By NEIL RAMOS
It’s hard to establish a business nowadays no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But there are brave souls eager to fight their battles no matter the cost.
Among them is Jaworski Garcia, who has since launched new record label Blacksheep Records Manila (BSRM).
“It has always been my dream to own a record label company that would help and open doors of opportunity for Filipino artists,” said Jaworski.
“I know it’s hard given the ongoing pandemic but this is my passion and I won’t give up easily on my dream,” he added.
Joining him in the venture as artist and repertoire head is former The Youth bassist Robert Javier.
“I’ve known Robert way back 1994 when I booked their band for a gig in our university. When it was time to look for an A&R, I believe RJ is the perfect fit, having produced artists such as Parokya Ni Edgar, Teeth, Francis M and Ely Buendia. When I asked him, he was excited at the prospect and he said that (music) is his first love and that his commitment is for the long haul,” Jaworski shared.
For their initial salvo, Blacksheep Records released a pair of singles: Singer-songwriter Ethan Loukas’ excellent “Manghuhula,” and rapper Ezro’s “Di Kagandahan (Pero Mabait).”
This is to be followed by alt-pop band trio Modern Day Dream’s “Sa Ulap.”
BSRM’s roster of artists keeps growing, too.
They also have Ferodina, composed of “Music Hero” champs guitarist-songwriter Fender Dimalanta, drummer Joaquin Rodrigo, saxophonist Brian Feliciano and bassist Steven Naguit.
Then there’s young pop artist Rian, Morning After, Greyline, The Last Stanza, Outplayed, Comics, Tonkatsuki, Beggar’s Moon, Australian-based Five-Fifty Myth, solo alt-pop singer Terence Von Lucero and Oman based DMajors.
There’s also Calebral, Black Wolf Gypsies, Justinne, RETALIATION, The Alpuerto Sisters (of “Bangon Talentadong Pinoy”), Edwin Galang, Khaeden Golez, Alphabadboi, Illegal Entry, Kyla Miel Camerong, Kaydee, and original 6Cyclemind singer Ney Dimaculangan.
In time for Christmas, BSRM is releasing Magnus Haven’s original Christmas tune “Noel.”
So, what’s Jaworski got that other local labels don’t?
Well, for one, Blacksheep Records Manila is an affiliate label of Viva Music Group.
Jaworski shared, “To be honest, it’s hard to convince an artist to be part of our label. Some might think that we’re just a fly-by-night label who just wants to steal their music. But because of Viva’s Vic Del Rosario, Jr., and my former boss Lachmi Baviera (former General Manager of Warner Music Philippines and Program Head of Music Business Management at MINT College), I was able to use all the skills I’ve learned and create a thing for artists to trust me.”
As for what Blacksheep Records Manila will bring to the music scene, Jaworski confidently said it’s the “opportunity for an upcoming artist to be guided properly.”
Second is to make sure OPM audiences will “have something new in their playlist” regularly.
To this, he adds his company credo “we are an open genre music label.”
“No walls between music. (listeners) will enjoy all kinds of music styles with us.”
“My 22 years of working experience, my great passion for music, my love for OPM, experience in understanding the dreams of every artist, I think, is what we could share at Blacksheep Records Manila,” he ended.
