MCA Music and Smart Launches Philippines Biggest and Newest Music Portal

Remember the days when you buy cassette tapes just to customized your playlist from your albums? Back then, we use audio components with two cassette players with record player on top. In this digital age, it is downloadable and can be stored to CDs, phones or our computers.

We Filipinos love music. Smart and MCA Music formed a partnership to make it more easier to download exclusive music using our phones. Thus, Smart Music was born. Each song cost 15 Pesos and 20 Pesos for new songs using cell phone load credits or additional charges in post paid accounts.

 

This was made public last July 8 at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Some of the artists available in Smart Music performed like Sitti, Pupil and international YouTube sensation Greyson Chance. Start downloading music at their website . Don't patronized pirated sources. For more news in music and tech, visit and like the L.E.N.S. blog on Facebook.

MCA MUSIC presents Two of the World’s Most Promising Violin Acts of 2013!

MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) is proud to present two of the world’s most promising violin acts this year!

The World’s Fastest Violin Player, DAVID GARRETT!

David Garrett got his first violin at age four and makes his first appearance with the Hamburg Philharmonics at the early age of ten. At age thirteen he is the youngest artist to be awarded an exclusive contract with the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. In 1999, at the height of his career, the shooting star redirects his energy, deciding to leave his predetermined path as a classical violinist and move to New York – not to take a time-out but rather to place his musical proficiency on a theoretical foundation and perfect his technique. He enrolls at the prestigious Julliard School, studying musicology and composition. Instruction with Itzhak Perlmann lends his performance completely new facets. David Garrett’s particular enthusiasm for studying composition earns him a distinction in 2003 when he wins the renowned Composition Competition of Julliard School with a fugue composed in the style of Johann Sebastian Bach. In doing so, he lays the foundation for what have become legendary arrangements. His highly esteemed American composition teacher Eric Ewazen has said of him “As a violinist, his spectacular, heartfelt and expressive playing already dazzled – even when he was a student – those of us who had the great pleasure of teaching him, and we recognized his extraordinary gifts and his amazing talent.” David’s new album Music further demonstrates that he is able to combine different musical worlds of classical, rock and pop like no other artist of our time. This new work illustrates an artistic sense beyond limits with carefully selected songs such as "We Will Rock You" (Queen), "Cry Me A River" (Justin Timberlake), "Viva La Vida" (Coldplay) to "Music" (John Miles) and "Scherzo" (Beethoven).

·         David Garrett “Music” EPK - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn_Zp6Inlhw     

 

Best Female Artist at the 2013 Classical BRIT Awards

--- NICOLA BENEDETTI!

Violinist Nicola Benedetti has captivated audiences and critics alike with her musicality and poise. Hilary Finch wrote in The Times, “it was thrilling to hear and watch Nicola Benedetti in a truly risk-taking performance that lived so much in the body and fused the sinews of the violin and the nerve-system of the player.” This sums up Nicola’s ability to communicate and enthrall audiences with dynamic and energy-filled performances. And whilst she is a highly sought performer on the world platform, Nicola is also fiercely dedicated to music education. Through her work with such organizations as Sistema Scotland, she has helped to demonstrate the power that music can have in transforming the lives of young people. Recently, Nicola was named “Best Female Artist” at the 2013 Classical BRIT Awards. The 25 year old violinist flew back from Chicago, where she performed at the Ryder Cup closing ceremony, to accept the award at London’s Royal Albert Hall. She is the most nominated woman in the history of the awards but this was her first win in the female artist category. Lastly, Nicola celebrates the world of 20th century film music, in her new album, The Silver Violin, which includes some of the greatest contemporary film scores ever written.

·         Nicola Benedetti “The Silver Violin” EPK - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Fc3WKHnuU

DAVID GARRETT’s "MUSIC" and NICOLA BENEDETTI’s "THE SILVER VIOLIN" are now available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and Fully Booked or online via iTunes or Smart Music! http://music.smart.com.ph/ | For more information about this release, visit www.facebook.com/mcamusic.ccj  

 

MCA "CLASSICAL NOUVEAU" PROMO!

Jessie J Goes WILD

"Wild" is a single by English singer-songwriter Jessie J and the lead single from her second studio album. The single released in the United Kingdom and Ireland features Big Sean and Dizzee Rascal, while the single released in other countries such as Australia, the United States and the Netherlands only features Big Sean. It was written by Jessica Cornish, Claude Kelly, Dylan Mills, Joshua Coleman and Sean Anderson and produced by Ammo. The single was released as a download on 26 May 2013 in the United Kingdom.

"Wild" was penned by the songwriter Claude Kelly. The song features two rappers, Dizzee Rascal and Big Sean. This was produced by American musician Ammo, who is signed to Dr. Luke's publishing company Prescription Songs as a producer and songwriter. Jessie J told Capital London that she wanted someone "really British" and "really American" in terms of guests. "We wrote the song and I actually had a middle eight," she explained, "and I said to Claude Kelly, who's the executive producer on this album, 'I feel like this should have a rapper on it' and I was like 'how about two?'".

The music video was directed by Emil Nava. The video leaked on May 25, 2013. The clip opens with the singer, with her newly-shaved blonde hair from Comic Relief, walking onto the video's set. She then begins to dance, which is intercut with scenes of her wearing a leopard print bodysuit. Big Sean and Dizzee Rascal also appear to rap their verses, and then continue to dance with Jessie throughout the ending of the video.

Watch out for Jessie J upcoming EP album exclusively under MCA Music.

DisConTechNoThisContent: The Musicalienation of William Elvin

To most musicians, to define their own music doesn't happen in the mainstream music industry. Most of the time, you need to fund your own music label and produce your own album. These type of music are usually available during bar gigs.

I was tag along to have an informal dialogue with one independent musician in a food establishment Taumbayan in QC. His name is William Elvin. He already made some musical scores for theater productions and is having his own album under his own record label, Happy Mousey Records.

William Elvin with Gian Dimayuga

William says the album is just done at the convenience of his home using a laptop, instruments and microphone. He didn't have the luxury of using a studio but it makes it more intimate with the listeners. It was his first solo effort.

Duet with Janine Santos

William defines his music as pop rock with folk rock feel but he also have his own ballads in the album. he studied music in UST before starting in UP theater. Eventually, he got to perform his own music at the now-defunct  Mayric's.  Doing his own music gives him the more freedom than in the mainstream record label.

Musicians Gian Dimayuga, Jay Barrientos, William Elvin, and Janine Santos

William Elvin's music influence varies from Smashing Pumpkins and different rock, blues, ballads. His main influence comes from Ely Buendia and his idol, Bob Dylan. To William, his songs tells a story.

I was given a copy of his album but before I get home to listen to it, I got to hear it live from William Elvin himself. All eleven including the bonus track. William also performed with Gian Dimayuga, another independent musician. His track also includes his musical score at theater productions. I love all the songs. and among the tracks it's Alisbayan Box that caught my attention. It's about OFWs that are always packed to get back to another country they are working for. All of us Pinoys can relate since our majority of the Pinoys have OFWs relatives and friends.

 

The Youtube video above is one of his tracks in the album title, "I Love No One But You". William Elvin only produced limited copies to find out if it will gain attention and I am not sure how many did he already sold. You can get a copy of his album at his gigs. To find out where William Elvin is going to perform next, visit and like his Facebook page: William Elvin . For more updates about William Elvin and the independent music scene, like the L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

THE ROLLING STONES’ Complete Catalogue OUT NOW on iTunes!

June 19, 2013 -- In further celebration of their 50th anniversary, The Rolling Stones are globally announcing a Rolling Stones destination on the iTunes Store, allowing newcomers to the group and long-standing fans alike to purchase all of the bands biggest and best albums, live releases and singles from the past 50 years. All available content has been mastered exclusively for iTunes (http://smarturl.it/therollingstonesPH), ensuring the delivery of the music to listeners with increased audio fidelity, more closely replicating what the artists, recording engineers, and producers intended.

 In addition, two Complete Collections chronicling the band's extraordinary career and covering the 1963-1971 period and the 1971-2013 period are now available, offering incredible value to millions of admirers.

From their introductory cover of Chuck Berry's Come On to last year's self-penned releases Doom And Gloom and One More Shot from the new Greatest Hits collection GRRR!, via the irresistible, era-defining, chart-topping singles (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, Jumpin' Jack Flash and Honky Tonk Women, The Rolling Stones have soundtracked the last 50 years and remain a touchstone of popular culture as well as one of the world's biggest concert attractions.

The Rolling Stones have sold over 200 million albums worldwide and created a rock'n'roll template that has influenced everyone from Aerosmith to Oasis via Primal Scream, Guns N' Roses and Jack White. Pioneers of arena and stadium concerts since the late 1960s, they went on to stage hugely successful world tours throughout the next five decades and have been wowing audiences on both sides of the Atlantic on their 50 & Counting Tour. They are due to headline the Glastonbury Festival at the end of the month before returning to London's Hyde Park for two sell-out open air concerts at the scene of their legendary July 1969 appearance.

The Rolling Stones destination on the iTunes Store (http://smarturl.it/therollingstonesPH), will feature all of the bands indispensable classic studio albums in pristine sound quality, from their eponymous 1964 debut, The Rolling Stones No. 2 in 1965, to 1968's Beggars Banquet, Sticky Fingers in 1971, Exile On Main St. in 1972 and beyond, providing a handy one-stop opportunity for aficionados to acquire their unparalleled catalogue.

The store will also feature the bands critically-acclaimed live albums and compilations including the latest Greatest Hits release ‘GRRR!’.

Other products include the award-winning documentary Crossfire Hurricane, Charlie is my Darling – Ireland 1965, Ladies And Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones, filmed on the band's heralded 1972 tour, Rock and Roll Circus, The Rolling Stones 50 eBook, music folios and The Rolling Stones Official App.

The Complete Collection Box Set 1963-1971

Is now available on the iTunes Store (http://smarturl.it/therollingstonesPH) and includes the following albums and EPs:

The Rolling Stones (EP)

The Rolling Stones (UK)

Five by Five (EP)

The Rolling Stones No. 2

Out Of Our Heads (UK)

Aftermath (UK)

Between The Buttons (UK)

Their Satanic Majesties Request

Beggars Banquet

Let It Bleed

Metamorphosis

No Stone Unturned Vol. 1 (22 singles, B sides and more)

No Stone Unturned Vol. 2 (20 singles, B sides and more)

The Complete Collection Box Set 1971-2013

Is now available on the iTunes Store (http://smarturl.it/therollingstonesPH), and includes the following:

Sticky Fingers

Exile On Main St. (Deluxe Edition)

Goats Head Soup

It’s Only Rock n Roll

Black & Blue

Love You Live

Some Girls (Deluxe Edition)

Emotional Rescue

Tattoo You

Still Life

Undercover

Dirty Work

Steel Wheels

Flashpoint

Voodoo Lounge

Stripped

Bridges To Babylon

Live Licks

A Bigger Bang

Shine A Light

Doom And Gloom – (Album Version + Jeff Bhasker Mix)

One More Shot – (Album Version + Jeff Bhasker Mix)

THE ROLLING STONES’ new album GRRR! is now available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and Fully Booked or online via iTunes http://smarturl.it/therollingstonesPH  | For more information about this release, visit www.facebook.com/mcamusic.ccj

Audie Gemora takes centerstage in I Was Here this July 5

Audie Gemora is hailed as the country’s King of Philippine Musical Theater because of the number of roles he has breathed life into in his decades in the business. Aside from being an excellent theater performer, he is one of the most respected icons of the musical theater, founding companies like Trumpets and STAGES, and being one of the stalwarts of Repertory Philippines. He also starred and directed shows for PETA and Tanghalang Pilipino.

This July 5 at the CCP Little Theater, Audie topbills I Was Here, which traces Audie’s music roots in an unforgettable concert experience. Audie will be joined by theater luminary Sheila Francisco and stage’s youngest leading man Sam Concepcion. Local music industry’s biggest recording star will also join Audie and will be his special surprise guest.

I Was Here is part of CCP’s Triple Threats which showcases the Leading Men and Women of Philippine Musical Theater’s uncanny ability to sing, dance and act. Nonie Buencamino kicked-off the series last June 13, while Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo will close it on August 15.

The show’s musical director is Rony Fortich, who, according to Audie did an amazing job on the songs included in the repertoire. Rony is also the MD of Audie’s broadway album Playlist.

“The concert will be a night of good, laid-back music,” says Audie. “It is very intimate, and very relaxed. I’m super excited to do the show for everyone.”

For tickets to I Was Here, please call Ticketworld at 891-9999 (major branches of National Bookstore, Robinsons Department Store Business Centers, Ayala Malls -- Greenbelt 1 & Trinoma, Makati Shangri-la Concierge, Music Museum, Teatrino, Eastwood mall) and at the CCP box office (832-3706)

Tickets are available at orchestra center (P800) and orchestra sides (P600)
50% discount for students, 20% discount for Senior Citizen, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Military and Government Officials.