AUDIOJUNKIE: Girl-group Raya lets loose

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Mar 10, 2025 07:11 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• But these days, the word will represent something else. It will mean sass, verve, and energy. It’ll also mean sugar, spice, and everything nice, as it's now the moniker of a new P-pop group called, you guessed it: Raya. 

Raya (Viva Records)

The word “Raya” has diverse origins and meanings. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the term is associated with greatness or grandness, like in the phrase “Hari Raya,” which means grand celebration or feast. The word is also akin to the Sanskrit “rajan” and the Hindi "rajah,” a title bestowed to kings and princes. In the Philippine south, the latter term has ties to the royal lineages of old.

But these days, the word will represent something else. It will mean sass, verve, and energy. It’ll also mean sugar, spice, and everything nice, as it's now the moniker of a new P-pop group called, you guessed it: Raya.

This vivacious sing-and-dance-pop group includes nine young ladies: Abel, Anna, Ash, Aviona, Jemima, Kash, Priscilla, Rona, and Sofia. In the tradition of Pinoy pop, they are the product of "a curated group of talents who can perform at a high level and individually, each offering their own unique star power," so to speak. 

According to Raya’s label Viva Records, the group is still pre-debut. But in the fast-paced world of Pinoy pop, you have to launch-quick or get left behind. So, Raya dropped a quickie single with a cover of a Manila sound-era gem in “Bongga Ka Day!”

While it retains elements of the original, this is not your grandma’s disco-themed Coco Banana (look it up!) pop anthem. Raya’s “Bongga Ka Day!” has been put through the wringer and out comes this candy-coated, synth-pop tinged bop. Raya’s energy on this record is infectious, and their sparkle and fizz propels this forward. They don’t go overboard though and still leave much of the original melodies to appreciate here. And there’s a bit of fascination too when I think of the almost 50-year gap between Raya and Hotdog, the original singers of tune. I doubt that the girls of Raya will ever get to wear a Pitoy Moreno, whose name was mentioned in the song, but they ace the “bongga” part beautifully. I mean who doesn’t like bubblegum pop now and then? Check out their performance video for “Bongga Ka Day” for some visual cotton candy.

And zinging up sparkly gems is the order of the day for Raya. Still not their “official debut” mode, Raya recently dropped a performance video cover of Sarah Geronimo’s “Kilometro” on YouTube. Now R&B inflected dance with a club vibe seems a better fit for Raya. For one, they got the vocal duties down pat, which is saying something, as this is originally a Sarah G track. Second, they can strut their stuff, as they do decked in denim glam outfits whilst performing in an all-white rehearsal space.  If these pre-debut singles are a portent of things to come, then Raya is off to a good pre-start.

If you’re already surfing YouTube, check the music video for Rob Deniel’s single titled “Happy Ending.” I haven’t had the chance to listen to Rob’s latest and “seeing” it with the official music video completes his vision for this particular song for me. Rob is one of the leading proponents of retro pop right now; naturally “Happy Ending” falls under the category. But beyond pop music categories, Rob is just dropping one catchy song after the other. This one included. The MV shows Rob Deniel in day-dreaming mode, wondering what it would be like to end up with a cutie like Hyacinth Collado who’s the eye-candy in this Kelvin Guzman-produced, Jason Max-directed video.

AUDIOJUNKIE: Senti-core

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Feb 3, 2025 10:23 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “U-Belt” by Jan Roberts definitely fits the bill with the soothing and relaxed sounds of this acoustic guitar driven tune.

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Sugarcane (Images courtesy of Facebook)

What is the world coming to? One doesn't have to look far to know that social media is friggin' messed up or rather, messed us all up. But this is not about that, contrary, this is about some senti music to slow down to.

“U-Belt” by Jan Roberts definitely fits the bill with the soothing and relaxed sounds of this acoustic guitar driven tune. We know little about Jan Roberts except that this 23-year-old singer-songwriter hails from Albay and that he’s been quietly releasing his songs since 2021. 

So far, JR has put out six singles from 2021’s “Binibini” to his latest (actually seven including his recent yule themed song). There’s a sense of quiet beauty in the singer’s minimalist approach. It’s usually just his acoustic guitar and smidgen of synths to add some melancholy atmosphere about his songs. Jan Roberts’ voice is not even exceptional but that’s not a put down mind you. Because what he lacks in vocal flash he makes up for in the overall vibe that his songs deliver. 

And his songs “Sagip” and “Hirap Kalimutan” are definitely singer-songwriter tunes that make you want to slow down and listen to what he’s crooning about, which in this case, is about sticking by your person and of precarious relations respectively. So far his listeners have responded handsomely to his music. These two in particular have so far garnered about 20 million streams on one platform alone.

Then there’s Jan Roberts’ lyrics. Here’s a sample in “Hirap Kalimutan” where he writes: “Dapithapon, naglalakad ako mag-isa / ‘Di upang makatipid, ngunit para ako’y makapag-isip-isip / Inihagis ang bato at panooring lumubog ito hanggang sa pinakailalim / Habang hinayaan ang sariling malunod sa lungkot.” Quiet beauty indeed. Besides the new single “U-belt” other hotspots in Jan Roberts’ catalog include the excellent “Escolta” which features the equally superb voice of a certain singer called Tangi.

Amiel Sol

Just recently, we featured singer-songwriter Amiel Sol and his latest single “Sa Bawat Sandali” in this column. Since then, “Bawat Sandali” has racked up the streams and has so far, more than 8 million listens (in one platform alone) since it was released more than a month ago. Just like Jan Roberts, Amiel Sol has been connecting with wistful sounding, acoustic guitar-flavored minimalist tunes. The more than 8 million stream surge by Amiel Sol with “Sa Bawat Sandali” is his best performing moment at the streaming platforms so far. His 2023 song “Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan” has racked up more than 11 million streams but spread over more than a year.

With Amiel Sol and Jan Roberts enjoying significant streams that go beyond tens of millions, it’s safe to say that there’s a surging senti-core movement currently happening in Pinoy pop. Other movers include Arthur Miguel, EJ De Perio, Dana Paulene and Liel to name a few. The more the merrier as they say, or should it be the more the senti-er? 

Other hotspots from this past weekend’s releases include Sugarcane with “Tanging Ikaw.” The self-described folk-pop sextet makes for a swinging mid-tempo tune that’s equal parts yearning and playful. Sugarcane includes Cedric Angeles on vocals and guitars, Carl Guerzon on bass, Ronamae Tiñola on flute, Frain Reyes on lead guitars, Luis Beato on keyboards and Froilan Bautista on drums.

Modern-day troubadour Johnoy Danao returns with a playful new song in “Magkasama.” Lively, whimsical or just call it what you want, this upbeat and jazzy tune that features Project Yazz – the Pinoy jazz group that includes Faye Yupano, Bergan Nuñez, Ken Castillo, Lui Tan and Jacques Dufourt- brings some spot-on but playful musicianship (those brass and lead guitar) to Danao’s musings and ‘swabe’ delivery.  

One last thing, remember that when the noise gets to be too much. you always have the option of turning it off. 

AUDIOJUNKIE: Weaving wild dreams

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Dec 23, 2024 08:47 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• So, as Marion and Ashley build on every indie artist's dream, the music will come. 

Wild Dream Records Ashley Cool Cat Ash Aunor (left) and Marion Aunor

There’s a 1989 film called “Field Of Dreams” where the main character, a farmer named Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), against better judgement, built a Baseball field where his cornfield used to be. Despite being mocked, Ray went and built the damn thing. It's hard not to when you have a voice whispering, ‘if you build it, he will come’ in your head like Ray did. 

It's kind of like the same thing with Wild Dream Records. But instead of a bodiless voice whispering instructions, sisters Marion and Ashley Aunor only hear the music.

“The goal is to create a label by dreamers, for dreamers,” said Marion. “I was once an aspiring singer-songwriter too, so I wanted to help other dreamers like me pursue their music passions.” Marion also added that as a music label, “Wild Dream Records takes on a lot of genres from alt-pop, alternative rock to rap.” Still, the binding element in their creative weave is that “together, we’re all aspiring singer-songwriters.”  

Wild Dream Records group photo

Since 2021, Wild Dream Records has been building a menage of creatives, starting with Matt Wilson, solo act Minimal Days, and rapper Pecado. All three write their material and are quite successful at it, too. Matt Wilson, for one, already has a hit with sparkly “Alitaptap.” Ditto with Minimal Days, whose dreamy “11,100 Days” became an oft-used soundtrack on socials by Gen-Z 

And that was just the start. WDR has since added Baguio-based band Preza (Spanish for Strawberry) to the roster and whose brand of retropop-hued debut single “Saksi” is certainly compelling. As WDR’s first female act, Bianca Denise is doing Marion Aunor proud with her sweet and soothing acoustic ballad sound in her own debut titled “Ihahatid.” And then there’s up-and-coming band Midnight Talking, which has a mix of funk and pop that promises to be electric this early. 

A&R head and music producer Ashley (a.k.a. Cool Cat Ash) is all about believing in their artist’s talents. She also has an admirable philosophy in taking on acts. “They always say, just go for the artist with numbers, but actually, we’re here for ‘yung may puso din.’” And as per Ashley, Wild Dream is about finding the artist’s goal and purpose. “What are they about? Where’s the ‘why’ in their music, and will it align with our ‘why’ as a label?” It starts with that. Instead of saying, "Here's our product, we’re offering you why there’s a purpose to what we’re doing.”   

Cool Cat Ash, Matt Wilson, and Marion

Ultimately, co-founders Marion and Ashley Aunor and Wild Dream Records are signing up “passionate individuals with a story to share with the world.”  So far, both have proven that their ears are as keen as their eyes when scoping out these singer-songwriters whose music resonates with people. And as active music acts, Marion and Ashley bring real-world experience to the table for their artist’s benefit.

“Many indie artists now can just put out a song, but what we provide is guidance in all respects: songwriting, branding and packaging,” Marion said. Those and all other intangibles would only serve to advance Wild Dream artists. And what artist wouldn’t say yes to acquiring some of Marion and Ashley’s Berkeley College-acquired training to benefit their own music journey?

So, as Marion and Ashley build on every indie artist's dream, the music will come.

How wild is that?

AUDIOJUNKIE: The excuse for vinyl

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Dec 9, 2024 09:19 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• It’s the warm fuzzy feeling one gets when listening to vinyl records. 

The Music of Cecile Azarcon and Wolfgang official vinyl covers 

Vinyl record aficionados are a passionate lot. How else can one explain those lunatics who are so deep into this dated, cumbersome music format? These circular plastics take up so much space when gathered in one place, and for what? So, one can manually browse piles of records to find one song that currently tickles one’s fancy? Have you not heard of Alexa? Just ask, ‘Hey Alexa, play..’ And don’t get me started with the actual hardware needed to play these vinyl records. A Marantz audio receiver goes from the lowest 10k (used and, if you're lucky) to highs of 70k upwards for brand new. And that’s just one of several pieces of equipment needed to play those damned vinyls. You do know there’s a smartphone device and an app called Spotify, right? 

And yet, it is for these exact reasons that a significant lot remains enamored with vinyl. Ask any music curator if he’d cede to Alexa the joy of searching for a particular album or single amidst boxes of records, and the former would tell that bitch AI to get lost. Ditto for those audiophiles who waited years to complete the perfect stereo setup and would laugh at your face (or at least in their minds, they will) if you told them all you need is your smartphone to get your music fixed. Nope, that won’t fly with this lot.

Those who love records are a special breed. I saw one enthusiast explain, “Why vinyl?” And went on to say it’s “the intentionality of choosing a record. And listening to the album in the order the artist intended. And the tangibility of holding the vinyl and admiring the cover, the insert, and the pressing. It’s all about the experience." 

And I concur. Aside from being an aural experience, listening to vinyl is also tactile, involving other senses such as sight, smell, and taste. There’s something about pulling a record from its sleeve, placing it on the platter of a turntable, and twiddling with stereo controls that’s almost ceremonial-like. Light a candle (or a joint where it's legal) or have a cold beer as you gloss over the album cover, and you get the other senses part checked out. Could one do that with streaming?  Not the same.

It’s the warm fuzzy feeling one gets when listening to vinyl records. If you have your stereo set-up just right, and I had mine using my 1989 Sony turntable, pre-loved Pioneer A-125 receiver, and Bose 101 monitors-a configuration 30 years in the making—matched with the correct record. I swear, the sound feels like Bob Dylan’s beside you, singing just for you.    

Here’s a new record worth checking out: For the first time, “The Music Of Cecile Azarcon” collects the hits of the storied songwriter-pianist. Fans of OPM know that Azarcon penned some of the most memorable hits of the 80’s and 90’s. Martin Nievera’s “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” Raymond Lauchengco’s “So It’s You,” “Even If” by Jam Morales, “Reaching Out” by Gary V., and “How Did You Know” by Chiqui Pineda are just some of the gems that Azarcon wrote and composed for these marquee acts. Also included here is the first ever song Cecile Azarcon wrote, which was “Lift Up Your Hands” for the great Sir Basil Valdez.

Also, Wolfgang and their self-titled debut were recently released on vinyl by Ivory Records. Stereo heads would appreciate “Halik Ni Hudas,” “Arise,” “As Oceans,” and “Darkness Fell” on vinyl because they sound better now than they did on cassette way back in ’95.

The Christmas countdown starts

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Dec 2, 2024 07:22 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• And because Yule season is in full bloom, here are some season-inspired tunes.

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Clockwise: Ed Sheeran, The Dawn and Lisa

It’s the first day of December 2024 as I write this. And just like that, It’s the last month of the year. And with it comes a feeling of “wrapping things up,” literally and figuratively. Those in a holiday mood are busy crossing out things from their lists. Usually, this involves buying stuff to give away as gifts, or if one feels inclined to reward oneself for a year-round job well done, giving a present to oneself to keep the wonder going as a form of pampering and self-love. I see myself giving myself a new electric guitar because I’ve been so loyal to my old guitars that they deserve the company of a new six-string. But do I need a new one when I already have enough of them? Well, that’s debatable. 

But what I’m trying to get at is the part about pampering and self-love. Sure, running to the nearest mall to buy stuff is fine. But do yourself a favor and up the ante this time. Instead of just filling a want or the proverbial hole in your life with an item you’re considering getting only because it's on sale, stop. Instead, get what you need. Something that’ll last a little longer. Buy wonder.  

Yes, that’s right. Wonder. That “feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.” Buy a watercolor set because you’ve always had a knack for visuals. Get a nice notebook and a matching pen to write the thoughts and emotions you want off your mind and chest. Maybe it’ll come out as poetry, or maybe lyrics. In the same vein, perhaps a musical instrument, because you’ve always felt you have a knack for melodies, and maybe that’ll lead you to your first ever song.

Whatever interests you: baking, carpentry, dog grooming, sewing, hair-cutting, etc. Get what you need to get yourself on that path of creating because gifts are great. But the best presents leave a sense of awe, admiration, fascination, and amazement. And in the scheme of things, only you can provide yourself with what you really need to lift yourself.      

And because Yule season is in full bloom, here are some season-inspired tunes. Starting with Ed Sheeran with a lovely sounding, piano-decked “Under The Tree,” wherein he croons, “There is nothing under the tree that I wished for / I want you to come back to me and be like before.” Ed Sheeran is established in his career in singing yule tunes with orchestrations. The next stop is an all-covers album of Christmas Carols. Just kidding.     

One of my all-time fave bands, The Dawn, surprisingly pops up for the season with a holiday-themed original in “Maki-Pasko.”  Jett Pangan’s voice, which has mellowed to a rich timbre, sings of de rigueur themes of Christmas, the gist being, can I celebrate the holiday with you? The music would pass for a mellow, atmospheric ‘new wave-inspired’ tune. On-brand for this band who’s seen music fads come and go but has remained true to its core. I know it will be on my playlist. 

LISA brings some holiday vibes into the dance floor with  “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)” Santa Baby Remix. It's a vibing track to get you “trippin’” as LISA does with Santa. Does that make sense? I don’t know, but she does manage to interpolate “Kiss Me” into this funky rework. And yes, I think LISA is today's hottest solo female K-pop act.  

AUDIOJUNKIE: The return of the comeback

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Sep 30, 2024 08:19 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Starting with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid who just released a new single over the weekend with “Someday.” The song, of course, is the early aughts breakthrough hit single for a certain singer named Nina.

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Regine Velasquez Alcasid (Instagram)

Please don’t take this week’s title seriously. Besides being one of those one-liner phrases annoying more than trying-hard funny or pa-cute, it’s grammatically redundant and would exasperate any editor worth their salt.

But it does fall in nicely with this week’s theme as we see some important figures in music releasing new material after some absence from the scene.

Starting with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid who just released a new single over the weekend with “Someday.” The song, of course, is the early aughts breakthrough hit single for a certain singer named Nina. 

Tough song to cover for sure as Nina’s no pushover vocalist-singer-performer. But this is Ate Reg we’re talking about here. And those familiar with her career know that she has a knack for turning songs into her own. And this time around is no different. RVA’s “Someday” still retains its inherent R&B flavor and overall ballad feel. Arrangement-wise, “Someday” added a (faux) string section and a not-in-the-way band arrangement that lends RAV’s version a grander presence compared to Nina’s original soul-baring solo voice and piano take.

And don’t look for vocal histrionics here, as RVA is all about serving the song, wherein she starts almost in whisper mode and gradually builds up. Of course, RAV’s “whisper” packs a few decades' worth of technique and emotion-packed delivery that few of us mortals could ever hope to muster. This is to say that RVA picks her moment, and the most enthusiastic fan would approve and say it’s nothing short of excellent.

Clockwise (from left) Regine Velasquez Alcasid, Just Hush Thyro Alfaro with JP Bacallan (Facebook)

Truth be told, Regine Velasquez has been busy releasing new music for the department lately. Starting last February with the first-rate late 90’s R&B feels “Eyes Only For Me” collaboration with Jay R. A couple more singles followed suit, including the cover of Paramore’s “The Only Exception,” and notables like the must-listen “Ulit Ulit,” the lullaby-like and lifting “Di Sinasadya,” and the Lavender Fields theme “Maskara” duet with Ogie Alcasid released early September.

In the R&B and Pinoy rap music front, Just Hush released the slow-grooving and ambient “LONTA.” Just Hush fans aching for a return to “Maikee’s Letter” era type of sounds but have to support Just Hush’s predilection for airy, trippy, almost contrapuntal melodies and beats that he has been churning out of late, “LONTA” included. Soft-spoken and reserved, Just Hush has always been R&B’s most eccentric; naturally, he comes out in his music.

Speaking of R&B, not long ago, Thyro Alfaro was writing (on his own or co-writing) hits such as “Kilometro,” “Randomantic,” “Para-Paraan” and “Triangulo.” So it’s a big deal that Thyro is back with his first single since 2021’s “Bagong Buhay Vol.1” album. Thyro returns with upbeat and swinging “Fighting For You,” a perky R&B tune and chill grooving new song that sees Thyro back to basics, writing catchy lyrics about love and holding on, and incorporating the words ‘I do” as a melodic riff like only Thyro can within the context of a catchy R&B tune. Produced by Thyro for his Diwang Records label, “Fighting For You” also includes JP Bacallan, heard here at the kickoff, grooving and sharing verses with the ace songwriter.

Also back is KZ Tandingan with a superb pop-rocker in “Toyo” (a’la Pink), Shanti Dope with “Di Iniwanan,” as well as The Juans, SunKissed Lola, Dilaw, and more came out with new music just this past week.

So yeah, call it anything you want, but don’t label it a comeback. They never went away anyway.

AUDIOJUNKIE: Who run the world

BY Punch Liwanag

Sep 16, 2024 07:12 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift and the rest of the ladies who dominated the recent MTV VMA’s is just further proof that today's world of pop is theirs.

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From left: Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan (Images courtesy of Facebook)

If the recent VMAs are any indication, the current vista of pop music is dominated by the ladies. While the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards had its share of top male performers, one only needs to see the caliber of talent and fame on the female side to know that girls are the dominating force in the world of pop today.

Sure, performances by the one and only Eminem and younger acts Benson Boone, Teddy Swims (a favorite), Shawn Mendes, Rauw Alejandro, and OG’s Lenny Kravitz and LL Cool J were notable. Still, it’s the ladies that turned heads. It’s the performances by the likes of Best New Artist Chappell Roan, Halsey (who reinvented with a pop-tinged garage-rock aesthetic), ‘New Woman/Rockstar’ Lisa, Camila Cabello’s “Godspeed” and Artist of the Year Sabrina Carpenter’s Madonna-inspired moment is what brought the house down.  

Add the mighty Katy Perry and her robust greatest hits medley to mark her Michael Jackson Vanguard Award for contributions to pop music via her decade-plus run and still on-going career (she plugged a forthcoming album). Katy Perry was presented the trophy by husband Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and was also recognized by MTV on their 40th year anniversary, the Iconic Performance award for her rendering of “Roar” on the 2013 VMA’s. 

Host Megan Thee Stallion took home best art direction (for “BOA”) as the rapper-singer also crushed the Trending Video award with “Mamushi” with a performance featuring Japan’s Yuki Chiba.  Winners also include Billie Eilish, who won with “What Was I Made For?” for (quite the interesting category of) Video For Good, A.K.A. best song with a message. Tyla bagged the Afrobeat category via her club hit “Water.” Anitta for Latin Video OTY for “Mil Veces,” and over in the world of K-pop, Blackpink’s top girl Lisa won the nod for her “Rockstar” video. Dua Lipa’s  “Houdini” is Best Choreography and Arianna Grande got Best Cinematography for “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”. K-pop act all-female group Le Sserafim took the Push performance category with their single “Easy,” as SZA won the Best R&B category for her song “Snooze.”

And while she’s in active audience mode (but had the camera cutting to her vicinity the whole evening), Taylor Swift still took home the biggest moon-man trophy of the night for acing the Video Of The Year Awards for “Fortnight” with Post Malone as well as Best Editing, the Song Of The Summer nod, and the Best Collaboration for said video. Taylor Swift, who was in the headlines just this past week for endorsing US presidential candidate Kamala Harris, is recognized by MTV this year as Artist Of the Year.

And then there’s Sabrina Carpenter who is having a great year just had the VMA’s confirming what everybody (at least those who cares about pop music) already knows: that the diminutive pop dynamite has two of today’s biggest hits with “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” Both songs have been popping up everywhere and gave Sabrina Carpenter her newly minted pop star status. The “Short n’ Sweet” singer released a full-length album late last month that is chock full of tasty songs that run the gamut, from pop, synthpop, to country and back.

Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift and the rest of the ladies who dominated the recent MTV VMA’s is just further proof that today's world of pop is theirs. 

And we’re all just living in it.