Sony Music Philippines, Inc. is a record label based in the Philippines, which was founded in 1995 as an imprint of the international music label

Sony Music Entertainment Sony Music Entertainment (SME), commonly known as Sony Music, is an American multinational music company owned by Japanese conglomerate Sony Group Corporation. It is the recording division of Sony Music Group, with the other half being the ...

and a part of its Asia-Pacific chain. After the closure of the local label caused by widespread

piracy Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically with the goal of stealing cargo and valuable goods, or taking hostages. Those who conduct acts of piracy are call ...

problems in the Philippines in 2012, it resumed its operations in 2018.

History

In 1995, after OctoArts International (now

PolyEast Records PolyEast Records (formerly Canary Records, OctoArts International, OctoArts EMI Music Inc. and EMI Philippines) is a Philippine record label in the Philippines. It is a member of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry and from 200 ...

) signed a distribution deal with

EMI EMI Group Limited (formerly EMI Group plc until 2007; originally an initialism for Electric and Musical Industries, also referred to as EMI Records or simply EMI) was a British transnational conglomerate founded in March 1931 in London. At t ...

, Sony Music Philippines was established with its first office on Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong. In 2005, as an after-effect of the

Sony BMG Sony BMG Music Entertainment was an American record company owned as a 50–50 joint venture between Sony Corporation of America and Bertelsmann. The venture's successor, the revived Sony Music, is wholly owned by Sony, following their buyout o ...

merger (which happened a year earlier), it merged with

Bertelsmann The Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, commonly known as Bertelsmann (), is a German privately held company, private multinational corporation, multinational conglomerate (company), conglomerate corporation based in Gütersloh, North Rhine-Westphalia, ...

's local label BMG Records (Pilipinas) Inc. (itself founded in the early 1990s) to become Sony BMG Music Entertainment Philippines. A few months later, its offices were transferred from the Equitable Bank Building in Cubao,

Quezon City Quezon City (, ; ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read and pronounced in Filipino language, Filipino as Kyusi), is the richest and List of cities in the Philippines, most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 c ...

to the Taipan Place in Ortigas, Pasig for even lower taxes and better work amenities. In 2009, the label was renamed Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, and also began partnering with GMA Records for releases of some artists like

Aljur Abrenica Aljur Mikael Guiang Abrenica (born March 24, 1990) is a Filipino actor, dancer, model and singer. He appeared on the fourth season of '' StarStruck''.. He was the former husband of Kyline Padilla not later also separated. Early and personal ...

and La Diva. Ivory Music and Video (formerly Ivory Records) began handling distribution for Sony Music's catalog in the Philippines on July 1, 2011, and in February 2012, the label closed its office at the Taipan Place in Ortigas, Pasig after a long battle with widespread piracy. This was the first time since the early 1990s (under OctoArts) that international Sony Music releases were licensed by an independent Philippine label. The distribution contract expired in late 2017, and Ivory was eventually acquired by independent entertainment company

Viva Communications Viva Communications Inc., also known as Viva Entertainment Inc. and simply Viva (stylized in all caps) is a Philippine multinational private conglomerate headquartered in Ortigas Center, Pasig. It was founded in 1981 by Vic del Rosario ...

through its music unit on the day of what could have been the twelfth anniversary of the date they started to handle the Sony catalog. Sony Music Philippines started to re-open in 2018 (and since then it became fully independent since early 2011), and in July 2019, the label held a press event in

Pasig Pasig, officially the City of Pasig (), is a highly-urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 803,159 people. It is located along the eastern border of Metro Mani ...

marking its formal re-launching, announcing the new roster of artists signed to them which includes Ben&Ben, The Vowels They Orbit, Alex Bruce, Syd Hartha, and the band Nathan & Mercury. In late 2019, Filipino boy band

SB19 SB19 is a Filipino boy band formed in 2018, consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin. They are noted for their contributions to the contemporary Pinoy pop scene and became the first Southeast Asian act to be nominated on the Billboa ...

signed a recording contract with the label. In March 2022, Filipina girl group 4th Impact also signed a recording contract. In 2020, artists from Balcony Entertainment, including its founder

Rico Blanco Rico Rene Granados Blanco (born March 17, 1973) is a Filipino singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor, endorser and entrepreneur. He began his career as one of the founding members, and served as the chief songwriter, ...

and actress/singer Maris Racal, signed an agreement with Sony Music Philippines to distribute single/album releases from the Balcony roster. In 2021, SME launched Waterwalk Records, a sublabel focused on

Contemporary Christian music Contemporary Christian music (CCM), also known as Christian pop, and occasionally inspirational music, is a genre of modern popular music, and an aspect of Christian media, which is lyrically focused on matters related to the Christianity, Chri ...

featuring artists like Morissette. In 2023, Sony Music Philippines formed a partnership with

Ely Buendia Ely Eleandre Basiño Buendia (born November 2, 1970) is a Filipino musician. He is best known as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the alternative rock band Eraserheads, with whom he has released seven albums since their founding in 1 ...

's label Offshore Music, allowing SMP to distribute Offshore's music catalogs worldwide.

Artists

Current

Rivermaya Rivermaya is a Filipino alternative rock band. Formed in 1994, it is one of the several bands that spearheaded the 1990s Philippine alternative rock explosion. Rivermaya is currently composed of original members Mark Escueta and Nathan Azar ...

(1994–2001; since 2022) * 6cyclemind (2003–2012; since 2022) (Soupstar Entertainment; distribution only) *

Sponge Cola Sponge Cola (sometimes spelled Spongecola) is a Filipino rock band formed in 2002. The band is composed of Yael Yuzon on vocals and guitars, Gosh Dilay on bass, Armo Armovit on guitars and drummer Tedmark Cruz. One of the most popular rock ...

(2004–2005; since 2020) *

Itchyworms The Itchyworms is a Filipino rock band. The band is composed of Jazz Nicolas on lead vocals, drums and piano, Jugs Jugueta on co-lead vocals, keys and guitars, Kelvin Yu on bass guitars, Chino Singson on lead guitars, Weckl Mercado on guitars, an ...

(2008–2012; since 2020) *

(since 2020) * Ben&Ben (since 2019) * The Vowels They Orbit (Soupstar Entertainment; distribution only) * Alex Bruce * Syd Hartha * of Mercury (f/k/a Nathan & Mercury) * Oh, Flamingo! * Timothy Run (Tim Marquez) * Mona Gonzales * Ace Banzuelo *

(since 2019) * Henyong Makata * We Got (Soupstar Entertainment; distribution only) * Bea Lorenzo * Abaddon * Nobody's Home * Kunnns * Plan-B * Michael Bars * Ren (Enka RatVu) * Cris Cyrus Gondra * Lili (Lily Gonzales) * Nobita * Young One (Dongalo Wreckords) * Lady Mazta * Pablo * Munimuni * KAIA * 4th Impact (since 2022) * ABY * Baet Alcantara * Bianca Lipana * Flict G * Jarlo Base (Dane Hipolito) * Any Name's Okay * Loir * YARA * Monique Tuzon * Cleizl Pardilla * Barbie Almalbis (1996–1998; since 2020) * Jason Marvin * Denise Julia * Waiian * DEMI * Tothapi (since 2024) * HELLMERRY * O SIDE MAFIA * James Reid

Offmute (sublabel)

Clara Benin Clara Benin (born February 19, 1994) is a Filipino indie singer-songwriter best known for her track "Parallel Universe". As of October 2019, Benin has amassed tens of millions of streams in Spotify. Early life Clara Benin was born on February ...

* Young Cocoa

Waterwalk Records (sublabel)

* Morissette (Underdog Music PH / Stages Productions) * Hazel Faith * EJ De Perio * Janine Danielle * Sam&Steff * Gloryfall

Associated/affiliated labels

;;Balcony Entertainment * Suzara (Bolichie and Top Suzara) * Raven Aviso * Maris Racal ;;Yellow Room Music (independent label owned by Monty Macalino) * 647 *

Autotelic An autotelic is someone or something that has a purpose in, and not apart from, itself. Origin The word "autotelic" derives from the Greek ''αὐτοτελής'' (''autotelēs''), formed from ''αὐτός'' (''autos'', "self") and ''τέλ� ...

Sharlene San Pedro Sharlene Santos San Pedro (; born April 5, 1999) is a Filipino actress, singer, and media personality. She made her first television appearance at the age of four when she joined ABS-CBN's talent search ''Star Circle Quest: Kids Edition'' in 2 ...

* Kuatro Kantos * Leila Manalac * Madeline * Suddenly Monday * Southern Lights * Eloisa Jayloni * Lindenwood ;;Offshore Music * Apartel * Ena Mori * Pinkmen * Sulo * Sansette * Eliza Marie * Toni Panagu * Amateurish * Alyson * Bree * Carousel Casualties * Mt. Lewis * Pamphleteer * Stef Aranas ;;Off the Record * Ica Frias * Jensen Gomez * No Lore * Rienne * Tota ( Josh Villena)

Former

Musiko Records/BMG Records (Pilipinas) * Eraserheads (1989–2002; catalog now handled by Sony Music Philippines and Offshore Music) *

Smokey Mountain Smokey Mountain was a large landfill once located in Tondo, Manila. History Smokey Mountain operated for at least 50 years, consisting of over two million metric tons of waste. The flammable substances in decomposing waste led to fires that r ...

(1991–1995) *

Ariel Rivera Jose Ariel Jimenez Rivera, professionally known as Ariel Rivera (; born September 1, 1966), is a Filipino singer, songwriter and actor. Rivera was born in Manila, Philippines but has since migrated with his family to Canada. He has since be ...

(1991–2009) *Bodjie's Law of Gravity *Michael Laygo *Labuyo * Grace Nono (1992–1999) *

Lea Salonga Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga, ( ; born February 22, 1971) is a Filipino singer and actress. Known primarily for her work in theatre, she has starred in musicals on Broadway and in the West End. Her accolades include a Tony Award and a L ...

(1993–2012; now independent, co-managed under Curve Entertainment) * Francis Magalona (1994–2007; died in 2009) *J Brothers (1996–2005) * The Company (1996–2000) * Angelika Dela Cruz (1996–2000) *Novia (1997–1999) * Anna Fegi (1997–2005) * Cris Villonco (1997–2003) * Madz (1998–2010) *6AL (AnimAL) * Yano * Bing Rodrigo *Color It Red *Barako Boys *Boysvoyz *Calvin Millado *Mike Luis *Times Two *Willie Nepomuceno *

Agot Isidro Maria Margarita Amada Fteha Isidro (born 20 July 1966), professionally known as Agot Isidro, is a Filipino actress and singer. She is best known for her roles in several telenovelas including '' Tayong Dalawa'', '' Tanging Yaman'', '' Nasaan K ...

(1999) * Dingdong Avanzado ( Infiniti Music; distribution only from 1999–2001) * Sunshine Cruz ( Infiniti Music; distribution only from 1999–2001) *Bigtime *Jo Awayan *Cornelia Luna *Ilonah Jean *Chad Borja *Heavy Metal *Babyshake Rico *aka Bigtime *Michael Terry *Nelson Del Castillo *Mar Silverio *Paul Toledo *Squid 9 *

SexBomb Girls The SexBomb Girls (also known as SB Girls, SBG, SexBomb Dancers, and now SB NewGen) is a Filipino girl group formed by dance guru Joy Cancio in 1999. Known for their novelty music and stage performances, they are credited as one of the leadin ...

(2001–2011) *

Sharon Cuneta Sharon Gamboa Cuneta-Pangilinan (born January 6, 1966) is a Filipino actress, singer, and television personality. Prolific in multiple fields of entertainment, she is known for playing dramatic and comedic leading roles in film and television. ...

(2001–2005 (BMG) and 2005–2012 (Sony BMG); now under

Star Music Star Music (also known as Star Records and corporately as Star Recording, Inc.) is a Philippine record label owned and operated by ABS-CBN Corporation. It was formerly a separate company operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corpora ...

) *

Lito Camo Lito Camo (born March 12, 1972) is a Filipino singer, songwriter, and actor. He is best known for composing numerous novelty songs for various artists such as "Bakit Papa? Tawag mo ako?", "Spaghetti Song", "Bulaklak", "Wowowee", "Boom Tarat Tara ...

Louie Ocampo Jose Luis Ocampo, professionally known as Louie Ocampo (born June 21, 1960) is a Filipino composer and arranger best known for his association with Martin Nievera. Regarded as one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). His n ...

*Ciudad * Hajji Alejandro *Edgie and The Jackalites * Lou Bonnevie *Jun Lopito *Sugar Hiccup *Ang Tunay Na Amo *Odette Quesada * Luke Mejares (2003–2011) *Father & Sons * Ciara Sotto * Jimmy Bondoc (2003–2011) *

Joey De Leon Jose Maria Ramos de Leon Jr. (born October 14, 1946), professionally known as Joey de Leon and also known as Henyo Master, is a Filipino comedian, actor, television host and songwriter. He is one of the members of the comedy trio, collectively ...

(2003–2007) *Agaw Agimat *Cecile Fernandez *Fatal Posporos *Kaya *

Jao Mapa Jose Vicente D. Mapa III, who is better known by his stage name, screen name Jao Mapa (born February 17, 1976), is a Filipino actor. He is also an accomplished Painting, painter. Acting career Mapa is best known for his Pepsi-Cola advertisemen ...

*Fourmula Sony Music Entertainment Philippines (first incarnation) * South Border (1996–2005; now independent) *

Razorback A feral pig is a pig, domestic pig which has gone feral, meaning it lives in the wild. The term feral pig has also been applied to wild boars, which can interbreed with domestic pigs. They are found mostly in the Americas and Australia. Razorb ...

(1997–2004; now under Hebigat Sounds Inc.) * Hungry Young Poets *Ghetto Doggs (1999–2000; now defunct) * G. Toengi *

Sandwich A sandwich is a Dish (food), dish typically consisting variously of meat, cheese, sauces, and vegetables used as a filling between slices of bread, or placed atop a slice of bread; or, more generally, any dish in which bread serves as a ''co ...

(1999–2003; now under

) * The Dawn (2000–2004; now under Solstice Ventures Inc.) * Kapatid (2003–2006) *DaPulis *Mae Rivera (2000–2003) *Champagne Morales *Jenine Desiderio * Andrew E. *

Mayonnaise Mayonnaise (), colloquially referred to as "mayo" (), is a thick, creamy sauce with a rich and tangy taste that is commonly used on sandwiches, hamburgers, Salad#Bound salads, bound salads, and French fries. It also forms the base for various o ...

(2003–2007; now under Yellow Room and Ivory Music and Video) * Kjwan (2004–2006) Musiko Records/Sony BMG Music Entertainment Philippines/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines (second incarnation) * Jose Manalo *

Wally Bayola Walter James "Wally" Bayola (born May 3, 1972) (), is a Filipino comedian and actor. He is best known for portraying Lola Nidora and other characters in the '' Kalyeserye'' portion of the noontime television variety show ''Eat Bulaga!''. He appe ...

* Brownman Revival (2005–2010) *

Cueshé Cueshé is a Filipino pop rock band from Cebu, Philippines, currently based in Manila. The band was formed in 1998 and hit mainstream in 2005. Background Formed in 1998 in Cebu by Fritz Labrado, Jovan Mabini and Mike Manaloto, the word Cueshé i ...

(2005–2011; now under Big Dipper Entertainment) *

Pupil The pupil is a hole located in the center of the iris of the eye that allows light to strike the retina.Cassin, B. and Solomon, S. (1990) ''Dictionary of Eye Terminology''. Gainesville, Florida: Triad Publishing Company. It appears black becau ...

(2005–2012; now under UMG Philippines) * Callalily (2006–2011; now under Callalily Entertainment/Sindikato Inc./O/C Records/ Viva Records) * Gian Magdangal (2006–2010) *

Gloc-9 Aristotle Condenuevo Pollisco (born October 18, 1977), known professionally as Gloc-9, is a Filipino Rapping, rapper, singer, and songwriter. Regarded as one of the best Filipino rappers of all time, his fast-flowing Chopper (rap), chopper v ...

(2006–2012; now under

Universal Records Universal Music Group N.V. (often abbreviated as UMG and referred to as Universal Music Group or Universal Music) is a Netherlands, Dutch–United States, American multinational Music industry, music corporation under Law of the Netherlands, ...

) * Lovi Poe (2006–2010; now under

ABS-CBN ABS-CBN is a leading Philippine media and content company. It serves as the flagship media brand of ABS-CBN Corporation, a subsidiary of Lopez Holdings Corporation. Once the country's largest free-to-air television network, ABS-CBN has since ...

) * Mau Marcelo (2006–2009) * Moonstar88 (2007–2012; now under Soupstar Music) * Zelle (2007–2012) * Sugarpop (2007–2009) * KC Concepcion (2008–2012; now under Cornerstone Entertainment) * Gretchen Espina (2008–2010; quit showbiz) *

Moymoy Palaboy Moymoy Palaboy is a Filipino comic and singing duo known for their uploaded lip sync videos in YouTube. The duo consists of the Macasero brothers, James Ronald (a.k.a. Moymoy, born on July 17, 1983, in Pasay) and Rodfil (a.k.a. Roadfill, born on ...

(2008–2011) * Joanna Ampil (2008–2011) *Letter Day Story (2009–2012) * La Diva (2009–2010) * Rachel Alejandro (2009–2011; now under

) *

(2010–2011) * Eevee (2010–2012; now under Ivory Music & Video) *Kiss Jane (2010–2012) *

Cesar Montano Cesar Demontaño Manhilot (born August 1, 1962), known professionally as Cesar Montano (), is a Filipino actor, film producer, film director and aspiring politician. Montano started in show business as a commercial model.PolyEast Records PolyEast Records (formerly Canary Records, OctoArts International, OctoArts EMI Music Inc. and EMI Philippines) is a Philippine record label in the Philippines. It is a member of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry and from 200 ...

* UMG Philippines *

Universal Records (Philippines) Universal Records Philippines, Inc. is a Philippine record label founded in 1977 as part of Warner Music Group. It has been an independent label since 1992. The label is currently a member of the Philippine Association of the Record Indust ...

* Ivory Music and Video

References

External links

Sony Music Philippines Website
* * * * channel on

YouTube YouTube is an American social media and online video sharing platform owned by Google. YouTube was founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim who were three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in ...

{{Authority control Sony Music Companies established in 1995 Record labels established in 1995 Record labels disestablished in 2012 Record labels established in 2018 Companies based in Pasig Philippine record labels