JAY Durias has found a home for his songs.
The singer-songwriter-producer, who eked fame in the ‘90s with soul, R & B outfit, South Border, recently inked an exclusive publishing agreement with Viva Music Publishing, Inc.
This means his catalog of hits, including “Kahit Kailan,” “Habang Atin Ang Gabi,” “Love Of My Life,” “Sa ‘Yo” and “Rainbow,” among others, will now be supervised by VMPI.
Jay said, “VMPI is now in charge of everything pertaining to these compositions including mechanical, performance, synchronization and digital rights.”
So, anyone interested in covering theses songs will have to deal with VMPI?
“Yes, that’s it, basically,” Durias replied.
Choosing VMPI as home for his songs is a no-brainer for the 44-year-old hitmaker.
He explained, “It’s true what they say about songwriters deeming their songs very much like their own children. I am attached to my songs, emotionally. They are a huge part of me. They’re like my babies so, when it came to finding a home or guardian for them, gusto ko siyempre, people who are capable, people I could trust. I know the people in VMPI. I believe they are competent administrators. I mean, tignan mo na lang ‘yung track record nila.”
VMPI has been handling the catalog of some of OPM’s more iconic songwriters including Willy Cruz (“Pahiram ng Isang Umaga,” “Bituing Walang Ningning,” “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas”), Snaffu Rigor (“Macho Gwapito,” “Mr. Dreamboy,” “Eto Na Naman,” “Larawang Kupas”), Rene and Dennis Garcia (“Panaginip” “Beh Buti Nga,” “Manila,”), and Rico Blanco (“Balisong,” “Your Universe”).
Other songwriters who have entrusted their songs to VMPI are Wency Cornejo, Top Suzara, Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana, Nica Del Rosario and Euwie Von Loria.
Alex Camurungan, Publishing and Digital Media Manager of VMPI said, “As administrator of Mr. Durias’ music, it’s our job to take care of an artist’s song. This includes making sure it continues to earn for him. With VMPI there’s opportunity na ma-push namin yung mga kanta niya in so many ways.”
Music Publishing Executive Liz Lorenzo added, “That’s one of the allure of being with VMPI. We could actually allow these songs a new lease of life. Pwedeng malagay as theme song sa mga movies, TV shows and the like at pwede din na i-cover ng mga ibang Viva artists.”
“’Yun din isa sa mga naisip ko, actually,” said Durias. “’Yung possibility na ma-revive ‘yung songs ng ibang artists ng Viva. The idea of maybe having the likes of Sarah Geronimo or a Janine Tenoso singing a song like “Langit Sa ‘Yong Tabi,” or “Rainbow” is an exciting prospect for me.”
Viva Boss Vic Del Rosario is going further, promising Durias more opportunities beyond publishing.
“More than being a great songwriter, Jay is also an accomplished arranger and producer so, I’m thinking we could have him work with other artists in our roster.” (Neil Ramos)
