Original Soundtrack of "Walking on Sunshine" to be released on June 26, movie in Ph cinemas on July 2nd

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The Power Of Love,  Don’t You Want Me?, Walking On Sunshine, Eternal Flame, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Wild Boys, and more greatest pop hits of the 80's are here in this album.

Sony Music is proud to announce the release of the original motion picture soundtrack of the musical Walking on Sunshine. The stars of the film, including a global superstar, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Leona Lewis, perform the hottest hits of the 80’s. The movie is a romantic musical, full of fun and packed with highly recognisable songs, the story of a threesome tangled in love at a holiday location in Italy. 

This musical film includes the greatest pop hits of the 80s, making for the perfect soundtrack, with an irresistible line-up of songs that make it impossible to sit still while listening. Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me”, a #1 single in the UK and US, sets up the theme of romantic hope. Madonna’s unforgettable hit “Holiday” is just right for singing along (“celebrate!”) in the cinema or at home. And if anyone is in doubt about the film’s fun factor, then Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” makes things as clear as they could be. There are some quieter, soulful tracks too – “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles is one, and a beautiful, soft rendering of the Roxettes’ “It Must Have Been Love” is another – but the dominant mood is punchy and upbeat. “Wild Boys” gets a raunchy performance, full of energy. “How Will I Know?”, a smash hit for Whitney Houston, is a funky, foot-tapping song of a love-struck girl, and with the powerful female vocals of “Venus”, you have to agree with the lyrics: “Yeah, baby, she’s got it!” This pyrotechnic parade of top tracks is rounded off by Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go”. All of these numbers are performed with real verve by the stars of the film cast.

A highlight of the film is the appearance of the multi-award winning and Grammy-nominated Leona Lewis, who makes her debut in movies in Walking on Sunshine, performing on the soundtrack and in the film itself. She came to attention in 2006 as the winner of The X Factor in the UK and has released two studio albums, the mega-selling Spirit in 2007 and Echo in 2009. Her international breakthrough single, “Bleeding Love”, received five awards. She has released ten singles, four of which have reached number one in various charts.

Walking on Sunshine has all the makings of a sing-along cult film à la Mamma Mia – thanks to its charming story and locations, fine acting, and above all its stellar soundtrack, an unbeatable compilation of 1980s hits. No-one could fail to smile, move to the rhythm and tap their feet with these songs.

ABOUT THE FILM

Directed by Max and Dania (the duo behind one of the most successful UK independent films of all time – StreetDance 3D), it stars Leona Lewis, Katy Brand, one of the UK’s top woman comedians, and Greg Wise, an actor renowned for his work in BBC drama, alongside rising stars Annabel Scholey and Hannah Arterton, plus Giulio Berruti in the role of gorgeous man, this is a film for a girls’ night out. After a whirlwind romance, Maddie is preparing to marry Raf and has invited her sister Taylor to the wedding in Italy. What Maddie does not know is that Raf is Taylor’s ex-holiday flame, and the love of her life. And that is only one of many bumps along the film’s road to happiness.

The film is locally distributed by Pioneer Films, and the Philippine theatrical release is July 2nd. 

Here's the Walking on Sunshine soundtrack track listing:

1. Holiday

2. Venus

3. How Will I Know?

4. The Power Of Love

5. Don’t You Want Me?

6. Walking On Sunshine

7. Eternal Flame

8. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

9. Wild Boys

10. It Must Have Been Love

11. Faith

12. White Wedding

13. If I Could Turn Back Time

14. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go

Pop, Hip-Hop and R&B Duo MKTO Live on December 14

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Watch MKTO Live on December 14, 2013 (Sat.) at Eastwood Mall Open Park, 4pm and Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill, 7pm. 

It's a warm mid-summer day in sunny Southern California, and Malcolm Kelley, 20, and Tony Oller, 21, are indulging in lunch and banter outside of the Los Angeles studio where they record. Soon, they're playing tag with their manager's 3-year-old son, ping ponging to all corners of the studio. Initially, this time slot was allotted for an interview. 

The duo aren't dodging their scheduled sit down—now on hold for the last half hour—so much as they're just being themselves, reveling in their current circumstances. With their actions and music, Kelley and Oller enjoy themselves, and do it on their own terms. 

Recently signed to Columbia Records, the twosome offer a vibrant mix of pop, hip-hop and R&B, crafted in an undeniably organic way, which makes the music sound as fun to the listener as it was for the two to make--but there's an edge to it, too. It’s something that will be evident on their upcoming debut album, Role Models, as well as their lead single, “Thank You.”

“We're really happy with it,” says Houston-bred Oller of the single. “We’re still working on the rest of the album, but as of right now, I think we have most of what we're wanting to get across. We have ballads, really soft, ‘Someone Like You’ stuff. We have up tempo party songs. We're trying to do a lot of sounds.” And it’s not just the sounds, but also the content: The two discuss the ups and downs that go with adolescence and growing up, navigating a territory that anyone coming of age can find relatable.

“I think there's a lane for everything in music,” Oller continues. “If people like it, great, but if people don't, we made a record we're proud of.”

In addition to their sound, it’s this sort of comfort in their own skin that defines MKTO, and informs not just the content of their music, but also the origins of their name. “It's simple,” Oller says of the moniker, which not only represents their combined initials (Malcolm Kelley, Tony Oller), but something more. “It also stands for what our album kind of is: Misfit Kids and Total Outcasts—just like the kids we were in high school.”

“Whether we like it or not, some kids are still gonna look up to us, and if I can give them a good direction to go in, or be a positive factor, then I'll be that,” Kelley says proudly.

Both accomplished adolescent actors (Oller’s credits include starring in the Disney Series As The Bell Rings as well as the movie Beneath The Darkness, while Kelley had major roles on ABC’s hit Lost as well as in the film Antwone Fisher), the two first met while filming Gigantic, in 2010, in which they played best friends. It was there that they first bonded and realized their shared love of music.

“While acting, you got a lot of down time, so we would just crack open the computer and start making some music,” Kelley recalls. He had been rapping with his friends since he was in his early teens, but had finally found a companion to help pursue the passion seriously.

“We used Garage Band a lot on our Macs,” remembers Oller, who has played piano and sung since his adolescent years, and even appeared on Showtime at the Apollo and Star Search. “We didn't know at all how to record. We loved music for the simple pleasure of loving music. Not trying to do anything, just enjoy creating it.”

Before long, the savvy upstarts uploaded a handful of videos to YouTube, displaying the unique flavor they offered by rerecording other artists’ hits and giving them a fresh spin. With songs like “Made In America,” “Just The Way You Are,” and “Champion,” they’d post videos of themselves recording the cuts, with Oller’s vocals easily distinguishable from the original and Kelley’s rapped verses adding an otherwise unexpected but fitting twist.

In early 2012, MKTO signed to a new partnership between longtime musical collaborators Emanuel “Eman” Kiriakou and Evan “Kidd” Bogart. The two, who stumbled upon the guys’ video for “Champion” online, have been responsible for hits from Beyonce, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Hot Chelle Rae, Sean Kingston, Jason Derulo and many more. MKTO felt that this formidable creative partnership was the perfect hit song breeding ground for their diverse song style.

Shortly after they initially linked up, the foursome headed to New York and took meetings with every major label, as MKTO wowed execs with their total package. In March, they signed with Columbia Records. “They showed us longevity in their artists,” Kelley compliments.

“When we worked on Gigantic, we always talked about what it would be like to do a show,” Oller reflects. “We had songs that we did and we'd sit in our trailers and have the mirror up and be like, ‘Dude, what if we f****in' walked out on stage and everyone started screaming?’ Everything we hoped for—three years laters, here we are. It's really just a dream come true for us.”

Watch MKTO Live on December 14, 2013 (Sat.) at Eastwood Mall Open Park, 4pm and Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill, 7pm. 

This is presented to you by Megaworld, Ivory Music & Video and Sony Music.

ABRA and Artifice Records Sign with Ivory Music and Video

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Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee and distributor of Sony Music in the Philippines, adds one of Philippine Hip-Hop's most promising emcees to its fold!

Abra, the main man behind Artifice Records, started out in a Hip-Hop group called LDP, the Lyrically Deranged Poets, releasing their independent debut album entitled The Project back in 2009, and having their first major concert at the legendary Music Museum in 2010. LDP was awarded as the Best Urban Group in both the 2010 and 2011 Urban Music Awards, and also received other nominations. In 2011, LDP was granted TV air time on MYX for the music video of their song, Here to Own It, which was able to enter the charts.

Young, determined, and talented, Abra’s exceptional lyricism, extensive vocabulary, ingenious literary technique, speed and lucidity of delivery, and fiery stage presence make him a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Clever in both Tagalog and English, this rap artist has indeed captured the attention of numerous fans and listeners.

When the FlipTop and Sunugan rap battle leagues came about in 2010, Abra was one of the first battle emcees to compete and gradually make a name for himself. After a couple of intense rap battles, Abra has been considered as one of the heavyweights in Filipino rap battling. He was well known for his chart-topping hit song “Gayuma,” which has reached more that 21M YouTube views. The song peaked at #1 on YouTube Philippines and garnered 2 million views on its first week. And now, coming back with a bigger, even better video, Abra didn’t fail his fans with his brand new video “Ilusyon” featuring Arci Munoz.

Using his compelling lyrical style coupled with witty antics, he is able to impress viewers and artists alike; and has YouTube videos that have amassed millions of views. It did not take long until Abra was able to perform on live television, radio shows and various events across the country.

ABRA’S NEW ALBUM IN STORES AUGUST 2013!

He is also set to have his first major solo concert!

Visit www.ivorymusic.org and Ivory Music & Video’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ivorymusicandvideophilippines for the latest news and updates!

Hear Here : Best New Music

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DEPECHE MODE DELTA MACHINE 

Delta Machine is Depeche Mode's highly anticipated 13th studio album. Recorded in Santa Barbara, California and New York City, the album was produced by Ben Hillier and mixed by Flood. Martin Gore said of the release, "Writing this album was incredibly daunting as I wanted the sound of this collection to be very modern. I want people to feel good about listening to this record, to get some kind of peace. It's just got something magical about it." Dave Gahan added, "With this release we've completely shifted our idea of how to create an album. When we hit a wall where we realize the album is beginning to sound too normal, we'll mess it up and really give it that organic Depeche Mode Sound. Delta Machine is no different, and I can't wait for all of our fans to hear it." 

THE STROKES COMEDOWN MACHINE 

The Strokes announce their highly anticipated fifth studio album Comedown Machine to be released on March 26th via RCA Records. "All The Time" will be the official first single off the new album.

The Strokes consist of Julian Casablancas (lead vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar), Albert Hammond, Jr. (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass) and Fabrizio Moretti (drums). The band has released four studio albums, Is This it (2001), Room on Fire (2003), First Impressions of Earth (2006) and Angles (2011) which have sold over 5 million albums worldwide. The band has headlined major festivals in the United States and UK, including the Isle of Wight Festival, Lollapalooza, Hurricane Festival, Splendour In The Grass, Rockness, Outside Lands, and Austin City Limits as well as sold out New York City's Madison Square Garden. 

DAVID BOWIE THE NEXT DAY 

2013 album from the legendary Rock chameleon, his first studio album in ten years and his 30th studio recording. The album was produced by long-term collaborator Tony Visconti and was recorded in New York. In recent years, radio silence has been broken only by endless speculation, rumor and wishful thinking. A new record: who would have ever thought it? After all, David is the kind of artist who writes and performs what he wants when he wants: when he has something to say as opposed to something to sell. Today, he definitely has something to say. Throwing shadows and avoiding the industry treadmill is very David Bowie despite his extraordinary track record that includes album sales in excess of 130 million; not to mention his massive contributions in the area of art, fashion, style, sexual exploration, and social commentary. It goes without saying that he has sold out stadiums and broken ticket records throughout the world during this most influential of careers. 

All albums available on iTunes and MyMusicStore.com.ph,

 only from Ivory Music & Video, 

the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines.

AstroPlus Bloggers Connect 2012: Connecting Brands to Blogs

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I am enjoying my wonderful world of music and movies! Lately I am glad to be invited to an interesting event held at Astroplus Store, The Podium, Ortigas Ave. - “AstroPlus Bloggers Connect 2012: Connecting Brands to Blogs” last October 27.

 “AstroPlus Bloggers Connect 2012: Connecting Brands to Blogs”  was a  two part event. The first part was for the Music and Movies Block starting 1:30 pm and after,  the 2nd part was for the Gadgets Block.

There were so much interesting presentation of Sony Music and Ivory Music. And there was a presentation films from Warner, and Magnavision presented us some films be to launch in coming months and for 2013. C-Interactive presented a lot of DVD offerings and promotions. 

Thanks to Azrael Coladila and Myke Soon who are in partner with Astroplus in co-organizing this 2nd annual event of Astroplus, an event that connects their brands to us bloggers.

Myke Soon and Azrael Coladila

Thanks for DVDs and a lot more given to us by Sony, Ivory, Warner, Magnavision, C-Interactive, and organizers of  “AstroPlus Bloggers Connect 2012: Connecting Brands to Blogs” event

Here are some features of the presentation.

Take Me Home is the second studio album by global superstars One Direction. This will be released on November 12, 2012 through Ivory Music And Video, exclusive licensee and distributor of Sony Music in the Philippines.

INCUBUS

ORA is the debut studio album from British singer-songwriter Rita Ora. This was released October 26, 2012 through Ivory Music And Video, exclusive licensee and distributor of Sony Music in the Philippines.

The Best Of Celine Dion & David Foster is newest compilation album global superstar Celine Dion. This will be released on October 31, 2012 through Ivory Music And Video, exclusive licensee and distributor of Sony Music in the Philippines.

BRANDY as her new album "Two Eleven" debuts at #1 on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart!

Visit Astroplus  Branches for more updates and new amazing gadgets!

I love music and movies as ever! Visit more updates on music and movies in my coming posts.  Enjoy the wonderful world everyone!

More photos on Facebook.

TONIGHT ALIVE Live in Manila , September 22

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Live in Manila ● Sept. 22, 2012 ●SM North Sky Dome

Rising from the fevered hotbed of Sydney, Australia’s underground hardcore scene, boy meets girl. 

Try to keep up – the story goes something like this…

Guitarist Whakaio Taahi and his compadre bass player, Cameron Adler, needed a frontman for a rock project. Scrap that. Frontwoman. Enter ingénue-with-attitude, Jenna McDougall – as soon as the sixteen-year-old songstress’ soaring contralto and sweet strains took the mic to their songs, something clicked. Already onboard, rhythm axeman Jake Hardy and new recruit, drummer Matt Best – a childhood buddy of Whakaio’s. One jam later, the writing was on the wall. Tonight Alive were up and running, pedal to the metal.

The band stepped up, and fast. Songs honed, stagecraft already a dead cert, they entered Sydney’s subterranean circuit of metalcore and heavy bands, playing their own brand of catchy-as-all-hell pop-punk… and promptly took the scene by storm, developing a rabid young fanbase in thrall to the band’s ebullient, fist-pumping anthemery, arena-sized hooks and high-voltage live performances.

Right from word-go, it was clear Tonight Alive were going somewhere.

A year on, courted by labels and management secured, with two stellar EPs (‘All Shapes & Disguises’ and ‘Consider This’) under their belts, a demo of Tonight Alive’s new material landed on producer-extraordinaire Mark Trombino’s (Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, The Starting Line) desk. He rang the band immediately, wanting in.

“For him to contact us, and say he was interested, was a big deal,” says Jenna, now 19. “We couldn’t believe he’d put himself out like that. He’s amazing. Mark created the albums we all grew up listening to – the albums that launched the careers of all these great bands.

Recorded at LA’s infamous NRG Studios over two months, Trombino’s personal interest in the project played out in other fortuitous ways. “Nothing was left to editing or over Pro-Tooling,” notes Whakaio. “Jenna sang every line until it was right. I played every guitar part. The drum sound is natural and not heavily sampled. There was no copy-pasting. That was really important to us, as well as Mark. That it sound real. Natural.”

“It was great because it made us really step up as musicians,” says Jenna. “I know I definitely came back from the experience a better singer.”

As the charging powerchords, chiming verseline and rattlesnake high-hats of Breaking &  Entering kick off proceedings, Tonight Alive make their intent known with this instant torch song. Like serving up straight red cordial shots to a bunch of Ritalin-deprived delinquents. Like scooping up a surging circle-pit and slamdunking into a kids’ jumping castle. Like a surly prom queen setting her school afire as the So-Cal styled band plays on, What Are You So Scared Of? is a veritable barnstormer of a debut album. Bouncey, infectious and thrilling.

Cue the mosh-happy shout-a-long of Starlight, the sheer infectious fun of Sure as Hell and the sugar-rush of songs like To Die For and the title track. Lending both cred and sporting their influences on their sleeve.

But there’s also gravitas to match Tonight Alive’s gusto and good times – the balls-out heaviness of Listening, the acoustic-shaded power ballad Safe and Sound, and one of the album’s best tracks, Let It Land, all showcase a band with serious songwriting chutzpah. Meanwhile, the moving closer, Amelia, is Jenna’s paean to a girlhood friend who passed away aged 16, and packs one powerful emotional punch.

What really lifts Tonight Alive above another female-fronted pop-rock band is their muscular musicality, a deft sense of dynamic, a way of shifting seamlessly from the big riffs and breakdowns, to allow space and the sensibility of Jenna’s sweetly sung melodies to shine through.

The hardcore heritage has set them in good stead – these kids have some bad-ass chops. Underpinned by Best’s impassioned, athletic drumming, the mercurial undertow of Adler’s tasteful basswork and Hardy’s meat ’n’ potato riffery, Whakaio lays down the sort of colour, texture and zinging, adrenalizing leadlines that sing like a wire fenceline being drawn taut.

The band’s grounded approach has added to their groundswell appeal. “We started off playing youth centre’s,” says Whakaio. “And so we all feel like we have a personal connection to so many people who come to our shows. I know that sounds clichéd, but it’s true – it’s almost like we’re friends with all of them. We make a point of going out after a gig, making contact with the fans, thanking them, keeping them informed.”

What Are You So Scared Of? is distributed by Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines.

Ticket Prices:

P2000 (Regular Price)

Tickets available at SM Tickets or call 470-2222

P1000 (For Bazooka Rocks Ticket Holders) These Tickets can only be purchased at the venue on show day or directly from Pulp Live World HQ, Call 727-4957/722-9622

INCUBUS Chronicles Intimate Week in Life of Band and their Fans with INCUBUS HQ LIVE

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MULTI-DISC PACKAGE CELEBRATES INCUBUS’ 20 YEARS TOGETHER

INCUBUS HQ LIVE (CD + DVD, OUT NOW)

In summer of 2011, celebrating their 20^th year together, alt-rock giants Incubus turned a Los Angeles storefront space into a low-key, hi-tech residency that resulted in six nights of free performances and fan encounters now chronicled on INCUBUS HQ LIVE.  The celebration takes place across a multi-disc package released by Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines.

INCUBUS HQ LIVE coincides with the opening of the 2012 Honda Civic Tour Featuring Linkin Park and Incubus.  The 4-week, 18-city tour of the U.S. and Canada starts at Comcast Center in Boston and concludes at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre in San Diego on September 10^th.  

Dedicated to fans and friends, Incubus HQ Live, as the gallery-sized storefront space on busy La Brea Avenue in West Hollywood was aptly named last year, was the answer to a question the band had been thinking about for a while.  “After twenty years,” writes lead singer Brandon Boyd in his liner notes essay (the same for all three configu­ra­­­­tions), “7 albums, multiple live albums, EPs, DVDs, somewhere in the ball­park of 1,500 live shows, what could we do to introduce our newest album, If Not Now, When? in a manner that was both unique and memorable?”

Their first studio album in nearly five years at the time called for thinking outside the box.  Playful options ranged from going door-to-door with the album to 3:00 a.m. infomercials.  Or could they “invite fans into our living room and play the f***ing album live for them?…Wait,” Brandon mused.  “That is actually not a terrible idea, minus the f***ing part.”

Utilizing social media enabled fans to contact Incubus, who then replied with an assigned date and time to show up for the HQ gigs.  After building out the space to accommodate fans and crew, seven nights of performances were set. The resulting CDs and DVD catch the action on six nights that were broadcast live on the Internet.  It was all a prelude to the July 12^th release of If Not Now, When? which debuted at #2 on the Soundscan chart.

Along with the hit songs, deep album tracks and fan favorites performed in an intimate setting, INCUBUS HQ LIVE showcases the personalities of band members Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger (lead guitar, piano, backing vocals), Chris Kilmore (keyboards, turntables), Ben Kenney (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Jose Pasillas II (drums).  The fan interaction, instrument lessons with the band, and overall feel of the space give the DVD warmth and character.

INCUBUS HQ LIVE (CD + DVD)

CD – Selections: (Night 1) 1. Intro • 2. Nice To Know You • 3. Circles • 4. Wish You Were Here • (Night 2) 5. Privilege • 6. The Warmth • 7. Stellar • 8. Drive • (Night 3) 9. Megalomaniac • 10. Just A Phase • 11. Anna Molly • (Night 4) 12. Promises, Promises • 13. Love Hurts • (Night 5) 14. Pardon Me • (Night 6) 15. If Not Now, When? • 16. Adolescents.

DVD – Selections: 1. Wish You Were Here • 2. Circles • 3. Consequence • 4. 11am • 5. Promises, Promises • 6. Anna Molly • 7. Rogues • 8. Isadore • 9. Just A Phase • 10. Glass • 11. In The Company Of Wolves • 12. Nice to Know You • 13. I Miss You • 14. Pantomime • 15. Megalomaniac • 16. Blood On The Ground • 17. Nowhere Fast • 18. Adolescents • 19. If Not Now, When?.

INCUBUS HQ LIVE (CD + DVD) is available in music stores nationwide. It is also available for download on www.mymusicstore.com.ph, only from Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines.

One Direction Reach An Incredible 12 Million Sales In Less Than A Year

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One Direction have notched up an incredible 12 million sales worldwide in less than a year including 8 million singles, 3 million albums and a million DVDs. To celebrate this amazing success the band were presented with a special disc last night by Syco and Sony Music.

One Direction’s debut album ‘Up All Night’ has sold over 3 million copies worldwide and has hit No.1 in 16 different countries, including the USA where they became the first ever UK band to debut at No.1 on the US Billboard chart. The album is currently the top selling debut album of 2012 in the US.

In the USA ‘Up All Night’ has been certified platinum with over 1 million sales, whilst ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ has sold over 3 million copies in the US and 5 million worldwide. Their live DVD is also 3 x platinum in the US. In the UK ‘Up All Night’ is at double platinum status, whilst their DVD is the biggest selling music DVD of the year.

Liam from the band says: 

“We are obviously ecstatic and incredibly humbled by our award today. We have an incredible team of people around us who have helped us achieve this and above all we would like to thank our fans. We owe all our success to them.”

The band will perform at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 6^th, and have been nominated for two awards, Best Pop Act and Best Pop Video. They will play a special concert at Madison Square Garden in New York on December 3^rd, before embarking on a sell-out worldwide tour in 2013. One Direction recently took home three awards at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards including Choice Music Breakout Group, Choice Music Star Group and Choice Summer Song for ‘What Makes You Beautiful’.

One Direction have just celebrated their two year anniversary, marking the time they came together at boot camp on the UK’s X Factor. The band are currently writing and recording their forthcoming second album.

Up All Night CD and Up All Night: The Live Tour DVD is now available in music stores nationwide. Only from Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines.

Rebecca Ferguson debut album "Heaven"

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Rebecca Ferguson featuring the debut single “Nothing’s Real But Love”, debut album “Heaven” is out. 

If pop music is infinitely surprising then the often circuitous route that brings a major star to our attention is surely exemplified in the wonderful Rebecca Ferguson.

Just over a year ago, this painfully shy, woefully under confident single mother of two was shown auditioning for The X Factor. In what is surely one of the best audition sequences ever shown on the programme, her story of dignified resignation – pregnant at 17, then again at 19, with no money and little hope – struck a chord with the nation. It seemed that this was a voice destined never to be heard. Then she opened her mouth and her stunningly raw rendition of Sam Cooke’s classic “A Change Is Gonna Come” set the bar on the show, oh, just a million miles higher….

It’s immaterial that she came second on the show – perhaps even preferable, as it has meant that the last year has allowed this Liverpudlian world-class singer/songwriter to hone her writing skills and to channel that remarkable soul voice into a selection of songs that will establish this 25 year old as the voice of her generation, and a global superstar.

With a writing skill that belies her years, Rebecca Ferguson’s debut album does not pander to fashion. It’s not a hybrid of every current hip musical genre, shaken around a bit and mixed into an amorphous lump. This is soul; raw emotion pours out of every fibre of every note making the others sound... ordinary. Fiercely proud of her working class Liverpool roots, Rebecca’s route here hasn’t been an easy one, but it’s given her a dignified fighting spirit, which bursts through her lyrics and informs the path she hopes her career will follow. Basically, she is a true artist, in it for the long haul.

Until now all Rebecca’s admirers have had are her TV appearances. That audition of ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ has had 2.9million views alone on YouTube, whilst her inspired renditions of Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams’, Chris Isaac’s ‘Wicked Game’ and Candi Staton’s ‘You Got The Love’ showed that her range of influences was stunningly diverse. But the show itself gave Rebecca something that money can’t buy. “It completely changed me as a person. I’m strong now. Singing used to just be a dream, now it’s my focus. I had begun to give up hope and then the show happened and now, with this first album, I just wanted to get to a point where my voice and my songs are as good as they can possibly be”.

It got her here, to her first single, ‘Nothing’s Real But Love’; passionate yet displaying the control that only a great singer can muster, the subject is one close to Rebecca’s heart - what’s really important in life - “No money, no house, no car, can beat love.”

“People used to say to me ‘Being rich doesn’t make you happy, Rebecca’’’ she says. “And I’d think I’ve got no electricity, nothing - tell that to my empty fridge. But now I’m doing okay, I realize, they were right. It doesn’t matter what you’ve got, as long as you’ve got love. I know that sounds cheesy, but that’s everything”.

It’s a theme continued on much of her searingly honest debut album. “I spilled my soul out. A lot of it comes from writing about relationships I’ve been in, so I think everyone can probably relate to the lyrics – we’ve all been there.” A self-confessed perfectionist, Rebecca, who has always written her own material, wrote a song every day for months. “People just made an assumption, ‘She came off The X Factor she won’t be able to write.  We’ll just write her songs.’  Then as time passed they realised, ‘Oh, she can actually do this!’”

"Heaven" is out this April 2012, only from Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music in the Philippines.

Rebecca Ferguson - Nothing's Real But Love

"Nothing's Real But Love"

Standing in a line

Wonder why it don't move

Tryna get a hand

Watching people break the rules

And maybe the man in charge

Doesn't like my face

But then this world's not always good

And nothing's real but love

Nothing's real but love

No money, no house, no car,

Can beat love

They watch us open-mouthed

As we joke around like fools

See who can be the worst

Watch what I can do

But then the door gets slammed,

Slammed right in my face

And I guess this world's not always good

And nothing's real but love

Nothing's real but love

No house, no car, no job

Can beat love

It won't fill you up

No money, no house, no car

Is like love

La la la la la la la la

Yeaaah

I put it all away

Holding it back for a rainy day

But what if that day don't come

I need love

No money, no house, no car

Is like love

It don't fill you up

It won't build you up

It won't fill you up

It's not love!

And nothing's real but love

No money, no house, no car

Is like love

Nothing's real but love

No money, no house, no car

Is like love

=================
Rebecca Ferguson - Heaven - Track by Track Part 4