Never The Strangers releases new album in four years

Album release

After four years, Never The Strangers returns to the local record industry with the release of their new album “Screenburn,” their first album with Universal Records.

The release of this album also marks the introduction of its new members. Never The Strangers is now composed of original members vocalist and keyboard player Ace Libre, guitarist JP Del Mundo, and new members bassist Gab Palanca and drummer Nash Ignacio.

Asked how the change in line-up affected the music of the band, Ace considers the different experiences of Gab and Nash contributed to the new sound of the band. He also notes JP’s uncanny ability to play guitars like a “chameleon.”

Ace also notes maturity in the way the band deals with each other, “we seek to serve the song rather than our egos, which I believe is a sign of maturity. We hear one another out, whether it's one reaffirming the opinion of another or opposing it.”

Ace expressed that this open communication has helped make the music better.

“The fans can expect a new sound from the new single,” Ace shares. “The single features the band having a go at electronic sounds.”

Ace also describes the upcoming album as having a “more narrative-based showing dressed in a bigger yet more nuanced sound from screenburn.”

“Screenburn” will be launched this June 19, Friday, 7:00 p.m., at the Eastwood Central Plaza.

“Screenburn” Tracklist:

1. The Light

2. Mundo

3. Showbiz

4. Machine Heart

5. Bones

6. Tiwala

7. Meant To Be

8. Sabay

9. Elisa

10. OK

11. So Long

12. Glass

Jed Madela's new album ICONIC

Jed Madela has a new album titled ICONIC. Jed Madela does covers from different iconic singers like Madonna's Like A Prayer which he considered the hardest of the track he done in this album.

What anyone does not know about Jed Madela is that he is Supernatural fan like me. His favorite character there is Dean Winchester.

Jed Madela is currently one of the judges for Your Face Sounds Familiar. For more album launches by following this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

GINUGUNITA KITA Performance Art

Press release

ACCLAIMED COMPOSER JESSE LUCAS SETS GALA PREMIERE OF NEW WORKS BASED ON POEMS BY MANINGNING MICLAT

The Talent Factory, Inc., Artist Playground, and the Maningning Miclat Art Foundation, Inc. proudly present " GINUGUNITA KITA," a one-night unique musical experience featuring new works by noted composer Jesse Lucas based on selected poems written by the late trilingual poet, award-winning visual artist, published author and art teacher, Maningning Miclat.

Directed by multi-awarded film and theater actor Roeder Camaňag, “GINUGUNITA KITA" will feature respected actress and soprano, Banaue Miclat-Janssen together with opera singer and theater actor Al Gatmaitan and multi-talented artist Delphine Buencamino. 

The by invitation only art performance will be held on May 30,  2015. 7PM  at the Aldaba Hall, University Theater, U.P. Diliman, Q.C.

INSPIRATION FROM  MELODIOUS POETRY

Eight poems by Miclat  set to music by Lucas are in her trilingual book of poetry, Voice from the Underworld  published by Anvil Publishing, Inc. in 2000. The book was  a National Book Award finalist for poetry in 2001.

The eight poems are: Ginugunita Kita, Tawag, DUET (nina Rizal at Bracken), Kulay sa Bagyo, Ang Naliligaw, A Stare, Verse # 2, and To Catch a Second and Turn it to Forever.

According to the composer, Jesse Lucas,  inspiration came easily to him after reading Maningning Miclat's Voice from the Underworld. He wrote: "I immediately connected with the words and verses. The words used form their own cadence. Each word seemed carefully selected to form a given rhythm that supports its theme. The poems of Maningning Miclat are almost melodious that I can hear the music through the poetic images. It spoke and at the same time sang to me poignant thoughts about life, pain and love. These are the foundation of  Ginugunita Kita’s music.”  He added, “for me, the experience in writing the music was really meditative and cathartic at the same time. It feels like I have discovered a new language, a language that speaks directly to the soul."

Nikki Gil sings When I Met You from her new album Love Revisited

Nikki Gil just released her new album, Love Revisited consist of cover songs of love. For Nikki Gil, it is not just about heartbreaks but also finding love and being in love.

I was able to make a video sampler on one of her featured songs "When I Met You" as popularized by Apo Hiking Society during the press launch at Brentwood Hotel in Quezon City. For more album launches, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

BACKSTREET BOYS COMING TO MANILA MAY 5

Press release

Backstreet Boys, acclaimed as the best-selling boy band of all time which dominated the music and recording industry from the early 1990s onwards, is coming to Manila to do a major concert on May 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

            The group is loved for its many huge hits like “I Want It That Way,” “Everybody (“Backstreet’s Back”),” “As Long As You Love Me,” “I’ll Never Break Your Heart,” “Anywhere For You,” “Larger Than Life,” “Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely,” “This Is Us,” “Never Gone,” “Unbreakable,” and many more. With over 130 million records sold worldwide, Backstreet Boys has left its mark in the music and recording industry as one of the world’s top-selling music artists.

             Formed in 1993 in Orlando, Florida,  Backstreet Boys first attracted worldwide attention with its self-titled debut international album (1996),  its second international album, “Backstreet’s Back” (1997),  and its debut album in the US.

On April 22,  2013, the multiple award-winning and Grammy-nominated group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In commemoration of its 20^th anniversary in the music and recording industry, Backstreet Boys came out with a full-length movie documentary titled, “Backstreet Boys” Show “Em What You’re Made Of,” which was filmed over two years and chronicles its musical journey by delving into the extremes of fame and fortune that each member has undergone.

            An emotionally open and honest documentation of the biggest and most successful musical group in history, the film documentary stars original group members Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Litrell, AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson, who also produced the film along with Mia Bays.

Ihe film opened last Jan. 30 in theaters and video-on-demands throughout the US through Gravitas Ventures, released  in February in the United Kingdom and Europe and on March 28 worldwide.

The documentary will have its worldwide television premiere as part of the Emmy Award-winning “VH1 Rock Docs” franchise scheduled to debut on VH1 in the Spring of 2015.

(“Backstreet Boys Live In Manila 2015!” is presented by Ovation Productions through Live Nation.  Tickets prices are P7920, 6870, 5810, 4760, 3700, 2640, 930 available at all smtickets outlets and online at www.smtickets.com.)

KZ's First Solo Concert

I first met KZ in person when she had a presscon for her Valentine show and now she is having her first solo concert on April 17. The first champion of Philippines' pilot season of The Voice is known for her singles like Mahal Ko O Mahal Ako, Scared To Death, and Wag Ka Ng Umiyak will have her concert at the Music Museum.

Unlike her Valentine show, she will have 19 production numbers and will do different music genres. Unlike before, she was an opening act for concerts. Now, she will be joined by Richard Poon, Ebe Dancel and the Harana Boys.

For KZ, her biggest challenge is doing jazz. Be part of the milestone for KZ concert. For more updates on the concert scene, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

RACHELLE ANN GO TO SING “A DREAM IS A WISH YOUR HEART MAKES” IN LOCAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR DISNEY’S “CINDERELLA”

Press release

PHILIPPINES, MANILA, March 6, 2015 – Walt Disney Studios Southeast Asia has chosen top Filipino recording star and award-winning West End actress Rachelle Ann Go to sing and star in the music video of the beloved Disney song “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” in conjunction with the launch of the new live-action film, “Cinderella.”

In the 1950 animated film, Cinderella sang “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” as she encouraged her animal friends to never stop dreaming. This theme of “never stop dreaming” continues throughout the entire classic fairy-tale. The ballad was written and composed by Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston.

Disney is reviving the song with a new arrangement and music video to deliver the inspirational and positive message of the new “Cinderella” movie, which is to believe in your dreams, be positive and most importantly “Have Courage and Be Kind.”

“We were looking for someone special, not just to sing the song beautifully but to also deliver the message reliably and inspire audiences. We chose Rachelle Ann Go as she embodies the positivity and inspirations of Cinderella, and is a living idol for young Filipinos everywhere who never stopped following her dreams,” said Amit Malhotra, General Manager of Walt Disney Studios, Southeast Asia.

In the video, Disney also produced a touching segment – a memorable moment where Rachelle was surprised by a visit from her mother who flew all the way from Manila to surprise her during the studio recording. Fans can look forward to a heart-warming video as well as various interactive segments with Rachelle regarding this very special project.

The music video of “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” premieres on Disney Channel and Disney Channel Asia YouTube Channel on Saturday, 7 March, 2015.

Disney’s decision to cast Rachelle Ann Go in the music video - “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” is in line with the company’s approach to dream, create and celebrate the most magical stories and adventures, each woven around a relatable, empowered local idol who delights everyone and especially inspires girls to realize their full potential.

As a child, Rachelle always dreamt of becoming a singer and recording star, frequently joining national talent competitions from an early age. Her breakthrough came when she was declared the grand winner of the highly-coveted “Search for a Star” singing contest in 2003 in Manila. What followed was a sensational realization of Rachelle's dream – expressing herself through music, gaining fame and ardent fans, releasing top-selling albums, headlining sold-out concerts, and winning awards for her craft around the world.

Her dream of attaining international stardom also came true when she was cast last year for the West End revival of the musical “Miss Saigon” where she received Best Featured Actress and Best Supporting Actress accolades from London award-giving bodies.

Disney’s “Cinderella” opens in cinemas nationwide on Thursday, March 12^th and will also be available in IMAX.

Disney’s “Cinderella” will also feature the much anticipated short “Frozen Fever” and popular princesses Elsa and Anna at the start of the movie.