Team PCheng

From paintings to playlists, the all-girl band is turning art into international anthems — and here’s why the world is starting to listen to their global debut. 

From Makati streets to the world stage, NEW LORE is proving that sad songs travel far. Just months after debuting in January 2025, the all-girl electronic alt-pop trio’s debut album grief cake has landed on New Music Friday in 9 countries — Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Korea — alongside an editorial playlist feature on poses.

Since their first release earlier this year, NEW LORE has grown to 22,000 monthly listeners worldwide, capturing hearts with their blend of music, art, and poetry. Their success marks a rare feat for a freshly debuted independent band from the Philippines, showing that their “breakdown anthems you can dance to” resonate across cultures and borders.

Supported by Off The Record in partnership with Sony Music Philippines, NEW LORE has also been steadily building a digital footprint. They’ve gained millions of views on TikTok reels, drawing in fans from across the globe, gaining viewership and listeners particularly from Indonesia, who connect with their music’s emotional candor and visual artistry.

This milestone comes fresh off the back of their sold-out grief cake album launch at The Astbury last August 2 — an intimate yet electric night sponsored by JB Music, partnered with The Astbury for venue, and styled by noteworthy local fashion brand ḢA.MÜ. The packed launch cemented NEW LORE’s place as one of the most exciting new acts in the country.

The group’s international momentum continues this September 4, when they perform at David Byrne’s official album listening party for Who Is The Sky?, presented by Planned Obsolescence in partnership with Beggars Asia, Matador Records, and Rosano Records. The event, happening at Palm Tree Abbey, Comuna, Makati, will also feature Antemundane.

“We only started this January — making music from my paintings with poetry,” says frontwoman Tita Halaman, a rising visual artist in the Philippines with exhibits both locally and abroad. “To see people from all over the world connect with ‘grief cake’ is both surreal and deeply humbling.”

Alongside Tita, Kim Escalona (bass) drives the band’s creative direction and branding, while Carole Lantican (drums) produces music that reaches international audiences. With a fast-growing fanbase, international playlist spots, and collaborations with global icons, NEW LORE is only at the beginning — and they’re carrying the Philippines with them.

With their art-driven storytelling, global playlist traction, and a vision that blurs the lines between music, poetry, and visual art, NEW LORE is fast becoming one of the Philippines’ most exciting cultural exports. The world is starting to listen — and this is only their opening act.