PSVLM – “U”
An upcoming R&B artist based in Iloilo, Psvlm does most of his works from songwriting to production and mixing by himself, placing no bounds in incorporating different elements in his preferred music style. His latest song “U” talks about desire for a girl while trying to make a name as a rising music personality. Our main man Psvlm also gushes about of the subject’s qualities, validating her insecurities and glorifying her strong traits.
KIYO – “Harana Sa Sarili
Prolific rapper Kiyo finds value in celebrating the simple joys of living in his new single “Harana Sa Sarili. Waxing poetic about self-worth, the Filipino hip-hop artist expresses gratitude for surviving life’s harshest challenges.
“Minsan nakakalimutan natin magpasalamat sa sarili natin, nakakalimutan natin yung mga maliliit na bagay na dapat natin ikatuwa the Navotas City-born artist said in a statement. “Masaya lang ako na nandito pa ako. Kaya nasulat ko yung kanta na yan.
Exploring smooth, lo-fi sounds with colorful production, Kiyo rises above the clutter with endearingly laid-back energy and sunny disposition while spinning verses that are uniquely in touch with the inner self.
VVS COLLECTIVE – “Probinsyana”
On their lilting anthem “Probinsyana,” promising hip-hop quartet VVS Collective delivers a romantic serenade for every ‘country’ lass who took their breath away. The rap crew pays tribute to the women of the countryside whose distinct looks, effortless grace, and captivating intelligence redefine conventional standards of beauty.
“Probinsyana is a feel-good track which many Filipinos can relate to,” the group describes their latest single. “It’s about searching and pursuing that dream girl who lives in the suburbs or the province. It expounds on the qualities of a province girl who’s simple yet has everything you’re looking for in a girl.”
What makes the song extra special is the attempt to take a stand against urbanite snobbery and Manila-centrism in a song that celebrates women of all kinds, regardless of their geographical and social background. If the sparkly, pop-infused single is any indication, VVS Collective proves that they are primed for mainstream crossover.
SHANE G – “Loved”
The latest in a lineage of budding Filipino singer-songwriters, Shane G recently caught the attention of K-Pop stars. Her inspirational self-care ballad “Loved” was featured on VLIVE, a series of streaming sessions curated and hosted by Bang Chan of Korean boyband Stray Kids.
The Korean pop star praised the message behind the song on the 131st episode of his streaming sessions. The online show focuses on championing new music and fresh discoveries from all over the world.
After finding out about the clip, Shane G expressed her excitement through a social media post: “This one’s really SURREAL!!! Am I dreaming??? I will treasure this forever as a STAY, and as an artist.
“I actually started releasing my original songs last year, and to be nominated for this year’s Awit Awards is such a huge blessing,” the young artist adds. “It’s really an overwhelming experience to the point that I still cannot believe it until now.”
Shane G has recently released the independently produced “Kapag Puwede Na,” which finds her interpreting a finely crafted romantic song that she wrote two years ago.
the vowels they orbit – “Una”
It’s always true that the first cut turns out to be the deepest. Indie pop-rock outfit the vowels they orbit knows this by heart, and on their comeback single “Una,” they wax poetic about ‘the person that used to be your everything’ that sounds more of an emotional cleansing than a retread of the good old days.
“No matter what you do, there is nothing that can replace your first,” said the acclaimed group. “Whether it’s your first love or your first day of school ever, there’s something special about the first time. It’s a relatable topic that Nikka, the songwriter and vocalist, felt the need to write about.”
Taking on a more mature musical direction, “Una” is unapologetically brash and confrontational. “The guitars stand out the most in the track, which is a first for us,” vocalist and guitarist Nikka Melchor points out. “There’s minimal acoustic guitar, yet the two electric guitars playing harmoniously create a nostalgic feeling which we aimed for.
“Una” is also accompanied by a music video which highlights distractions as a coping mechanism for the sudden longing of your ‘una’
ACE BANZUELO – “Alive”
Ace Banzuelo has come a long way from being a fresh-faced phenom who can write and produce emotional pop tunes in his bedroom. Today, the alt-pop wunderkind is shifting gears with the music video release of his latest single titled “Alive”.
Confidently grooving to the retro-modern vibe of the track, Ace sheds his reclusive persona for a contemporary pop star character who knows how to charm the dance floor effortlessly. “The brand-new song is a disco pop dance track that builds up to the reminiscence of the classic Manila Sound groove and bilingualism,” Ace shares. “The production is a mix of modern and retro textures, funky guitar fills, synthesizers, horns—and yes, disco elements.
The music video helmed by budding director and 3D artist Reika uncovers a fascination with bright, velvety colors and attention-grabbing visual designs.