Good things come to those who wait.
That is what reggae artist Jeck Pilpil is feeling right now. After all, this 2025 is a big year for him and his band, Peacepipe.
Their sixth full-length album Reggae Soul Medication, is coming out this week as a digital release by Tuff Gong records.
Yes, that Tuff Gong Records formed by the legendary Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1970. Furthermore, the album will receive a vinyl release through local independent record label, Eikon Records.
‘My goal has always been to push Filipino reggae music to an international stage,’ said the 48-year old Pilpil. ‘I wanted to see if a Filipino could create songs ready for the international reggae arena.’
The first label Jeck approached was Giddimani Records which is based in the United States of America and Jamaica. They responded with interest in working on an album.
Pilpil also reached out to VP Records as well as global giant Island Records but received no response.
Finally, he contacted Tuff Gong International, today owned and operated by Bob Marley’s family, and waited a month before receiving a reply. The label expressed their interest in distributing the album worldwide. When Tuff Gong sent the contract, Jeck didn’t hesitate to sign.
‘I remember crying in front of my wife while signing the contract. It was too big for me to handle. But I believe my faith is bigger than my fear, so I prayed and gave thanks to the Almighty Father for this wonderful gift,’ Jeck Pilpil shared.
As for the record release, Pilpil approached Eikon Records with whom he had been talking to as far back as before the pandemic.
‘The timing had to be right,’ pointed out Pilpil. ‘And the timing couldn’t be better.’
‘Our music on vinyl opens us up to a different audience.’ Their previous albums Peacepipe, Mabuhay Revolution, Rasta Salute, Inhale Positivity Exhale Negativity, and Set It Free on compact disc and streaming.
‘It feels like all the hard work and patience is paying off.’
Jeck Pilpil and Peacepipe are Jeck Pilpil on vocals and guitar, Ryan Santos on trombone, Reagan Jackson on trumpet, Burn Belacho on lead guitar, Teejay Cesario on bass guitar, Leal Nanca on keyboards, and Jaydee Abugan and Borga San Juan on drums.
Tuff Gong will release Reggae Soul Medication on all digital platforms this Saturday, October 11, while the record will be out this January 2026 from Eikon Records.