Universal Music Group pulls out from TikTok

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Feb 1, 2024 12:24 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• UMG claimed that an agreement was not reached with TikTok regarding the following issues: “appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users.”

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A chunk of the world’s biggest hits and artists won’t be playing on TikTok soon.

This was after Universal Music Group (UMG) pulled out its music catalog from the popular short-form video-sharing platform.

Last Tuesday, UMG posted online that its agreement with TikTok will expire on Jan. 31. 

UMG claimed that an agreement was not reached with TikTok regarding the following issues: “appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users.”

The music company, one of the largest in the world today, also said that “TikTok proposed paying our artists and songwriters at a rate that is a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay.”

“Ultimately, TikTok is trying to build a music-based business without paying fair value for the music,” UMG said.

TikTok, in its announcement on Jan. 30, expressed its disappointment in UMG, saying, " It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put its own greed above the interests of its artists and songwriters.” 

“Despite Universal's false narrative and rhetoric, they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.”

Universal is home to some of the biggest music artists in the world today, including Taylor Swift, Drake, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Kendrick Lamar, BTS, and Post Malone.

Miley Cyrus: Introspective Barbie

 BY PUNCH LIWANAG

  

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AT A GLANCE

• At 30, Miley is still too young to contemplate her life choices. But 30 is probably 50 for someone thrust into the entertainment world at a young age. And the irony of it is that her wild ride started as a teen actor during her Disney days as Hannah Montana.

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Miley Cyrus (Image courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Philippines)

After breaking big with her previous single, “Flowers,” pop’s favorite wild child, Miley Cyrus, turns introspective on her latest single, “Used To Be Young.”

After her number one hit “Flowers” – a song about staying sane and strong post-breakup – Miley Cyrus is ruminating about life on this rising mid-tempo ballad, the latest single from her most recent album “Endless Summer Days.”

At 30, Miley is still too young to contemplate her life choices. But 30 is probably 50 for someone thrust into the entertainment world at a young age. And the irony of it is that her wild ride started as a teen actor during her Disney days as Hannah Montana.

From “Party In The U.S.A.”  to her eventual one-eighty turn as a twerking wild child in “Wrecking Ball,” Miley’s been around enough to have her fair share of shedding images (to the extreme at that).

And that’s what she’s singing about at the onset as she goes, “The truth is bulletproof, there’s no foolin’ you / I don’t dress the same, me and who you say I was yesterday have gone our separate ways / left my livin’ fast somewhere in the past ‘cause that’s for chasin’ cars.” And what a wild ride it has been so far, but just before the first chorus kicks in as if with a pang of mixed regret realization, she adds: “turns out open bars lead to broken hearts and going way too far.”

So though it may sound as if she’s regretful, it’s not so when she intones at the chorus: “I know I used to be crazy, I know I used to be fun / You say I used to be wild, I say I used to be young.” She says: “It’s fine, I’ve had a good run.”  

She confirms this in her own words when she describes “Used To Be Young” as “honoring who we’ve been and celebrating who we will become.” She goes on to say that she’s learned much from her experience. “I feel proud when reflecting on my past and optimistic about the future.”

With the arrangement starting with an arena-ready piano motif, we’re immediately reminded of similar power ballads of hers that echo that same big-ness. There’s “The Climb” from 2009 and another twerk-era hit in “We Can’t Stop.”

Chime-y keyboard sounds that eventually give way to a full chorus, punctuated here with a prominent, ethereal-sounding slide guitar and an almost hypnotic but steady drum beat.  

Kudos to Miley for writing such heartfelt lyrics, but credit goes to producers Michael Pollack and Shawn Everett for nodding to two big Miley signature tunes in one go.

Miley Cyrus is in her Debbie-Harry and-Joan-Jett-inspired rock and roll phase as deep as her long legs can take her. It’s all so interesting as her other eras were, but “Used To Be Young” is a nice break – and a reminder of what has been and will be – for long-time fans as we all wait for what comes next from this pop chameleon.

By the way, Miley acknowledged her fandom when she said something about being grateful to her loyal fans about dreams being her reality and that she’s sincerely thankful for the steadfast support.

Keep making tunes like these, and you'll always have our ears, Ma'am Miley.

AUDIOJUNKIE: R&B chill-pop artist Milky Day expands his reach

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

  

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AT A GLANCE

• First though, who is Milky Day and why should we care? Well, Pinoys love a good singer and Milky Day certainly checks that box. And while he’s a Singaporean-New Zealander (currently) based in Sydney, being from ‘out of town’ never was a problem for us innately hospitable Pinoys. That and our appreciation for somebody who’s really putting themselves into the music.

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Milky Day (left) and Denise Julia

A singer who goes by the name Milky Day is reaching out to an audience in the Philippines. And he’s starting by adding some local color.

First though, who is Milky Day and why should we care? Well, Pinoys love a good singer and Milky Day certainly checks that box. And while he’s a Singaporean-New Zealander (currently) based in Sydney, being from ‘out of town’ never was a problem for us innately hospitable Pinoys. That and our appreciation for somebody who’s really putting themselves into the music.

“I was always surrounded by music growing up! I’ve been playing piano since I was 8,” Milky Day shares. Years later, like every musician worth their salt, he was tinkering with computer music and started down the path of writing and producing his own music and at the same time never stopping to improve his know-how in music, studying jazz and taking singing lessons.  “As I released more songs, I was surprised to see my songs gaining traction and my fanbase expanding. Then in 2022, I quit my job and decided to fully focus my time and energy on creating music.”

Denise Julia (Facebook)

Milky Day has since collected a string of releases that includes the Vibe-y and pop R&B-esque “You’ll Be Alright” and the equally grooving and lo-fi tinged “Fool.” Just between those two songs, Milky Day has already amassed more than 28 million listens of his almost 50 million streams in Spotify alone.

Pinoys can also relate to Milky Day’s ‘hugot’ themes of heartbreak, love, hope and regret. One of those songs would be “Listen to the Rain.''

“I was going through a rough patch. Laid off from my day job, recovering from a breakup and adjusting to my new life as a full-time musician in a new country. I was under a lot of stress, worrying about my future, struggling to come to terms with negative emotions I was feeling. Then one day, it was raining lightly outside and for the first time in a long time, I felt a huge sense of relief from the weight I had been bearing. It felt like all of my worries weren’t as bad as they had seemed in my head.  I wrote “Listen to the Rain” inspired by this feeling, so I hope that the song provides comfort to the listener the same way the rain had for me.”

Milky Day

Which leads to his latest single “Let Me.”  In true ‘hugot’ fashion, Milky Day made “Let Me” –a lo-fi tinged R&B ballad--while “reminiscing about the summer night drives and adventures I had shared with my loved one back in L.A.” And here’s where local act Denise Julia comes in. “Halfway through, I thought it would be nice to have another singer tell the story from another perspective. I was looking for a female with soothing vocals, so I had my management reach out to Denise!”

Milky Day then shared how the young Filipina indie rap and R&B artist “killed it with her verse and how he loved her sound and how she interpreted the song and accurately captured the mood that I had intended. It was a really great experience we got to work together.”

Milky Day believes that “music is a universal language, so I use it to convey some of my own personal experiences, hoping to convey my story and reassure listeners they’re not the only ones feeling the things they do. I want my music to provide comfort and be a reminder that you’re not alone when you’re going through the ups and downs of life.”

Amen, brother.

AUDIOJUNKIE: The Weeknd x Ariana Grande, Sarah Geronimo, newbie Earl Agustin, Josh Cullen lead new singles releases

Published February 27, 2023, 7:02 AM

by Punch Liwanag

From left: The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Sarah Geronimo, and Earl Agustin

The Weeknd and Ariana Grande does it slow but grooving on a remix of “Die For You.” Originally from The Weeknd’s 2016 album “Starboy,” the just-released remix is basically a reboot of the track as a duet between these two modern pop stars. Whereas the original was a one-way laundry list of reasons for The Weeknd why he won’t leave his girl, with Ariana on board, it has become a call-and-response between two lovers working the kinks of their relationship.

The Weeknd and Ariana trade falsettos in between robust synth stabs and R&B-tinged choruses. “Die For You” is not the first time The Weeknd and Arianna paired up. The most recent was back in 2021 with “Save Your Tears” which to date has just surpassed a billion streams just on Spotify alone.

Newcomer Earl Agustin is a promising artist who just released his label debut via his original titled “Dalangin.” Mixing R&B, retro pop elements and catchy OPM lyricism that comes out entirely fresh in the hands of Earl. Southern-bred singer-songwriter Earl Agustin had an indie-released single titled “Tapos Na.” Said single puts on display Earl Agustin’s vocal stylings that’s similar to fellow southerner Arthur Nery. And while a case could be made that the former sounds a bit like the latter, the sure thing that can be said about the two is their deft handling of the R&B style. 

Now this is something really worth checking out. For the first time, Sarah Geronimo sings on an almost bluesy number on her recently released single titled “Himig.” Released Valentine’s Day 2023, the song opens with rhythm and blues styled guitar lines that outline the bluesy nature of this new song. For her part, Sarah Geronimo equally sings the soulful melodies of this Jin Chan-written song (who wrote Sarah’s disco inflected “Dati Dati) and is arranged by ace guitarist Janno Queyquep of South Border. Minimalist Sarah Geronimo on vocals coupled with a clean and fat-sounding neck pickup guitar sound? Yes please!    

Josh takes a break from all things SB19 on his solo debut “Wild Tonight.” Synth bass lines rumble, and the club vibe is strong on this upbeat track that sees Josh Cullen Santos channeling modern day club sounds and rapping about haters and why he’s unfazed by all of it.   

Singer-songwriter Kyla Miel Camerong collaborates on a modern love song titled “Sige Sige.” Kyla sings over boom bap beats and lo-fi guitars about giving love another chance. Supplying rap verses is rising P-pop solo artist Valfer Alo.

Blindside is a rockin’ three-piece band led by lead guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Riane Foronda, bassist and back-up vocalist Mathew Dooma and wonder kid drummer Wakin Ramos. Blindside’s new single titled “Antok” is their version of the classic “Harana” and an energetic take at that.

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After a brief spell of absence, BennyBunnyBand returns with an introspective new song titled “ParePareho.”  Songwriter Benny James Giron is a skilled electric ukelele player and can coax the most out of said instrument besides being a decent songwriter. And we can hear it in this tune–with those uke-guitar fills in between his rhythmic stabs and singing–all while looking back at his journey so far and how life has shaped him, which he posits, we all go through.

AUDIOJUNKIE: Pop newbies, rappers and the class of Pinoy pop 2023

Published January 23, 2023, 7:12 AM

by Punch Liwanag

Photo composite (top, from left) official single art Matt Wilson, Cean Jr., Pusakalye, Celine Laroza; (below, from left) official art J emm Dahon King Lheanard Kushin, Ace Cirera, Zach x Zeph, Krisostomo Goonbogart Jessie Dave

Local music is booming, and here’s a sampling of the latest from newbies to rappers, R&B rap-singers and popsters.

Starting with Matt Wilson who makes his debut as a Wild Dream Records music artist with the wonderful sounding new song titled “Alitaptap.” Minimalist, wistful, yet modern sounding at the same time, “Alitaptap” is the perfect jump off point for listeners into the music of alt-pop singer-songwriter Matt Wilson.

Modern-day soulster and R&B singer-songwriter Cean Jr. brings out a vibey soul original on his new song “Hirap O Sarap.” Cean Jr. puts to music his own experience of loving someone and the result is this soulful ballad about love and relationships for ‘better or worse.’ 

Alitaptap by Matt Wilson Wild Dream Records official e-card Copyright January 2023

It’s R&B and rap on a new three-way song collaboration titled “Hin.” This new and original bop features rising rappers/singers Krisostomo, Goonbogart and Jessie Dave and is veritable word flow bonanza wrapped in city pop grooves.

Celine Laroza is a sweet-sounding singer-songwriter behind the acoustic flavored “Muntik Lang.” Simplified and devoid of studio gimmickry, Celine relies on her song’s inherent catchiness to get her point across as she sings about the what-could’ve-been of a relationship. Then there’s the acoustic pop flavored “Pang-gabi” which forms part of the back-to-back singles from Laroza. This song about a love that’s undecided and the confusion it brings, wrapped in barebones acoustic flavored pop, is the aesthetic of this talented pop singer.

Pusakalye releases the fine-sounding new single titled “Baka Pwede.” Pusakalye changes its tact and stops chasing tired sounding “hugot songs” for a more energetic, go-getter of a song in this upbeat pop rocker that sounds a lot more fitting for their name, skills and if it continues, a pop rock sound they can call their own.

Sibling music act Zach x Zeph tries to branch out into dance music via their new single titled “Won’t Stop.” According to the singer-songwriters, the song is “about the adoration of someone you like and the appreciation of all the wonderful feelings that seeing that person triggers in you.” That basically describes the feeling this song conjures, with its positivity and the upbeat dance club feels it manages to bottle in this song. 

Muntik Lang by Celine Laroza Blacksheep Records Manila official e-card Copyright January 2023

Three main men from viral rap group HOOD 047 namely J emm Dahon, King Lheanard and Kushin (Richard OIamit) collaborate on a J Emm Dahon-produced track titled “Space Jam.” This bouncy, trap-beat driven number is all about rising above in life through pursuing love and passion. Written by J emm, KL and Kushin, this is a warm up for an upcoming EP that will soon drop.

Rap music artist Ace Cirera makes his Viva Records solo debut via the flowing and lyrical bop titled “Sagot Kita.” Ace Cirera is a Pinoy rap music scene vet and is associated with acts such as Because and NexxFriday. He’s also one-fourth of the rap collective Flow Minister. Ace Cirera gets some assistance from R&B singer Yzkk who gets to sing the hook chorus vocals behind Ace Cirera’s blunt rap bursts.

New Vivamax movie “Panibugho” a new original Movie featuring Angela Morena, Stephanie Raz, Mikaela Raz, Kiko Estrada, Benz Sangalang and directed by Iar Arondaing features two popular music acts in the Pinoy music scene today. Starting with Bandang Lapis’ emotional brand of pop rock with “Pagsisisi.” Then there’s Lyca Gairanod whose previously released single, the endearing ballad “Malapit Na Akong Mahulog Sa Iyo” lends some sonic color for the tryst-and-turns of this new movie.

Adele, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar among top nominees at 65th Grammys

by Punch Liwanag

Beyoncé leads the pack with nine nominations.

The singer’s most recent album titled “Renaissance” earned the pop superstar nine nominations at the 65th Grammy Awards that will happen early next year, on February 5, 2023.

Rap music artist Kendrick Lamar is a close second with eight nominations earned through his “Mr. Morale And The Big Steppers” album.  

Adele and Brandi Carlile meanwhile both have seven nominations each respectively for the albums “30” and “In These Silent Days.”

All aforementioned artists will vie for the major awards that include “Album Of The Year” and “Record Of The Year.”

Also included in the best album list are ABBA with their comeback album “Voyage,” Coldplay with “Music Of The Spheres,” Lizzo’s “Special,” Mary J. Blige’s “Good Morning Gorgeous,” Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti,” and Harry Styles’ “Harry’s House.”

Likewise the Record Of The Year category includes Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul,” Adele’s “Easy On Me,” Kendrick’s “The Heart Part 5,” and Brandi Carlile’s “You And Me On The Rock” (featuring Lucius).  

Those and ABBA’s “Don’t Shut Me Down,” Mary J. Blige’s “Good Morning Gorgeous,” Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit,” Doja Cat’s “Woman,” “About Damn Time” by Lizzo and “As It Was” by Harry Styles.   

The Song Of The Year category is comprised of aforementioned songs by Beyoncé, Adele, Kendrick Lamar, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Steve Lacy and the Tiktok hit “Abcdefu” by Gayle and DJ Khaled’s “God Did,” “Just Like That” by Bonnie Raitt and Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).”

Grammy observers note that this upcoming event’s narrative will boil down between Beyoncé and Adele.

Both female acts are some of the most decorated in Grammy history.

Beyoncé has got the edge in number of awards but has only one major award to her credit with Song Of The Year with “Single Ladies.”

Meanwhile Adele has swept Album, Record and Song Of The Year honors in a previous ceremony.  

Singer-actress Aubrey Caraan discovers songwriting in ‘Sana’

by Punch Liwanag, MB

After a long stint acting in movies and TV, Aubrey Caraan returns to her first love, music.

The singer-actress is back with a brand new single titled “Sana.”

Aubrey co-wrote this surging, mid-tempo R&B flavored pop track with Sean Cedro. 

It is her first foray into songwriting.

She related, “It’s my first time to co-write. And Sean (Cedro) convinced me to try it. It was hard at first but eventually I was able to enjoy the process.”

Aubrey eventually learned so many things.

“Mahirap pala kung ilalagay mo sa lyrics yung nararamdaman mo. Hindi pala dapat siya literal. Dapat may meaning, may puso, may bigat (ang mga lyrics). Dun ako nahirapan, but once we knew the direction of where the song wanted to go, it became a smoother writing process for me.” 

Aubrey added that “Sana” is “about wishful love, it’s about a dream that you want to become a reality, and it’s also about hope.”

And what does she hope and dream for?

“I’ve been doing this for a long time now, I started as a music artist, even before I acted in movies, sana I have a long career doing these things, especially music.”

“Ang meron kasi sa music na hindi ko mahahanap sa iba is yung puso,” said Aubrey of what keeps her coming back to music.

“Sa music kasi nag-ko connect lahat. I mean, different songs mean different things to me, some songs give me hope, gives me happiness, or relieves my stress. Iba talaga ang nabibigay sa kin ng music, Aubrey explains.

“That’s why I keep on pushing on doing this. It gives me so much and music does really help me in many ways as a person.” 

“I’m definitely going to write some more. I really enjoyed doing it and for me, I feel good singing my own song. It feels different.”

“I feel proud singing my own song.”

Aubrey Caraan will release her official music video for “Sana” (directed by Raymond Fabian and featuring Jairus Aquino) on YouTube, today, November 11.

Sarah Geronimo in Times Square billboard

by Punch Liwanag

Sarah Geronimo is the latest big name Pinoy pop act to be featured on a New York billboard.  

The “Tala” pop superstar’s recent image was spotted in the giant electronic billboard on Times Square in New York.

Geronimo’s long time label Viva Records, shared photos of Sarah Geronimo’s image towering above the famed New York city spot.

Said billboard is part of Spotify’s EQUAL playlist campaign. A popular playlist on the streaming platform. Said listing spotlights female artists from around the world. The Pinoy version of the playlist’s description reads: ‘Listen to women from the Philippines at full volume.”

Several Pinoy music acts have already been featured on said Billboard, but this is the first time that a Pinoy artist of Sarah Geronimo’s caliber has been featured on the EQUAL billboard.

Sarah Geronimo recently released her much anticipated new single titled “Dati Dati” a fortnight ago. This was the first time the multi-hyphenate released a brand-new song since her 2018 album “This 15 Me” (the title stylized to commemorate her 15 years in the music scene).

Sarah Geronimo is on the EQUAL Philippines playlist on the strength of her disco inspired new single “Dati Dati.”  

Spotify also saw fit to feature Geronimo on the cover of said playlist.  

Fans were delighted to find out that SG dropped a surprise single release last weekend when her version of “The Gift” – a duet with husband Matteo Guidicelli—found its way on digital streaming platforms.  

It is speculated that Sarah Geronimo will release a full-length album soon.

Jean Kiley explores Latin dance pop in ‘Te Amo’

by Punch Liwanag, MB

Singer-actress-host Jean Kiley is out with a delightfully catchy and body-moving new song.

Titled “Te Amo,” the song is a Latin pop-tinged number written by the former Pop Girl member herself.

Note the song also features actress Ella Cruz and singer Krissha Viaje.

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According to Jean, she is simply going to her first love, which is dancing, with “Te Amo.”

She added, “I am a big fan of dance music. Hearing Latino style sounds, reggaeton and the like makes people groove a little and dance. That’s the quality that attracted me to it rather than the usual solemn, mellow songs that we listen to now.”

She also added that she went for her gut feeling when it came to choosing what style of  music to do next. “Dance music has always been a passion project that I always wanted to do.”

As to what led her to collaborate with Ella and Krissha, Jean said, “I love K pop and it was my dream to do a collaboration with people who share the same enthusiasm for K pop. I happen to know that Ella and Krissha are big K pop fans themselves. So we clicked on our common interests.” 

Jean wrote “Te Amo” in the early days of the Pandemic. “My demo was only an acoustic version. I reached out to a producer friend to collaborate. We arranged the song together and finally got the version we wanted.”

Jean also wrote the rap verse for the song and on the spot, while she was already in the studio to record the tune.

As for the theme of “Te Amo,” Jean is doubling down on his K pop influence. “I was inspired by a character in a K-drama I watched on Netflix. After watching, I wrote down the lyrics about the characters feelings, then got my guitar, found the right chords to back up my melody. After about an hour or so, I finished the song while I snacked on some dark chocolates.” 

Jean revealed that it was a scene from the hit drama “Itaewon Class.”

“The song is all about Kim Da Mi’s character Jo Yi Seo’s feelings,” Jean shared. “You know when you love someone, you get butterflies, you want to say it, confess, you want them to like you back, you’re kinikilig and all that, I just translated those feelings into words.”

“Te Amo” is now available in digital music platforms.