Rising Singer-Songwriter Rol3ert Releases New single “Nerd

His new single “Nerd”, released on 25th June under Exciter Records, arrives as an poignant anthem for those navigating solitude while still holding on to hope. A tribute to the “beautiful nerds” looking toward the future, the track blends emotional vulnerability with melodic clarity. Rol3ert revealed that the melody came to him during a bike ride,  and the song, written primarily in English, features emotionally piercing verse in Japanese that strike a deeper chord: 

“I erased my colors 

And I was okay with that 

But I was still scared of the end.”

The song eventually unfolds into a quiet, affirming message that reads like a conversation with his younger self:

“Don’t die 

Don’t throw it away 

Believe in the feelings inside you 

Live honestly 

Trust in your emotions.”

These lyrics resonate not only as a personal reflection but also as comfort for a generation coming of age in uncertain times.

“Nerd” is co-produced by MONJOE (known for his work with yahyel, DATS, Number_i), who brings a dreamlike groove to Rol3ert’s sparkling yet shadowy indie pop/rock sound. The track was mixed and mastered by Masahito Komori, whose credits include Fujii Kaze, Kenshi Yonezu, and Official HIGE DANDism, adding polish and depth to an already immersive production.

The accompanying music video portrays the story of a “nerdy” boy, lost in his own world, who unexpectedly forms a quiet connection with a girl he meets. Their awkward yet sincere “not-quite-dancing” choreography contrasts poignantly with the emotional intensity of the song. Actress Aika Sonoda (known for her work in Japanese film and television) plays the female lead, lending the story a soft, mysterious presence.

In his self-written liner notes, Rol3ert reflects:
“Even though I’ve lived for 19 years - seeing, feeling, absorbing so much - there are still moments when I wonder what the right answer in life really is. That feeling of being totally alone, like you're the only person in the world... I think everyone experiences it at some point. The more you chase answers, the more you can lose sight of yourself. That’s why I believe in facing the ‘nerdy’ parts of yourself, the awkward, overly sensitive, insecure sides that make you feel different. I don’t know if that’s the right answer, but I hope it is. I’ve put that hope and that version of myself into this song.”

Download single cover artwork here

STREAM “NERD” HERE

WATCH “NERD” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE

Rol3ert’s first solo show, “3mpty”, will take place on 4th July at Daikanyama SPACEODD in Tokyo. It will be a special night where the narratives behind “meaning”, “HOPE” and “Nerd” come together. Ticket details are available here. 

On 27th July, Rol3ert will appear at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL performing on the Pyramid Garden stage with a three-piece live setup featuring Colombian bassist/manipulator Alex and guitarist Kenshin Sugimura. The set is highly anticipated as Rol3ert’s music meets the natural atmosphere of Fuji Rock’s iconic festival grounds.

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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 

TOM MORELLO Releases New Single “Driving To Texas” featuring Phantogram

Rock & Roll icon and two-time Grammy winner Tom Morello has released a new single from his recently announced album project The Atlas Underground Fire. The original song “Driving To Texas” featuring Phantogram is available HERE.

“I’d worked with Josh from Phantogram on my first Atlas Underground album and I was thrilled when he and Sarah reached out about collaborating on this record. This song is creepy as hell --a dark journey, a struggle for a tortured soul. The guitar solo needed to feel like a vengeful angel who has come down to decide the fate of the protagonist. Will they descend into the abyss or will they find redemption? “Driving To Texas,” really shows the breadth of the music you’ll hear on this record. Sarah has one of the most haunting and beautiful voices of anyone singing today, and Josh’s production is stylistically so fresh and eerie,” said Tom Morello.
 
Morello – co-founder of Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave and Prophets of Rage – will release this forthcoming album The Atlas Underground Fire on October 15 by Mom + Pop Music. The record is available for pre-order now HERE. The album’s first single, available HERE, was the classic rock AC/DC rock anthem “Highway to Hell” featuring Morello, Bruce Springsteen and Eddie Vedder which debuted at #1 on Classic Rock radio.  Featuring a jaw dropping cast of collaborators including Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Chris Stapleton, Mike Posner, Damian Marley and more, Morello’s insane guitar playing will be on full display taking the instrument into the future and forging an alternative/rock/EDM masterpiece with all-time legends and cutting edge firebrands. 
 
Tom Morello is widely known as a barrier breaking guitarist who continues to push the limits and prove the transformative power of music. Throughout his remarkable career, Morello has collaborated with everyone from Wu Tang Clan to Johnny Cash.  On The Atlas Underground Fire, as he did in 2018’s The Atlas Underground, Morello took a path into new sonic territory with the project’s breadth of talented collaborators, transforming his sound. With his guitar leading the way, Morello continues to create powerful alloys of different genres.

The Atlas Underground Fire Track Listing:
Harlem Hellfighter
Highway to Hell (featuring Bruce Springsteen and Eddie Vedder)
Let’s Get The Party Started (featuring Bring Me The Horizon)
Driving to Texas (featuring Phantogram)
The War Inside (featuring Chris Stapleton)
Hold The Line (featuring grandson)
Naraka (featuring Mike Posner)
The Achilles List (featuring Damian Marley)
Night Witch (featuring phem)
Charmed I’m Sure (featuring Protohype)
Save Our Souls (featuring Dennis Lyxzén of Refused)
On The Shore Of Eternity (featuring Sama’ Abdulhadi)
 
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For more information please contact: mabuhay@blackstar.space 

BLACKSTAR bbno$ RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘Edamame’ FEATURING RICH BRIAN

 

Listen Now

Today sees rising star bbno$ [baby-no-money] release his brand-new single ‘Edamame’ featuring Rich Brian, out via the bbno$ label in partnership with mtheory.   Listen to ‘Edamame’ here   Following the release of the infectious and highly lauded ‘wussup’ last month, bbno$ is back with another incredible new single ‘Edamame’, lifted from his forthcoming album ‘Eat Ya Veggies’, due September 2021. Collaborating with 88Rising’s Rich Brian, the track sees the duo effortlessly maintain an astonishing flow over an uptempo beat, all whilst continuing to flaunt their lavish lives and antics. With its horn section hook, thumping bassline and deftly delivered vocals, ‘Edamame’ is yet another impressive track to add to bbno$’s growing catalogue.   Talking about the track, bbno$ said…"i started making music right after rich brian popped off and i was obsessed with glow like dat. my 19 year old self is still fan boying over edamame. i hope everybody rocks with it as much as i do. gg no re.” bbno$ has also recently announced the EAT YA VEGGIES! tour, which will see him perform across the US & Canada throughout October and November this year, as well as a subsequent rescheduled UK and European tour, in February and March 2022. Full tour dates and tickets can be found here: https://bbnomula.com/tour/

[Photo credit - Mats Schram]

bbno$ has become a case study in how to succeed as an independent artist. The sheer success accumulated by the young artist is evidenced by the fact that bbno$’s tracks have now been streamed more than 2 billion times. He has amassed more than 600,000 TikTok followers, and over one million Instagram followers, and his tracks have been used in over 10 million TikTok videos which have been watched a total of 2 billion+ times. He has since sold-out headline tours in North America, China, and Europe.

Click to watch edamame Music Video

Find bbno$ online Youtube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram   For more information please contact: Mark Bonifacio: mabuhay@blackstar.space

Charli Adams says goodbye to her Alabama upbringing on new single ‘CheerCaptain’

“Evoking her peers Phoebe Bridgers, Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen…fast proving herself as one of the genre’s brightest prospects” The Line Of Best Fit

 

“Explores the lasting impact of youthful hedonism and friendship with the kind of surgical precision that only hindsight can engender” The Fader

 

“There’s a new indie kid on the block” Gigwise

 

“Hype List 2021” Dork

Indie sensation Charli Adams shares retrospective new cut ‘Cheer Captain’ and announces the arrival of debut LP ‘Bullseye’, set for release July 16th via Color Study (Haux, Lav, Rosie Carney).

Marking the latest installment from the musician’s growing collection of relatable and heartfelt pop anthems, ‘Cheer Captain’ sees Adams wave goodbye to a youth spent in a deeply conservative, Christian environment in Alabama where she put cheerleading, worship leading, her family and often toxic relationships with men (and God) above all.

“‘Cheer Captain’ is a resentful and regretful song about struggling with a saviour complex as a serial people pleaser”, explains the rising songwriter. “I desperately wanted to be everything for everyone so I became a customizable human being that often went against everything I actually am. It’s always felt like the thesis of this project as I touch on my relationship with religion, my parents, and men.

I grew up in Alabama and I was captain of the cheerleading team in my freshman year of high school and a worship leader at a church. I think it’s safe to say I was struggling with my identity, in fact I really hated it all so a year later, I started school online and moved to Nashville for music”.

With this relocation essentially kickstarting her musical career, Adams’ momentum has certainly gathered pace in recent months, earning substantial praise throughout the press landscape (NPR, The Fader, Billboard, The Line Of Best Fit, Dork, Gigwise) as she carves her own spot within the alt-rock sphere alongside contemporaries such as Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Jacklin and Sharon Van Etten.

Having already unveiled evocative lead single ‘Didn’t Make It’, and pulsating follow-up ‘Maybe Could Have Loved’ from ‘Bullseye’, an album title inspired by a nickname Justin Vernon gave her playing darts following a chance encounter at a Nashville dive bar, ‘Cheer Captain’ exemplifies the newcomer’s boundless potential amidst an ongoing search for her true identity, and provides a firm indication of what to expect from her upcoming record.

Mixed by Patrick Dilett (St. Vincent, David Byrne, Sufjan Stevens), Charli Adams’ ‘Cheer Captain’ is out April 14th via Color Study (Haux, Lav, Rosie Carney) and will be available on all digital platforms.

Charli Adams Online

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Spotify

BENNY BENASSI PARTNERS WITH BLOOM TWINS FOR ‘DAYDREAM’

Following on from his release Sugar alongside Domino last month, Benny Benassi returns with yet another stellar collab on DayDream, with London-based dark-pop duo, Bloom Twins - out on Ultra Records March 26.

With what’s already been a huge year for Grammy Award winning Benny Benassi in terms of releases, Benny’s career appears to see no sign of slowing

down since his explosion onto the scene with his #1 hit, Satisfaction over sixteen years ago. In the last three months alone Benny has achieved a #1 spot in the US Dance Radio Top 10 and 10m streams for his track alongside Jeremih for LOVELIFE, a huge remix from Galantis 10 years after the original release of Cinema, and a collaboration with Domino, which once again reminded fans of his impeccable ability to lend a hand to a multitude of genres.

Meanwhile, the Bloom Twins, who have been making waves in both the fashion and music scenes, are yet another welcome addition to Benny’s

catalogue of collaborations. Having initially found success on MTV and the BBC, the Bloom Twins quickly became ones-to-watch in the dark pop world, with their infectious melodies, unique (but identical) looks, and their ability as classically trained multi-instrumentalists.

Their tracks and sense of style pricked the ears and eyes of fashion outlets including Hunger, Vogue, Paper and Tatler, whilst their live performances attracted the attention of Dior, Louboutin, FCUK and Tommy Hilfiger, amongst others, with whom they collaborated during recent Fashion Weeks. Alongside this, the Bloom Twins have headlined ArtCrush, been invited to perform at the TED conference in New York, and toured with the likes of Nile Rodgers, Duran Duran, Eels and LP. What’s more, their popular single, Love Me Right Now, was premiered on Hunger TV before it went on to amass over 1m streams and provide the soundtrack to jewelry brand Pandora’s recent advertising campaign – in which the girls also appeared.

The accolades between these artists are endless. Speaking about their latest venture Bloom Twins said:
“We started writing this track on our first visit to LA, just before the world went into lockdown, and then sent it to Benny late last year. That was a DM that turned our quarantine from restricting to mind-blowing! We love what he has done to the song in terms of production and arrangement, and couldn’t be more excited to have this be our first release of 2021. It’s an honor to work with someone of his iconic stature – and we look forward to playing it out as things open up.”

Benny Benassi added:
'When I first received this tune from Bloom Twins I instantly liked its vibe and I thought it could become something special. With my team, I started playing around with our synths to see if it would fit in my musical world. I really really love the atmosphere that we managed to create - it’s a perfect union of our two styles.”

Now releasing on the esteemed Ultra Recordings, Benny Benassi and Bloom Twins unite for a dark pop weapon. Featuring Benny’s impeccable production skills coupled with mesmerizing vocal hooks from the Bloom Twins, DayDream will make you do just that as you get lost in the track.

Benny Benassi X Bloom Twins- DayDream is out 26th March via Ultra Records.

For more information on Benny Benassi please visit:

Facebook I Twitter I Instagram

For more information on Bloom Twins please visit:

Facebook I Twitter I  Instagram

TAGA-ALOG Welcomes Noel Cabangon, Aicelle Santos, and Ben&Ben as Ambassadors

To help achieve its vision of seeing an Ilog Pasig that is alive and clean, the Taga-alog campaign announces its new ambassadors Noel Cabangon, Aicelle Santos, and Ben&Ben during the media and stakeholders’ launch of TAGA-ALOG 2019, Ilog Pasig: Sulong! Lusong! on August 15, 2019 at the Quezon City Sports Club in Quezon City. Now on its second year, Taga-alog aims to further expand the reach of the awareness and capacity building efforts and to strengthen capacities of partners and stakeholders in the pursuit of creative advocacy.

As Taga-alog ambassadors, Noel Cabangon, Aicelle Santos, and Ben&Ben will lend their time and give their support to highlighting the importance of caring for the Ilog Pasig and the environment in general. As artists and musicians, they believe in the power of the arts to create change, the mission and vision of this creative campaign. Given their positive influence on a wide range of Filipino audiences, they address the challenge of connecting to a diverse population in the hopes of bringing back the memories that surround the Ilog Pasig. Taga-alog is looking forward to their ability to encourage and drive action towards the protection and preservation of the environment through the arts.

The Taga-alog Campaign is spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and is implemented by the Philippine Education Theater Association (PETA)—recipient of the 2017 Ramon Magsaysay Awards for its bold, collective contributions in shaping the theater arts as a force for social change. This year, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) is coming in as a major partner in planning and implementing the campaign’s activities and events.

For more information, visit the Taga-alog official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TagaAlog/) or email nccatagaalog@gmail.com.

AC BONIFACIO RELEASES “SLIDE INTO MY DM” - AN ODE TO MODERN DAY ROMANCE

The long wait is over! Dance sweetheart and popular multimedia personality AC Bonifaciowill be releasing her next single and music video this July 5, 2019.

These days one can find love by just a couple of taps on their phone. Hitting someone’s online inbox up, or more commonly known as “sliding into one’s direct messages (DMs),” is the new way of introducing yourself to someone and potentially starting a romantic relationship. The millennials do it; the Gen-Zs do it. This century’s love stories require a good internet connection.

This is what sings about in her upcoming single, Slide Into My DM. With its upbeat melody and lyrics that every social media enthusiast can relate to, the song is set to be the newest bop anthem to blast through everyone’s speakers.

AC Bonifacio is known for being the first-ever Grand Champion of ABS-CBN’s Dance Kids alongside Lucky Ancheta in 2016, as well as placing third in Your Face Sounds Familiar in 2017. She has also been featured on The Ellen DeGeneres show and in Ariana Grande’s concert in Vancouver. AC was also recently part of the reality talent show “World of Dance Philippines” as a co-host for World of Dance Online. AC also won as MYX Celebrity VJ at the 2019 MYX Music Awards.

AC has also previously released “Sumayaw, Sumaya” and “In And Out” (with viral sensation LAVAADO), both under Ivory Music & Video.

“Slide Into My DM” by AC Bonifacio will be available in all digital music stores on July 5, 2019.

KNOW MORE ABOUT AC BONIFACIO THROUGH THESE LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/andreeacbonifacio/

https://www.instagram.com/acbonifacio

https://twitter.com/BonifacioAc

Pinoy Playlist 2018, Ito ay Atin, Sariling Atin

Music is the architecture of the Filipino soul; it has scored our personal and collective lives through the ages. While many things divide us, we Filipinos hold music as the deep common denominator of our “Filipino-ness”. It is time we have a collective celebration of Filipino music – harvest its nourishing past, revel in its present forms, and also innovate by fusing past and present across musical genres of Filipino music.

For 6 days in October this year, October 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20, 2018, the BGC Arts Center will launch a landmark festival: "Pinoy Playlist 2018, Ito ay Atin, Sariling Atin".  Made possible with the support of Sun Life Foundation, it will be the first of an annual Music Festival curated by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Moy Ortiz, and Noel Ferrer. The festival will gather great music being generated and appreciated in pockets of ages and places, collectively showcase them, and hopefully serve to inspire the collective rise of Filipino music.

Pinoy Playlist will ​reinvigorate the tradition of Filipino music by exposing the breadth and range of Filipino musicality across time, from vocal groups, solo, bands, classic, indigenous, pop, and collaborations in between these forms of musicality, to celebrate the evolving nature of Filipino music. ​The matrix of Filipino music will shine in its variety and blaze with the talent of artists across generations.

“Pinoy Playlist 2018, Ito ay Atin, Sariling Atin” is a labor of love of the Pinoy Playlist curators of whom the BGC Arts Center is immensely proud and grateful to be working with.
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab composer and conductor, is among the supernova standard bearers of Filipino music. His works range from commissioned full-length ballets, theater musicals, choral pieces, a Mass set to unaccompanied chorus, and orchestral pieces, to commercial recordings of popular music, film scores and television specials. He got involved with Pinoy Playlist because he says: “At the end of the day, nothing compares to coming together to experience the rich tapestry of homegrown Pinoy music.”

Noel Ferrer is a respected writer, critic, talent manager, producer of award winning films and television shows. He has published the groundbreaking book on the making of stars and celebrities in the Philippines through Anvil Publishing. He is also the official spokesperson and education committee head of the Metro Manila Film Festival as well as an active member of the Entertainment Troika of the Philippine Entertainment Portal. Working to make Pinoy Playlist happen, he said: “There is Cinemalaya and other indie film festivals and of course the MMFF for cinema; there is Virgin LabFest and before a National Theater Festival; it is important that there is common ground in Pinoy Playlist featuring all genres, all kinds of artists in their most creative concert formats to showcase the best in Filipino music.”

Moy Ortiz has been singing harmony all his life––from his earliest years in primary school to his final year in the Ateneo. He is one of the original and founding members of the country's premier vocal group, The Company, of which he is the artistic and musical director. Moy is also an award-winning composer, arranger, and producer. He also teaches classes and workshops at Mint College and Trumpets Playshop respectively. On his motivation behind realizing Pinoy Playlist, he said: “We need to acknowledge, honor and celebrate Filipino music in all its forms.”
BGC Arts Center Head of Content, Maria Isabel Garcia maintains this would not have happened without those who care for Pinoy music with their lives: “The BGC Arts Center is passionately committed to create and celebrate Filipino stories of creativity and there is nothing like music to inhabit those stories. We applaud the passion and work of our curators and the over 100 Filipino musicians and production teams who finely tuned into the Pinoy Playlist idea and contribute to the evolving tapestry of Pinoy Music.”

Tickets ranging from P330 to P2,250, are now available at all TicketWorld outlets and website: www.ticketworld.com.ph