ASIAN HIP-HOP ROYALTY AWICH REVEALS STUNNING MUSIC VIDEO FOR "THE UNION"

November 2nd, 2023 – Japanese hip-hop Queen Awich has revealed the video for "The Union", the title track from her recently released album.

Directed by Hideto Hotta, the video was shot in Awich’s hometown of Okinawa. The dance performed in the video represents an important part of Okinawan culture which stems from when Okinawa was its own country called Ryukyu Kingdom. When the Japanese took over, the people were condemned to practice anything representing the original culture. That included art, martial arts, tattoos, music, and more. The dance Awich performs in the video was originally a style of martial arts that was then disguised as a dance. Years later, after WWII, Okinawa was placed under the control of the United States until 50 years ago when Okinawa was returned to Japan.

In addition to the nod to Okinawa's history and stunning visuals, the video also gives a glimpse into the mind of Japan’s biggest hip-hop star and features her daughter Toyomi.

The Union' is her latest album since her previous LP 'Queendom' was released on March 4, 2022 and 'United Queens EP' that was released earlier this year, which included an all-female set of featured artists. Fans can listen to 'The Union' here: music.empi.re/theunion

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Featured on VOGUE, Tatler Asia, Hypebeast, iD Japan and more...

"Her hard-knocking and relentless sonic outlook of female empowerment has made her a predominant figure of Asian women in rap and a bridge between the
musical landscape of the East and West."
– Hypebeast

“queen of Japanese Hip-Hop here to put a flag, marking her place in the culture.”

– AllHipHop

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Awich, short for “Asia Wish Child,” taken from her birth name “Akiko,” is a name she created to reflect her roots. A child growing up on her home island of Okinawa, Awich would stay up through the night writing poetry about varieties of things such as love, life, the universe, and more. Her first encounter with hip-hop was listening to Tupac’s 'All Eyez on Me' when she was 13 and began writing rhymes and learning to rap. By the time she turned 14, she was rapping and recording on cassette tapes. She relocated to Atlanta to attend college and during her time stateside, she married and gave birth to her daughter. In 2011, her husband was murdered which led Awich to return to Japan with her young daughter in tow, having to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy. The intense process of introspection during this period was cathartic and helped her to find profound meaning in life, love and forgiveness.

Awich has since risen above her circumstances and channelled her experiences into art, evolving into the "badass female rapper" (Flaunt Magazine) that we see today. She flows freely between English, Japanese and Okinawan, enchanting millions of fans with her deep vocals and effortless cadence.

Earlier this year she performed at the very first iteration of Rolling Loud Thailand alongside artists like Cardi B, Lil Uzi Vert, and many more. Not only is she known as Japan's hip-hop queen – Awich's status as a fashion icon also reigns supreme. She has been featured on international outlets such as VOGUE, Hypebae, GQ, Harper's Bazaar and more.

Following the release of 'The Union', Awich will be releasing an album in English in early 2024 with US touring to follow.

Stream 'The Union' here: music.empi.re/theunion 

BingoPlus Newest Endorser Stars in “An Ultimate Night with Piolo Pascual”

When showbiz heartthrob Piolo Pascual celebrated his 25 years in the entertainment industry, BingoPlus – the first and only live streaming bingo in the Philippines and the leading entertainment gateway for Filipinos – made sure he would have a spectacular celebration.

“An Ultimate Night with Piolo” – a concert that showcased the sparkling personality and talent of BingoPlus’ newest endorser – looked back and honored the hard work and success of the Filipino film and TV actor who is also a recording artist, host, commercial model, film producer and multi-awarded performer.

The sold-out concert featured Jericho Rosales, Arnel Pineda and Iñigo Pascual as special guest performers. Dedicated to Piolo’s fans who have given him their unending love and support throughout his career, the audience at the concert was treated to a special song number that Piolo performed with Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. The audience broke out in applause and a swoon over the exquisite number. .

“BingoPlus’ sponsorship of this grand event is an expression of our brand’s all-out support for our newest official celebrity endorser. It is a testament to how much we value the partnership we have with the country’s most sought-after actor who continues to deliver excellent quality entertainment to the Filipino people,” said Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent Inc., the company that introduced the BingoPlus brand.

BingoPlus is the proud flagship brand of Digiplus Interactive Corp, solidifying its position as a leading gaming and leisure provider in the country. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, Digiplus Interactive Corp continues to enrich the gaming experience for Filipino players across the nation.

To know more, download the BingoPlus app now via the App Store and Google Play or visit http://www.bingoplus.com. Sa BingoPlus, Bingo sa Saya, Plus sa Panalo!

KAREN HARDING ‘BACK TO YOU’

 

UK Top 10 hitmaker Karen Harding has released her brand new single ‘Back To You’ via Ultra Records / Sony Music. It is the latest song to be taken from her eagerly awaited debut album out this summer.   Karen’s vocals soar among the propulsive house beats and high rising synths of ‘Back To You’, where she sings about embracing blossoming love while working through the butterflies and second guesses that come with it. ‘Back To You’ has been written with Rob Harvey (Kasabian, The Streets, Rudimental) and co-produced with Franklin (Nile Rodgers, Digital Farm Animals) and Ollie Green (David Guetta, John Newman, Ella Henderson).   Regarding the single Karen says, “‘Back To You’ follows the moments of doubt you feel when you get into a new relationship, but you know that it's gonna be fine and will all work out. I loved working on this record with Rob Harvey and Ollie Green, we had so much fun in the studio that day and we were all feeling the positivity that runs through the song! I hope it can take people to that positive place when they might be going through hardships with their partner. I love the big sing along chorus and can't wait to perform it live.”   ‘Back To You’ is the latest song to be taken from Karen’s highly anticipated debut album. The forthcoming record is already chocked full of hits, including further Franklin produced tracks such as ‘Undo My Heart’, with over 26 million streams and Radio 1 playlist support, and ‘Other Side Of Love’, a playlist hit at Kiss Dance and Capital Dance, with regular spins Kiss FM, Capital FM, Radio 1, and well over a million streams.   The record will also feature her UK Top 10 hit ‘Say Something’ and see Karen working and collaborating with Armand van Helden, Shift K3Y, Digital Farm Animals, MNEK and more.   Over recent months Karen’s sought-after voice has continued to prove inescapable across airwaves and dancefloors as she’s laid her lush tones down on huge tracks with further internationally revered producers including collaborations with Oliver Heldens on ‘Oops’, Biscits’ on ‘That Feeling’ and Armand van Helden on ‘Wings (I Won't Let You Down)’. All have ridden high in Shazam charts, topped Dance Charts in the UK and Europe, while they have also been playlisted across many key radio stations and streaming platforms, while also clocking up multi-million plays.   With the release of her debut album this summer, Karen Harding’s stratospheric rise holds no bounds as she cements her place in pop stardom in 2023.

Download press photos here

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For more information, contact mabuhay@blackstar.space

FEEL SUMMER IN NOVEMBER THROUGH APLAYA BY BUDDING OPM ROCK BAND, QUADERNO

Quaderno is a young up-and-comer that only started this year. Although the band is in their infancy, they have shown that they are capable of making songs that are relatable to their legion of fans. The band has been very busy sharing their music through various audiences as they tour around the metro and other parts of Luzon. One song they are eager to play to their live crowds is their third original song, Aplaya.

Aplaya is a Filipino word that translates to seashore. The song narrates to the listeners the heartbreak of being reminded of someone who that person used to share memories with while they were at a beach. The band revisited their previous sound from their first release, Sinta, and showed growth by adding more effects to their guitars and playing more complex riffs to show off their guitar playing chops.

Follow Ivory Music & Video and Quaderno’s social media pages for the latest updates.

Aplaya Listen to Aplaya on Spotify. Quaderno · Song · 2022.

MYRNE PAYS HOMAGE TO LIVE SHOWS WITH WANDERING REWORKS

Following on from the release of his popular EP, Wandering, MYRNE returns with Reimagined versions of Sleeping On My Own Again and Superstructure.

Since its release via Ultra late last year, Wandering has amassed more than 6 million streams, and seen support from key media titles. Now delivering a new perspective on two of its tracks, Sleeping On My Own Again and Superstructure, MYRNE reimagines the floaty originals into sizzling house weapons. He explained:

“I've always felt that albums are a snapshot in time for an artist, or a measure of modernity. Every EP or album I've ever released will sound dated in some sense in a year or two - that's why I wanted to approach some songs off of my latest EP, Wandering, through a different lens. I've been missing house music a lot, and the energy of live shows, so I wanted to bring those two tracks to life in that context.”

Representing an absence of live shows - something which seems a long way off in his own county, Singapore - MYRNE replaces string samples for synths in Superstructure to transform it into a soul-stirring heater, while the reimagined vision of Sleeping On My Own Again adds delicate basslines and euphoric soundscapes throughout.

Continuing to keep busy during an absence of live shows, MYRNE has recently embarked on a series of Apple Music mixes, with the next slated for July 2nd. What’s more, he’ll be hosting three live performance videos following the release of the new EP.

Since his explosion onto the scene back in 2015, MYRNE has deftly straddled genres from easy listening to high energy bass with his releases via Monstercat, Universal, Fools Gold, PRMD.

What’s more, his role as remixer has taken him to rework tracks for heavyweights including, Martin Garrix, Diplo, Becky Hill, Lauv, and SanHolo, whilst his live performances have seen him headline alongside RL Grime, Diplo, Baauer, Porter Robinson, DJ Snake, Madeon, The Chainsmokers and Major Lazer.

MYRNE - Wandering (Reimagined EP) is out now Ultra Music.

Click here to listen

MYRNE - Wandering (Reimagined) EP  UPC: 0617465029912 Label: Ultra Single/Album/EP: EP Genre: Dance Release date: 3 June 2021

ASHE SHARES NEW TRACK AND MUSIC VIDEO “ME WITHOUT YOU”

Ashe has shared “Me Without You,” the latest new track to be revealed from her forthcoming anticipated debut album Ashlyn, out May 7th on Mom + Pop Music. Stream/download it HERE and watch the striking new music video HERE.  “Me Without You” was co-written by: Ashe, Leroy “Big Taste” Clampitt (Justin Bieber, Lennon Stella) and Casey Smith, who also collaborated with Ashe on her monster hit “Moral of the Story” which has amassed 758 million streams to date.   

“Me Without You” is a Beatles-esque piece of baroque pop that unfolds as an anthem of self-discovery, backing Ashe’s rhapsodic vocal work with lavish string orchestration.   Flashes of classic Beach Boys influences can be heard in Ashe’s angelic layered vocals. The song is an empowering anthem displaying Ashe’s growth and evolution both artistically and personally.

 

Ashe explains, “’Me Without You’ is my follow up to ‘Moral Of The Story.’ It's saying you thought that I needed you to be who I am. There is my past relationship...I had multiple people... You know, assumed that I needed them in my life to feel confident or to be me and "Me Without You" is just this record that's like, ‘Ooh, I am so good on my own.’”

 

The colorful music video was directed by Jason Lester (LAUV & Conan Gray, Sabrina Carpenter) with creative direction by Ashe. The clip sees Ashe in a speakeasy-style bar, dancing barefoot on broken glass and leaving behind traces of blood seemingly unfazed.  Throughout the clip she’s flounced by a quartet of string players miming as Ashe drifts in and out of various scenes.  Thematically the video conveys the underlying message that no matter where you go, you carry your past and memories with you.

 

Additional notable tracks revealed from Ashe’s forthcoming new album include "When I'm Older,"  "I'm Fine," and “Till Forever Falls Apart,” Ashe’s acclaimed collaboration with FINNEAS which has amassed 40 million streams since its March release. Ashlyn also features both versions of “Moral of the Story” including the most recent reimagined collaboration with Niall Horan. Pre-order the album HERE and watch the album trailer HERE. 

 

2021 is proving to be an exciting year for Ashe.   She was just named a YouTube Music Artist on the Rise, YouTube’s emerging artist program that champions breaking talent and rising stars. Ashe is also nominated for iHeart Music Awards Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist 2021 (the awards are on May 27^th).  Her meteoric rise includes amassing a million Instagram followers, over 9.5 million monthly Spotify listeners and one million TikTok followers and earning the admiration of legendary artists like Brian Wilson (one of Ashe’s personal heroes).  A graduate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Ashe’s touring resume includes performances at Coachella with Big Gigantic, and opening slots for Lewis Capaldi, The Chainsmokers, LAUV and more.  

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PORTER ROBINSON’S SECRET SKY FESTIVAL RETURNS APRIL 24TH

 

Acclaimed vocalist, songwriter and producer Porter Robinson’s livestream festival Secret Sky will return April 24th. This year’s lineup, curated by Porter, features artists from across the world including Baauer, BoysNoize, End of the World, Imanu B2B Buunshin, James Ivy, Kero Kero Bonito, Laxcity, Masakatsu Takagi, No Rome, Rezz, Salute, Serph, Swardy, Wave Racer and Yvette Young. Porter’s headline set marks the first time he will perform music from his highly anticipated new album Nurture, out April 23rd via Mom+Pop. See the full line-up and register to attend here. 

Porter, in partnership with Active Theory, has designed and built a custom, digital, VR-optimized festival grounds inspired by massive online multiplayer experiences and Porter's favorite indie art games. Users will embody Secret Sky themed avatars and experience the festival with thousands of attendees in real time, with features such as live voice chat, multiple explorable environments, and a landscape modifying "party mode". The festival uses Active Theory's Dreamwave technology—previously seen at last year's Secret Sky Festival and Sundance Film Festival— and includes new and improved features such as WebXR support and live-stream stage integration.

The event will stream on YouTube, Twitch, Oculus VR, Android TV (via RAD TV), PlayStation (via RAD TV) and Diplo’s Revolution on SiriusXM. The event is free to the public, and Porter is encouraging fans to donate to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund via YouTube and Twitch.

Presented by Goldenvoice, Brownies & Lemonade and Slush Management, the 2021 installment follows last year’s much-lauded debut early in Covid lockdown, a 14-hour livestream event that featured sets by G Jones, Jai Wolf, Kizuna AI, Madeon, San Holo, A. G. Cook, Anamanaguchi and others. The livestream attracted more than 4 million viewers, with the Youtube chat peaking at 8,813 messages per second.

During Secret Sky, Postmates—the leader in delivering nearly anything on-demand—will host a virtual festival booth featuring free delivery on all orders using the code SECRETSKY so that virtual festival goers can complement the music with food and drinks from their favorite local restaurant. Offer is valid from April 24th at 10 A.M. PDT to April 25th at 6 A.M. PDT with a basket size of $10 or more. To order visit Postmates.com or download Postmates on iOS or Android.

Secret Sky will be available on Oculus Quest. On April 24th, users can head into VR and visit secretskyfest.com in the Oculus Browser app to enter the Digital Auditorium. To purchase an Oculus Quest 2 headset, visit oculus.com/quest-2 or visit your local retailer. Additional sponsors include Magic: The Gathering and Red Bull.

Nurture, Porter’s first full length in seven years, features much-lauded singles “Musician,” “Look At The Sky,” Mirror,” “Get Your Wish” and “Something Comforting.

Nurture spans a highly challenging period in Porter’s life when he felt creatively crippled, but ultimately serves as a testament to the hope and perseverance that pulled him out of the darkest moments. On Nurture, Porter returns to the piano and his singing voice as foundations, creating an intimate album that champions vulnerability while paying homage to the struggles that pushed him to grow, blending live instruments, digital synths, artificially pitched vocals, chopped samples and cozy ambience.

At age 18, the North Carolina-based producer and songwriter burst onto the scene with a complex, bombastic brand of electro-house. Following the major success of his 2014 debut album Worlds, Porter released the RIAA Gold single “Shelter” with Madeon in 2016, followed by a Shelter Live Tour spanning 43 dates and four continents. The following year, Porter began releasing music under a new alias, Virtual Self, which lead to his first Grammy nomination for the BBC Radio 1 hit single “Ghost Voices.” In 2019, Porter created his own music festival Second Sky in partnership with Coachella-promoter Goldenvoice, a two-day event that sold out all 30,000 tickets in a single day and will return to the San Francisco Bay Area soon.