There were four and more reasons why the atmosphere was upbeat during last week’s Christmas party hosted by Warner Music Philippines to announce its signing of select homegrown artists. That Thursday evening, all four, namely, Quest, Keiko Necesario, Leanne & Naara, and St. Wolf, spieled gratitude and their anticipation that 2020 promises to be a big year not only for them but for the record label bent to push Filipino artists to international prominence.
“This is like a statement that a lot has happened to the label and everything is in place for its run to go global in the next decade,” echoed Quest, the rapper-singer behind the hit “Sige Lang” and certainly the most established of the lot.
The party was held at 19 East bar in Sucat last Dec. 5, with live performances rendered by the signees, each brandishing uniqueness and appeal that made them deserving of the break.
Being signed means Warner will be around to market their songs and co-handle their affairs including gig bookings and song placements. It’s what separates them from artists who signed purely digital distribution deals with no guaranteed promo backing.
Keiko, in her talk with the press, stressed the kind of support that the label is willing to provide for an artist it decided to fully support. “I was flew in to London to meet foreign producers and find the right one for my next album.”
Well, Keiko, whose songs comprised the original motion soundtrack of Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wifi, has the bragging rights to really go international after her version of “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell was featured on the British TV series Ackley Bridge.
The men and women behind Warner Music Philippines voiced out their confidence over the chosen few, insisting these artists have what it takes to make it really big and make a name for themselves abroad. It’s implied that it’s only the tip of the iceberg as more deserving acts will follow suit.
Leanne & Naara, with their single Again having topped the Spotify charts and ranked number 12 in its Global Viral Charts, seemed to have been a shoo-in even before the shortlist was decided. Their rendition of Nina’s now-classic Someday is justice prevailed.
St. Wolf, on the other hand, exemplifies the kind of band act prevalent these days—theatrical and gadget-savvy. The group got a spot in the Coke Studio Philippines series.
Quest related, “I just want to be able to expand as an artist and be prepared enough to go abroad.”
The fact he evolved from being a traditional rap act to one singing with more melodies and backed by a permanent set of band players proved his desire to progress.
“I like the feel of live music, not canned. I like to feel the kick,” he said.
2020 is clear vision. Warner surely looks forward to that. Drum rolls.
(For more information, follow Warner Music Philippines @warnermusciph on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).