Sony Music Ph establishes its new sublabel focused on Christian music

By Isabel Lerma

What does the Philippine music scene need right now?

This was the question that was pondered upon before Waterwalk Records came about. Though Christian music is not exactly everyone’s cup of tea, the new sublabel of Sony Music Philippines aims to give worship songs a new reputation.

Data has shown that the consumption of Christian music has increased since 2017, which is what inspired the local team of Sony Music to create the collective. Society’s common search for hope, love, and grace is what served as the driving force to produce this type of music into the mainstream.

“In the Philippines, Christian music emerges from daily life and is a reflection of the country’s rich culture,” explains Roslyn Pineda, Sony Music Philippines general manager. “Pop music inspired by Christian melodies has arguably created some of the most interesting music in recent years…”

Breaking boundaries by incorporating a variety of contemporary musical styles into songs of prayer is what the label aims to achieve. Waterwalk’s mission is to serve as Southeast Asia’s hub for Christian music, where artists signed to the label or not are able to integrate religion and musical artistry.

Waterwalk’s mission is to serve as Southeast Asia’s hub for Christian music, where artists signed to the label or not are able to integrate religion and musical artistry.

To officially launch the new label, its first single “Waterwalk” by Morisette was released last Oct. 28. “I am thrilled to be taking part in Sony Music’s new Christian label and get to share, and sing, of the word of God and all His great works,” says the 25-year-old singer-songwriter. A couple of days later, the next single off their upcoming full-length album, a collaboration between Christian worship band Gloryfall and singer-songwriter Hazel Faith, entitled “Mapayapa,” was made available to the public. Also teased was the joint project of artists Jericho Arceo and Stell of SB19, which is definitely something to keep an eye out for. The 10 remaining tracks are set to be released before the year ends.

The rest of the artist lineup for Waterwalk Records’ first album release consists of Christian lo-fi music artist Darla Baltazar, Victory worship leader and singer-songwriter Lee Simon Brown, PhilPop contestant Cola Cabalcar, Davao City worship leader Kent Charcos, Janine Danielle who worked with Moira Dela Torre and her husband on her track, of Mercury’s Nathan Huang, Pangasinan pastoress Cherise Katriel, and 19-year-old twins Sam and Steff.

It would be the musical debut of the majority of these artists, whether it be into the industry itself or into the Christian music niche. Either way, all of them have expressed just how unforgettable and transcendental this experience has been. On the day of the label’s launch, each artist explained the divine timeliness of how the opportunity presented itself to them. Everything just seemed to fall into place, and Sony Music Philippines was somehow able to gather this refined group of the most perfect people for the job.

The future looks colorful and bright for the Christian music scene with Waterwalk Records taking the stage. With the songs’ wide range of genres and lyrics written in multiple languages and local dialects, it is certain that the label will turn heads upon releases. The team of Sony Music Philippines looks forward to what is in store for this unique and very promising OPM label.