CAPITAL CITIES Debut Studio Album

“In A Tidal Wave of Mystery” OUT NOW

Available in Record StoresJanuary 11

“Safe and Sound” nominated at the 56^th Grammy Awards for Best Music Video

Capital Cities to perform at AYALA MALLS on January 11 & 12

Los Angeles indie electro unit Capital Cities first came together as a duo of composers/songwriters Ryan Merchant and SebuSimonian. The two initially met on craigslist in 2008 and worked as jingle writers until they formed the band in 2010. They released an EP independently in 2011 that included the song “Safe and Sound,” an upbeat mesh of programming and melody that went viral and gained the act a lot of Internet exposure. The music video is currently nominated in this year’s 56^th Grammy Awards. Eventually, Merchant and Simonian were joined by bassist Manny Quintero, trumpeter Spencer Ludwig, guitarist Nick Merwin, and drummer Channing Holmes. Their new single “Kangaroo Court”

The fully realized live version of Capital Cities played festivals internationally. Their debut full-length studio album “In a Tidal Wave of Mystery” is exclusively distributed MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).

Tracklisting:

1.      Safe and Sound

2.      Patience Gets Us Nowhere Fast

3.      Kangaroo Court

4.      I Sold My Bed, But Not My Stereo

5.      Center Stage

6.      Farrah Fawcett Hair feat. Andre 3000

7.      Chartreuse

8.      Origami

9.      Lazy Lies

10.  Tell Me How To Live

11.  Chasing You feat. Soseh

12.  Love Away

Capital Cities “In A Tidal Wave of Mystery” is available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and Fully Booked.Listen and download online via SPINNR (The One-Stop Music Portal for All Your Music Needs!) - http://www.spinnr.ph/iTunes - http://smarturl.it/CapitalCities-IATWOM.For more information and to start downloading your favorite songs, just log on to www.spinnr.ph via web or download the SPINNR Google Play app.  For updates on SPINNRS latest promos that can let you meet your favorite music artists, join facebook.com/SpinnrPhilippines or follow @SpinnrPH on Twitter and Instagram.

Catch Capital Cities LIVE!at the following AYALA MALLS:

·         January 11, 4PM – Alabang Town Center, Activity Center | 7PM – Glorietta, Activity Center

·         January 12, 3PM – Marquee Mall, Activity Center | 7PM – TriNoma, Activity Center

Chat with the American Idol XIII Judges

Get Your Questions Ready! Chat with the American Idol XII judges this weekend. Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. Will Be Chatting on Facebook Using The Hashtag #IdolBlitz

American Idol XIII premieres on January 16, Thursday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM and January 17, Friday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PM on ETC.

January 11 with J-Lo at 4:30AM and Keith Urban at 9:30AM. January 12 with Harry Connick,Jr. at 4:30AM.

You can chat with your favorite Idols at these following time:

Lauren Alaina (@Lauren_Alaina) – Thu, 1/9 at 2am (Manila Time)

Pia Toscano (@PiaToscano ) – Thu, 1/9 at 4am (Manila Time)

Angie Miller (@AngieMiller) – Thu, 1/9 at 6am (Manila Time)

Candice Glover (@CandiceGlover) – Thu, 1/9 at 7am (Manila Time)

Jessica Sanchez (@JessicaESanchez) – Fri, 1/10 at 2am (Manila Time)

Colton Dixon (@ColtonDixon) – Fri, 1/10 at 4am (Manila Time)

Jordin Sparks (@JordinSparks) – Mon, 1/13 at 2am (Manila Time)

Japanese singer AISAKU in love with OPM

ALBUM RELEASE

Japanese singer Aisaku recently released his own rendition of the 90s classic pop ballad “Ikaw Pa Rin.” The choice is not merely because it's of Japanese origin. But ironically due to his high regard for OPM, with him even counting Gary Valenciano as his main musical influence.

He said, “I know more OPM than Japanese songs now. I have more Filipino friends than Japanese friends on Facebook. And I guess I am a Filipino by heart even though my pair of eyes makes me look like I'm asleep.”

His name interestingly meaning “make love,” Aisaku recently put out his self-titled debut album of OPM classic covers led by “Ikaw Pa Rin,” (popularized by Ted Ito and originally “Saigo No Iwake” in Japanese). His cover of the song won “Best OPM Cover” at the 2013 GawadMusika Awards & Consumers Quality Awards.

The album package is produced by Janette Ito of Japan's i&i Records in tie-up with Japan Home Centre and distributed by Universal Records Philippines.

Born from a Christian family, this pure Japanese moved to the Philippines years back and the long stretch made him a Pinoy by heart. He takes pride that his knowledge in the Filipino culture and language is almost on a native level. 

He shared, "Modern OPM music is something I really love. I give credit to OPM artists who bring the genre to a new level of classy music, like my current favorites Noel Cabangon, Sitti, Gloc-9, JayR, Ogie Alcasid, and a whole lot more!" 

He confirmed his utmost respect for Mr. Pure Energy, "My most favorite singer is Gary Valenciano. I live in a church so I had the chance to learn good music first from Gary V's songs. His music covers a lot of genre from pop, dance, soul, jazz to ballads. The first live concert I ever watched in my life was his as well." 

Aisaku actually is a combination of two separate words: "AI" which is another word for love, and "Saku" meaning "to make". His parents want him to be "a person who can spread love to the world."

This Japanese trying his best to sing in smooth Tagalog appeared on Lucky Me’s KARI & PO-KU advert. He also endorsed Platinum Karaoke, with his songs already available on the karaoke itself and iTunes. As a child he had speech impairment. Then he met a speech therapist from Operation Smile who helped him with his condition. He is now one of its ambassadors. 

Other songs in Aisaku's album are “Remember Me” (popularized by RenzVerano), “Honey My Love So Sweet” (popularized by April Boyz), “IsangTanongIsangSagot” (Popularized by Donna Cruz), “IsangMundo, IsangAwit” (popularized by Leah Navarro), and other Tagalog songs of Japanese roots.

Vocal about his love for Filipinos. He explained, “I find the Filipinos more fun to be with, and the country itself as well. I love the Filipino humor, the culture, and the best of all, the close family ties. I love my parents and I am glad that I know how to show my love to them like a Filipino son can do.”

With his talent and charm, Aisaku already bagged a number of awards, including the 2013 Asian Star Entertainer Awards for Best New Male OPM Artist.

Eastwood City New Year Countdown with Jessica Sanchez

Earlier this month, American Idol Jessica Sanchez tweeted that she is excited about performing in the Philippines for the New Year Countdown. It will be held in Eastwood Mall Open Park starting 6PM. Joining her for the countdown are Bamboo, South Border, The Voice Phils. winner Mitoy Yonting & the Draybers, UP Dharma Down  and DJ Ace Ramos. Proceeds of the New Year Countdown merchandise proceeds to the victims of Yolanda. For more concert updates and events, follow Mark_Templar on Twitter.

Christian Bautista Performance in the ASEAN-Japan Music Festival airs today

I was caught off-guard when I got an e-mail today about this on short notice. It will air today on NBN 4 if you can tune in.