Taking center stage with an electrifying twist, September Fever returns with a two-day festival that puts a spotlight on the regional independent music scenes in the Philippines.   Now in its sixth year, the event reformats into a Music Talks and Showcase Festival, improving its programming with a more grassroots-leaning, pro-independent music approach while providing an opportunity for budding and self-sustaining musicians to explore the ropes of the industry and learn from key resource speakers in the music business.   September Fever Festival Director Karl Lucente explains, “In a nutshell, this year’s edition of September Fever Music Festival is a...

Bisaya rappers Midnasty and Cookie$ collaborate to put Bisaya hip-hop on the global music scene with their new Spotify Singles track, Wa Na Wa. The track is the first of three original hip-hop songs that will be released as part of KALYE X — Spotify’s latest initiative dedicated to collaborations between artists, fans, and the community, which serves as an extension of the KALYE Hip-Hop brand to further spotlight the genre.    Pride of Dumaguete Arkho, Makoy, and Nikko of Midnasty, and Cebu pride Cookie$ take listeners to the heart of Bisaya hip-hop through Wa Na Wa. The lyrics is...

Filipino singer/producer Shoti is making waves with his crossover hit “LDR” topping various streaming charts in Southeast Asia. The sped-up version of “LDR” alone has been holding its ground in key markets within the region, peaking at Spotify Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia at No. 13, 49, 61, and 147, respectively.   The laid-back tune recently went viral thanks to its sped-up version, which inspired countless dance covers on TikTok and provided a soundtrack to a new generation of listeners who are caught up with the relatability of the lyrics.   With the song delivered in English and Cebuano lyrics,...

French pop sensation JAIN is the latest addition to the international acts who have experienced resurgence in popularity, thanks to her global hit “Makeba,” which has recently peaked at No. 8 on Spotify’s Viral 50 – Philippines a few weeks ago.    Originally released in 2015 as part of her debut album, Zanaka via Spookland Records and Sony Music France, the explosive track is spreading across the world like wildfire. Its overwhelming traction in short video app, TikTok even inspired a dance trend with Filipino celebs and influencers Regine Tolentino, Kitty & Kakai, and Fabe Twinz hopping on the viral...

Expanding the possibilities of Pinoy hip-hop, Spotify launches Kalye X, its latest initiative dedicated to collaborations between artists, fans, and the community. As part of the initiative, Spotify worked with emerging and established Pinoy hip-hop artists to release a series of Spotify Singles. A first-of-its-kind in the Philippines, these original tracks bring together local artists to showcase the depth and diversity of Pinoy hip-hop.   From August until October, three Spotify Singles will be released, featuring artists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Kicking it off is the dynamic pairing of Midnasty and Cookie$, presenting their track as an ode to...