The Philippine indie label, headed by Ely Buendia, embarks on a new milestone as it presents ten of the most exciting newcomers in the local music scene.
Offshore Music, a Manila-based independent label known for its cutting-edge artistry and focus on creative integrity, has officially launched its newest batch of homegrown music acts for 2023.
The indie record label recently introduced an exciting mix of solo artists, singer-songwriters, and college rock bands who are poised to leave a mark in the music industry with their immense talent and unique vision.
The launch, which was presented by Offshore Music with support from Sony Music Entertainment and The New Hue, took place at the Astbury in Makati City on Thursday, October 12, 2023.
Aside from the usual Q&A and networking sessions with media and industry professionals, the newcomers were presented and given a minute each to introduce themselves. The newly signed acts under Offshore Music include city pop outfit ALYSON, Baguio City-based indie rock band Amateurish, rising alternative rock sensations Her Name Is Noelle and Ligaya Escueta,bedroom pop soloist neytan, alt-R&B adventurists JDRX and CRISHA, funk/pop/groove band Mt. Lewis, folk/indie artist Bree, and psych pop troubadour Elton Clark.
In making the announcement, Offshore Music CEO Ely Buendia said, “I really don’t know what to expect, and that’s what’s great about it. By choosing Offshore Music, these artists have proven that they value artistic growth over anything else.”
Buendia also emphasized the label’s guiding force since day one: “Artists for Artists.” Over the years, he took pride in how Offshore Music remained consistent in championing a generation of talented, young musicians who continue to push the boundaries of music on creative terms.
“The team’s real-world experiences are invaluable to the artists careers, making their growth, authenticity, and creativity the number one priority,” the Filipino rock legend adds.
To date, Offshore Music lives up to its legacy as one of the most important indie record labels in the country, providing home to carefully handpicked artists and bands such as Apartel, ena mori, Pinkmen, Sulo, Sansette, and Eliza Marie.
One of their newly signed acts, Elton Clark kicks off the release spree with “Wait Lang,” his debut single under Offshore Music and Sony Music Entertainment. A timely song that addresses the struggles of everyday life in the city, “Wait Lang” finds comfort in taking periodic pauses and embracing moments of rest. Speaking about his debut single, Elton Clark shares, “I wanted ‘Wait Lang’ to be a reminder to my listeners that no matter how hectic life gets, it’s crucial to take a moment to breathe. This song is about acknowledging the challenges we face and understanding that it’s okay to pause and recharge.”
Upcoming new releases
Oct 13 – Elton Clark, “Wait Lang”
Oct 20 – Breē, “Sweet”
Oct 27 – Ligaya, “Novelty” / Jr Oca Experience, “Ask” Nov 3 – JDRX, “Stay”
Nov 10 – Her Name Is Noelle, “Twenty Something” / Pinkmen, “Miscom”
Nov 17 – CRISHA, Real / neytan, +1 single
About Offshore Music
Offshore Music is an independent record label founded by a mix of businessmen and musicians in 2016. Its aim is to guide the listeners of Filipino music toward artists with the ability to make the familiar sound fresh. Driven by initiative and imagination, Offshore Music provides an honest space of creativity, and above all, an avenue for quality music.
About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 60 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences.
In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship.
Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about our artists, creators, and labels here.
OFFSHORE MUSIC NEW ARTISTS SHORT BIOS
CRISHA
CRISHA’s ardent R&B and soul sound is down to earth and mindful, yet surprisingly has the element of playfulness at the same time. She incorporates enchanting synthesizers and keyboards to add more emotion to her instrumental sections, thus creating key musical moments in her songs. Her soulful voice reaches out to those who are “coming of age” and are in search of the deeper truths of life and love. With the values of love, a tight-knit community, and mindfulness, CRISHA pursues to nurture her and others’ souls through sharing her passion for music and art.
Mt. Lewis
Using nostalgia as one of the primary elements in their sound, Mt. Lewis channels between love and hatred that transcends through time. The band’s musical style is rooted in a variety of genres and sub-genres such as city pop, Manila sound, funk, and rock with artistic influences from The 1975, Prep, John Mayer, etc. Their music naturally resonates with those who enjoy listening and dancing to classic, groovy, old-school tunes with a modern twist. As they venture out into their journey in music, Mt. Lewis has this intense desire to provide cathartic experiences to the local music scene as they incorporate modern musical components with the irrevocable power of nostalgia.
Amateurish
Introducing Amateurish, the visionary behind a distinctive fusion of Math and Pop Rock, crafting melodies that strike a universal chord. Their mission is clear: to deliver melodies that resuscitate dormant hearts and remind every individual of their inherent heroism. Their music is an ode to the unsung heroes among us, offering solace and inspiration to everyday people. As they join Offshore Music for their latest journey, Amateurish eagerly anticipates unveiling their meticulously crafted album with a renowned team’s assistance. Their commitment to enhancing their online presence ensures that their unique sound reaches a broader audience, solidifying Amateurish as a beacon of hope and empowerment through their music.
ALYSON
ALYSON, the band that defies the relentless pace of contemporary music, invites us into the enchanting realm of 70’s and 80’s Japanese City Pop. Their music, a seamless fusion of sun-soaked melodies and heartfelt lyrics, whisks us away to a time when summer, urban life, and the enchantment of love were paramount. ALYSON’s appeal transcends borders as they create a global sense of camaraderie, uniting diverse cultures through their music and charismatic persona. With Offshore Music, their aspiration is to emerge as one of the label’s iconic acts, captivating audiences throughout Asia and beyond. In a world defined by fleeting trends, ALYSON’s timeless sound promises to resonate across the globe.
Her Name is Noelle
Her Name is Noelle is a remarkable solo female artist who fearlessly challenges the norms of an industry traditionally controlled by male artists, displaying her unwavering determination to establish her unique presence within this genre. Her music is a testament to her ability to flawlessly weave together the raw power of rock and the emotional depth of Midwest emo, creating a sound that is uniquely her own. Noelle’s journey with Offshore Music goes far beyond her current aims of album releases and music videos, encompassing a deep dedication to learning from fellow artists and resonating with a wider audience on a quest for life’s profound insights through music’s transformative influence. Through her artistic expression, she offers a pathway for individuals to delve into their own thoughts, feelings, and life experiences, sparking deep contemplation about the intricate dimensions of existence, thereby turning her creative journey into a shared odyssey of self-discovery, emotional connection, and artistic growth.
Elton Clark
Elton Clark’s music is characterized by a deep sense of empathy, a relentless aspiration to understand the perspectives of others and a commitment to articulating the unexpressed emotions of people from diverse backgrounds. The limitless creativity inherent in psychedelic music profoundly shapes Elton Clark’s artistic perspective, making his music unique and different in a way that opens up new thoughts and ideas. His music serves as a window into everyday life, appealing to individuals regardless of their origin as there exists an innate quality in his songs that resonates with the experiences and feelings of every listener. As a young artist, Elton Clark is on a determined path, dedicated to expanding his song repertoire, which not only mirrors his artistic growth but also serves as a well of inspiration for fellow musicians. In addition to his solo endeavors, he actively seeks out opportunities to collaborate with a diverse array of artists, fostering creative exchanges that enhance and diversify his musical journey.
Breë
Bree’s music serves as a guiding map, where every note and lyric acts as a step, leading individuals on a unique journey of self-discovery and exploration of the world around them. The band’s artistic vision is intertwined with the majestic beauty of mountains, the tranquility of shores, and the allure of scenic vistas, serving as potent symbols that reflect the profound connection their listeners share with the music. Whether it is a physical journey to uncharted destinations or an introspective exploration of one’s thoughts and feelings, their melodies provide the perfect accompaniment; as if their songs were crafted to be the musical guide for these experiences, enhancing the emotions and memories that accompany them. Their tunes speak to those who find solace in the rain’s embrace, providing comfort reminiscent of the quiet crackling of burning wood – a sort of music that feels like a warm, welcoming home, particularly for those who have traded the busy city life for the tranquility of the countryside as their foreverhaven. Bree’s creative journey will continue throughout the year as they craft new songs, while their live sound evolves and refines through gigs and live performances.
Ligaya Escueta
Ligaya Escueta is a 16-year old that has an unwavering dedication to crafting guitar-based indie rock has established her as a unique force in the music scene, effortlessly blending melodies with a raw and authentic sound that refuses to go unnoticed. Her music brand expertly merges a playful sense of nostalgia with vintage-inspired sounds, infusing them with a dark and edgy flair firmly grounded in the rich tapestry of alternative, goth, punk, and grunge influences. Ligaya’s music possesses a unique ability to resonate with both young adults who cherish its freshness and authenticity and those who experienced the vibrant era of the 1980s, showcasing her remarkable artistry and songwriting prowess while bridging generational divides. In her new journey, she is determined to take her music career to the next level by strategically enhancing her presence through effective publicity efforts, consistently delivering top-notch song releases, cementing a strong and recognizable brand identity, and actively contributing to the flourishing growth of the local music scene, all with an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
neytan
neytan’s goofy and scatterbrained exterior can be amusing, yet fascinating at the same time as he incorporates it into his music. His pop sound is highly influenced by the 60s to the 80s only if a nerdy Paul Dano created it with the confidence of Alex Turner wearing tight leather pants and the easygoing vibe of the famous cartoon cat, Garfield. However lax his tunes are, they still seem to radiate with a great variety of people, ranging from those who would listen to that mellow, nonchalant, sound to those who primarily listen to hypnagogic pop and post-punk. This emanates from his belief that the simplest forms of entertainment could have the biggest impact on people’s lives-similar to how cartoons and daily internet memes are. Taking this in mind, neytan aims to further maximize and explore the impact of simplicity as he thrives in today’s local music scene.
JDRX
Like long night drives, while being bathed in chaotic city lights, JDRX’s music expresses the beauty of being “low-key” in spite of the craziness life brings especially when one is young and confused. His melodies are described as having a more mellow take on R&B with spacey synths that bring a more mysterious and soothing aspect to his sound. Along with this, his songs’ lyricism seeks to come from a more honest and vulnerable version of himself.
Conceptualizing songs around this persona has made it easier to connect with listeners who see themselves as juvenile, yet still choose to navigate the meaning of growing up in this ever-complex world. In addition to this, JDRX also yearns to grow with his listeners as he navigates life through music as well.
