Mezzaluna drops Bond-inspired song “I Beg”

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Sony Music's OFFMUTE artist, Mezzaluna, is back with her second single, “I Beg.”

Following the success of her debut single, “In Situ,” the 20-year-old Indonesian singer-songwriter offers us another peek into her personal life with her signature storytelling style.

"I wrote this song based on a personal experience that I went through back in high school,” the alt-pop artist shares. “I was really in my feelings and made this song in about 10 minutes. The song was initially really short, but the bridge came along later, and I'm really proud of how it turned out."

The ballad dives quickly into Mezzaluna's sultry vocal delivery of disappointment and hopelessness. The dark piano melody builds through the chorus as she turns to desperation for answers, and as the second verse drops, a sense of strength rings true. "I told you I'm the one who stood there by your side, that's why I beg."

The strings come in as the piano arpeggios intensify and Mezzaluna longs for the truth she knows deserves. The bridge follows in a freefall of acceptance of the unknown and the uncontrolled as she transforms the darkness into hope.

"I had the intention to create an arrangement worthy of a James Bond theme song,” says the Indonesian newcomer. “So my biggest inspiration for this track was Adele's 'Skyfall' and Sam Smith's 'Writing's on the Wall'. I think this theme matches my image and vocal range the most."

“I Beg” marks Mezzaluna's second collaboration with Indonesian industry veterans, producer Gio Wibowo and creative director Deby Sucha. Wibowo, who had previously worked with her on 'In Situ', gathered a team to work on 'I Beg' this time round. The accompanying music video was left in Sucha's capable hands, having previously directed Mezzaluna's first music video.

Mezzaluna shares, "I worked with Deby Sucha again for the music video and this time, I surrendered everything to her because I trusted her work on my previous video. She came up with the brilliant idea of giving the music video the karaoke treatment and it was amazing. Although it’s not my usual aesthetic, it was great to step out of my comfort zone and try something new."

“I Beg” is available on all digital streaming platforms from 25th February 2022 via OFFMUTE.


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Clara Benin appears on billboard in New York City’s Times Square

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A month ahead of International Women’s Day, Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin lands on a Times Square, New York billboard as part of Spotify’s EQUAL Campaign.

The global movement, which serves as an initiative of the music streaming platform to amplify the work of outstanding women and gender-nonconforming musicians, turned its spotlight on Benin as this week’s cover artist of Spotify EQUAL Playlist in the Philippines, with two of her songs, “blink” and “Araw’t Gabi” occupying the top two slots.

“I feel really humbled to be featured on a Times Square billboard in New York and to have my songs be part of Spotify’s EQUAL playlist alongside these lovely and talented women,” the folk-pop phenom shares in a statement. “I really hope our music reaches and inspires more people from all over the world.”

Having amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone, Clara Benin is the first Filipino signed under Sony Music’s OFFMUTE— a Southeast Asian record label that’s entirely dedicated to giving artists a voice, an audience, and an opportunity for cross-collaboration within the region.

Benin recently released a new single called “blink,” which was produced by acclaimed electronic/indie artist The Ringmaster, and features prolific multi-instrumentalist Gabba Santiago on drums. Honoring memories like a fundamental aspect of human nature, the song finds refuge in reliving Benin’s past without any hint of regret.

She is also currently working on several new songs to be released soon. “I’ve been writing a lot the past two years and very excited to work on them this year for an upcoming album.”

Check out Clara Benin’s “blink” on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE.

Follow CLARA BENIN on socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarabeninmusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarabeninmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarabeninmusic

Follow OFFMUTE on socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offmuteASIA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/offmute

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offmute/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offmute

About Clara Benin

Clara Benin is touted as the indie darling of the Philippines. She is one of the first artists under Sony’s new regional label OFFMUTE. Her signature angelic voice and melodic acoustic guitar playing bring a kind of serenity that her listeners gravitate towards. She has collaborated with Singaporean artists Charlie Lim for a remake of her hit single “Wine” and Gentle Bones for the pop track “A Day At A Time”.

Widely loved for her warm and quiet demeanor, the acoustic-folk artist has played in notable festivals like Wanderland Arts and Music Festival in the Philippines, Music Matters in Singapore, and Zandari Festa in Korea. She sold out her first solo concert in 2016 for her album “Coming Home” and had a back-to-back concert with fellow artist Ben&Ben in 2018.

Clara Benin joins Sony Music Entertainment’s new Southeast Asian label ‘OFFMUTE’

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Sony Music Entertainment announced today the launch of OFFMUTE – a new pan-regional label focused on championing new and emerging Southeast Asian talent by drawing on the combined experience of Sony Music’s entire Southeast Asian team.

 OFFMUTE offers emerging artists from across all genres a dedicated platform to pursue their own creative vision and reach audiences across Southeast Asia

New artists on board include acclaimed Philippine singer-songwriter Clara Benin, Indonesian alt-pop sensation Mezzaluna and Malaysian recording star liesl-mae

OFFMUTE gives emerging recording artists across all genres an opportunity to develop their own music and follow their creative vision. The new label will support Southeast Asian artists in amplifying their music and building a strong pan-regional audience base through enhanced promotional, marketing and artist development, drawn from Sony Music's global expertise and resources.

“OFFMUTE is a first-of-its-kind label in this part of the world, embracing the eclectic appeal and rich diversity that Southeast Asia has to offer, empowering artists with the resources and expertise to find success in a diverse region,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Strategy and Market Development, Asia and Middle East, Sony Music Entertainment. “That offering is compelling for a new generation of artists in the region and we’re excited to help these artists fulfil their potential in the years to come.”

Ariel Fung, Executive Vice President, Sony Music Southeast Asia, expresses his enthusiasm on the label’s attempt to solidify its foothold in the global music industry. “I am so excited to see the launch of OFFMUTE which embraces different genres of artists with their unique culture and style, and with the potential of cross-border success.”

 

NEW OFFMUTE ARTISTS FROM PHILIPPINES, INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA

OFFMUTE also announced today three new signings for the label: acclaimed Philippine singer-songwriter Clara Benin; Indonesian alt-pop sensation Mezzaluna; and Malaysian recording star liesl-mae.

An acclaimed singer-songwriter in the Philippines, Clara Benin is renowned for her captivating songs that blend unspoken ruminations with commitment and depth. Amassing more than 25 million streams on combined music platforms Spotify and YouTube, Benin frequently headlines local and international music festivals, and won multiple awards including Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year for her song “I Rose up Slowly”.

Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines, speaks of Benin’s potential to leave a mark with the international audience. “When my team and I discussed the vision for OFFMUTE, we immediately thought Clara Benin embodied what the label was all about,” Pineda reveals. “And it’s great that the other markets think so too.  With a Southeast Asian team supporting her, we’re thrilled that Clara’s moving vocals and introspective songwriting will reach new audiences across the region.”

Another addition to the OFFMUTE family is Mezzaluna, a talented and gifted singer-songwriter based in Indonesia who comes from a strong musical lineage and quickly emerged as a standout artist with incredible achievements in her own right. With deep, soulful vocals and an intensely personal storytelling style, the 20-year-old alt-pop sensation marks her journey as a solo star capable of delivering inspiring and powerful songs with a universal reach. She will be releasing her debut single this year, which OFFMUTE will be amplifying across the region.

Malaysia’s liesl-mae completes the record label’s wide-ranging selection of music acts. Making waves in the Malaysian music scene with her soothing, almost-lullaby-like tunes, the recording star will now see her talent showcased across Southeast Asia through OFFMUTE. She plans to release her own music and collaborate with other artists under the new label, as well as harness her newfound platform to advocate for mental health education and awareness.