Friday, August 22, 2025
The music powerhouse doubles down on Southeast Asia and the PH with a new local team, technologically-driven services, and a commitment to empowering Filipino artists
From left to right: ONErpm Philippines team
composed of Louie Tamon (Project Manager), Presh Ong (A&R Representative),
Alyssa “Pebs” Pe Benito (Marketing Manager), and Clark Cunanan (Senior Business
Development Manager)
Manila,
Philippines – ONErpm, a prominent force in the global music industry,
celebrates its 15th anniversary with the announcement of its expansion into the
Philippines. The milestone reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, as
it continues to deliver transformative solutions and sustainable opportunities
for artists to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and competitive music market.
Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a distinctive
marketing approach tailored to the unique needs of each artist and project, the
music company offers comprehensive services that extend far beyond traditional
distribution. Today, it continues to provide solutions for creators of all
sizes across distribution, full label services, catalogue deals, joint ventures
and more.
“We have been able to scale sustainably by consistently
innovating, putting in the work and creating healthy win-win scenarios and
opportunities for our clients and partners,” said Isaac Miranda, ONErpm
Associate Director for Asia. “Our strategy here is to meet artists where
they are and build locally with global standards.”
ONErpm’s track record speaks for itself. Entirely
self-funded and independent, it has become one of Youtube's top 5 global music
partners, amassing over 25 billion monthly views. With strong performance
across Asia, Africa and other high-growth regions, ONErpm is doubling down on
its investment in Southeast Asia, with Philippines as a strategic hub.
Strengthening
local presence with a new team
As part of the expansion, ONErpm has announced its
dedicated team in the Philippines, tasked with driving client development,
business strategy, and A&R in the market. The appointment stays truthful to
the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing local talent and building
infrastructure that supports sustainable growth, all while maintaining an
independent, creator-focused mindset.
●
Clark Cunanan, Senior
Business Development Manager
A seasoned professional with experience at The Orchard
Philippines and Universal Music Group, Cunanan brings a strong background in
artist marketing, music production, and distribution.
He previously served as the Senior Label and Marketing
Manager at The Orchard Philippines, Sony Music’s distribution arm, where he
worked with both major and emerging labels to grow their artists’ digital
reach. A Music Business Management graduate, Clark began his career in A&R
at Universal Music Group Philippines before becoming a touring and session
musician, performing with Juan Karlos, dwta, syd hartha, and Benj Pangilinan.
He also shares his expertise as a college instructor in music production at MINT
College.
With a solid foundation in the industry and reputable
experience, Clark continues to bridge creativity and strategy to help Filipino
artists build their presence and connect with audiences worldwide under ONErpm.
●
Alyssa “Pebs” Pe Benito, Marketing Manager
With over a decade of experience in the music industry,
Pebs has led successful campaigns that delivered viral hits and charting
records. She has built a dynamic career spanning marketing, live events, artist
development & management, and new business ventures. Beginning in the indie
scene, she launched passion projects and created initiatives that helped grow
emerging talents and laid the foundation for her career. This grassroots
journey led her to a major label, where she focused on artist marketing and strategy
spearheading campaigns that translated into impactful artist growth.
Drawing from her background in marketing and advertising,
coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision, she continues to
bridge artistry with innovation by developing campaigns that resonate with
audiences, empower artists, and drive success in today’s ever-evolving music
landscape.
●
Presh Ong, Business
Development and A&R Representative
Widely recognized as “DJ Alice” from her decade-long
tenure on Wish 107.5’s The Roadshow, Ong brings over 11 years of industry
expertise in artist relations. This celebrated tenure as a broadcaster
cultivated an extensive professional network, hands-on music industry
knowledge, and deep industry credibility. This foundation propelled her to a
leadership role at independent record label, Radical Music, where she was
instrumental in driving two viral hits between October 2024 and May 2025.
Since joining ONErpm in June 2025 as a Business
Development and A&R Representative, Presh has been passionately focused on
discovering new talent and empowering artists. Her mission-driven approach to
artist advocacy aims to foster a more supportive industry, directly aligning
with ONErpm's vision of becoming a "record label of the future."
Presh's unique ability to blend her on-air charisma and strong relationships
with artists with her strategic business acumen helps in significantly strengthening
the company's position in the Philippine music market.
●
Louie Tamon, Project
Manager
Prior to joining ONErpm, Louie gained industry experience
at Wish 107.5 and KDR Music House, building a strong background in music
distribution and artist relations. Currently, Louie oversees artist onboarding
and provides support to artists and labels on backend operations, ensuring a
seamless experience on the platform. He also leads in pitching releases to
digital streaming platforms (DSPs).
A Record Label
of the Future
Miranda believes that with the newly revamped team, ONErpm
is ready to meet artists where they are and build locally with global
standards.
“The Philippines already has the talent pool, a passionate
music scene, and strong export potential, which allows us to add considerable
value through flexible deal structures, transparency, incredible local
personnel, and our tech stack,” Isaac Miranda added. “Our goal is to provide
global reach with local execution. We have A&R, marketing, and partnerships
teams staffed locally, but backed by a platform and network that already moves
hits across continents.”
By redefining what it means to be a record label, ONErpm aims to deliver growth-driven strategies, holistic support, and scalable opportunities for creators across every stage of their careers. The company’s expansion into the Philippines is both a celebration of its 15th year journey and a bold step toward shaping the future of music in Southeast Asia.
Manila, Philippines (August 22, 2025) — HUAWEI continues its legacy of fusing groundbreaking imaging innovation and elegant craftsmanship with the launch of the all-new HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro. These newest smartphones from HUAWEI blend elevated aesthetics with visionary mobile imaging features that let you see and capture the world in stunning clarity, in any setting.
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is now available at PHP 89,999 while the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro is available for PHP 59,999.
See the Finer Details with Precision in Every Frame
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro captures every frame with remarkable precision, revealing the extraordinary details of everyday beauty through its Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera with up to 5cm Super Close Focus. Its large F2.1 aperture allows more light in, delivering vibrant lifelike shots whether you’re capturing the glow of lanterns at night or your favorite artist under stage lights. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro excels at night photography with its 1-inch Ultra Lighting Camera and Ultra Chroma Camera, which preserves the rich colors and mood of cityscapes, night markets, or concert scenes with striking clarity and emotional depth.
Bring the World Closer with Picture-Perfect Clarity
Photos by Karen dela Fuente shot using the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra
From electrifying live concerts to the quiet beauty of a moonlit street, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra lets you capture life’s most unforgettable moments in vivid, vibrant detail. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra breaks new ground for mobile photography with the industry’s first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, which effortlessly combines a 3.7x mid-telephoto and 9.4x ultra-telephoto lens in one sleek unit. Whether you’re recording your favorite artist on stage from rows away, or zooming in to capture the glint in a loved one’s eyes, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra delivers breathtaking clarity, cinematic depth, and true-to-life texture without sacrificing quality.
Photos by Edwin Martinez shot using the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro
Its 1/1.28-inch Ultra Large Sensor enables the largest telephoto light intake ever seen on a smartphone. This means you can capture the distant city skyline at dusk or frame dramatic portraits during a twilight stroll, and your photos will remain sharp, vibrant, and rich. Thanks to its micron-level motor and over 140 precision components, switching between focal lengths is seamless.
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra’s innovative 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera is a powerhouse unit that lets you master the play of light and shadow. Its real-time TCH-HDR processing offers an incredible 16EV dynamic range to preserve every highlight and subtle detail when you’re photographing sun-drenched architecture on vacation or shooting moody nightscapes in your neighborhood. The AI Cinematic Engine transforms casual videos into emotionally rich, true-to-life scenes with nuanced contrast and realistic colors that make playback feel like you’re actually there.
Carry Dazzling Elegance Anywhere You Go
True to the HUAWEI Pura Series legacy, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro combine industry-leading imaging with elegant, dazzling design. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra turns heads with its exquisite aesthetic touches and a “golden glaze” finish that gleams with understated luxury. Available in the dazzling Prestige Gold or the elegant Golden Black, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is designed to make you stand out beautifully wherever you go.
You’ll find the perfect style companion with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro, which evokes quiet sophistication at every glance with its fluid contours and radiant finish. Choose the style that suits your style best from three available colors: Glazed Red, Glazed White, or Glazed Black.
Beyond their aesthetic beauty, these devices are built to endure life’s unexpected moments. Whether it’s an accidental slip at the beach or rough tumble from a bustling night out, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra remains unscathed thanks to its 2nd Gen Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro stays protected by its 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass. IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance allows both devices to perform with impressive resilience.
Elevate Your Mobile Experience with Intelligent, Powerful, Immersive Performance
Everyday moments turn into immersive escapes with the stunning HUAWEI X-True Display™, which delivers ultra-bright, vivid visuals. Whether you’re scrolling through your feed or editing photos, your display remains fluid, vibrant, and easy on the eyes even under bright sunlight. This, along with Large Amplitude Dual Speakers, transforms the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro into your personal theater, concert hall, or gaming arena anytime, anywhere. Powered by EMUI 15, you can indulge in a more playful personalized smartphone experience with AI-powered interactive themes like Emoji Crush and Air Hoops.
Both devices offer a smarter experience with AI-powered features, such as the AI Smart Control Button. This gives you instant access to your favorite apps and tools, while also doubling as a fingerprint sensor to keep your phone secure. Feel like a professional photo editor and easily erase unwanted objects in your perfect shots using AI Remove. Keep your messages away from prying eyes with AI Messaging. Enjoy hands-free scrolling or screenshotting with Air Gesture, or communicate in any language with Real-Time Translation. Keep your voice heard during calls with AI Noise Cancellation.
A massive 5170mAh battery, along with ultra-fast 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge and 80W Wireless SuperCharge, keep the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro powered from early morning meetings to late-night catch-ups.
Frame the World in a Brand New Light with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and Pura 80 Pro, Available Now with Exclusive Service Offerings
See what lies ahead clearer, sharper, and more stunning than ever before with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro, now available in the Philippines. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra retails for PHP 89,999 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide.
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro is priced at PHP 59,999 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, HUAWEI Online Store and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide.
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and Pura 80 Pro come with a free 1-Year 1-Time Accidental Damage Protection and 1-Year Battery Renewal Service from HUAWEI Care+, official APAC Region warranty coverage, Priority Maintenance Service, and free door-to-door collection and delivery for repairs
Get exclusive freebies when you purchase the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra or Pura 80 Pro. Enjoy a HUAWEI FreeClip, trade-in tokens worth PHP 8,000, HUAWEI Care+ worth PHP 7,199, and a HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 with the Pura 80 Ultra. For the Pura 80 Pro, receive PHP 5,000 trade-in tokens, HUAWEI Care+ worth PHP 5,999, and a HUAWEI WATCH GT 5. Promo runs until September 30, 2025.
To learn more about the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
MANILA, PH – August 2025 – Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., the country’s first and longest standing life insurance provider marking its 130thanniversarythis year, has secured the number one spot in the industry for the second quarter of 2025, with a total premium income amounting to PHP 28.9 billion.
This achievement reflects Sun Life’s exceptional performance and its unwavering commitment to delivering quality service and Client experience. It underscores the company’s dedication to its Clients,
commitment to excellence, and the collective efforts of the agency force and head office – solidifying its
position as a leader in the life insurance sector.
“Amidst economic uncertainty and technological disruption, Sun Life remains focused on what matters most – our Clients,” said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. “We are committed to being their Partner for Life, always prioritizing their needs, delivering innovative solutions, and cultivating a culture of excellence, integrity, and care.”
This achievement comes on the heels of Sun Life’s back-to-back wins at the Insurance Asia Awards, where its product, Sun Life Secure Income, was recognized with the Product Innovation of the Year Award, and at the HR Excellence Awards, where it was bestowed the Gold Award for Excellence in Innovation.
“All these show that being Client-centric will always lead us to our best work,” Sison said. “We are grateful to our Clients for the support and inspiration and look forward to our continued journey together for years to come.”
To learn more about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Fifth studio album Vie drops September 26, followed by announcement of
first-ever ‘Ma Vie World Tour’ dates across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia

GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat returns with her new single and music video “Jealous Type” out now via Kemosabe Records/ RCA Records. Doja Cat’s new track “Jealous Type” was produced by Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift, Lorde) and Y2K (Ariana Grande, Tate McRae), with the music video directed by Boni Mata and filmed in Los Angeles. Doja Cat first teased her new track “Jealous Type” in her Summer ’25 campaign with Marc Jacobs. “Jealous Type” will appear on her highly anticipated fifth studio album, Vie, which is slated for release on September 26th. Pre-save album HERE.
Additionally, Doja Cat announced her first-ever tour across New Zealand, Australia, and Asia with the “Ma Vie World Tour”, launching Tuesday, November 18th in Auckland at Spark Arena. The tour will include stops in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Manila, Tokyo, and more, before wrapping on Sunday, December 21 in Kaohsiung at Kaohsiung Arena. The announcement follows her highly successful 2023 outing, “The Scarlet Tour”.

TICKETS – NZ + AUS: Tickets for the New Zealand and Australia dates will be available starting with an artist presale beginning Monday, August 25 at 10am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Thursday, August 28 at 11am local time at http://dojacat.com/tour.
TICKETS – ASIA: For the Asia dates, onsale start times and dates vary by market, check your local listings for more information. Tickets will be available at dojacat.com/tour.
VIP: The “Ma Vie World Tour” will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert adventure to the next level. Packages vary but include tickets, access to the pre-show VIP Lounge, exclusive VIP merch item, early entry into the venue & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit: https://vip.livenation.asia/ or https://www.livenation.com.au/vipexperiences
MA VIE WORLD TOUR 2025 DATES
Nov 18 – Auckland – Spark Arena
Nov 22 – Perth – RAC Arena
Nov 25 – Melbourne – Rod Laver Arena
Nov 29 – Brisbane – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Dec 01 – Sydney – Qudos Bank Arena
Dec 07 – Manila – SM Mall of Asia Arena
Dec 10 – Singapore – Singapore Indoor Stadium
Dec 13 – Seoul – Kintex Hall 10
Dec 15 – Tokyo – K-Arena Yokohama
Dec 18 – Bangkok – Impact Exhibition Hall 5-6
Dec 21 – Kaohsiung – Kaohsiung Arena
Most recently, Doja Cat headlined the 2025 Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco, CA. During her electrifying set, she surprised fans by debuting “Jealous Type” live on stage. Following her performance, she hosted a surprise album listening after-party at San Francisco’s legendary drag venue, Oasis, where a select group of fans received an exclusive first listen to tracks from her forthcoming album, Vie.
Last year, Doja Cat released her deluxe album Scarlet 2 CLAUDE. The deluxe featured previously released hits such as “Attention”, “Paint The Town Red”, “Agora Hills”, alongside a collection of brand-new tracks and features. Doja Cat’s hit single “Paint The Town Red” spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first rap song to reach the top spot in 2023. The track also held the No. 1 position on the Billboard Global 200 chart for four consecutive weeks. Additionally, her fan-favorite track “Agora Hills” reached No. 1 on Top 40 Radio in February 2024, marking her eighth No. 1 at the format. “Agora Hills” also peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

About Doja Cat:
GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat made her first upload to Soundcloud in 2013 at just 16 years old. Having grown up in and around the LA area, she developed a knack for music by studying piano and dance as a kid and listening to the likes of Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and more. Signed to Kemosabe/RCA Records in 2014, she released her Purrr! EP followed that with her debut album Amala in spring 2018, but it was her August 2018 release of “MOOO!” which catapulted her into the mainstream and was met with critical acclaim.
Doja Cat released her sophomore GRAMMY-nominated platinum album Hot Pink in November 2019 to mass critical acclaim; the album has garnered 7 billion streams worldwide. It features “Streets”, the viral sensation that soundtracked the ‘Silhouette Challenge,’ one of the biggest TikTok trends to date, and her GRAMMY-nominated #1 smash record “Say So” which has been RIAA certified 6x platinum and catapulted Doja Cat into global superstardom.
With over 36 billion worldwide streams to date, Doja Cat’s creativity and showmanship as a performer have been praised time and time again, she has delivered unique and show-stopping performances on nearly all the major Award Show stages and music festivals throughout the world. Doja Cat’s GRAMMY award-winning album Planet Her came out in June 2021 and dominated the charts, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and generated the highest first day Spotify streams for an album by a female rapper. GRAMMY award-winning “Kiss Me More” ft. SZA, the lead single off Planet Her is certified 5x platinum by the RIAA and hit #1 at Top 40 and Rhythm radio with over 3 billion streams worldwide. That fall, Doja Cat became the first rapper to have 3 songs in the Top 10 at Top 40 radio. Her hit track “Woman” went to the top of the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay charts which ascended her to become the first woman to have four #1 hits from one album, other hits including “You Right” with The Weeknd and “Need to Know.” She went on to land at #1 on the Billboard Artist 100 chart for the first time. Amongst others, Doja Cat has won 5 AMAs, 5 Billboard Music Awards, 5 MTV VMAs, 3 BMI Awards, 2 MTV EMAs, 1 GRAMMY Award, and 1 NAACP Image Award along with garnering a total of 19 GRAMMY Award nominations. Additionally, Doja Cat has been nominated for 20 Billboard Music Awards, 18 MTV VMAs, 9 AMAs, 10 BET Awards, 8 MTV EMAs, 5 BMI Awards, and dozens more. Doja Cat was named one of TIME100’s Most Influential People of 2023, where she was featured on the April 2023 cover issue and performed at the TIME100 Gala in New York City.
In September 2023, Doja Cat released her fourth studio album, Scarlet, which has been RIAA certified platinum and features smash hits “Agora Hills” (RIAA certified 2x platinum) and “Paint The Town Red” (RIAA certified 4x platinum). After releasing Scarlet, Doja Cat went on her first-ever North American headline tour, “The Scarlet Tour”. In April 2024, Doja Cat released her latest deluxe album, Scarlet 2 CLAUDE. In that same month, Doja Cat headlined Coachella 2024 and delivered an unforgettable performance. Doja Cat continues to redefine global pop stardom with her boundary-pushing artistry and undeniable impact on music and culture, solidifying her place as one of the most influential voices of her generation.
Buy/Stream “Jealous Type”:
Multi: https://dojacat.lnk.to/jealoustype
YouTube: https://dojacat.lnk.to/JealousTypeVideo
Pre-Save Vie:
Follow Doja Cat at:
Owning a credit card is considered to be a key part of adulting for many Filipinos. More than just a payment tool, it offers financial flexibility—allowing you to manage big-ticket purchases in line with your financial plans. On top of that, you can unlock rewards on your purchases—be it exclusive discounts, cashback, rewards points, or airline miles for your next travel.
But how can that rectangular plastic card in your wallet actually be a booster for your personal finances? It's simple: when used wisely, your credit card can be a fantastic tool to help you reach your financial goals responsibly.
Let's dive into some simple, practical tips from Metrobank to help you maximize your credit card’s benefits – turning it into your financial best friend, not a financial burden:
1. Spend Within Your Means
A simple way to do this is to only spend what you can comfortably pay back before your next statement is due. Keep your credit card spend in check by regularly tracking your expenses.
2. Pay It Off On Time
The golden rule is to pay your entire credit card bill on time and in full each month. Not only does this help you stick to your budget, but it also helps you avoid incurring additional fees and paying interest on purchases.
2. Avail of Flexible Payments for Big Purchases
This comes in handy when you need to buy a big-ticket item, and you don’t want to deplete your savings to cover the payment all at once. Many credit cards offer installment plans, allowing you to pay for that big purchase in more manageable, budget-friendly amounts over a preferred term, typically from 3 to 36 months. It's all about managing your cash flow smartly.
3. Don't Forget Those Perks!
Most credit cards let you accumulate rewards points, enjoy discounts, or receive freebies from your favorite stores and merchants. Redeeming them, especially for your essential spend like food, groceries, or gas, is like getting a little bonus for spending on your necessities!
Different credit cards offer different rewards that fit different lifestyles. There are cards that offer miles for frequent travelers, restaurant deals for foodies, and even discounts for the next time you fuel up your car. Make sure to choose the card that aligns best with your needs.
4. Keep Your Spending Under 30% of Your Limit
Try to keep your credit card transactions per month under 30% of your total credit limit. So, if your limit is PHP100,000, aim to keep your balance below PHP30,000. This makes budgeting much easier and shows lenders you're a responsible cardholder.
Why Does All This Matter? Having Good Credit Habits Set You For Life
Responsible credit card use isn't just about flexibility; it's also about building good credit habits. When you have a good credit payment habit, banks and credit bureaus rate you with a better credit score.
Your credit score is like your financial report card, and it tells banks and other lenders how reliable you are when it comes to borrowing money. A good score can open doors to getting better loan rates for a car, a home, or even future business ventures. To learn more tips about managing money, head to earnest.ph and download its free personal finance ebook.
Start your adulting journey by getting your first card with Metrobank—it offers a variety of credit cards, each designed to fit different lifestyles. Whether you're looking for travel perks, rewards for your everyday spend, or zero annual fees for your big purchases, there's a Metrobank credit card for you.
To learn more about Metrobank credit cards, visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/cards/credit-cards. Not yet a Metrobank credit cardholder? Apply for a Metrobank credit card today! Visit your nearest Metrobank branch or apply online via https://apply.metrobank.com.ph/creditcard.

Today, seminal British band Wolf Alice release their eagerly anticipated fourth studio album The Clearing, alongside focus track ‘Just Two Girls’, via Sony Music.
Speaking on the new track, Rowsell adds: “I was inspired by going for dinner with my friends — a couple of friends, at different times, just one-on-one. I noticed how much I was saying Oh my god yeah you’re so right! And I thought it was so nice to see how validating these conversations with my girlfriends are, how much I’m learning in these chats. I think I’ve been trying to figure out a lot of things, like getting older. I feel it’s really been a strange time of thinking about appearance. And these are things you hash out with your girlfriends and suddenly you don’t feel so shit about them again. I just felt like there deserved to be a song about that.”
Following a potent trio of singles ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’, ‘The Sofa’ and most recent ‘White Horses’ – each unveiling a distinct sonic direction – The Clearing arrives as a moment of crystallisation for one of the UK’s most inventive and emotionally charged bands. Written in Seven Sisters and recorded in LA with Grammy-winning producer Greg Kurstin, The Clearing is a widescreen collection of songs that are bold in ambition, full of heart, and the band’s most refined work yet. It’s a classic pop/rock album that nods to the ‘70s while remaining rooted firmly in the present. If Fleetwood Mac wrote an album today in North London, you’d get somewhere close to this run of effortlessly grand tracks, each as distinct as the last.
The band celebrated last night with a history-defining release show at The Dublin Castle in Camden, hallowed ground for a band whose impact in their native North London is impossible to measure. The celebration extended next door with a special pop-up event, where fans got an early listen to the album and access to exclusive merch.
At its core, The Clearing is a record about arrival – not at a destination, but at a sense of peace with the journey. Whether that’s the self-interrogation of ‘Thorns’, the yearning nostalgia of ‘Leaning Against The Wall’, or the raw intimacy of ‘Play It Out’, each track maps a waypoint in the band’s evolution. A landmark album in both concept and execution, The Clearing is less a reinvention than a recognition of the band’s full capabilities: fierce yet fragile, playful yet profound. Front and centre is Rowsell’s ever-evolving poetic storytelling alongside an innate desire for Ellie, Joff, Theo and Joel to have fun, secure in their ambition and ability at this unique moment in time.
From the rolling euphoria of ‘Bread Butter Tea Sugar’, to the assuring acceptance of ‘The Sofa’, the record captures a band unafraid to push themselves further than ever before. This is Wolf Alice fully in command – no longer searching, but stepping confidently into a new chapter.
The album’s title serves as both a quiet mission statement and emotional centerpiece. It finds the four piece meditating on what remains when the uncertainty, insecurities and self-deprecation of your 20s falls away. The sentiment – “Know who I am, that’s important to me. Do what I can to see the wood from the trees” (White Horses) – is less a declaration of triumph than of peaceful acceptance. The Clearing is Wolf Alice’s most accomplished and affecting work to date.
Wolf Alice have come a long way since the North London quartet first emerged in 2013 as a young band holding a mirror up to their own emerging generation. Today, Wolf Alice’s fourth album The Clearing finds them at the peak of their powers, grown into a band of generational importance. While the bruised euphoria of their debut My Love Is Cool, which featured the Grammy-nominated ‘Moaning Lisa Smile’, both captured and perfectly soundtracked the experience of youth first cutting their musical teeth, 2018’s follow up Visions Of A Life cemented their rise with a Mercury Music Prize, before the precious hurt of 2022’s Blue Weekend and its resultant UK number 1 and Brit Award for Best Group. In the process, lead singer Ellie Rowsell has grown into a storytelling icon, weaving cautionary tales of how your twenties will hurt you, but in valuable ways. Wolf Alice have also toured the world multiple times headlining sold out tours, gracing numerous festival stages and supporting an array of key artists including pop icon Harry Styles. Following a packed summer of historical festival slots at Primavera Sound, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Glastonbury, the band will celebrate The Clearing with a sold-out tour across North America, Europe, the UK and Ireland this autumn, that sees the band headlining some of the biggest stages of their career to date including London’s O2 Arena.
(Album Artwork – Hi Res HERE)
The Clearing – Tracklist
- Thorns
- Bloom Baby Bloom
- Just Two Girls
- Leaning Against The Wall
- Passenger Seat
- Play It Out
- Bread Butter Tea Sugar
- Safe in the World
- Midnight Song
- White Horses
- The Sofa
Featuring 45 acts across three stages, this year’s festival highlights collaboration with TuneCore and The Orchard in supporting Asian indie talents
July 31, 2025 – Bali, Indonesia – AXEAN Festival 2025 has officially announced its final lineup for this year’s edition.
The stage is set for the first intra-regional showcase festival in Asia, as it welcomes 43 music acts across three stages at Jimbaran Hub in Bali, Indonesia, from September 13 to 14, 2025.
Completing the final round of performers are some of the most prominent and emerging names in the Indonesian music scene, including metal/hardcore quintet AVHATH, beloved folk duo Banda Neira, rising indie act Gozal, alternative rock outfit Grizzly Cluive, genre-bending band Morbid Monke, indie rock powerhouse Sandstorm of Youth, melancholic indie group sourmilk, multi-talented musician Xandega, and a special collaboration set between Bandung-based punk rock band Dongker and acclaimed singer-songwriter Jason Ranti.

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These artists join an already diverse roster that includes Billyrrom., Blindfold, Capt’n Trips and the Kid, Confined White, DJ Love, DOOR PLANT, Fauxe, Feel Koplo x Toxicdev!, Jangar, Johnny Mafia, Kelompok Penerbang Roket, La Cima Cartel, L’Alphalpha, Lustbass, MANJA, Ministry Of, One Click Straight, Shanghai Quitian, Shye, SIMILE LAND, S.O.L.E., Su San, Terrer, Valentina Ploy, and XANDEGA.

TuneCore’s key role in curating the final batch of lineup
This year, TuneCore plays a pivotal role in shaping the final lineup, expanding its position as one of AXEAN Festival’s most important partners. Through a four-month, multi-stage submission and rigid selection process spanning five countries in Southeast Asia, TuneCore helped discover and elevate standout independent voices that have made a mark in their niche markets.

Cyrus Chen, Head of TuneCore Southeast Asia, recalls the selection process that they went through before picking the finest acts that show global potential. “It began with open biweekly submissions, attracting over 600 entries,” Cyrus explains. “Selected artists progressed to monthly live showcases at local venues, with each monthly winner advancing to country finals. Out of the 27 finalists, our local panels chose the six artists performing at AXEAN. The biggest surprise was probably the incredible depth of undiscovered talent. We found remarkable hidden gems across diverse and often genre-blending styles. What was particularly striking was how many of these artists hadn't formally released music yet.”

When asked about the criteria in picking the artists who made it to TuneCore’s AXEAN stage, Cyrus emphasized the importance of authenticity and range, and how beyond raw talent, there’s a need to prioritize artists whose music authentically integrates local flair and cultural influences. “Showcasing a diverse spectrum of genres was also essential,” he adds.
The Orchard, a prominent music distribution company operating in over 49 cities worldwide, has expressed its support for AXEAN Festival through a strategic partnership. Both music entities share a vision of empowering artists to broaden their horizons and access new music markets beyond their turfs. Together, both AXEAN and The Orchard are keen on dismantling barriers and enabling Southeast Asian creative communities to showcase their music on a global stage.


Tickets are now available via:
Indonesia: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025Indo
International: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025Inter
China: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025China


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