Lawson live in Manila on April 2013

Current pop rock London-based sensation Lawson is coming to town, ending speculation of such tickling possibility and turning it into a fan frenzy that promises a beautiful mayhem once the group meets their Filipino fans face-to-face.

Then group is confirmed arriving here on April 7 wherein two days after they’re scheduled to perform a much-anticipated gig at the Eastwood Mall Open Park in Libis, Quezon City. The venue may be intimate. But a heavy crowd of delirious fans are expected to flock the venue.

"It shall be a dream come true to do a couple of shows there. We want to go to as many places as we can and we heard Philippines is a very good scene music-wise," said 22-year old lead guitarist Joel Peat.
The statement came in a past interview when the chance of them coming to Manila was still being cooked and not yet finalized.

Now the dream for their multitude of young Filipino fans will finally become a reality.

The 'especially for Filipino fans' show happens on April 9 at 7 pm. The date is known locally as "Araw Ng Kagitingan" which commemorates the sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country and suffered in the infamous "Death March" at the hands of enemy soldiers during the darkest days of World War II.

For Lawson fans here, that day can also mean a moment when they will be able to meet their heroes in flesh, alive and giving melodic music that inspires the heart and rocks the soul.

Lawson, its name paying tribute to a real-life doctor who saved the life of their vocalist Andy Brown from death scare, scored hit singles recently, namely, "When She Was Mine," (which immediately became high-rated on YouTube in just a week after being posted) "Taking Over Me," and "Standing In The Dark."
"Completing the band roster are bassist Ryan Fletcher, who has been jamming with Joel since they were 14, and drummer Adam Pitts.                                                                          

“I think the band is working under a perfect system where we got individual roles to fulfill and we're not bothered by it. It's cool that Andy is our singer-songwriter and he is the eldest," stated Fletcher.
 On that special April night, the air will be filled with great music and admirable rockers collectively called Lawson.  

LAWSON’S album "Chapman Square" is now seated comfortably high on the album charts, currently climbing the iTunes charts too in UK and Asia.

The band’s singles "Taking Over Me” and “STANDING IN THE DARK” are now certified hits and have both reached the Number 1 spot on Philippine Radio and Music Channels.

Grab a copy of LAWSON’S CHAPMAN SQUARE album available on CD at all Astroplus/ Astrovision and Odyssey and O Music and Video stores nationwide. The album is also available for download via iTunes Philippines: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/chapman-square-deluxe-version/id564851720


For more details about LAWSON’S PHILIPPINE PROMO TOUR, please visit MCA Music’s
Facebook and Twitter Page: https://www.facebook.com/mcamusic  https://twitter.com/mca_music 

Richard Poon joins Universal Records

Richard Poon has released multi-platinum albums over the years, making him the country’s premiere Big Band Crooner. This 2013, Richard has decided to make a bold move – to return to pop and join Universal Records, the country’s largest independent record label.

Richard joins Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Billy Crawford, JayR in the elite roster of Universal Records of prime male singers.

Shown in the picture are album producer Ito Rapadas, UR General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go, Richard Poon, and Erickson Raymundo, talent manager of Richard.

 Richard’s first album with Universal Records will be out in a few weeks.

Rivermaya releases single after four years

Iconic and multi-platinum-selling band Rivermaya releases their much-awaited single Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising? This single is the band’s first single in four years.

Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising, penned by founding Rivermaya member Mark Escueta, is reminder to everyone to go against crab mentality, and selfishness, especially now that another elections is within the horizon once again.

When asked how the single was chosen among the tracks recorded for the forthcoming Panatang Makabanda album, drummer-turned-guitarist Mark quips, “In the early stages of recording, this song became the initial favorite of the group. It's also a fun song to play live.  Maganda yung message ng kanta and very timely rin since election time nanaman tayo. “

The single will also have a music video, set to premiere soon, that highlights the fact that only a nation that thinks and acts as one can effectively employ change.

This release is also the band’s first project with their new label Universal Records, where they join the label’s elite roster of bands – Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, Calla Lily, among others.


“It's really a great honor for us, not only to become part of such a high-calibre roster, but to be given the chance to work with a company that has always championed the Filipino artist. It took a few weeks for it to really sink in. Di kami makapaniwala,” says Mark. “Finally, we're ‘home.’"


Stay in touch with Rivermaya through their facebook page
www.facebook.com/rivermayamusic, Twitter and Instagram: @rivermayaband
and also check out the bands voice blogs on the Bubbly App for iOS or
Android. Their official website is www.rivermaya.ph.

Gary V Sings: Just For You turns Gold

The latest album of Gary Valenciano, Gary V Sings: Just For You, has recently been presented with a Gold Record Award for its outstanding sales. The album includes Gary’s renditions of memorable hits like In Your Eyes, It Might Be You, Somewhere Down The Road, What Matters Most, Overjoyed, among others.

The award was given last February 10 during ASAP 18, where he also launched the second single of the album – a modern take on Stephen Bishop’s It Might Be You. Present during the awarding is Universal Records’ General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go.


It should be noted that "Gary V Sings: Just For You" is Gary's 26th full-length studio album with Universal Records.


"Gary V Sings: Just For You" is another creative and original concept by Gary which is six-months in the making. "I was in the car and I told Kiana [my youngest child] to make 'pa-simple' in asking her mom, my wife Angeli, about the songs she once mentioned to me. These songs were just some of her favorites that she had always dreamed I would record," says Gary.

"I wanted to make that year's Christmas a special one for her by actually recording some of her choice cuts as a gift. And so I did. The concept was very different from all my other recordings as I only had one instrument accompanying me as I sang...the piano," explains Gary. "Years went by and only Angeli has had a copy of those songs. From the very start I wanted these songs recorded for only one person...and that was her."

"Gary V Sings: Just For You," according to Gary "stems from a dream of a wife and from the heart of a husband, to an album that Gary hopes for many to enjoy and to find quite endearing."

Alden Richards joins Universal Records

Young star Alden Richards has proven mettle as an actor in various TV projects, making him one of the fastest rising stars of GMA 7. Now, he is embarking on a new journey as a recording artist as he recently signed up with Universal Records.

Alden joins the elite roster of local artists of Universal Records like Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Christian Bautista, Jaya, Noel Cabangon, JayR, Richard Poon, Gloc-9, premiere bands like Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Calla Lily, Sponge Cola, and young performers Sam Concepcion, Kimpoy Feliciano, Emmanuelle, among others.


Present during the contract signing are David Fabros and Simoun Ferrer of GMA Artist Center and Universal Records’ General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go and Operations Manager Peter Chan.


Alden’s album is set to be released in a few months, and will include some of Alden’s favorite songs.

Asked what to expect about the album, “they should look out for it because it will tell a lot about me.”