Clara Benin's "befriending my tears (and then some)" to be released on Vinyl by Backspacer Records

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Critically acclaimed sophomore album available on vinyl beginning August 17, 2025

Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin will be releasing her sophomore album, befriending my tears (and then some), on vinyl for the first time this August 17, 2025, in partnership with independent vinyl retailer Backspacer Records.

First released digitally in August 2023 under OFFMUTE (a pan-regional label under Sony Music Entertainment), befriending my tears received widespread acclaim for its emotionally resonant songwriting and intimate production. The release marked a significant milestone in Benin’s artistic evolution, highlighting her growth not only as a vocalist and songwriter but also as a producer and creative collaborator.

The album explores themes of vulnerability, self-acceptance, and emotional healing through minimalist yet immersive arrangements. With contributions from Gabba Santiago, Sam and Tim Marquez of One Click Straight, and Francis Lorenzo, the album presents a sonic palette that balances ethereal textures with Benin’s trademark subtlety and sincerity.

“This album holds some of my most personal work,” shares Benin. “It brings together songs written in different chapters of my life, from college to the pandemic, and pieces them into a cohesive story of learning to embrace all that I am.”

The vinyl edition features the expanded and then some version, including remixes, early demos, and live recordings. It also includes three bonus tracks exclusive to the physical format, full-color artwork, and detailed liner notes that further contextualize the project’s creative process.

Among the standout tracks is “blink,” which won Best Engineered Recording at the 2022 Awit Awards, alongside fan favorites such as “imposter syndrome” and “small town.”

This marks Clara Benin’s second studio album following her debut Human Eyes and several successful EPs. Over the years, Benin has cemented her reputation as one of the most respected voices in the Philippine music scene, with her work earning recognition across Southeast Asia.

Clara Benin’s befriending my tears (and then some) vinyl — featuring a new layout by Mia Claravall-Reyes — will be available exclusively at Backspacer Records (backspacerrecords.com) starting August 17, 2025.

Ebe Dancel to stage repeat of “Sa Wakas: 20th Anniversary” Concert

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The award-winning singer-songwriter will be joined by ex-Sugarfree drummer Mitch Singson to honor the album’s lasting impact in the Philippine music scene

Due to insistent public demand, Filipino singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel stages a repeat of Sa Wakas: 20th Anniversary Celebration, happening on March 31, 2023 (Friday), from 6pm onwards at 123 Block, Mandala Park.

Celebrating the enduring legacy of Sugarfree’s iconic debut album, Sa Wakas The Repeat: 20^th Anniversary Celebration will feature a longer, full-length set by Ebe Dancel and drummer Mitch Singson, as well as guest performances and surprises.

Presented by GNN Entertainment Productions and Backspacer Records, in partnership with 123 Block and Balcony Entertainment, the headline show will accommodate more people in the venue as requested by fans who were not able to attend the first one, which sold out in less than a day.

Part of the earnings will be donated to Parokya Ni Edgar guitarist Gab Chee Kee’s hospital and medical expenses. Sa Wakas: official merch is also available via Backspacer Records official website, and will also be sold at the venue.

Sugarfree's Sa Wakas, which came out in 2003, took confessional songwriting to a new level with anthems that reveal stories and experiences that are too embarrassingly painful to talk about in public. Critically acclaimed when it first came out in the early 2000s, the influential album eventually inspired a huge following, and prompted a fan to write/produce an award-winning rock musical centered on its narrative.

Tickets to Sa Wakas The Repeat: 20th Anniversary Celebration are available for purchase starting March 13 (Monday) at 6pm via bit.ly/sawakas20.

Ticket Packages Available:

Regular Admissions (P1,500) - entrance to the event grounds

VIP (P2,200) - entrance to the event grounds, plus meet and greet with Ebe Dancel before the show, and a signed event poster.

VIP + Vinyl Bundle (P3,500) - entrance to the event grounds, a Habangbuhay 10-inch signed silver vinyl, plus meet and greet with Ebe Dancel before the show and a signed event poster.

 

Barbie Almalbis celebrates 25th anniversary with the release of Tower Sessions Live album and a ‘reunion’ concert

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Filipino singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis marks a monumental milestone in music with the official release of her Tower Sessions Live album under Sony Music Entertainment and a reunion concert featuring her iconic bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Both celebrations honor her 25^th anniversary in the local music scene as a woman who successfully navigated the realm of Pinoy rock with emotionally resonant songwriting and artistic independence.

Photo by Chealsy Dale

Presenting a new arrangement of her old and new songs, Barbie Almalbis’ Greatest Hits live album was produced by Eric and Carlo Perlas of Tower of Doom, recorded by Kyle Cayton, and mixed/mastered by Simon Durias. It will also feature career-defining hits such as “Firewoman,” “Torpe,” “Tabing Ilog,” “The Dance,” “Goodnight,” and “Just A Smile,” along with fairly new tracks: “Days Are Long,” “Silaw,” “Tigre,” and “Kumpas,” the album’s carrier single.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to record our songs live, because we’re always rearranging songs as a band, and I think there’s something special that gets captured when the we play live together,” Almalbis shares. “My producers and collaborators did such a great job of making you feel like you’re at the gig. You can feel the power of the kick drum and the bass, and then have guitars blasting in your ear — in a pleasant way, of course.”

Aside from the release of Tower Sessions Live on digital platforms, Barbie Almalbis is set to headline her 25^th Anniversary concert at 123 Block, Mandala Park on March 11 (Saturday), from 2pm onwards. Celebrating the impact of her music as a guide to many people’s journey in life, the show will reunite her with former bandmates in Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Aptly titled Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, the mini-music fest will also feature sets by some of the country’s finest acts, including Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio, and Bird.

Reflecting on her career as an artist, Almalbis expressed gratitude to her fans who have been supportive of her endeavors through the years. “I didn’t have so many plans growing up, but always just dreamt of playing music. I’m so grateful that I get to do this and share the experience with others too. I’m always touched by the support of my fans and friends, and really humbled and encouraged by their words and stories about how these songs have also become part of their journey.”

Barbie Almalbis’ Tower Sessions Live is now available on all digital platforms worldwide under Sony Music Entertainment.

Tickets to her upcoming concert, Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis are available for purchase via TicketMelon. The event is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Wellness Store, D&D,  Smirnoff Mule, and 123 Block.

Follow Barbie Almalbis on socials: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

Sony Music taps Backspacer Records as the official distributor of Adele’s best-selling LP, ‘30’

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Filipinos in the throes of a pandemic don’t need to wait in vain as the vinyl format of Adele’s fourth studio album, 30 has now made its way to the Philippines.

Sony Music confirms that Backspacer Records, an independent record store based in Metro Manila, is the official distributing partner of Adele’s chart-topping LP, 30.

The indie record shop, which gained popularity for housing limited edition and exclusive OPM releases, as well as rare and wide-ranging international titles, will be selling an exclusive Japan pressing of the beloved album in standard black vinyl.

Backspacer Records co-founder Robert Tuazon takes great pride in carrying the British singer-songwriter’s landmark LP, which not only broke records in terms of digital sales and streaming all over the world but also smashed physical sales performance for both CDs and vinyl this year.

“We’re grateful to Sony Music for entrusting us with this special project,” said Tuazon. “Tasha and I are excited to open our doors to music fans who have been wanting to get a copy of this remarkable pop release.”

Adele’s 30 contains two 180-gram LPs with printed inner sleeves and a standard jacket. On hand copies of the vinyl can now be purchased via Backspacer Records’ official website and its physical store located at the 2nd Floor of D’ Ace Plaza in Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

The global superstar’s acclaimed record is also available through Backspacer Records’ retail partners: Plaka Planet in Makati City, Stereofiles in Quezon City, and Baihaus in Cebu City.