Dark pop singer FLØRE has finally dropped her second EP, ROMANIAC. The new release finds the eclectic solo artist dealing with the world of a character called ROMANIAC, who represents the part of FLØRE that she has never shared before: the one who seeks revenge, and the one filled with anger and issues.

Similar to her debut EP “SUPERBLOOM” (Oct 2020), she invited Berlin’s Indie pop artist NOVAA to produce the 5-track release.

Tracklist:

1. Dead Boys

2. Another year like that and we’d all be dead

3. Bad Medicine

4. Cigarette

5. Our Funeral

About “Another year like that and we’d be all dead,” FLØRE explains that the focus single deals with what life means to her: growing up, losing your loved one, letting go of love, living with depression, and overcoming personal struggles despite the odds.

As the acclaimed German singer-songwriter puts it, the EP celebrates the beautiful tragedy of being closer to death, of being forgotten and nothing. “It’s so tragic, that it’s beautifully sweet,” the experimental pop artist shares in a statement. “Because if it wasn’t sweet, we’d all be dead by now. Sometimes, losing all hope is freedom.”

FLØRE’s lyrics on ROMANIAC is informed by the pandemic, with its apocalyptic sentiments enveloping every word and visual frame. The promising newcomer admits, “I wanted to capture the feeling of growing up in a teenage tragedy, how everything is rushing in high speed with an apocalyptic taste, but it’s a bit too dangerously quite in the chaos. Like the calm inside of a storm.”

The song follows her last single “Cigarette,” which focuses on the self-destructive side of romance. Earlier this year, FLØRE opened the story of ROMANIAC with the first single “Dead Boys” and “Bad Medicine.”

FLØRE writes songs “to give this weird existence a meaning”. Feeling like an alien for most of her life, she spent her childhood playing guitar, singing and dreaming of the universe. She’s inspired by the darkness of growing up, the beautifully broken and the feeling of what it must be like when life begins. Or what it must be like when it ends. Or what it is at all. She calls herself a moon lover, who expresses the loneliness in her songs, revealing her touching voice telling stories about her own fragileness, devotion for unusual human beings and a broken love.

The 25-year-old not only writes about broken love or dreaming of the universe but also addresses issues like mental health. “Depression is a serious disease which needs to be normalized and talked about, cause nothing kills you like your own mind,” the pop songstress explains. “And I’m so proud and feel so strong writing about mental health. For me it feels like you will never get rid of a major depression. It’s about handling the demons and maybe even becoming friends with them.”

In an interview with Glasse Factory she points out that “It’s okay to be not okay. It’s okay to be sad and to feel alone and to be weird.”

FLØRE has made her impressive debut in 2018, with the “dark pop brilliance of Flowered Guts” that premiered on The Line Of Best Fit. The track also earned rave reviews from indie music publication Earmilk which describes her vocals as “euphoria that feels timeless and calming.”

Besides getting attention in the blog landscape, FLØRE is part of Spotify’s RADAR program, got featured on Playlists like New Music Friday US on top of New Music Friday playlists in 20 other countries, Indie Pop, EQUAL GSA, Indie Womxn, Easy, and many more. Her single ‘Bad Medicine’ went straight to Germany’s Radio Top 200 charts.

In 2021 she played her very first global live stream show on Amazon Music Session – watch here – and she played her first live show at Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg back in September.

Follow FLØRE on social media:

-30-

Sony Music Philippines expands word-class repertoire with hip-hop artists HBOM, REN, and Michael Bars

Sony Music Philippines remains committed in strengthening its world-class repertoire with the addition of iconic and prolific hip-hop artists HBOM, REN, and Michael Bars.

In its bid to shine a spotlight on the genre’s movers and shakers, the record label promises to introduce these new music discoveries to the streaming generation through its sustainable promotional, marketing, and artist development efforts.

The new roster is led by celebrated hip-hop veteran HBOM, who has made a remarkable contribution to the industry as an artist, entrepreneur, songwriter/composer, and music visionary. With over 8 million streams across all music platforms worldwide and four acclaimed albums under his belt, HBOM is responsible for leading his own music movement with protégés in the scene, including Filipino-American rap superstar EZ Mil and South African-based artist Michael Bars.

“I’ve been in the hip-hop scene for over 20 years, and I’ve withstood the times when no one liked hip-hop,” the respected multi-hyphenate shares in a statement. “What makes my music standout is the distinct voice that I have. When everyone hears it, they already know its me.”

HBOM’s new single “Witness,” which will be released on November 10, is a chill-hop jam about minding one’s own business, and settling down on what truly matters in life like family and adult priorities. The music video accompanying the track is co-directed by HBOM himself and frequent collaborator, TNES.

Another globally renowned artist in the roster is 19-year-old Michael Bars, who recently worked with Filipino hip-hop artist Michael Pacquiao on the viral banger “Pac-Man.” As an award-winning wordsmith known for making socially conscious music that transcends cultural barriers, Michael Bars has proven himself as a highly skillful rapper and producer with more than 8.7 million streams across all combined digital platforms worldwide.

“My main goal is to build a bigger name in the music industry and to spread my message as an artist,” says the South Africa-based hip-hop newcomer. “I use rap music as my weapon to talk about my life and I don’t cuss in them because it’s easier for children to rap along to the lyrics.”

His new single “Never Stop,” which recently dropped on November 3, is a massive jab of an anthem about picking one’s self up and never backing down in a fight. The song was inspired by his personal experience dealing with bullies in his high school years. Featuring 10-year-old R&B singer Sky, the track captures a visceral but powerful performance between the two artists.

Rounding up the urban roster is Filipino rap artist REN, formerly known as Balasubas. As a talented rapper that stands out with his unique style and confidence, the Dongalo Wreckords member has amassed over 5 million views on YouTube alone in less than two years.

“I’m grateful to the label for giving me the opportunity to inspire more people,” the young rapper expresses his gratitude on being part of the label’s esteemed pool of artists. “I want to use my gift in telling stories that uplift the lives of my community and promote positivity.”

REN has recently released his first official single “In Throw” under Sony Music Philippines. Delivering incisive but melodic flow against a confrontational beat, the track deals with surviving life challenges through hard work and determination. REN adds, “behind this music was a story; a story of a person who is doing his best to continue in spite of rejection and judgment.” The music video is helmed by Aleksei Hipolito, a frequent collaborator of the rap thespian.

The launch of HBOM, REN, and Michael Bars is part of the strategic vision of Sony Music Philippines to promote the vibrant hip-hop music scene in the Philippines, and diversify their catalog in the streaming, mobile, and social-driven platforms all around the world.

Listen to their tracks:

REN – “In Throw”

Michael Bars – “Never Stop”

HBOM – “Witness” (pre-save link)

-30-

Mariah Carey brings festive cheer on new holiday song “Fall In Love at Christmas,” featuring Khalid and Kirk Franklin

Watch the music video of the all-star Christmas collab track

Listen to Mariah Carey’s “Fall In Love at Christmas”

The Queen of Christmas is back!

After establishing a reputation for spreading yuletide cheer every end of the year with “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” multi-platinum megastar Mariah Carey teams up with award-winning R&B singers Khalid and Kirk Franklin for the holiday-inspired jam “Fall In Love at Christmas.”

Recorded in Atlanta and Los Angeles at Carey’s Butterfly Lounge recording studios, the R&B and gospel-infused ballad arrives just in time for the season.

The all-star collaboration was released by Carey’s imprint, MARIAH, in partnership with RCA Records and RCA Inspiration, and was written and produced by Carey, Franklin and Daniel Moore II. What promises to be a new holiday classic, “Fall in Love at Christmas” is now streaming on all digital platforms worldwide.

Music Video and Physical Release

Today, the three artists also premiered the music video for “Fall in Love at Christmas,” which was directed by Carey and Bryan Tanaka. Filmed at Carey’s home and the Butterfly Lounge in LA, the visuals feature her twins, Monroe and Moroccan, and evokes the warm and loving spirit of the holidays.

For those who like CDs, a special, three-track release can be purchased on the official Mariah Carey Store. It is available for pre-order now at the website.

Following the release of “Fall in Love at Christmas,” Mariah Carey will continue celebrating the season with a new holiday event on Apple TV+ in December, featuring the first and only exclusive performance of “Fall in Love at Christmas” with Carey, Khalid and Franklin.

Listen to “Fall in Love at Christmas” at https://smarturl.it/FILAC

Watch the “Fall in Love at Christmas” video at https://smarturl.it/FILAC/YouTube