meta-scriptGlobal Spin: Watch Francisco Martin Sing A Soaring Rendition Of "Kissing On A Balcony" From A Philippines Rooftop | GRAMMY.com
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Francisco Martin

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Global Spin: Watch Francisco Martin Sing A Soaring Rendition Of "Kissing On A Balcony" From A Philippines Rooftop

In the latest episode of Global Spin, singer/songwriter Francisco Martin bares his artistic soul with a stripped-down performance of his new single, "KISSING ON A BALCONY."

GRAMMYs/May 10, 2022 - 07:06 pm

Over the course of his young career, Filipino-American singer-songwriter Francisco Martin has already introduced fans to the full spectrum of his diverse artistic identity.

As a 2020 American Idol finalist, he demonstrated that he could be a genre chameleon, covering songs by Kings of Leon, Maggie Rogers and Harry Styles. After his tenure on the show, he embarked on a U.S. tour, sharpening his skills on the stage and adding elements of pop and EDM showmanship to his singer/songwriter foundation.

On this episode of Global Spin, GRAMMY.com's series highlighting artists from around the globe, Martin once again tries something new. Sitting on a rooftop in Manilla, Philippines, he performs an acoustic rendition of "KISSING ON A BALCONY," his new single about the sweeping, giddy emotions that come with new love. The stripped-down version is a complete reinvention of the synth-laden original, further showing Martin’s musical versatility.

"KISSING ON A BALCONY" may demonstrate Martin's romantic side, but it's just one piece of his multifaceted new EP, Manic. Due July 22, the project strives towards encompassing Martin's true self — not just from a musical standpoint, but in terms of his personality and emotions, too.

"I want to push boundaries," he explains in a press statement. "People see one version of me, and I want them to see all of me. I am ready to come out of my shell as an artist and show who I really am as a person."

Altogether, the new collection shares his reflections on interpersonal disconnection, relationships and mental health. That's particularly highlighted in his previously released Manic track, a pounding anxiety anthem titled "Nobody Listens To Me!" 

Before Manic's arrival, enjoy Martin's soaring performance of "KISSING ON A BALCONY," and keep checking back for new episodes of Global Spin

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Bodine

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Global Spin: Bodine Traces The Slow Burn Of Heartache In This Haunting Performance Of "Bambi"

Dutch-born Puerto Rican singer Bodine offers a piano-only version of her 'Quemo Lento' track "Bambi," a song about "a pain so deep that it is inexplicable."

GRAMMYs/Apr 11, 2024 - 05:00 pm

On March 22, Bodine unveiled her latest EP, Quemo Lento. Translating to "I burn slow," the eight-song project displays the duality of pain and pleasure — but on the EP's only piano-driven track, "Bambi," it's all heartache.

"It's short, but it explains everything it has to explain in that minute," Bodine said of the song in an interview with Univision. "It describes the feeling of slow-burning, a pain so deep that it is inexplicable."

In the latest episode of Global Spin, the Amsterdam-born, San Juan-raised artist performs a stripped-down version of "Bambi." Mirroring the black-and-white imagery of the song's music video, the performance is even more haunting than the original with just a piano and her soprano vocals.

Quemo Lento has been touted for its dreamy visuals and experimental sound. As of press time, Bodine has released four music videos from the EP, most recently delivering the visual for "Nalgaje," featuring fellow Dutch rapper Zefanio.

Earlier this year, Bodine made her SXSW stage debut and performed a string of shows throughout Puerto Rico to celebrate the release of Quemo Lento.

Press play on the video above to watch Bodine's chilling performance of "Bambi," and remember to check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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The Snuts

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Global Spin: Watch The Snuts Come Alive With This In-Studio Performance Of "Novastar"

Scottish indie rock band The Snuts take you inside their studio for an exciting performance of "Novastar" a B-side from their newest album, 'Millennials.'

GRAMMYs/Apr 4, 2024 - 05:00 pm

The mission for The Snuts' third album, Millennials, was to tap into "the emotions that we maybe haven't processed" and put "those big boiling points in your life" into song. And on their B-side, "Novastar," the Scottish indie rock band takes autonomy of their actions and emotions.

"Hey, mama, what you gon' tell me? I can be a heartbreaker, troublemaker, sunshaker/ Yeah, you better bet on me," they declare. "Alive/ I'm a Novastar, coming of age."

In this episode of Global Spin, The Snuts deliver an electrifying performance of "Novastar," playing each of their instruments live in the studio.

The Snuts released the standard and deluxe versions of Millennials on February 23 via Happy Artist Records, their imprint via The Orchard.

"On the last record, there was a bit more nuance," frontman Jack Cochrane said in a press statement. "With this one, we wanted to see how it would feel if we went more direct on the songs and to connect as easily as possible."

They recently wrapped the North American and European leg of the project's accompanying tour. In May, they'll perform a string of shows in Australia and Japan with support from Eliza & the Delusionals.

Press play on the video above to watch The Snuts' explosive performance of "Novastar," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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Karin Ann

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Global Spin: Watch Karin Ann Deliver A Sultry Performance Of "She"

On the heels of announcing her debut album, 'through the telescope,' Slovakian singer Karin Ann offers a live, full-band rendition of the project's lead single, "she."

GRAMMYs/Mar 28, 2024 - 05:00 pm

On her burning single "she," Slovakian singer Karin Ann beams about a confident, effortlessly beautiful mystery woman — from her unique distaste for modern television to her quaint apartment in the city.

"If someone ever would take her to the dance floor/ The world would disappear, the music would still be playing," Ann croons in the chorus. "Her heart beats so loud, even after everyone is gone/ She'd still be dancing, dancing in her own mind."

In this episode of Global Spin, watch Ann deliver a full-band performance of the track, complete with two guitars, a keyboard and a drum set — and a wall of records as a backdrop.

Ann came up with the concept for the track while searching through her phone during a sleepless night: "I stumbled upon a sentence that sparked inspiration. Most of my songs lean towards the sad or melancholic, but this particular lyric was different. I find it challenging to write happy songs, so it felt like creating this character allowed me the freedom to explore new territories with 'she.'"

"She" is the lead single from Ann's debut album, through the telescope, which arrives May 10 via 3amRecords. As "she" and second single "false gold" hint, the album will explore themes of love, identity and mental health while also showing off Ann's musical versatility.

Press play on the video above to watch Karin Ann's edgy performance of "she," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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AleXa

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Global Spin: AleXa Is "Sick" In Love In This Monochrome Performance Of Her Latest Single

K-pop star AleXa performs "sick," her first single that highlights her pop-punk influences — and, in turn, "the most authentic version of myself."

GRAMMYs/Mar 21, 2024 - 05:00 pm

On "sick," K-pop star AleXa is so in love that she's almost physically ill.

"Boy, you make me sick/ You're too f—ing perfect/ I don't deserve it," she gushes in the chorus. "Losing my s—, and you make me sick/ Sick to my stomach/ I wanna vomit/ Kissing your lips."

In this episode of Global Spin, AleXa delivers a grungy performance of the track, tied together by her edgy fashion and a grayscale filter.

"Sick" is AleXa's first single of 2024, dropping on Feb. 23 via Interview Music and ZB Label. The vulnerable song also marks a new sonic era, leaving behind her pop hits like "Back in Vogue" and "Wonderland."

"This era of my career feels like the most authentic version of myself. 'Sick' is a departure from my previous releases, and I'm excited to share a side of me that is deeply connected to my pop-punk influences," she revealed in a press statement.

On March 29, AleXa will commence the Sick of You Tour in New York City. She'll hit six cities — including her hometown, Tulsa, Oklahoma — before ending April 7 in Los Angeles. 

Press play on the video above to watch AleXa's rocking performance of "sick," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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