Afgan release new song featuring Jackson Wang of GOT
7.
Last March 18 Jackson Wang and Indonesian
singer Afgan drop some teasers for their upcoming collaboration. The
collaboration track “M.I. A” is an English R&B song about assuring someone
of your feelings. The music video for “M.I.A” will drop this March 20 on
Afgan’s Official YouTube Channel and have dramatic, R&B melody.
Afgan revealed on his Instagram that he met
Jackson Wang way back in 2019 and completed the slinky track about a year ago,
but due to the pandemic, they decided to hold the release date of it. In a
press statement the Indonesian singer stated, “My producer, The Aristocrats,
were showing me a selection of beats, and the intro of “M.I.A.” came across and
it instantly felt like my sound. It’s a feel-good song and I think at this time
in the world, we need more songs like this.” The Indonesia singer added that
the Music video shoot was fun, they got to play out their fantasies and able to
show their seductive side.
Last February, Afgan became the second
Indonesian act to sign with US label EMPIRE alongside Ramengvrl, making his
international debut with the single ‘Say I’m Sorry’ after a 13-year stint in
the Indonesian circuit.
Following the track’s release, Afgan
appeared alongside the likes of Benjamin Kheng and Estelle Fly and more at the
third TikTok Music Night in mid-February.
B.I release a meaningful and heartwarming album
“Midnight Blue (LOVE STREAMING)”.
The former member of iKON B.I release a new
album after two years of hiatus in the K-POP industry. B.I describe his new song as "a warm
embrace to the audience". The Midnight Blue Music Video is an emotional
ballad dropped with an equally touching animated video. The album has three
tracks; Midnight Blue, Remember Me and Blossom all proceeds from the album will
be donated to a non-profitable Humanitarian aid organization “World Vision” that
aim to support children in crisis across the globe. The title track ‘Midnight
Blue’ gives a warm embrace to the listeners with a calm piano melody and warm
vocal tone. This also B. I’s first solo
release following his departure from his former boyband iKON in June 2019. Before
he leaves the group B.I is known for co-written and producing most of iKON’s
discographies. Last September of 2020, B.I officially appointed as the
executive director of the agency IOK Company. The South Korean Artist also
established his own label the “131 Label” that will be releasing his future
song releases.
Singaporean Singer Dru Chen unveiled a groovy new
single.
Dru Chen release a new single ‘Replay’ a
love song for all ages and the track was the first song of Dru Chen this year.
The song is written with the help of his fellow Singaporean artists Gentle
Bones, Jesse Bear and Kathy Hinch, Chen. The song infectious new tune describes
of wanting to rewind time and “replay” the first time you meet someone special.
It also features a thick bassline set against keyboards, intricate electronic
guitar chords, and vibrant synths.
According to Chen the track is a nostalgic
look at love discovered and renewed through the VHS tinted lens of a 1990’s kid
who grew up with neo-soul music, high-top sneakers, and baggy jeans. He also
gave high praise to the other songwriters who work on this song and said, “Jesse
Bear blessed us with the seed of the composition, and Joel Tan a.k.a Gentle
Bones shaped it with contribution from myself and Kathy Hinch into what it is
today – a true pocket soul jam.”
‘Replay’ is the follow-up to Chen’s
previous single, ‘Givin’ It Up’. That track, which was released in late
October, featured two collaborators of the late icon Prince: keyboardist,
producer and singer-songwriter Dr. Fink and Indian-Australian guitarist Harts.
Dru Chen also credited with co-writing ‘Carnival’, an upcoming theme song for
Riot Games’ popular game, League of Legends.
Big Hit Entertainment announce new corporate name
“HYBE” and more.
On March 19, the company held a New Brand
Presentation via the Big Hit Labels YouTube channel. The video explains Big Hit
Entertainment new corporate name “HYBE”, which symbolizes “connection,
expansion, and relationships.” According to Bang Si-Hyuk and Lenzo Yoon they
will not actually be removing Big Hit entity rather HYBE will be a “bigger
vessel for Big Hit to nestle in.” Made up of HYBE HQ and HYBE America, the
company will consist of HYBE Labels, HYBE Solutions, and HYBE Platforms. While Big
Hit Music, BELIFT LAB, Source Music, Pledis Entertainment, KOZ Entertainment,
and HYBE Labels Japan will be housed under HYBE Labels.
HYBE Solutions will include business
units specialized in video content, IP, education, games, and more, while HYBE
Platforms will include Weverse Company. Along with the name change, a preview
of the company’s new building in Yongsan was revealed. CBO (Chief Brand
Officer) Min Hee Jin revealed, “The HYBE space is one that is flexible and
reflects the characteristics of an entertainment industry by realizing the
values of horizontal communication, flexibility, and connectivity.”
The “Hyper Nomad” concept will accommodate
the employees’ different needs but also allow them to easily come together and
disperse on a project-by-project basis. Rather than excessive decoration, the
building is focused on functionality. Bang Si Hyuk also stated that, “We are
embarking on a new journey in HYBE with a new mission, space, and organization
structure. But as always, our fundamentals will not change. We will continue to
believe in the power of music innovate, the industry, spread positive
influence, and bring changes to lifestyles.”
Sony Music establish new label for Southeast Asian
Artist.
In March 19 Sony Music announce a new
regional label in Southeast Asia called has OFFMUTE. The first signees are
Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin, Malaysian singer Liesl-Mae and
Indonesian newcomer Mezzaluna.
The OFFMUTE aims to support emerging
artists in developing their music and creative visions by helping them build a
pan-regional audience.
Benin from the Philippines already
releasing music with Sony Music Philippines in 2020. She is also the most
experienced artist signed on the label so far. The Filipina singer debuted in
2015 with the album ‘Human Eyes’. Her last project was
the ‘Fragments’ EP, and her most recent release a collaborative
single with Singaporean artist Gentle Bones.
The second artist on the label Liesl-Mae
from Malaysia has released two songs on Spotify so far; A cover of Don McLean’s
‘Vincent’ and ‘Macaroni Song’ in 2019. She was discovered by Sony Music
Malaysia’s A&R team, later joining OFFMUTE and marks her first signing to a
label.
And lastly Mezzaluna from Indonesia will
release her debut single on OFFMUTE. The Indonesian singer said that her
biggest inspiration is Amy Winehouse.
The new label was conceptualized by Sony
Music executives during the pandemic and has been in the works for the past six
months. It also aims to be collaborative, genre-agnostic and even
country-agnostic.
OFFMUTE is a first-of-its-kind label in
this part of the world, embracing the eclectic appeal and rich diversity that
Southeast Asia has to offer, empowering artists with the resources and
expertise to find success in a diverse region. It also a gateway for new
generation artists in the region to fulfil their potential in the years to
come.
OFFMUTE will be signing new artists and
announcing them in due course, it was revealed in the press conference.
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