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

Photo: Easton Schirra

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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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Global Spin: Watch Karin Ann Deliver A Sultry Performance Of "She"
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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Global Spin: AleXa Is "Sick" In Love In This Monochrome Performance Of Her Latest Single
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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Global Spin: SISTAR19 Honor Their Roots With A Confident Performance Of "NO MORE (MA BOY)"
SISTAR19

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Global Spin: SISTAR19 Honor Their Roots With A Confident Performance Of "NO MORE (MA BOY)"

Hyolyn and Bora — better known as K-pop duo SISTAR19 — celebrate their return to music with a charming performance of "NO MORE (MA BOY)."

GRAMMYs/Mar 14, 2024 - 05:00 pm

For the two women of SISTAR19, there is no passive way to love. They're fully committed to their emotions — slowly causing them to break down when the other person doesn't reciprocate.

"You're so casual, unlike me/ I'm burning intensely inside," Hyolyn croons in Korean in the opening verse of "NO MORE (MA BOY)." "For you, it's a simple curiosity/ Do you know it's everything for me?" Bora adds on the pre-chorus.

In this episode of Global Spin, SISTAR19 deliver a charismatic performance, elevated by their perfectly synced choreography and cheeky expressions.

SISTAR19 is a sub-group of the former Starship Entertainment K-pop quartet SISTAR, which disbanded in 2017. "NO MORE (MA BOY)," their first single in over a decade, dropped on Jan. 16 via KLAP Entertainment. It's an homage to their 2011 debut hit single, "Ma Boy," officially closing the chapter to the previous era of their career.

"We're more mature now, so the song's protagonists are, too," Hyolyn said in an interview with Rolling Stone. "We are all more sophisticated about handling the end of relationships than back then."

Press play on the video above to watch SISTAR19's empowering performance of "NO MORE (MA BOY)," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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Global Spin: María José Llergo Performs "Aprendiendo A Volar" Live In Switzerland
María José Llergo

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Global Spin: María José Llergo Performs "Aprendiendo A Volar" Live In Switzerland

Straight from the stage at the Montreux Jazz Festival Winter Residency in Switzerland, Spanish songstress María José Llergo performs a thrilling onstage rendition of "Aprendiendo a Volar," the second track from her debut album, 'Ultrabelleza.'

GRAMMYs/Mar 7, 2024 - 06:30 pm

On the B-side of her debut album, Ultrabelleza, Spanish singer María José Llergo is "learning how to fly." Troubled by love, she has grown frustrated with her earthly circumstances, wishing, instead, to fly away — even if it's only for a brief moment.

"I see all the peaks, the summits, from my windows/ So far from me that I have no dreamed of reaching them," she sings in Spanish in the opening verse of "Aprendiendo a Volar," which translates to "Learning To Fly" in English. "Nailed flag, nailed flag/ On my back/ If every time I win I lose/ What kind of poison do I deserve?"

In this episode of Global Spin, revisit Llergo's performance from the Montreux Jazz Festival Winter Residency, which took place at Switzerland's Villars-sur-ollons in February.

"Aprendiendo a Volar'' is the second track from Ultrabelleza, which was released on October 27, 2023, via Sony Music Entertainment España. The project is largely about Llergo's manifesto to "live without cracks, barriers, or prejudices as a source of power," as detailed in a press statement. 

On March 3, Llergo launched her first-ever U.S. tour — aptly titled the Ultrabelleza Tour — in Chicago. The singer will stop by Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston before wrapping at New York City's Le Poisson Rouge on March 15.

Press play on the video above to watch María José Llergo's live performance of "Aprendiendo a Volar," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.

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