MC Einstein and Queen of RnB KYLA Releases "LAMBALAK" Single

MC Einstein and Queen of RnB KYLA

Looks like RnB songs are making a huge comeback as top hits list them all again in the Philippines. Recently, we had the chance to chat with MC Einstein (artist-songwriter, Ex-Batallion) and the Queen of RnB songs, KYLA at the Cornerstone Studios in Quezon City. They were both excited about this new single they did a duet of called "LAMBALAK", which MC Einstein also wrote and released today.

The actual story of this was quite interesting. They had an out of town event where Yeng Constantino, MC Einstein and a couple of Cornerstone artists were supposed to go. On the day of the flight, Yeng got sick and was rushed to the hospital. They had to have another artist to sing at the event and got KYLA. At the plane, they were seated beside each other and at first, MC Einstein was a little nervous. When all was settled, he mustered up the courage to tell Kyla that he wanted to do a collaboration with her. He's a big fan of that genre and grew up listening to Kyla's songs, so he was just pushing his luck. Little did he know Kyla knew him too because she listened to his songs, and just said "Let's go, when will we record?". 

MC Einstein was surprised at how receptive Kyla was. A few calls, going back and forth, he sent Kyla the chorus part of "LAMBALAK" where she only said "Okay so when will we record?!". He was again excited because Kyla didn't even ask for any change in the melody or lyrics, she was just happy to sing it the way MC Einstein wanted it to because Kyla said "It felt like I was listening to the RnB songs I used to sing, it felt like HOME!".

Here's the rest of our interview with them on video, please enjoy!

They will be releasing the song "LAMBALAK" today at 12am and will be doing a live stream on their platforms. Make sure you follow the individual artists pages and Cornerstone Entertainment for more updates about the single's release. We listened to it and loved how sexy it sounded, seriously, you should give it a stream today!

Congratulations MC Einstein and Kyla! Hope this hits the charts today!

Get Ready for CHRISTI

We met a very bubbly and confident Christi Fider a few days ago in Music Box Timog Avenue, Quezon City. She's not new in the industry, having released several singles like Teka, Teka, Teka!, Heto Na Naman in 2021, plus a Most Promising Singer Award at the PMPC Star Awards for Music in the same year.

She is currently under Manic Media, and has released a few tracks signifying her raring urge to go back to the grind. And currently, her EP album called "Sorry Not Sorry, I took my Time" became her call and the songs include "Breakthrough", "3rd Street", "Fake" and "Reyna" (which she also has a music video of). Honestly, her vibe reminds me of Lizzo, who carries herself confident and unapologetic-ally is just being her.

She also sang a few songs and kept us entertained about what she's been doing in the past few months. Including staying away from fake friends, loving herself more and wanting to embrace her curves. She also told us about her bout with PCOS and its effects on her weight loss, and glad she found inspiration from it and create music that she loves. It was where her music was based on.

Aside from that, she's been blessed with several acting projects, including one that will involve Superstar Nora Aunor. She was so nervous about it, but this was an opportunity that she couldn't just allow to pass. Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo will also be part of it, which in hindsight adds even more pressure. For those who are fond of Netflix, she's also doing a series under Chris Pablo (who's done several romance, queer films). Stay tuned for that!

Meanwhile, here's a bit of our interview with Christi

She's just starting, and as she starts doing what she loves as an artist and singer, to become that powerful independent woman, she's going to love herself... and hope you get in the groove of her music and artistry. You can stream her EP album on Spotify and other streaming platforms today. Get ready for Christi!

JEREMIAH TIANGCO To Stage First Concert "DARE TO BE DIFFERENT"

Jeremiah Tiangco will be having a concert on April 15th, a little different from the usual because there will be a lot of concepts put together just for this day. The music alone will have different arrangements, you have to watch out for it because the usual will be a little broken.


Miah says "I've already had a date in February but it was sad to have to postpone it for this April 15. I've already done TV, Print, online articles, it was a long time preparing for it. Rescheduling it was heartbreaking, I didn't realize it was God's perfect timing doing it on this date. The concert will be full of great music, I will showcase what I can do on stage. This will be different and I will give my all. I am also producing this show, I believe God will provide. I was looking for a sign if this will be happening, and he made it all possible. During rehearsals, it was difficult to schedule because I also had several tapings. I have songs here that I haven't performed anywhere else, it was difficult but we got to finalize things quite early even if this was done collaboratively with the production and band."

He adds "When we did April 15, we couldn't add in more because of the duration of the show. Ken Chan, Garrett, Ate Rita, Ate Julie, they're pretty much a huge part of my career and are the closest. I was surprised when I approached some of them because they said yes. It's all coming true! I want more music to release this year, I want to hear people to hear more of it, perhaps release singles before the concert, I'll try. Mikael Castillo made my outfits for the the photo covers, it's like streetwear x signature clothes, it's different. It will be a sexy concert, it's an RnB night."

Make sure you're there on April 15th at the Music Museum! Tickets will be sold via Jeremiah's social channels and Ticketnet.

Garrett Bolden Releases New Album Called "CHAPTERS" Under GMA Music

 

 Fresh from his stint in Guam doing the Miss Saigon show on the island, Garett Bolden is not stopping his music journey. Right now, he's written and completed his new album called "CHAPTERS" which is under GMA Music. It's a compilation of several covers and a few original songs which he wrote specifically to personify his journey.

Garett says "Ikaw Pala is actually a Kris Lawrence song which was a hit in the early 2000's. Yes I want to have the opportunity to do TV, more theater productions. I want to explore more genres, because music preference of people change too. I want to do dance even if I have two left feet. My album title is Chapters. I would say if I were in one of those chapters, my newest single talks more about my life now. Seeing the purpose of what I'm looking for, my passion, what I love to do and share, it's what I want to pursue and want to realize, to not hold back and have a much clearer vision of what I want to do in music."

He adds "My Clash journey has been my best performance, plus the out of the country work I did for Miss Saigon. When I first heard a song by Kris Lawrence, I was a bit afraid because he has his own signature style into it. I had to put my spin and decided to perform this. Right now, I'm really happy GMA gave me the chance to write more songs and perform it, especially for the Kapuso audience."

Talking about his peers he says "Jeremiah is like a brother to me, he's going to have a concert soon. I too would want to have that experience, like a tour in different cities. That's what I want to do, to go to people and share my music. It is one of my goals this year. After Ms. Saigon, I am auditioning to several productions. I want to pursue other theater work."

For those aspiring to be great singers, Garett advises "I surround myself with great people. I don't put myself in hard situations. It helps a lot to keep the right people around you, to remind you that you can move forward."

Since The Clash Season 1, Garett is thankful that he is given the opportunities by GMA. He wants to do acting work soon and he's really ready for it. Make sure you get his album CHAPTERS available on streaming platforms worldwide. This will be released this January 27, he's also on All Out Sundays and his single is part of Bad Romeo so make sure you listen to that too.

Billy, JayR and Kris for SOUL BROTHERS

 This September 15, it'll be one epic evening to see three of the finest RnB artists in the country in one show. Filo French Dance artist Billy Crawford, RnB King JayR and RnB Prince Kris Lawrence will treat you with SOUL BROTHERS on this day, at the Kia Theater in Araneta Center, Cubao Quezon City. Now this is good news for the individual fans of these three guys who have been able to achieve a lot in their own respective careers. The show is about celebrating original music,  which have made them who they are these past few years.  It is but an homage to soul, motown and RnB classics that have influenced them to make music for the future of OPM. They will of course perform their hits, and even do numbers with their friends and co-artists Daryl Ong, Sam Concepcion, Jay Durias and Gloc 9. It'll be all male since the concept is of "brothers", so prepare to be swooned!  

JayR says "We've been together for about 20 years, we're neighbors (referring to Kris) but we met during high school. Billy came in when we met in GMA, he made a comeback a few years ago. Our culture, the way we look at things are the same, it's pinoy. Even if we were born in the states, we're legit. We were born in the states but we get refreshed when we go there, we learn other techniques that are not in the Philippines. It drives us to make it here."

JayR adds "Soul Brothers are our own idea, together with Arnold, we started to call this Small brothers a couple of years ago. We want to perform our own hits, the prod numbers would be the highlight. We wohls be taking this on the road, the US, Canada, Guam, places we plan to go to. We want to break that mold of Filipinos only doing covers. Our artists will be part of Original Filipino Music Only movement, which we have been doing in our own label. We will be doing our own songs, published, or new ones so there's a lot more to look forward to. It's obvious Kris is the higher range, I do soul, while Billy does swag and urban hiphop. We have different things to offer in one night. The healthy competition helps us better each time, the more we are in the studio the more we learn from each other and we receive it with love."

About the prank on JayR, Kris says "When we started taping, we had to improvise and I'm not an actor, and it just came and dragged on, but I'm glad it came out alright. He turned pale, he was sweating, it was crazy. Being with my brother and being in Homeworkz, it made he brand stronger. I confide with JayR a lot and he's my mentor. We ultimately want to create good music. My family is my greatest influence, together with Michael Jackson. "

Here are snippets of their interview on video, a little sample too, so enjoy!

Billy says "I think we are all passionate about music, we have different inputs but we are brothers so this is our dream concert. We've always talked about doing this together, made songs, but never had time to do it for each other. It's a big blessing for the three of us, being on stage, that comforts us. Right now, music is a mix, it doesn't matter what genre as long as it happens. We have many influences when it comes to music."

Now if you're a fan of their music, this would be an opportune time to see them perform live. This would be a nice venue to hear them on one stage and see why they've been so successful, helping each other grow. I envy them, I ain't no got no brotherhood like this in my hood. Often than enough, you'll get called like a wuss. Not a good thing. I want to see how they all show off what make them whole, how they managed to keep tough love, good careers and a solid relationship despite the odds and quirks of the Philippine entertainment industry. You may purchase tickets at Ticketnet.com.ph and at the venue. This is produced by ALV Events International. Party starts at 8PM!

Cheers to your brotherhood! Again, I envy you! Oh and people, I heard their tickets are selling like hotcakes, so get them before it runs out!

JAY-R Gets GOLD Record Award for ELEVATED Album

The last time I saw JayR was at the 2nd WISH Music Awards at the Araneta Coliseum. He was awesome on stage together with other RnB artists and has continually proved that since we've seen him on different prime afternoon shows. That again is going to be cemented as his recent album called ELEVATED turned GOLD status just a few days ago. He was given the award during ABSCBN's ASAP last January 22. With sales reaching 7,500 units in both physical and digital album sales, PARI and the Optical Media Board confers this award to the nation's RnP Prince. He accepted the award togethe with Homeworkz Ad Prom Officer Perry McDonald.

JayR finds this as a humongous acheivement and says "I truly feel great about receiving this gold record award under my own label. All the hard work, blood, sweat and tears that I put into it finally paid off. It was all passion which kept my drive high. I am strongly advocating for spreading original music. This just proves that originality and creativity is more important than statistics and numbers. Being an indie music label, we don't have a huge budget like other big labels. You have to do the legwork as far as distribution, promotion, recording, mixing, mastering, photoshoots (for covers), music video shoots, paperwork, permits and a lot more. I want fellow artists to realize that original music does sell. We don’t have to do remakes or covers in order to sell music. It’s proven here at HOMEWORKZ. People are looking for new creations. Classic songs will always be classic. But new songs are the future of OPM and I fervently hope they do more."

He quips "I would love for ELEVATED to hit platinum status too! I'll be promoting this at the same time as my new album this year. I hope to reach the next level, fingers crossed. I handpicked  my team at Homeworkz and we are a solid group. This is a team effort and I truly couldn’t have done it without them. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the music fans out there for keeping the OPM industry alive. We intend to make more music for your ears, hearts and souls. Thank you for allowing us artists to have the best job in the world."

If you don't know, I've heard JayR has helped a lot of artists in the industry. His music and his hunger for music has taken him to a lot of places. I fervently hope he continues to be blessed and continue to be an instrument to the industry so he could help more people... in the place he loves, the Philippines. 

KUMAGCOW
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Aicelle Santos Launches New EP "Liwanag"

Moments like these make me feel special. We got to talk to a very talented singer a few weeks ago and she's Aicelle Santos. She's coveted the title of Traffic Diva lately (in hit afternoon show Eat Bulaga) but she's been singing Aegis songs these past few months/years for the theater adaptation dedicated to the iconic Filipino band's music. She's out with a new EP now called "Liwanag" which she independently produced. She's had a hand in choosing, composing, and arranging the songs that's why she feels it's a little personal this time.

Aicelle says "This isn't your typical love song playlist and each song gives a unique message about bringing positivity, light, hope and love."

This is also going to be distributed by HOMEWORKZ RECORDS which is the record label of RnB Prince JayR. It's now in stores and is available in leading record bars, Astrovision and Astroplus branches nationwide. Aside from the physical CD's, it's now available in digital format in iTunes and Deezer. Included in the album are 6 tracks with "Kapangyarihan ng Pag-ibig", "Liwanag" (her carrier single), "Tuloy-Tuloy Lang", "Palaging Ikaw", Imma Be By Your Side, and the popular Be with You (which is part of The Rich Man's Daughter's official soundtrack). 

Here's our short interview with the artist when we asked her about making this album:




Here's one of the tracks which she sang during the event:




I've been listening to her album the last couple of days and have grown fond of the song "Tuloy-Tuloy Lang" but I know you may probably like the very emotional and positive "Liwanag" included in the album. I bet you'll feel good since the former is catchy and good vibe inducing especially when you have it on your playlist in the morning.

Congratulations Aicelle! You did good.

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Young JV: Doin' It Big!

We sat down this afternoon with good looking pop rap star YoungJV and got a little personal as it was free for all when he accommodated questions over coffee at Baang Coffee in Tomas Morato. Born Eduardo JV Arancillo Kapunan III, his ilonggo roots was quite evident in the way he talks (malambing), we also felt he was softspoken but quite confident. He exudes a sensible urban young guy with rap and hiphop influences but none of those bad traits at all.

He's a good guy, but a damn good looking one. Aside from his music, he's also venturing into acting. You can sometimes say that it's already a norm in the entertainment industry. He's admittedly learning the ropes and also continually studying in the hopes to be better in this craft too.

His new album is released by Star Records, he's happy he gets to work now with one company. He made a remarkable improvement in his career and he attributes that to the first people who helped him specifically ASAP; this was when he guested for the show. He's happy with his career and his music now because he got to plan a more pop RnB approach this time which was both his decision and star records. Now he's got fans of all ages wherein before it was almost more underground. He says he feels "the need to be artistically free but in hindisight, if it doesn't put food on the table then you won't go further with your career". He wants a balance between the two and he's now also concentrating on singing wherein before it was much more of just rap.

Pop, house, acoustic, he sees music so free now that you can't contain it into one genre. His influences are life experiences, a heartbreak (which he's gone through a lot he says), relationship would actually delce him to write. He did all of the lyrics in this new album and he's proud about that.

Doin' It Big has got 11 tracks. I suggest you go and watch the video he had with Myrtle which has been getting a lot of views on Youtube.

Your Name (featuring Myrtle Sarrosa)
Intro - Doin' It Big
Get Up & Dance
Rock This Town (featuring Laze & Yumi)
Kailan Kaya
Tanong
Boy Meets Girl (featuring Yeng Constantino)
Alay (featuring Akiko)
Got To Have You
Hurts So Bad (featuring Karylle)
Pinas

 He's under Cornerstone now and he's excited to plan out the next few years with them. He decided to be with this talent agency when they got the chance to bond on their US tour. 

You can touch everything but not his hair, he's Young JV and he's still got a lot to prove. He's doing a damn fine job already and I can't wait for the projects that he'll probably do with his new album, his management and the new recording company he's working with. He deserves all the good things that he's getting now and with the fine young man he's become, I won't be surprised he'll be a superstar on his own right pretty soon.

Congratulations Young JV! I'm rooting for you!

For more information about Young JV

Visit his Social Media Channels

http://www.facebook.com/IamYoungJV

http://twitter.com/YoungJVofficial
http://www.youtube.com/youngjvofficial

PS They are currently nominated for an award, please vote for them by tweeting this!

#mma2013 I am voting for YOUR NAME - YOUNG JV FEAT. MYRTLE (DIRECTOR: NOLAN BERNARDINO) for Favorite Urban Video

Just copy and paste it once per day and it'll be counted! Capisce?

Making A Statement on The Streets: Urban Athletics!

It was a cold night. A Saturday night. It was high time we got out of our homes and into the party scene again. So glad that I woke up for this. But I admit I wasn't ready for what I was about to witness!

Hosting the show was Tyler and Suzy Magic 89.9! These guys were awesome. Talked quite a bit of what's about to happen and introduced some people from the business.

Honestly, this is a whole new world for me. I am used to functions with more on the fashion savvy crowd; and right from the get go it was totally different. The Urban Athletics brand brought a different genre, it was more on the Urban, Hiphop, sporty kinda level. It wasn't too fancy but more of an EHLAY (downtown L.A. As in Los Angeles) to East Coast kinda vibe into it. The people were kinda a mix of that too. There were RnB, HipHop artists, dancers, rappers, basketball players, expats, fans... It was complex but do you get what I'm describin? Im sure you do.

They do things differently, dress that way too. The brands alone would tell you the aesthetics of what they are, what they look like and what kind of things they enjoy. I was learning about this whole new genre and was so glad to see them all in one place. Then I got to see some personalities in the RnB and HipHop scene. This was a bonus!

Dj Buzz provided the music. He was awesome and kinda set the mood that evening. It puts you in that place where you feel you were just hanging out with friends, like EHLAY barbecue, at noon. He's a genius.

 Representing Flip Music was an artist named Muriel, she sang a few songs. It exuded hotness, makin love and more. She had her own fanclub in the crowd too. Quite cute. Her songs are currently played in Wave, try to look her up and request for her single. Specifically the one titled "Uh".

The Matinik single of Kenjohns (a former all stars member) and their group Rockstar was another treat. It was catchy, beats were kinda fun in all the right places. I guess hearing Filipino rap tunes was really ON! The dancers who performed with him was superb, they performed 100% and they had that presence!Of course they were there to promote some of the latest releases in hiphop gear and apparel called The One. It's available now in Urban Athletics stores. (*added one to my checklist* ✓) Pair this up with current staples on your closet or let this be the actual main outfit, it's gonna be awesome!

I didn't know Kat Alano could do this. She's tall, pretty, models, hosts and can carry a tune... what more can you ask for gentlemen?? Performing with her on this bit is Thyro. She also composed this song FYI! Back to Bed I think is the name of her single. Thyro's got an album out with Yumi properly called "Thyro and Yumi". Heard it from a friends IPAD and they're good!

From Hyphen in the US here's J.O.L.O. He performed together with Tamika and Kid Wolf. This young lady rapping in pink on the other hand is Marianne. They've got tunes you'll enjoy if you are into street type of rap music. You kinda know there's passion in there somewhere. You feel it.

 Enjoying the sounds and music right beside my was underground rap superstar Delo. I'm sure you've watched some of his videos. This guy is so quiet and humble in person. He's a devil with a microphone foh shuh!

This event also launched The Empire x Fanboy brand of Tyler, Finny and Enzo. They've got cool, bad ass shirts. Some had various artists, basketball/sports teams etc perfect for street wear. Simple concept but it gets their point across. It kinda starts there to turn your Fanboy mode on. Wish I had one but a different team than the NBA champs haha! Sorry I'm no Miami Heat fan! LOL

First time to meet Ms. Roe Comendador of Urban Athletics. Here with her is Enzo aka Juan Manila of Juanmanila.com. She was so nice, whilst Enzo on the other hand was soooo baddd LOL

 

This awesome guy is Paulo Guerrero, he's from Urban Athletics. He was so nice! Of course we had to have Beer Pong Lessons inside the store! I should play this game soon, and I'll probably not care at all if I lose. The Manila Beer was GREAT! Had a couple of rounds and boy was I happy! ^_^ 

 

Yeap you are not seeing old photos, this is NEW baby! You are not dreaming, imagine I was right in front of former Legit Mizfits frontman now going solo MC Dash. With him is Pino G, then on he also performed with Tempest and Blake,  as if that wasn't enough he then did a couple with fellow legendary hiphop demigods Chemical Ali, Jesri, Jaime Labrador - BB clan, plus they even performed everybody's freakin favorite JABONGGA! This just made my night extra special! :D They are also wearing those awesome The One and WIP caps, it just completes their getup. This guy is sick I'm telling you. I haven't seen anyone perform this passionately with their music in a loooonggg time.

My favorite shoes in the world SUPRA was also there too bringing in that new urban street vibe into footwear. Their unparalleled aesthetics, design and colors were evident; I really envy the guy who got the pair last night, too much that I must have one of those real soon! Sorry, self confessed shoe addict here. You guys had me at "pwede na yan! (in size 10) says Suzy of Magic 89.9" =)  They also carry VURS merchandise which is somewhat a very socially responsible clothing collection. Imagine parts of the profits of this shirt goes to initiatives against human trafficking. Pretty dope!

I also saw this rack of Timbre headphones. Man, I'm telling you I'll surely go back for this. This is a must have item from their store.So that means, I MUST HAVE THIS!

This event was beyond my expectations. I learned a lot of things and picked up so many brands I should have known a long time ago. Urban Athletics showed me Urban/Street fashion that's a whole different culture. I've met some of the nicest people in the Urban/RnB and HipHop industry, the nicest athletes all under one roof. Thank you so much to Team Strato, everyone behind Urban Athletics and this event! I'll be looking at things way differently now. Your clothes, shoes, shirts and accessories of the brands you carry inside the store are epic! (which reminds me they carry Adidas Originals, Converse, Vans, Radii, Zoo York, Nike 6.0, Zurrick, Manhattan Portage and more!) I can't wait to get first dibs on it again soon!  

For more information

Check out their website!

http://www.urbanathletics.com.ph

Like them on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/UAPhils

Follow them on Twitter 


@urbanathletics

Or call +6325013274 and check out the next event!