Hip-hop group Shockra returns
AFTER taking a hiatus to focus on their booming individual careers, Filipino hip-hop group Shockra returns with an banger inspired by heist-themed films. Member rappers Abaddon, Crazymix, Flict-G, Tuglaks, Kial, Numerhus, Smugglaz, and Inozent One hop on a track called “Operation 10-90,” which blends their collective music influences with hard-hitting beats from Jan-C and Tha Black G. “It took us two years to find the perfect beat for our comeback single,” Flict-G said in a statement. “After finally deciding on the overall direction for this particular song, we decided to discuss and go ahead with our plan. We’re inspired by ’90s action films, and somehow, we wanted to incorporate that vibe in our brand of provocative hip-hop sound.” Released under Sony Music Philippines, Shockra’s “Operation 10-90” comes with a music video directed by Aya Reika Mayani. The 10-minute film features the individual members of Shockra as a gang of robbers trying to outwit the authorities in their bid to escape poverty and start a new life.
Anne-Marie releases new album, Therapy
SINGER Anne-Marie released her new album, Therapy, and the official video for her new single, “Kiss My (Uh Oh)” with Little Mix. Inspired by the singers’ joint love of the movie Bridesmaids, the official video for the song sees Anne-Marie in character as a bride-to-be who embarks on her bachelorette party overseas alongside her bridesmaids, including Little Mix’s Perrie, Leigh-Anne and Jade. Therapy is available to stream on all music streaming platforms (https://lnk.to/AM-Therapy).
Squid Game on Netflix
NETFLIX has released the first poster and teaser trailer for its new show Squid Game, an imaginative, unorthodox story in which 456 contestants risk their lives in a mysterious survival game for a chance to win 45.6 billion won. Driven to desperation and gathered at an unknown location, the participants play one game each day as they race towards the prize. The price of failure is death. How did this diverse group of people end up here, and who is the mastermind behind these games? Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game stars Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Oh Young-soo, Wi Ha-Jun, Jung Ho-yeon, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam, and Kim Joo-ryoung. Squid Game premiers on Sept. 17 on Netflix. Watch the teaser trailer at www.facebook.com/netflixph/posts/1548779428806651.
ASEAN Music Showcase Festival 2021
THE ASEAN Music Showcase Festival (AMS) has announced its 2021 artist slate, representing some of the region’s best up-and-coming and established music acts from the seven participating countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Joining the Indonesian showcase are indie-math rock quartet eleventwelfth, disco synth pop band Guernica Club, tropical pop duo Irama Pantai Selatan, and indie pop act Sunwich. Malaysia leans in towards guitar- and electronica-heavy ensembles with two-piece experimental indie rock act LUST, punk band NO GOOD, neo-psychedelic pop/rock outfit Ramayan, and multihyphenate artist Shelhiel. The Philippines’ performers are instrumental rock solo artist Gabba, indie rock act Oh, Flamingo!, DJ-producer Pamcy, and live electronic music duo Tarsius. From Singapore are pop-alternative R&B trio brb., indie pop-rock band M1LDL1FE, and electronica duo .gif spotlight, with one more to be announced soon. Thailand’s line-up includes soul-R&B singer-songwriter Alec Orachi, Thai folk and pop fusion act ASIA7, hip-hop artist Réjizz, and “rave n’ roll” band S.O.L.E. Cambodia’s lineup features multi-instrumentalist Vanthan and singer-songwriter Laura Mam, electronic solo act Daniel Omens, soul-R&B singer-songwriter Sophia Kao, and local hip-hop star VannDa. Joining from Vietnam are Ca Trù-centered electronic act Limebócx, indie electronica quartet Ngam, ethereal/ambient electronic duo Tiny Giant, and rock band Nhung Đua Tre (The Children). AMS 2021 will be held virtually via YouTube on Sept. 11 to 12. For more information, visit https://aseanmusicshowcasefestival.com/.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It premieres on HBO GO
BASED on one of the most sensational cases from the files of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It scares its way onto HBO GO from Aug. 27. The case marks the first time in US history that a murder suspect would claim demonic possession as a legal defense. Under the direction of Michael Chaves, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return to star as Lorraine and Ed Warren. The film also stars Ruairi O’Connor, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Julian Hilliard.
Prudential, SuperM host virtual concert,fan meet
PRUDENTIAL Corp. Asia, the regional headquarter of Pru Life UK, and K-pop super group SuperM presented PrudentialxSuperM We DO Virtual Concert & Fan Meet for fans across Asia on Aug. 7. The event was exclusive to the winners of Prudential’s “We DO” campaign and Dance Challenges, as well as users of Pulse by Prudential, the company’s all-in-one health and wellness app, across the region. Since the announcement of the Prudential x SuperM partnership in January, the collaboration has encompassed various ways to inspire Filipinos to attain a healthier lifestyle, including the #WeDoDanceChallengePH for a chance to win tickets to the virtual concert and fan meet as well as exclusive SuperM merchandise. K-pop fans from Prudential’s 11 markets in Asia tuned in to the virtual concert and fan meet from the comfort of their homes. The fan meet activity was followed by SuperM’s performance of the fan-favorite songs. Although Baekhyun and Taemin were not physically present having been enlisted in military services, they sent pre-recorded messages shown during the fan meet and participated in pre-recorded performances. Meanwhile, Kai recently tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and could not attend the event due to the two-week self-quarantine required by Korean health regulations. He sent his apologies for not being able to attend the event at the last minute.
