26/03/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 26, 2026

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Regional pop voices unite SOUTHEAST Asian singers unite in a new dance pop single Talk to Me , a collaborative track between Singaporean dance pop artiste Alicia DC, Filipino hyperpop icon IIICCCYYY and Laotian diva Thinlamphone.

trajectory of each artistes’ musical journey. While working on Talk to Me , the three artistes wanted to express the electrifying and sometimes terrifying, yet exciting feelings that one experiences while having an intense crush on another person. Throughout the song, listeners can hear a multitude of ways of how the familiar thought of “I like you” can be expressed through English, Bisaya and Lao, the mother tongues of each of the artistes. Talk to Me is also a display of their distinct music styles, with Alicia DC’s conventional pop music sound, IIICCCYYY’s brand of Filipino pop and Thinlamphone’s eclectic range rooted in tradition.

The new anthem by the trio was recorded last September during a song writing camp, in which the three artistes first joined hands and completed the song in one day alongside Singaporean producers Ian Lee and Daniel Alex Chia. Beginning with a memorable hook that draws influence from Lao folk music, Talk to Me opens with Thinlamphone’s vocals before pivoting into dance-pop with verses from Alicia DC and IIICCCYYY as the song encapsulates the

Singapore, Lao and Philippines sounds collide in a new song.

Huang Pin Yuan Taste 2026 Live at Arena of Stars MANDOPOP icon Huang Pin Yuan is set to ignite the stage with his Taste 2026 Live Concert, happening at the Arena of Stars on May 2. With over three decades of music behind him, Huang brings his signature blend of heartfelt love songs and powerful rock spirit to the stage for a night filled with nostalgia, emotion and electrifying performances. Since making his debut in 1990, Huang has established himself as one of Mandopop’s most recognisable voices, captivating the audiences with his distinctive raspy vocals, heartfelt songwriting and versatile music style. From chart-topping classics such as Xiao Wei and Hai Lang (Wave) to beloved hits such as Na Me Ai Ni Wei Shen Me (Why Do I Love You So) and Ni Zhen Me She De Wo Nan Guo (How Can You Allow Me to Be in Sorrow) , his songs have accompanied generations of listeners through love, heartbreak and the passage of time. Taste 2026 concert tour reflects the many dimensions of Huang’s music: a journey through the warmth of his iconic love songs and the powerful energy of his rock influences. The word “Taste” symbolises the refinement of his decades-long musical craft and the emotional resonance embedded within his songs. Backed by a full live band, audiences can expect dynamic guitar solos, refreshed arrangements of classic hits and moments of heartfelt storytelling that capture the essence of his musical journey. Inspired by a blend of nostalgic charm and live rock energy, the concert will feature warm lighting, retro-inspired visuals and a full live band, creating an immersive experience that brings fans closer to the music. From intimate ballads to passionate rock anthems, the show highlights the emotional depth and musical intensity that have defined Huang’s career. Tickets are priced from RM168 to RM548. Huang’s Taste 2026 Live Concert is a celebration of music, memories and the enduring connection between an artiste and his audience.

Looi delivers a refined and emotionally resonant body of work with Velvet Alibi . Darker cinematic sounds

with his sister and producer Lav, Looi developed a sonic world that feels intimate and expansive. The album also achieves a polished, global-standard finish through mastering by the team at Studios 301. In addition to its original compositions, Velvet Alibi also features reinterpretations of three familiar songs: Ella’s iconic Standing in the Eyes of the World , Golden from Netflix’s 2025 animated film KPop Demon Hunters and Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) , reimagined through Looi’s distinct instrumental lens. With this record, Looi delivers a refined and emotionally resonant body of work that challenges expectations of the violin.

The album balances high-fashion elegance with emotional depth, using the violin as a modern storytelling instrument to navigate moody, atmospheric textures. Rooted in a cinematic contemporary instrumental style, the project blends classical technique with elements of dark pop, creating a sound that feels sophisticated and immersive. “This album is about stepping outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to explore where the violin could go when paired with cinematic grit, and to find beauty in the darker corners of the sound I love,” Looi shared. A key component of Velvet Alibi is its collaborative foundation. Working closely

M ALAYSIAN violinist, composer, and producer Martin Looi has released his new album Velvet Alibi yesterday. Spanning eight tracks, the project marks a bold artistic evolution, positioning the violin at the centre of a darker, more cinematic soundscape. Departing from the bright, pop-driven tones of his earlier work, Velvet Alibi explores a concept Looi defines as “Refined Mystery”. o Martin Looi announces new album Velvet Alibi