July music drops you need on your radar
No matter how 2025 has treated you so far, good music will always make everything feel a little better.
Now that we’ve officially entered the second half of the year, new music releases from both underrated OPM gems and international stars are making our dark and gloomy skies much brighter.
From Justin Bieber’s surprise album and IV Of Spades’ long-awaited comeback to some local talents you may or may not have heard about, Scout OST vol. 10 lists some of the best tracks to put on your radar.
“Aura” by IV Of Spades
IV Of Spades is back. Five years since their last release, seven since they were last complete, the four-piece band surprise dropped their latest single, “Aura.” But take note, this isn’t the IV Of Spades of old (at least till we hear the full album).
“Swag” by Justin Bieber
True star power doesn’t need promotion or introduction, and Justin Bieber follows up 2021’s “Justice” with an unlikely surprise album. Without a single music video as of late, “Swag” is Bieber at his rawest, letting listeners into his recent life, particularly his marriage to Hailey Bieber and his experience as a first-time father. There’s a lot to go through in this 21-track album, but if we’re picking favorites: “Daisies,” “Go Baby,” and “Walking Away.”
“HSP” by Purples n’ Oranges
Standing for “Hanggang sa Pagtanda,” this single from Purples n’ Oranges—a seven-piece band that first formed in 2017 at the University of Santo Tomas—channels the feeling of finding a real and lasting love after a series of disappointing heartbreaks. It’s the kind of love you thought only existed on television, and one you’d fight to keep.
“Oras Makina” by Solace Out The Door
Ever fail to read the signals? Or maybe even confessed to a friend who didn’t like you back? Solace Out The Door’s third single captures that desire of wanting to go back to a better time, either to get a second chance at love or to live in and hold on to a fleeting moment.
Solace Out The Door is a Filipino indie pop band formed in 2022, composed of vocalist Kyla Miel Camerong, keyboardist Louise Ann, lead guitarist Charlize Martinez, bassist Gabrielle Basa Fudolig, and drummer Sean Tan.
“This Is For” by Twice
When Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung aren’t joining forces to sing Huntrix’s “Takedown,” they come together with Twice to form the real golden honmoon. And their latest comeback? A 14-track album led by an empowering anthem for the underappreciated ladies out there.
“Tulala” by VVink
VVink is a new five-piece P-pop girl group under FlipMusic Records, and they’re one to watch out for. Their debut song “Tulala” perfectly puts the members’ charm and talents on display while also featuring the label’s signature bubblegum pop sound. With producers and composers such as Bojam and John Michael Conchada at the studio, there’s a lot to look forward to with this group’s future releases.
“Home” by Justin Vasquez
Justin Vasquez takes listeners back to 2000s R&B with the heartfelt and soulful “Home.” While breakups aren’t necessarily the end of the world, Vasquez’s latest single puts to words the inexplicable emotions that often get caught in the throat.
“Hot Sauce” by BabyMonster
BabyMonster knocks it out the park with the old-school hip-hop “Hot Sauce.” Delivering both outstanding vocals and rap—just please listen to Asa’s verse—in full English, the track is an exciting peek into the group’s upcoming October mini-album.
“Bliss” by D.O.
Different hair, same vocals, D.O. returns with his first full-length album under his one-man agency, Company SooSoo, which he formed with his longtime manager Nam Kyung Soo. Our picks from the 10-track release? “Sing Along!,” “Do You Remember?,” and “Draw My Path.”
“Sikretong Tayo Lang May Alam” by SHANNi
With only five songs so far under her belt, SHANNi is a young OPM artist taking the local indie scene by storm. Her latest? A dreamy, slow-dance-worthy ballad about the longing and excitement of a growing love.
“Ano Ba Talaga Tayo?” by The Juans and Janine Berdin
Your typical romance songs are often shouts in the dark. An aimless expression of emotion. Now, what if there were someone to reply? Think P!nk’s “Just Give Me A Reason” with Nate Ruess or “Lie To Me” by 5 Seconds of Summer and Julia Michaels, the duet version of “Ano Ba Talaga Tayo?” is arguably the complete vision of the song’s initial April release.
