HBO drama The Nevers out on April 12
HBO drama series The Nevers premieres same time as the US on April 12 at 9 a.m. exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, with a same day encore at 10 p.m. on HBO. The first season of the drama is in two parts, with the first six episodes airing every Monday at the same time while the next six episodes will follow at a later date. The drama is set in Victorian London which is rocked to its foundations by a supernatural event which gives certain people — mostly women — abnormal abilities, from the wondrous to the disturbing. But no matter their particular “turns,” all who belong to this new underclass are in grave danger. It falls to mysterious, quick-fisted widow Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) and brilliant young inventor Penance Adair (Ann Skelly) to protect and shelter these gifted “orphans.” To do so, they will have to face the brutal forces determined to annihilate their kind. Rounding out this genre-bending drama’s cast are: Olivia Williams, James Norton, Tom Riley, Pip Torrens, Ben Chaplin, Denis O’Hare, Amy Manson, Rochelle Neil, and Zackary Momoh.
Rico Blanco, Raven, Naila, and Somere collaborate on new song
SINGER-songwriter Raven has teamed up with indie pop artists Naila and Somere on the new single “S.U.K.I.” via Sony Music Philippines. The lo-fi jam, produced by Raven and Rico Blanco, talks about the pain and longing of someone who gave his all, but failed miserably to mend a romantic relationship. Collaborators Naila and Somere, who also provided their lilting vocals to the catchy song, are also credited as songwriters for this special project featuring different generations of musicians. The project started with a challenge posted by alternative rock icon Rico Blanco on TikTok, where he played a piano while beatboxing for others to explore with either a rap verse or a vocal melody with lyrics. Mr. Blanco’s TikTok, which only lasted for a few seconds, has racked up over 2.8 million views on the platform since it was uploaded late last year. Multi-instrumentalist and singer/rapper Raven took the challenge seriously and wrote verses that sting with melancholic thoughts. Up-and-coming singer-songwriters Naila and Somere completed the musical narrative by writing and singing their own verse on the rap ballad, giving the material a refreshing perspective that complements Raven’s bedroom pop treatment. The collaborative ideas led to the low-key piece that is “S.U.K.I.” Its music video, which was shot in lush greenery in Tanay, Rizal, features Raven. “S.U.K.I.” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video on YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsayGGzG1TA.
Netflix joins virtual AnimeAsia festival
NETFLIX returned to this year’s all virtual AnimeJapan 2021, to showcase its diverse slate and fan-favorite voice cast for fans in Japan and around the world. Netflix strengthens its ongoing commitment to become a home for fans and creators around the world, noting it will premiere around 40 new original anime titles this year — close to double the number of titles last year. During the virtual stage event, Netflix announced the upcoming worldwide release of Record of Ragnarok (premiering in June), an anime adaptation of the hugely successful manga of the same name. The story about the epic fight for the fate of humanity will join an ever expanding slate of anime, including previously announced titles like the comedic, slice-of-life series The Way of the Househusband (premiering April 8) and the popular RESIDENT EVIL: Infinite Darkness (premiering later this year). Netflix also gave fans and press a new glimpse at upcoming projects Yasuke (premiering April 29) and Eden (premiering May 27), revealing a new trailer and the launch date for Eden as well as a special artwork by Yasuke’s character designer Takeshi Koike. For more information on the show, visit www.netflix.com/recordofragnarok, www.netflix.com/yasuke, www.netflix.com/eden, www.netflix.com/TheWayoftheHousehusband and www.netflix.com/residentevil_anime.
Sponge Cola releases new song
ASIDE from creating modern rock classics, Sponge Cola has always been adept in capturing the romantic high, the cautionary tale that comes after, and the journey in between. They put a new spin on the “love song” format with the release of their new single, “Labis-labis,” via Sony Music Philippines. Says guitarist Erwin “Armo” Armovit, their latest single is all about the “overflowing, overwhelming joy of being fully yourself with someone,” and was written from a sincere, heartwarming place. “The song started as a mid-tempo, all acoustic ballad and continuously evolved into its current state as we played it together as a band and incorporated modern arrangement ideas from our producer, Joey Santos,” he said. The song has the band put their funk on while retaining their pop smarts in the arrangement. “Labis-labis” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.
Music video sequel marks 10th anniversary of DOTA O Ako
A FULL decade after the original show, Netflix is releasing a music video sequel to DOTA O Ako, starring the couple everyone could relate to, Aikee and Vanessa. The music video sequel, features Aikee and Vanessa 10 years later, taking their relationship (and their relationship with DOTA) to a whole new level. The duo also shares more of their thoughts on the song. True to the iconic original music video, the sequel from Netflix features an all-new song done in a cheesy, Pinoy videoke style that will have every DOTA fan singing along. The music video is released to accompany DOTA: Dragon’s Blood, which is now streaming on Netflix. The fantasy series tells the story of Davion, a renowned Dragon Knight devoted to wiping the scourge from the face of the world. Following encounters with a powerful, ancient eldwurm as well as the noble Princess Mirana on a secret mission of her own, Davion gets embroiled in events much larger than he could have ever imagined. For more information, visit netflix.com/dotadragonsblood .
Ali Gatie releases EP
TORONTO-based R&B-pop singer Ali Gatie has released his new EP, The Idea of Her. Through moving stories and metaphors, Mr. Ali explores the endless rollercoaster of emotions that being in (and out of) love brings. To celebrate the release, Ali Gatie will be live-streaming an exclusive performance on April 8, in partnership with premium digital live platform Moment House. Tickets are available at Moment House’s website (www.momenthouse.com/aligatie). The Idea of Her is available on all digital platforms worldwide.
Wovensound, Ihasamic!, and Jeena release new single “Lonely Shores”
MUSIC producer Wovensound, rapper Ihasamic!, and alt-pop singer Jeena collaborate on the hip-hop/R&B song “Lonely Shores” which tackles mental and emotional health. Released under Umami Records, “Lonely Shores” comes from a place of emotional pain and confusion — a track written by Ihasamic! in his attempt to “reflect on times where we sometimes like to hold on to things that hurt us,” said the Singapore-based rapper in a statement. Listen to “Lonely Shores” via Umami Records (www.umamirecords.sg/lonely-shores/).
Zack Tabudlo releases new single
ZACK Tabudlo releases a kundiman-like song with a contemporary pop feel with “Binibini.” The singer/songwriter/producer wrote the song at the peak of a romantic relationship with a former flame. “She was the binibini that I would dance with in the middle of the rain, in the middle of a chaos, or whatever’s happening around us,” Mr. Tabudlo said. “I did the writing, production, and mixing and mastering just like my other songs,” he said in a statement. “This was a bit different because of the kundiman vibe to it that I’ve never done before with a personal song. It had that chill, laid-back, in love, happy moments kind of feel to it.” “Binibini” (https://zacktabudlo.lnk.to/Binibini) is available on all digital platforms worldwide via Island Records Philippines, a division of MCA Music, Inc.
