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Kean Cipriano finally addresses mrld's 5% royalty claims
Kean Cipriano finally addresses mrld's 5% royalty claims
By Neil Ramos
At A Glance
- Kean Cipriano breaks his silence on mrld's claims over her reported 5% royalty share, explaining how O/C Records' business model works and maintaining that he was fair to the singer.
Kean Cipriano has finally addressed the claims made by singer-songwriter mrld following her departure from O/C Records, including her statement that she received only 5% of the royalties from songs she wrote and produced.
In an interview with “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Thursday, Kean explained that the 5% figure being discussed refers specifically to royalties from the original sound recording (OSR), and does not represent an artist’s total income.
According to Kean, an artist can earn from several sources, including live performances, publishing and endorsements.
When Boy Abunda asked if the reported 5% royalty also applied to an artist’s income from live gigs, Kean was quick to clarify.
“No, definitely not,” he said.
He explained that management typically takes around 20% to 30% from an artist’s bookings, leaving about 70% to 80% for the artist.
Kean also clarified that endorsement deals secured because of an artist’s popularity are not simply divided into 5% for the artist and 95% for management.
The issue came to public attention in March when mrld announced that she had become an independent artist after her contract with O/C Records expired.
“I deserve more than 5% of the songs I wrote and produced,” mrld said at the time. “I deserve more for all the hard work I put on for my name.”
“I didn't go independent because I'm selfish and want revenge. I went independent because my family needs to eat and live. 'Di kami mabubuhay sa barya lang,” she added.
She also claimed that she had repeatedly asked for a meeting but said “it’s always a no show.”
Kean, who founded O/C Records with his wife, actress Chynna Ortaleza, said the allegations hurt him.
“It hurts because, at the end of the day, I'm also an artist,” he said.
He said the company was established with their own experiences as artists in mind, adding that they wanted to give artists creative freedom while helping them build professional and sustainable careers.
Kean also maintained that the public may be hearing only one side of the dispute.
“If there's a problem, if there are concerns, if there's a negotiation or anything, come to the office and let's talk,” he said.
Asked by Abunda if he believed he had been fair to mrld, Kean answered yes.
“Of course, Tito Boy. We didn't take anything that we weren't supposed to take,” he said. “Our conscience is clear, and the company's integrity is clean when it comes to that aspect.”
Meriel De Jesus, known professionally as mrld, is behind songs including “Sandali,” “An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You,” “Ligaya,” and “Lihim.”