Tuesday, May 29, 2012

THE WANTED IN “ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT” SOUNDTRACK

Continental phenomenon male group The Wanted have joined forces with Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios to celebrate the return of one of the world’s most beloved franchises when “ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT” hits cinemas on July 12 in Phils. theaters. 
The Wanted

Following the success of their single “Glad You Came”, which was a number one hit in the UK & has sold over 2 million copies in the US alone, the UK pop sensation announce their brand new single ‘Chasing The Sun’ will be a featured track on this year’s most anticipated animated feature film. 

In “ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT,” Scrat’s nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he’s been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences – a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid.  In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.
Ice Age : Continental Drift

From schools tours to arena tours, since they burst on to the pop scene just 2 years ago, The Wanted have rapidly become one of the world’s biggest and best pop bands.  They’ve sold over 4 million records, 1 million albums and have sold out venues all over the world including London’s O2 Arena.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Welcome Camille Salazar to Phonoblogs

I am pleased to announced that I have a contributor for Phonoblogs. Camille Salazar attended the press conference of Lifehouse who is having a concert today. This only means that LENS blogs is getting big. Welcome, Camille. Phonoblogs is a blog site about the music industry and is part of the L.E.N.S. (Lifestyle, Events, News, and Society) blogs.

LIFEHOUSE Live in Manila!

Are you fond of rock music and adore rock bands? If yes, then there's no doubt you very well know Lifehouse!

L-R: Bryce Soderberg (bass guitar), Jason Wade (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Rick Woolstenhulme Jr. (drums) and  Ben Carey (lead guitar)

Lifehouse is an American rock band which success started when their international hit single "Hanging by a Moment" was released and became the Most Played Song in 2001. This song gave way for the band to be recognized commercially. Other chart-topping hits include You and Me, Blind, Whatever It Takes which were all under MCA music.

Most of us were familiar with the TV series Smallville and Scrubs wherein most of the band's songs were also featured. Everything was used in the series Smallville, All in All in Scrubs while Good Enough was played over the credits of the Disney Film The Wild.

Their latest album, Smoke & Mirrors, debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 marking the highest chart debut of their 10-year career. It sold 500,000 units in the United States and over two million worldwide, owning the charts for twenty consecutive weeks. Wow.

Before their most-awaited concert on May 26, a press conference was held last May 24 at Garden Room 3, Marriott Manila. The event was hosted by Ms. Cesca Litton.

The band members were all game to answer the questions being asked to them :)


The band's ability to evoke emotions and effectively translate it into a song was what gained them their massive fan base over the years. Their songs were played repeatedly by loyal listeners worldwide and captured the hearts of millions and left them wanting more.:)

And for those who missed the American rock band's concert last July 2008, now is your chance to see them again! LIFEHOUSE is set to perform on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets or call 911-5555 for more information.

Ticket prices are at:
Patron VIP: Php5,500
Patron: Php4,500
Lower Box VIP: Php4,000
Lower Box: Php3,500
Upper A: Php2,500
Upper B: Php1,500
General Admissions: Php800 (subject to 6% service charge)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

JAY PARK: 2012 PHILIPPINE PROMO TOUR AT MEGAWORLD LIFESTYLE MALLS


The weekend of May 4-6 was an invasion of KPOP music in Manila as Korean Pop superstar JAY PARK took center stage at the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls for the 2012 Philippine Promo Tour of his sizzlin’ debut album, “New Breed”, which features the singles Know Your Name and Girlfriend. This exciting showcase was presented by MCA Music and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in cooperation with Eastwood Richmonde Hotel.

The first leg of the tour kicked off with a rocking performance and jam-packed crowd at Eastwood Mall Open Park by Jay Park and his very talented dancers, Prepix. Day 2 proved to be an equally impressive event as Jay Park wooed swarms of fans with his hard-hitting raps and fluid dance moves at the posh venue of Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Taguig. He continued to amaze his Filipino admirers with his addictive blend of hip-hop, pop and Euro dance taking the listeners on a hypnotic journey during the last day of his Philippine tour at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo. Fans of Jay Park also took part in a mini showdown called “Know My Dance” where winners were given the opportunity to strike a pose with their idol. Meanwhile, MCA Music’s OPM artists -- Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina and YouTube sensations Krissy & Ericka also took the spotlight as they opened for him during the shows. 

The Korean-American hottie also charmed his way into the Filipino press and media in a press conference held at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel following a meet and greet affair at Red Box Karaoke. He also took part in a brief yet fun ‘round table’ interview with various print and online media representatives. Moreover, Jay Park’s TV guestings in local variety shows were also quite a spectacle. Apart from showcasing his pure talent, he also confidently shared random snippets about himself in one of the highest rating late night TV programs in the country.

Jay Park Live! in Manila is presented by MCA Music and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in cooperation with Eastwood Richmonde Hotel (The Official Residence of Jay Park in Manila), Red Box (Rock Dine Roll), media partners: MYX (The Official Music Channel Partner), MYX Magazine, MYXPH.com, 97.1 Barangay LS FM Tugstugan Na!, Sparkling Magazine, Gadgets Magazine, OrangeMagazineTV.com, Yahoo! Philippines, Juan Manila Express, BusinessWorld, HerWord.com, Manila Concert Scene, Jay Effect Philippines and BND Hair Gallery Salon.

Jay Park’s NEW BREED Album is out now in CDs exclusively under MCA Music available at Astroplus and Odyssey Music & Video or online via www.mymusicstore.com.ph

Monday, May 21, 2012

LIFEHOUSE LIVE! IN MANILA


Fall in love once again with American rock band, Lifehouse, as they take Manila by storm in an evening of extraordinary musical pleasure this May 26th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Lifehouse’s leap to mainstream success started with the release of their international hit single “Hanging by a Moment” which became the Most Played Song in 2001. Written by Jason Wade, the song catapulted the band into commercial recognition. This was followed by other chart-topping hits such as “You and Me” and “Blind” from their self-titled album “Lifehouse” as well as “Whatever It Takes” from the album “Who We Are” all under MCA Music. Their latest album, “Smoke & Mirrors”, debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 marking the highest chart debut of their 10-year career. It sold 500,000 units in the United States and over two million worldwide, owning the charts for twenty consecutive weeks.   

Most of the band’s songs were featured on TV series and motion pictures in the United States. “Everything” was used in the series Smallville, “All in All” in Scrubs while “Good Enough” was played over the end credits of the Disney film “The Wild”. The band’s ability to evoke emotions and effectively translate it into a song was what gained them their massive fan base over the years. Tracks like “Sick Cycle Carousel”, “Everything”, “Breathing”, “First Time”, “You and Me” and more, were played over and over again by loyal listeners worldwide. These songs captured the hearts of millions and left them wanting more.

Lifehouse is composed of Jason Wade on lead vocals/rhythm guitar, Ben Carey on lead guitar, Rick Woolstenhulme Jr. on drums and Bryce Soderberg on bass guitar. 

Their albums are now out in CDs at leading record stores and online via www.MyMusicStore.com.ph under MCA Music.

For those who missed the American rock band who gave us the hits “Hanging by a Moment”, “You and Me’, and “First Time” perform last July 2008, now is your chance to see them again. LIFEHOUSE is set to perform on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets or call 911-5555 for more information. Ticket prices are at: Patron VIP 5,500, Patron 4,500, Lower Box VIP 4,000, Lower Box 3,500, Upper A 2,500, Upper B 1,500 and General Admissions 800 (subject to 6% service charge).

“LIFEHOUSE Live! in Manila” is brought to you by Dayly Entertainment and That’s Ntertainment Productions. Co-presented by Fox and Starworld. Official TV partner: ABS-CBN. Official Music Channel: MYX. With sponsors: WOW Karaoke, BDO Credit Cards. Media partners: RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, 955 Pinas FM, 96.3 Easy Rock, 97.1 Brgy LS FM, 90.7 Love Radio, 101.1 YES FM, Win Radio, Big Radio, Business World, Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Gala Magazine, Pep.ph, ClicktheCity.com, Philstar.com, Manila Concert Scene, Orange Magazine TV, WheninManila.com, PhilippineConcerts. Special thanks to: MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), Exclusive Circle, Astroplus and Odyssey.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

MCA MUSIC OPM ARTISTS SABRINA AND KRISSY & ERICKA SHINE AT JAY PARK’S MANILA SHOWCASE


Jay Park with Krissy and Ericka
As Korean pop sensation Jay Park conquered Manila with his moves, MCA Music’s OPM artists—Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina and YouTube Sensations Krissy & Ericka, also took center stage as they opened for him during his shows. 

Sabrina impressed the audience with songs from her current album “I Love Acoustic 4” at Jay Park’s shows at Eastwood Mall Open Park last May 4 and Lucky Chinatown Mall last May 6. She also performed for the first time her latest single “Somewhere Down The Road” from her upcoming album “Acoustic Love Notes” which will feature radio and TV personality Joe D’Mango. Prior to the show, she bonded with the Korean superstar at Red Box Eastwood where they also posed for photos with Jay directing their poses. Sabrina continues to make waves in Southeast Asia which was proven by the recent Platinum awarding of her album “I Love Acoustic 4” in Indonesia.

Sister Krissy and Ericka meanwhile made an impact with their 3 song acoustic set last May 5 at the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill. Jay Park was so delighted with their performance that he had to approach Krissy & Ericka to congratulate them before going up the stage to perform his own songs. Their single “12:51” from the album of the same title still rules the charts of radio stations from Luzon to Mindanao as well as music channels in the country. Krissy & Ericka is set to release their new single “In Your Arms”, another original song they wrote.
Sabrina and Jay Park

Sabrina’s album “I Love Acoustic 4” and Krissy & Ericka’s “Twelve: Fifty One” are  still out at leading record stores and online via MyMusicStore.com.ph. Watch out for Sabrina’s new album “Acoustic Love Notes coming out this May. To download the music of Sabrina and Krissy & Ericka on your mobile phones, just text SABRINA or KANDE (for Krissy & Ericka) to 3456 (for Globe and Smart subscribers only).

Thursday, May 17, 2012

ROCK OF AGES” PREMIERES NEW MUSIC VIDEO

Julianne Hough
New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. have just shared the new “Anyway You Want It” music video from the feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages.” 

             Directed by “Hairspray’s” Adam Shankman, “Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.

             The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur”), Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Academy Award® winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Malin Akerman (“The Proposal”) and R&B queen Mary J. Blige, with Oscar® nominees Alec Baldwin (“The Cooler”) and Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx.

             Shankman directs “Rock of Ages” from a screenplay by Justin Theroux and Chris D’Arienzo and Allan Loeb, based on D’Arienzo’s musical of the same name. 

             “Rock of Ages” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Monday, May 14, 2012

PEDICAB RETURNS WITH “KAYA MO MAG-SANDO?”


EP NOW #1 ALBUM AT MYMUSICSTORE.COM.PH

After making their major label debut album “Shinji Ilabas Mo Na Ang Helicopter” which produced the hit singles “Ang Pusa Mo”, “FX” and “Simulan Mo Na”, alternative band Pedicab returns with a new EP entitled “Kaya Mo Mag-Sando?”

The EP, which is currently the #1 most downloaded album at MyMusicStore.com.ph (the Philippines’ version of iTunes), features 6 brand new tracks including the carrier single “Otomatik”. Other tracks in the EP are: “Kaya Mo Mag-Sando?”, “Ang Apoy”, “La Liga Filipina”, “Insekto” and “The Shot”.

In “Kaya Mo Mag-Sando?”, the band employed a wide array of sounds and samples, including acoustic guitars, simulated horns and strings, tribal beats, and a lot of percussion. (More cowbell!) In fact, none of the EP’s six tracks remotely resemble any song on the band’s previous two records, but longtime fans and listeners will certainly appreciate – if not come to expect – the sonic evolution and the quirky grooves that the five seasoned musicians (yes, including the filmmaker) that make up Pedicab consistently provide.

Pedicab is composed of Diego Mapa on lead vocals, synthesizer and percussion; Raimund Marasigan on synthesizer, percussion, vocals; Mike Dizon on drums and percussion; Jason Caballa on guitar, percussion and vocals and RA Rivera on sampler, synthesizer and vocals.

“Kaya Mo Mag-Sando?” is now out under MCA Music in CDs at leading record stores and online via MyMusicStore.com.ph. To download “Otomatik” as your ringback tone, just text KD463 to 2332 (GLOBE), OTOM to 2728 (SMART) and 5493903 to 2300 (SUN). Or text PEDICAB to 3456 (for Globe and Smart subscribers only).

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Join the 2012 J-Pop Anime Singing Contest

Celebrate the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month!

 Press Release:
It’s that time again! Now on its fourth year, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines is inviting all Japanophiles and music enthusiasts to showcase their singing prowess and join this year’s J-Pop Anime Singing Contest in celebration of the 2012 Philippines-Japan Friendship Month.

The 2012 J-Pop Anime Singing Contest is open to all Filipino amateur singers composed of one to a maximum of ten members. Participants from all age group are accepted. Japanese nationals are allowed to join provided that they are part of a group and play supporting roles in the group (e.g. instrumentalists or back-up vocals or dancers) and do not exceed more than half the number of group members (e.g. a group of three can have one Japanese member).

Participants may choose the following performance set-up:  1) Play his/her/their own musical instrument and 2) perform a capella. Minus-one performances will be allowed provided that the participant’s/s’ music accompaniment comes from an original music CD.

J-Pop Anime Singing Contest application forms are available at the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) Library, Embassy of Japan, 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City or can be downloaded at www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp.

To join the contest, interested participants must submit to the JICC a duly accomplished application form along with an individual/group photo, short write-up about the performer/s, and a demo CD containing two Japanese songs by the participant/s. Ten performers/performing groups who pass the screening process will be invited to compete in the Grand Final to be held on July 21, 2012 (Saturday) at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Registration has already started and ends on June 22, 2012.

Top winners will win free lessons from the Nihongo Center Foundation and Center for Pop Music Philippines and bring home exciting prizes from Ajinomoto, Canon, Panasonic, Sony and Yakult. At the Grand Final, the participants can also enjoy special treats courtesy of Yoshinoya, Hero TV and Toei Animation Philippines will also be giving out special prizes to the performer/s of their choice.

The Singing Contest aims to further promote Japanese language and culture appreciation among Filipinos and to strengthen the longstanding friendship between Japan and the Philippines. The J-Pop Anime Singing Contest is presented by the Embassy of Japan in cooperation with the Japan Foundation, Manila and in partnership with Animation International Licensing Philippines, Center for Pop Music, Nihongo Center Foundation, SM Supermalls - SM Mall of Asia, Toei Animation Philippines, Yoshinoya, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc., Ajinomoto, Canon, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Yakult, and HERO TV as the media partner.

For further details, please visit www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp or email jicc-mnl@ma.mofa.go.jp  or call 551-5710 local 2318. 
Application form

Saturday, May 12, 2012

DJ Neil Armstrong at the Sky Lounge

DJ Neil Armstrong is now the new global ambassador of adidas and he is also a Filipino. We are honored to have him here to for the launch of the new online contest for adidas. Catch DJ Neil as he gives a party mood at the Skye Lounge, roof deck of W Building from 4PM onwards. Just buy 500 pesos purchase of adidas originals at selected adidas outlests(Greenbelt 3, Mall of Asia, Powerplant Mall, Trinoma) and you are entitled for one pass.


Thursday, May 10, 2012

GOTYE AND LANA DEL REY: BREAKTHROUGH ARTISTS

One reason why it has become harder to penetrate the music scene these days is the stiff competition, especially with YouTube giving any talent the window to the world. But wait, there’s still truth to the saying that “many are called, but few are chosen.”
No doubt the likes of Gotye and Lana Del Rey belong to the few, with their chart-topping songs and staggering number of YouTube views providing credence to the claim. Both carrying likable stage names and having released significant indie recordings prior to mainstream success, they’re simply commendable to be labeled as “Breakthrough Artists of 2012.”
The Belgian-Australian Gotye, with his song “Somebody That I Used To Know” selling nearly five million downloads, is the first Australian act to top the Billboard 100 Chart this 21st century and the first Belgian to accomplish the feat since 1963. The track, which he recorded with the artist Kimbra, already accumulated 200 million views and counting, with several covers appearing everywhere.  
Recently, Gotye’s international hit, also reaching the top of the Billboard Digital Songs Chart and Billboard On-Demand Streaming Chart, was featured on Fox's hit show “Glee,” interpreted by Darren Criss and Matthew Bomer. It was likewise covered on "American Idol," featuring the voices of Elise Testone and Phillip Phillips.
Last February, he made his American television debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with him performing the piece "Eyes Wide Open", his first single off his latest album “Making Mirrors” and a nominee at the 2011 APRA Music Awards for Song of the Year category.
The album title inspired by an old artwork created by his father, he expressed, "The mirror reflects on the artwork and it is all very related to self-reflection and introspection on the album."
As for American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, her time has arrived as well. Her now released debut album “Born To Die” ushers the beautiful irony that she is here to survive the competition, armed with talent, original compositions, and charisma.  
The album, with nearly a million units shipped in just its first week in the market, already topped the iTunes chart in 18 countries, even becoming the fastest-selling digital album ever in France. For two weeks it also spent at the top of the Official UK Album Chart, thus resulting to two worldwide hits including the title track.
“Video Games,” the album's first single, spent almost ten weeks in the UK Top 20. Its YouTube views got past 28 million, while her Facebook page has gathered five million supporters and counting as of press time.
In an interview she stated, "I wanted to be part of a high-class scene of musicians. I was hoping that I would meet people and fall in love and start a community around me, the way they used to do in the '60s."
Recently she took home the Q award for the title "Next Big Thing", along with the Breakthrough Artist citation at the BRIT Awards 2012, beating the sensational Nicki Minaj. 
Both the breakout albums of Gotye (“Making Mirrors”) and Lana Del Rey (“Born To Die”) are locally distributed under MCA Music in CDs at leading record bars nationwide or online via mymusicstore.com.ph.
To download Gotye current single “Somebody That I Used To Know” on your mobile phones, just text KA136 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text STIUTK and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493375 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.
To download Lana Del Ray current single “Born To Die” on your mobile phones, just text KA142 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text BORN2DIE and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493353 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.