Studio Cut

Crazy about having the hottest hits without leaving your comfort zones? Get them right to your mobile phones with a touch of your fingers through MUSICONNECT.

MUSICONNECT is Sony Music’s mobile music store where one can download the latest and the greatest hits whether local or international through WAP application. To download your favorite music, just “CONNECT” to 3456. Browsing is free!

Get to know more about MUSICONNECT as it will be officially launched on July 2, 6pm at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia. Make on-the-spot downloads and win exciting freebies from Sony Music. Get to meet your favorite artists like 6cyclemind, Brownman Revival, Callalily, Cueshé, Eevee, Gloc-9, Itchyworms, Kiss Jane, Letter Day Story, Moonstar 88 and more surprise guest appearances.

This event is sponsored by Sony Philippines and Sony Ericsson.

Twenty of today’s explosive hits from the hottest international artists are now in one album—BOOM!

Everything that defines a hit is in this amazing compilation. Don’t stop, make it pop with the 2010 dance favorite “Tik Tok” from Ke$ha. Somebody call 911 with Sean Kingston’s red-hot track “Fire Burning” and count 1-2-3 with Britney Spears’ “3.” Say “awooo” with Shakira’s sexy single “She Wolf” and groove to another Latin rap sensation Pitbull with “Hotel Room Service.”  Idols will not be far behind with “Live Like We’re Dying” by Kris Allen, “For Your Entertainment” by Adam Lambert, “No Surprise” by Daughtry, “Come Back To Me” by David Cook, “Already Gone” by Kelly Clarkson, “A Little Too Not Over You” by David Archuleta and “Battlefield” by Jordin Sparks. Divas have a place with Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Leona Lewis’ hits “Million Dollar Bill,” “Doesn’t Mean Anything” and “Happy.” It’s pop galore with Pink’s “Funhouse,” “Straight To My Heart” by Backstreet Boys and Lenka’s “Trouble Is A Friend.” Boys Like Girls rock with “Love Drunk.”

It also includes the single “Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)” by UK X-Factor contestant Jedward featuring Vanilla Ice. These lovable twins combined Queen’s “Under Pressure” with Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” and the result is another riot dance party track. The track is now hot on radio stations all over the Philippines.

BOOM is now out in CDs at leading record stores nationwide under Sony Music.

Watch album spot HERE

Aljur Abrenica’s acting career suddenly grew by leaps and bounds in 2009 that few remember music was one of his tickets in achieving success in show business.

In joining “StarStruck” 2006, the “Ultimate Hunk” scaled his way to the top of the tilt by singing exceptionally well both his solo numbers and those with other finalists. On Sunday variety show “SOP,” GMA-7’s Prince of Primetime took on songs of different musical genres weekly which helped sharpen his vocal chops.

Fortunately, Sony Music and GMA Records have not forgotten this side of Aljur. The two giant labels produced “Aljur” that’s composed of original songs and remakes namely “Iisa Sa Magkabilang Mundo,” “Di Na Ako Aasa Pa,” “Kailan Kaya,” “Beauty And Madness” and the Latin-flavored carrier single “Sayang Sayang,” music video of which was shot entirely at the luxury Thunderbird Resorts in Rizal.

While Aljur is not likely to become a singing champion, his voice is considered radio-friendly and easy to sing along with. This is largely the reason half of “Aljur” are minus-one versions of his songs. This way, listeners can enjoy Aljur Abrenica music in more ways than one.

The people who collaborated on Aljur’s album are both fresh and established names. These are Jude Gitamondoc, Panji, Alwyn Cruz, Melvin Morallos, Nino Regalado, Jonathan Ong and Michael V. More, the songs that ended up on the eponymous debut were carefully selected by two Artist & Repertoire managers to ensure that Aljur only gets the best materials.

Prior to the release of his album, Aljur has been making his prescence felt in the concert circuit. He was the special guest in La Diva’s first major concert at the Music Museum last December and reviews of the show were unanimous in saying that Aljur could very well hold his own to the female trio’s singing mettle.

Recently, Aljur held his first solo concert “I’m Yours” at Zirkoh Tomas Morato.

Asked why he is seemingly conquering all fronts in show business, Aljur, in a recent interview during the press conference done at Toyz Bar in Ortigas, gave a sincere answer.

“I want to use all the talents that God gave me,” he quipped.

“Aljur” is released under Sony Music and GMA Records.

Season Eight American Idol finalist and fan favorite Allison Iraheta is set to conquer Manila with her spunky personality and music with a one day only show on May 4, Tuesday, 5pm at Midtown Atrium, Robinsons Place Manila.

Presented by Channel [V], Robinsons Malls, Sony Music, Magic 89.9 and Mellow 94.7, expect to hear hits form this red-hared rocker from her debut album “Just Like You” like “Friday I’ll Be Over U,” penned and produced by Swedish hit-maker Max Martin and her new single “Scars” written by Toby Gad & Alyssa James, produced by Toby Gad (Beyonce, Fergie, Alicia Keys). Also included on the album is “No One Else,” which was co-written by American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, Greg Wells and P!nk.

Buy a copy of her album at the activity area on May 4 and have it signed by Allison Iraheta herself as well as get a chance to win freebies.

A devoted American Idol fan since the show’s debut, Los Angeles native Iraheta turned her childhood dream into reality when she became one of the final four contestants of Season Eight. The 17-year-old singer impressed the American Idol judges and viewers with performances that reached well beyond her years.

“For me, choosing songs always has to be about connection,” she says.

Her most memorable performances included a take on the No Doubt hit “Don’t Speak.” Another viewer favorite was Allison’s version of “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” a No. 1 for Aerosmith and will long be remembered for singing Janis Joplin’s version of “Cry Baby.”

So remember the date—May 4, 5pm at Robinsons Place Manila for another Idol invasion.

Allison Iraheta Live In Manila is presented by Channel [V], Robinsons Malls, Sony Music, Magic 89.9 and Mellow 94.7. Her debut album “Just Like You” is still out on record stores under Sony Music. To download Allison Iraheta’s ringback tones, truetones, full track music from the album, just text SONY to 3456.

Celebrate the music of Korea’s hottest pop idols Brian and 2PM with “My K-Pop Idols Party” which will be held on Saturday,April 17 at Robinsons Metro East and on April 25 at Robinsons Sta. Rosa at 5pm. It will feature performances by heartthrob Joross Gamboa and upcoming teen sensations Edgar Allan Guzman and Andrew Miguel plus surprise guest stars. See them groove to the K-Pop moves like Brian and 2PM. This is one party K-Pop fans shouldn’t miss.

Brian, a Korean/ American singer who started with the hit K-Pop boy group Fly To The Sky tries his hand at being solo via his new album “Manifold.” It features the carrier single “My Girl”, which is now on heavy rotation on music channel MYX.

2PM is a popular Korean group composed of Wooyoung (main vocalist), Junsu (lead vocalist), Junho (main vocalist), Nichkhun (vocalist), Chansung (vocalist, rapper), Taecyeon (main rapper, vocalist) and former member Jaebeom (leader, main vocalist, rapper). This group who shares the same management as The Wonder Girls (who popularized “Nobody”) releases “The First Album 01:59PM” which features the carrier single “Heartbeat.”

2PM’s “The First Album 01:59PM” and “Manifold” by Brian are now available at leading record stores under Sony Music.

Entertain your callers with 2PM’s ‘Heartbeat’ ringback tone, just text SD629 to 2332 (GLOBE) or text GETSONG 5480809 to 2728 (SUN). For Brian’ ‘My Girl’ ringback tone, just text SD721 to 2332 (GLOBE) or text GETSONG 5481028 to 2728 (SUN). Only PhP15/15days. To get more of Brian and 2PM ringback tone, truetone and full track music, text SONY to 3456

Sony Music releases the albums of the hottest Korean pop artists—2PM and Brian.

2PM, one of the most popular groups in Korea, is set to capture the hearts and minds of K-pop fans with “THE FIRST ALBUM 01:59PM.”

The album features the carrier single “Heartbeat.” Its catchy beats and cool dance moves from their music video will sure be another hit among kids and adults alike and the new lyric to sing will be “Listen to my heartbeat! It’s waiting for you!” “Heartbeat” will be the next K-pop craze next to “Nobody.”

2PM is composed of Wooyoung (main vocalist), Junsu (lead vocalist), Junho (main vocalist), Nichkhun (vocalist), Chansung (vocalist, rapper), Taecyeon (main rapper, vocalist) and who debuted in 2008 with their first single “10 Points Out Of 10 Points” from their first single album “Hottest Time Of The Day”. The group, whose members originally include leader Jaebeom (main vocalist, rapper) are all trained in dancing, acrobatics and singing, is discovered and managed by JYP Entertainment, where the Wonder Girls (who popularized “Nobody”) also belong to. In mid-2009, 2PMreturned with their second single album entitled “2:00 Time For Change” which includes the chart-topping tracks “Again and Again” and “I Hate You.” The said tracks are also included in 2PM’s “THE FIRST ALBUM 01:59PM”

After appearing in the pop market as a member of “Fly To The Sky” in 1999, selling over 1.5 million albums and winning numerous music awards, Korean- American singer Brian comes out with his new solo album “Manifold” featuring the carrier single “My Girl.” Since his last album in 2006, his new album shows the progress in his music and his strong will as a solo artist.

His new solo record is the first self-produced album; representing the new and powerful Brian. Through this new release, he proves he is capable of taking urban R&B and club music and not just the R&B ballads. He is manifold.

2PM’s “The First Album 01:59PM” and “Manifold” by Brian are now available at leading record stores under Sony Music.

Entertain your callers with 2PM’s ‘Heartbeat’ ringback tone, just text SD629 and send to 2332 (GLOBE) or text GETSONG 5480809 and send to 2728 (SUN). For Brian’ ‘My Girl’ ringback tone, just text SD721 and send to 2332 (GLOBE) or text GETSONG 5481028 and send to 2728 (SUN). Only PhP15/15days. Get it now!

After the success of their albums “Steady Lang” and “Ayos Din,” popular reggae band Brownman Revival is here to say “Eto Pa!” and get ready to sway to their music once more as they release their latest EP.

This 6 track offering is composed of all original Pinoy reggae tracks featuring the carrier single “Hitik Sa Bunga.” This track will surely be one of the hot anthems this summer with its bouncy beats. Though danceable, it carries a simple yet in-your-face message with its lyrics “mag-ingat sa mga asal talangka. Hihilahin ka nila pababa. Namamato kapag ika’ys hitik sa bunga.”  Or simply put, about crab mentality. The single is now on heavy airplay on radio and its music video recently premiered on MYX.

Brownman Revival is composed of Dennis (drums), Jao (bass), Onard (keyboards), Januarie (percussions), Alphy(guitars), Jayson (trombone), Jojo (sax), Ambet (trumpet) and Dino (vocals). They are chosen by Channel [V] Philippines as this month’s VIP (Very Important Pinoy) of the month where the band will be on their various shows all over March.

“We are proud of this EP because it is all originals and no covers for a change,” Dennis said.

This 9-piece band started in 1994 as an independent band but went on to become a mainstream success starting with their major label debut “Steady Lang” which spawned the hits “Maling Akala” (originally by the Eraserheads) “Lintik,” Rainmaker’s “Binibini” and “Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal” (by VST & Co.). This was followed with more popular tunes like “Sorry Na Puede Ba?,” “Walang Kasing Sarap” and “Reggae Fever” with the release of their sophomore album “Ayos Din.” Both albums garnered critics acclaim and made them one of the most in-demand bands in the country.

“Eto Pa,” Brownman Revival’s latest EP, is now out on record stores under Sony Music.

It has taken six years for recording artist, stage actress and entrepreneur Rachel Alejandro to come up with a new album and music lovers better “Believe” it’s worth the wait.

According to Rachel, the 13 tracks in “Believe” were chosen so carefully that she refused songs submitted to her by friends (some of whom are big names in the industry) when these didn’t fit the bill. “It was hard telling them ‘no’ because what they wrote were really very good songs. But in the end, we couldn’t just settle for ‘very good’ – we wanted the best,” she said.

One of these is the album’s carrier single, “Tayo Pa Ba?” written by Edith Gallardo and Niño Regalado. Rachel admits crying the first time she heard it. “I had just broken up with my boyfriend then so I was able to relate to the song. ‘Tayo’ will please my loyal fans and will win over younger people who may not be familiar with my music.”

“Tayo Pa Ba?” is about two people who have supposedly moved on from their relationship but are still thinking secretly that what they had may still be worth one more chance. The song is in the vein of Rachel’s biggest hits such as “Paalam Na,” “Bulag Sa Katotohanan” and “Kay Tagal” that all tell of real situations versus mere generic messages.

Released under Sony Music Entertainment, “Believe” also contains the songs “Bakit Hindi Tayo?” (penned by Cholo Escano), “Hanggang” (an Amber-Marcus Davis collaboration) and “The Rain” (written by Rachel herself). The remakes are “You Were There” (by Southern Sons done in duet with her father, Hajji Alejandro), “Xanadu” (Olivia Newton John), “Don’t Stop Believing” (Journey) “Alone” (Heart) and “There’s A Fine, Fine Line” (from the musical “Avenue Q”).

“Although our concept for ‘Believe’ was to come up with strong original materials, we included these remakes to introduce the pop audience to the musicals that I am part of,” she said.

Rachel is part of the puppet-meets-person musical, “Avenue Q,” that runs at Carlos P Romulo Theater inside the RCBC Plaza in Makati City from March 12 to March 27. Produced by Atlantis Productions, the singer plays Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in the Tony Award-winning show.

“I want my latest album to show people who have not watched any theatrical production that theater is not elitist at all. Many musicals are totally relatable even to young people. Hopefully, the cuts that we chose that are from musicals I am part of, will inspire them to check out the shows,” she said.

Rachel describes “Believe” as a pop album; one that’s easy to listen to but canvasses the geniuses of some of OPM’s finest songwriters and producers. The songs have different flavors and show off her different vocal textures. “I was able to give my voice a rest these past years which now allows me to use its full strength and range. If before, ang boses ko ay parang piano na ilang tiklada lang ang tumutugtog, now every key is functional,” said she.

Asked if the changing trend in music has affected her singing style, Rachel said that what it strengthened is her belief that singing from the heart is potent above all. “I have never been nor will ever be into vocal acrobatics. What’s important in singing is sincerity. When you tell your story as honestly as possible, you make a connection,” she said.

Rachel will also be in the US in April for some shows with Geneva Cruz. She’ll go to New York end of the year to take up skating lessons in preparation for her role in “Xanadu.”

Launched on “ASAP XV” last March 7, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-rEStC15i8] Rachel says “Believe” reflects her rekindled purpose as an artist. “If you’re someone like me who has been around, you know that it’s easy to lose sight of why you entered the business in the first place. This album reasserts my belief that new good music still exists. That in these days of the revivals, fresh materials still have a place in the OPM scene,” she concludes.