Universal Records (Philippines)
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| Universal Records (Philippines) | |
|---|---|
| File:Universal Records Ph.jpg | |
| Parent company | Warner Music Group (1977–1992) Independent (1992–present) |
| Founded | 1977 (as WEA Records Philippines) |
| Founder | Warner Music Group Bella Dy Tan |
| Status | Active |
| Distributor | self-distributed |
| Genre | Various |
| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Location | 9/F, Universal Tower, 1487 Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
Universal Records Philippines, Inc. is a Philippine record label founded in 1977 as part of Warner Music Group.[1] It has been an independent label since 1992. The label is currently a member of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]WEA Records Philippines Inc. was founded in the Philippines as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group's East Asia division. The company served as the licensee of WEA in the Philippines for 15 years before undergoing a name change to Universal Records Philippines Inc. in 1992. The company's new name reflected a shift in focus from being just a licensee of WEA to becoming a full-fledged independent record label.
As Universal Records Philippines Inc., the company continued to build its reputation in the industry and signed various prominent local artists, such as Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, and Christian Bautista. In 2003, the company signed the pop-rock band Sponge Cola, which became a major success in the local music scene. The band's debut album, "Palabas," achieved double platinum status and won several awards, including Album of the Year at the NU107 Rock Awards.
In 2018, Universal Records Philippines Inc. launched mustard music, a sub-label focused on the growth of homegrown indie acts. The new label aimed to provide a platform for emerging Filipino artists to showcase their music and reach a wider audience.
Artists
[edit | edit source]Universal Records Philippines Inc. has signed and worked with numerous prominent Filipino artists throughout its history. Some of the label's notable acts include:
- Gary Valenciano: A multi-awarded Filipino musician, Valenciano is known for his pop, R&B, and inspirational songs. He has released over 30 albums throughout his career and has won numerous awards, including several Awit Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Star Awards for Music.
- Regine Velasquez: Dubbed the "Asia's Songbird," Velasquez is a well-known Filipino singer, actress, and television personality. She has released over 20 studio albums and has won numerous awards, including several Awit Awards, the 1999 MTV Asia Viewer's Choice Award, and the 2018 Aliw Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Sponge Cola: A pop-rock band formed in 2002, Sponge Cola has become one of the most successful bands in the Philippines. The band has released several hit albums and singles, including "Jeepney," "Tambay," and "Nakapagtataka" (covered version originally performed by APO Hiking Society).
- Christian Bautista: A Filipino singer, actor, and model, Bautista rose to fame after joining the singing competition "Star in a Million" in 2003. He has released several successful albums and has won several awards, including the 2004 MTV Asia Awards and the 2005 Awit Awards for Best Male Recording Artist.
Previously distributed labels
[edit | edit source]Local
[edit | edit source]- 12 Stone Inc.
- GMA Music
- Jesuit Communications Foundation
- Jesuit Music Ministry
- Soupstar Music
Foreign
[edit | edit source]- United States 618 International Records
- Japan AI Entertainment
- United Kingdom All Around the World Productions
- United States American Laundromat Records
- United Kingdom Angular Recording Corporation
- Canada Arts & Crafts
- Japan Avex Group
- United Kingdom Beggars Banquet Records
- United Kingdom Blanco y Negro Records
- Sweden Bonnier Amigo Music Group
- United States Brickhouse Direct
- United Kingdom Cooking Vinyl
- United Kingdom Take Me to the Hospital
- United Kingdom Domino Records
- Germany Edel Music
- Spain Elefant Records
- South Korea FNC Music
- Japan Geneon Entertainment (music division)
- Japan Imperial Records
- United Kingdom Instant Karma
- Germany Kitty-Yo
- Sweden Labrador Records
- Australia Liberation Music
- Sweden Licking Fingers
- South Korea LOEN Entertainment
- United Kingdom LTM Recordings
- United States Matador Records
- United Kingdom Moshi Moshi Records
- United States NeoMONDE Productions
- South Korea NH Media
- Japan Nippon Columbia
- United States Om Records
- European Union PIAS
- Sweden Playground Music Scandinavia
- South Korea Pledis Entertainment
- Japan Pony Canyon
- United States Secretly Canadian
- Sweden Service
- Sweden Sincerely Yours
- United States TC Music
- United States TVT Records
- United States Ultra Records
- United Kingdom XL Recordings
- South Korea Yejeon Media
- South Korea YG Entertainment (2005-2012)
Artists
[edit | edit source]Current artists
[edit | edit source]- Angelina Cruz (2017–present)
- Angeline Quinto (2024–present)
- Bey Pascua (2021–present)
- brei (2024–present)
- Carish (2023–present)
- Choi Bo Min (2024-present)
- Clare Inso (2023–present)
- David Licauco (2023–present)[3]
- Donny Pangilinan (2017–present)
- Dylan Menor (2025–present)
- Edwin Hurry, Jr. (2023–present)
- Gary Valenciano (1986–present)[4]
- Gloc-9 (2012–2016; 2021–present)
- It All Started In May (2025 - present)
- Jay Garche (2024–present)
- JC Galano (2023–present)
- Ken San Jose (2025–present)
- Kim Myung Soo (2024–present)
- Kim Won Shik (2023–present)
- Krishnah Gravidez (2024–present)
- Kyle Juliano (2017–present)
- KYLIX (2023–present)
- L (2024–present)
- Lags (2023 - present)
- Leona (2023–present)
- Lorenz (2022–present)
- Mark Rivera (2024 - present)
- Mizael (2024–present)
- Ode to Mars (2022 - present)
- Parokya ni Edgar (1993–present)
- Ramdiss (2023–present)
- Sam Concepcion (2007–2017, 2023–present)
- Sam Cruz (2023–present)
- Sandiwa (2023–present)
- Shanti Dope (2017–present)
- Silent Sanctuary (2006–2011, 2024–present)
- Slico (2025–present)
- The Knobs (2022–present)
- Thea Astley (2023–present)[3]
- Timmy Albert (2021–present)
- Will Mikhael (2022–present)
- XYVRL (2023 - present)
- YGIG (2022–present)
Mustard Music (sublabel)
[edit | edit source]- Barq (Arkin Magalona) (2019–present)
- Good Kid$ (2018–2020)
- Issa Rodriguez (2018–present)
- Joey tha Boy (2018–present)
- La Playa (2019–present)
- The Ransom Collective (2019–present)
- Timmy Albert
Former artists
[edit | edit source]- Alden Richards (2013–2015)
- APO Hiking Society (1977–2010)
- Baltazar
- Better Days
- Billy Crawford (2008–2018)
- Callalily (2012–2017)
- Celeste Legaspi
- Christian Bautista (2009–2021)
- Claudia Barretto (2016–2020)
- COLN
- Dingdong Avanzado (2004–2006)
- DJ Loonyo
- Dotty's World
- Duncan Ramos
- Dyords Javier
- Elmo Magalona (2016–2023)
- Fern. (2017–2020)
- Flavors
- Geneva Cruz
- George Yang (now chief executive of McDonald's Philippines)
- Gino Padilla
- Hotdog
- Ice Seguerra (2015–2019)
- Imago (2006–2010, 2019–2023)
- Irene Coloso
- Itchyworms (2004–2008)
- Janina Vela
- Jaymie Baby
- Jaya (2011–2014)
- Jed Madela (2003–2013)
- Jessa Zaragoza (2004–2006)
- JKris
- John Paul & Rochelle
- Joni Feliciano
- Jose Mari Chan (1985–2012)
- Julie Anne San Jose
- Kamikazee (2005–2015)
- Karylle (2001–2008)
- Kemrie Barcenas
- Kris Aquino (2007–2012)
- Kris Lawrence (2015–2017)
- Kurei
- Lani Misalucha (2006–2010)
- Lyon Smith
- Maine Mendoza (2017–2022)
- Marco Sison
- Mark Oblea
- Masta Plann
- Max Surban
- Mel Valic
- Miguel Vera
- Milyo Naryo (Emil Loseñada)
- Mon David
- Neocolours (1991–2000)
- Nexxus
- Nikki Gil (2014–2016)
- Nina (2010–2012)
- Noel Cabangon (2009–2022)
- Ogie Alcasid (2007–2017)
- Orange and Lemons
- Paolo Mallari
- Paolo Sanders
- Pilita Corrales
- Rainier Castillo (2004–2006)
- Ray-An Fuentes
- Regine Velasquez (2007–2017)
- Rico Blanco (2015–2017)
- Rivermaya (2012–2014)
- Roel Cortez
- Roxanne Barcelo (2004–2006)
- Samantha Chavez
- Shamrock (2005–2010)
- Sheryl Cruz
- She's Only Sixteen (2012–2015)
- Silent Sanctuary (2006–2012)
- Six Part Invention (2012–2017)
- Solenn Heussaff (2016–2018)
- Sponge Cola (2006–2020)
- TALA
- The Company (2015–2017)
- The New Everlasting Orchestra
- Universal Motion Dancers
- Wadab
- Watawat Band
- Willie Revillame (2002–2005)
- Willy Garte
Trade name dispute with UMG
[edit | edit source]This section's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (July 2016) |
Universal Music Group is unable to use the "Universal" name in the Philippines due to URPI owning the trademark rights to that brand name. As a result, the UMG business in the Philippines became known as MCA Music, Inc., the latters former global trade name.[5] On November 3, 2021, MCA Music has renamed to UMG Philippines.
See also
[edit | edit source]- PolyEast Records
- Warner Music Group (ex-parent of URPI)
- Universal Music Group (North American label)
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Profile of URPI Archived February 10, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Universal Records at PARI
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Local Artists Archived February 10, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
External links
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