About Universal Records

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Quezon City, Philippines
Universal Records is the NUMBER ONE independent record label in the Philippines. Bringing you quality music for the past 30 years, we are home to artists like: Jose Mari Chan, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, Christian Bautista, Jay R, Billy Crawford, Kris Aquino, Edu Manzano, Marian Rivera, Mark Herras, Nina, Ronnie Liang, Gail Blanco, Sam Concepcion. Our band roster includes: Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, Imago, Silent Sanctuary, Kenyo, Paraluman. We are equally committed to bring you exciting international releases covering various genres like pop, jazz, new age, classical, alternative, indie pop, rock, electronica, dance, r&b, and hip-hop. Name it, we definitely have it!

July 17, 2010

f(x) to follow up with 'Mr. Boogie'!

Although many believed f(x) would be following up with Mr. Boogie back in June, no official word was mentioned of such, and nothing had been heard since.

However, f(x)’s official staff recently posted a new message on their message board with the following part of their schedule,

< MBC 쇼! 음악중심 – Mr. Boogie 사전녹화 >
* 일시 : 2010. 07. 17. (토) AM 11:00
* 장소 : 일산 MBC 드림센터 공개홀

Which effectively meant that the girls will head down to the MBC studio to pre-record a performance of Mr. Boogie at 11am (KST)!

This was further confirmed as f(x) is officially included in the list of performers for that episode of Music Core’s official website. With the ladies coming back after a few weeks absence, it looks like Amber has fully recovered and ready to get back to work.

Posted by Kingpolo @ Allkpop

What is a musical to an idol? U-Kiss SooHyun, "Special treatment? I had to improvise a dance"

Lately, U-Kiss member SooHyun has been practicing hard for musical 'Chorus Line', in which he will be performing in August at the Seoul SamSung Coex Center. We were curious about the thoughts inside of an idol star's head who is attempting a musical for the first time. We met SooHyun at the Coex Center practice room.

Q. Why did you choose to do a musical?

U-Kiss is important, but my last dream was to stand on a musical stage. I was always thinking about it while promoting, and then a chance for an audition came by.

Q. Idol stars have to take auditions too?

Of course. The actors for 'Chorus Line' have all passed through really difficult auditions. I was no exception; I finished a tough audition too.

Q. What did you do for your audition?

After they showed us the choreography they do on stage, they immediately asked me to do it. Maybe I was lucky, but I picked it up quickly and followed it. I also sang. But more than anything, I think that the reaction to my personal introduction at the end was good. I said, "To become a member of U-Kiss, I had a hard time during my trainee days but I worked hard. It's an honor to have come this far, and if I get chosen, then I will do my best", and the judges looked like they were touched. The producer said before he went back to New York that he 'thought that he was really seeing Mark (the role that SooHyun is playing). I felt like you have what it takes to stand on the stage, so I casted you". I'm really thankful. I will work hard and not let his expectations fall short.

Q. Why do you think more and more idols are entering into musicals?

The trend nowadays is to be a multi-entertainer. MC, acting, solo activities are common, but I think that the road for musicals is also opening up. Everyone wants to do more, learn more, and get to the top. I think that we feel that we will be accepted for our talents more through musicals and receive more love.

Q. The company must not like it. Their time and money is being stolen.

You're right. And to add to that, U-Kiss is releasing a single album soon. At first, the company representative didn't like that I was doing a musical. So I convinced him with my eye glint (laugh). Now, he's saying, 'Since you're trying this, work really hard'. The manager hyungs also help, so I can comfortably focus on just practicing.

Q. Will musical experience help with your activities as a singer?

U-Kiss has seven members, but 'Chorus Line' has thirty-three. The scale is different even when we dance together to a single song. Through this experience with a musical, I want to give help to my U-Kiss dongsengs.

Q. What are your thoughts on idols entering musicals?

Personally, I hope that the link between the musical industry and the entertainment industry grows. Just as entertainers attempt musicals, I want musical actors to enter the entertainment industry. When I look around me, theres a lot of talk about how 'idols seem to be crossing over into the musical industry a bit too much'. There are criticisms that people only gather at performances that idols are starring in. It's sad. I feel that way too.

Source: Nate News
Translator: ilovepocky @ Rocketboxx
Posted by chrizzycrazy @ Dailykpopnews

How Does U-Kiss Spend Their Summer Holiday?

Ahead of their comeback on this coming August, U-KISS is really busy with their preparation for a new album as well as conducting overseas promotion. They choose to cool down from the hot weather by going to the cinema complex located in downtown Seoul. Especially during midnight after they have finished all their schedules, where they would find a cinema to cool down. Plus, they managed to catch up with lots of latest movies currently aired in cinema.

Credits: Donga (Source) + ROCKETBOXX.NET (Eng Trans)
Posted by chrizzycrazy @ Dailykponews

July 16, 2010

SHINee unleashes video teaser for 2nd album Lucifer!

Having revealed their hot album cover for 2nd full length album Lucifer, the boys are back again and this time with a video teaser made full of epicness for fans to enjoy.

Besides having SHINee show off in the teaser, fans are introduced to one of the 13 songs in their new album called Your Name which feature some catchy beats to accompany their soothing voices.

Matrix-like technology, formerly known as Flow-mo, was also used in some of their music video which has a similar effect from hit movie The Matrix.

The product is definitely one that any fan could enjoy for a long while, but you be the judge of that and let us know your thoughts!

TEASER MV:


Posted by Kingpolo @ Allkpop

Join SHINee 2010 Comeback Facebook Fanpage for news and updates about SHINee's impending comeback: 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SHINee-2010-Comeback/124737560902092

SHINee's 2nd Album 'Lucifer' Tracklist Revealed

The tracklist for their 2nd album was also revealed on YesAsia earlier today and is as follows:

1. UP & DOWN
2. Lucifer
3. Electric Heart
4. A-Yo
5. 욕(慾) (Obsession)
6. 화살 (Quasimodo)
7. 악 (Shout Out)
8. WOWOWOW
9. Your Name
10. Life
11. Ready or Not
12. Love Pain
13. 사.계.후 (Love Still Goes On)

Join SHINee 2010 Comeback Facebook Fanpage for news and updates about SHINee's impending comeback: 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SHINee-2010-Comeback/124737560902092

SHINee reveals cover for 2nd album "Lucifer"


Having revealed the minute long song medley earlier today, SHINee has only been creating more hype for fans.

SHINee’s album cover for their 2nd full length album Lucifer was also revealed, revealing yet another picture of the boys along with their names in the bottom left-hand corner.

Their first video teaser for Lucifer will also be revealed on the 16th at 8pm (KST) which utilizes a matrix camera, otherwise known as Flow-mo, and will include part of their gentle song Your Name. So stay tuned to allkpop later tonight.

Meanwhile, the boys will be dropping their full album on the 19th, and will make their comeback on the 23rd via KBS Music Bank.

Posted by Kingpolo @ Allkpop

Join SHINee 2010 Comeback Facebook Fanpage for news and updates about SHINee's impending comeback: 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SHINee-2010-Comeback/124737560902092

SHINee unleashes song medley teaser for new album!

Earlier today, SM Entertainment released some good news about SHINee’s comeback date and some other information regarding teasers although title song, concept name, album name, tracklist, etc remained a mystery.

Well, the boys have now released their song medley teaser for their new album where we get to hear their singing voices once again after 9 long months.

9 brand new songs are featured on the medley where the boys sing all kinds of songs that range in different genres too. With their soft and sexy voices, their comeback is definitely going to be an explosive one.

Their official website has also been updated to reflect the style of their new album and will include various new teaser images and videos in the near future.

Stay tuned for the album release on the 19th and Music Bank comeback on the 23rd!

Posted by Kingpolo @ Allkpop



Join SHINee 2010 Comeback Facebook Fanpage for news and updates about SHINee's impending comeback: 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SHINee-2010-Comeback/124737560902092

SHINee to return on July 23rd!

It has been only a few days since we last reported on SHINee's upcoming return to the kpop scene.

Revealed today was yet another teaser photo, this one of the whole group. Taemin, JongHyun, MinHo, Key and Onew (left to right) can be seen huddled together, clothed in yet more of their unique wardrobe and sharing more of their concept image.

Also released today was SHINee's tentative comeback schedule and more information on their upcoming album. Fans can look forward to their return to the music stage on July 23rd on KBS 2TV's 'Music Bank'. The album (title has yet to be revealed) is expected to be released on the 22nd and will include 9 songs in total. Yesasia is already taking pre-orders and it appears that there will be two versions of the album; "Type A" to be released on the 22nd and "Type B" set for a later release on the 29th.

Member MinHo, who is still suffering from a ruptured calf muscle, is reportedly making a speedy recovery thanks to his physiotherapy sessions. If still unwell, it is expected that MinHo will not take part in the choreographic aspect of their comeback performance.

Look forward to more updates soon, as SHINee reveals yet more information about their return and upcoming album!

source: newsen, Yesasia
Posted by rajibandari @ Hellokpop

Join SHINee 2010 Comeback Facebook Fanpage for news and updates about SHINee's impending comeback: 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SHINee-2010-Comeback/124737560902092

SHINee confirms comeback date and teases with group photo

Fans have been disappointed that SM Entertainment hasn’t mentioned much about SHINee’s new comeback date, however fear no more! SM Entertainment has confirmed that the boys will be returning as soon as next week!

The agency stated, “Further teasers will be released up to and on the 19th. SHINee is preparing to make their official comeback on the 23rd (Music Bank).”

Minho has been recovering fast from his calf injury with physical therapy, so they’re hoping they can continue with the comeback date of July 23rd if all goes well.

So with their scheduled comeback delayed by a week, the tease continues with the release of a group photo where fans can yet again spazz about their fine looks.

Their new album will consist of 9 songs, and their official website will be updated with a medley highlight of their new songs later today. Their album will still be released on the 19th. Stay tuned!

Posted by Kingpolo @ Allkpop

Join SHINee 2010 Comeback Facebook Fanpage for news and updates about SHINee's impending comeback: 

SHINee’s Minho skips Dream Team 2 recording

It was reported that SHINee’s Minho has skipped the recording of a new Dream Team 2 episode today as he is still recovering from his injury last week.

In addition, with the Dream Team 2 production set to head to Hong Kong from 23 – 25 July for the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, it looks highly unlikely that Minho will be joining them.

The PD of Dream Team 2 said, “We have not decided yet. We will confirm again after getting Minho’s recovery status report.”

SM Entertainment expressed, “Minho is currently resting at home. We will confirm the schedule for SHINee’s activities accordingly and depending on his recovery.”

SHINee was scheduled to release their album on the 19th and start their promotions this week. But it has now been put on hold indefinitely.

Posted by Casper @ Allkpop

Join SHINee 2010 Comeback Facebook Fanpage for news and updates about SHINee's impending comeback: 

Christian Bautista "Afraid For Love To Fade" music video


To vote for Christian Bautista music video "Afraid For Love To Fade"
Type in:
MYX Vote Afraid For Love
Then send to 2366 (for Globe/Smart/Sun subscribers)

Watch "Afraid For Love To Fade" music video here:


Taken from Christian Bautista's Double Platinum-certified album "Romance Revisited : The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan"

Christian Bautista studies Bahasa for Indonesian film

By Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 07/13/2010 11:24 AM | Updated as of 07/13/2010 11:24 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Don't be surprised if Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista starts speaking fluent Bahasa.

That's all part of his preparation for a possible movie in Indonesia, which starts shooting before the end of the year.

In an interview, Bautista said he is just waiting for the final contract before going to Indonesia to shoot the movie. "Siguro mga 60% to 70% sure na siya pero hindi pa din talaga sure until makita ko ang final contract. Kung mag-OK ang contract, workshop starts October and November ang shoot. Ang shoot ay one month and half," he said at a press conference for EB's Blackwater.

Bautista said that the movie's theme is inspirational. He told the news site that if ever, he will be playing the role of a Filipino musician who will move to Indonesia.

"Basically ang synopsis ay music teacher ako dito sa Philippines na pupunta ng Indonesia at doon na magkakaroon ng istorya," the singer said.

Bautista said that as part of his preparation for the movie, he is already studying Bahasa and will undergo different acting workshops.

"We are planning already. I'm learning Basaha. I'm doing acting workshops, I'm doing different kind of workshops. Getting ready for acting, getting ready for acting maybe in Indonesia or here," Bautista said.

TV series cancelled

Last January, the romantic balladeer announced that he got an offer to do a television series in Indonesia.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Bautista explained that conflict of schedule is the main reason why he backed out from the said series.

"We decided na huwag munang gawin ang TV series kasi three months na mawawala, masyadong matagal. I have to take care of my career here in the Philippines. Tapos nagkaroon pa ng Singapore nag-record ako ng 'Please Be Careful With My Heart' in Mandarin," he said.

Also dubbed as “Asia's Pop Idol,” Bautista is part of ABS-CBN's weekly variety show "ASAP XV."

He is also the newly-elect vice president for special projects of Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM).

Source:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/13/10/christian-bautista-studies-bahasa-indonesian-film

Pilipino Star Ngayon | Christian walang planong i-give up ang career sa 'Pinas

...Katulad ni Christian na mula sa pagiging average guy ay naging Asian singing sensation na hinahangaan sa Indonesia, Malaysia, at Thailand. Ang tagumpay at personalidad ng tinaguriang romantic balladeer ay perfect example ng isang modernong bachelor na gumagalaw sa modernong mundo...

Sa mga darating na buwan, matutuwa ang mga fans ni Christian at ng Blackwater dahil may ilalabas na isang bagong album na magka-partner ang dalawa.

Samantala, tuloy ang pagbongga ng career ni Christian sa Indonesia.

Bukod sa consistent na mataas na benta ng kanyang album doon, gagawa na rin siya ng pelikula sa nasabing bansa.

Pero wala siyang planong i-give up ang career dito sa Pilipinas.

Click here to read the full article:

Christian Bautista says he is still searching for the right girl


With Christian Bautista’s career on the rise, the singer said that he does not mind if his love life isn’t active because he believes that things should not be rushed when it comes to this. “Hindi ako nagmamadali sa pagpili ng girl. Pero I date naman,” he revealed recently at his contract renewal as the endorser of Ever Bilena Blackwater Cologne Collections. “Hindi ko lang bino-broadcast lahat kasi ayoko ‘yung tipong gamitan or to publicly show who I’m dating.” The singer then added, “I’m admittedly slow…slow akong manligaw.”

Christian confessed that he is goes out on dates but is not dating anybody in particular. Though he dates local girls, Christian shared that he also dates girls he meets during his out-of-the-country commitments. He was quick to add though that he only does this when his busy schedule permits. “Busyrin naman kasi sa schedule… ano lang, ‘pag meron lang time tapos lalabas kami tapos ‘yun lang,” he shared.

The singer also denied that he had a girlfriend in Indonesia. “Well, hinahanap ko pa siya doon. Hindi pa nga siya nagpapakita sa akin pero right now, ano lang parang friend. No one specific… parang still searching. Hindi pa pumupunta dun sa next level,” he explained.

Read the full interview here:
http://www.abs-cbn.com/Feature/Article/8035/Christian-Bautista-says-he-is-still-searching-for-the-right-girl.asp

A More Mature Christian

Written by Ricky L. Calderon (The Freeman)
Source:  http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=593160&publicationSubCategoryId=51

A lot of people are now looking at Christian Bautista “differently” after seeing his billboard for Bench. This is apart from his much-talked about appearance at the Bench Uncut Fashion Show held last July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum. The singer is now sporting a new look and an edgier style—in other words, a more mature Christian for his fans.

We sat down with Christian one Tuesday afternoon for an exclusive interview and here are excerpts from that encounter with the popular balladeer who is endorsing Blackwater Perfume from the Ever Bilena Line of products.

Q: So what do you think of the people’s reaction to your billboard and Bench Uncut Fashion Show appearance?

A: “Iba’t-iba ang reaction. May mga nagulat. Mayroon naman nagustuhan nila. May mga nagsabi naman na hindi kailangan. Ako naman, first and foremost what I’ve learned through these years, talagang bawat tao may iba’t-ibang opinion tapos eh. I just receive the comments and whatever is constructive, I apply it to myself. If there are negative comments, wala na akong magagawa. I am proud sa achievement na ito. I have more respect now for models and talagang naranasan ko kasi kung gaano sila magtrabaho. Some people think they are just models but what they don’t know is that they are strict with their diets. That’s their life – their body. Dapat pagandahin mo iyon. I went through with that to get the body that I have now.

Q: How long have you been working out?

A: Siguro, seriously, less than a year. Dati workout-workout pero wala lang. Ngayon may trainer na ako, may supplements at may instructions. Nakita naman ang result.

Q: Is this part of your reinvention?

A: Yes, it is and there’s more to come. I mean, through the help of my manager Carlo (Orosa) and Ms. Kathleen Go of Universal Records, we are doing many changes, not only in the way I look but also in my wardrobe as well. They are really taking care of my body, dressing me up well, getting me the right haircut and the right look. I’ve been partners with Gold’s Gym for sometime now and that is where I work out. I am one of their endorsers and I must say maraming naitulong sa akin ang Gold’s Gym.

Q: Does this mean that you are now more open to doing challenging roles—something sexy perhaps?

A: Well, I have to study the script first before I would accept it.

Q: You are now one of the officers of the revived OPM (Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit). Why did you join and what are your plans?

A: The officers met kanina (Ogie Alcasid, Joe Mari Chan, Gary Valenciano, Noel Cabangon, and Dingdong Avanzado) and we were discussing the future of OPM. What made me decide to be a part of it? Well, to be the channel to the younger generation. Kasi yung iba nahihiya i-approach sina Sir Gary minsan, Sir Joey or Sir Ogie. I can be that link to them. That would be my role. We had this vision when we joined the Kaya Natin ‘To concert which we did for Ondoy. We realized na dapat mas dumami pa kaming members ng OPM para makatulong sa mga singers, the country and the music industry.

Q: What is your initial plan?

A: Well, to be recognized. Inform the singers that OPM has been revived and that the OPM can protect and serve them, give them benefits and help them. There would be other plans but for now that is the focus. We are getting and accepting members and making them aware of our rights as singers.

Q: You’ve been getting the no. 1 slot in trending topics on Twitter. How do you feel about this?

A: Thanks to Indonesia. I got into the trending topics because nakasali ako sa isang high-rating show doon sa Indonesia. Pag-uusapan ka talaga ng Twitter community of [Indonesia] at sobrang dami nila. It’s a big thing that people from other parts of the world get to know you. I realized the power of Twitter just recently. So I encouraged everyone to follow me at xtianbautista.

Q: What was your reaction on Josh Groban’s tweet?

A: I was surprised. It was so hard to get a reply from anyone like for me from my fans. Let’s say I have 100,000 followers. How can I reply to all of them? That’s impossible. The only thing that would appear in your stream would be only 10 tweets. You can’t scan everything. It was probably a good chance, a coincidence, that Josh Groban saw my tweet that I sang his song at the inauguration. Thanks also to the followers who re-tweeted that.

Q: How is your album “Romance Revisited: The Music of Jose Mari Chan” doing?

A: It’s nearing Triple Platinum now. We are on our fourth single titled “Afraid for Love to Fade.” We did a music video with Carmen Soo, which is getting good exposure in MYX and other music channels. We are very happy with the success of the album. Even Sir Joe Mari Chan is very happy with it.

Q: You’ve always been a balladeer. Don’t you wish to sing other types of songs?

A: Actually now I do. I do want to try many things this year. I want to focus on acting, different kinds of music—more upbeat. I am not saying that’s going to be my direction, but mas kakanta lang ako ng more variety of songs. Ballads would always be my strength, but I will try other songs so I won’t be stuck at ballads. That would make my music more varied and interesting.

Q: When is your next major concert?

A: I do want to have a major concert but let’s face it, times are hard. There are many things to consider – the right time, the right venue, plus there are foreign acts. Do we have sponsors? Do the people have money to buy tickets? Are you popular on TV, radio? Once we’ve solved all these major concerns then that’s the time for us to say that I can have a major concert. Hopefully, if we have a new teleserye with a good following, good radio play, popular music video, then we can have a successful concert, unless you are a Martin Nievera or a Gary Valenciano, or a Sarah Geronimo na sure success pag nag-concert. It’s also a challenge for me to improve myself, improve my performance sa concert. And I have to learn dancing.