It's Me, Gracee: OFFMUTE

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Clara Benin opens 2023 with the release of When Harry Met Sally-inspired track 'different…'

Clara Benin Saturday, January 28, 2023

2022 has been a great year for Clara Benin. Aside from getting featured on a Times Square billboard in New York ahead of the International Women’s Day, the folk darling received two nominations at the recently concluded 8th Wish Music Awards and collaborated with international artists such as British singer-songwriter Lowswimmer. On top of her achievements, Benin also dropped a song called "Affable Dork," which garnered rave reviews for "adopting a jazz-pop approach."

This year is no different for the prolific act, as she continues to delight Clarafied (her official fans club) with her remarkable consistency. Benin opens 2023 with a soothing tune that revels in the idea of ‘what ifs' and how it often sparks curiosity and wonder. Her new single, "different…" draws inspiration from a rom-com classic, a common theme among her last few releases.

"I wrote this song after being inspired by the movie, When Harry Met Sally," Benin admits. "My song "different…" is about having a really good friendship with someone and wondering if you two could take that relationship somewhere different."

In "different…," Clara Benin takes a familiar musical route without losing the riveting earnestness of the subject. As expected, the FIlipino singer-songwriter has mastered the art of subtlety, and on "different," it’s here to stay: beautifully woven as if it’s an integral part of Benin’s identity as an artist.

The track is produced by Francis Lorenzo and Gabba Santiago, with her dad Joey Benin playing fretless bass. Clara initially recorded the vocals and guitars of the song in her dad’s studio in December 2021, during the time when she visited her family in her hometown. The rest, as they say, is history.

"We went for a more stripped-down instrumentation so we could really highlight the lyrics," reveals the talented singer-songwriter. "I really wanted to play around with more organic sounds. Majority of the percussive sounds that you hear in this song are actually just Gabba tapping on random things around my studio."

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarabeninmusic

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

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Malaysian singer-songwriter liesl-mae opens up about depression on her new single ‘Raincloud’

Entertainment Sunday, October 30, 2022

Malaysia-based singer-songwriter liesl-mae reflects on her struggles with mental health in her compelling new single “Raincloud.” Addressing the cyclical nature of depression and its damning effects, the inspiring young artist hopes to engage in a discussion to dismantle the social stigmas surrounding mental health.

The song begins with a posed question: “When was the last time you felt happy?” On the surface, it is a seemingly benign inquiry. However, unable to respond, the question initiates an unexpected internal monologue traversing the uniquely human blight of depression and anxiety. Artfully woven together with vivid metaphor and thoughtful lyricism, liesl-mae puts the feelings of hopelessness into words that creep malignantly into one’s mind – lying restlessly in wake.

Her pristine vocals shine brightly through the track’s guitar-driven melodies, ambient pads, and pulsating basslines. Gradually building up from an intimate, campfire-esque start to a grandiose conclusion, the track brims with elaborate orchestral arrangements and ebullient drumming. An old soul at heart, liesl-mae’s deceptively simple songwriting has captivated the hearts and minds of her rapidly growing constituent of fans, desperate to seek out a voice that speaks to their own experiences.

On writing about mental health, a topic the burgeoning songstress handles with the utmost care and consideration, liesl-mae approaches “Raincloud” as if it were an “open letter to depression” itself. Steering clear of accusatory language or being overly critical of herself, the song’s gentle and unassuming approach to storytelling allows it to explore some of life’s most difficult, and oftentimes pertinent, questions in a congenial manner. Despite how life may appear on the outside, the song is in essence about “feeling bad for feeling bad.”

The inexplicable nature of depression causes a neurotic downward spiral into self-loathing – “wishing bad things upon myself to make up for feeling bad” explains liesl-mae. “For the first time, I channelled anger into my music… [It’s] an emotion I'm not used to outwardly expressing. Carefully crafting the sonics of the track with Mixed by Wong (engineer), “Jose Ong (producer) was really able to bring those feelings to life with the arrangement of this song. It was a very cathartic experience to be able to let it all out.”

Having opened for the Here Comes July pre-listening party for Sinarku on the 27th of August, liesl-mae also made her festival debut at Good Vibes Weekender on 24 September, alongside the likes of Jackson Wang, Pink Sweat$, and beabadoobee, to name a few. Working towards the release of her first full-length EP in the former half of 2023, liesl-mae’s artistic sails have just begun to unfurl.

“Raincloud” is out now on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE.

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Mezzaluna drops Bond-inspired song 'I Beg'

Entertainment Tuesday, March 01, 2022

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

Clara Benin Friday, February 18, 2022

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.”

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.

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

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Young Cocoa’s “Manila” enjoys commercial boost thanks to ENHYPEN’s Ami Paris XVI playlist

Entertainment Thursday, January 27, 2022

Filipino hip-hop artist Young Cocoa is propelled back into the spotlight.

His debut single “Manila” has received resurgence in popularity after K-Pop music act ENHYPEN included it in Ami Paris XVI – Curated by Enhypen Spotify playlist.

Handpicked by the members of the Korean supergroup, the new edition of the fashion house playlist includes an esteemed selection of upbeat and summery tunes from Justin Bieber, Yerin Baek, 5 Seconds of Summer, and more.

The placement boosted Young Cocoa’s profile on the streaming charts ranking, with “Manila” currently enjoying renaissance on both Spotify Viral Top 50 in the Philippines (No. 14) and South Korea (No. 15). The groovy, feel-good bop has also landed prominent inclusions on several playlists, including Trending Tracks Philippines, Bago Sa Rap, and ALL HITS RADIO.

With its unexpected success, Young Cocoa is grateful that his work is now being recognized and appreciated all over the world.

“Adding the fact that respected and renowned figures in the Korean music scene openly recommending my music makes it even crazier to digest,” the young rapper/singer-songwriter said. “All I can really say is it’s changed how I appreciate my own music and gives me so many reasons to be grateful.”

The breakthrough rapper/producer is no stranger to gaining recognition worldwide. “Manila” initially made it on BTS’ resident rapper RM’s online playlist, and has even received endorsements from Korean artists such as Yeri of Red Velvet, Eric of The Boyz, Omega X, Dawon of SF19 and Lia Kim from 1Million Dance Studio. It has also entered the Melon Korea Overseas Chart, along with his other track “Zesto.”

As of press time, the Manila-based artist is working on his upcoming EP to be released under OFFMUTE, a new pan-regional label by Sony Music Entertainment focused on championing new and emerging Southeast Asian artists from across all genres. “Expect an EP from me in the coming months,” the hip-hop newcomer shares. “In terms of collaborations, stay posted! Exciting things ahead.”

Check out Young Cocoa’s “Manila” on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE.

Follow YOUNG COCOA on socials:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/youngcocoa_

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

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Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin honors memories on incredibly moving single 'blink'

Clara Benin Sunday, December 26, 2021

After gaining recognition in the Southeast Asian region with the release of “Suara Hati,” a reimagining of her 2015 acoustic ballad in Bahasa Indonesia, Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin conquers music on her own terms with brand new single “blink”—out on all digital music platforms worldwide via OFFMUTE.

On her first original single under the international record label, Benin honors memories like it’s a fundamental aspect of human nature. She finds refuge in reliving the past without any hint of regret, treating it as part of her personal journey.

“I had a series of sleepless nights just recollecting and reliving different times of my life,” the folk-pop artist shares in a statement. “Some were peaceful times. Some were turbulent times. Some were traumatic times. I didn’t really understand why these memories were resurfacing in my head. Writing ‘blink’ just helped me resolve these thoughts.”

Sprawling past the three-minute mark, “blink” propels Benin’s songwriting to compelling new heights. The track is deceptively simple by standards, but its introspective quality, paired with an incredibly moving arrangement, ups the stakes on a purely artistic level.

“I particularly wanted this song to be a sonic journey that is metaphorical to one’s journey towards healing,” Benin shares. “This song is very intimate with my vocals and the acoustic guitar upfront but there are a lot of atmospheric undertones to it if you listen intently.”

The song features gifted multi-instrumentalist Gabba Santiago on drums and electronic musician The Ringmaster on production duties. Breathing so much life into the song, both Gabba and The Ringmaster display unassuming brilliance with subtlety and character—all while giving Benin’s voice an opportunity to flutter and soar.

“Aside from The Ringmaster, I got Gabba Santiago to play the drums,” the 27-year-old hitmaker said. “I enjoy working with Gabba and The Ringmaster because I feel like they really understood my vision for blink.”

The release of “blink” is accompanied by a lyric video made by Clara Benin herself. A music video directed by Josh Elefan will drop sometime February next year.

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

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