Janice Javier Exclusive BlogCon

After making a name for herself in the reality show The Voice, Janice Javier now has her own album released and having her own concert this July 5. In an exclusive blog conference with Janice Javier, she started with her song rendition of Starting Over Again.

Here's a Q & A during the conference:

When did you first started singing? 

I started singing when I was 4 years old. I started singing professionally when I was 13.

Whom did you consider your biggest rival in The Voice?

Clarice. She is a younger and fresh version of myself.  She is also into soul and blues.

What was your edge in the competition?

My professionalism. Most performers are younger and slimmer than I am but when I take the stage and the crowd, I make sure I am on top of the game.

Tell us about your album.

I wrote Breathe after watching a local drama series. I have three original songs in the album. The first track was the song recorded by my dad when I was four years old.

For your first concert, how did you prepare for it?

I make sure that one day before the actual performance, I will take a rest. I will not leave the house for anything else. I am not traditional in doing vocal exercises instead I talk a lot.

What are we expecting from the concert?

Most people may expect rock but I will just sing upbeat and smooth songs. Also, I have a number with Myke Perez. What makes this concert different is that I am going to dance.

Catch Janice Javier live at on July 5 at the Teatrino in Promenade, Greenhills. For more updates in the local music scene, concerts, album releases and interviews; follow this blog or like the L.E.N.S. blogs.

SMASH BROADWAY HIT “JERSEY BOYS” NOW A CLINT EASTWOOD FILM

Movie press release

We know the songs. We know the sound. But few know the story.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. Pictures' new musical “Jersey Boys” tells of the rise and fall of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll group The Four Seasons, reminding audiences why their songs have remained in the public consciousness—some for more than half a century—but also revealing the surprising origins of this seemingly clean-cut, all-American rock band.

The film is based on the Tony Award-winning, smash hit musical, which has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, becoming one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history and a sensation in virtually every city in which the show has been mounted, both in the U.S. and abroad. Now director Clint Eastwood broadens the canvas and brings all the joy and heartbreak, the music and the memories, to the big screen for moviegoers everywhere.

Eastwood, who also produced the film with Graham King and Robert Lorenz, offers that it was the drama behind the jackets and ties and four-part harmonies that intrigued him most. “I have always loved the music of The Four Seasons, so I knew it would be fun to revisit that, but what mainly interested me was how these semi-juvenile delinquents, who didn’t grow up under the best of circumstances, made it big. They were living on the periphery of the mob, pulling off petty crimes and what have you. Some had even done jail time. Then the music came and pulled them out. It gave them something to strive for.”

Producer Graham King estimates he has seen the stage show “Jersey Boys”between 30 and 40 times, but says it didn’t take him nearly that long to recognize its cinematic potential. “I fell in love with it the first time I saw it,” he attests. “I knew the songs of The Four Seasons, but I couldn’t believe I knew nothing of their real story. For someone like me, who loves making movies like ‘The Departed’ and ‘The Town’ and films of that genre, it was perfect because it had that Mafia, street-smart aspect, and then you incorporate the songs from that period. It had all the right elements for a terrific film.”

Eastwood relates, “Frankie Valli told me that to be a singer in that neighborhood in those years was hard. Just singing under the streetlights, they endured a lot of ridicule…until they became a big hit, of course. But they had to have a great deal of perseverance to get through that.”

The music was one of the main reasons King approached Eastwood to direct the film. “Clint is an incredible filmmaker and I knew he had a love for music, especially jazz,” says King. “The sound of The Four Seasons came out of the jazz and big band era, so I felt this would be in his wheelhouse. Out of the blue, I sent him the screenplay and within two days he called and said he wanted to make the movie.”

Behind the scenes, Eastwood enlisted the show’s original musical director Ron Melrose to serve as music consultant on the film, as well as choreographer Sergio Trujillo. The real Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio served as executive producers, with Gaudio, together with lyricist Bob Crewe, also credited with writing the unforgettable playlist of Four Seasons hits.

King points out that people today still know the songs—from dozens of movie soundtracks over the past four decades to contemporary remixes. “It’s amazing how their music transcends the years. Just a few years ago, my kid was listening to ‘Beggin΄’ by Madcon, having no idea it was originally a Four Seasons hit.”

Eastwood agrees. “There are so many wonderful songs: ‘Sherry,’ ‘Rag Doll,’ ‘My Eyes Adored You,’ ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ ‘Walk Like a Man,’ ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’… And each was distinctly different, even though they all had the imprint of The Four Seasons on them. Every day of filming, there would be a new favorite. They’d sing ‘Dawn’ and we couldn’t stop humming that. Then we’d go back and film another scene with ‘Rag Doll,’and it would take over and we’d be humming that. It was great fun.”

To be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide starting July 16, “Jersey Boys” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

Disney's Beauty and The Beast live in Manila

WITNESS THE FIRST EVER STAGING OF DISNEY’S PHENOMENAL BROADWAY MUSICAL BEAUTY AND THE BEAST IN THE PHILIPPINES!

Disney Theatrical Productions, NETworks, Broadway Entertainment Group, and Ovation Productions will present the first International Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in celebration of the production’s 20th anniversary.

The tour will play in markets to include Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The musical, which will reunite the original Broadway creative, will be seen for the first time in these territories. For Manila, Beauty and the Beast will be handled by veteran concert promoter Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions which is, coincidentally, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Venue is the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) main theater and dates are in January 2015.

Ron Kollen, senior vice president international for Disney Theatrical Productions, shared in a statement, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with NETWorks and Broadway Entertainment Group, to launch this first-ever international tour. To premiere Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in these cities throughout the Middle East and Asia, is a perfect way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our beloved stage musical.”

Liz Koops, producer for Broadway Entertainment Group, added, “The world of touring entertainment is constantly evolving and we wanted to begin an international circuit to bring top quality entertainment into emerging markets. What better way to start than with one of the world’s most beloved and successful musicals, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”

Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions, enthuses “Being a lover of theater and having watched practically all the important musicals in New York and London, and having promoted some of the biggest names in live entertainment for the past 35 years, this is a natural next step for Ovation Productions. I thank Disney Theatrical Productions, NETworks, and Broadway Entertainment Group for their trust and confidence in Ovation’s ability to mount this grand production in Manila”.

Beauty and the Beast as described by producers “is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.”

The production is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West. It features costume design by Tony Award winning Ann Hould-Ward, lighting design by Natasha Katz, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, sound design by John Petrafesa Jr., and music supervision by Michael Kosarin. There is also music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, a book by Linda Woolverton, and additional songs with music by Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice.

January 8-25, 2015 8PM with matinees at 2PM Saturdays and Sundays
Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater, CCP Complex

Tickets available starting July 30, 2014!Call Ticketworld at 891-99-99 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph or Beauty & the Beast hotline: 02 571-8568

Other concerns: info@beautyandthebeast.com.ph

Facebook.com/beautyandthebeastph

Twitter.com/BATBph

MUSICAL FILM “JERSEY BOYS” DEBUTS TRAILER, POSTER

From director Clint Eastwood comes the big-screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys.” Catch the film's main poster and trailer which Warner Bros. Philippines has just debuted on its official youtube channel.

“Jersey Boys” tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The story of their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Who Loves You,” and many more.

These classic hits are now being embraced by a new generation of fans through the stage musical, which has been running on Broadway for more than eight years and has also enjoyed successful tours around the globe.

Starring in the film, John Lloyd Young reprises his Tony Award-winning portrayal of the legendary lead singer of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli. Erich Bergen stars as Bob Gaudio, who wrote or co-wrote all of the group’s biggest hits. Michael Lomenda and Vincent Piazza star respectively as Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito, two original members of The Four Seasons. Oscar® winner Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”) stars as mobster Gyp DeCarlo.

Oscar® winner Eastwood (“Million Dollar Baby,” “Unforgiven”) directed “Jersey Boys” from a screenplay and musical book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, song music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The film is produced by Eastwood, Graham King and Robert Lorenz, with Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tim Moore, Tim Headington, Brett Ratner, James Packer and Steven Mnuchin serving as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team was led by Academy Award®-nominated director of photography Tom Stern (“Changeling”); Academy Award®-nominated production designer James J. Murakami, (“Changeling”); Oscar®-winning editor Joel Cox (“Unforgiven”) and editor Gary D. Roach; and costume designer Deborah Hopper.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a GK Films Production, a Malpaso Production, “Jersey Boys.”

To be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide starting July 16, “Jersey Boys” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

ADAM LEVINE MAKES FILM DEBUT IN "BEGIN AGAIN"

Movie release material

Although he’s no stranger to the camera, having been a coach on the NBC show “The Voice” for several seasons, and making his small screen acting debut on the hit FX Drama “American Horror Story,” music star ADAM LEVINE has never tried dramatic acting until he was approached by John Carney to be part of the upcoming movie “Begin Again.”

 

Photo courtesy of Solar Pictures 

“I was honored just to be asked, and right off the bat I fell in love with the script.  To have John believe in me is really exciting,” says Levine.  “John saw something in me that was this character Dave– whether that is flattering or not, I can’t tell, but I would not have considered doing a film unless I was really connected to the material.  I love John’s tone – he is a musician, and I think his sensibilities are those of a musician so we get along famously.”

The latest film from writer-director John Carney (ONCE), BEGIN AGAIN is a soul-stirring comedy about what happens when lost souls meet and make beautiful music together.

“The music was easy,” admits Levine after shooting.  “That’s kind of my wheelhouse, I guess, but the acting has been quite a challenge in a really great way.  The only thing people said to me was ‘know your lines’ and ‘don’t act, just listen and react,’ and that was great advice.  I’ve also found that being comfortable and receptive to direction makes it a lot easier.  It was daunting going into this new world, but everyone was so sweet and made me feel comfortable and at home, so I felt like I was doing my best even though I had relatively little experience.”

As the front man of Grammy Award-winning recording artist Maroon 5, Adam Levine has left an indelible mark on popular music. Levine has also collaborated with various musical acts including Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Natasha Bedingfield, Slash and K'naan. Levine has also made several appearances on television, including “Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock,” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and Comedy Central's “Night of Too Many Stars.”

“It might sound heavy to say,” concludes Levine, “but the film asks the question: can a song save your life?  I do believe that the energy you feel when you hear a song that you respond to emotionally – it can change your life, and maybe save it in a way.  Music saved my life, because I love it so much that I don’t know what I would do without it.” 

BEGIN AGAIN also stars Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Hailee Steinfeld, and Levine’s fellow judge from The Voice, CeeLo Green.

Produced by Anthony Bregman at Likely Story, Tobin Armbrust of Exclusive Media and Judd Apatow at Apatow Productions, BEGIN AGAIN opens on July 9, 2014 in theaters nationwide and is distributed locally by SOLAR PICTURES.  

Absolute Play's Children Of Chaos to be released in USB cards SOON!

Album release material

After the release of Absolute Play’s new album, “Children Of Chaos” in CD Format, the talented youth band is about to set another milestone with the upcoming release of its record in the form of USB cards.

The new medium aims to revolutionize the way people acquire their favorite artists’ music. It will be sold in 4gb and 8gb variants, thin and lightweight, and can be stored in one‘s wallet.

The new album contains ten tracks including their latest single “Hard Easy Semi-Correct”, “Beautiful Star”, “My Old Pal”, and the exciting collaboration single with Julz of Save Me Hollywood entitled “Little Miss Home Wrecker”. It was produced by 12 Stone Records.

After Absolute Play’s Children Of Chaos, other 12 Stone Records acts like Barbie Almalbis, Rocksteddy, and Save Me Holllywood are also scheduled to come out with USB Card versions of their albums. Stay tuned for updates regarding the dates of release.

The Children Of Chaos USB Card will be out soon and will initially be sold online. It can be availed individually or bundled with the Absolute Play limited edition special shirt. Prices will also be announced soon. For inquiries on how to get one, log on to www.facebook.com/AbsolutePlay.

SMART subscribers, stream Absolute Play’s music for free! Log on to www.spinnr.ph now!

Universal Records produces PhilPop 2014 album

Release Material for Universal Records

Universal Records first partnered with the Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop) for the production of the festival’s 2013 commemorative album. The partnership proved to be a beautiful one as it yielded hits like Dati (performed by Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos and Quest), Sayo Na Lang Ako (Karylle), Araw, Ulap, Langit (Christian Bautista), Sana Pinatay Mo Na Lang Ako (Kimpoy Feliciano), Segundo (Yael Yuzon), among others.

This year, PhilPop and Universal Records team-up again in the production of the new commemorative album, which features some of the most respected and promising recording artists in the country.

1) QRUSH ON YOU: song written by Q-York/ interpreted by Jayr , Elmo Magalona and Q-York

2) TORPE: song written by Daryl Ong/ interpreted by Kris Lawrence

3) BABALIKAN MO RIN AKO: written by Soc Villanueva/ interpreted by Nikki Gil 

4) AWIT MO'Y NANDITO PA: written by Toto Sorioso/ interpreted by Aldrich Lloyd Talonding & James Walter Bucong.

5) THE ONLY ONE: written by Popsie Saturno-San Pedro/ interpreted by Thor Dulay.

6) HANGOUT LANG: written by Allan Feliciano and Isaac Joseph P. Garcia/ performed by Duncan Ramos and Young JV. 

7) NO GIRLFRIEND SINCE BREAK (NGSB): written by Davey Ryan Edward Langit/ interpreted by Luigi D' Avola

8) SONG ON A BROKEN STRING- written by Jude Gitamondoc and Therese Marie Villarante/ interpreted by Nicole Laurel Asensio.

9) KUNG AKIN ANG LANGIT: written by Chi Datu-Bocobo and Isaac Garcia/ interpreted by Clara Benin and Mcoy Fundales

10) DEAR HEART: written by Mike Villegas/ interpreted by Kiana Valenciano

11) SALBABIDA: written by Jungee Marcelo/ interpreted by Kyla

12) LANGIT UMAAWIT- written by Toto Sorioso/ interpreted by Tom Rodriguez.

“This year's finalists constitute a heady brew of the most varied of genres: dance, rock, R&B, a couple of ballades, some pop and a genre-defying song in multi meter. I am also happy and excited to hear established singers shoulder to shoulder with new, up and coming performers. Only time will tell which songs will generate the most audience interest. Listen to the top 12 finalist of the Philpop 2014 and be the judge,” shared the foundation’s executive director Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

One of the top 12 contenders will emerge as the 1-million peso grand prize winner which will be determined on July 26 at the Meralco Theater.  The foundation’s Executive Director Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Board of Directors Noel Cabangon and Ogie Alcasid are all praises for this year’s crop of finalists and are excited to share these Philpop hits with the world.

“TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION” TO FEATURE ORIGINAL SONG BY IMAGINE DRAGONS

Movie release material

Director Michael Bay, film composer Steve Jablonsky and Paramount Pictures are collaborating with the Grammy Award-winning band Imagine Dragons to feature the band’s original music in the upcoming film “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” one of the most anticipated movies of the summer.

Following an early footage screening of the film, Imagine Dragons wrote the original song “Battle Cry,” which Bay used in critical points in the film. Additionally, the band contributed original music during the scoring process by recording cues with Jablonsky, the film’s composer, and Hans Zimmer, who assisted in the process. The collaboration resulted in added depth to the sound of the film.

“We’re incredibly lucky that Dan, Wayne, Ben and Daniel were available to work with us,” says director Bay. “I remember being drawn to the emotion of ’Demons’ and ’Radioactive’ the first time I heard those songs, and I knew I wanted that same energy and heart for this movie. They’ve created a really epic, otherworldly sound for ’Battle Cry.’”

“The `Transformers' franchise has set the bar for cinematic innovation over the years, says Alex Da Kid, label head at KIDinaKORNER records. We are excited to collaborate with Michael Bay and Paramount Pictures and view this as an incredible global platform.”

Imagine Dragons will perform its new single live at the film’s worldwide premiere in Hong Kong, one of the locations in the film, on June 19th.

Imagine Dragons are Dan Reynolds (vocals), Wayne Sermon (guitar), Ben McKee (bass), and Daniel Platzman (drums).

Opening across the Philippines on June 25, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.