Filipino music gets a spirited lift with the release of 15 new songs crafted by local artists showcasing the beauty of Philippine language and indigenous instruments.
Rising label Widescope Entertainment ensured that the set of music, all finalists of online band competition Kanto Canta, is easily accessible to the general listening public, having dropped it today (July 2) in digital music stores.
The 15 tracks are as follows: “Alab Ng Sining” (Teatro de Sta. Luisa), “Anihan Na” (IMCC Kapagintaw Ethno-Rock Band), “Bahay Kubo” (Midnight Project), “Bakit Sa’yo Pa rin (Far East Bronxx), “Drayb” (1:07 Productions), “Istorya Ng Bangka (Musikanektica), “Kabataan, Awitin Mo” (Lakbay Santa Marcela), “Ngiti” (Up High), “Padayon” (Kuntaw Mindanao), “Pag-ibig Ang Tulay” (The BratCave), “Reseta” (Abel), “Simulan Natin” (Noel D. Bernaldo), “Tahanan” (Letrang Norte), “Tinabangay” (Alex B. Lim), and “Ugatin” (Baybayin).
The said contest is a project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Kanto Kultura arm that initiates the promotion of various forms of artistic expression that are essentially Filipino. Widescope Entertainment was tapped as its record label partner handling the songs’ distribution and publishing aspects.
“We unify our strengths to bring out the best in Filipino artistry in the world of music,” expressed Widescope Entertainment president Vic de Vera on the partnership between CCP and Widescope. “We believe in this vision we share for the future of OPM.”
Widescope Entertainment emerged in the midst of pandemic and quickly made waves by discovering and developing new artists and signing a number of established, relevant acts. It has in its fold former domestic label director of international outfit MCA Music Neil Gregorio as entertainment director and ex-Sugarfree frontman Ebe Dancel as Artist & Repertoire manager.
The songs in the Kanto Canta compilation made the cut from a big pool of pre-qualifiers. They were recorded using mobile phones.
In the realm of digital platforms, all tracks are already winners even if a Finals Night staged via FB Live last Wednesday (June 30) singled out specific tracks as victors. Besides, the competition’s main objective is to collectively promote world music Filipino acts and their clever use of the Pinoy tongue and traditional musical instruments.
The Top 15 likewise each received a P15,000 prize, along with unlimited opportunities to promote their compositions.
CCP President Nick Lizaso expressed that Kanto Canta is a “necessary support to our Filipino artists” and that “it is an honor and pleasure” to work with Widescope.
A one-stop shop for musicians aiming to have their songs properly produced and released, Widescope Entertainment has vowed to deliver quality music and exceptional artists. Ebe himself noted, “I like the company’s direction and I’m always thrilled to share what I know. OPM needs to keep going.”
The Kanto Canta online competition made sure that happens. The compilation that comes with it is a testament of its will to empower Filipino music, yes, for the record.