Playgirls

The newest female group sensation to hit the local music scene - Playgirls is launching their hugely anticipated album, RATED PG under Viva Records. Ice, Karen, Mar, and Pauline who are all half Filipino and half Foreign will showcase their vocal talents in the fusion of pop and r&b music. The album is composed of five original english tracks, four of which are written and composed by Quickie of Eight Ounce Entertainment. Their carrier single, Check 1 enjoy tremendous response from the listening public and is being played at MYX. Playgirls was formed on December 2007 and is the brainchild of Michael “Quickie” Tupaz, a former Viva Rap Recording Artist. His concept for the group is to form an all female ensemble that can break into the international music scene. The story of the Playgirls started with Ice Hollanes (1st member of the group whom Quickie discovered through one of his friends); Ice is a Spanish - Chinese - Filipina model / actress (done works with Palos of ABS-CBN) who’s passion is really singing, Quickie instantainiously realized the potential of Ice and decided to take her under his wing and help her break into the music scene. In the succeeding months Quickie started looking for other people who could complement Ice’s singing talent. He soon added Karen Bordador, a cheerful Filipina –Japanese model/singer who has done TV and print commercials; Mar O’rourke, a serious looking but friendly Irish – Filipina dance choreographer who use to be one of the 26K of Deal or No Deal (ABS-CBN); and Pauline Subido, a timid Spanish – Filipina model who’s passion is dancing. The foursome has been seen in some corporate events, fashion shows and has done a front act to Bobby Kimball of Toto last November 2008 at the Heritage Hotel. source:http://www.myxph.com

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The pussycat dolls

Nicole Scherzinger, Jessica Sutta, Ashley Roberts, Kimberly Wyatt and Melody Thornton. The Pussycat Dolls represent the next step for the group whose Sunset Strip performances became the hippest ticket in music.

source:http://www.myxph.com
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Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty was the second artist from Barbados to have received an award from the Grammys. She got signed by rapper Jay-Z which led her to be one of the most sought after international stars.

source:http://www.myxph.com
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Sean Kingston

Sean Kingston, a 17-year-old Miami-born, Jamaica-raised songwriter has created a new genre by combining pop, reggae, hip-hop, doo-wop in his music. His first single, Beautiful Girls, rocketed to #1 from the #23 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.



Sean debuted on national TV when he performed on NBC’s Today Show. He has been nominated for Choice R&B Track on Fox’s 2007 Teen Choice Awards. His video for Beautiful Girls was used for the promotion of the new season of “Desperate Housewives.”

source:http://www.myxph.com

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Secondhand Serenade

Nearly a year after the release of his debut album, Awake, Secondhand Serenade is back with his much-anticipated follow-up, A Twist In My Story. Rightfully titled, the album finds Secondhand Serenade—a.k.a. John Vesely— adding onto his signature raw vocals and guitar with the use of orchestration and a full band.

Carrying the momentum of a carefully crafted career, support from his label Glassnote Records along with the adoration of millions of fans, A Twist In My Story will be released on February 5th of 2008. The album finds John coming off of one of the most hectic years of his life after appearances on MTV, Yahoo! Music, AOL, Music Choice, in Rolling Stone, and more. Rigorous national tours followed with other notable artists including the Plain White T’s, All American Rejects, and Hawthorne Heights. Additionally, John just wrapped up a 24-date tour as a headliner.

The album finds John collaborating with two industry heavyweight producers, Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails, Angels & Airwaves) and Butch Walker (Fall Out Boy, All American Rejects), as well as venturing into “a whole bunch of different styles of songs.” He knew that crafting these songs in a new environment was essential in terms of his growth as an artist, but Vesely remained mindful to never allow his surroundings change his artistry at it’s core.

“I kept a lot of those same things from the first album because the way I write didn’t change. It just became more complex. Some changes were necessary this time around because of the developments I’ve had as a person and as a performer,” Vesely remarked. “I just wanted to be creative and make the songs I wanted to make. I only used what I thought each song needed and that meant adding some new layers to the cake.”

The layers are evident right from the start of the album. Leading off with “Like A Knife,” the tone is immediately set for what is a heartfelt body of work complete with strings, signature harmonies, and lyrics conveyed with honest emotion. The Butch Walker produced ballad “Fall For You” follows, which is one of many tracks featuring John on the piano. The remaining tracks are of a mixed sort with songs like “Stranger,” “Maybe,” and the up-tempo “Suppose” benefiting from the sounds of a full band, while others like “Why,” “Goodbye,” and the album’s title track all prove to be just as effective in their stripped down form.

Overall, Secondhand Serenade is out to please his supporters, whom he notes have helped him to reach this point in his life. He claims, “Nothing in my career would be possible without my fans backing me. They are the most important people in terms of any success I have or will ever have.” It is for this reason that he prides himself on keeping a personal connection with fans both on-line and at performances.

A Twist In My Story is a new chapter for Secondhand Serenade, taking you through the highs and lows of love and life. John Vesely is a modern day storyteller following a path all his own while putting a new twist on his timeless tale.

source:http://www.myxph.com

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SpongeCola

Sponge Cola is composed of Yael Yuzon, Gosh Dilay, Erwin Armovit and Chris Cantada. At first they named the group Sponge, after the book called Mr. Sponge Sporting Tour. But since another band was also called Sponge, they added Cola to their name.

Their self-titled EP was composed of five original songs: Lunes, A Tear, Saturn, Cigarette and Jeepney. The first and the last track got popular and instantly became favorites. When their cover of Madonna’s “Crazy For You” was heard through the internet, it became an underground hit, further boosting their popularity.

By 2004, the band released their full-length debut album which consists of “KLSP”, “Gemini” and “Una” just to name a few. Two songs from their EP – “Lunes” and “Jeepney” – were also included due to its overwhelming response.

The band then contributed to tribute albums for two of the most influential and admired groups in the Philippine music scene. They covered the Eraserheads hit song “Pare Ko” on Ultraelectromagneticjam, APO Hiking Society’s much-loved classic “Nakapagtataka” on Kami nAPO muna and “San Na Nga Ba Ang Barkada” on Kami nAPO Muna ULIT.

In 2006, the band broke the sophomore jinx when they released their second album Transit. Its first single Bitiw received massive radio airplay. Tuloy Pa Rin was just as successful and was even used as the theme song of the TV show Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao, while Pasubali was used as the theme song of the Koreanovela called Lovers. The album also includes the song “Movie.”

Sponge Cola’s much-anticipated third album was released on September 2008, with Puso as its first single. Unfortunately, that would be the last album which features Chris Cantada on drums since it was reported that he had to leave the group due to health reasons.

by Kat Quijano
source:http://www.myxph.com

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The Company

Asia’s premiere vocal group and multiple Awit Award winner, The CompanY, together with Gerard Salonga and his orchestra, FILharmoniKA embark on a musical adventure in the album entitled “Group Hug” (Viva Records); scheduled for release in December, 2008.

“Group Hug” is The CompanY’s earnest tribute to the iconic and legendary groups that have left their indelible mark on the history of popular music. These are the international music titans who have changed and influenced the sound, feel and look of today’s sonic landscape; Phenomenal groups like: Abba, Beatles, The Carpenters, Nirvana, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Jacksons, Spiral Starecase, Average White Band, David Foster’s Airplay and Queen.

“Group Hug” showcases the versatility of The CompanY as this album delves into multiple and disparate music genres. From mainstream pop to classic rock, from old school rhythm and blues to fiery mambo, from smooth jazz to pseudo classical postulations; from contemporary a cappella to electronica – the album “Group Hug” runs the spectrum of music styles and influences. The CompanY, a pliable vocal quintet, unleashes a cast of a thousand voices from within to try on different sounds, styles, textures and rhythms.

Album producers, Moy Ortiz and Gerard Salonga, have made a deliberate and conscious decision not to utilize and apply the FILharmoniKa orchestra in predictable and traditional ways. The record producers pushed the vocalists and instrumentalists to their limit in seeking uncharted musical territories where experimentation was the norm.

Music, like most things, is arguably Darwinian in nature. It is evolutionary in the sense that every style, trend or movement has brought music to its current state. Each music artist builds on top of what has gone before him. Here lies the spirit of “Group Hug”. This new album is The CompanY’s tip of the hat to the groups that have paved the way, inspired, educated and illuminated us all with the possibilities and truths. “Group Hug” is a loving homage to the lasting legacy of pop music’s super groups.

The end result is a highly entertaining and innovative musical romp into the 20th century’s pop music canon. Strangely familiar yet surprisingly fresh in attack and interpretation, The CompanY together with Gerard Salonga and his orchestra, FILharmoniKa, deliver one of the Philippines’ best albums for 2008.

Group Hug consists of the following songs: Magical Mystery Tour (The Beatles), Blame It On the Boogie (The Jacksons), You’re The One/ I Just Fall In Love Again (Carpenters), Play That Funky Music/Superstition (Wild Cherry), Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen), Should We Carry On (Airplay), More Today Than Yesterday (Spiral Starecase), Take A Chance On Me (Abba), Boogie Wonderland (Earth, Wind and Fire), Walk In Love (The Manhattan Transfer) and All Apologies (Nirvana).

Group Hug offers an original composition entitled, “Nandito Pa Rin Tayo”. Written by multi-awarded tunesmith, Moy Ortiz, the new song speaks of relationships that remain constant and secure in an ever-changing and disposable world. These are bonds anchored in love and trust like those seen between a parent and child, amongst best friends, faithful married couples, dedicated lovers and even between a performing artist and his loyal audience. A beautiful music video of this song was directed by Chuck Gutierrez and shot by cinematographer Bernard Dacanay (both from Brainchild Creative Solutions). The music video is also included on the Group Hug album (video-audio compact disc). Moreover, the minus one/ karaoke track of “Nandito Pa Rin Tayo” is also included on the album.

The CompanY, Gerard Salonga and the entire FILharmoniKA will launch the Group Hug album on December 14, Sunday, at the grand atrium of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, 6 pm. Admission is free and there will be a meet and greet after the show.

Group Hug, The CompanY’s 18th album release, is undoubtedly a milestone album.

The CompanY is Annie Quintos, Moy Ortiz, Cecile Bautista, Sweet Plantado and Jay Marquez.

source:http://www.myxph.com

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The Dawn

One of the Philippines’ premiere rock legends springs back and is all set to sweep the nation with their compelling melodies and striking rhythms. Only this time, it is with a more laid-back, subdued, but nevertheless still powerful flair which will transport the senses into a state of sheer satisfaction.

After producing more than ten hit albums under its belt, THE DAWN rightly deserves the title of being one of the most influential and longest-running Filipino rock bands to cross centuries. Spawning undying anthems such as ENVELOPED IDEAS, SALAMAT, and TULAD NG DATI, the band is more than ecstatic to continue making its mark not only in music history, but in the entertainment industry as a whole.

It is no secret that a powerful potion for the band’s longevity is its love for making unprecedented moves. Challenging their limits and wading into uncharted waters, THE DAWN became the first Filipino band to star in a semi-biographical movie called TULAD NG DATI. Their bold move indisputably paid off as the film earned numerous recognitions namely Best Picture, Best Sound and Best Editing in the 2006 Cinemalaya Awards. It also garnered accolades and praises from critics in Indie Film Festivals abroad.

Traversing with their pursuit of reinvention, THE DAWN collaborated with CCP Tanghalang Pilipino in early 2008 to produce a critically-acclaimed musical called EJ: Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay Nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson, which was starred by no less than the rock legend himself, Jett Pangan.

THE DAWN continued to experiment with different styles by taking on some musical brakes and exploring a jazzier terrain which brought a distinctive style to their repertoire. Their musical detour, or ‘stopover’ as the band prefers to think of it, surprised audiences who were used to hearing the band in a louder setting. The gentler, sweeter, and even romantic vibe was felt as The Dawn took on a handful of critically acclaimed jazz-flavoured gigs around the Metro.

THE DAWN explores the gentler and lighter rays of its musical prism, turns down the decibel levels, and dims the lights to a relaxed glow as they bring their latest offering “The Later Half of Day” under MCA Music. Best described as eclectic, this album captures and documents the diversity of The Dawn’s musical artistry. Well-loved originals like ENVELOPED IDEAS and LOVE WILL SET US FREE are given light and playful grooves, and 80's anthems like MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE and I MELT WITH YOU are presented in a jazzier style.

So for those in the mood to loosen up and chill out, there is no greater way to experience lounging than by listening to the THE DAWN’S newest album, “The Later Half of Day.”

“THE LATER HALF OF DAY” is on sale in all major record bars nationwide. “THE LATER HALF OF DAY” is released through Songstream Music and MCA Music. Inc.
source:http://www.myxph.com

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The Out of Body Special

When Time Magazine dubbed them as one of the top 5 Asian music acts everybody should lend an ear to for 2008, The Out of Body Special took this as a worthwhile challenge for them to perform as well as people hailed them to be. Three singles later, it seems as they were indeed good enough for the rave, with music that continues to make listeners sway and bob their heads to. And that was just the beginning.

As soon as their third single, Sexy Beast, came out, the band quickly hopped into a bus and went on a nationwide trek. This was the Siege Tour, a string of concerts known for showcasing hard-hitting rock bands. Wait, hard-hitting rock bands? How could The Out of Body Special, geeks of the groove and officers of funk, possibly fit in? Be that as it may, crowds from all of the concert stops watched. And listened. And banged their heads. And put up devil horns with their hands. “We didn't expect the response we got,” vocalist Los shares, “but it was overwhelmingly fun. We just went out there and did what we do, and the people were into it.” Say what you must that they were but a mere respite for the slew of the heavy, guitar-driven bands on the same tour, it looks more like how Time described OBS fairly accurately – you should give these guys a listen.

After a month and a half of touring, the surprises just kept on coming. Apart from opening the recent NU Rock Awards, the band was nominated, and subsequently won best new artist honors that same night as well. There wasn't just a row of judges who helped pick who won what; winners were also determined by the radio station's listeners.

And yes, all this is simply the beginning. 2008 was indeed a fruitful year for The Out of Body Special, but with the new year ushering in steadily, the band isn't letting up with their gospel of groove. They have recently finished shooting a music video for their latest single, Kamakailan Lang, a slow and breezy song which is perfect for the chill the country is currently having. Definitely to keep the nights colder, Kamakailan Lang contemplates on a love lost, and the subsequent coping involved. Apart from this, fans should be on the lookout for 2009's MYX Music Awards, where OBS has been nominated for the Favorite Indie Artist plum. This, if anything, is indicative of the band's growth; from Pinoy indie favorites slowly branching out to mainstream mainstays.

So, what are you waiting for? It's not too late to bob those heads – grab a copy of their debut album “Is Love”, available in all major record bars.

source:http://www.myxph.com

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urbandub

Urbandub is a progressive rock band who hails from Cebu. The band’s current lineup is Gabby Alipe (guitars and vocals), Lalay Lim (bass), John Mendoza (drums) and John Dinopol (lead guitars). But before they came up with the right combination in order to have that distinct Urbandub sound, the band underwent several lineup changes.

Just like any other rock band, Urbandub started with making noise in the independent scene with their debut album “Birth”. With this album, the band already got the attention of music enthusiasts with their unique style and sound. It is definitely evident in singles such as “Come”, “Give” and “Would You”. This gave Urbandub the jumpstart they needed to make it big in the OPM scene.

With the release of Urbandub’s sophomore album entitled “Influence” the band took a new form with a new drummer (from Jed Honrado to Jerros Dolino). Even though the band has already established a unique sound with their debut album, “Influence” was the album that clearly defined the direction of Urbandub’s music. Their single “Soul Searching” received praises from people around the Philippines making them closer to where the band’s success is today.

The band hit the right combination with the released their 3rd studio album “Embrace”, because it was around this time when their current drummer John Mendoza came to the scene. Now in full force, Urbandub once again took the world by storm as they got the attention of everyone with their single “First of Summer” at the same time receiving much success in music charts everywhere. This 3rd album from the band not only gave them the chance to sign with a major record label (EMI Philippines) but clearly gave the people a taste of what Urbandub is about.

In 2007 the band released their 4th studio album “Under Southern Lights” which they recorded in their hometown Cebu. This album, according to the band, is dedicated to their hometown and is the album where they were more experimental. Producing hit singles such as “Guillotine”, “Evidence” and “The Fight is Over” there is no stopping Urbandub from their success not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well.

by Miko Pelino
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Up Dharma Down

Currently one of the most popular and well-respected artists in the country, Up Dharma Down has grown from strength to strength making then the favorite, not just fr music fans and critics but just about every band worth their salt, not to mention industry insiders who know a good band when they one.

The group got it's name from the concept that states that everything in existence is connected no matter how diverse they are. This is how the band explains their music, having rather dissimilar musical influences that have resulted in a dynamic sound that still meets halfway as it appeals to a certain group of listeners almost everywhere.

The memberes have combined their love for rock, soul, jazz and electronic music and have made a subconscious merge of a tangled-up, smacked-down groove that has remained unnamed and heard since post-rock as a catch-all description cam out.

"Uncategorizable" and enigmatic, Up Dharma Down, whom fans and industry insiders alike have described as Eryka Badu meets The Blue Nile meets The Album Leaf, has become a Philippine household name and their debut album Fragmented was an immediate Towers Records/M1 chain bestseller and continues to enjoy brisk sales. Their recently released sophomore album, Bipolar has been proclaimed by many critics as the best Filipino Album to come out in many years.

The group has also been tapped by such brands as Coca Cola, Lipton and McDonald's for various music based campaigns. Having been identified by the prestigious BBC as the local band most likely to break the international market, local fans may soon have to face the prospect of sharing their music idols with the rest of the world.

Winner: MYX Music Awards 2008 Favorite Indie Band
Winner: NU Rock Awards 2005 In The Raw Award
NU Rock Awards 2006 Best New Female Icon (Armi Millare)
NU Rock Awards 2006 Best New Artist

source:http://www.myxph.com

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Westlife

No band can compare to Westlife’s overwhelming success. They have been on top for nine years with over 36 million records sold globally, scored eight multi-platinum albums and a record-breaking 14 #1 hit singles in the UK alone (following only Elvis and the Beatles).

Westlife has also received numerous awards and graced the covers of hundreds of magazines worldwide. Incredibly, they are the only recording artists to win the coveted ‘Record of the Year’ four times on top of other awards like two BRITS, and an MTV Europe Award. Westlife also holds the record for the most concerts held at Wembley Arena with an astounding 23 biggest-selling Arena acts.

After bagging the prestigious UK #1 album for The Love Album in 2006 and conquering the world with their 2007 tour, the boys are back with their ninth album Back Home.

source:http://www.myxph.com

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