Live music in the Philippines runs on a simple setup. An organizer mounts a show, books a venue, negotiates artists ' fees, handles logistics and promotions, and fans buy tickets to see their favorite acts. At its core, the system relies on trust. But according to artists, venues, labels, and...
The original recordings have never gone away. They 're readily available on streaming platforms, played on radio, and passed from one generation to the next. So why make another album of covers? Because great songs deserve to keep finding new voices. That has always been the appeal of...
Five years is a milestone for any band. It 's long enough to build a loyal following, develop a distinct sound, and survive the growing pains that come with making music together. For indie rock outfit HEY JUNE!, however, the occasion is less about looking back and more about what comes next....
Singer-songwriter Isha Ponti marked her 20th birthday at Viva Café over the weekend with the launch of her debut album “Likas,” a ten-track project she fully wrote herself, something she described simply as “very personal” and “a huge milestone.” The album, whose title stands for...
Filipino artists take center stage in DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film “Forgotten Island,” with a soundtrack bringing together major names in OPM and Filipino-American music. Set for release in Philippine cinemas on Sept. 23, “Forgotten Island” is a Filipino culture-inspired animated...
Anyone who frequents the local live bar scene knows that the landscape can feel a bit mechanical lately. We are living in a fast-moving digital rush where a single track blows up on social media on a Monday and disappears from playlists by the end of the month. It is a world built for quick scrolls...
Four decades after forming one of the Philippines ' most enduring rock bands, The Dawn admits it never expected to still be making music in 2026. As the band prepares for its 40th anniversary concert on June 27, members looked back on a journey that survived changing musical eras, lineup...
GMA Network Inc. is making a major play in the music industry, teaming up with Viva Music Group in a 50-50 joint venture that aims to reshape how Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is produced, promoted, and distributed. Through GMV Studios, the partnership will cover a wide range of music-related...
From powerful anthems to emotionally driven performances, P-pop girl group G22 has built a reputation for celebrating strength and individuality. Now, AJ, Alfea, and Jaz are stepping into a more carefree and vibrant chapter with their newest single, “Groove On.” In an interview with Manila...
Every artist dreams of writing a song that connects with people. Not all of them expect to wake up one day and find it being sung back to them across the world. That’s the reality Janine Berdin finds herself in today. As clips of her music circulate across social media, particularly her...
At just 19 years old, emerging singer-songwriter Isha Ponti is stepping into a defining chapter of her musical journey with the release of her newest album, "Likas," a deeply personal collection that transforms life 's most intimate emotions into song. Through 10 original tracks, Isha opens a...
The Japanese are back. But not with armies, flags, or imperial decree. It 's all about music this time. In a country where history remembers occupation as a moment of forceful entry and cultural imprint, a new kind of arrival is taking place in 2026: softer, melodic, and packaged in pop hooks....
