

Powering vloggers with an AI-powered camera and HD content capabilities

TECNO Mobile didn’t stop there. The Pouvoir 4 comes with an artificial intelligence(AI) quad multi-function camera that allows users the ability to produce top-of-the-line video quality allowing for a unique vlogging experience.

The device is equipped with a 13MP AI quad camera, plus two 2MP cameras and an AI lens at the rear, and an 8MP dual flash camera at the front. The main camera packs a F1.8 big aperture and 8X digital zoom with a 77-degree shot angle that produces HD video recording function. The phone also comes with a low light video record mode that automatically brightens video shots in the dark.

The Pouvoir 4 comes loaded with a range of cool features such as face unlock, fingerprint sensor for optimized security along with a unique button along the side to wake up a Virtual Google assistant, all packaged in a straight and elegant design that reflects TECNO Mobile’s brand and style in their products.

The Pouvoir 4 is available at partner retail stores in Ice Jadeite, Cosmic Shine, Fascinating Purple color options for Pouvoir 4 and Fascinating Purple, Misty Grey and Ice Jadeite for Pouvoir 4 Pro.

For more updates, visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph. Follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on facebook.com/TECNOMobilePH and get a chance to win your own Pouvoir 4.

About TECNO Mobile

TECNO Mobile is a premium smartphone brand from TRANSSION Holdings. Upholding the brand essence of “Expect More”, TECNO Mobile is committed to giving the masses access to latest technology at accessible prices, allowing the consumers to reach beyond their current limitations and uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO Mobile understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations across a product portfolio featuring smartphones, tablets, and feature phones. TECNO Mobile is a major global player with presence in around 60 emerging markets across the world. It is also the global Official Tablet and Handset Partner of Manchester City Football Club. For more information, please visit: www.tecno-mobile.com