Meriel de Jesus-best known as mrld-declared that she is already an independent artist, though music label O/C Records stressed that her contract remains ‘under full effect.’
The singer-songwriter made the announcement on Instagram on Saturday, March 7, admitting that the beginning of the year was full of conflicts that made things ‘rough’ for her.
‘The tears I cried and the frustration [and] sadness that I bursted out in the past few days were no joke. But I am so happy and proud to say THAT I AM NOW AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST,’ she said.
De Jesus confessed that being under O/C ‘purely [full of] mixed emotions,’ although she clarified that she doesn’t hold any grudges against the label. She also said that the people she worked with in her former home were the ‘best’ in the industry.
‘I don’t wanna write this message sounding ungrateful or holding grudges. I really am thankful to whoever trusted me and my capabilities as an artist,’ she said. ‘Yes, I am no longer in any contact with O/C Records.’
Expressing her excitement for her recent move, the singer-songwriter said she is looking forward to starting afresh.
‘I don’t know where to start and I really am scared of what may happen to the path I’ve taken but I know that my peace and happiness matters the most. I can’t wait to get the HUNDRED PERFECT OF ALL MY HARD WORK,’ she said.
Inquirer Entertainment has reached out to O/C for comment on mrld’s announcement, to which AdProm head James Banaag said in a text message that she remains signed with the label.
‘If this is connected to mrld ‘leaving’ OC, as mentioned in a previous interview, her contract is still in full effect. We’ve been constantly reminding her of that even before this issue came out,’ he said.
A call to protect artists
In a follow-up post, de Jesus said in a lengthy Facebook statement on Sunday, March 9, that while she loves being a singer-songwriter, she won’t stand idly whenever someone ‘questions her worth or keeps her hungry,’ noting the lack of financial support.
‘God knows how much I cried and asked if I’m still doing the right thing at kung kaya ba talaga ako buhayin ng musika na to. Oo, sobrang mahal ko ang ginagawa ko. Pero di ibig sabihin na gugutomin ako at kwesyonin sarili ko kung kaya ko pa ba ang araw araw,’ she said.
(God knows how much I cried and asked if I’m still doing the right thing and if my music can keep me alive. Yes, I love what I’m doing. But it doesn’t mean that I’ll make myself hungry or question myself if I can still do this every day.)
De Jesus pointed out that she is the breadwinner of her family, while reiterating that she ‘deserves more than 5% of the songs [she] wrote and produced,’ an apparent reference to her royalty fees.
The singer-songwriter also acknowledged that, while she is not as big as other mainstream artists, she went independent to help support her family.
‘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 (We can’t live on meager fees alone),’ she said. ‘I asked several times for a meeting but it’s always a no show. The expiration of my contract came and you come huddling as if I owe you something?’
To end her post, the singer-songwriter said she knows ‘what is written in her contract and her percentage share,’ while urging the public to support independent artists.
‘I know what was written in my contract. I know my percentage share. Ako nakakatanggap ng pera ko. Pinapalabas nyo pang sinungaling kaming mga artist,’ she said.
‘Please do support independent artists, and sa mga label jan, alaagan nyo artists nyo mga tao din yan. Wag nyo tipirin sila nag papayaman sa inyo. Respect the hustle and the art. I’m releasing my own songs very soon. Please do support me,’ she said.
(I know what was written in my contract. I know my percentage share. I am the one who earns money. You made it seem like the artists were liars. Please do support independent artists. And for labels, take care of your artists. They are humans too. Don’t cut corners, they are the ones who make you earn. Respect the hustle and the art. I’m releasing my own songs very soon. Please do support me.)
While de Jesus didn’t disclose whom she was referring to, O/C has been making headlines after a blind item claimed that a music label owned by a vocalist has been taking a huge chunk of the artists’ profits.
Even though it remains unclear which agency or musician the blind item refers to, the Cipriano-owned label said it is an attempt to destroy his reputation.