Billy, JayR and Kris for SOUL BROTHERS

 This September 15, it'll be one epic evening to see three of the finest RnB artists in the country in one show. Filo French Dance artist Billy Crawford, RnB King JayR and RnB Prince Kris Lawrence will treat you with SOUL BROTHERS on this day, at the Kia Theater in Araneta Center, Cubao Quezon City. Now this is good news for the individual fans of these three guys who have been able to achieve a lot in their own respective careers. The show is about celebrating original music,  which have made them who they are these past few years.  It is but an homage to soul, motown and RnB classics that have influenced them to make music for the future of OPM. They will of course perform their hits, and even do numbers with their friends and co-artists Daryl Ong, Sam Concepcion, Jay Durias and Gloc 9. It'll be all male since the concept is of "brothers", so prepare to be swooned!  

JayR says "We've been together for about 20 years, we're neighbors (referring to Kris) but we met during high school. Billy came in when we met in GMA, he made a comeback a few years ago. Our culture, the way we look at things are the same, it's pinoy. Even if we were born in the states, we're legit. We were born in the states but we get refreshed when we go there, we learn other techniques that are not in the Philippines. It drives us to make it here."

JayR adds "Soul Brothers are our own idea, together with Arnold, we started to call this Small brothers a couple of years ago. We want to perform our own hits, the prod numbers would be the highlight. We wohls be taking this on the road, the US, Canada, Guam, places we plan to go to. We want to break that mold of Filipinos only doing covers. Our artists will be part of Original Filipino Music Only movement, which we have been doing in our own label. We will be doing our own songs, published, or new ones so there's a lot more to look forward to. It's obvious Kris is the higher range, I do soul, while Billy does swag and urban hiphop. We have different things to offer in one night. The healthy competition helps us better each time, the more we are in the studio the more we learn from each other and we receive it with love."

About the prank on JayR, Kris says "When we started taping, we had to improvise and I'm not an actor, and it just came and dragged on, but I'm glad it came out alright. He turned pale, he was sweating, it was crazy. Being with my brother and being in Homeworkz, it made he brand stronger. I confide with JayR a lot and he's my mentor. We ultimately want to create good music. My family is my greatest influence, together with Michael Jackson. "

Here are snippets of their interview on video, a little sample too, so enjoy!

Billy says "I think we are all passionate about music, we have different inputs but we are brothers so this is our dream concert. We've always talked about doing this together, made songs, but never had time to do it for each other. It's a big blessing for the three of us, being on stage, that comforts us. Right now, music is a mix, it doesn't matter what genre as long as it happens. We have many influences when it comes to music."

Now if you're a fan of their music, this would be an opportune time to see them perform live. This would be a nice venue to hear them on one stage and see why they've been so successful, helping each other grow. I envy them, I ain't no got no brotherhood like this in my hood. Often than enough, you'll get called like a wuss. Not a good thing. I want to see how they all show off what make them whole, how they managed to keep tough love, good careers and a solid relationship despite the odds and quirks of the Philippine entertainment industry. You may purchase tickets at Ticketnet.com.ph and at the venue. This is produced by ALV Events International. Party starts at 8PM!

Cheers to your brotherhood! Again, I envy you! Oh and people, I heard their tickets are selling like hotcakes, so get them before it runs out!

JAY-R Gets GOLD Record Award for ELEVATED Album

The last time I saw JayR was at the 2nd WISH Music Awards at the Araneta Coliseum. He was awesome on stage together with other RnB artists and has continually proved that since we've seen him on different prime afternoon shows. That again is going to be cemented as his recent album called ELEVATED turned GOLD status just a few days ago. He was given the award during ABSCBN's ASAP last January 22. With sales reaching 7,500 units in both physical and digital album sales, PARI and the Optical Media Board confers this award to the nation's RnP Prince. He accepted the award togethe with Homeworkz Ad Prom Officer Perry McDonald.

JayR finds this as a humongous acheivement and says "I truly feel great about receiving this gold record award under my own label. All the hard work, blood, sweat and tears that I put into it finally paid off. It was all passion which kept my drive high. I am strongly advocating for spreading original music. This just proves that originality and creativity is more important than statistics and numbers. Being an indie music label, we don't have a huge budget like other big labels. You have to do the legwork as far as distribution, promotion, recording, mixing, mastering, photoshoots (for covers), music video shoots, paperwork, permits and a lot more. I want fellow artists to realize that original music does sell. We don’t have to do remakes or covers in order to sell music. It’s proven here at HOMEWORKZ. People are looking for new creations. Classic songs will always be classic. But new songs are the future of OPM and I fervently hope they do more."

He quips "I would love for ELEVATED to hit platinum status too! I'll be promoting this at the same time as my new album this year. I hope to reach the next level, fingers crossed. I handpicked  my team at Homeworkz and we are a solid group. This is a team effort and I truly couldn’t have done it without them. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the music fans out there for keeping the OPM industry alive. We intend to make more music for your ears, hearts and souls. Thank you for allowing us artists to have the best job in the world."

If you don't know, I've heard JayR has helped a lot of artists in the industry. His music and his hunger for music has taken him to a lot of places. I fervently hope he continues to be blessed and continue to be an instrument to the industry so he could help more people... in the place he loves, the Philippines. 

KUMAGCOW
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Aicelle Santos Launches New EP "Liwanag"

Moments like these make me feel special. We got to talk to a very talented singer a few weeks ago and she's Aicelle Santos. She's coveted the title of Traffic Diva lately (in hit afternoon show Eat Bulaga) but she's been singing Aegis songs these past few months/years for the theater adaptation dedicated to the iconic Filipino band's music. She's out with a new EP now called "Liwanag" which she independently produced. She's had a hand in choosing, composing, and arranging the songs that's why she feels it's a little personal this time.

Aicelle says "This isn't your typical love song playlist and each song gives a unique message about bringing positivity, light, hope and love."

This is also going to be distributed by HOMEWORKZ RECORDS which is the record label of RnB Prince JayR. It's now in stores and is available in leading record bars, Astrovision and Astroplus branches nationwide. Aside from the physical CD's, it's now available in digital format in iTunes and Deezer. Included in the album are 6 tracks with "Kapangyarihan ng Pag-ibig", "Liwanag" (her carrier single), "Tuloy-Tuloy Lang", "Palaging Ikaw", Imma Be By Your Side, and the popular Be with You (which is part of The Rich Man's Daughter's official soundtrack). 

Here's our short interview with the artist when we asked her about making this album:




Here's one of the tracks which she sang during the event:




I've been listening to her album the last couple of days and have grown fond of the song "Tuloy-Tuloy Lang" but I know you may probably like the very emotional and positive "Liwanag" included in the album. I bet you'll feel good since the former is catchy and good vibe inducing especially when you have it on your playlist in the morning.

Congratulations Aicelle! You did good.

For more information about their artists:

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http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter