23/07/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | JULY 23, 2025

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Jackson Wang unveils final chapter of Magicman

FOLLOWING the momentum of its recent releases Dance With My Mistakes and Misbehave , OPM band Lola Amour has unveiled its newest single The Moment , featuring Kohatsu Kokoro (Kokoro) of Japanese group Psychic Fever from Exile Tribe. Blending Lola Amour’s signature sound with Kokoro’s smooth and soulful voice, The Moment is a feel-good track about the excitement of a meaningful connection. With heartfelt lyrics, the song captures that unmistakable rush of having a crush and wondering if the feeling might be mutual. The song brings together musical influences from the Philippines and Japan in a cross cultural collaboration that highlights both artistes’ growing presence beyond their home countries. The international buzz began when Lola Amour posted a story of the band vibing to Psychic Fever’s Gelato on June 16 – which Psychic Fever then reposted. After that, Lola Amour shared a cover of the track that gained over 90,000 views, followed by Kokoro’s version of Raining in Manila , which earned over 100,000 views and drew fan comments J ACKSON WANG has unveiled his second album Magicman 2 , his most personal and ambitious project to date. Entirely self-produced, the album is a bold evolution of the Magicman persona – an alter ego Wang once used to mask his darkest emotions. Told in four chapters that mirror the stages of grief, the project traces his emotional journey from manic denial to loss, painful realisations and ultimately, healing. The result is an honest exploration of self-discovery and acceptance. For the first time, Wang felt the freedom to create a “self-serving” body of work, where every lyric and song comes from a deeply personal place. Crafted with the intention of making an artistic statement rather than making commercial hit records, Wang shares who he truly is, how he truly feels, and what he truly believes. An official music video for the album’s focus track Made Me a Man has been released alongside the album. With raw lyrics and stripped-back production, the track echoes the emotional arc of Magicman and marks the final chapter of this era. The video visually mirrors Wang’s introspective journey – one that began in isolation and turmoil, and now closes with clarity and peace. “I created Magicman as a mask for my darkest emotions. After stepping away from the spotlight, I hit rock bottom – mentally and physically. “Writing became my only release and only space for reflection to find who and what I am. For the first time, I turned my personal diary into music. This album is about accepting the light and the dark. This is Magicman 2 ,” said Wang. Throughout the roll-out of Magicman 2 , Wang further amplifies his presence as a worldwide phenomenon. The album’s first single High Alone debuted at number one on Apple Music in 22 countries and regions. The follow-up, GBAD , went viral with over 32 million YouTube views and sparked a wave of global remixes. The singles Buck featuring Punjabi megastar Diljit Dosanjh and latest release Hate to Love further demonstrated Wang’s global influence as an

o Singer describes latest album as his most personal yet

Stand Still is the second single from Lin’s debut English EP Gradients . Taiwanese singer drops second single Stand Still

The track Buck features Diljit Dosanjh highlighting Wang’s crossover appeal.

WITH her signature red hair and soul-baring voice, Cait Lin returns with Stand Still – a luminous, slow burning English ballad that captures what it means to freeze time in a fleeting moment of presence. Co-written during university with long-time friend Cohen Bargas (Bridge Dog), and completed years later with

The album’s first single High Alone has debuted at number one on Apple Music.

international superstar. Wang’s rise as a global icon continues to gain momentum across music and fashion. His 2022 album Magicman , debuted at 15th on the Billboard 200 and third on the Top Album Sales chart – and has garnered over 123 million streams worldwide. His 2023 Magicman World Tour sold out across the globe, and his performance at the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival made history as the first Chinese solo act to perform at the festival three times, with his set trending at number one worldwide on X. Across social media platforms, Wang has over 100 million followers, making him the most-followed artiste in China on Instagram. Beyond this, his influence continues to reshape culture on a global scale. Wang was also recently named creative director for Nike

Aria nominated Ghanaian-Australian producer Kay “Kojo” Ansah (Citizen Kay, Lake City Recording), the track blends soft R&B textures, layered harmonies and heartbeat-paced rhythms. Lin’s vocal hovers like a whisper in the dark, while Kojo’s melodic bass gives the song a grounded, soulful warmth. Stand Still is a meditation on emotional stillness – born from personal fragments: a spiritual hike up Mount Fuji, spontaneous trips with loved ones and quiet, wordless moments of connection. It also marks a turning point in Lin’s artistry: her most direct, vulnerable writing yet – no metaphors, no filters. As the second single from her debut English EP Gradients , the track continues to expand Lin’s sonic universe – bridging alternative R&B, indie pop and soul through a distinctly bilingual, cross cultural lens. Her music speaks to fans of Cleo Sol, Charlotte Day Wilson and Jorja Smith – a globally rooted sound that is emotionally precise, visually defined and quietly magnetic. Stand Still was recently named a semi-finalist in the 2025 Unsigned Only Music Competition (Female Vocal category), with final results expected in September. This early recognition underscores Lin’s growing international presence and artistic voice. To visually capture this stillness, the Stand Still music video – directed by Bruce Tsai and filmed in Taipei – unfolds like a dream awash in twilight orange, the colour gradient representing this track. Subtle nods to Taiwanese culture weave through the scenes: flickering candles, floating lanterns and distant silhouettes of Taipei 101. A lone orange goldfish – a symbol of memory, continuity and quiet presence in Taiwanese culture – drifts through the frame as observer and guide. With no fixed plot, the music video becomes a soft ritual of stillness: part dream, part farewell and wholly a moment to stand still in your memory – forever. “This is the first time I have let myself write without hiding behind metaphors. I just wanted to capture that feeling of stillness when you are completely present with someone – or even with yourself,” said Lin.

and Jordan. He also serves as a global ambassador for Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Hennessy, further cementing his role as a bridge between music, fashion and global youth culture. Wang is also a member of popular K-pop boy band Got7.

Lola Amour joins hands with Kokoro of Psychic Fever on latest tune

meanwhile, continues to expand its reach across Southeast Asia, with consistent fan engagement and performances outside Japan. Since its formation in 2013, Lola Amour has grown into one of the Philippines’s most popular indie bands, celebrated for its distinctive fusion of indie pop, funk and soul. Its recent international collaborations, festival appearances, and expanding listenership across Southeast Asia and other regions are evidence of its growing global presence with the Philippines (first), Malaysia (third), Indonesia (fifth), Singapore (seventh) and Thailand (10th) on their top 10 streaming markets worldwide. Psychic Fever is a Japanese group under LDH and a member of the Exile Tribe collective. Known for its dynamic performances and cross border collaborations, the group continues to expand its presence across Asia and beyond. Among its top 10 global streaming markets worldwide include Philippines (third), Indonesia (fourth), Malaysia (fifth), Thailand (sixth) and Taiwan (seventh).

The Moment is a feel-good track.

calling for a collaboration. The collab adds to Lola Amour’s ongoing global journey, following its collaboration with Australian artiste Oliver Cronin for Maria , and recognition from international acts such as Exo’s Chanyeol and Honne. Psychic Fever,